UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant x
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ¨
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 Pursuant to §240.14a-12
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
x
No fee required.
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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4137 Commerce Circle, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401
NOTICE OF 2018 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) of International Isotopes Inc. (the Company or our) will be held at 2:00 p.m., local time, on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, at our corporate headquarters located at 4137 Commerce Circle, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401, for the following purposes.
1.
To elect three directors to serve for a term of one year and until their successors are elected and qualified;
2.
To ratify the appointment of Eide Bailly LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018;
3.
To hold an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers;
4.
To approve the amendment and restatement of the International Isotopes Inc. 2015 Incentive Plan;
5.
To approve an amendment to our Restated Certificate of Formation, as amended, to effect a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of our common stock by a ratio of not less than 1-for-20 and not more than 1-for-150 at any time, with the exact ratio to be set at a whole number within this range by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion; and
6.
To consider any other business that may properly come before the meeting.
The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials
for the Shareholder Meeting to be Held on July 24, 2018.
This Proxy Statement and our Annual Report to Shareholders are available at:
www.edocumentview.com/INIS.
Adjournments and Postponements
Any action on the items of business described above may be considered at the Annual Meeting at the time and on the date specified above or at any time and date to which the Annual Meeting may be properly adjourned and postponed.
Record Date
You are entitled to vote only if you were a shareholder of the Company as of the close of business on June 4, 2018.
Voting
Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, we encourage you to read the proxy statement and to submit your proxy or voting instructions as soon as possible. You may submit your proxy or voting instructions for the annual meeting by phone, on the internet or completing, signing, dating and returning your proxy card or voting instructions in the pre-addressed envelope provided. For specific instructions on how to vote your shares, please refer to the section entitled Questions and Answers About the Proxy Materials and the Annual Meeting beginning on page 1 of the proxy statement and the instructions on the proxy card or voting instruction card. You may attend the meeting in person even though you have sent in your proxy or voting instruction card.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, | |
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/s/ Steve Laflin |
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Steve T. Laflin |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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Idaho Falls, Idaho
June 19, 2018
4137 Commerce Circle
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401
__________________________________________
PROXY STATEMENT
__________________________________________
2018 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
General
This proxy statement contains information relating to the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the Board) of International Isotopes Inc. (the Company, we, us or our) for use at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) to be held on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, at 2:00 p.m., local time, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, for the purposes set forth herein and in the accompanying Notice of 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Annual Meeting will be held at our corporate headquarters located at 4137 Commerce Circle, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401.
This proxy statement and our Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 are first being distributed on June 19, 2018 to all shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS AND THE ANNUAL MEETING
Q:
Why am I receiving these materials?
A:
The Board is providing these proxy materials to you in connection with the Annual Meeting, which will take place on July 24, 2018. As a shareholder, you are invited to attend the Annual Meeting and are entitled to and requested to vote on the items of business described in this proxy statement.
Q:
What information is contained in this proxy statement?
A:
The information included in this proxy statement relates to the proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting, the voting process, the compensation of directors and certain executive officers, and certain other required information.
Q:
How may I obtain International Isotopes Annual Report to Shareholders and Form 10-K?
A:
A copy of our 2017 Annual Report (which contains our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017) is enclosed. Shareholders may request any exhibit to the Form 10-K by specifically requesting a copy from our principal executive office in writing to International Isotopes Inc., Attn: Laurie McKenzie-Carter, 4137 Commerce Circle, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401, or by telephone at (208) 524-5300.
Copies of the 2017 Annual Report are also available in the Investor Center section of our website at www.internationalisotopes.com and on the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
Q:
What items of business will be voted on at the Annual Meeting?
A:
The items of business scheduled to be voted on at the Annual Meeting are:
·
The election of three directors to serve for a term of one year and until their successors are elected and qualified (Proposal No. 1);
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The ratification of Eide Bailly LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018 (Proposal No. 2);
·
An advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers (Proposal No. 3);
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 1
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The approval of the amendment and restatement of the International Isotopes Inc. 2015 Incentive Plan (Proposal No. 4) (the Equity Plan Proposal);
·
The approval of an amendment to our Restated Certificate of Formation, as amended, to effect a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of our common stock by a ratio of not less than 1-for-20 and not more than 1-for-150 at any time, with the exact ratio to be set at a whole number within this range by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion (Proposal No. 5) (the Reverse Stock Split Proposal); and
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To consider any other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
Q:
How does the Board recommend that I vote?
A: The Board recommends that you vote as follows:
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FOR each of the three director nominees set forth in Proposal No. 1;
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FOR the ratification of Eide Bailly LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018 (Proposal No. 2);
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FOR the advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers (Proposal No. 3);
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FOR the Equity Plan Proposal (Proposal No. 4); and
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FOR the Reverse Stock Split Proposal (Proposal No. 5).
Any properly authorized proxy as to which no instructions are given will be voted in accordance with the foregoing recommendations.
Q:
What shares can I vote?
A: Each share of our issued and outstanding common stock as of the close of business on June 4, 2018 (the Record Date) is entitled to be voted on all items being voted upon at the Annual Meeting. You are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock you own. You may vote all shares owned by you as of the Record Date, including (1) shares held directly in your name as the shareholder of record, and (2) shares held for you as the beneficial owner through a broker, trustee or other nominee such as a bank. On the Record Date, we had 408,132,409 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
Q: What is the difference between holding shares as a shareholder of record and as a beneficial owner?
A: Most shareholders hold their shares through a broker or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially.
Shareholder of Record
If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., you are considered, with respect to those shares, the shareholder of record, and these proxy materials are being sent directly to you by us. As the shareholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to us or to vote in person at the Annual Meeting. We have enclosed or sent a proxy card for you to use.
Beneficial Owner
If your shares are held in a brokerage account or by another nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name, and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you together with a voting instruction card. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, trustee or nominee how to vote and are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting.
Since a beneficial owner is not the shareholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you obtain a legal proxy from the broker, trustee or nominee that holds your shares, giving you the right to vote the shares at the Annual Meeting. Your broker, trustee or nominee has enclosed or provided voting instructions for you to use in directing the broker, trustee or nominee how to vote your shares.
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 2
Q:
How can I attend the Annual Meeting?
A:
You are entitled to attend the Annual Meeting only if you were a shareholder or joint holder as of the close of business on the Record Date, or you hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting. You should be prepared to present photo identification for admittance at the Annual Meeting. In addition, if you are a shareholder of record, your name will be verified against the list of shareholders of record on the Record Date prior to your being admitted to the Annual Meeting. If you are not a shareholder of record but hold shares through a broker or nominee (i.e., in street name), you should provide proof of beneficial ownership on the Record Date, such as your most recent account statement prior to the Record Date, a copy of the voting instruction card provided by your broker, trustee or nominee, or other similar evidence of ownership. If you do not provide photo identification or comply with the procedures outlined above upon request, you will not be admitted to the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m., local time. If you need directions to the location of the Annual Meeting, please call us at (208) 524-5300.
Q:
How can I vote my shares in person at the Annual Meeting?
A: Shares held in your name as the shareholder of record may be voted in person at the Annual Meeting. Shares held beneficially in street name may be voted in person only if you obtain a legal proxy from the broker, trustee or nominee that holds your shares giving you the right to vote the shares. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we recommend that you also submit your proxy or voting instructions as described below so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Annual Meeting.
Q:
How can I vote my shares without attending the Annual Meeting?
A: Whether you hold shares directly as the shareholder of record or beneficially in street name, you may direct how your shares are voted without attending the Annual Meeting. If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote by submitting a proxy. If you hold shares beneficially in street name, you may vote by submitting voting instructions to your broker, trustee or nominee. For directions on how to vote, please refer to the instructions below and those included on your proxy card or, for shares held beneficially in street name, the voting instruction card provided by your broker, trustee or nominee.
Shareholders of record of our common stock may submit proxies by:
(1) Completing, signing and dating their proxy card and mailing them in the accompanying pre-addressed envelope;
(2) Accessing the Internet Voting Site at www.envisionreports.com/INIS and voting by following the instructions provided on the website; or
(3) Calling 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) and voting by following the instructions provided on the phone line.
In order to vote via telephone or on the Internet, please have your proxy card in front of you. Your proxy card contains the phone number and website needed to vote. The proxy card will also contain the account number and proxy access number needed to vote via telephone or the Internet. Upon entering either the phone number or Internet address, you will be instructed on how to proceed.
Q:
Can I change or revoke my vote?
A: You may change or revoke your vote at any time prior to the vote at the Annual Meeting. If you are the shareholder of record, you may change your vote by submitting a new proxy bearing a later date (which automatically revokes the earlier proxy), by providing a written notice of revocation to our Secretary prior to your shares being voted, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically so request. For shares you hold beneficially in street name, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker, trustee or nominee, or, if you have obtained a legal proxy from your broker or nominee giving you the right to vote your shares, by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.
Q:
Who can help answer my questions?
A: If you have any questions about the Annual Meeting or how to vote or revoke your proxy, you should contact:
International Isotopes Inc.
Attn: Laurie McKenzie-Carter
4137 Commerce Circle
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401
(208) 524-5300
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 3
Q:
Is my vote confidential?
A:
Proxy instructions, ballots and voting tabulations that identify individual shareholders are handled in a manner that protects your voting privacy. Your vote will not be disclosed either within the Company or to third parties, except: (1) as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements, (2) to allow for the tabulation of votes and certification of the vote, and (3) to facilitate a successful proxy solicitation. Occasionally, shareholders provide written comments on their proxy card, which are then forwarded to our management.
Q: How many shares must be present or represented to conduct business at the Annual Meeting?
A: The quorum requirement for holding the Annual Meeting and transacting business is that holders of a majority of shares of our common stock entitled to vote must be present in person or represented by proxy. Abstentions, votes withheld and broker non-votes are counted for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.
Q:
How are votes counted?
A: In the election of directors (Proposal No. 1), you may vote FOR all of the nominees or your vote may be WITHHELD with respect to one or more of the nominees. For Proposal Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5, you may vote FOR, AGAINST or ABSTAIN.
If you provide specific instructions with regard to a certain item, your shares will be voted as you instruct on such items. If you are a shareholder of record and you sign and return your proxy card without giving specific instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board (FOR all of the director nominees, FOR the ratification of Eide Bailly LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, FOR the advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers, FOR the Equity Plan Proposal and FOR the Reverse Stock Split Proposal).
Q:
What is the voting requirement to approve each of the proposals?
A: Directors are elected (Proposal No. 1) by a plurality of the votes cast, provided that a majority of the shares of common stock are present or represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The three candidates who receive the greatest number of FOR votes will be elected directors.
The ratification of Eide Bailly LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 (Proposal No. 2), the advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers (Proposal No. 3) and the Equity Plan Proposal (Proposal No. 4), require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting.
The approval of the Reverse Stock Split Proposal (Proposal No. 5) requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of our issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote either in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting.
Abstentions are shares that abstain from voting on a particular matter. Abstentions effectively count as being present for purposes of determining whether a quorum of shares is present at a meeting. Abstentions will have no effect on Proposal No. 1, the election of directors, since approval by a percentage of the shares present or outstanding is not required. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote AGAINST the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal No. 2), the advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers (Proposal No. 3), the Equity Plan Proposal (Proposal No. 4) and the Reverse Stock Split Proposal (Proposal No. 5).
If your broker holds your shares in its name (also known as street name), and does not receive voting instructions from you, the broker is permitted to vote your shares only on discretionary matters. The ratification of Eide Bailly LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018 (Proposal No. 2) and the Reverse Stock Split Proposal (Proposal No. 5) are the only discretionary matters that a broker is permitted to vote on at the Annual Meeting. Broker non-votes are generally not considered votes present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting and therefore will have no direct impact on the outcome of the vote for Proposal Nos. 1, 3 and 4. Broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote AGAINST the Reverse Stock Split Proposal (Proposal No. 5). We urge you to give voting instructions to your broker on all voting items.
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Q:
Is cumulative voting permitted for the election of directors?
A: No. We do not allow you to cumulate your vote in the election of directors. For all matters proposed for shareholder action at the Annual Meeting, each share of common stock outstanding as of the close of business on the Record Date is entitled to one vote.
Q:
What happens if additional matters are presented at the Annual Meeting?
A: Other than the five items of business described in this proxy statement, we are not aware of any other business to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. If you grant a proxy, the persons named as proxy holders, Christopher Grosso and Steve T. Laflin, will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting. If for any unforeseen reason any of our nominees is not available as a candidate for director, the persons named as proxy holders will vote your proxy for such other candidate or candidates as may be nominated by the Board, unless the Board chooses to reduce the number of directors serving on the Board.
Q:
What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?
A:
You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this proxy statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you may receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. If you are a shareholder of record and your shares are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. Please complete, sign, date and return, with respect to each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive, or vote via telephone or Internet, as applicable.
Q:
Who will bear the cost of soliciting votes for the Annual Meeting?
A: We are making this solicitation and will pay the entire cost of preparing, assembling, printing, mailing and distributing these proxy materials and soliciting votes. In addition to the mailing of these proxy materials, the solicitation of proxies or votes may be made in person, by telephone or by electronic communication by our directors, officers and employees, who will not receive any additional compensation for such solicitation activities. Upon request, we will reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for forwarding proxy and solicitation materials to shareholders. Your cooperation in promptly voting your shares and submitting your proxy by telephone, Internet or by completing and returning the enclosed proxy card will help to avoid additional expense.
Q:
Where can I find the voting results of the Annual Meeting?
A: We intend to announce the voting results of the Annual Meeting in a Current Report on Form 8-K, which we expect to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) within four business days following the Annual Meeting.
Q:
What is the deadline to propose actions for consideration at next year's annual meeting of shareholders or to nominate individuals to serve as directors?
A:
You may submit proposals, including director nominations, for consideration at future shareholder meetings.
Shareholder Proposals: For a shareholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in our proxy statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to SEC Rule 14a-8, the written proposal must be received by our Secretary at our principal executive offices no later than February 19, 2019. If the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is moved more than 30 days before or after the anniversary date of this years Annual Meeting, the deadline for inclusion of proposals in our proxy statement is instead a reasonable time before we begin to print and mail the proxy materials. Such proposals must also comply with SEC regulations regarding the inclusion of shareholder proposals in company-sponsored proxy materials. Proposals should be addressed to:
International Isotopes Inc.
Attn: Laurie McKenzie-Carter
4137 Commerce Circle
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 5
For a shareholder proposal that is not intended to be included in our proxy statement as described above, the shareholder must deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of a sufficient number of shares of our common stock to approve that proposal and give notice to us no later than May 5, 2019.
Nomination of Director Candidates: You may propose director candidates for consideration by the Board. Any such recommendations should include the nominee's name and qualifications for Board membership and should be directed to our Secretary at the address of our principal executive offices set forth above.
Q: How may I communicate with the Board or the non-employee directors on the Board?
A: Any shareholder or other interested party may contact the Board or any individual director, including any non-employee director or the non-employee directors as a group, by directing the communication by mail or fax addressed to International Isotopes Inc., Attn: Chairman of the Board of Directors, 4137 Commerce Circle, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401, Fax: (208) 524-1411. In general, any shareholder communication delivered to us for forwarding to the Board or specified directors will be forwarded in accordance with the shareholders instructions.
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PROPOSAL NO. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our Board currently consists of three directors: Dr. Robert Atcher, Christopher Grosso and Steve T. Laflin. At the Annual Meeting, each director will be elected to serve until the next annual meeting and until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Information regarding the business experience of each nominee to the Board is provided below. There are no family relationships among our executive officers and directors.
If you are a record holder and you sign your proxy card, but do not give instructions with respect to the voting of directors, your share will be voted FOR the three director nominees recommended by the Board. If you wish to give specific instructions with respect to the voting of directors, you may do so by indicating your instructions on your proxy card.
The Board expects that all of the director nominees will be available to serve as directors, and each of the director nominees has consented to being named in this proxy statement. In the event that any director nominee should become unavailable, however, the proxy holders, Steve T. Laflin and Christopher Grosso, will vote for a director nominee or nominees designated by the Board, unless the Board chooses to reduce the number of directors serving on the Board.
Director Nominees
Christopher Grosso, age 50, has served as a director since April 2002 and as the Chairman of the Board since July 2017. Mr. Grosso has been a partner of Kershner Grosso, Inc., a New York based money management firm, since 1998. Mr. Grosso is also currently a member of RadQual, LLC (RadQual), a global supplier of molecular imaging quality control devices in which we own a 24.5% interest and act as managing member. From 1989 to 1998, Mr. Grosso was a Senior Research Analyst and Portfolio Manager with Kershner Grosso. He currently leads the firms investment research, stock selection and trading activities. Prior to joining Kershner Grosso, Mr. Grosso was with Howe and Rusling Investment Management and Chase Manhattan Bank. Mr. Grosso received a B.S. in Business Administration from Skidmore College. Mr. Grossos significant financial expertise, including extensive experience with capital markets, investment banking and venture capital transactions, provides invaluable expertise to our Board in matters regarding our capital requirements and strategic direction.
Dr. Robert Atcher, age 66, has served as a director since August 2017. Dr. Atcher retired in 2017 from the Los Alamos National Laboratory, a national nuclear laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy, where, for over 20 years, he worked on various medical applications for isotopes. Dr. Atcher currently serves as the President of the Education and Research Foundation for the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, a nonprofit foundation to support research and training for professionals in the field, and he is a past president and fellow of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. He is also a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemistry. Dr. Atcher graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Chemistry, received his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester in Nuclear Chemistry, and his postdoctoral training was done at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. He also received an M.B.A. from the University of New Mexico. Dr. Atcher also holds an adjunct faculty appointment in the Radiopharmacy Program at the College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico. Dr. Atcher is a radiopharmaceutical chemist who has focused his work on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and heart disease. Dr. Atchers significant expertise nuclear medicine provides invaluable expertise to our Board in matters regarding our operations and strategic direction.
Steve T. Laflin, age 61, has served as a director since June 2001. Since August 2001, Mr. Laflin has also served as our President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Laflin is also currently a member of RadQual. From 1996 to 2001, he served as President and General Manager of International Isotopes Idaho Inc., one of our subsidiaries. Mr. Laflin received a B.S. degree in Physics from Idaho State University and has been employed in various senior engineering and management positions in the nuclear industry since 1992. In addition to his institutional knowledge from his long tenure of service to us and his position as an executive officer, Mr. Laflins significant engineering and management background in the nuclear industry is invaluable to the Board.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. |
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES AND BOARD MATTERS
We are committed to having sound corporate governance principles, which are essential to running our business efficiently and maintaining our integrity in the marketplace. Our Code of Ethics is available at www.internationalisotopes.com in the Investor Center section of our website.
Board Independence
The Board has determined that each of the current directors and nominees, other than Steve T. Laflin, is independent under the NASDAQ listing rules. Mr. Laflin is not considered independent because he currently serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer. Furthermore, the Board has determined that none of the members of any of our standing committees has a material relationship with us (either directly, through a family member or as a partner, executive officer or controlling shareholder of any organization that receives or makes payments from or to us) and each is independent within the meaning of NASDAQs director independence standards under the NASDAQ Listing Rules.
Board Structure and Committee Composition
Our Board has three directors and the following two standing committees: (1) Audit Committee, and (2) Compensation Committee. Christopher Grosso serves as the Chairman of the Board and Mr. Laflin serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director. The Board does not have a policy regarding separation of the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. The Board believes it is in our best interests to make that determination based on current circumstances. The Board has determined that having a separate Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at this time is appropriate given the current characteristics of our management and is in the best interest of our company and our shareholders. Mr. Grosso, with his significant financial expertise and experience with the Company, is most capable of effectively identifying strategic priorities, leading Board discussions and defining our strategic objectives. Mr. Laflin, as our President and Chief Executive Officer, is the individual selected by the Board to manage our company on a day-to-day basis, and his direct involvement in our operations allows him to provide valuable insights with respect to strategic planning, the operational requirements to meet our short- and long-term objectives, and management of risks facing our company. Our independent directors bring experience, oversight and expertise from outside our company and the industry.
The membership and the function of each of the committees are described below. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board, which is available on our website at www.internationalisotopes.com in the Investor Center section. The Compensation Committee does not have a written charter. During fiscal 2017, the Board held six meetings. Each director attended at least 75% of all Board and applicable committee meetings.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee assists the Board in overseeing the integrity of our financial statements, our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, our independent registered public accounting firms qualifications and independence, and the performance of our internal audit function and independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee is comprised of two members, Christopher Grosso and Dr. Robert Atcher, with Mr. Grosso serving as the chairman. Each of Mr. Grosso and Dr. Atcher is an independent director for audit committee service under the NASDAQ listing rules and applicable SEC rules and regulations. The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of our independent registered public accounting firm, and our independent auditing firm reports directly to the Audit Committee. The responsibility of the Audit Committee includes resolving disagreements between our management and the independent registered public accounting firm related to financial reporting. The Audit Committee is also responsible for establishing procedures for receipt of complaints relating to accounting, internal control, and auditing and confidential, anonymous information submitted by employees relating to questionable accounting or auditing matters. The Audit Committee has the authority to employ independent counsel and other advisors in connection with its duties. The Board has determined that each of Mr. Grosso and Dr. Atcher are audit committee financial experts based on their prior experience as disclosed in their respective biographies on page 7 above. The Audit Committee held three meetings in 2017.
The report of the Audit Committee is included on page 11 of this proxy statement.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee reviews the compensation and benefits of all of our officers annually, makes recommendations to the Board and reviews general policy matters relating to compensation and benefits of our employees, including administration of our equity compensation plans. The Compensation Committee is comprised of two members, Christopher Grosso and Dr. Robert Atcher, with Mr. Grosso serving as the chairman. The Compensation Committee held three meetings in 2017. We do not use any compensation consultants to determine, or recommend, any compensation for our officers or directors. Executive officers have no role in determining their own compensation. The non-employee directors approve the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer. The entire Board approves the compensation of our Chief Financial Officer. The practice of the Board has been to require unanimous
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 8
approval to approve any action with respect to director compensation.
Nominating Committee
We do not have a standing nominating committee or committee performing similar functions or a nominating committee charter. The Board believes it is appropriate not to have such a committee because the entire Board, including both of our independent Board members, Mr. Grosso and Dr. Atcher, participate in the consideration of director nominees. Mr. Grosso and Dr. Atcher are both independent under NASDAQ listing rules. The Board will continue to assess the necessity of a nominating committee and will establish one if necessary in the future. The entire Board considers any director nominees recommended by shareholders.
Consideration of Director Nominees
Shareholder Nominees. The Board does not have a formal policy regarding the consideration of director candidates nominated by shareholders because the Board is small and there is low turnover among its members. Shareholders may nominate director candidates in writing, including the nominees name and qualifications for Board membership, directed to our Secretary at the address of our principal executive offices set forth above.
Director Qualifications. Board members should have high standards of professional and personal ethics, integrity and values. They should have relevant experience and ability with respect to making and overseeing policy in business, technology, government or education sectors. They should be committed to acting in our best interests and to objectively assessing Board, committee and management performance. They should have sufficient time to carry out their duties and should have the willingness and ability to serve multiple terms to develop a deeper understanding of our business affairs. Board members should be willing to avoid activities or interests that may create a conflict of interest with the directors responsibilities and duties to us. We do not have a separate policy regarding consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees, but the Board strives to nominate directors with a variety of skills and backgrounds so that, as a group, the Board will possess a broad perspective and the appropriate talent, skills and expertise to oversee our business.
Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Directors. The Board uses a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating nominees for director. In the event of a vacancy on the Board, various potential candidates for director will be considered. Candidates may come to the Board's attention through current Board members, professional search firms, shareholders or other persons. These candidates will be evaluated at regular or special meetings of the Board, and may be considered at any point during the year. As noted above, properly submitted shareholder nominations for candidates to the Board will be considered. Following verification of the shareholder status of persons proposing candidates, recommendations will be aggregated and considered by the Board at a regularly scheduled meeting. If any materials are provided by a shareholder in connection with the nomination of a director candidate, such materials will be forwarded to the Board. In evaluating nominees, the Board will seek to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience and capability on the Board.
The Boards Role in Risk Oversight
The Board oversees our risk management activities. One of the Boards primary responsibilities under our corporate governance guidelines is reviewing our strategic plans and objectives, including our principal risk exposures. The Board addresses, at least annually, our principal current and future risk exposures, including any cyber-security risks. The Board receives regular reports from members of its committees, senior management and professional consultants on areas of material risk to our business, including operational, financial, legal and regulatory, and strategic and reputation risks. The Audit Committee oversees our procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints relating to accounting and auditing matters and oversees our management of legal and regulatory compliance systems. The Compensation Committee oversees risks relating to our compensation plans and programs. The Compensation Committee has reviewed and considered our compensation policies and programs in light of the Boards risk assessment and management responsibilities and will do so in the future on an annual basis. The Compensation Committee believes that we have no compensation policies and programs that give rise to risks reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us.
Attendance of Directors at 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
While we do not have a formal policy requiring our directors to attend shareholder meetings, directors are invited and encouraged to attend all meetings of shareholders. All of our directors at the time of the meeting attended the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Ethics for our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and directors. The Code of Ethics is available under the Investor Center of our website at www.internationalisotopes.com. We intend to disclose any changes in or waivers from the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that are required to be disclosed by posting such information on our website.
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 9
PROPOSAL NO. 2: RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Eide Bailly LLP (Eide Bailly) has been appointed by the Audit Committee to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. Eide Bailly has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since September 2013. Representatives of Eide Bailly are expected to attend the Annual Meeting in person or via teleconference, where they will be available to respond to appropriate questions and, if they desire, to make a statement.
Although shareholder approval is not required, we desire to obtain from our shareholders an indication of their approval or disapproval of the Audit Committees action in appointing Eide Bailly as our independent registered public accounting firm of our company for 2018. If our shareholders do not ratify and approve this appointment, the Audit Committee will consider whether it should select other independent auditors.
Independent Public Accountant Fees
Fees billed by Eide Bailly in fiscal years 2016 and 2017 were as follows:
Services Rendered | 2016 |
| 2017 |
Audit Fees (1) | $84,750 |
| $121,200 |
Audit-Related Fees | |
| |
Tax Fees | |
| |
All Other Fees | |
| |
Total | $84,750 |
| $121,200 |
(1)
For professional services for auditing our annual financial statements and reviewing the financial statements included in our other periodic reports filed with the SEC.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee is required to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee approved the engagement of Eide Bailly LLP to provide audit services prior to their engagement and approved all of the services and fees of our independent registered public accounting firm for 2016 and 2017.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF EIDE BAILLY LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2018. |
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 10
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 with our management and Eide Bailly LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm. Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the financial statements, accounting and financial reporting principles and internal control over financial reporting. Eide Bailly LLP is responsible for performing an independent audit of the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and for expressing opinions on the conformity of the financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
The Audit Committee has discussed with Eide Bailly LLP the matters required to be discussed by PCAOB AS Section 1301, Communications with Audit Committees, and related regulations, and has received the written disclosures and the letter from Eide Bailly LLP regarding its independence as required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountants communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence. The Audit Committee has discussed with Eide Bailly LLP their independence.
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for filing with the SEC.
Audit Committee Report Submitted by:
Christopher Grosso, Chairman
Robert Atcher
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 11
PROPOSAL NO. 3: ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION
OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Pursuant to Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), we are asking our shareholders to vote to approve, on a nonbinding, advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, commonly referred to as the say-on-pay vote. In accordance with the Exchange Act requirements, we are providing our shareholders with an opportunity to express their views on our named executive officers compensation. Although this advisory vote is nonbinding, our Board and Compensation Committee will review and consider the voting results when making future decisions regarding our named executive officer compensation and related executive compensation programs. Our current policy is to provide shareholders with an opportunity to approve the compensation of our named executive officers each year at the annual meeting of shareholders until the next required shareholder vote on the frequency of such votes, which will occur at our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
At our 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in July 2017, we held our annual vote on an advisory resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers. The compensation of our named executive officers reported in our 2017 proxy statement was approved by approximately 99% of the votes cast at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Our Board and the Compensation Committee believe this affirms our shareholders support of our approach to executive compensation, and therefore, the Board and the Compensation Committee did not change their approach to executive compensation in 2017. The Board and the Compensation Committee will continue to consider the outcome of our say-on-pay votes when making future compensation decisions for our named executive officers.
We encourage shareholders to read the section titled Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers in this proxy statement, including the compensation tables and the related narrative disclosure, which describes the structure and amounts of the compensation of our named executive officers in fiscal year 2017. The compensation of our named executive officers is designed to enable us to attract and retain talented and experienced executives to lead us successfully in a competitive environment. The Compensation Committee and our Board believe that our executive compensation strikes the appropriate balance between utilizing responsible, measured pay practices and effectively incentivizing our named executive officers to dedicate themselves fully to value creation for our shareholders.
Accordingly, we ask our shareholders to vote FOR the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:
RESOLVED, that the stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the compensation tables and any other related disclosure in this proxy statement.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. |
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 12
PROPOSAL NO. 4: APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. 2015 INCENTIVE PLAN
We are asking shareholders to approve an amendment and statement of the International Isotopes 2015 Incentive Plan (as amended, the 2015 Plan). The 2015 Plan amended and restated our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The sole purpose of the amendment and restatement of the 2015 Plan is to increase the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2015 Plan by 20,000,000 shares.
The purpose of the 2015 Plan is to attract, retain and motivate employees, officers, directors, and other service providers of the Company and its affiliated companies by providing them the opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company and to align their interests and efforts to the long-term interests of the Companys shareholders. The Company currently has no other plan from which it can grant equity awards to employees. As of April 18, 2018, 12,501,331 shares of common stock remained available for future grants of equity awards under the 2015 Plan.
The amendment and restatement of the 2015 Plan was approved by the Board of Directors on April 19, 2018 and will become effective upon shareholder approval at the Annual Meeting.
The Board of Directors believes that additional shares of common stock should be reserved for use under the 2015 Plan to enable the Company to attract and retain key employees through the granting of awards under the Plan. In the event that the required votes to approve the amendment and restatement of the 2015 Plan are not obtained, the amended 2015 Plan will not become effective and the Company will continue to make grants of awards pursuant to the terms of the 2015 Plan as currently in effect and subject to applicable law.
In setting the number of proposed additional shares issuable under the 2015 Plan, the Board considered a number of factors including: shares currently available under the 2015 Plan and how long the shares available (both currently and assuming the approval by the shareholders of this Proposal No. 4) are expected to last, historical equity award granting practices, impact of equity awards under the 2015 Plan and dilution.
A copy of the 2015 Plan is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A and is incorporated herein by reference. The following description is a summary and does not purport to be a complete description and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the 2015 Plan set forth in Appendix A.
Administration - The Compensation Committee
The 2015 Plan is administered by the Companys Board of Directors or Compensation Committee of the Companys Board of Directors (the committee). The committee has the authority to administer the plan, including, among other things, the power to select individuals to whom awards are granted, to determine the types of awards and the number of shares subject to each award, to set the terms, conditions and provisions of such awards, to cancel or suspend awards and to establish procedures pursuant to which the payment of any such awards may be deferred. To the extent consistent with applicable law, the committee may delegate to one or more of the Companys officers or a committee of one or more directors the right to grant to employees awards based on grant guidelines approved in advance by the committee.
Awards may be granted under the 2015 Plan to employees, officers and directors, including non-employee directors, and consultants, agents, advisors and independent contractors of the Company and its affiliates. As of April 18, 2018, approximately 30 employees and 2 non-employee directors were eligible to participate in the 2015 Plan.
The 2015 Plan permits the granting of any or all of the following types of awards: (1) incentive and nonqualified stock options, (2) stock appreciation rights, (3) stock awards restricted stock and stock units, (4) performance shares and performance units conditioned upon meeting performance criteria and (5) other stock or cash-based awards.
Stock Options. Stock options entitle the holder to purchase a specified number of shares of the Companys common stock at a specified price, which is called the exercise price, subject to the terms and conditions of the option grant. The exercise price of stock options under the 2015 Plan must be at least 100% of the fair market value of the stock for the date of grant, except for certain grants made or adjusted to assume or convert awards in connection with acquisition transactions. The committee will fix the term of each
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 13
option, but no option under the 2015 Plan will be exercisable more than ten years after the option is granted. Each option will be exercisable at such time or times as determined by the committee. Options may be exercised, in whole or in part, by payment in full of the purchase price either in cash, delivery or withholding of the common stock or delivery of other consideration, or by any combination of cash, stock and other consideration as may be determined by the committee. Options may also be exercised by means of a broker-assisted cashless exercise.
After termination of service with the Company or its affiliates, a participant will be able to exercise the vested portion of his or her option for the period of time stated in the option agreement. If no such period of time is stated in a participants option agreement, a participant will generally be able to exercise his or her option for (i) three months following his or her termination for reasons other than cause, retirement, death or disability and (ii) one year following his or her termination due to retirement, death or disability. If a participant is terminated for cause, all options generally will automatically expire. If a participant dies after termination of service but while an option is still exercisable, the portion of the option that was vested and exercisable as of the date of termination will generally expire on the one-year anniversary of the participants death. In no event will an option be able to be exercised later than the expiration of its term.
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs). SARs may be granted alone (freestanding) or in addition to other awards and may, but need not, relate to a specific option granted under the 2015 Plan. Upon exercise of an SAR, the holder is entitled to receive the excess of the fair market value of the shares for which the right is exercised over the grant price of the SAR. The committee may impose any conditions or restrictions on the exercise of an SAR as it deems appropriate, however, under the 2015 Plan the grant price of a freestanding SAR may not be less than the fair market value of the Companys common stock for the date of grant, except for certain grants made or adjusted to assume or convert awards in connection with acquisition transactions, and the term will not be more than ten years. Payment upon such exercise will be in cash, stock, other property or any combination of cash, stock or other property as determined by the committee and set forth in the instrument evidencing the SAR. Any related option will no longer be exercisable to the extent the SAR has been exercised, and the related SAR will generally be canceled to the extent the option has been exercised.
Stock Awards, Restricted Stock and Stock Units. Awards of shares of stock, or awards designated in units of stock, may be granted under the 2015 Plan. These awards may be made subject to forfeiture restrictions at the committees discretion, and the committee may waive any such restriction at any time in its sole discretion. Such restrictions may be based on continuous service with the Company or its affiliates and/or the achievement of performance criteria, as determined by the committee. Until the lapse of the restrictions, recipients may not dispose of their restricted stock. Upon termination of employment during the restriction period, all shares of restricted stock still subject to restriction will be forfeited, subject to any exceptions that may be authorized by the committee.
Performance Awards. Performance awards may be in the form of performance shares, which are units valued by reference to shares of stock, or performance units, which are units valued by reference to cash or property other than stock. Performance shares or performance units may be payable upon the attainment of performance criteria and other terms and conditions as established by the committee, and the amount of any payment may be adjusted on the basis of such further conditions as the committee determines. Performance awards may be paid entirely in cash or in any combination of cash, stock or other property, in the discretion of the committee.
Other Stock or Cash-Based Awards. The committee is also authorized to grant to participants under the 2015 Plan, either alone or in addition to other awards granted under the 2015 Plan, incentives payable in cash or in shares of common stock subject to terms and conditions determined by the committee.
Shares Subject to the 2015 Plan
Number of Shares Reserved for Issuance. The 2015 Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 80,000,000 shares of common stock, plus 11,089,967 shares previously reserved but not issued under the 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Shares of common stock covered by an award granted under the 2015 Plan will not be counted as used unless and until they are actually issued and delivered to a participant. Shares relating to awards granted under the 2015 Plan that are forfeited, settled for cash or otherwise terminated and shares withheld by or tendered to the Company in connection with the exercise of an option or other award granted under the 2015 Plan or in connection with the satisfaction of tax withholding obligations relating to awards or exercises of options or other awards will become available for issuance under the 2015 Plan. Awards made or adjusted to assume or convert awards in connection with acquisition transactions will not reduce the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2015 Plan. The shares of stock deliverable under the 2015 Plan may consist in whole or in part of authorized and unissued shares or shares purchased in the open market or otherwise. The committee may adjust the aggregate number of shares or the number of shares subject to awards under the 2015 Plan in the event of a change affecting shares of common stock, such as stock dividends, recapitalization, reorganization or mergers.
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 14
Limitations on Use of Shares Subject to the 2015 Plan. The committee may not make awards under the 2015 Plan to any single participant in any calendar year that relate to more than 5 million shares of common stock, subject to adjustment as described above. In addition, the committee may not grant performance units to any single covered employee in any one calendar year with a maximum dollar value greater than $500,000. The maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock options under the 2015 Plan is the total stated number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2015 Plan.
Unless the committee determines otherwise for certain permitted transferees, no award granted under the 2015 Plan may be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered by a participant, other than by will, by designation of a beneficiary in a manner established by the committee or by the laws of descent and distribution. Each award may be exercisable, during the participants lifetime, only by the participant, or, if permissible under applicable law, by the participants guardian or legal representative.
Term, Termination and Amendment
Unless earlier terminated by the Companys Board of Directors or the committee, the 2015 Plan will terminate on July 14, 2025, assuming approval of the 2015 Plan at the Annual Meeting. The Companys Board of Directors or the committee may generally amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate all or a portion of the 2015 Plan at any time, as long as the rights of a participant are not materially impaired without the participants consent, subject to shareholder approval to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law, stock exchange rule or regulatory requirements or, as determined by the committee, to qualify with tax requirements. The committee may amend the terms of any award granted, prospectively or retroactively, but cannot materially impair the rights of any participant without the participants consent. The committee may reprice options or SARs without shareholder approval. Generally, no change or adjustment may be made to an outstanding incentive stock option, without the consent of the participant that would cause the incentive stock option to fail to continue to qualify as an incentive stock option under the Code.
Under the 2015 Plan, to maintain all of the participants rights in the event of a merger or consolidation where the Company is not the surviving company; the dissolution of the Company, or a transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company:
·
Any options and stock appreciation rights will become fully exercisable and vested to the full extent of the original grant and any restrictions applicable to any restricted stock or stock units will lapse, unless provision is otherwise made in writing in connection with the transaction for the substitution of securities of another corporation,
·
All performance shares and performance units then vested will be immediately settled or distributed, and
·
The committee can provide a cash-out for awards in connection with the transaction.
The market price of the Companys common stock as reported on the OTCQB market on April 18, 2018, was $0.057 per share.
All awards under the 2015 Plan are made at the discretion of the Administrator. Therefore, the benefits and amounts that will be received or allocated under the 2015 Plan are not determinable at this time.
As of April 18. 2018, there were 31,850,000 shares of common stock subject to outstanding options under the 2015 Plan.
As of April 18, 2018, the following number of stock options have been granted under the 2015 Plan (which amended and restated our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan) to the individuals and groups described in the table.
Name and Position |
| Number of Shares Underlying Stock Option Grants |
Steve T. Laflin, President and Chief Executive Officer |
| 11,000,000 |
Laurie McKenzie-Carter, Chief Financial Officer |
| 3,750,000 |
All Current Executive Officers as a Group |
| 14,750,000 |
All Directors Who Are Not Executive Officers as a Group |
| 16,000,000 |
Dr. Robert Atcher, Director |
| 1,000,000 |
Christopher Grosso, Director |
| 8,500,000 |
All Employees Who Are Not Executive Officers as a Group |
| 8,250,000 |
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 15
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following briefly describes the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the 2015 Plan generally applicable to the Company and to participants who are U.S. citizens.
Nonqualified Stock Options. A participant generally will not recognize taxable income upon the grant or vesting of a nonqualified stock option with an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant and no additional deferral feature. Upon the exercise of a nonqualified stock option, a participant generally will recognize taxable ordinary income equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise and the option exercise price. When a participant sells the shares, the participant will have short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, as the case may be, equal to the difference between the amount the participant received from the sale and the tax basis of the shares sold. The tax basis of the shares generally will be equal to the greater of the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date or the option exercise price.
Incentive Stock Options. A participant will not recognize taxable income upon the grant of an incentive stock option. If a participant exercises an incentive stock option during employment or within three months after his or her employment ends other than as a result of death (12 months in the case of disability), the participant will not recognize taxable income at the time of exercise (although the participant generally will have taxable income for alternative minimum tax purposes at that time as if the option were a nonqualified stock option). If a participant sells or exchanges the shares after the later of (a) one year from the date the participant exercised the option and (b) two years from the grant date of the option, the participant will recognize long-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount the participant received in the sale or exchange and the option exercise price. If a participant disposes of the shares before these holding period requirements are satisfied, the disposition will constitute a disqualifying disposition, and the participant generally will recognize taxable ordinary income in the year of disposition equal to the excess, as of the date of exercise of the option, of the fair market value of the shares received over the option exercise price (or, if less, the excess of the amount realized on the sale of the shares over the option exercise price). Additionally, the participant will have long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, as the case may be, equal to the difference between the amount the participant received upon disposition of the shares and the option exercise price increased by the amount of ordinary income, if any, the participant recognized.
With respect to both nonqualified stock options and incentive stock options, special rules apply if a participant uses shares already held by the participant to pay the exercise price or if the shares received upon exercise of the option are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture by the participant.
A participant generally will not recognize taxable income upon the grant or vesting of a SAR with a grant price at least equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant and no additional deferral feature. Upon the exercise of a SAR, a participant generally will recognize taxable ordinary income equal to the difference between the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of exercise and the grant price of the SAR.
Upon receipt of a stock award, a participant generally will recognize taxable ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at such time over the amount, if any, paid to the Company by the participant for the shares. When a participant sells the shares, the participant will have short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, as the case may be, equal to the difference between the amount the participant received from the sale and the tax basis of the shares sold. The tax basis of the shares generally will be equal to the amount, if any, paid to the Company by the participant for the shares plus the amount of taxable ordinary income recognized by the participant upon receipt of the shares.
Upon receipt of a restricted stock award, a participant generally will recognize taxable ordinary income when the shares cease to be subject to restrictions in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at such time over the amount, if any, paid to the Company by the participant for the shares. However, no later than 30 days after a participant receives the restricted stock award, the participant may elect to recognize taxable ordinary income in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares at the time of receipt. Provided that the election is made in a timely manner, when the restrictions on the shares lapse, the participant will not recognize any additional income. When a participant sells the shares, the participant will have short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, as the case may be, equal to the difference between the amount the participant received from the sale and the tax basis of the shares sold. The tax basis of the shares generally will be equal to the amount, if any, paid to the Company by the participant for the shares plus the amount of taxable ordinary income recognized by the participant either at the time the restrictions lapsed or at the time of election, if an election was made by the participant. If the participant forfeits the shares to the Company (e.g., upon the participants
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 16
termination prior to expiration of the restriction period), the participant may not claim a deduction with respect to the income recognized as a result of the election.
Any dividends paid with respect to shares of restricted stock generally will be taxable as ordinary income to the participant at the time the dividends are received.
Performance Awards and Other Stock Unit Awards
A participant generally will not recognize taxable income upon the grant of a performance award. Upon the distribution of cash, shares or other property to a participant pursuant to the terms of a performance award, the participant generally will recognize taxable ordinary income equal to the excess of the amount of cash or the fair market value of any property transferred to the participant over any amount paid to the Company by the participant with respect to the award. The tax consequences of other stock unit awards will depend upon the specific terms of each award.
Section 409A of the Code
If an award under the 2015 Plan constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation that is subject to Section 409A of the Code, certain requirements must be met (e.g., rules regarding deferral elections, distributions and acceleration of benefits). If the requirements are not satisfied, the participant may have to include an amount in income currently (or, if later, when no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture), and may be subject to an additional tax equal to 20% of the amount included in income plus interest from the date of deferral (at the IRS underpayment rate plus 1%). Restricted stock and options are generally exempted from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code if certain requirements are satisfied (e.g., if the option exercise price can never be less than the fair market value of the stock on the grant date).
Tax Consequences to the Company
In the foregoing cases, the Company generally will be entitled to a deduction at the same time and in the same amount as a participant recognizes ordinary income, subject to the limitations imposed under Section 162(m) of the Code. As discussed above, as a public company, the Company is subject to the tax-deduction rule of Section 162(m) of the Code (applicable to compensation in excess of $1 million paid to certain of the Companys executive officers during any year). The Plan includes a limitation on the number of shares that may be granted subject to awards made to an employee during any fiscal year to permit, but not require, the Company to qualify certain awards granted under the Plan as performance-based compensation, which is excepted from the general tax-deduction rule. The Section 162(m) stock limit in the Plan is 5,000,000 shares for an employee per fiscal year. Under the Plan, there is a limit of $500,000 cash award for an employee during a year. Stock options issued under the Plan will generally qualify as performance-based compensation with an exercise price equal to at least the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant, while stock awards with service based vesting will generally not qualify as performance-based compensation, and therefore compensation amounts arising in connection with stock units and stock awards with service based vesting may be subject to the Section 162(m) tax deduction rule.
The Company is authorized to withhold from any award granted or payment due under the 2015 Plan the amount of any withholding taxes due in respect of the award or payment and to take such other action as may be necessary to satisfy all obligations for the payment of applicable withholding taxes. The committee is authorized to establish procedures for election by participants to satisfy their obligations for the payment of withholding taxes by delivery of shares of the Companys stock or by directing the Company to retain stock otherwise deliverable in connection with the award.
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 17
Equity Compensation Plan Information
We currently maintain three equity compensation plans that provide for the issuance of our common stock to officers and other employees, directors and consultants, each of which have been approved by our shareholders: our 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan, our Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the 2015 Plan (which amended and restated our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan). Each of our equity compensation plans were previously approved by our shareholders. The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding options and shares reserved for future issuance under the foregoing plans as of December 31, 2017:
| Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (a) | Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (b) | Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) (c) |
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders | 32,250,000 | $0.06 | 13,625,975(1) |
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders | | | |
Total | 32,250,000 | $0.06 | 13,625,975(1) |
(1)
Includes 12,922,267 shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan and 703,708 shares available for issuance under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Shares available for issuance under the 2015 Incentive Plan may be granted in the form of stock options, stock awards, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights or any other form of equity compensation approved by the Board or the Compensation Committee.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. 2015 INCENTIVE PLAN. |
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 18
PROPOSAL NO. 5: APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO OUR RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION TO EFFECT A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
The Board has adopted a resolution approving, and recommends to the shareholders for their approval, a proposed amendment to our Restated Certificate of Formation to authorize the Board to effect a reverse stock split with the primary intent to reduce the number of issued and outstanding shares of our common stock and to increase the per share trading value of our common stock, and for other purposes as described below in this proxy statement. Under this proposed amendment, a certain number of outstanding shares of our common stock, as determined by the applicable ratio, would be combined into one share of our common stock (the Reverse Stock Split).
If approved by the shareholders, the Board would have discretion to implement the Reverse Stock Split within a ratio range of 1-for-20 up to 1-for-150. The Board believes that shareholder approval of a range of ratios (as opposed to approval of a specified ratio) would provide the Board with maximum flexibility to achieve the purposes of the Reverse Stock Split and, therefore, is in the best interests of us and our shareholders. The actual timing for implementation of the Reverse Stock Split would be determined by the Board based upon its evaluation as to when such action would be most advantageous to us and our shareholders. Furthermore, notwithstanding shareholder approval, the Board also would have the discretion not to implement a Reverse Stock Split. If the Board were to elect to implement a Reverse Stock Split, the Board will set the exchange ratio within the range approved by the shareholders. The Board would base such a determination upon the then current trading price of our common stock, among other things. No further action on the part of the stockholders will be required to either implement or abandon the Reverse Stock Split.
The text of the form of amendment to our Restated Certificate of Formation that would be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas to effect the Reverse Stock Split is set forth in Appendix B to this proxy statement; provided, however, that such text is subject to amendment to include such changes as may be required by the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Texas and as the Board deems necessary and advisable to effect the Reverse Stock Split. If the Reverse Stock Split is approved by the shareholders and following such approval the Board determines that a Reverse Stock Split is in the best interest of us and our shareholders, our Restated Certificate of Formation would be amended accordingly.
The Board recommends the Reverse Stock Split for the following reasons:
·
The Board believes that a reduction of the number of issued and outstanding shares of our common stock and a higher per share market price of our common stock could encourage investor interest in us and promote greater liquidity for our shareholders;
·
The Board believes that the Reverse Stock Split is the most effective means of increasing the per share market price of our common stock in order to facilitate our ability to meet the closing per share price criteria required to be listed on a major stock exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market; and
·
The Board believes that a reduction in the number of issued and outstanding shares of our common stock would be in our best interests as our capital structure would be more comparable to other publicly traded companies of similar size.
Reverse Stock Split
Our common stock is traded on the OTCQB market under the symbol INIS.OB. The closing price of our common stock on the OTCQB on April 18, 2018 was $0.057 per share and during the period April 18, 2017 through April 18, 2018 ranged from a low of $0.057 per share to a high of $0.11 per share.
We may determine that it is in our shareholders best interests to list on a major stock exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market. Many major stock exchanges have listing criteria that require companies to satisfy minimum average closing prices over a threshold amount during a consecutive trading period in order to gain or maintain listing eligibility. The Nasdaq Stock Market, for example, currently requires that a companys common stock have a bid price that is greater than or equal to $4.00 per share over a period of time. The Reverse Stock Split would give us additional flexibility and ability to reach these levels.
We also believe that an increase in the per share price of our common stock could encourage increased investor interest in our common stock and possibly promote greater liquidity for our shareholders. We believe that the current low per share price of our common stock has had a negative effect on the marketability of our common stock. We believe there are several reasons for this effect. First, many institutional investors view stocks trading at low prices as unduly speculative in nature and, as a result, avoid investing in such stocks. Second, because the brokers commissions on lower-priced stocks generally represent a higher percentage of the stock price than commissions on higher priced stocks, the current per-share price of our common stock can result in individual shareholders paying transaction costs (commissions, markups or markdowns) that constitute a higher percentage of their total share value than would be the case if the share price of our common stock were substantially higher. This factor may also limit the
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 19
willingness of institutional investors to purchase our common stock. Third, a variety of policies and practices of brokerage firms discourage individual brokers within those firms from dealing in low-priced stocks. These policies and practices pertain to the payment of brokers commissions and to time-consuming procedures that make the handling of low-priced stocks unattractive to brokers from an economic standpoint. Fourth, many brokerage firms are reluctant to recommend low-priced stocks to their customers. Finally, the analysts at many brokerage firms do not monitor the trading activity or otherwise provide coverage of low-priced stocks.
Reducing the number of outstanding shares of our common stock through the Reverse Stock Split is intended, absent other factors, to simplify our capital structure and to increase the per share market price of our common stock. However, other factors, such as our financial results, market conditions and the market perception of our business may harm the market price of our common stock. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Reverse Stock Split, if completed, will result in the intended benefits described above, that the market price of our common stock will increase following the Reverse Stock Split, that the market price of our common stock will remain at such higher value for any significant length of time or that we will qualify for listing on a major stock exchange.
Board Discretion to Implement the Reverse Stock Split
If the Reverse Stock Split is approved by our shareholders at the Annual Meeting, the Reverse Stock Split will be effected, if at all, only upon a determination by the Board that the Reverse Stock Split at the applicable ratio (with such ratio determined by the Board as described above) is in the best interests of us and our shareholders. We believe the availability of a range of reverse stock split ratios will provide us with the flexibility to implement the Reverse Stock Split in a manner designed to maximize the anticipated benefits for us and our shareholders. In determining the reverse stock split ratio to implement, if any, following the receipt of stockholder approval, the Board may consider, among other factors:
·
the historical trading price and trading volume of our common stock;
·
the then-prevailing trading price and trading volume of our common stock and the anticipated impact of the Reverse Stock Split on the trading market for our common stock;
·
our satisfaction of the requirements, and ability, to list on a major stock exchange; and
·
prevailing general market conditions.
Notwithstanding approval of the Reverse Stock Split by the shareholders, the Board may, in its sole discretion, abandon all of the proposed amendments and determine prior to the effectiveness of any filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas not to effect the Reverse Stock Split, as permitted under Section 21.052 of the Texas Business Organizations Code.
Impact of the Proposed Reverse Stock Split If Implemented
Except to the extent that whole shares will be exchanged in lieu of fractional shares as described below, the Reverse Stock Split would affect all of our shareholders uniformly and would not affect any shareholders percentage ownership interest or proportionate voting power. The principal effects of the Reverse Stock Split will be that:
·
the number of issued and outstanding shares of our common stock will be reduced proportionately based on the final reverse stock split ratio as determined by the Board;
·
based on the final reverse stock split ratio, the per share exercise price of all outstanding option awards will be increased proportionately and the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of all outstanding option awards will be reduced proportionately. These adjustments will result in approximately the same aggregate exercise price being required to be paid for all outstanding option awards upon exercise, although the aggregate number of shares issuable upon the exercise of such option awards will be reduced proportionately following the Reverse Stock Split;
·
based on the final reverse stock split ratio, the per share exercise price of all outstanding warrants will be increased proportionately and the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of all outstanding warrants will be reduced proportionately. These adjustments will result in approximately the same aggregate exercise price being required to be paid for all outstanding warrants upon exercise, although the aggregate number of shares issuable upon the exercise of such warrants will be reduced proportionately following the Reverse Stock Split;
·
the number of shares reserved for issuance and any maximum number of shares with respect to which equity awards may be granted to any participant under our equity compensation plans will be reduced proportionately based on the final reverse stock split ratio; and
·
the Reverse Stock Split may increase the number of shareholders who own odd lots (less than 100 shares). Shareholders who hold odd lots may experience an increase in the cost of selling their shares and may have greater difficulty in executing sales.
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 20
Effective Date
If the Reverse Stock Split is approved at the Annual Meeting and the Board elects to proceed with the Reserve Stock Split within the range of the approved ratios, the Reverse Stock Split would become effective when the filing of the certificate of amendment to our Restated Certificate of Formation is accepted and recorded by the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Texas (the Effective Date), although the exact timing of the filing will be determined by the Board based on its determination that such action will be in the best interests of us and our shareholders as discussed above. Except as explained below with respect to fractional shares, on the Effective Date, shares of our common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior thereto will be, automatically and without any action on the part of the shareholders, combined, converted and changed into new shares of common stock in accordance with the reverse stock split ratio determined by the Board within the range set forth in this proposal.
Fractional Shares
No fractional shares would be issued if, as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, a registered stockholder would otherwise become entitled to a fractional share. Instead, stockholders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares because they hold a number of shares not evenly divisible by the ratio of the Reverse Stock Split will automatically be entitled to receive an additional share of common stock. In other words, any fractional share will be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Exchange of Stock Certificates
Shareholders holding shares of our common stock in certificate form will be sent a transmittal letter by our transfer agent after the effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split. The letter of transmittal will contain instructions on how a shareholder should surrender its, his or her certificate(s) representing shares of our common stock (Old Certificates) to the transfer agent in exchange for certificates representing the appropriate number of whole shares of post-reverse stock split common stock (New Certificates). No New Certificates will be issued to a shareholder until such shareholder has surrendered all Old Certificates, together with a properly completed and executed letter of transmittal, to the transfer agent. No shareholder will be required to pay a transfer or other fee to exchange his, her or its Old Certificates for New Certificates registered in the same name.
Upon surrendering all Old Certificates together with a properly completed and executed letter of transmittal, shareholders will receive a New Certificate(s) representing the number of whole shares of common stock to which they are entitled as a result of the Reverse Stock Split.
If an Old Certificate has a restrictive legend on the back of the Old Certificate, the New Certificate will be issued with the same restrictive legend that is on the back of the Old Certificate. Any shareholder whose Old Certificate has been lost, destroyed or stolen will be entitled to a New Certificate only after complying with the requirements that we and the transfer agent customarily apply in connection with lost, stolen or destroyed certificates.
Shareholders who hold uncertificated shares, either as direct or beneficial owners, will have their holdings electronically adjusted by the transfer agent (and, for beneficial owners, by their brokers or banks that hold in street name for their benefit, as the case may be) to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split.
Upon the Reverse Stock Split, we intend to treat shares of common stock held by shareholders in street name, that is, through a bank, broker or other nominee, in the same manner as shareholders whose shares of common stock are registered in their names. Banks, brokers or other nominees will be asked to effect the Reverse Stock Split for their beneficial holders. However, these banks, brokers or other nominees may have different procedures than registered shareholders for processing the Reverse Stock Split. If a shareholder holds shares of our common stock with a bank, broker or other nominee and has any questions in this regard, the shareholder is encouraged to contact the shareholders bank, broker or other nominee.
SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT ANY STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) UNTIL REQUESTED TO DO SO.
Accounting Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split
The par value per share of our common stock will remain unchanged at $0.01 per share after the Reverse Stock Split. As a result, on the Effective Date of the Reverse Stock Split, stated capital attributable to our common stock will be reduced and additional paid-in-capital will be increased by the amount by which stated capital is reduced. Per share net income or loss will be increased because there will be fewer shares of our common stock outstanding. We do not anticipate that any other accounting consequences, including changes to the amount of share-based compensation expense to be recognized in any period, will arise as a result of the Reverse Stock Split.
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 21
No Appraisal Rights
Under Texas law, our shareholders are not entitled to rights of dissent and appraisal with respect to the Reverse Stock Split.
Amendment to Restated Certificate of Formation
The form of the proposed amendment to our Restated Certificate of Formation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is attached to this proxy statement as Appendix B; provided, however, that such text is subject to amendment to include such changes as may be required by the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Texas and as the Board deems necessary and advisable to effect the Reverse Stock Split. If the Reverse Stock Split is completed, the amendment will effect a reverse stock split of our common stock at the ratio selected by the Board in its discretion and previously publicly announced by us.
Material Federal U.S. Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split
The following is a summary of certain material United States federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split to a stockholder that is a U.S. Holder, as defined below. This summary does not purport to be a complete discussion of all of the possible federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split and is included for general information only. Further, it does not address any state, local or foreign income or other tax consequences, including gift or estate taxes and the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income. Also, it does not address the tax consequences to stockholders that are subject to special tax rules, such as banks, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, personal holding companies, foreign entities, nonresident alien individuals, broker-dealers, tax-exempt entities, stockholders that received common stock as compensation for services or pursuant to the exercise of an employee stock option, or stockholders who have held, or will hold, stock as part of a straddle, hedging or conversion transaction for federal income tax purposes. This summary also assumes that you are a U.S. Holder who has held, and will hold, shares of common stock as a capital asset, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), i.e., generally, property held for investment. Finally, the following discussion does not address the tax consequences of transactions occurring prior to or after the reverse stock split (whether or not such transactions are in connection with the reverse stock split), including, without limitation, the exercise of options or rights to purchase common stock in anticipation of the Reverse Stock Split.
The tax treatment of a stockholder may vary depending upon the particular facts and circumstances of such stockholder. You should consult with your own tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split. As used herein, the term U.S. Holder means a stockholder that is, for federal income tax purposes: a citizen or resident of the United States; a corporation or other entity taxed as a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state, including the District of Columbia; an estate the income of which is subject to federal income tax regardless of its source; or a trust that (i) is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one of more U.S. persons or (ii) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
The following discussion is based on the Code, applicable Treasury Regulations, judicial authority and administrative rulings and practice, all as of the date hereof. The Internal Revenue Service could adopt a contrary position. In addition, future legislative, judicial or administrative changes or interpretations could adversely affect the accuracy of the statements and conclusions set forth herein. Any such changes or interpretations could be applied retroactively and could affect the tax consequences described herein. No ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or opinion of counsel has been obtained in connection with the Reverse Stock Split.
No gain or loss should be recognized by a U.S. Holder upon such U.S. Holders exchange of pre-reverse stock split shares of common stock for post-reverse stock split shares of common stock pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split. The aggregate tax basis of the post-reverse stock split shares received in the Reverse Stock Split (including any whole share received in exchange for a fractional share) will be the same as the stockholders aggregate tax basis in the pre-reverse stock split shares exchanged therefor. The stockholders holding period for the post-reverse stock split shares will include the period during which the stockholder held the pre-reverse stock split shares surrendered in the Reverse Stock Split. Special tax basis and holding period rules may apply to U.S. Holders that acquired different blocks of stock at different prices or at different times.
THE PRECEDING DISCUSSION IS INTENDED ONLY AS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN FEDERAL U.S. INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT AND DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OR DISCUSSION OF ALL POTENTIAL TAX EFFECTS RELEVANT THERETO. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT IN LIGHT OF YOUR SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO OUR RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION, AS AMENDED, TO EFFECT A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT OF THE OUTSTANDING SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK BY A RATIO OF NOT LESS THAN 1-FOR-20 AND NOT MORE THAN 1-FOR-150 AT ANY TIME, WITH THE EXACT RATIO TO BE SET AT A WHOLE NUMBER WITHIN THIS RANGE BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION. |
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 22
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers who are responsible for overseeing the management of our business and one key employee as of April 20, 2018:
Names |
| Age |
| Positions with the Company |
Executive Officers: |
|
|
|
|
Steve T. Laflin |
| 61 |
| Director, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Laurie A. McKenzie-Carter |
| 61 |
| Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
Key Employee: |
|
|
|
|
John Miller |
| 53 |
| Radiation Safety and Regulatory Manager |
Please refer to the biographical information for Steve T. Laflin set forth on page 7 of this proxy statement.
Laurie A. McKenzie-Carter has served as our Chief Financial Officer since November 2007. Ms. McKenzie-Carter joined us in August 2007 as our Chief Accounting Officer. In addition to overseeing the management and coordination of all of our financial reporting functions, Ms. McKenzie-Carter works closely with the Chief Executive Officer on strategic planning activities such as budgeting and forecasting and has been instrumental in managing compliance issues including developing and maintaining our system of internal controls. Ms. McKenzie-Carters professional experience includes over twenty years of public and private accounting work and she is our key employee for SEC reporting and works closely with legal and audit counsel to assure accurate and timely filings. Ms. McKenzie-Carter holds a bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of California, Davis, and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the states of Idaho and New Mexico.
John Miller has served as our Radiation Safety and Regulatory Manager since 2001. In addition to overseeing our radiation and safety programs, Mr. Miller is the lead employee for regulatory issues and licensing. Considering the extensive requirements for regulatory compliance, licensing, and permits, Mr. Miller plays an especially important role for our business. Mr. Miller has over 25 years of nuclear physics, safety, and licensing experience and has been instrumental in preparation and approval of our Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license for operations in Idaho and more than 28 subsequent amendments to that license. Mr. Miller was also instrumental in our successful completion of NRC licensing for our proposed uranium de-conversion and fluorine extraction processing facility in New Mexico. Mr. Miller has a BS in Physics, an MS in Environmental Engineering, and is a Certified Health Physicist.
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 23
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
2017 Summary Compensation Table
The following table provides information concerning the compensation of our named executive officers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Option Awards ($)(1) | Stock Awards ($)(1) | All Other Compensation ($)(3) | Total ($) |
Steve. T. Laflin | 2017 | 224,012 | 27,500 | 115,907 | 28,000 | 113,325 | 508,744 |
President and Chief Executive Officer | 2016 | 219,042 | 25,000 | | 15,107 | 113,786 | 361,934 |
Laurie McKenzie-Carter | 2017 | 119,204 | 4,000 | 37,425 | | 550 | 161,179 |
Chief Financial Officer | 2016 | 113,736 | 11,571 | | | 523 | 125,830 |
__________________________________________
(1)
The amounts included under the Option Awards and Stock Awards columns reflect aggregate grant date fair value of the option and stock awards granted in each respective fiscal year, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, excluding the effect of any estimated forfeitures. Assumptions used in the calculations of these amounts are included in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
(2)
Consists of a monthly housing allowance of $6,000 per month plus related tax gross-up payments for Mr. Laflin, and life insurance premiums paid by the Company for both Mr. Laflin and Ms. McKenzie-Carter.
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table
Steve Laflin Employment Agreement. Effective February 2012, we entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, as further amended by that certain Modification #1 to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of October 12, 2016 (collectively, the Employment Agreement) with Mr. Laflin to serve as our President and Chief Executive Officer at a base salary of $200,000 with an annual $5,000 increase to his base salary, subject to further adjustment annually by the Board. Mr. Laflin may also receive an annual bonus at the end of each year, at the discretion of the Board. Upon each anniversary of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Laflin is entitled to receive $28,000 of fully vested shares of our common stock issued pursuant to our equity compensation plans, calculated based on the average closing price of our common stock for the 20 trading days prior to the date of grant; provided, however, that if the average closing price of our common stock for the 20 trading days prior to the date of grant is below $0.05 per share, then the number of shares of common stock to be issued shall be calculated based on a price of $0.05 per share. In addition, pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Mr. Laflin will receive a monthly housing allowance for $6,000 plus additional tax gross up payments for the monthly housing allowance. Mr. Laflin is also subject to confidentiality, noncompete and nondisparagement provisions under the Employment Agreement. The term of the Employment Agreement continues until February 28, 2022.
Mr. Laflin is also entitled to certain payments upon the occurrence of certain events under the Employment Agreement. If we terminate Mr. Laflin without cause, or if we were to be dissolved or sold, or if were to become a private company whose shares are no longer traded on a public exchange, the Board would have the power to terminate Mr. Laflin's employment and Mr. Laflin would be entitled to receive salary and benefits under his employment agreement through the date of termination and for an additional 12 months thereafter. In the event that Mr. Laflin is terminated for cause or if Mr. Laflin terminates the Employment Agreement, he would be entitled to receive any salary and benefits that have accrued through the termination date.
2017 Equity Grants. As described above, pursuant to his Employment Agreement, Mr. Laflin is entitled to a stock award each year equal to $28,000 of shares of our common stock, subject to certain stock price limitations. In connection therewith, Mr. Laflin was granted a fully vested stock award of 350,000 shares of common stock in February 2017, calculated based on a stock price of $0.08 per share. We withheld 140,175 shares to satisfy Mr. Laflins tax obligations in connection with this issuance. The net shares issued on February 28, 2017 totaled 209,825 shares.
2017 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table
The following table provides information regarding the number and estimated value of outstanding stock awards held by each of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2017.
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 24
|
|
|
| Option Awards | ||||||
|
|
|
| Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) |
|
|
|
| ||
Name |
| Grant Date |
| Exercisable |
| Unexercisable |
| Option Exercise Price ($) |
| Option Expiration Date |
Steve T. Laflin |
| 5/4/2009 |
| 2,000,000 |
| |
| $0.035 |
| 5/4/2019 |
|
| 10/27/2014 |
| 4,000,000 |
| |
| $0.035 |
| 10/27/2024 |
|
| 7/11/2017(1) |
| 1,000,000 |
| 3,000,000 |
| $0.060 |
| 7/11/2027 |
Laurie McKenzie-Carter |
| 5/4/2009 |
| 500,000 |
| |
| $0.035 |
| 5/4/2019 |
|
| 10/27/2014 |
| 1,250,000 |
| |
| $0.035 |
| 10/27/2024 |
|
| 7/11/2017(1) |
| 250,000 |
| 750,000 |
| $0.060 |
| 7/11/2027 |
_________________________
(1)
The option vests in four equal annual installments beginning on the grant date.
Termination and Change in Control Arrangements
Under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, to maintain all of the participants rights in the event of (i) a merger or consolidation where we are not the surviving company; (ii) the dissolution of the Company, or (iii) a transfer of all or substantially all of our assets, any outstanding options will become fully exercisable and vested to the full extent of the original grant and the plan administrator can provide a cash-out for awards in connection with the transaction. Assuming the occurrence of one of these events at December 31, 2017, Mr. Laflin and Ms. McKenzie-Carter would be entitled to acceleration of all outstanding equity awards, totaling $75,000 and $18,750, respectively, based on the closing price of our common stock of $0.085 per share as reported on the OTCQB on December 29, 2017, the last trading date of 2017.
As described above, Mr. Laflin is also entitled to certain payments upon the occurrence of certain events under his Employment Agreement. If we terminated Mr. Laflin without cause, or if we were to be dissolved or sold, or if were to become a private company whose shares were no longer traded on a public exchange, the Board would have the power to terminate Mr. Laflins employment and Mr. Laflin would be entitled to receive salary and benefits under his employment agreement through the date of termination and for an additional 12 months thereafter, which would be a payment of approximately $224,000 (excluding benefits) assuming any of such events occurred as of December 31, 2017. In the event that Mr. Laflin was terminated for cause or if Mr. Laflin terminated the Employment Agreement, he would only be entitled to receive any salary and benefits that had accrued through the termination date.
2017 Director Compensation
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation for each of our non-employee directors for the year ended December 31, 2017. We generally do not pay our non-employee directors retainer fees or other fees for service related to the Board or its committees. Equity awards may be granted to the members of the Board from time to time under our equity compensation plans. We also reimburse our non-employee directors for their costs associated with attending Board and committee meetings. In 2017, we did not reimburse Mr. Grosso or Mr. Richart for any expenses in connection with attending any of our Board and committee meetings.
In connection with his appointment in August 2017, we entered into a Board of Directors Compensation Agreement with Dr. Atcher, pursuant to which Dr. Atcher receives compensation at an hourly rate of $250 per hour for the time spent in connection with his Board service, including any research work done at the Companys request and attendance at Board and Board committee meetings.
Steve Laflin does not receive any additional compensation for his service as a director. See 2017 Summary Compensation Table above for the compensation earned in 2017 by Mr. Laflin for his service as our President and Chief Executive Officer.
Name |
| Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
| Option Awards ($)(1) |
| All Other Compensation ($) |
| Total ($) |
Ralph M. Richart(2) |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Christopher Grosso |
| |
| 74,703 |
| |
| 74,703 |
Dr. Robert Atcher |
| 1,500 |
| 11,237 |
| |
| 12,737 |
__________________________________________
(1)
The amounts included under the Option Awards column reflect aggregate grant date fair value of the option awards granted in 2017, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, excluding the effect of any estimated forfeitures. Assumptions used in the calculations of these amounts are included in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
(2)
Mr. Richart resigned from the Board effective August 2, 2017.
As of December 31, 2017, the aggregate number of shares underlying outstanding stock option awards for each non-employee director was as follows: Dr. Atcher - 1,000,000 shares; and Mr. Grosso - 6,500,000 shares.
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 25
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information known to us regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 18, 2018 by:
·
each person who to our knowledge beneficially owned more than 5% of our common stock on that date;
·
each of our named executive officers and directors; and
·
all of our executive officers and directors as a group.
The number of shares beneficially owned by each entity or person is determined under the SEC rules, 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 the sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any shares that the individual has the right to acquire within 60 days of April 18, 2018 through the exercise of any stock option or other right. Except as otherwise indicated, each person named in the tables below has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by such person.
Unless otherwise indicated, the address for all persons named below is c/o International Isotopes Inc., 4137 Commerce Circle, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401.
Name and address of Beneficial Owner | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership | Percent of Class(1) |
Greater than 5% Shareholders: |
|
|
Kennerman Associates Inc.(2) 480 Broadway, Suite 310 Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 | 195,804,771 | 43.3% |
Ralph M. Richart(3) 480 Broadway, Suite 310 Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 | 103,543,587 | 23.8% |
John M. McCormack(4) 1303 Campbell Road Houston, TX 77055 | 91,087,004 | 21.1% |
William Nicholson 121 Post Oak Lane, #2105 Houston, TX 77055 | 24,183,637 | 5.9% |
Directors and Named Executive Officers: |
|
|
Robert Atcher | | |
Christopher Grosso(5)(6) | 36,787,322 | 8.7% |
Steve T. Laflin(7) | 11,667,123 | 2.8% |
Laurie McKenzie-Carter(8) | 2,535,443 | * |
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (4 persons) | 50,989,888 | 11.9% |
___________________
*
Less than 1%.
(1)
Percentage beneficially owned below is based on 408,132,409 shares of our common stock outstanding on April 18, 2018.
(2)
Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on April 20, 2018, for which Kennerman Associates, Inc. has shared dispositive power and includes shares of various investment advisory clients and shares held by Christopher Grosso, a principal of Kennerman Associates, Inc.
(3)
Includes (i) 4,500,000 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of April 18, 2018, (ii) 7,040,000 shares issuable upon conversion of the Companys Series C Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock, (iii) warrants to purchase 16,020,000 shares of our common stock which are currently exercisable and (iv) 1,374,866 shares held in a family trust.
(4)
Includes (i) 59,200,831 shares beneficially owned by trusts for the benefit of Mr. McCormacks family members, (ii) 7,000,000 shares issuable upon conversion of the Companys Series C Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock, and (iii) warrants to purchase 16,000,000 shares of our common stock that are currently exercisable.
(5)
Includes (i) 5,000,000 shares subject to vested stock options exercisable within 60 days April 18, 2018, (ii) warrants to purchase 2,520,000 shares of our common stock which are currently exercisable, (iii) 5,040,000 shares issuable upon conversion of the Companys Series C Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock, and (iv) 3,230,834 shares beneficially held by family members. Excludes 159,017,449 shares of common stock owned by various investment advisory clients of Kennerman Associates, Inc. d/b/a Kershner Grosso & Co.
(6)
Mr. Grosso and Ralph Richart are members of a group pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, because Mr. Grosso has investment power of the shares owned by Mr. Richart. The beneficial ownership number and percentage set forth in the table above for Mr. Grosso excludes shares beneficially owned by Mr. Richart. Mr. Grosso disclaims beneficial ownership of shares owned by Mr. Richart.
(7)
Includes 7,000,000 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of April 18, 2018.
(8)
Includes 2,000,000 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of April 18, 2018.
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 26
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and written representations from certain of our officers and directors that no other reports were required, we believe that all required reports of our officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders under Section 16(a) were timely filed during the year ended December 31, 2017, except for:
·
Three late Form 4s for Steve Laflin related to (i) a stock award granted to Mr. Laflin in accordance with his employment agreement in February 2017, filed on March 6, 2017, (ii) a stock option exercise on March 20, 2017, filed on March 24, 2017, and (iii) an option award granted on July 11, 2017, filed on August 3, 2017;
·
One late Form 4 for Christopher Grosso related to an option award granted on July 11, 2017, filed on August 3, 2017;
·
One late Form 4 for Laurie McKenzie-Carter related to an option award granted on July 11, 2017, filed on August 3, 2017; and
·
One late Form 3 and Form 4 for Robert Atcher related to his appointment as a director on August 2, 2017, each filed on August 17, 2017.
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 27
RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS
Series C Preferred Stock
In September 2016, the Company borrowed an aggregate of $360,000 from Mr. Richart, our former Chairman of the Board and Mr. Grosso, one of our directors and current Chairman of the Board, under the terms of a promissory note. The $360,000 promissory note bears interest at 6%, which is payable upon maturity of the note on March 31, 2017, and was secured by all unencumbered assets of the Company. Per the terms of the note, at any time, the lenders may settle any or all of the principal and accrued interest with shares of the Companys common stock, or other securities of the Company, based on the average closing price of the Companys common stock over a 20-day period. In February 2017, all principal plus accrued interest under this promissory note was converted into shares of our Series C Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock (the Series C Preferred Stock) and warrants that we offered through a private placement transaction, as described below.
In February 2017, the Company completed a private placement transaction with certain investors, including Mr. Grosso, for the sale of an aggregate of 3,433 shares of our Series C Preferred Stock and Class M warrants to purchase an aggregate of 17,165,000 shares of our common stock, for total gross proceeds of approximately $3.4 million (the Series C Private Placement). The Series C Preferred Stock accrues dividends at a rate of 6% per annum, payable annually on February 17 of each year, commencing on February 17, 2018. The Series C Preferred Stock are convertible at the option of the investors at any time into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price equal to $0.10 per share, subject to certain adjustments. At any time after February 17, 2019, if the volume-weighted average closing price of our common stock over a period of 90 consecutive trading days is greater than $0.25 per share, we may redeem all or any portion of the outstanding Series C Preferred Stock at the original purchase price per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, payable in shares of common stock. All outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock will be redeemed by the Company on February 17, 2022 at the original purchase price per share, payable in cash or shares of common stock, at the option of the holder. The Class M Warrants are immediately exercisable at an exercise price of $0.12 per share, subject to adjustment as set forth in the warrant, and have a term of five years. Mr. Grosso participated in the Series C Private Placement by exchanging outstanding the principal plus accrued interest on a promissory note (as described above), and purchasing additional shares of Series C Preferred Stock in cash. Mr. Grosso and his family members purchased an aggregate of 704 shares of Series C Preferred Stock and Class M warrants to purchase an aggregate of 3,520,000 shares of common stock in the Series C Private Placement for aggregate consideration of $704,000. Mr. Grosso is entitled to receive dividends on his ownership of the Series C Preferred Stock.
Promissory Note with C. Grosso
In August 2017, the Company borrowed $60,000 from Mr. Grosso, our Chairman of the Board, pursuant to a promissory note. The promissory note is unsecured, accrues interest at 5% per year, which is payable upon maturity on June 30, 2018.
Promissory Note with C. Grosso and S. Laflin
In April 2018, the Company borrowed $120,000 from Mr. Grosso, our Chairman of the Board, and Mr. Laflin, our Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to a promissory note. The promissory note is unsecured, accrues interest at 6% per year, which is payable upon maturity on August 1, 2018.
Policy on Transactions with Related Persons
The full Board reviews and approves any business transactions in which related persons may have an interest. In determining whether to approve or ratify any such transaction, the Board considers, in addition to other factors it deems appropriate, whether the transaction is on terms no less favorable to us than those involving unrelated parties. All transactions disclosed above were reviewed and approved in accordance with the policy set forth above.
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 28
OTHER MATTERS
Householding
As permitted by the SECs proxy statement rules, we will deliver only one set of proxy materials to multiple shareholders sharing the same address, unless we have received contrary instructions from one or more of the shareholders. We will, upon written or oral request, promptly deliver a separate copy of the proxy materials to a shareholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the proxy materials was delivered and will include instructions as to how the shareholder can notify us that the shareholder wishes to receive a separate copy of the proxy holders. Registered shareholders wishing to receive separate proxy materials in the future or registered shareholders sharing an address wishing to receive a single copy of the proxy materials in the future may contact our transfer agent at Computershare Trust Company, N.A., 250 Royall Street, Canton, MA 02021, Telephone: (800) 962-4284.
Other Matters
We do not intend to bring before the Annual Meeting any matters other than the proposals specifically described above, and we know of no matters other than those to come before the Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote such proxy in accordance with the recommendation of our management on such matters, including any matters dealing with the conduct of the Annual Meeting.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, | |
|
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/s/ Steve T. Laflin |
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Steve T. Laflin |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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Idaho Falls, Idaho
June 19, 2018
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | 2017 PROXY STATEMENT | 29
Appendix A
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2015 INCENTIVE PLAN
(As Amended and Restated on , 2018)
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
This International Isotopes Inc. 2015 Incentive Plan is an amendment and restatement of the International Isotopes Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The purpose of the International Isotopes Inc. 2015 Incentive Plan is to attract, retain and motivate employees, officers, directors, consultants, agents, advisors and independent contractors of the Company and its Related Companies by providing them the opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company and to align their interests and efforts to the long-term interests of the Companys stockholders.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
Certain capitalized terms used in the Plan have the meanings set forth in Appendix A.
SECTION 3. ADMINISTRATION
3.1
Administration of the Plan
The Plan shall be administered by the Board or the Compensation Committee, which shall be composed of two or more directors, each of whom is a non-employee director within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b)(3) promulgated under the Exchange Act, or any successor definition adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and an outside director within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, or any successor provision thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may delegate responsibility for administering the Plan with respect to designated classes of Eligible Persons to different committees consisting of one or more members of the Board, subject to such limitations as the Board deems appropriate, except with respect to Awards to Participants who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act or Awards granted pursuant to Section 16 of the Plan. Members of any committee shall serve for such term as the Board may determine, subject to removal by the Board at any time. To the extent consistent with applicable law, the Board or the Compensation Committee may authorize one or more officers of the Company to grant Awards to designated classes of Eligible Persons, within limits specifically prescribed by the Board or the Compensation Committee; provided, however, that no such officer shall have or obtain authority to grant Awards to himself or herself or to any person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. All references in the Plan to the Committee shall be, as applicable, to the Compensation Committee or any other committee or any officer to whom the Board or the Compensation Committee has delegated authority to administer the Plan.
3.2
Administration and Interpretation by Committee
(a)
Except for the terms and conditions explicitly set forth in the Plan and to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Committee shall have full power and exclusive authority, subject to such orders or resolutions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as may from time to time be adopted by the Board or a Committee composed of members of the Board, to (i) select the Eligible Persons to whom Awards may from time to time be granted under the Plan; (ii) determine the type or types of Award to be granted to each Participant under the Plan; (iii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by each Award granted under the Plan; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award granted under the Plan; (v) approve the forms of notice or agreement for use under the Plan; (vi) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances Awards may be settled in cash, shares of Common Stock or other property or canceled or suspended; (vii) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, shares of Common Stock, other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the Participant; (viii) interpret and administer the Plan and any instrument evidencing an Award, notice or agreement executed or entered into under the Plan; (ix) establish such rules and regulations as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; (x) delegate ministerial duties to such of the Companys employees as it so determines; and (xi) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for administration of the Plan.
(b)
The Committee shall have the right, without stockholder approval, to (i) cancel or amend outstanding Options or SARs for the purpose of repricing, replacing or regranting such Options or SARs with Options or SARs that have a purchase or grant price that is less than the purchase or grant price for the original Options or SARs except in connection with adjustments provided in Section 15, or (ii) issue an Option or amend an outstanding Option to provide for the grant or issuance of a new Option on exercise of the original Option.
(c)
The effect on the vesting of an Award of a Company-approved leave of absence or a Participants working less than full-time shall be determined by the Companys chief human resources officer or other person performing that function or, with respect to directors or executive officers, by the Compensation Committee, whose determination shall be final.
(d)
Decisions of the Committee shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons, including the Company, any Participant, any stockholder and any Eligible Person. A majority of the members of the Committee may determine its actions.
SECTION 4. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN
4.1
Authorized Number of Shares
Subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in Section 15.1, the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the Plan shall be:
(a)
80,000,000 shares; plus
(b)
11,089,967 shares authorized but not issued under the Companys 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the Prior Plan).
Shares issued under the Plan shall be drawn from authorized and unissued shares or shares now held or subsequently acquired by the Company.
4.2
Share Usage
(a)
Shares of Common Stock covered by an Award shall not be counted as used unless and until they are actually issued and delivered to a Participant. If any Award lapses, expires, terminates or is canceled prior to the issuance of shares thereunder or if shares of Common Stock are issued under the Plan to a Participant and thereafter are forfeited to or otherwise reacquired by the Company, the shares subject to such Awards and the forfeited or reacquired shares shall again be available for issuance under the Plan. Any shares of Common Stock (i) tendered by a Participant or retained by the Company as full or partial payment to the Company for the purchase price of an Award or to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with an Award, or (ii) covered by an Award that is settled in cash, or in a manner such that some or all of the shares of Common Stock covered by the Award are not issued, shall be available for Awards under the Plan. The number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan shall not be reduced to reflect any dividends or dividend equivalents that are reinvested into additional shares of Common Stock or credited as additional shares of Common Stock subject or paid with respect to an Award.
(b)
The Committee shall also, without limitation, have the authority to grant Awards as an alternative to or as the form of payment for grants or rights earned or due under other compensation plans or arrangements of the Company.
(c)
Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the Committee may grant Substitute Awards under the Plan. Substitute Awards shall not reduce the number of shares authorized for issuance under the Plan. In the event that an Acquired Entity has shares available for awards or grants under one or more preexisting plans not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, then, to the extent determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such preexisting 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 holders of common stock of the entities that are parties to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the Plan; provided, however, that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of such preexisting plans, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not employees or directors of the Company or a Related Company prior to such acquisition or combination. In the event that a written agreement between the Company and an Acquired Entity pursuant to which a merger or consolidation is completed is approved by the Board and said agreement sets forth the terms and conditions of the substitution for or assumption of outstanding awards of the Acquired Entity, said terms and conditions shall be deemed to be the action of the Committee without any further action by the Committee, except as may be required for compliance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, and the persons holding such awards shall be deemed to be Participants.
(d)
Notwithstanding the other provisions in this Section 4.2, the maximum number of shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options shall equal the aggregate share number stated in Section 4.1, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15.1.
SECTION 5. ELIGIBILITY
An Award may be granted to any employee, officer or director of the Company or a Related Company whom the Committee from time to time selects. An Award may also be granted to any consultant, agent, advisor or independent contractor for bona fide services rendered to the Company or any Related Company that (a) are not in connection with the offer and sale of the Companys securities in a capital-raising transaction and (b) do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Companys securities.
SECTION 6. AWARDS
6.1
Form, Grant and Settlement of Awards
The Committee shall have the authority, in its sole discretion, to determine the type or types of Awards to be granted under the Plan. Such Awards may be granted either alone or in addition to or in tandem with any other type of Award. Any Award settlement may be subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Committee shall determine.
6.2
Evidence of Awards
Awards granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a written, including an electronic, notice or agreement that shall contain such terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions as the Committee shall deem advisable and that are not inconsistent with the Plan.
6.3
Deferrals
The Committee may permit or require a Participant to defer receipt of the payment of any Award. If any such deferral election is permitted or required, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall establish rules and procedures for such payment deferrals, which may include the grant of additional Awards or provisions for the payment or crediting of interest or dividend equivalents, including converting such credits to deferred stock unit equivalents.
6.4
Dividends and Distributions
Participants may, if the Committee so determines, be credited with dividends paid with respect to shares of Common Stock underlying an Award in a manner determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. The Committee may apply any restrictions to the dividends or dividend equivalents that the Committee deems appropriate. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine the form of payment of dividends or dividend equivalents, including cash, shares of Common Stock, Restricted Stock or Stock Units.
SECTION 7. OPTIONS
7.1
Grant of Options
The Committee may grant Options designated as Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options.
7.2
Option Exercise Price
The exercise price for shares purchased under an Option shall be as determined by the Committee, but shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the Grant Date, except in the case of Substitute Awards.
7.3
Term of Options
Subject to earlier termination in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the instrument evidencing the Option, the maximum term of an Option shall be ten years from the Grant Date.
7.4
Exercise of Options
The Committee shall establish and set forth in each instrument that evidences an Option the time at which, or the installments in which, the Option shall vest and become exercisable, any of which provisions may be waived or modified by the Committee at any time. To the extent an Option has vested and become exercisable, the Option may be exercised in whole or from time to time in part by delivery to or as directed or approved by the Company of a properly executed stock option exercise agreement or notice, in a form and in accordance with procedures established by the Committee, setting forth the number of shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised, the restrictions imposed on the shares purchased under such exercise agreement, if any, and such representations and agreements as may be required by the Committee, accompanied by payment in full as described in Sections 7.5 and 13. An Option may be exercised only for whole shares and may not be exercised for less than a reasonable number of shares at any one time, as determined by the Committee.
7.5
Payment of Exercise Price
The exercise price for shares purchased under an Option shall be paid in full to the Company by delivery of consideration equal to the product of the Option exercise price and the number of shares purchased. Such consideration must be paid before the Company will issue the shares being purchased and must be in a form or a combination of forms acceptable to the Committee for that purchase, which forms may include:
(a)
cash, check or wire transfer;
(b)
having the Company withhold shares of Common Stock that would otherwise be issued to the Participant that on the day prior to the exercise date have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate exercise price of the shares being purchased under the Option;
(c)
tendering (either actually or, so long as the Common Stock is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, by attestation) shares of Common Stock that on the day prior to the exercise date have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate exercise price of the shares being purchased under the Option owned by the Participant for at least six months (or any other period necessary to avoid adverse accounting consequences to the Company);
(d)
so long as the Common Stock is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, and to the extent permitted by law, delivery of a properly executed exercise notice, together with irrevocable instructions to a brokerage firm designated or approved by the Company to deliver promptly to the Company the aggregate amount of proceeds to pay the Option exercise price and any withholding tax obligations that may arise in connection with the exercise, all in accordance with the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board; or
(e)
such other consideration as the Committee may permit.
7.6
Effect of Termination of Service
The Committee shall establish and set forth in each instrument that evidences an Option whether the Option shall continue to be exercisable, and the terms and conditions of such exercise, after a Termination of Service, any of which provisions may be waived or modified by the Committee at any time. If not so established in the instrument evidencing the Option, the Option shall be exercisable according to the following terms and conditions, which may be waived or modified by the Committee at any time:
(a)
Any portion of an Option that is not vested and exercisable on the date of a Participants Termination of Service shall expire on such date.
(b)
Any portion of an Option that is vested and exercisable on the date of a Participants Termination of Service shall expire on the earliest to occur of:
(i)
if the Participants Termination of Service occurs for reasons other than Cause, Retirement, Disability or death, the date that is three months after such Termination of Service;
(ii)
if the Participants Termination of Service occurs by reason of Retirement, Disability or death, the one-year anniversary of such Termination of Service; and
(iii)
the last day of the maximum term of the Option (the Option Expiration Date).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant dies after his or her Termination of Service but while an Option is otherwise exercisable, the portion of the Option that is vested and exercisable on the date of such Termination of Service shall expire upon the earlier to occur of (y) the Option Expiration Date and (z) the one-year anniversary of the date of death, unless the Committee determines otherwise.
Also notwithstanding the foregoing, in case a Participants Termination of Service occurs for Cause, all Options granted to the Participant shall automatically expire upon first notification to the Participant of such termination, unless the Committee determines otherwise. If a Participants employment or service relationship with the Company is suspended pending an investigation of whether the Participant shall be terminated for Cause, all the Participants rights under any Option shall likewise be suspended during the period of investigation. If any facts that would constitute termination for Cause are discovered after a Participants Termination of Service, any Option then held by the Participant may be immediately terminated by the Committee, in its sole discretion.
(c)
A Participants change in status from an employee to a consultant, advisor or independent contractor, or a change in status from a consultant, advisor or independent contractor to an employee, shall not be considered a Termination of Service for purposes of this Section 7.6.
SECTION 8. INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION LIMITATIONS
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, the terms and conditions of any Incentive Stock Options shall in addition comply in all respects with Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision, and any applicable regulations thereunder, including, to the extent required thereunder, the following:
8.1
Dollar Limitation
To the extent the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the Grant Date) of Common Stock with respect to which a Participants Incentive Stock Options become exercisable for the first time during any calendar year (under the Plan and all other stock option plans of the Company and its parent and subsidiary corporations) exceeds $100,000, such portion in excess of $100,000 shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option. In the event the Participant holds two or more such Options that become exercisable for the first time in the same calendar year, such limitation shall be applied on the basis of the order in which such Options are granted.
8.2
Eligible Employees
Individuals who are not employees of the Company or one of its parent or subsidiary corporations may not be granted Incentive Stock Options.
8.3
Exercise Price
The exercise price of an Incentive Stock Option shall be at least 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Grant Date, and in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of the stock of the Company or of its parent or subsidiary corporations (a Ten Percent Stockholder), shall not be less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Grant Date. The determination of more than 10% ownership shall be made in accordance with Section 422 of the Code.
8.4
Option Term
Subject to earlier termination in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the instrument evidencing the Option, the maximum term of an Incentive Stock Option shall not exceed ten years, and in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder, shall not exceed five years.
8.5
Exercisability
An Option designated as an Incentive Stock Option shall cease to qualify for favorable tax treatment as an Incentive Stock Option to the extent it is exercised (if permitted by the terms of the Option) (a) more than three months after the date of a Participants Termination of Service if termination was for reasons other than death or disability, (b) more than one year after the date of a Participants Termination of Service if termination was by reason of disability, or (c) after the Participant has been on leave of absence for more than 90 days, unless the Participants reemployment rights are guaranteed by statute or contract.
8.6
Taxation of Incentive Stock Options
In order to obtain certain tax benefits afforded to Incentive Stock Options under Section 422 of the Code, the Participant must hold the shares acquired upon the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option for two years after the Grant Date and one year after the date of exercise.
A Participant may be subject to the alternative minimum tax at the time of exercise of an Incentive Stock Option. The Participant shall give the Company prompt notice of any disposition of shares acquired on the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option prior to the expiration of such holding periods.
8.7
Code Definitions
For the purposes of this Section 8 disability, parent corporation and subsidiary corporation shall have the meanings attributed to those terms for purposes of Section 422 of the Code.
SECTION 9. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
9.1
Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights
The Committee may grant Stock Appreciation Rights to Participants at any time on such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion. An SAR may be granted in tandem with an Option or alone (freestanding). The grant price of a tandem SAR shall be equal to the exercise price of the related Option. The grant price of a freestanding SAR shall be established in accordance with procedures for Options set forth in Section 7.2. An SAR may be exercised upon such terms and conditions and for the term as the Committee determines in its sole discretion; provided, however, that, subject to earlier termination in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the instrument evidencing the SAR, the term of a freestanding SAR shall be as established for that SAR by the Committee or, if not so established, shall be ten years, and in the case of a tandem SAR, (a) the term shall not exceed the term of the related Option and (b) the tandem SAR may be exercised for all or part of the shares subject to the related Option upon the surrender of the right to exercise the equivalent portion of the related Option, except that the tandem SAR may be exercised only with respect to the shares for which its related Option is then exercisable.
9.2
Payment of SAR Amount
Upon the exercise of an SAR, a Participant shall be entitled to receive payment in an amount determined by multiplying: (a) the difference between the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of exercise over the grant price of the SAR by (b) the number of shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised. At the discretion of the Committee as set forth in the instrument evidencing the Award, the payment upon exercise of an SAR may be in cash, in shares, in some combination thereof or in any other manner approved by the Committee in its sole discretion.
9.3
Waiver of Restrictions
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may waive the vesting period and any other terms, conditions or restrictions on any SAR under such circumstances and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall deem appropriate.
SECTION 10. STOCK AWARDS, RESTRICTED STOCK AND STOCK UNITS
10.1
Grant of Stock Awards, Restricted Stock and Stock Units
The Committee may grant Stock Awards, Restricted Stock and Stock Units on such terms and conditions and subject to such repurchase or forfeiture restrictions, if any, which may be based on continuous service with the Company or a Related Company or the achievement of any performance goals, as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion, which terms, conditions and restrictions shall be set forth in the instrument evidencing the Award.
10.2
Vesting of Restricted Stock and Stock Units
Upon the satisfaction of any terms, conditions and restrictions prescribed with respect to Restricted Stock or Stock Units, or upon a Participants release from any terms, conditions and restrictions of Restricted Stock or Stock Units, as determined by the Committee, and subject to the provisions of Section 13, (a) the shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Award of Restricted Stock shall become freely transferable by the Participant, and (b) Stock Units shall be paid in shares of Common Stock or, if set forth in the instrument evidencing the Awards, in cash or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock. Any fractional shares subject to such Awards shall be paid to the Participant in cash.
10.3
Waiver of Restrictions
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may waive the repurchase or forfeiture period and any other terms, conditions or restrictions on any Restricted Stock or Stock Unit under such circumstances and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall deem appropriate.
SECTION 11. PERFORMANCE AWARDS
11.1
Performance Shares
The Committee may grant Awards of Performance Shares, designate the Participants to whom Performance Shares are to be awarded and determine the number of Performance Shares and the terms and conditions of each such Award. Performance Shares shall consist of a unit valued by reference to a designated number of shares of Common Stock, the value of which may be paid to the Participant by delivery of shares of Common Stock or, if set forth in the instrument evidencing the Award, of such property as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, shares of Common Stock, other property, or any combination thereof, upon the attainment of performance goals, as established by the Committee, and other terms and conditions specified by the Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the amount to be paid under an Award of Performance Shares may be adjusted on the basis of such further consideration as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion.
11.2
Performance Units
The Committee may grant Awards of Performance Units, designate the Participants to whom Performance Units are to be awarded and determine the number of Performance Units and the terms and conditions of each such Award. Performance Units shall consist of a unit valued by reference to a designated amount of property other than shares of Common Stock, which value may be paid to the Participant by delivery of such property as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, shares of Common Stock, other property, or any combination thereof, upon the attainment of performance goals, as established by the Committee, and other terms and conditions specified by the Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the amount to be paid under an Award of Performance Units may be adjusted on the basis of such further consideration as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion.
SECTION 12. OTHER STOCK OR CASH-BASED AWARDS
Subject to the terms of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate, the Committee may grant other incentives payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock under the Plan.
SECTION 13. WITHHOLDING
The Company may require the Participant to pay to the Company the amount of (a) any taxes that the Company is required by applicable federal, state, local or foreign law to withhold with respect to the grant, vesting or exercise of an Award (tax withholding obligations) and (b) any amounts due from the Participant to the Company or to any Related Company (other obligations). The Company shall not be required to issue any shares of Common Stock or otherwise settle an Award under the Plan until such tax withholding obligations and other obligations are satisfied.
The Committee may permit or require a Participant to satisfy all or part of the Participants tax withholding obligations and other obligations by (a) paying cash to the Company, (b) having the Company withhold an amount from any cash amounts otherwise due or to become due from the Company to the Participant, (c) having the Company withhold a number of shares of Common Stock that would otherwise be issued to the Participant (or become vested, in the case of Restricted Stock) having a Fair Market Value equal to the tax withholding obligations and other obligations, or (d) surrendering a number of shares of Common Stock the Participant already owns having a value equal to the tax withholding obligations and other obligations. The value of the shares so withheld may not exceed the employers minimum required tax withholding rate, and the value of the shares so tendered may not exceed such rate to the extent the Participant has owned the tendered shares for less than six months, if such limitations are necessary to avoid adverse accounting consequences to the Company.
SECTION 14. ASSIGNABILITY
No Award or interest in an Award may be sold, assigned, pledged (as collateral for a loan or as security for the performance of an obligation or for any other purpose) or transferred by a Participant or made subject to attachment or similar proceedings otherwise than by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, except to the extent the Participant designates one or more beneficiaries on a Company-approved form who may exercise the Award or receive payment under the Award after the Participants death. During a Participants lifetime, an Award may be exercised only by the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing and to the extent permitted by Section 422 of the Code, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit a Participant to assign or transfer an Award to a Permitted Transferee subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall specify.
SECTION 15. ADJUSTMENTS
15.1
Adjustment of Shares
In the event, at any time or from time to time, a stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, distribution to stockholders other than a normal cash dividend, or other change in the Companys corporate or capital structure results in (a) the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or any securities exchanged therefor or received in their place, being exchanged for a different number or kind of securities of the Company or (b) new, different or additional securities of the Company or any other company being received by the holders of shares of Common Stock, then the Committee shall make proportional adjustments in (i) the maximum number and kind of securities available for issuance under the Plan; (ii) the maximum number and kind of securities issuable to an individual in a calendar year as set forth in Section 16.3 and as Incentive Stock Options as set forth in Section 4.2; and (iii) the number and kind of securities that are subject to any outstanding Award and the per share price of such securities, without any change in the aggregate price to be paid therefor. The determination by the Committee, as to the terms of any of the foregoing adjustments shall be conclusive and binding.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, for cash or property, or for labor or services rendered, either upon direct sale or upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, outstanding Awards. Also notwithstanding the foregoing, a dissolution or liquidation of the Company or a Company Transaction shall not be governed by this Section 15.1 but shall be governed by Sections 15.2 and 15.3, respectively.
15.2
Change In Control
The following provisions shall apply unless a Participants written agreement provides otherwise. If, while any Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Awards or Performance Awards are outstanding under the Plan, there shall occur (a) a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation in which the Company shall not be the surviving corporation, (b) a dissolution of the Company, or (c) a transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in one transaction or a series of related transactions to one or more other persons or entities, then, with respect to each Option, Stock Appreciation Right and Restricted Stock Award outstanding immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction, if provision is not otherwise made in
writing in connection with such transaction for the substitution of securities of another corporation, and without the necessity of any action by the Board of Directors, each such Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock Award or Performance Award shall terminate, but (A) the holder of any outstanding Option shall be entitled, immediately prior to the effective date of such transaction, to purchase the number of shares that are then vested and exercisable; (B) the holder of any Stock Appreciation Right shall be entitled, immediately prior to the effective date of such transaction, to exercise such Right to the extent the Option is exercisable at such time in accordance with its terms; and (C) the recipient of any Performance Award shall be entitled, immediately prior to the effective date of such transaction, to receive the then vested shares or values under such Award. The unexercised portion of any Option or Stock Appreciation Right, and all non-vested Restricted Stock, Stock Unit and Performance Awards shall be deemed canceled, forfeited, and terminated as of the effective date of such transaction.
15.3
Change in Control Cash Out
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may instead provide that a Participants outstanding Awards shall terminate upon or immediately prior to such a transaction and that the Participant shall receive, in exchange therefor, a cash payment equal to the amount (if any) by which (x) the value of the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in such transaction, or, in the event the transaction does not result in direct receipt of consideration by holders of Common Stock, the value of the deemed per share consideration received, in each case as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such outstanding Awards (to the extent then vested and exercisable or whether or not then vested and exercisable, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) exceeds (y) if applicable, the respective aggregate exercise price or grant price for such Award.
15.4
Further Adjustment of Awards
Subject to Section 15.2 and 15.3, the Committee shall have the discretion, exercisable at any time before a sale, merger, consolidation, reorganization, liquidation, dissolution or change in control of the Company, as defined by the Committee, to take such further action as it determines to be necessary or advisable with respect to Awards. Such authorized action may include (but shall not be limited to) establishing, amending or waiving the type, terms, conditions or duration of, or restrictions on, Awards so as to provide for earlier, later, extended or additional time for exercise, lifting restrictions and other modifications, and the Committee may take such actions with respect to all Participants, to certain categories of Participants or only to individual Participants. The Committee may take such action before or after granting Awards to which the action relates and before or after any public announcement with respect to such sale, merger, consolidation, reorganization, liquidation, dissolution or change in control that is the reason for such action.
15.5
No Limitations
The grant of Awards shall in no way affect the Companys right to adjust, reclassify, reorganize or otherwise change its capital or business structure or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate or sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.
15.6
Fractional Shares
In the event of any adjustment in the number of shares covered by any Award, each such Award shall cover only the number of full shares resulting from such adjustment.
15.7
Section 409A of the Code
Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, (a) any adjustments made pursuant to this Section 15 to Awards that are considered deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code are intended to be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code; (b) any adjustments made pursuant to Section 15 to Awards that are not considered deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code are intended to be made in such a manner as to ensure that after such adjustment the Awards either (i) continue not to be subject to Section 409A of the Code or (ii) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code; and (c) in any event, the Committee shall not have the authority to make any adjustments pursuant to Section 15 to the extent the existence of such authority would cause an Award that is not intended to be subject to Section 409A of the Code at the time of grant to be subject thereto; provided however that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan in no event shall the Company be liable to any Participant for or with respect to any taxes, penalties or interest which may be imposed upon a Participant pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.
SECTION 16. CODE SECTION 162(m) PROVISIONS
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, if the Committee determines, at the time Awards are granted to a Participant who is, or is likely to be as of the end of the tax year in which the Company would claim a tax deduction in connection with such Award, a Covered Employee, then the Committee may provide that this Section 16 is applicable to such Award.
16.1
Performance Criteria
If an Award is subject to this Section 16, then the lapsing of restrictions thereon and the distribution of cash, shares of Common Stock or other property pursuant thereto, as applicable, shall be subject to the achievement of one or more objective performance goals established by the Committee, which shall be based on the attainment of specified levels of one of or any combination of the following performance criteria for the Company as a whole or any business unit of the Company, as reported or calculated by the Company: cash flows (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow or cash flow return on capital); working capital; earnings per share; book value per share; operating income (including or excluding depreciation, amortization, extraordinary items, restructuring charges or other expenses); revenues; operating margins; return on assets; return on equity; debt; debt plus equity; market or economic value added; stock price appreciation; total stockholder return; cost control; strategic initiatives; market share; net income; return on invested capital; improvements in capital structure; or customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, services performance, subscriber, cash management or asset management metrics (together, the Performance Criteria). Such performance goals also may be based on the achievement of specified levels of Company performance (or performance of an applicable affiliate or business unit of the Company) under one or more of the Performance Criteria described above relative to the performance of other corporations. Such performance goals shall be set by the Committee within the time period prescribed by, and shall otherwise comply with the requirements of, Section 162(m) of the Code, or any successor provision thereto, and the regulations thereunder.
16.2
Adjustment of Awards
Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan other than Section 15, with respect to any Award that is subject to this Section 16, the Committee may adjust downwards, but not upwards, the amount payable pursuant to such Award, and the Committee may not waive the achievement of the applicable performance goals except in the case of the death or disability of the Covered Employee.
16.3
Limitations
Subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in Section 15.1, no Covered Employee may be granted Awards other than Performance Units subject to this Section 16 in any calendar year period with respect to more than 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock for such Award, and the maximum dollar value payable with respect to Performance Units subject to this Section 16 granted to any Covered Employee in any one calendar year is $500,000.
The Committee shall have the power to impose such other restrictions on Awards subject to this Section 16 as it may deem necessary or appropriate to ensure that such Awards satisfy all requirements for performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code, or any successor provision thereto.
SECTION 17. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
17.1
Amendment, Suspension or Termination
The Board or the Compensation Committee may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan or any portion of the Plan at any time and in such respects as it shall deem advisable; provided, however, that, to the extent required by applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule, stockholder approval shall be required for any amendment to the Plan; and provided, further, that any amendment that requires shareholder approval may be made only by the Board. Subject to Section 17.3, the Committee may amend the terms of any outstanding Award, prospectively or retroactively.
17.2
Term of the Plan
Unless sooner terminated as provided herein, the Plan shall terminate ten years from the Effective Date. After the Plan is terminated, no future Awards may be granted, but Awards previously granted shall remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and the Plans terms and conditions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Incentive Stock Options may be granted more than ten years after the later of (a) the Effective Date and (b) the approval by the stockholders.
17.3
Consent of Participant
The amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan or a portion thereof or the amendment of an outstanding Award shall not, without the Participants consent, materially adversely affect any rights under any Award theretofore granted to the Participant under the Plan. Any change or adjustment to an outstanding Incentive Stock Option shall not, without the consent of the Participant, be made in a manner so as to constitute a modification that would cause such Incentive Stock Option to fail to continue to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any adjustments made pursuant to Section 15 shall not be subject to these restrictions.
SECTION 18. GENERAL
18.1
No Individual Rights
No individual or Participant shall have any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan, and the Company has no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants under the Plan.
Furthermore, nothing in the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan shall be deemed to constitute an employment contract or confer or be deemed to confer on any Participant any right to continue in the employ of, or to continue any other relationship with, the Company or any Related Company or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Related Company to terminate a Participants employment or other relationship at any time, with or without cause.
18.2
Issuance of Shares
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Company shall have no obligation to issue or deliver any shares of Common Stock under the Plan or make any other distribution of benefits under the Plan unless, in the opinion of the Companys counsel, such issuance, delivery or distribution would comply with all applicable laws (including, without limitation, the requirements of the Securities Act or the laws of any state or foreign jurisdiction) and the applicable requirements of any securities exchange or similar entity.
The Company shall be under no obligation to any Participant to register for offering or resale or to qualify for exemption under the Securities Act, or to register or qualify under the laws of any state or foreign jurisdiction, any shares of Common Stock, security or interest in a security paid or issued under, or created by, the Plan, or to continue in effect any such registrations or qualifications if made.
As a condition to the exercise of an Option or any other receipt of Common Stock pursuant to an Award under the Plan, the Company may require (a) the Participant to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise or receipt that such shares are being purchased or received only for the Participants own account and without any present intention to sell or distribute such shares and (b) such other action or agreement by the Participant as may from time to time be necessary to comply with the federal, state and foreign securities laws. At the option of the Company, a stop-transfer order against any such shares may be placed on the official stock books and records of the Company, and a legend indicating that such shares may not be pledged, sold or otherwise transferred, unless an opinion of counsel is provided (concurred in by counsel for the Company) stating that such transfer is not in violation of any applicable law or regulation, may be stamped on stock certificates to ensure exemption from registration. The Committee may also require the Participant to execute and deliver to the Company a purchase agreement or such other agreement as may be in use by the Company at such time that describes certain terms and conditions applicable to the shares.
To the extent the Plan or any instrument evidencing an Award provides for issuance of stock certificates to reflect the issuance of shares of Common Stock, the issuance may be affected on a noncertificated basis, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law or the applicable rules of any stock exchange.
18.3
Indemnification
Each person who is or shall have been a member of the Board, or a committee appointed by the Board, or an officer of the Company to whom authority was delegated in accordance with Section 3, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such person in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit or proceeding to which such person may be a party or in which such person may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by such person in settlement thereof, with the Companys approval, or paid by such person in satisfaction of any judgment in any such claim, action, suit or proceeding against such person; provided, however, that such person shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before such person undertakes to handle and defend it on such persons own behalf, unless such loss, cost, liability or expense is a result of such persons own willful misconduct or except as expressly provided by statute.
The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such person may be entitled under the Companys certificate of incorporation or bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or of any power that the Company may have to indemnify or hold harmless.
18.4
No Rights as a Stockholder
Unless otherwise provided by the Committee or in the instrument evidencing the Award or in a written employment, services or other agreement, no Award, other than a Stock Award, shall entitle the Participant to any cash dividend, voting or other right of a stockholder unless and until the date of issuance under the Plan of the shares that are the subject of such Award.
18.5
Compliance With Laws and Regulations
In interpreting and applying the provisions of the Plan, any Option granted as an Incentive Stock Option pursuant to the Plan shall, to the extent permitted by law, be construed as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
18.6
Participants in Other Countries or Jurisdictions
Without amending the Plan, the Committee may grant Awards to Eligible Persons who are foreign nationals on such terms and conditions different from those specified in this Plan as may, in the judgment of the Committee, be necessary or desirable to foster and promote achievement of the purposes of the Plan and shall have the authority to adopt such modifications, procedures, subplans and the like as may be necessary or desirable to comply with provisions of the laws or regulations of other countries or jurisdictions in which the Company or any Related Company may operate or have employees to ensure the viability of the benefits from Awards granted to Participants employed in such countries or jurisdictions, meet the requirements that permit the Plan to operate in a qualified or tax-efficient manner, comply with applicable foreign laws or regulations and meet the objectives of the Plan.
18.7
No Trust or Fund
The Plan is intended to constitute an unfunded plan. Nothing contained herein shall require the Company to segregate any monies or other property, or shares of Common Stock, or to create any trusts, or to make any special deposits for any immediate or deferred amounts payable to any Participant, and no Participant shall have any rights that are greater than those of a general unsecured creditor of the Company.
18.8
Successors
All obligations of the Company under the Plan with respect to Awards shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all the business and/or assets of the Company.
18.9
Severability
If any provision of the Plan or any Award is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, or as to any person, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws, or, if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without, in the Committees determination, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, person or Award, and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.
18.10
Choice of Law
The Plan, all Awards granted thereunder and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant hereto, to the extent not otherwise governed by the laws of the United States, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Idaho without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.
18.11
Legal Requirements
The granting of Awards and the issuance of shares of Common Stock under the Plan is subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required.
SECTION 19. EFFECTIVE DATE
The effective date (the Effective Date) is the date on which the Plan as amended and restated as authorized as by the Board on February 13, 2015 and approved by the Board on April 29, 2015 is approved by the stockholders of the Company. If the stockholders of the Company do not approve the Plan within 12 months after the Boards adoption of the Plan, any Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan will be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options.
APPENDIX A
DEFINITIONS
As used in the Plan,
Acquired Entity means any entity acquired by the Company or a Related Company or with which the Company or a Related Company merges or combines.
Award means any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Stock Award, Restricted Stock, Stock Unit, Performance Share, Performance Unit, cash-based award or other incentive payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock as may be designated by the Committee from time to time.
Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
Cause, unless otherwise defined in the instrument evidencing an Award or in a written employment, services or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or a Related Company, means dishonesty, fraud, serious or willful misconduct, unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information or trade secrets, or conduct prohibited by law (except minor violations), in each case as determined by the Companys chief human resources officer or other person performing that function or, in the case of directors and executive officers, the Compensation Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive and binding.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Committee has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
Common Stock means the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company.
Company means International Isotopes Inc., a Texas corporation.
Compensation Committee means the Compensation Committee of the Board.
Covered Employee means a covered employee as that term is defined for purposes of Section 162(m)(3) of the Code or any successor provision.
Disability, unless otherwise defined by the Committee or in the instrument evidencing the Award or in a written employment, services or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or a Related Company, means a mental or physical impairment of the Participant that is expected to result in death or that has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of 12 months or more and that causes the Participant to be unable to perform his or her material duties for the Company or a Related Company and to be engaged in any substantial gainful activity, in each case as determined by the Companys chief human resources officer or other person performing that function or, in the case of directors and executive officers, the Compensation Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive and binding.
Effective Date has the meaning set forth in Section 20.
Eligible Person means any person eligible to receive an Award as set forth in Section 5.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
Fair Market Value means the average of the high and low trading prices for the Common Stock on any given date during regular trading, or if not trading on that date, such price on the last preceding date on which the Common Stock was traded, unless determined otherwise by the Committee using such methods or procedures as it may establish.
Grant Date means the later of (a) the date on which the Committee completes the corporate action authorizing the grant of an Award or such later date specified by the Committee or (b) the date on which all conditions precedent to an Award have been satisfied, provided that conditions to the exercisability or vesting of Awards shall not defer the Grant Date.
Incentive Stock Option means an Option granted with the intention that it qualify as an incentive stock option as that term is defined for purposes of Section 422 of the Code or any successor provision.
Nonqualified Stock Option means an Option other than an Incentive Stock Option.
Option means a right to purchase Common Stock granted under Section 7.
Parent Company means a company or other entity which as a result of a Company Transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Companys assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries.
Participant means any Eligible Person to whom an Award is granted.
Performance Award means an Award of Performance Shares or Performance Units granted under Section 11.
Performance Criteria has the meaning set forth in Section 16.1.
Performance Share means an Award of units denominated in shares of Common Stock granted under Section 11.1.
Performance Unit means an Award of units denominated in cash or property other than shares of Common Stock granted under Section 11.2.
Permitted Transferee means a member of an optionees immediate family, trusts for the benefit of such immediate family members, and partnerships in which the optionee and/or such immediate family members are the only partners, provided that no consideration is provided for the transfer. Immediate family members shall include an optionees descendants (children, grandchildren and more remote descendants), and shall include step-children and relationships arising from legal adoption.
Plan means the International Isotopes Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan.
Related Company means any entity that is directly or indirectly controlled by, in control of or under common control with the Company.
Restricted Stock means an Award of shares of Common Stock granted under Section 10, the rights of ownership of which are subject to restrictions prescribed by the Committee.
Retirement, unless otherwise defined in the instrument evidencing the Award or in a written employment, services or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or a Related Company, means Retirement as defined for purposes of the Plan by the Committee or the Companys chief human resources officer or other person performing that function or, if not so defined, means Termination of Service on or after the date the Participant reaches normal retirement age, as that term is defined in Section 411(a)(8) of the Code.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
Stock Appreciation Right or SAR means a right granted under Section 9.1 to receive the excess of the Fair Market Value of a specified number of shares of Common Stock over the grant price.
Stock Award means an Award of shares of Common Stock granted under Section 10, the rights of ownership of which are not subject to restrictions prescribed by the Committee.
Stock Unit means an Award denominated in units of Common Stock granted under Section 10.
Substitute Awards means Awards granted or shares of Common Stock issued by the Company in substitution or exchange for awards previously granted by an Acquired Entity.
Termination of Service means a termination of employment or service relationship with the Company or a Related Company for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary, including by reason of death, Disability or Retirement. Any question as to whether and when there has been a Termination of Service for the purposes of an Award and the cause of such Termination of Service shall be determined by the Companys chief human resources officer or other person performing that function or, with respect to directors and executive officers, by the Compensation Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive and binding. Transfer of a Participants employment or service relationship between the Company and any Related Company shall not be considered a Termination of Service for purposes of an Award. Unless the Compensation Committee determines otherwise, a Termination of Service shall be deemed to occur if the Participants employment or service relationship is with an entity that has ceased to be a Related Company.
Appendix B
PROPOSED CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
TO
RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION
OF
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC.
International Isotopes Inc. (the Corporation), a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the Texas Business Organizations Code, hereby certifies that:
1.
The name of the filing entity is International Isotopes Inc.
2.
The filing entity is a for-profit corporation.
3.
The Restated Certificate of Formation of the Corporation is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph to the end of Article IV:
Upon effectiveness of this Certificate of Amendment, a [__]-to-[__] reverse stock split of the Corporations Common Stock shall become effective, pursuant to which every [__] ([__]) outstanding shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the effectiveness of this Certificate of Amendment shall be automatically reclassified and combined into one (1) share of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, without any action by the holder thereof (the Reverse Stock Split), subject to the treatment of fractional interests as described below. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, no fractional shares will be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. Shareholders of record who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares, will be entitled to rounding up of their fractional share to the nearest whole share. No shareholders will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares. Each certificate that immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split represented shares of Common Stock (Old Certificates) shall thereafter represent that number of shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Common Stock represented by the Old Certificate shall have been combined, subject to the treatment of fractional interests as described above. The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation is authorized to issue shall not be affected by the Reverse Stock Split and shall remain as set forth in the first paragraph to this Article IV.
4.
The aforesaid amendment to the Corporations Restated Certificate of Formation has been approved in the manner required by the Texas Business Organizations Code and by the governing documents of the Corporation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, International Isotopes Inc. has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be signed by its duly authorized officer, this ___ day of _____, 20__.
INTERNATIONAL ISOTOPES INC. | ||
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