DEF 14A 1 ea166495-def14a_cinedigm.htm DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE l4A

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Filed by the Registrant ☒

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement
   
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
   
Definitive Proxy Statement
   
Definitive Additional Materials
   
Soliciting Material Under Rule l4a-l2

 

CINEDIGM CORP.

(Name of Registrant As Specified In Its Charter)

 

N/A
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):

 

No fee required.
   
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
   
Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CINEDIGM CORP.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held On November 10, 2022

 

Dear Fellow Stockholders:

 

We invite you to attend the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cinedigm Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), which will be held virtually on November 10, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time (the virtual “Annual Meeting”). At the Annual Meeting, you will be asked to vote on the following proposals (as more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice):

 

  1. To elect five (5) members of the Company’s Board of Directors to serve until the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (or until successors are elected or directors resign or are removed).
     
  2. To approve, by non-binding advisory vote, executive compensation.
     
  3. To approve an amendment to the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the total number of shares of Class A Common Stock available for issuance thereunder.
     
  4. To ratify the appointment of EisnerAmper LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023.
     
  5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on September 16, 2022 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

 

Important Notice Regarding Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting on November 10, 2022:

 

Cinedigm Corp.’s Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 are available at www.proxyvote.com.

 
 

 

YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. WE HOPE YOU WILL ATTEND THIS ANNUAL MEETING VIRTUALLY. HOWEVER, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE PROMPTLY VOTE YOUR SHARES VIA THE INTERNET OR THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN THE ENCLOSED MATERIALS. IF YOU RECEIVED A PROXY CARD BY MAIL, PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN IT IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED. IF YOU RECEIVED MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD, IT IS AN INDICATION THAT YOUR SHARES ARE REGISTERED IN MORE THAN ONE ACCOUNT. PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN EACH PROXY CARD YOU RECEIVE. IF YOU ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTE IN PERSON, YOUR VOTE BY PROXY WILL NOT BE USED.

 

  BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
   
  /s/ Christopher J. McGurk
  Christopher J. McGurk
  Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

New York, New York

Date: September 30, 2022

 

 

 

 

CINEDIGM CORP.

244 Fifth Avenue, Suite M289

New York, NY 10001

(212) 206-8600

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

2022 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

November 10, 2022

 

GENERAL

 

This Proxy Statement is being furnished to the stockholders of CINEDIGM CORP. (the “Company”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). The proxies are for use at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held virtually on November 10, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time, or at any adjournment thereof (the virtual “Annual Meeting”). The virtual Annual Meeting can be accessed via the internet by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CIDM2022 and entering the control number included in the Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card that you receive. At the virtual Annual Meeting, you will be able to listen to the meeting live, submit questions, and vote online. You will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person.

 

The shares represented by your proxy will be voted at the Annual Meeting as therein specified (if the proxy is properly executed and returned, and not revoked).

 

The shares represented by your proxy will be voted as indicated on your properly executed proxy. If no directions are given on the proxy, the shares represented by your proxy will be voted:

 

FOR the election of the director nominees named herein (Proposal One), unless you specifically withhold authority to vote for one or more of the director nominees.

 

FOR the approval of the non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation (Proposal Two).

 

FOR authorizing an amendment to the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the total number of shares of Class A Common Stock available for issuance thereunder. (Proposal Three).

 

FOR ratifying the appointment of EisnerAmper LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023 (Proposal Four).

 

The Company knows of no other matters to be submitted to the Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote the shares they represent as the Board may recommend.

 

These proxy solicitation materials are first being mailed or made available to the stockholders on or about September 30, 2022.

 

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VIRTUAL MEETING

 

This year, as last year, the Annual Meeting will be held virtually in light of health and safety concerns regarding COVID-19 that we and our stockholders may have and the protocols that have been imposed. We believe hosting the Annual Meeting virtually provides the safest forum for a meeting under current circumstances and that the virtual Annual Meeting format will provide stockholders with a similar level of transparency to the traditional in-person meeting format. If we experience technical difficulties at the virtual Annual Meeting and are not able to resolve them within a reasonable amount of time, we will adjourn the Annual Meeting to a later date and will provide notice of the date and time of such adjourned meeting on a Current Report on Form 8-K that we will file with the SEC.

 

VOTING SECURITIES

 

Stockholders of record at the close of business on September 16, 2022 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of the Record Date, 177,959,699 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value (“Class A Common Stock”), were issued and outstanding.

 

Each holder of Class A Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each share of Class A Common Stock held as of the Record Date.

 

QUORUM; ABSTENTIONS; BROKER NON-VOTES

 

A majority of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock as of the Record Date must be present, in person or by proxy, at the Annual Meeting in order to have the required quorum for the transaction of business. If the aggregate voting power of the shares of Class A Common Stock present, in person and by proxy, at the Annual Meeting does not constitute the required quorum, the Annual Meeting may be adjourned to a subsequent date for the purpose of obtaining a quorum.

 

Shares of Class A Common Stock that are voted “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” are treated as being present at the Annual Meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum. Shares that are voted “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” with respect to a matter will also be treated as shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting (the “Votes Cast”) with respect to such matter. Abstentions will be counted for purposes of quorum and will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” a proposal.

 

Broker non-votes (i.e., votes for shares of Class A Common Stock held as of the Record Date by brokers or other custodians as to which the beneficial owners have given no voting instructions) will be counted as “shares present” at the Annual Meeting for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business so long as the broker can vote on any proposal being considered. However, brokers cannot vote on their clients’ behalf on “non-routine” proposals for which they have not received voting instructions from their clients for such proposals. The vote on Proposals One, Two, and Three are considered “non-routine.” Accordingly, broker non-votes will not have any effect with respect to Proposals One, Two, and Three as shares that constitute broker non-votes are not considered entitled to vote on these matters.

 

Brokers do have authority to vote uninstructed shares for or against “routine” proposals. Proposal Four constitutes a “routine” proposal. Accordingly, a broker may vote uninstructed shares “FOR” or “AGAINST” Proposal Four.

 

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS TO BE PRESENTED AT NEXT ANNUAL MEETING

 

In order for any stockholder proposal submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), to be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement to be issued in connection with the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, such stockholder proposal must be received by the Company no later than June 2, 2023. Any such stockholder proposal submitted, including any accompanying supporting statement, may not exceed 500 words, as per Rule 14a-8(d) of the Exchange Act. Any such stockholder proposals submitted outside the processes of Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Exchange Act, which a stockholder intends to bring forth at the Company’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, will be untimely for purposes of Rule 14a-4 of the Exchange Act if received by the Company after August 16, 2023. In order for stockholders to give timely notice of nominations for directors, other than those nominated by the Company, for inclusion on a universal proxy card in connection with the 2023 Annual Meeting, notice must be submitted no later than September 11, 2023 and include all of the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act. All stockholder proposals must be made in writing addressed to the Company’s Secretary, Mr. Loffredo, at 244 Fifth Avenue, Suite M289, New York, NY 10001.

 

REVOCABILITY OF PROXY

 

Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving it at any time before its use by delivering to the Company’s Secretary, Mr. Loffredo, a written notice of revocation, a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Attending the Annual Meeting in and of itself will not constitute a revocation of a proxy.

 

DISSENTERS’ RIGHT OF APPRAISAL

 

Under Delaware General Corporation Law and the Company’s Fifth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), stockholders are not entitled to any appraisal or similar rights of dissenters with respect to any of the proposals to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting.

 

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SOLICITATION

 

Proxies may be solicited by certain of the Company’s directors, executive officers and regular employees, without additional compensation, in person, or by telephone, e-mail or facsimile. The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. The Company expects to reimburse brokerage firms, banks, custodians and other persons representing beneficial owners of shares of Class A Common Stock for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in forwarding solicitation material to such beneficial owners.

 

Some banks, brokers and other record holders have begun the practice of “householding” notices, proxy statements and annual reports. “Householding” is the term used to describe the practice of delivering a single set of notices, proxy statements and annual reports to any household at which two or more stockholders reside if a company reasonably believes the stockholders are members of the same family. This procedure reduces the volume of duplicate information stockholders receive and also reduces a company’s printing and mailing costs. The Company will promptly deliver an additional copy of any such document to any stockholder who writes or calls the Company. Alternatively, if you share an address with another stockholder and have received multiple copies of our notices, proxy statements and annual reports, you may contact us to request delivery of a single copy of these materials. Any such written request should be directed to Investor Relations at 244 Fifth Avenue, Suite M289, New York, NY 10001 or (212) 206-8600.

 

AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

 

Our proxy materials are primarily available to stockholders on the Internet, as permitted by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). A Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials will be mailed to stockholders beginning approximately September 30, 2022, and this Proxy Statement and form of proxy, together with our Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”), are first being made available to stockholders beginning approximately September 30, 2022. The Annual Report, which has been posted along with this Proxy Statement, is not a part of the proxy solicitation materials. Upon receipt of a written request, the Company will furnish to any shareholder, without charge, a copy of such Annual Report (without exhibits). Upon request and payment of $0.10 (ten cents) per page, copies of any exhibit to such Annual Report will also be provided. Any such written request should be directed to the Company’s Secretary at 244 Fifth Avenue, Suite M289, New York, NY 10001 or (212) 206-8600. These documents are also included in our filings with the SEC, which you can access electronically at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

  

ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO PROXY MATERIALS

 

This year we are pleased to apply the SEC rule that allows companies to furnish proxy materials to stockholders primarily over the Internet. We believe this method should expedite receipt of your proxy materials, lower costs of our Annual Meeting and help conserve natural resources. We encourage you to vote via the Internet by following the links to the Proxy Statement and Annual Report, which are both available at www.proxyvote.com. This Proxy Statement and the Annual Report are also available on the Company’s website at http://www.cinedigm.com.

 

PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

The Board currently consists of five (5) directors. All of the current members of the Board have been nominated for re-election. Stockholders and their proxies cannot vote for more than five (5) nominees at the Annual Meeting. Each nominee has consented to being named as a nominee for election as a director and has agreed to serve if elected; however, if a nominee should withdraw his or her name from consideration for any reason or otherwise become unable to serve before the Annual Meeting, the Board reserves the right to substitute another person as nominee, and the persons named on your proxy card as proxies will vote for any substitute nominated by the Board. At the Annual Meeting, directors will be elected to serve one-year terms expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are elected or until their earlier resignation or removal. This Proposal One relates to the election of directors to take effect immediately upon the Annual Meeting.

 

The directors shall be elected by a majority of the Votes Cast at the Annual Meeting in accordance with our by-laws. If any nominee is not available for election at the time of the Annual Meeting (which is not anticipated), the proxy holders named in the proxy, unless specifically instructed otherwise in the proxy, will vote for the election of such other person as the existing Board may recommend, unless the Board decides to reduce the number of directors of the Company. Certain information about the nominees to the Board is set forth below.

 

Christopher J. McGurk, 65, has been the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board since January 2011. Mr. McGurk was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Overture Films from 2006 until 2010 and also the Chief Executive Officer of Anchor Bay Entertainment, which distributed Overture Films’ products to the home entertainment industry. From 1999 to 2005, Mr. McGurk was Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (“MGM”), acting as the company’s lead operating executive until MGM was sold for approximately $5 billion to a consortium of investors. Mr. McGurk joined MGM from Universal Pictures, where he served in various executive capacities, including President and Chief Operating Officer, from 1996 to 1999. From 1988 to 1996, Mr. McGurk served in several senior executive roles at The Walt Disney Studios, including Studios Chief Financial Officer and President of The Walt Disney Motion Picture Group. Mr. McGurk currently serves on the board of IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:IDWM) and has previously served on the boards of BRE Properties, Inc., DivX Inc., DIC Entertainment, Pricegrabber.com, LLC and MGM Studios, Inc. Mr. McGurk’s extensive career in various sectors of the theatrical production and exhibition industry will provide the Company with the benefits of his knowledge of and experience in this field, as well as his wide-spread contacts within the industry.

 

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Ashok Amritraj, 66, has been a member of the Board since August 2021. He has been Chairman and CEO of Hyde Park Entertainment, Inc. since 2000 and is an internationally renowned award-winning film producer, having made over 100 films during the span of his 35-year career. Mr. Amritraj is involved with philanthropic causes, and was appointed a United Nations India Goodwill Ambassador in 2016 and, in 2018, by decree of the President of the Republic of France, was appointed a Chevalier (Knight) of the Ordre National du Merité. Mr. Amritraj serves on the Producers A2025 Committee to advance inclusion and equitable opportunities at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Mr. Amritraj’s extensive experience in the film production and movie industry provides the Board with valuable knowledge, insight and network relevant to the Company’s business.

  

Peter C. Brown, 64, has been a member of the Board since September 2010. He is Chairman of Grassmere Partners, LLC, a private investment firm, which he founded in 2009. Prior to founding Grassmere Partners, Mr. Brown served as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of AMC Entertainment Inc. (“AMC”), one of the world’s leading theatrical exhibition companies, from July 1999 until his retirement in February 2009. He joined AMC in 1990 and served as AMC’s President from January 1997 to July 1999 and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 1991 to 1997. Mr. Brown currently serves on the board of EPR Properties (NYSE: EPR), a specialty real estate investment trust (REIT). Mr. Brown also serves as a director of Lumen Technologies, Inc., a global leader in communications and technology. Past additional public company boards include: CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL), National CineMedia, Inc., Midway Games, Inc., LabOne, Inc., and Protection One, Inc. Mr. Brown’s extensive experience in the entertainment industry and other public company boards provides the Board with valuable knowledge and insight relevant to the Company’s business.

 

Patrick W. O’Brien, 76, has been a member of the Board since July 2015. He currently serves as the Managing Director & Principal of Granville Wolcott Advisors, a company he formed in 2009 which provides business consulting, due diligence and asset management services for public and private clients. From 2005 to 2009, Mr. O’Brien was a Vice President - Asset Management for Bentall-Kennedy Associates Real Estate Counsel where he represented pension fund ownership interests in hotel real estate investments nationwide. Mr. O’Brien has previously served as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Livevol, Inc., a private company that was a leader in equity and index options technology which was successfully sold to CBOE Holdings. During the past five years, Mr. O’Brien has also served on the boards of LVI Liquidation Corp., Creative Realities, Inc., ICPW Liquidation Trust, and Merriman Holdings, Inc. Mr. O’Brien brings to the Board his seasoned executive and business expertise in private and public companies with an emphasis on financial analysis and business development.

 

Peixin Xu, 50, has been a member of the Board since November 2017. Mr. Xu founded Bison Capital Holding Company Limited (“Bison”), an investment company with a focus on the media and entertainment, healthcare and financial service industries, in 2014 and has been serving as a partner and director since then. From 2013 to the present, Mr. Xu has been serving on the board of directors of Airmedia Group Inc. (Nasdaq: AMCN). Mr. Xu is a designee of Bison in connection with the Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Bison Agreement”) dated as of June 29, 2017, by and between the Company and Bison Entertainment Investment Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bison. Mr. Xu brings to the Board investment experience, including in the media industry, in the United States and in China.

 

In connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Bison Agreement, certain members of the Board and management, representing approximately 3.5% of the shares of Class A common stock available to be voted at the Annual Meeting, agreed to vote shares of Class A Common Stock owned or controlled by each such holder in favor of any Bison designee to the Board of Directors.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE.

 

PROPOSAL TWO
NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

SEC rules adopted pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, enacted in July 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), enable our stockholders to vote to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement.

 

As described in detail in the section entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, we believe that executive compensation should be focused on promoting Company performance and stockholder value. To achieve these goals our executive compensation program emphasizes pay for performance and aligning the interests of our executives with those of our stockholders through the use of long-term incentives and the encouragement of equity ownership. In addition, our executive compensation program is designed to allow us to recruit, retain and motivate employees who play a significant role in our current and future success. Please read the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the 2022 Summary Compensation Table and the other related tables and accompanying narrative for a detailed description of the fiscal year 2022 compensation of our named executive officers. We believe that the 2022 compensation of each of our named executive officers was reasonable and appropriate and aligned with the Company’s 2022 results and the achievement of the objectives of our executive compensation program.

 

The vote on this resolution is not intended to address any specific element of compensation; rather, the vote relates to the overall compensation of our named executive officers. This vote is advisory only and is not binding on the Company or the Board. Although the vote is non-binding, our Board values the opinions of our stockholders and the Board and the Compensation Committee will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for our named executive officers.

 

This non-binding proposal requires approval by a majority of the Votes Cast on this Proposal Two at the Annual Meeting.

 

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Accordingly, we ask our stockholders to vote in favor of the following resolution:

 

“RESOLVED, that the Company’s stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.”

 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” APPROVING THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.

  

PROPOSAL THREE

AMENDMENT TO 2017 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN TO INCREASE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK AVAILABLE FOR ISSUANCE THEREUNDER

 

Our Board adopted the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”), on August 7, 2017 and, in on August 31, 2017, our stockholders approved the 2017 Plan at an annual meeting of stockholders. Under the 2017 Plan, we may grant incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), performance awards including performance stock units (“PSUs”) and other equity-based awards. The 2017 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee and currently has an expiration date of August 31, 2027.

 

The 2017 Plan originally authorized up to 2,108,270 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock for issuance pursuant to awards made under the 2017 Plan. In December 2019, the 2017 Plan was amended to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance thereunder to 4,098,270; in October 2020, the 2017 Plan was amended to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance thereunder to 14,098,270; and in October 2021, the 2017 Plan was amended to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance thereunder to 18,098,270. The Company believes that the availability of an additional 7,000,000 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock under the 2017 Plan is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders because the availability of an adequate equity incentive program is an important factor in attracting and retaining qualified officers, directors and employees essential to the success of the Company (whether through acquisitions or otherwise) and in aligning their long-term interests with those of the stockholders. The increase in the number of shares of Class A Common Stock available for issuance under the 2017 Plan will permit the Company to continue the operation of the 2017 Plan for the benefit of new participants (either new hires to current operations, employees of acquired companies, or new directors who will receive an initial grant of shares of restricted stock upon joining the Board), as well as to allow additional awards to current participants. Participants under the 2017 Plan may include officers, directors and employees of the Company, as well as consultants to the Company under certain circumstances.

 

Pursuant to this proposal, in the form of the amendment attached hereto as Appendix A, the Board proposes to amend the 2017 Plan to increase the number of shares of Class A Common Stock authorized for issuance under the 2017 Plan from 18,098,270 to 25,098,270.

 

If approved by stockholders, the proposed amendment to the 2017 Plan would become effective promptly after such approval. As of September 22, 2022, 6,893,598 shares had been issued (upon stock grants and settlements of PSU and RSU grants) or were subject to outstanding awards (although it is unknown whether all such awards will be earned and/or vest and such shares will be issued) under the 2017 Plan. Accordingly, only 7,204672 shares remain available for future grants under the 2017 Plan. If the proposed amendment to the 2017 Plan is not approved, the 2017 Plan will continue as currently in effect unless and until otherwise amended in accordance with its terms.

  

Administration

 

The Compensation Committee administers the 2017 Plan. The Compensation Committee has the authority to select the individuals who will participate in the 2017 Plan (“Participants”) and to grant options, SARs, restricted stock and restricted stock units, performance shares and performance units and cash-based and other stock-based awards upon such terms (not inconsistent with the terms of the 2017 Plan) as the Compensation Committee considers appropriate. In addition, the Compensation Committee has complete authority to interpret all provisions of the 2017 Plan, to prescribe the form of notices or agreements evidencing awards under the 2017 Plan (each, an “Award Agreement”), to adopt, amend and rescind rules and regulations pertaining to the administration of the 2017 Plan and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the 2017 Plan, including revising the terms of the 2017 Plan as they apply to non-U.S. employees, to comply with local law.

 

The Compensation Committee may delegate its authority to administer the 2017 Plan to one of the Company’s officers. The Compensation Committee, however, may not delegate its authority with respect to individuals who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. As used in this summary, the term “Administrator” means the Compensation Committee and any delegate, as appropriate.

 

Eligibility

 

Any employee of the Company or an affiliate is eligible to participate in the 2017 Plan if the Administrator, in its sole discretion, determines that such person has contributed significantly or can be expected to contribute significantly to the profits or growth of the Company or its affiliates. A non-employee director of the Company or other third-party service provider to the Company may also be granted awards under the 2017 Plan so long as they do not promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities and their services are not in connection with the Company’s offering securities in a capital raising transaction. The Company is not able to estimate the number of individuals that the Administrator will select to participate in the 2017 Plan or the type or size of awards that the Administrator will approve. Therefore, the benefits to be allocated to any individual or to various groups of individuals are not presently determinable.

 

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Non-employee Director Awards

 

If the 2017 Plan is approved by stockholders, it is anticipated that each non-employee director will receive, following the date of each annual meeting of stockholders, a restricted stock award valued at $90,000, based on the trailing 20-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the Class A Common Stock as of the date of such annual meeting. These restricted stock awards will vest on a quarterly basis, so long as the director remains continuously in service. In addition, new non-employee directors will receive a grant of restricted stock valued at $180,000 based on the trailing 20-day VWAP of the Class A Common Stock as of the grant date (the date the director begins Board service), and such shares will vest in three equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. Non-employee directors will also be eligible to receive other types of awards under the 2017 Plan, but such awards are discretionary.

 

Awards

 

Options. Options granted under the 2017 Plan may be incentive stock options (“ISOs”) or nonqualified stock options. An option entitles the Participant to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock from the Company at the option price. The option price will be fixed by the Administrator at the time the option is granted, but the price cannot be less than the per share fair market value on the date of grant (or, with respect to ISOs, in the case of a holder of more than 10 percent of outstanding voting securities, 110 percent of the per share fair market value). The option price may be paid in cash, a cash equivalent acceptable to the Administrator, with shares of Class A Common Stock, by a cashless broker-assisted exercise, or a combination thereof, or any other method accepted by the Compensation Committee.

 

Options may be exercised in whole or in part at such times and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the Administrator, provided that an option shall be exercisable after a period of time specified by the Administrator which may not be less than one year, except as the Administrator may provide in an Award Agreement. The maximum period in which an option may be exercised will be fixed by the Administrator at the time the option is granted but cannot exceed 10 years (five years for ISOs granted to a holder of more than 10 percent of the Company’s outstanding voting securities). The Award Agreement will set forth the extent to which a Participant may exercise the option following termination of employment (which for non-employee directors and other third-party service providers shall mean a termination of the performance of services to the Company; references in this description of the new Plan to a “termination of employment” shall mean a termination of the performance of services where the award holder is a non-employee director or other third-party service provider to the Company). No employee may be granted ISOs that are first exercisable in a calendar year for Common Stock having an aggregate fair market value (determined as of the date the option is granted) exceeding $100,000.

 

SARs. Under the 2017 Plan, a stock appreciation right (“SAR”) generally entitles the Participant to receive with respect to each share of Class A Common Stock encompassed by the exercise of the SAR, the excess of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the initial value of the SAR. The initial value of the SAR is the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock on the date of grant.

 

SARs may be exercised at such times and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the Administrator, provided that an SAR shall be exercisable after a period of time specified by the Administrator which may not be less than one year, except as the Administrator may provide in an Award Agreement. The maximum period in which an SAR may be exercised will be fixed by the Administrator at the time the SAR is granted, but cannot exceed 10 years for awardees within the U.S. The Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which a Participant may exercise the SAR following termination of employment. The amount payable upon the exercise of an SAR may, in the Administrator’s discretion, be settled in cash, Class A Common Stock, or a combination thereof, or any other manner approved by the Administrator. The form in which the SAR will be paid out to a Participant after exercise, as well as any conditions on any shares of Class A Common Stock received upon exercise of an SAR, will be set forth in the Award Agreement pertaining to the SAR grant.

 

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. The 2017 Plan permits the grant of restricted stock and restricted stock units. Restricted stock units are similar to restricted stock except that no shares of Class A Common Stock are actually granted on the grant date of the award. An award of restricted stock or restricted stock units will be forfeitable, or otherwise restricted, until conditions established at the time of the grant are satisfied. These conditions may include, for example, a requirement that the Participant complete a specified period of service or the attainment of certain performance objectives. Any restrictions imposed on an award of restricted stock or restricted stock units will be prescribed by the Administrator. Restricted stock and restricted stock units shall vest over a period of at least one year, except as the Administrator may provide in an Award Agreement. The Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which a Participant may retain restricted stock or restricted stock units following termination of employment. Restricted stock will become freely transferrable by the Participant after all conditions and restrictions have been satisfied. Vested restricted stock units may, in the Administrator’s discretion, be settled in cash, Class A Common Stock, or a combination of cash and Class A Common Stock or any other manner approved by the Administrator.

 

Performance Units and Performance Shares. The 2017 Plan provides for the award of performance units and performance shares. A performance share award entitles a Participant to receive a payment equal to the fair market value of a specific number of shares of Class A Common Stock. A performance unit award is similar to a performance share award except that a performance unit award is not necessarily tied to the value of Class A Common Stock. The Administrator will prescribe the conditions that must be satisfied before an award of performance units or performance shares is earned. These conditions may include, for example, a requirement that the Participant complete a specified period of service or the attainment of certain performance objectives which, under the terms of the 2017 Plan, must be for a period of at least one year, except as the Administrator may provide in an Award Agreement. The Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which a Participant may retain performance units and performance shares following termination of employment. To the extent that performance units or performance shares are earned and vested, the obligation may be settled in cash, Class A Common Stock or a combination of cash and Class A Common Stock. If the award is settled in shares of Class A Common Stock, the shares may be subject to additional restrictions deemed appropriate by the Administrator.

  

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Cash-Based and Other Stock-Based Awards. The 2017 Plan also allows the Administrator to make cash-based and other stock and equity-based awards to Participants on such terms and conditions as the Administrator prescribes. The Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which a Participant may retain cash-based and other stock and equity-based awards following termination of employment. To the extent that any cash-based and other stock and equity-based awards are granted, they may, in the Administrator’s discretion, be settled in cash or Class A Common Stock.

 

Transferability

 

In general, awards available under the 2017 Plan will be nontransferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

 

Performance Objectives

 

The Compensation Committee may prescribe that (1) an option or SAR is exercisable, (2) an award of restricted stock or restricted stock units is vested or transferable or both, (3) performance units or performance shares are earned, or (4) payment under a cash-based or other stock-based award is earned, only upon the attainment of certain performance objectives. Such performance objectives may be used to measure the performance of any Participant, the Company, an affiliate, a subsidiary, as a whole or any business unit or line of business, or any combination thereof. The performance objectives may be measured on an absolute, gross, total, net per share, average, adjusted or relative basis (or measure based on changes therein), including as compared to the performance of a group of comparator companies or index. The performance objectives will be based on one or more of (a) net earnings or net income (before or after taxes); (b) earnings per share (basic or diluted); (c) net sales or revenue growth; (d) net operating profit; (e) return measures (including, but not limited to, return on assets, capital, invested capital, equity, sales, or revenue); (f) cash flow (including, but not limited to, throughput, operating cash flow, free cash flow, cash flow return on equity, and cash flow return on investment); (g) earnings before or after taxes, interest, depreciation, and/or amortization; (h) earnings before taxes; (i) gross or operating margins; (j) corporate value measures; (k) capital expenditures; (l) unit volumes; (m) productivity ratios; (n) share price (including, but not limited to, growth measures and total shareholder return); (o) cost or expense; (p) margins (including, but not limited to, debt or profit); (q) operating efficiency; (r) market share; (s) customer satisfaction; (t) working capital targets or any element thereof; (u) economic value added or EVA® (net operating profit after tax minus the sum of capital multiplied by the cost of capital); (v) health, safety and environmental performance; (w) corporate advocacy metrics; (x) strategic milestones (including, but not limited to, debt reduction, improvement of cost of debt, equity or capital, completion of projects, achievement of synergies or integration objectives, or improvements to credit rating, inventory turnover, weighted average cost of capital, implementation of significant new processes, productivity or production, product quality, and any combination of the foregoing); (y) strategic sustainability metrics (including, but not limited to, corporate governance, enterprise risk management, employee development, and portfolio restructuring); and (z) stockholder equity or net worth.

 

Change in Control

 

Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, upon a Change in Control of the Company the following shall occur:

 

  Unearned performance awards shall be (i) earned on a pro-rata basis at the higher of actual or target performance and (ii) measured as of the end of the calendar quarter before the change in control date or, if the award is stock-price based, as of the effective date of the change in control;

 

  Earned but unvested performance awards shall be immediately vested and payable as of the change in control;

 

  For awards other than performance awards, a Replacement Award (that is, a comparable award from the surviving entity after the change in control) may be issued.

 

  If a Replacement Award is not issued, awards shall be immediately payable or exercisable.

 

  Other than with respect to outstanding performance awards, the Compensation Committee may cancel outstanding awards and award holders will receive shares or cash equal to the difference between the payments shareholders receive in connection with the change in control and the purchase price per share, if any.

 

To the extent the Class A Common Stock continues to be publically traded after a qualifying change in control, awards that are not performance awards shall continue under their applicable terms.

 

Except as may be provided in a severance compensation agreement between the Company and the Participant, if, in connection with a change in control, a Participant’s payment of any awards will cause the Participant to be liable for federal excise tax levied on certain “excess parachute payments,” then either (i) all payments otherwise due; or (ii) the reduced payment amount to avoid an excess parachute payment, whichever will provide the Participant with the greater after-tax economic benefit taking into account any applicable excise tax, shall be paid to the Participant, and in no event will any Participant be entitled to receive any kind of gross-up payment or reimbursement for any excise taxes payable in connection with change in control payments.

 

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Share Authorization

 

The maximum aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock that may be issued under the 2017 Plan, consisting of Class A Common Stock issued and Class A Common Stock underlying outstanding awards granted on or after the date the 2017 Plan is approved by shareholders, is 18,098,270 shares, which includes 128,270 unused shares carried over from the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. This limitation will be adjusted as the Compensation Committee determines is appropriate in the event of a change in the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock by reason of a stock dividend, stock split, combination, reclassification, recapitalization or other similar event. The terms of outstanding awards and the limitations on individual grants also will be adjusted as the Compensation Committee determines is appropriate to reflect such changes.

 

If an award entitles the holder to receive or purchase shares of Class A Common Stock, the shares covered by such award or to which the award relates shall be counted against the aggregate number of shares available for awards under the 2017 Plan as follows:

 

  With respect to any awards, the number of shares available for awards shall be reduced by one share for each share covered by such award or to which the award relates; and

 

  Awards that do not entitle the holder to receive or purchase shares and awards that are settled in cash shall not be counted against the aggregate number of shares available for awards under the 2017 Plan.

 

In addition, any shares related to awards which terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation, or otherwise without issuance of shares shall be available again for grant under the 2017 Plan.

 

In no event, however, will the following shares again become available for awards or increase the number of shares available for grant under the 2017 Plan: (i) shares tendered by the Participant in payment of the exercise price of an option; (ii) shares withheld from exercised awards for tax withholding purposes; (iii) shares subject to a SAR that are not issued in connection with the settlement of that SAR; and (iv) shares repurchased by the Company with proceeds received from the exercise of an option.

 

Amendment and Termination

 

No award may be granted under the 2017 Plan after 10 years from the date the 2017 Plan was approved by stockholders. The Compensation Committee, may, without further action by stockholders, amend or terminate the 2017 Plan or an Award Agreement in whole or in part including adjustments in the terms and conditions of an Award in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events, except that no material amendment of the 2017 Plan, or an amendment that increases the number of shares of Class A Common Stock that may be issued under the 2017 Plan or otherwise requires stockholder approval under applicable rules or law, will become effective, and no option or SAR will be repriced, replaced, repurchased (including a cash buyout), or regranted through cancellation, unless and until approved by stockholders. Any amendment of the 2017 Plan must comply with the rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market and shall not have any material adverse effect with respect to any previously granted Award absent written consent of the Award holder.

 

Federal Income Tax Consequences

 

The Company has been advised by counsel regarding the federal income tax consequences of the 2017 Plan. No income is recognized by a Participant at the time an option or SAR is granted. If the option is an ISO, no income will be recognized upon the Participant’s exercise of the option (except that the alternative minimum tax may apply). Income is recognized by a Participant when he disposes of shares acquired under an ISO. The exercise of a nonqualified stock option or SAR generally is a taxable event that requires the Participant to recognize, as ordinary income, the difference between the shares’ fair market value and the option price. If a Participant disposes of shares acquired under an ISO before two years after the ISO was granted, or before one year after the ISO was exercised, this is a “disqualifying disposition” and the Participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the excess of the amount received for the shares over the option price.

 

Income is recognized on account of the award of restricted stock and performance shares when the shares first become transferable or are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture unless the Participant makes an election to recognize income currently under Section 83(b) of the Code. At the applicable time, the Participant recognizes income equal to the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock.

 

With respect to awards of performance units, restricted stock units, and cash-based awards, a Participant will recognize ordinary income equal to any cash that is paid and the fair market value of Class A Common Stock that is received in settlement of an award.

 

The Company generally will be entitled to claim a federal income tax deduction on account of the exercise of a nonqualified stock option or SAR or upon the taxability to the recipient of restricted stock and performance shares, the settlement of a performance unit or restricted stock unit, and the payment of a cash-based or other stock-based award (subject to tax limitations on the Company’s deductions in any year that certain remuneration paid to certain executives exceeds $1 million). The amount of the deduction is equal to the ordinary income recognized by the Participant. The Company will not be entitled to a federal income tax deduction on account of the grant or the exercise of an ISO unless the Participant has made a “disqualifying disposition” of the shares acquired on exercise of the ISO, in which case the Company will be entitled to a deduction at the same time and in the same amount as the Participant’s recognition of ordinary income.

 

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Our Class A Common Stock is listed for trading on The Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “CIDM”. The last reported closing price per share of our Class A Common Stock as reported by Nasdaq on September 28, 2022 was $0.45 per share.

 

The Company does not have any plans, proposals or arrangements to make grants or issue any of the shares of Common Stock that would become newly available for issuance under the 2017 Plan following the increase proposed in this Proposal Three, other than grants and issuances made in the ordinary course.

 

This proposal requires approval by a majority of the Votes Cast on this Proposal Three at the Annual Meeting.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE 2017 PLAN TO INCREASE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK AVAILABLE FOR ISSUANCE THEREUNDER.

  

PROPOSAL FOUR

RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF OUR

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board has selected the firm of EisnerAmper LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, subject to ratification by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting. EisnerAmper LLP has been our independent registered public accounting firm since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. No representative of EisnerAmper LLP is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting.

 

This proposal requires approval by a majority of the Votes Cast on this Proposal Four at the Annual Meeting.

 

More information about our independent registered public accounting firm is available under the heading “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” on page 26 below.

 

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF EISNERAMPER LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2023.

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

The Board does not know of any other matters that may be brought before the Annual Meeting. However, if any such other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, the proxies may use their own judgment to determine how to vote your shares.

 

MATTERS RELATING TO OUR GOVERNANCE

 

Board of Directors

 

The Board oversees the Company’s risk management including understanding the risks the Company faces and what steps management is taking to manage those risks, as well as understanding what level of risk is appropriate for the Company. The Board’s role in the Company’s risk oversight process includes receiving regular updates from members of senior management on areas of material risk to the Company, including operational, financial, legal and regulatory, human resources, employment, and strategic risks.

 

The Company’s leadership structure currently consists of the combined role of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and a separate Lead Independent Director. Mr. O’Brien serves as our Lead Independent Director. The Lead Independent Director’s responsibilities include presiding at all meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors, serving as a liaison between the Chairman and the independent directors, reviewing information sent to the Board, consulting with the Nominating Committee with regard to the membership and performance evaluations of the Board and Board committee members, calling meetings of and setting agendas for the independent directors, and serving as liaison for communications with stockholders.

 

The Board intends to meet at least quarterly and the independent directors serving on the Board intend to meet in executive session (i.e., without the presence of any non-independent directors and management) immediately following regularly scheduled Board meetings. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 (the “Last Fiscal Year”), the Board held five (5) meetings and acted sixteen (16) times by unanimous written consent in lieu of holding a meeting. Each current member of the Board, who was then serving, attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board, except for Mr. Xu, and of the committees of the Board on which they served in the Last Fiscal Year. No individual may be nominated for election to the Board after his or her 73rd birthday. Messrs. Amritraj, Brown and O’Brien are considered “independent” under the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq.

 

The Company does not currently have a policy in place regarding attendance by Board members at the Company’s annual meetings of stockholders.

 

The Board has three standing committees, consisting of an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating Committee.

 

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Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Amritraj, Brown and O’Brien. Mr. Brown is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee held four (4) meetings in the Last Fiscal Year. The Audit Committee has met with the Company’s management and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to review and help ensure the adequacy of its internal controls and to review the results and scope of the auditors’ engagement and other financial reporting and control matters. Mr. Brown is financially literate, and Mr. Brown is financially sophisticated, as those terms are defined under the rules of Nasdaq. Mr. Brown is also a financial expert, as such term is defined under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Messrs. Amritraj, Brown and O’Brien are considered “independent” under the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq.

 

The Audit Committee has adopted a formal written charter (the “Audit Charter”). The Audit Committee is responsible for ensuring that the Company has adequate internal controls and is required to meet with the Company’s auditors to review these internal controls and to discuss other financial reporting matters. The Audit Committee is also responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the auditors. Additionally, the Audit Committee is responsible for the review and oversight of all related party transactions and other potential conflict of interest situations between the Company and its officers, directors, employees and principal stockholders. The Audit Charter is available on the Company’s Internet website at www.cinedigm.com.

  

Compensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Brown and O’Brien. Mr. O’Brien is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee met ten (10) times during the Last Fiscal Year and acted one (1) time by unanimous written consent in lieu of holding a meeting. The Compensation Committee approves the compensation package of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and, based on recommendations by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, approves the levels of compensation and benefits payable to the Company’s other executive officers, reviews general policy matters relating to employee compensation and benefits and recommends to the entire Board, for its approval, stock option and other equity-based award grants to its executive officers, employees and consultants and discretionary bonuses to its executive officers and employees. The Compensation Committee has the authority to appoint and delegate to a sub-committee the authority to make grants and administer bonus and compensation plans and programs. Messrs. Brown and O’Brien are considered “independent” under the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq.

 

The Compensation Committee has adopted a formal written charter (the “Compensation Charter”). The Compensation Charter sets forth the duties, authorities and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Charter is available on the Company’s Internet website at www.cinedigm.com.

 

The Compensation Committee, when determining executive compensation (including under the executive compensation program, as discussed below under the heading Compensation Discussion and Analysis), evaluates the potential risks associated with the compensation policies and practices. The Compensation Committee believes that the Company’s compensation programs are designed with an appropriate balance of risk and reward in relation to the Company’s overall compensation philosophy and do not encourage excessive or unnecessary risk-taking behavior. In general, the Company compensates its executives in a combination of cash and equity awards. The equity awards contain either or both performance targets and vesting provisions, both of which encourage the executives, on a long-term basis, to strive to enhance the value of such compensation as measured by the trading price of the Class A common stock or other performance metrics. The Compensation Committee does not believe that this type of compensation encourages excessive or unnecessary risk-taking behavior. As a result, we do not believe that risks relating to our compensation policies and practices for our employees are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company intends to recapture compensation if and as required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. However, there have been no instances where it needed to recapture any compensation.

 

During the Last Fiscal Year, the Compensation Committee engaged Aon, a compensation consulting firm. The consultant provided guidance for cash and equity compensation to executive officers and directors, as requested, which the Compensation Committee considered in reaching its determinations of such compensation. In addition, the consultant was available to respond to specific inquiries throughout the year.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

The Compensation Committee currently consists of Messrs. Brown and O’Brien. Mr. O’Brien is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. None of such members was, at any time during the Last Fiscal Year or at any previous time, an officer or employee of the Company.

 

None of the Company’s directors or executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any other entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of the Company’s board of directors. No member of the Compensation Committee had any relationship with us requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K.

 

Nominating Committee

 

The Nominating Committee consists of Messrs. Amritraj, Brown and O’Brien. Mr. Brown is the Chairman of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee held one (1) meeting during the Last Fiscal Year. The Nominating Committee evaluates and approves nominations for annual election to, and to fill any vacancies in, the Board and recommends to the Board the directors to serve on committees of the Board. The Nominating Committee also approves the compensation package of the Company’s directors. Messrs. Amritraj, Brown and O’Brien are considered “independent” under the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq.

 

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The Nominating Committee has adopted a formal written charter (the “Nominating Charter”). The Nominating Charter sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Nominating Committee and the general skills and characteristics that the Nominating Committee employs to determine the individuals to nominate for election to the Board. The Nominating Charter is available on the Company’s Internet website at www.cinedigm.com.

 

The Nominating Committee will consider any director candidates recommended by stockholders. In considering a candidate submitted by stockholders, the Nominating Committee will take into consideration the needs of the Board and the qualifications of the candidate. Nevertheless, the Board may choose not to consider an unsolicited recommendation if no vacancy exists on the Board and/or the Board does not perceive a need to increase the size of the Board.

 

There are no specific minimum qualifications that the Nominating Committee believes must be met by a Nominating Committee-recommended director nominee. However, the Nominating Committee believes that director candidates should, among other things, possess high degrees of integrity and honesty; have literacy in financial and business matters; have no material affiliations with direct competitors, suppliers or vendors of the Company; and preferably have experience in the Company’s business and other relevant business fields (for example, finance, accounting, law and banking). The Nominating Committee considers diversity together with the other factors considered when evaluating candidates but does not have a specific policy in place with respect to diversity.

 

Members of the Nominating Committee meet in advance of each of the Company’s annual meetings of stockholders to identify and evaluate the skills and characteristics of each director candidate for nomination for election as a director of the Company. The Nominating Committee reviews the candidates in accordance with the skills and qualifications set forth in the Nominating Charter and the rules of the Nasdaq. There are no differences in the manner in which the Nominating Committee evaluates director nominees based on whether or not the nominee is recommended by a stockholder.

 

Board Composition

 

Our Board is committed to diversity of experience, gender, race and ethnicity, and seek to ensure that there is diversity of thought among our directors. Our Board believes that its directors should be of a diverse group of individuals who have broad experience and the ability to exercise sound business judgment. The Company believes that diversity of thought stems from many factors including professional experience, life experience, socio-economic background, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, skill set, and geographic representation. The Company believes that the backgrounds and qualifications of the directors, considered as a group, should provide a significant composite mix of experience, knowledge, abilities, and shareholder and community representation that will allow the board to fulfill its responsibilities.

 

In August 2021, the SEC approved a Nasdaq Stock Market proposal to adopt new listing rules relating to board diversity and disclosure. As approved by the SEC, the new Nasdaq listing rules require all Nasdaq listed companies to disclose consistent, transparent diversity statistics regarding their boards of directors. The rules also require most Nasdaq-listed companies to have, or explain why they do not have, at least two diverse directors, including one who self-identifies as female and one who self identifies as either an under-represented minority or LGBTQ+. Because our Board consists of only five (5) directors, the Company is required to have at least one diverse director. The Board Diversity Matrix below presents the board’s diversity statistics in the format prescribed by the Nasdaq rules.

 

Board Diversity Matrix (as of September 16, 2022)

 

Total Number of Directors   5
    Male
Part I: Gender Identity
Directors   5
Part II: Demographic Background
Asian   2
White   3

 

Stock Ownership Guidelines

 

The Board has adopted stock ownership guidelines for its non-employee directors, pursuant to which the non-employee directors are required to acquire, within three (3) years, and maintain until separation from the Company, shares equal in value to a minimum of three (3) times the value of the annual cash retainer (not including committee or per-meeting fees) payable to such director. Shares acquired as Board retainer fees and shares owned by an investment entity with which a non-employee director is affiliated may be counted toward the stock ownership requirement. As of March 31, 2022, each of Messrs. Brown, O’Brien and Xu currently meet the stock ownership guidelines, and Mr. Amritraj is within the three (3) year acquisition period.

 

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

 

The Company is committed to responsible and sustainable business practices. We are currently in the process of building our ESG strategy, with the goal of transparently communicating about our most material ESG impacts and initiatives.

 

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Sustainability

 

The Company is committed to working in a responsible and sustainable way to produce as few negative environmental effects as possible from our operations. Our core business does not result in any significant negative environmental effects. We note our leading role in the conversion, starting in 2005, from using analog films, which had to be shipped to theatre destinations, causing greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately waste of the film after use, to digital projection of virtually all major and independent studio films, which are now electronically delivered to theatre destinations. In addition, our current CEG business concentrates on digital and streaming distribution of content, which again is environmentally-friendly. This conversion and streaming approach significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with the film exhibition industry.

 

Talent

 

We are evolving our culture and our human capital strategies to best serve all of our employees and align with our growth strategies and the changing social environments. We believe that fostering a culture that is values-based, responsible, ethical and inclusive motivates and empowers our employees, which enables us to attract and retain talented people, engage them in meaningful and inspiring work and, as a result, fulfill our business goals and objectives. We regularly engage with our employees to monitor their needs and expectations and respond to meet these evolving employee needs.

 

We provide market-competitive compensation and benefits to our employees. Our benefits programs are reviewed each year to ensure that we are meeting current practices in providing benefits that meet the health and safety needs of our employees. When special circumstances occur, such as the recent pandemic, we adjust our benefits to meet our employees’ needs.

 

Health and Safety

 

We are focused on the health, safety and well-being of our employees. We provide mental and physical well-being programs to all employees. We have continued measures to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure employee health, safety and well-being.

 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

 

We are committed to diverse representation across all levels of our workforce to reflect the vibrant and thriving diversity of the communities which make up our customers, stockholders and home communities. Fostering a work environment that is culturally diverse, inclusive and equitable is important to us. We believe that our business accomplishments are a result of the efforts of our employees and that a diverse employee population will result in a better understanding of our customers’ needs. We respect the unique attributes of each individual. Our DE&I purpose is to evolve the organization and our culture to reflect the customers and communities we serve, where differences in background, thought and experience are welcomed, valued and celebrated. We demonstrate purposeful actions and incorporate intentional practices to drive these inclusive behaviors in our daily work. We are committed to continually reviewing our operational practices and aligning DE&I initiatives with business objectives.

 

Social

 

We encourage our employees to give back to the community. In 2021, we initiated a Community Service Policy that provides paid time off to employees volunteering with qualified charitable organizations or causes (which organizations or causes may not discriminate based on creed, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy or any other legally protected classification). In addition, we have implemented a summer internship program in conjunction with C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California, a non-profit inner-city youth program. This 8-week program will provide for four college students to rotate through four departments at Cinedigm.

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

We have adopted a code of ethics applicable to all members of the Board, executive officers and employees. Such code of ethics is available on our Internet website, www.cinedigm.com. We intend to disclose any amendment to, or waiver of, a provision of our code of ethics by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC.

 

Stockholder Communications

 

The Board currently does not provide a formal process for stockholders to send communications to the Board. In the opinion of the Board, it is appropriate for the Company not to have such a process in place because the Board believes there is currently not a need for a formal policy due to, among other things, the limited number of stockholders of the Company. While the Board will, from time to time, review the need for a formal policy, at the present time, stockholders who wish to contact the Board may do so by submitting any communications to the Company’s Secretary, Mr. Loffredo, 244 Fifth Avenue, Suite M289, New York, NY 10001, with an instruction to forward the communication to a particular director or the Board as a whole. Mr. Loffredo will receive the correspondence and forward it to any individual director or directors to whom the communication is directed.

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

As of September 16, 2022, the Company’s directors, executive officers, and principal stockholders beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate, approximately 15.7% of its outstanding Class A common stock. These stockholders have significant influence over the Company’s business affairs, with the ability to control matters requiring approval by the Company’s stockholders.

 

The following table sets forth as of September 16, 2022, certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Class A common stock as to (i) each person known by the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Class A common stock, (ii) each of the Company’s directors, (iii) each of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its two other most highly compensated individuals who were serving as executive officers at the end of the Last Fiscal Year, for services rendered in all capacities during the Last Fiscal Year (the “Named Executive Officers”), and (iv) all of the company’s directors and executive officers as a group.

 

CLASS A COMMON STOCK

 

   Shares Beneficially Owned (b) 
Name (a)  Number   Percent 
Christopher J. McGurk   4,417,042(c)   2.5%
Gary S. Loffredo   1,556,033(d)   * 
Erick Opeka   1,190,940(e)   * 
Ashok Amritraj   169,645    * 
Peter C. Brown   382,101(f)   * 
Patrick W. O’Brien   302,746    * 
Peixin Xu   21,760,024(g)   12.1%
Mingtai Investment LP   9,005,772(h)   5.1%
All directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons)   30,078,531(i)   16.4%

 

(a) Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each person named in the table is c/o Cinedigm Corp.,  244 Fifth Avenue, Suite M289, New York, NY 10001.
 (b) Applicable percentage of ownership is based on 177,959,699 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding as of September 16, 2022 together with all applicable options, warrants and other securities convertible into shares of our Class A Common Stock for such stockholder. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and includes voting and investment power with respect to shares. Shares of Class A Common Stock subject to options, warrants or other convertible securities exercisable within 60 days after September 16, 2022 are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding such options, warrants or other convertible securities, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. Except as otherwise noted, the named beneficial owner has the sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of Class A Common Stock shown. Certain information is based on the numbers of shares reported in the most recent Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G, as amended, as applicable, filed by stockholders with the SEC through September 16, 2022 and information provided by holders or otherwise known to the Company
(c) Includes (i) 150,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying currently exercisable options and (ii) 1,950,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying currently exercisable stock appreciation rights.
(d) Includes 35,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying currently exercisable options and 1,100,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying currently exercisable stock appreciation rights.
(e) Includes (i) 8,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying currently exercisable options and (ii) 855,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying currently exercisable stock appreciation rights.
(f) Includes 92,067 shares owned by Grassmere Partners LLC, of which Mr. Brown is Chairman.  Mr. Brown disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein.
(g) Includes (i) 189,270 shares of Class A Common Stock owned directly, (ii) 1,400,000 shares of Class A Common Sock subject to issuance upon exercise of currently exercisable warrants held by Bison Entertainment and Media Group (“BEMG”),  (iii) 9,005,772 shares of Class A Common Stock held by Mingtai Investment LP (“Mingtai”), (iv) 3,898,615 shares of Class A Common Stock held by Antai Investment LP (“Antai”), and (v) 7,266,367 shares of Class A Common Stock held by Shangtai Asset Management LP (“Shangtai”). BEMG is wholly-owned by Bison Capital Holding Company Limited. Mr. Xu’s spouse, Fengyun Jiang, is the sole owner of Bison Capital Holding Company Limited. Mingtai is indirectly managed by a subsidiary of Bison Finance Group Limited (“BFGL”), which is controlled by Mr. Xu. Shangtai is indirectly managed by a subsidiary of BFGL. Mr. Xu controls the manager of the general partner of Antai. The business address of Mr. Xu is 609-610 21st Century Tower, No. 40 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100016.
(h) The business address of Mingtai Investment LP is 609-610 21st Century Tower, No. 40 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100016.
(i) Includes a total of 5,798,000 shares that are not currently outstanding, consisting of (i) 193,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying currently exercisable options, (ii) 4,205,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying currently exercisable stock appreciation rights, and (iii) 1,400,000 shares of Class A common stock subject to issuance upon exercise of currently exercisable warrants.

 

13

 

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

Executive Officers

 

The Company’s executive officers are Christopher J. McGurk, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Gary S. Loffredo, President, Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel, and Secretary, and Erick Opeka, Executive Vice President and President of Cinedigm Digital Networks. Biographical information for Mr. McGurk is included above.

 

Gary S. Loffredo, 57, has been the Company’s President since December 2020, Chief Operating Officer since February 2019, and General Counsel and Secretary since October 2011. He had previously served as President of Digital Cinema since 2011, as Senior Vice President - Business Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary since 2000, as Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer from June 2010 through December 2010, and was a member of the Board from September 2000 - October 2015. From March 1999 to August 2000, he had been Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Cablevision Cinemas d/b/a Clearview Cinemas. Mr. Loffredo was an attorney at the law firm of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP from September 1992 to February 1999. Having been with the Company since its inception and with Clearview Cinemas prior thereto, Mr. Loffredo has over two decades of experience in the cinema exhibition industry, both on the movie theatre and studio sides, as well as legal training and general business experience, which skills and understanding are beneficial to the Company.

 

John K. Canning, 56, joined Cinedigm in September 2021 as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to Cinedigm, Mr. Canning was the CFO of Firefly Systems Inc., an ad-tech startup in Silicon Valley, from 2019 to August 2021. From 2018-2019, he was the interim CFO at Tapjoy, Inc., also an ad-tech company. From 2016-2018, Mr. Canning was Group Vice President, Finance, Discovery Channel Portfolio. Prior to that, Mr. Canning served in various finance leadership roles at various companies including Clear Channel Outdoor and The Walt Disney Company for a combined total of nearly 10 years. Prior to Disney, Canning enjoyed a successful management consulting career, spending more than a dozen years at prominent firms including Deloitte and KPMG.

 

Erick Opeka, 48, has been the Company’s Chief Strategy Officer since December 2020 and President of Cinedigm Networks since joining the Company in 2014, when, as EVP of Digital Networks, he oversaw the distribution of Cinedigm’s OTT networks online, as well as on mobile devices, gaming consoles, and connected TVs. Mr. Opeka was integral in the development and launch of the Company’s flagship digital first networks, further expanding the Company’s growth through landmark partnerships with leading platforms such as Sling TV, XUMO, and Twitch, among others. Prior to joining Cinedigm, Mr. Opeka served as Senior Vice President and head of New Video Digital, which he grew into the largest global aggregator of independent digital content for more than 850 content partners including A&E Networks, The Jim Henson Company, Berman Braun, and others.

 

Key Employees

 

The Company’s key employees, other than executive officers, are Yolanda Macías, Chief Content Officer of Cinedigm Entertainment Group, and Tony Huidor, Chief Technology & Product Officer.

 

Yolanda Macías, 57, joined Cinedigm in 2013 and has been the Chief Content Officer of Cinedigm Entertainment Group since December 2020, in connection with which she is responsible for acquiring global content rights for all distribution and streaming platforms and oversees all third party digital and physical sales and marketing. Previously, Ms. Macías has over 25 years of entertainment distribution experience, including executive positions at Vivendi/Universal from 2004 to 2012, DIRECTV from 1996 to 2003, and The Walt Disney Company from 1992 to 1995. Ms. Macias currently serves on the Board of Directors of Skechers U.S.A., Inc. (NYSE:SKX), as well as the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of C5LA, which is a non-profit organization that helps under-resourced, high potential youth to enroll and to succeed in college. She also serves on the Advisory Board for The Digital Entertainment Group’s Canon Club, which is dedicated to supporting women in entertainment and technology.

 

Tony Huidor, 53, has been the Company’s Chief Technology & Product Officer since July 2021. Since joining Cinedigm in 2015, he has managed the launch and daily operations of the Company’s portfolio of subscription and ad-supported digital-first channels, as well as overseeing overall product development of all desktop and mobile apps for Cinedigm’s portfolio of streaming services including the recently launched flagship service Cineverse. He conceived and designed Cinedigm’s proprietary Matchpoint distribution platform which has allowed the Company to effectively streamline and scale its digital content distribution business. He previously served as Vice President of Operations for Universal Music Group (UMG) then later transitioned into VP of Technical Product Development for Universal Music Group Distribution (UMGD), where he played an integral part in establishing the company’s digital and mobile business which generated significant revenue for the company. Prior to his tenure at Universal Music, he worked as Director of Product Development for the Walt Disney Internet Group where he was responsible for the creation and development of subscription-based video streaming products worldwide. In addition, he established Disney Mobile where he managed the creation and production of all premium mobile content worldwide across the Disney and Pixar portfolio of brands with a strong emphasis on the European and Asian-Pacific regions.

 

 Related Party Transactions

 

The Audit Committee, pursuant to its charter, is responsible for the review and oversight of all related party transactions and other potential conflict of interest situations, by review in advance or ratification afterward. The Audit Committee charter does not set forth specific standards to be applied; rather, the Audit Committee reviews each transaction individually on a case-by-case, facts and circumstances basis.

 

On January 5, 2022, the Company entered into a letter agreement with Hyde Park, pursuant to which the Company and Hyde Park are collaborating on the development, production and/or distribution of a project based on the novel Audition by Ryu Murakami (the “Audition Project”). Each of the Company and Hyde Park owns 50% of the rights in connection with the Audition Project. The Company paid $100 thousand to Hyde Park plus $26 thousand in legal fees to counsel for the Audition project. Ashok Amritraj, a director of the Company, is the Chairman and CEO of Hyde Park and has an interest in 100% of the revenues of Hyde Park. Ashok Amritraj is a current board member and related party to the Company.

 

14

 

 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

This section describes the compensation program and related decisions for our Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”) in our fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 (“Fiscal 2022”). As a “smaller reporting company,” as that term is defined under SEC rules, we are not required to include a “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and are permitted to exclude certain executive compensation tables from our disclosure.

 

We have elected to include this Compensation Discussion& Analysis (“CD&A”) as well as additional tables required under Item 402 of Regulation S-K on a voluntary basis. As permitted under Item 402, we are not including pay ratio disclosure in light of our status as a smaller reporting company. This CD&A is intended to be read in conjunction with the tables beginning on page 19, which provide historical compensation information for the following NEOs:

 

NEOs   Title
Christopher J. McGurk   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Gary S. Loffredo   President, Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary
Erick Opeka   Chief Strategy Officer and President of Cinedigm Digital Networks

 

Quick CD&A Reference Guide

 

Compensation Program Overview  Section I
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives  Section II
Pay Mix  Section III
Competitive Positioning  Section IV
Elements of Compensation  Section V
Additional Compensation Practices and Policies  Section VI

 

I. Compensation Program Overview

 

The Company’s executive compensation program is designed to attract, motivate and retain highly skilled and experienced individuals to attain the Company’s corporate goals. To do so, the program provides competitive compensation packages that motivate executive officers, links pay to performance and aligns executive officers’ interests with those of the Company and its shareholders over the long term.

 

The executive compensation program for the NEOs is administered by the Compensation Committee, all of the members of which are independent. The Compensation Committee annually reviews the executive compensation elements and assesses the integrity of the compensation program as a whole to ensure that it continues to be aligned with the Company’s compensation objectives and supports the attainment of Company goals.

 

As the Company has evolved, so too has the compensation program. During the last several years, Cinedigm’s executive compensation for NEOs has been transitioning to a more performance-oriented program. The Company aims to improve both shareholder returns and its cash position. To help achieve these goals, the Compensation Committee has designed the compensation program to reward the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and other employees for achieving strategic goals and increasing shareholder value by linking a portion of pay to performance through annual cash and equity, and long-term equity incentives.

 

II. Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

 

Cinedigm’s executive compensation program is focused on enabling the Company to hire and retain qualified and motivated executives, motivating them to meet its business needs and objectives. The executive compensation program has been designed around the following objectives:

 

  Provide competitive compensation levels to enable the recruitment and retention of highly qualified executives.

 

  Strengthen the link between pay and corporate and business unit performance encouraging and rewarding excellence and contributions to support Cinedigm’s success.

 

  Align the interests of executives with those of shareholders through grants of equity-based compensation that promote increasing shareholder value and also provide opportunities for ongoing executive share ownership.

 

An overarching principle in delivering on these objectives is to ensure that compensation decisions are made in the Company’s best financial interests such that incentive awards are both affordable and reasonable, taking into account Company performance and circumstances and considering the interests of all stakeholders.

 

III. Pay Mix

 

The Company’s pay philosophy has evolved from an emphasis on fixed pay to one that is based on the belief that a substantial portion of each executive’s compensation should be at risk and dependent upon performance. While the Compensation Committee has not adopted a targeted mix of either long-term to short-term, fixed to variable, or equity and non-equity compensation, it has taken steps to increase the portion of variable compensation. Steps in this direction include the continuation of the performance-based annual incentive program (MAIP) and more regular equity grants.

 

15

 

 

IV. Compensation Determination Process

 

The Compensation Committee designs the executive compensation program with the intention of accomplishing the goals described above. In determining executive compensation, the Compensation Committee obtains input and advice from its independent compensation consultant. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves compensation and performance awards to the CEO and executive officers and considers financial, operational and share price performance to determine appropriate executive compensation parameters. The Compensation Committee also considers the results of the prior stockholders’ advisory vote on executive compensation. To date, the stockholders have approved, on a non-binding advisory basis, of executive compensation.

 

Role of the Independent Compensation Consultant

 

The Compensation Committee has selected and retained Aon as its independent compensation consultant to assist it in the performance of its duties and responsibilities. While the Compensation Committee took into consideration the review and recommendations of this independent consultant when making decisions about the Company’s executive and director compensation practices, the Compensation Committee ultimately made its own independent decisions about these matters.

 

Competitive Assessment

 

The Compensation Committee uses comparative compensation information from a relevant group of peer companies as one of several factors considered as part of setting compensation for our CEO and our other NEOs. The Compensation Committee has not defined a target pay positioning relative to the peer group for the CEO or the other NEOs, nor does it commit to providing total compensation at a specific percentile or within a specific pay range. During Fiscal 2022, no changes were made to CEO or other NEO compensation. The current CEO and other NEO target compensation was set during fiscal 2021 based on a competitive assessment conducted at that time. The Compensation Committee retains discretion in determining the nature and extent of the use of peer group data. The Compensation Committee periodically reassesses the companies within the peer groups and makes changes as appropriate, considering mergers and acquisitions involving peer companies, changes in the Company’s business and other factors.

 

The most recent peer group selected by the Compensation Committee consisted of the following companies:

 

Avid Technology   Leaf Group Ltd.
Ballantyne Strong, Inc.   Limelight Networks, Inc.
Brightcove Inc.   LiveXLive Media, Inc.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.   National Cinemedia, Inc.
Dolphin Entertainment, Inc.   NTN Buzztime, Inc.
Gaia, Inc.   Reading International, Inc.
Glu Mobile Inc.   RealNetworks, Inc.
Harmonic Inc.   TechTarget, Inc.
IMAX Corp.   TravelZoo

 

V. Elements of Compensation

 

Compensation for executive officers is comprised primarily of three main components:

 

  base salary;

 

  annual incentive awards; and

 

  long-term incentive equity grants.

 

These components support the core principles of our executive officer compensation philosophy of pay for performance and alignment of executive officers’ interests with those of Cinedigm and its shareholders by emphasizing short- and long-term incentives. Our compensation program encourages our employees to remain focused on both our short-term and long-term goals: our annual incentive (MAIP) measures and rewards business and individual performance on an annual basis, while our equity awards typically vest in installments of several years and increase in value with any share price appreciation, encouraging our executives to focus on the long-term performance of our company.

 

Base Salary

 

Base salaries are fixed compensation with the primary function of aiding in attraction and retention. Base salaries vary among executive officers, and are individually determined according to each executive officer’s areas of responsibility, role and experience. The Compensation Committee reviews the salaries for our NEOs periodically, as well as at the time of a promotion, change in responsibilities, or when employment arrangements and/or agreements are renewed. Any increases are based on an evaluation of the performance of the Company and the executive, the relative strategic importance of the position, market conditions, and competitive pay levels (though, as noted earlier, the Compensation Committee does not target a specific percentile or range).

 

During Fiscal 2022, no changes were made to CEO or other NEO compensation.

 

16

 

 

Annual Incentive Awards

 

The annual cash incentive component aims to ensure that our executive officers are aligned in reaching our short- and long-term goals. Annual cash incentives are designed to provide a significant pay-for-performance element of our executive compensation package, through the formal performance-based MAIP. The MAIP incorporates predetermined, specific target award levels and performance metrics and goals that the Compensation Committee deemed rigorous and challenging. The MAIP goals are critical to Cinedigm’s future success and are designed to reward the collaboration across divisions and segments required to achieve corporate financial goals.

 

All NEOs have a target bonus set at a fixed percentage of their base salary. The program also established threshold and maximum levels of incentive awards defined as a percentage of a participant’s salary. The Compensation Committee generally establishes the individual payout targets for each NEO based on the executive’s position, level of responsibility and a review of the competitive market.

 

Threshold, target and maximum annual incentive opportunities for our NEOs for Fiscal 2022 were as follows:

 

MAIP Potential Awards

 

Executive Officer  Threshold   Target
(as a % of base salary)
   Maximum 
Chris McGurk   37.5%   100%   150%
Gary S. Loffredo   29%   70%   100%
Erick Opeka   25%   60%   100%

 

We do not disclose performance targets, division targets or individual goals, as we believe that such disclosure would result in competitive harm. Based on our experience, we believe these targets were rigorous and challenging, and were set sufficiently high to provide incentive to achieve a high level of performance. We believe it is difficult, although not unattainable, for the targets to be reached and, therefore, no more likely than unlikely that the targets will be reached.

 

Long-Term Incentive Awards

 

The Compensation Committee uses equity-based compensation to reward future performance, as reflected by the market price of our shares and/or other performance criteria. The Compensation Committee annually considers long-term incentive awards, for which it has the authority to grant a variety of equity-based awards. The primary objective of such awards is to align the interests of executives with those of the Company and its shareholders by offering incentives to achieve performance goals believed to be linked to increasing shareholder value, increasing executive share ownership and fostering a long-term focus. In recent years, the earning and vesting of such awards have been assessed and determined after fiscal year end in order to permit consideration of year-end performance.

  

We currently maintain the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (“2017 Plan”). The 2017 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. Under the 2017 Plan, the Compensation Committee or the Board has authority to grant awards of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, cash-based awards, or other stock-based awards to employees, non-employee directors, and third-party consultants.

 

The Compensation Committee determines the executive officers’ equity-based awards, taking into account pay mix and the executive officer’s contribution to Company performance. The mix of equity-based vehicles is structured to enhance the executive officers’ commitment to increasing shareholder value.

 

Performance Stock Units

 

In connection with the NEO employment agreement amendments or new arrangements during fiscal 2021, under the 2017 Plan, the NEOs were awarded new grants of performance stock units (“PSUs”). No new PSU grants were made to the NEOs during Fiscal 2022.

 

SARs

 

In connection with the NEO employment agreement amendments or new arrangements during fiscal 2021, the Compensation Committee granted SARs to the NEOs under the 2017 Plan. No new SAR grants were made to the NEOs during Fiscal 2022.

 

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VI. Additional Compensation Arrangements, Policies and Practices

 

Mr. McGurk’s Compensation Arrangements

 

Mr. McGurk joined Cinedigm in January 2011 as CEO and Chairman of the Board. Accordingly, Mr. McGurk’s compensation package was created in line with the Company’s current compensation philosophy of a base salary coupled with variable compensation including a large portion of equity-based compensation, through stock options, linked to stock price performance. When negotiating Mr. McGurk’s employment agreement, the Company sought to provide salary and bonus amounts that were in line with peer group amounts and that would provide incentive for Mr. McGurk with a view toward increasing stockholder value.

  

A summary of Mr. McGurk’s compensation package is located under the heading “Employment Agreements and Arrangements Between the Company and Named Executives” below.

 

Employment Agreement with Mr. McGurk and Employment Arrangements for other NEOs

 

The Company currently has employment agreements with Mr. McGurk, Mr. Loffredo and Mr. Opeka for retention during periods of uncertainty and operational challenge. Additionally, the employment agreements include non-compete and non-solicitation provisions. The provisions for severance benefits are at typical competitive levels. See “Employment Agreements and Arrangements Between the Company and Named Executives” below for a description of the material terms of Messrs. McGurk’s, Loffredo’s and Opeka’s employment agreements.

  

Personal Benefits and Perquisites

 

In addition to the benefits provided to all employees and grandfathered benefits (provided to all employees hired before January 1, 2005), the CEO and NEOs are eligible for an annual physical and supplemental life insurance coverage of $200,000.

 

It is the Company’s policy to provide minimal and modest perquisites to the CEO and NEOs. With the new employment arrangements, most perquisites previously provided, including automobile allowances, have been eliminated.

 

Policy on Deductibility of Compensation

 

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the deductibility of compensation in excess of $1 million paid to certain executive officers named in this proxy statement. Pursuant to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the exemption from the deduction limit that was previously available for “performance-based compensation” is no longer available. Consequently, for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017, all remuneration in excess of $1 million paid to a specified executive will not be deductible. Given the Company’s net operating losses, Section 162(m) is not currently a material factor in designing compensation.

 

Recoupment (“Clawback”) Policy

 

The Company intends to recapture compensation as currently required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. However, there have been no instances to date where it needed to recapture any compensation.

 

Additionally, we recognize that our compensation program will be subject to the forthcoming amendments to stock exchange listing standards required by Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which requires that stock exchange listing standards be amended to require issuers to adopt a policy providing for the recovery from any current or former executive officer of any incentive-based compensation (including stock options) awarded during the three-year period prior to an accounting restatement resulting from material noncompliance of the issuer with financial reporting requirements. We intend to adopt such a clawback policy which complies with all applicable standards when such rules are adopted.

 

Restriction on Speculative Transactions

 

The Company’s Insider Trading and Disclosure Policy restricts employees and directors of the Company from engaging in speculative transactions in Company securities, including short sales, and discourages employees and directors of the Company from engaging in hedging transactions, including “cashless” collars, forward sales, and equity swaps, that may indirectly involve short sales. Pre-clearance by the Company is required for all equity transactions.

 

18

 

 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

 

The following report does not constitute soliciting material and is not considered filed or incorporated by reference into any other filing by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis that precedes this Report as required by Item 402(b) of the SEC’s Regulation S-K. Based on its review and discussions with management, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board the inclusion of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis in this proxy statement.

 

The Compensation Discussion and Analysis discusses the philosophy, principles, and policies underlying the Company’s compensation programs that were in effect during fiscal 2022.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors

 

Patrick W. O’Brien, Chairman

Peter C. Brown

  

Named Executive Officers

 

The following table sets forth certain information concerning compensation received by the Company’s NEOs, consisting of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its two other most highly compensated individuals who were serving as executive officers at the end of the Last Fiscal Year, plus up to two additional persons for whom disclosures would have been provided but for the fact that they were not serving as executive officers at the end of the Last Fiscal Year, for services rendered in all capacities during the Last Fiscal Year.

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name and Principal Position(s)  Year   Salary
($)
   Bonus
($)
   Stock Awards ($)(1)   Option Awards ($)(2)   Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(3)   All Other Compensation ($)(4)   Total ($) 
Christopher J. McGurk   2022    650,000    650,000    90,146            33,500    1,423,646 
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman   2021    600,000    600,000    1,498,866            33,553    2,732,419 
    2020    600,000                    31,722    631,722 
                                         
Gary S. Loffredo   2022    460,000    322,000    54,088            33,810    869,898 
President, Chief Operating Officer, General   2021    436,250    255,000    875,664            47,121    1,614,035 
Counsel and Secretary   2020    425,000                    44,541    469,541 
                                         
Erick Opeka   2022    400,000    240,000    54,088            20,327    714,415 
Chief Strategy Officer and President of Digital Networks   2021    343,750    113,750    875,664            33,553    1,366,717 
    2020    325,000                    15,611    340,611 

 

(1) Includes shares issued in November 2020 for fiscal year 2019 under performance share units (“PSUs”) to be paid during fiscal year 2021. Includes for 2022 shares issued in January 2022 for fiscal year 2021 under performance share units (“PSUs”) paid during fiscal year 2023. See above for a description of the material terms of the PSUs.

 

(2) The amounts in this column reflect the grant date fair value for all fiscal years presented in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 2 to the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, included in the 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Form 10-K”).

 

(3) The amounts in this column reflect amounts earned under annual incentive awards. See below for a description of the material terms of the annual incentive plan for each NEO.

 

(4) Includes life and disability insurance premiums paid by the Company and certain medical expenses paid by the Company for each NEO, (a) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020: for Mr. McGurk, $1,104 and $30,618; for Mr. Loffredo, $1,104 and $43,437; and for Mr. Opeka, $1,104 and $14,507, (b) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021: for Mr. McGurk, $1,094 and $32,459; for Mr. Loffredo, $1,094 and $46,027; and for Mr. Opeka, $1,094 and $32,459, and (c) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022: for Mr. McGurk, $1,019.16 and $32,481.00; for Mr. Loffredo, $1,019.16 and $32,790.60; and for Mr. Opeka, $1,019.16 and $19,308.62.

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Employment agreements between the Company and Named Executives

 

Christopher J. McGurk. On November 19, 2020, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. McGurk (the “2020 McGurk Employment Agreement”) that replaced any prior employment agreements with Mr. McGurk. The 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement took effect on April 1, 2021 and has a term ending on March 31, 2023, with a one-time automatic renewal for one year unless either party provides written notice to the other no later than ninety days prior to the expiration of the initial term. Pursuant to the 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement, Mr. McGurk will continue to serve as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company.

 

The 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement provides that Mr. McGurk will receive an annual base salary of $650,000 and will be eligible for (i) under the Company’s Management Annual Incentive Plan, a target bonus opportunity of $650,000 (the “Target Bonus”) consistent with goals established annually by the Compensation Committee, (ii) under the Company’s 2017 Plan, performance share units for up to 250,000 shares of Class A common stock, subject to EBITDA targets to be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Compensation Committee and such other terms as the Compensation Committee shall determine, and (iii) under the 2017 Plan, 2,500,000 SARs having an exercise price of $.54 and a term of ten (10) years, one-half (1/2) of which vested on November 19, 2020 and one-half (1/2) of which will vest on March 31, 2023. Mr. McGurk will also be entitled to participate in all benefit plans and programs that the Company provides to its senior executives.

 

The 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement provides that, in the event of a termination without Cause (as defined in the 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement) or a resignation for Good Reason (as defined in the 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement), Mr. McGurk shall be entitled to payment of (i) the greater of any Base Salary for the remainder of the Term or eighteen (18) months’ Base Salary at the time of termination and (ii) an amount equivalent to one and one-half (1.5) times the average of the last two (2) bonus payments under the MAIP, if any, under the Employment Agreement. In the event of, on or after April 1, 2020 and within two (2) years after a Change in Control (as defined in the 2017 Plan), a termination without Cause (other than due to Mr. McGurk’s death or disability) or a resignation for Good Reason, then in lieu of receiving the amounts described above, Mr. McGurk would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to three (3) times the sum of (a) his then-current annual Base Salary and (b) his Target Bonus for the year of termination.

 

On December 10, 2020, the Company entered into an amended employment agreement, effective as of November 19, 2020, with Mr. McGurk (the “2020 A&R McGurk Employment Agreement”). The 2020 A&R McGurk Employment Agreement restated the 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement, except that in the event of, on or after April 1, 2020 and within two (2) years after a Change in Control (as defined in the 2017 Plan), a termination without Cause (other than due to Mr. McGurk’s death or disability), a resignation for Good Reason, or upon notice by the Company that it does not wish to renew the Term (as defined in the McGurk Employment Agreement), then in lieu of receiving the amounts for severance other than in connection with a Change in Control, Mr. McGurk would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to three (3) times the sum of (a) his then-current annual Base Salary and (b) his Target Bonus (as defined in the 2020 A&R McGurk Employment Agreement) for the year of termination.

 

Gary S. Loffredo. On December 23, 2020, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Loffredo (the “2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement”) that replaced any prior employment agreements or arrangements with Mr. Loffredo, which took effect on January 1, 2021 and has a term ending on March 31, 2023, with a one-time automatic renewal for one year unless either party provides written notice to the other no later than ninety days prior to the expiration of the initial term. Pursuant to the 2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement, Mr. Loffredo serves as President, and continues to serve as the Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary, of the Company.

 

The 2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Loffredo will receive an annual base salary of $460,000 (as subject to adjustment, the “Loffredo Base Salary”) and will be eligible for (i) under the Company’s Management Annual Incentive Plan, a target bonus opportunity of $322,000 (the “Loffredo Target Bonus”) consistent with goals established annually by the Compensation Committee, (ii) under the 2017 Plan, performance share units for up to 150,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, subject to EBITDA targets to be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Compensation Committee and such other terms as the Compensation Committee shall determine, and (iii) under the Plan, 1,200,000 SARs having an exercise price of $.64 and a term of ten (10) years, and vesting as follows: 500,000 SARs vest on March 31, 2022, 500,000 SARS vest on March 31, 2023, and 200,000 SARs vest on June 30, 2023. Mr. Loffredo will also be entitled to participate in all benefit plans and programs that the Company provides to its senior executives.

 

The 2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement provides that, in the event of a termination without Cause (as defined in the 2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement) or a resignation for Good Reason (as defined in the 2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement), Mr. Loffredo shall be entitled to payment of twelve (12) months’ Loffredo Base Salary at the time of termination. In the event, within two (2) years after a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), of a termination without Cause (other than due to Mr. Loffredo’s death or disability), a resignation for Good Reason, or upon notice by the Company that it does not wish to renew the Term (as defined in the Loffredo Employment Agreement), then in lieu of receiving the amounts described above, Mr. Loffredo would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to two (2) times the sum of (a) his then-current annual Loffredo Base Salary and (b) the Loffredo Target Bonus for the year of termination.

 

Erick Opeka. On December 23, 2020, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Opeka (the “2020 Opeka Employment Agreement”) that replaced any prior employment agreement with Mr. Opeka, which took effect on January 1, 2021 and has a term ending on September 15, 2023, with a one-time automatic renewal for one year unless either party provides written notice to the other no later than ninety days prior to the expiration of the initial term. Pursuant to the 2020 Opeka Employment Agreement, Mr. Opeka will serve as Chief Strategy Officer of the Company and continue to serve as President of Cinedigm Networks. 

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The 2020 Opeka Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Opeka will receive an annual base salary of $400,000 (as subject to adjustment, the “Opeka Base Salary”) and will be eligible for (i) under the MAIP, a target bonus opportunity of $240,000 (the “Opeka Target Bonus”) consistent with goals established annually by the Compensation Committee, (ii) under the Plan, performance share units for up to 150,000 shares of Class A common stock, subject to EBITDA targets to be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Compensation Committee and such other terms as the Compensation Committee shall determine, and (iii) under the Plan, 1,200,000 SARs having an exercise price of $.64 and a term of ten (10) years, and vesting as follows: 500,000 SARs vest on March 31, 2022, 500,000 SARs vest on March 31, 2023, and 200,000 SARs vest on December 31, 2023. Mr. Opeka will also be entitled to participate in all benefit plans and programs that the Company provides to its senior executives.

 

The 2020 Opeka Employment Agreement provides that, in the event of a termination without Cause (as defined in the 2020 Opeka Employment Agreement) or a resignation for Good Reason (as defined in the 2020 Opeka Employment Agreement), Mr. Opeka shall be entitled to payment of twelve (12) months’ Opeka Base Salary at the time of termination. In the event, within two (2) years after a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), of a termination without Cause (other than due to Mr. Opeka’s death or disability), a resignation for Good Reason, or upon notice by the Company that it does not wish to renew the Term (as defined in the Opeka Employment Agreement), then in lieu of receiving the amounts described above, Mr. Opeka would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to two (2) times the sum of (a) his then-current annual Opeka Base Salary and (b) the Opeka Target Bonus for the year of termination.

 

Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table sets forth certain information, as of March 31, 2022, regarding the shares of Cinedigm’s Class A common stock authorized for issuance under Cinedigm’s equity compensation plan.

 

Plan  Number of
shares of
Class A
common
stock
issuable
upon
exercise of outstanding
options,
warrants
or rights
(1)
   Weighted
average of
exercise
price of
outstanding
   Number
of shares
of Class A
common
stock
remaining
available
for future
issuance
 
Cinedigm Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity            
Incentive Plan (“the 2000 Plan”) approved by shareholders   217,337   $1.54     
Cinedigm 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”)   10,893,598   $1.22   7,204,672 
Cinedigm compensation plans not approved by shareholders (2)   612,500   $2.41     

 

(1) Shares of Cinedigm Class A Common Stock

 

(2) Reflects stock options which were not granted under the 2000 Plan or the 2017 Plan.

  

The 2000 Plan

 

Our Board originally adopted the 2000 Plan on June 1, 2000 and our shareholders approved the 2000 Plan by written consent in July 2000. Certain terms of the Plan were last amended and approved by our shareholders in September 2016. Under the 2000 Plan, we may grant incentive and non-statutory stock options, stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), stock appreciation rights, and performance awards to our employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The primary purpose of the 2000 Plan is to enable us to attract, retain and motivate our employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The term of the 2000 Plan expires on June 1, 2020. The 2000 Plan has been replaced by the 2017 Plan, and no new awards will be granted from the 2000 Plan; however, the adoption of the 2017 Plan did not affect awards already granted under the 2000 Plan.

 

Options granted under the 2000 Plan expire ten years following the date of grant (or such shorter period of time as may be provided in a stock option agreement or five years in the case of incentive stock options granted to stockholders who own greater than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company) and are subject to restrictions on transfer. Options granted under the Plan generally vest over periods of up to three or four years. The 2000 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, and may be amended or terminated by the Board, although no amendment or termination may adversely affect the right of any individual with respect to any outstanding option without the consent of such individual. The 2000 Plan provides for the granting of incentive stock options with exercise prices of not less than 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. Incentive stock options granted to stockholders of more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company must have exercise prices of not less than 110% of the fair market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. Incentive and non-statutory stock options granted under the 2000 Plan are subject to vesting provisions, and exercise is generally subject to the continuous service of the optionee, except for consultants. The exercise prices and vesting periods (if any) for non-statutory options may be set at the discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee. Upon a change of control of the Company, all options (incentive and non-statutory) that have not previously vested will vest immediately and become fully exercisable. Options covering no more than 50,000 shares may be granted to one participant during any calendar year unless pursuant to a multi-year award, in which case no more than options covering 50,000 shares per year of the award may be granted, and during which period no additional options may be granted to such participant.

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Grants of restricted stock and restricted stock units are subject to vesting requirements, generally vesting over periods up to three years, determined by the Compensation Committee and set forth in notices to the participants. Grants of stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units shall not exceed 40% of the total number of shares available to be issued under the 2000 Plan.

 

SARs consist of the right to the monetary equivalent of the increase in value of a specified number of shares over a specified period of time. Upon exercise, SARs may be paid in cash or shares of Class A common stock or a combination thereof. Grants of SARs are subject to vesting requirements, similar to those of stock options, determined by the Compensation Committee and set forth in agreements between the Company and the participants. RSUs shall be similar to restricted stock except that no Class A common stock is actually awarded to the Participant on the grant date of the RSUs and the Compensation Committee shall have the discretion to pay such RSUs upon vesting in cash or shares of Class A common stock or a combination thereof.

 

Performance awards consist of awards of stock and other equity-based awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on, the market value of the Class A Common Stock, or other securities of the Company, and may be paid in shares of Class A Common Stock, cash or another form of property as the Compensation Committee may determine. Grants of performance awards shall entitle participants to receive an award if the measures of performance established by the Committee are met. Such measures shall be established by the Compensation Committee but the relevant measurement period for any performance award must be at least 12 months. Grants of performance awards shall not cover the issuance of shares that would exceed 20% of the total number of shares available to be issued under the 2000 Plan, and no more than 50,000 shares pursuant to any performance awards shall be granted to one participant in a calendar year unless pursuant to a multi-year award. The terms of grants of performance awards would be set forth in agreements between the Company and the participants.

 

The 2017 Plan

 

Our Board adopted the 2017 Plan on August 7, 2017 and our stockholders approved the 2017 Plan on August 31, 2017. Under the 2017 Plan, we may grant incentive and non-statutory stock options, stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), stock appreciation rights, performance awards and other equity-based awards to our employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The primary purpose of the 2017 Plan is to enable us to attract, retain and motivate our employees, non-employee directors and consultants.

 

Options granted under the 2017 Plan expire ten years following the date of grant (or such shorter period of time as may be provided in a stock option agreement, or five years in the case of incentive stock options granted to stockholders who own greater than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company) and are subject to restrictions on transfer. The 2017 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, and may be amended or terminated by the Committee, although no amendment or termination may have a material adverse effect on the rights of any individual with respect to any outstanding option, without the consent of such individual. The exercise prices of stock options granted must be not less than 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. Incentive stock options granted to stockholders of more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company must have exercise prices of not less than 110% of the fair market value of the Company’s Class A common stock on the date of grant. Incentive and non-statutory stock options granted under the 2017 Plan may be subject to vesting provisions, and exercise is generally subject to the continuous service of the optionee, except for consultants. The exercise prices and vesting periods (if any) for non-statutory options may be set at the discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee. Upon a change of control of the Company, where the Class A common stock does not continue to be publicly traded, unless replacement awards are issued in connection with the transaction, all options (incentive and non-statutory) that have not previously vested will vest immediately and become fully exercisable. SARs consist of the right to the monetary equivalent of the increase in value of a specified number of shares over a specified period of time. Upon exercise, SARs may be paid, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, in cash or shares of Class A common stock or a combination thereof. Grants of SARs are subject to terms determined by the Compensation Committee and set forth in agreements between the Company and the participants.

 

Grants of restricted stock and restricted stock units are subject to vesting requirements, generally vesting over periods up to three years, determined by the Compensation Committee and set forth in notices to the participants.

 

RSUs shall be similar to restricted stock except that no Class A Common Stock is actually awarded to the Participant on the grant date of the RSUs and the Compensation Committee shall have the discretion to pay such RSUs upon vesting in cash or shares of Class A common stock or a combination thereof.

 

Performance awards consist of awards of stock and other equity-based awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on, the market value of the Class A common stock, or other securities of the Company, and may be paid in shares of Class A common stock, cash or another form of property as the Compensation Committee may determine. Grants of performance awards shall entitle participants to receive an award if the measures of performance established by the Committee are met. Such measures shall be established by the Compensation Committee but the relevant measurement period for any performance award must be at least 12 months. The terms of grants of performance awards would be set forth in agreements between the Company and the participants.

 

With respect to limits on Award grants under the 2017 Plan, aggregate shares granted to non-employee directors in any year may not exceed $1,000,000 in value.

 

Our Class A common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq under the symbol “CIDM”.

 

The following table sets forth certain information concerning outstanding equity awards of the Company’s NEOs at the end of the Last Fiscal Year. All outstanding stock awards reported in this table represent restricted stock that vests in equal annual installments over three years. At the end of the Last Fiscal Year, there were no unearned equity awards under performance-based plans.

 

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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT MARCH 31, 2022

 

OPTION AWARDS (1)   STOCK AWARDS  
Name  Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable (#)   Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (#)   Option Exercise Price ($)   Option Expiration Date  Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)   Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) 
Christopher J. McGurk   150,000 (2)       14.00   8/22/2023        
    700,000 (3)       1.47   6/7/2028        
    1,250,000 (4)   1,250,000 (4)   0.54   11/19/2030        
                             
Gary S. Loffredo   35,000 (5)   __   15.40   10/13/2023        
    407,610 (6)   __   1.47   12/10/2023        
    500,000 (7)   700,000 (7)   0.64   12/3/2030        
                             
Erick Opeka   8,000 (8)       18.10   9/2/2024        
    355,000 (3)       1.16   9/28/2028        
    500,000 (9)   700,000 (9)   0.64   12/23/2030        

 

(1)Reflects stock options granted under the 2000 Plan and SARs granted under the 2017 Plan.

 

(2)Of such total options, 1/3 vested on March 31 of each 2015, 2016 and 2017.

 

(3)Consists of stock appreciation rights which vested as to 1/3 on March 31 of each of 2019, 2020 and 2021.

 

(4)Consists of stock appreciation rights of which 1,250,000 vested on November 19, 2020, and 1,250,000 will vest on March 31, 2023.

 

(5)Of such total options, 1/3 vested on October 13 of each 2014, 2015 and 2016.

 

(6)Consists of stock appreciation rights which vested as to 1/3 on December 10 of each of 2019, 2020 and 2021.

 

(7)Consists of stock appreciation rights which vest as to 500,000, on March 31, 2022, as to 500,000, on March 31, 2023, and as to 200,000, on June 30, 2023.

 

(8) 2,000 of such options vested on September 2 of each of 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
   
(9) Consists of stock appreciation rights which vest as to 500,000, on March 31, 2022, as to 500,000, on March 31, 2023, and as to 200,000, on December 31, 2023.

 

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Directors

 

The following table sets forth certain information concerning compensation earned by the Company’s non-employee directors for services rendered as a director during the Last Fiscal Year.

 

Name  Cash Fees Earned
($)
   Stock Awards ($)   Total
($)
 
Peter C. Brown  $95,000   $90,000   $185,000 
Ashok Amritraj (1)   75,000    270,000    345,000 
Tom Bu (2)   --    --    -- 
Patrick W. O’Brien ( Lead Independent Director)   105,000    90,000    195,000 
Peixin Xu   --    90,000    90,000 

 

(1) Joined the Board on August 9, 2021.

 

(2) Resigned from the Board on August 6, 2021.

 

Non-employee directors receive the following compensation for board service. The annual cash retainer amount is $60,000 and the annual stock grant of restricted shares of Class A common stock amount is $90,000 based on the trailing 20-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the Class A common stock as of the date of the most recent prior annual shareholder’s meeting. In addition, non-employee directors receive annual committee fees of $15,000 for service as a committee chair and of $5,000 for service on a committee (other than as chair). In addition to the cash and stock retainers paid to all non-employee directors for Board service, the Lead Independent Director receives an annual cash fee of $20,000. Finally, new non-employee directors will receive a grant of restricted stock valued at $180,000 based on the trailing 20-day VWAP of the Class A common stock as of the grant date (the director joins the Board), and such shares will vest in three equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant.

 

The Company has adopted Stock Ownership Guidelines for its non-employee directors as discussed under MATTERS RELATING TO OUR GOVERNANCE, above.

 

DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors, executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of its Class A common stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Commission and to furnish the Company with copies of all such reports they file. Based on the Company’s review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that none of its directors, executive officers or persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the Company’s Class A common stock failed to comply with Section 16(a) reporting requirements during the Last Fiscal Year.

 

24

 

 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

The Audit Committee oversees the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management the audited financial statements in the Form 10-K, including a discussion of the acceptability of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.

 

The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm, which is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the matters required to be discussed by Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS 61), as may be modified or supplemented, and their judgments as to the acceptability of the Company’s accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

 

In addition, the Audit Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence from management and the Company, including receiving the written disclosures and letter from the independent registered public accounting firm as required by the Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, as may be modified or supplemented, and has considered the compatibility of any non-audit services with the auditors’ independence.

 

The Audit Committee discussed with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for their audit. The Audit Committee meets with the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.

 

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, that the audited financial statements be included in the Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2022 for filing with the SEC.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

 

Peter C. Brown, Chairman

Ashok Amritraj

Patrick W. O’Brien

 

THE FOREGOING AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT SHALL NOT BE “SOLICITING MATERIAL” OR BE DEEMED “FILED” WITH THE SEC, NOR SHALL SUCH INFORMATION BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO ANY FILING UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE EXCHANGE ACT, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THE COMPANY SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATES IT BY REFERENCE INTO SUCH FILING.

 

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INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

EisnerAmper LLP served as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 and the Board has appointed EisnerAmper LLP to do so again for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023.

 

The Company’s Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures for pre-approving all non-audit work performed by EisnerAmper LLP for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. In determining whether to approve a particular audit or permitted non-audit service, the Audit Committee will consider, among other things, whether the service is consistent with maintaining the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee will also consider whether the independent registered public accounting firm is best positioned to provide the most effective and efficient service to our Company and whether the service might be expected to enhance our ability to manage or control risk or improve audit quality. Specifically, the Audit Committee has pre-approved the use of EisnerAmper LLP for detailed, specific types of services within the following categories of non-audit services: acquisition due diligence and audit services; tax services; and reviews and procedures that the Company requests EisnerAmper LLP to undertake on matters not required by laws or regulations. In each case, the Audit Committee has required management to obtain specific pre-approval from the Audit Committee for any engagements.

 

The aggregate fees billed for professional services by EisnerAmper LLP for these various services were:

 

  

For the fiscal years ended

March 31,

 
Type of Fees  2022   2021 
(1) Audit Fees  $648,524   $340,000 
(2) Audit-Related Fees        
(3) Tax Fees        
(4) All Other Fees        
   $648,524   $340,000 

 

In the above table, in accordance with the SEC’s definitions and rules, “audit fees” are fees the Company paid EisnerAmper LLP for professional services for the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 included in Form 10-K and review of consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference into Form S-1 and Form S-3 and included in Form 10-Qs and for services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements; “audit-related fees” are fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s consolidated financial statements; “tax fees” are fees for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning; and “all other fees” are fees for any services not included in the first three categories. All of the services set forth in sections (1) through (4) above were approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the Audit Committee Charter.

 

For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company retained a firm other than EisnerAmper LLP for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

 

* * * * * * *

 

26

 

 

APPENDIX A

 

AMENDMENT NO. _

TO

CINEDIGM CORP. 2017 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

AMENDMENT NO. _, dated as of ____________, 20__ (this “Amendment”), to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended, the “Plan”) of Cinedigm Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”).

 

WHEREAS, the Corporation maintains the Plan, effective as of August 31, 2017; and

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Corporation deems it to be in the best interest of the Corporation and its stockholders to amend the Plan in order to increase the maximum number of shares of the Corporation’s Class A Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, which may be issued and sold under the Plan from 18,098,270 shares to 25,098,270 shares.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Plan is hereby amended as follows:

 

  1. The first sentence of Section 4.1(a) shall be revised and amended to read as follows:

 

“The maximum number of Shares available for issuance to Participants under this Plan, inclusive of Shares issued and Shares underlying outstanding awards granted on or after the Effective Date, is 25,098,270 Shares, which includes 128,270 unused Shares carried over from the Existing Incentive Plan.”

 

  2. This Amendment shall be effective as of the date first set forth above.

 

  3. In all respects not amended, the Plan is hereby ratified and confirmed and remains in full force and effect.

 

  CINEDIGM CORP.
   
  By:         
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

A-1