Exhibit 99.1
NEWATER TECHNOLOGY, INC.
1 RUIDA ROAD, LAISHAN DISTRICT, YANTAI CITY, SHANGONG PROVINCE
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA 264003
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PROXY STATEMENT AND NOTICE OF
2019 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
September 18, 2019
To the shareholders of
NEWATER TECHNOLOGY, INC.:
It is my pleasure to invite you to our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on October 30, 2019, at 8:30 a.m., Beijing, China time. The meeting will be held at our corporate office, located at 1 Ruida Rd., Laishan District, Yantai City, Shandong Province, China, 264003.
The matters to be acted upon at the meeting are described in the Notice of 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement. At the meeting, we will also report on the company’s performance and operations during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and respond to shareholder questions.
YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS, WE URGE YOU TO VOTE AND SUBMIT YOUR PROXY BY THE INTERNET, EMAIL, MAIL OR BY FAX. IF YOU ARE A REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER AND ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY AND VOTE YOUR SHARES IN PERSON. IF YOU HOLD YOUR SHARES THROUGH A BANK OR BROKER AND WANT TO VOTE YOUR SHARES IN PERSON AT THE MEETING, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR BANK OR BROKER TO OBTAIN A LEGAL PROXY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
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By order of the Board of Directors, |
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Yuebiao Li |
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Chief Executive Officer and |
NOTICE OF 2019 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
NEWATER TECHNOLOGY, INC.
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TIME AND DATE: |
8:30 a.m., Beijing, China Time, on October 30, 2019 |
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PLACE: |
1 Ruida Rd., Laishan District, Yantai City, Shandong Province, China, 264003 |
ITEMS OF BUSINESS:
(1) To elect two (2) Class C directors named in the attached Proxy Statement to serve terms ending at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders in 2022 or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified;
(2) To ratify the appointment of MaloneBailey LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019; and
(3) To transact any other business properly coming before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
WHO MAY VOTE:
You may vote if you were a shareholder of record on September 12, 2019.
ANNUAL REPORT:
A copy of our 2018 Annual Report on Form 20-F is enclosed.
DATE OF MAILING:
This notice and the proxy statement are first being mailed to shareholders on or about September 18, 2019.
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By order of the Board of Directors, |
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Yuebiao Li |
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS
This proxy statement and the Annual Report to shareholders are available at
http://dtnewa.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=41
ABOUT THE 2019 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
What am I voting on?
You will be voting on the following:
(1) To elect two (2) Class C directors named in the attached Proxy Statement to serve terms ending at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders in 2022 or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified;
(2) To ratify the appointment of MaloneBailey LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019; and
(3) To transact any other business properly coming before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
Who is entitled to vote?
You may vote if you owned common shares of the company as of the close of business on September 12, 2019. Each common share is entitled to one vote. As of September 12, 2019 we had 10,809,000 common shares issued and outstanding.
How do I vote before the meeting?
If you are a registered shareholder, meaning that you hold your shares in certificate form, you have four voting options:
(1) By Internet, which we encourage if you have Internet access, at the address shown on your proxy card;
(2) By email, by emailing your signed proxy card to vote@vstocktransfer.com;
(3) By mail, by completing, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card; or
(4) By fax, by faxing your signed proxy card to 646-536-3179.
If you hold your shares through an account with a bank or broker, your ability to vote by the Internet depends on their voting procedures. Please follow the directions that your bank or broker provides.
Please note that telephone and Internet voting will close at 11:59 p.m., Eastern standard Time, on October 28, 2019/11:59 a.m. Beijing, China time on October 29, 2019.
May I vote at the meeting?
If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote in person at the meeting. If you hold your shares through an account with a bank or broker, please follow the directions provided to you by your bank or broker. If you wish to vote in person at the meeting, please contact your bank or broker to learn the procedures necessary to allow you to vote your shares in person. Even if you plan to attend the meeting, we encourage you to vote your shares by proxy. You may vote by proxy through the Internet, by email, by mail or by fax.
Can I change my mind after I return my proxy?
You may change your vote at any time before the polls close at the conclusion of voting at the meeting. You may do this by (1) signing another proxy card with a later date and returning it to us by mail before the meeting, (2) voting again over the Internet prior to the time of the meeting, (3) voting again by email or fax prior to the time of the meeting, or (4) voting at the meeting if you are a registered shareholder or have followed the necessary procedures required by your bank or broker.
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What if I return my proxy card but do not provide voting instructions?
Proxies that are signed and returned but do not contain instructions will be voted in favor of Proposals 1 and 2 and in accordance with the best judgment of the named proxies on any other matters properly brought before the meeting.
What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card or instruction form?
It indicates that your common shares are registered differently and are in more than one account. To ensure that all shares are voted, please either vote each account on the Internet, by email or by fax, or sign and return all proxy cards. We encourage you to register all your accounts in the same name and address. Those holding shares through a bank or broker should contact your bank or broker and request consolidation.
Will my shares be voted if I do not provide my proxy or instruction form?
If you are a registered shareholder and do not provide a proxy, you must attend the meeting in order to vote your shares. If you hold shares through an account with a bank or broker, your shares may be voted even if you do not provide voting instructions on your instruction form. Brokerage firms have the authority to vote shares for which their customers do not provide voting instructions on certain routine matters. The ratification of MaloneBailey LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019 is considered a routine matter for which brokerage firms may vote without specific instructions. However, the election of directors is not considered routine matters for which brokerage firms may vote without specific instructions. When a proposal is not a routine matter and the brokerage firm has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares with respect to that proposal, the brokerage firm cannot vote the shares on that proposal. Shares that a broker is not authorized to vote are counted as “broker non-votes.”
How can I attend the meeting?
The meeting is open to all holders of the company’s common shares as of September 12, 2019.
May shareholders ask questions at the meeting?
Yes. Representatives of the company will answer questions of general interest at the end of the meeting.
How many votes must be present to hold the meeting?
Your shares are counted as present at the meeting if you attend the meeting and vote in person or if you properly return a proxy by Internet, email, mail or fax. In order for us to conduct our meeting, at least one-third (1/3) of our outstanding common shares as of September 12, 2019 must be present in person or by proxy. This is referred to as a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum at the meeting. If a quorum is not present or represented, the Chairman of the meeting or the holders of a majority of the shares of common shares present, either in person or represented by proxy, have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present or represented.
How many votes are needed to approve the company’s proposals?
Proposal 1. The nominee receiving the highest number of “For” votes will be elected as a director. This number is called a plurality. Shares not voted will have no impact on the election of the director. The proxy given will be voted “For” the nominee for director unless a properly executed proxy card is marked “Withhold” as to a particular nominee or nominees for director.
Proposal 2. The ratification of the appointment of MaloneBailey LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019 requires that a majority of the votes cast at the meeting be voted “For” the proposal. A properly executed proxy card marked “Abstain” with respect to this proposal will not be voted.
Is cumulative voting permitted for the election of directors?
No. You may not cumulate your votes for the election of directors.
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PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHIES
(ITEM 1 ON THE PROXY CARD)
General
All shares duly voted will be voted for the election of directors as specified by the shareholders. No proxy may be voted for more people than the number of nominees listed below. Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them FOR the election of each of the nominees named below, all of whom are presently directors. If any nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, although we know of no reason to anticipate that this will occur, the proxies will be voted for any nominee designated by the present Board of Directors to fill the vacancy. Shareholders do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
The following paragraphs set forth information regarding the current ages, positions, and business experience of the nominees.
Nominees for election as Class C members of the Board of Directors to serve terms ending at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders in 2022 or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified:
Yuebiao Li. Mr. Li has served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Newater Technology since June 2016. Mr. Li co-founded Jinzheng in 2012 and has served as Jinzheng’s Chief Executive Officer since July 2012. Mr. Li has also served as Jinzheng’s executive director since February 2016. Mr. Li served as General Manager of Daqing Jiejingyuan Water Treatment Equipment Sales Co., Ltd. from 2005 until 2012 and had previously served as Sales Manager from 2000 until 2005. Mr. Li received his associate degree in accounting from Heilongjiang University. Mr. Li was nominated as a director because his experience serving in executive positions at companies operating in the water treatment industry and has extensive knowledge, experience and relationships in China’s water treatment industry.
Zhuo Zhang. Ms. Zhang has served as the Chief Financial Officer and Vice Chairman of Newater Technology since June 2016. Ms. Zhang co-founded Jinzheng in 2012 and has served as Jinzheng’s Chief Financial Officer since July 2012. From July 2012 to February 2016, Ms. Zhang also served as executive director and general manager of Jinzheng. Ms. Zhang has served as general manager of Jinzheng since February 2016. From September 2005 through May 2012, Ms. Zhang served as Finance Manager of Daewoo Shipbuilding Ocean (Shandong) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary incorporated in Shandong province by Seoul based shipbuilder DSME. From May 2000 through September 2005, Ms. Zhang was Finance Manager of Doosan Engineering Machinery (China) Co, Ltd., a South Korean owned machine tool company in Shandong Province. Ms. Zhang holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Shandong Technology and Business University. Ms. Zhang was nominated as a director because of her extensive operating, accounting, internal control and financial knowledge of the Company, which gives her detailed understanding of the complexities of our operations.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To the best of our knowledge, none of our directors or executive officers has been convicted in a criminal proceeding, excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors, or has been a party to any judicial or administrative proceeding during the past ten years that resulted in a judgment, decree or final order enjoining the person from future violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state securities laws, or a finding of any violation of federal or state securities or commodities laws, any laws respecting financial institutions or insurance companies, any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud in connection with any business entity or been subject to any disciplinary sanctions or orders imposed by a stock, commodities or derivatives exchange or other self-regulatory organization, except for matters that were dismissed without sanction or settlement. None of our directors, director nominees or executive officers has been involved in any transactions with us or any of our directors, executive officers, affiliates or associates which are required to be disclosed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Board of Directors Leadership Structure
Yuebiao Li serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors. In addition, he has served as our Chief Executive Officer since June 2016. As a small public company, we believe it is in the company’s best interest to allow the company to benefit from guidance from key members of management in a variety of capacities. We do not have a lead independent director, and we do not anticipate having a lead independent director because we will encourage our independent directors to freely voice their opinions on a relatively small company board. We believe this leadership structure is appropriate because we are a relatively small public company.
Risk Oversight
Our Board of Directors plays a key role in our risk oversight. The Board of Directors makes all relevant Company decisions. As a smaller company with a small Board of Directors, we believe it is appropriate to have the involvement and input of all of our directors in risk oversight matters.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE
NOMINEES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
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PROPOSAL TWO
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF MALONEBAILEY LLP
(ITEM 2 ON THE PROXY CARD)
What am I voting on?
A proposal to ratify the appointment of MaloneBailey LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed MaloneBailey LLP to serve as the company’s fiscal 2019 independent registered public accounting firm.
Has the company changed its independent registered public accounting firm during its two most recent fiscal years?
No. MaloneBailey LLP served as the company’s independent registered public accountant for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
What services does MaloneBailey LLP provide?
Audit services provided by MaloneBailey LLP for fiscal 2018 include the examination of the consolidated financial statements of the company and services related to periodic filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Will a representative of MaloneBailey LLP be present at the meeting?
We expect that one or more representatives of MaloneBailey LLP will be present at the meeting or by telephone. If the representatives are present, they will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire and will be available to respond to questions from shareholders.
What if this proposal is not approved?
If the appointment of MaloneBailey LLP is not ratified, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors will reconsider the appointment.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF
MALONEBAILEY LLP AS THE COMPANY’S FISCAL 2019 INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE INFORMATION
What if a nominee is unwilling or unable to serve?
Each nominee listed in the Proxy Statement has agreed to serve as director, if elected. If for some unforeseen reason a nominee becomes unwilling or unable to serve, proxies will be voted for a substitute nominee selected by the Board of Directors.
How are directors compensated?
Employee directors do not receive any compensation for their services. Independent directors are entitled to receive $5,000 per year for serving as directors and may receive stock, option or other equity-based incentives to our directors for their service.
How does the Board of Directors determine which directors are independent?
The Board of Directors reviews the independence of each director yearly. During this review, the Board of Directors considers transactions and relationships between each director (and his or her immediate family and affiliates) and the company and its management to determine whether any such relationships or transactions are inconsistent with a determination that the director is independent in light of applicable law, listing standards and the company’s director independence standards. The company believes that it maintains a majority of independent directors who are deemed to be independent under the definition of independence provided by NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(a)(2).
What role does the Nominating Committee play in selecting nominees to the Board of Directors?
Two of the primary purposes of the Board of Director’s Nominating Committee are (i) to develop and implement policies and procedures that are intended to ensure that the Board of Directors will be appropriately constituted and organized to meet its fiduciary obligations to the company and its shareholders and (ii) to identify individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors and to recommend to the Board of Directors the director nominees for the annual meeting of shareholders. The Nominating Committee is also responsible for considering candidates for membership on the Board of Directors submitted by eligible shareholders. The Nominating Committee’s charter is available on the company’s Investor Relations website at http://dtnewa.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=67 and in print upon request.
Are the members of the Nominating Committee independent?
Yes. All members of the Nominating Committee have been determined to be independent by the Board of Directors.
How does the Nominating Committee identify and evaluate nominees for director?
The Nominating Committee considers candidates for nomination to the Board of Directors from a number of sources. Current members of the Board of Directors are considered for re-election unless they have notified the company that they do not wish to stand for re-election. The Nominating Committee also considers candidates recommended by current members of the Board of Directors, members of management or eligible shareholders. From time to time the Board of Directors may engage a firm to assist in identifying potential candidates, although the company did not engage such a firm to identify any of the nominees for director proposed for election at the meeting.
The Nominating Committee evaluates all candidates for director, regardless of the person or firm recommending such candidate, on the basis of the length and quality of their business experience, the applicability of such candidate’s experience to the company and its business, the skills and perspectives such candidate would bring to the Board of Directors and the personality or “fit” of such candidate with existing members of the Board of Directors and management. The Nominating Committee does not have a specific policy in place with regard to the consideration of diversity when identifying director nominees. However, the Nominating Committee does consider diversity of opinion and experience when nominating directors.
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What are the minimum qualifications required to serve on the company’s Board of Directors?
All members of the Board of Directors must possess the following minimum qualifications as determined by the Nominating Committee:
• A director must demonstrate integrity, accountability, informed judgment, financial literacy, creativity and vision;
• A director must be prepared to represent the best interests of all Company shareholders, and not just one particular constituency;
• A director must have a record of professional accomplishment in his or her chosen field; and
• A director must be prepared and able to participate fully in Board of Directors activities, including membership on committees.
What other considerations does the Nominating Committee consider?
The Nominating Committee believes it is important to have directors from various backgrounds and professions in order to ensure that the Board of Directors has a wealth of experiences to inform its decisions. Consistent with this philosophy, in addition to the minimum standards set forth above, business and managerial experience and an understanding of financial statements and financial matters are very important.
How may shareholders communicate with the members of the Board of Directors?
Shareholders and others who are interested in communicating directly with members of the Board of Directors, including communication of concerns relating to accounting, internal accounting controls or audit matters, or fraud or unethical conduct, may do so by writing to the directors at the following address:
Name of Director or Directors
c/o Secretary
Newater Technology, Inc.
1 Ruida Road, Laishan District, Yantai City,
Shandong Province, People’s
Republic of China 264003
Does the company have a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics?
The company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which is applicable to all directors, officers and associates of the company, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial and accounting officer. The complete text of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on the company’s Investor Relations web site at http://dtnewa.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=67 and is also available in print upon request. The company intends to post any amendments to or waivers from its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (to the extent applicable to the company’s principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer) at this location on its web site.
How often did the Board of Directors meet in fiscal 2018?
The Board of Directors met 7 times during 2018.
What are the committees of the Board of Directors?
During fiscal 2018, the Board of Directors had standing Audit, Nominating, and Compensation Committees. Current members of each of the Committees and their principal functions are shown below.
Compensation Committee
The members of the Compensation Committee are:
Yan Shen, Chairman
Hengtong Li
Zhicun Chen
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The Compensation Committee’s charter is available on the company’s investor relations website at http://dtnewa.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=67 and in print upon request. The Compensation Committee’s principal responsibilities include:
• Making recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning executive management organization matters generally;
• In the area of compensation and benefits, making recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning employees who are also directors of the company, consult with the Chief Executive Officer on matters relating to other executive officers, and make recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning policies and procedures relating to executive officers; provided, however, that the Committee shall have full decision-making powers with respect to compensation for executive officers to the extent such compensation is intended to be performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code;
• Making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding all contracts of the company with any officer for remuneration and benefits after termination of regular employment of such officer;
• Making recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning policy matters relating to employee benefits and employee benefit plans, including incentive compensation plans and equity based plans; and
• Administering the company’s formal incentive compensation programs, including equity based plans.
The Compensation Committee may not delegate its authority to other persons. Similarly, the Compensation Committee has not engaged a compensation consultant to assist in the determination of executive compensation issues. While the company’s executives will communicate with the Compensation Committee regarding executive compensation issues, the company’s executive officers do not participate in any executive compensation decisions. The Compensation Committee met once during 2018.
Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee are:
Zhicun Chen, Chairman
Hengtong Li
Yan Shen
The primary responsibility of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in monitoring the integrity of the company’s financial statements and the independence of its external auditors. The company believes that each of the members of the Audit Committee is “independent” and that Owens Meng qualified as “audit committee financial expert” in accordance with applicable NASDAQ Capital Market listing standards. In carrying out its responsibility, the Audit Committee undertakes to:
• Review and recommend to the directors the independent auditors to be selected to audit the financial statement of the company;
• Meet with the independent auditors and management of the company to review the scope of the proposed audit for the current year and the audit procedures to be utilized, and at the conclusion thereof review such audit, including any comments or recommendations of the independent auditors;
• Review with the independent auditors and financial and accounting personnel the adequacy and effectiveness of the accounting and financial controls of the company. The Committee elicits recommendations for the improvement of such internal control procedures or particular areas where new or more detailed controls or procedures are desirable. The Committee emphasizes the adequacy of such internal controls to expose any payments, transactions, or procedures that might be deemed illegal or otherwise improper;
• Review the internal accounting function of the company, the proposed audit plans for the coming year and the coordination of such plans with the company’s independent auditors;
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• Review the financial statements contained in the annual report to shareholders with management and the independent auditors to determine that the independent auditors are satisfied with the disclosure and contents of the financial statements to be presented to the shareholders;
• Provide sufficient opportunity for the independent auditors to meet with the members of the Committee without members of management present. Among the items discussed in these meetings are the independent auditors’ evaluation of the company’s financial, accounting, and auditing personnel, and the cooperation that the independent auditors received during the course of the audit;
• Review accounting and financial human resources and succession planning within the company;
• Submit the minutes of all meetings of the Audit Committee to, or discuss the matters discussed at each committee meeting with, the Board of Directors; and
• Investigate any matter brought to its attention within the scope of its duties, with the power to retain outside counsel for this purpose, if, in its judgment, that is appropriate.
The Audit Committee has established procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing matters, including procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. The Audit Committee charter is available at http://dtnewa.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=67. The Audit Committee met once in 2018.
Nominating Committee
The members of the Nominating Committee are:
Hengtong Li , Chairman
Zhicun Chen
Yan Shen
All members of the Nominating Committee are independent, as such term is defined by the NASDAQ Capital Market listing standards. The Nominating Committee undertakes to:
• Identify individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors and to make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to candidates for nomination for election at the next annual meeting of shareholders or at such other times when candidates surface and, in connection therewith, consider suggestions submitted by shareholders of the company;
• Determine and make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the criteria to be used for selecting new members of the Board of Directors;
• Oversee the process of evaluation of the performance of the company’s Board of Directors and committees;
• Make recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning the membership of committees of the Board and the chairpersons of the respective committees;
• Make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the remuneration paid and benefits provided to members of the Board of Directors in connection with their service on the Board of Directors or on its committees; and
• Evaluate Board of Directors and committee tenure policies as well as policies covering the retirement or resignation of incumbent directors.
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The Board of Directors has determined to provide a process by which shareholders may communicate with the Board of Directors as a whole, a Board of Directors committee or individual director. Shareholders wishing to communicate with the Board of Directors as a whole, a Board of Directors committee or an individual member may do so by sending a written communication addressed to the Board of Directors of the company or to the committee or to an individual director, c/o Secretary, Newater Technology, Inc., 1 Ruida Road, Laishan District, Yantai City, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China 264003. All communications will be compiled by the Secretary of the company and submitted to the Board of Directors or the addressee not later than the next regular Board of Directors meeting. The Nominating Committee charter is available at http://dtnewa.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=67. The Nominating Committee met once in 2018.
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MANAGEMENT — BUSINESS HISTORY OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
For information as to the business history of Yuebiao Li and Zhuo Zhang. See the Section “Proposal One Election of Directors and Director Biographies.”
Hengtong Li. Mr. Li has served as an independent director of Newater Technology since June 2016. Since 2000, Mr. Li has been the Deputy Director of Yantai Huansheng Tax Accounting Firm. Between 1995 and 2000, Mr. Li served as General Manager of Yantai Ziguang Technology Co., Ltd. Between 1991 and 1995, Mr. Li served as Chief Financial Officer of Yantai Chunsheng Knitwear Co., Ltd. Mr. Li is a member of the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA), and a member of Certified Tax Agents (CTA). Mr. Li holds a bachelor degree in management engineering from Qingdao University. Mr. Li was nominated as a director because of his experience in management, tax and accounting.
Zhicun Chen. Ms. Chen has served as an independent director of Newater Technology since June 2016. Since 2013, Ms. Chen has been the Chief Financial Officer of Achilles Shanghai International Trading Co., Ltd. Between 2008 and 2013, Ms. Chen served as Chief Financial Officer of Shanghai Celco Electronic Co., Ltd. Between 2000 and 2008, Ms. Chen worked as head of finance and accounting department of the Forestry Bureau of the Great Khingan Mountain. Ms. Chen is a member of the Institute of Public Accountants of Australia (IPA), a member of the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) of the United Kingdom, and a member of China Association of Chief Financial Officers. Ms. Chen holds a bachelor degree in accounting from Changchun University of Science and Technology. Ms. Chen was nominated as a director because of her experience in accounting and auditing.
Yan Shen. Mr. Shen has served as an independent director of Newater Technology since June 2016. Since May 2017, Mr. Shen has served as the business manager of Quanzhou Wanhua Shiwang Micro Fibre Co., Ltd., in charge of sales. Between 2001 to 2017, Mr. Shen served as Associate General Manager of Yantai Wanhua Micro Fibre Co., Ltd., in charge of national sales and marketing. Between 1993 and 2001, Mr. Shen served as international trade manager of China Machinery Import and Export Yantai Co., Ltd. Mr. Shen received his bachelor degree in machinery design and manufacturing from Yantai University. Mr. Shen was nominated as a director because of his sales and marketing experience.
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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS WITH THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Under Chinese laws, there are some situations where we can terminate employment agreements without paying economic compensation, such as the employer maintains or raises the employment conditions but the employee refuses to accept the new employment agreement, when the employment agreement is scheduled to expire, the employee is retired in accordance with laws or the employee is dead, declared dead or has disappeared. For termination of employment in absence of legal cause, we are obligated to pay the employee two-month’s salary for each year we have employed the employee. We are, however, permitted to terminate an employee for cause without paying economic compensation, such as when the employee has committed a crime, being proved unqualified for recruitment during the probation period, seriously violating the rules and regulations of the employer, or the employee’s actions or inactions have resulted in a material adverse effect to us.
Our employment agreements with our executive officers generally provide for a term of three (3) years, provided that either party may terminate the agreement on sixty (60) days notice and a salary to be paid monthly, subject to certain limitations. The agreements also provide that the executive officers are to work an average of forty (40) hours per week and the agreements are subject to the laws of the People’s Republic of China. During the agreement and for three (3) years afterward, our executive officers are required to keep trade secrets confidential.
The contracts that we have entered into with executive officers include the following:
Employment Agreement of Yuebiao Li
We entered into an employment agreement with Yuebiao Li effective November 1, 2017, providing for Mr. Li to serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Under the terms of Mr. Li’s employment agreement, Mr. Li is, among other matters, to take overall responsibility for the operational management and financial management of the Company in compliance with all applicable laws and devote a minimum of forty hours per week to the Company’s business and affairs and in return will be entitled to the following:
• Annual compensation of RMB 660,000 RMB (approximately $100,000); and
• Reimbursement of reasonable business expenses.
Mr. Li will be eligible to receive an annual bonus based upon annual profit of the company, in the sole discretion of the board of directors. Mr. Li’s employment agreement is for a term of thirty-six months, unless the parties enter into a new agreement before the expiration of the term or either party terminates the agreement in writing at least sixty days before the expiration of its term.
Additionally, Mr. Li’s employment agreement provides for confidentiality and nondisclosure provisions, whereby Mr. Li is required to keep trade secrets confidential during the course of his employment and for a period of thirty-six months following the termination of his employment. His employment contract also contains a non-compete clause for a duration of twenty-four months following his employment.
Employment Agreement of Zhuo Zhang
We entered into an employment agreement with Zhuo Zhang effective November 1, 2017, providing for Ms. Zhang to serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Under the terms of Ms. Zhang’s employment agreement, Ms. Zhang is, among other matters, is to oversee all financial and operational controls and metrics of the company in accordance with industry rules and devote a minimum of forty hours per week to the Company’s business and affairs and in return will be entitled to the following:
• Annual compensation of RMB 660,000 (approximately $100,000); and
• Reimbursement of reasonable business expenses.
Ms. Zhang will be eligible to receive an annual bonus based upon annual profit of the company, in the sole discretion of the board of directors. Mr. Zhang’s employment agreement is for a term of thirty-six months, unless the parties enter into a new agreement before the expiration of the term or either party terminates the agreement in writing at least sixty days before the expiration of its term.
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Additionally, Ms. Zhang’s employment agreement provides for confidentiality and nondisclosure provisions, whereby Ms. Zhang is required to keep trade secrets confidential during the course of her employment and for a period of thirty-six months following the termination of her employment. Her employment contract also contains a non-compete clause for a duration of twenty-four months following her employment.
Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers
In 2018, we paid an aggregate of approximately $3,006,259 U.S. dollars in cash as salaries and fees to our senior executives and officers named in this proxy statement. We do not separately set aside any amounts for pensions, retirement or other benefits for our executive officers, other than pursuant to relevant statutory requirements.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors currently consists of five directors. There are no family relationships between any of our executive officers and directors. The directors are divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as the then total number of directors permits. Our Class A director was reelected at our 2017 annual general meeting of shareholders and every three years thereafter. Our Class B directors were reelected at our annual general meeting of shareholders in 2018 and every three years thereafter. Class C directors shall face re-election at this annual general meeting of shareholders and every three years thereafter.
If the number of directors changes, any increase or decrease will be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly as possible. Any additional director of a class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in such class will hold office for a term that coincides with the remaining term of that class. Decreases in the number of directors will not shorten the term of any incumbent director. These provisions could make it more difficult for third parties to gain control of the company by making it difficult to replace members of the Board of Directors.
A director may vote in respect of any contract or transaction in which he is interested, provided, however that the nature of the interest of any director in any such contract or transaction shall be disclosed by him at or prior to its consideration and any vote on that matter. A general notice or disclosure to the directors or otherwise contained in the minutes of a meeting or a written resolution of the directors or any committee thereof of the nature of a director’s interest shall be sufficient disclosure and after such general notice it shall not be necessary to give special notice relating to any particular transaction. A director may be counted for a quorum upon a motion in respect of any contract or arrangement which he shall make with the company, or in which he is so interested and may vote on such motion.
There are no membership qualifications for directors. Further, there are no share ownership qualifications for directors unless so fixed by us in a general meeting.
The Board of Directors maintains a majority of independent directors who are deemed to be independent under the definition of independence provided by NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 4200(a)(15). Hengtong Li, Zhicun Chen and Yan Shen are our independent directors.
There are no other arrangements or understandings pursuant to which our directors are selected or nominated.
Our Board of Directors plays a significant role in our risk oversight. The Board of Directors makes all relevant company decisions. As such, it is important for us to have both our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer serve on the Board of Directors as they play key roles in the risk oversight or the company. As a smaller reporting company with a small Board of Directors, we believe it is appropriate to have the involvement and input of all of our directors in risk oversight matters.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Currently, three committees have been established under the Board of Directors: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of the company and audits of the financial statements of the company, including the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of our independent auditors. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding
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our compensation policies for our officers and all forms of compensation, and also administers our incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans (but our Board of Directors retains the authority to interpret those plans). The Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the assessment of the performance of the Board of Directors, considering and making recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the nominations or elections of directors and other governance issues. The Nominating Committee considers diversity of opinion and experience when nominating directors.
Hengtong Li, Zhicun Chen, and Yan Shen serve on all three committees. At this time, Hengtong Li chairs the nominating committee; Zhicun Chen chairs the audit committee; and Yan Shen chairs the compensation committee. Zhicun Chen qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined by the applicable SEC regulations and Nasdaq Capital Market corporate governance requirements.
Duties of Directors
Under British Virgin Islands law, our directors have a duty to act honestly, in good faith and with a view to our best interests. Our directors also have a duty to exercise the care, diligence and skills that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles of association. We have the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors is breached.
The functions and powers of our Board of Directors include, among others:
• appointing officers and determining the term of office of the officers;
• authorizing the payment of donations to religious, charitable, public or other bodies, clubs, funds or associations as deemed advisable;
• exercising the borrowing powers of the company and mortgaging the property of the company;
• executing checks, promissory notes and other negotiable instruments on behalf of the company; and
• maintaining or registering a register of mortgages, charges or other encumbrances of the company.
Interested Transactions
A director may vote, attend a Board of Directors meeting or sign a document on our behalf with respect to any contract or transaction in which he or she is interested. A director must promptly disclose the interest to all other directors after becoming aware of the fact that he or she is interested in a transaction we have entered into or are to enter into. A general notice or disclosure to the Board of Directors or otherwise contained in the minutes of a meeting or a written resolution of the Board of Directors or any committee of the Board of Directors that a director is a shareholder, director, officer or trustee of any specified firm or company and is to be regarded as interested in any transaction with such firm or company will be sufficient disclosure, and, after such general notice, it will not be necessary to give special notice relating to any particular transaction.
Remuneration and Borrowing
The directors may receive such remuneration as our Board of Directors may determine from time to time. Each director is entitled to be repaid or prepaid for all travel, hotel and incidental expenses reasonably incurred or expected to be incurred in attending meetings of our Board of Directors, committees of our Board of Directors or shareholders or otherwise in connection with the discharge of his or her duties as a director. The compensation committee will assist the directors in reviewing and approving the compensation structure for the directors.
Our Board of Directors may exercise all the powers of the company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge our undertakings and property or any part thereof, to issue debentures, debenture stock and other securities whenever money is borrowed or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the company or of any third party.
Qualification
A director is not required to hold shares as a qualification to office.
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Limitation on Liability and Other Indemnification Matters
Under British Virgin Islands law, each of our directors and officers, in performing his or her functions, is required to act honestly and in good faith with a view to our best interests and exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. British Virgin Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s memorandum and articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the British Virgin Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime.
Under our memorandum and articles of association, we may indemnify our directors, officers and liquidators against all expenses, including legal fees, and against all judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement and reasonably incurred in connection with civil, criminal, administrative or investigative proceedings to which they are party or are threatened to be made a party by reason of their acting as our director, officer or liquidator. To be entitled to indemnification, these persons must have acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interest of the company and, in the case of criminal proceedings, they must have had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. Such limitation of liability does not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission. These provisions will not limit the liability of directors under United States federal securities laws.
We may indemnify any of our directors or anyone serving at our request as a director of another entity against all expenses, including legal fees, and against all judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement and reasonably incurred in connection with legal, administrative or investigative proceedings. We may only indemnify a director if he or she acted honestly and in good faith with the view to our best interests and, in the case of criminal proceedings, the director had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. The decision of our Board of Directors as to whether the director acted honestly and in good faith with a view to our best interests and as to whether the director had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful, is in the absence of fraud sufficient for the purposes of indemnification, unless a question of law is involved. The termination of any proceedings by any judgment, order, settlement, conviction or the entry of no plea does not, by itself, create a presumption that a director did not act honestly and in good faith and with a view to our best interests or that the director had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. If a director to be indemnified has been successful in defense of any proceedings referred to above, the director is entitled to be indemnified against all expenses, including legal fees, and against all judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement and reasonably incurred by the director or officer in connection with the proceedings.
We may purchase and maintain insurance in relation to any of our directors or officers against any liability asserted against the directors or officers and incurred by the directors or officers in that capacity, whether or not we have or would have had the power to indemnify the directors or officers against the liability as provided in our memorandum and articles of association.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, may be permitted for our directors or officers under the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is therefore unenforceable as a matter of U.S. law.
Material Changes in Manner of Recommending Board of Directors Nominees
There were no material changes in manner of recommending Board of Directors nominees to our Board of Directors in the fiscal year 2018.
Related Party Transactions
Please refer to the company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for a full discussion of related party transactions. We have included a copy of the Annual Report on Form 20-F has been included in this proxy mailing.
Future Related Party Transactions
Our Nominating Committee (which consists solely of independent directors) has approved all related party transactions. All material related party transactions are made or entered into on terms that are no less favorable to us than can be obtained from unaffiliated third parties.
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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT AND FEES PAID TO
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Who served on the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors during fiscal year 2018?
The members of the Audit Committee as of December 31, 2018 were Zhicun Chen, Hengtong Li and Yan Shen. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent under the rules of the SEC and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Board of Directors determined that Zhicun Chen was an “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.
What document governs the activities of the Audit Committee?
The Audit Committee acts under a written charter, which sets forth its responsibilities and duties, as well as requirements for the Audit Committee’s composition and meetings. The Audit Committee Charter is available on the company’s investor relations website at http://dtnewa.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=67.
How does the Audit Committee conduct its meetings?
During fiscal 2018, the Audit Committee convened its meeting with the senior management over a conference call during which financial and regulatory issues were discussed. Over the course of the year, the Audit Committee held private interviews with representatives of the company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
Does the Audit Committee review the periodic reports and other public financial disclosures of the company?
The Audit Committee reviews the company’s annual reports, including Management’s Discussion of Results of Operations and Financial Condition. As part of this review, the Audit Committee discusses the reports with the company’s management and considers the audit and review reports prepared by the independent registered public accounting firm about the company’s periodic reports, as well as related matters such as the quality (and not just the acceptability) of the company’s accounting principles, alternative methods of accounting under generally accepted accounting principles and the preferences of the independent registered public accounting firm in this regard, the company’s critical accounting policies and the clarity and completeness of the company’s financial and other disclosures.
What is the role of the Audit Committee in connection with the financial statements and controls of the company?
Management of the company has primary responsibility for the financial statements and internal control over financial reporting. The independent registered public accounting firm has responsibility for the audit of the company’s financial statements and internal control over financial reporting. The responsibility of the Audit Committee is to oversee financial and control matters, among other responsibilities fulfilled by the Committee under its charter. The Committee meets regularly with the independent registered public accounting firm, without the presence of management, to ensure candid and constructive discussions about the company’s compliance with accounting standards and best practices among public companies comparable in size and scope to the company. The Audit Committee also regularly reviews with its outside advisors material developments in the law and accounting literature that may be pertinent to the company’s financial reporting practices.
What has the Audit Committee done with regard to the company’s audited financial statements for fiscal 2018?
The Audit Committee has:
• reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with the company’s management; and
• discussed with MaloneBailey LLP, the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 2018 fiscal year, the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, as amended.
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Has the Audit Committee considered the independence of the company’s auditors?
The Audit Committee has received from MaloneBailey LLP the written disclosures and the letter required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, and the Audit Committee has discussed with MaloneBailey LLP its independence. The Audit Committee has concluded that MaloneBailey LLP is independent from the company and its management.
Has the Audit Committee made a recommendation regarding the audited financial statements for fiscal 2018?
Based upon its review and the discussions with management and the company’s independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements for the company be included in the company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2018.
Has the Audit Committee reviewed the fees paid to the independent registered public accounting firm during fiscal 2018?
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the fees paid to MaloneBailey LLP during 2018 for audit, audit-related, tax and other services, which are set forth below under “Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.” The Audit Committee has determined that the provision of non-audit services is compatible with the independence of MaloneBailey LLP.
What is the company’s policy regarding the retention of the company’s auditors?
The Audit Committee has adopted a policy regarding the retention of the independent registered public accounting firm that requires pre-approval of all services by the Audit Committee.
Who prepared this report?
This report has been furnished by the members of the Audit Committee:
Zhicun Chen, Chairman
Hengtong Li
Yan Shen
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FEES PAID TO INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
During fiscal 2018 and 2017, MaloneBailey, LLP’s fees for the annual audit of our financial statements and the periodic reviews of the financial statements were $294,000 and $270,00, respectively.
Audit-Related Fees
During fiscal 2018 and 2017, the Company did not incur audit-related services for services.
Tax Fees
The company has not paid Malone Bailey, LLP for tax services in fiscal 2018 and 2017.
All Other Fees
The company has not paid Malone Bailey, LLP for any other services in fiscal 2018 and 2017.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies
Before MaloneBailey LLP was engaged by the company to render audit or non-audit services, the engagement was approved by the company’s Audit Committee. All services rendered by MaloneBailey LLP have been so approved.
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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
The following tables set forth information with respect to beneficial ownership of our common shares as of September 12, 2019 by:
• Each person who is known by us to beneficially own 5% or more of our outstanding common shares;
• Each of our directors and named executive officers; and
• All directors and named executive officers as a group.
Applicable percentage ownership is based on 10,809,000 common shares outstanding at September 12, 2019. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table below is c/o Yantai Jinzheng Eco-Technology Co, Ltd. 1 Ruida Road, Laishan District, Yantai, Shandong China 264003. Information with respect to beneficial ownership has been furnished by each director, officer or beneficial owner of 5% or more of our common shares. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally requires that such person have voting or investment power with respect to securities. In computing the number of common shares beneficially owned by a person listed below and the percentage ownership of such person, common shares underlying options, warrants or convertible securities held by each such person that are exercisable or convertible within 60 days of September 12, 2019 are deemed outstanding, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table, or as required by applicable community property laws, all persons listed have sole voting and investment power for all common shares shown as beneficially owned by them. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes, the address for each principal shareholder is in the care of the company at Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table below is c/o Yantai Jinzheng Eco-Technology Co, Ltd. 1 Ruida Road, Laishan District, Yantai, Shandong China 264003. As of September 12, 2019 we had 13 shareholders of record.
Directors and Officers
|
Beneficial Ownership(1) |
|||||
|
Name of Beneficial Owner |
Common |
Percentage |
|||
|
Yuebiao Li(2)(3)(5) |
2,900,000 |
26.8 |
% |
||
|
Zhuo Zhang(4)(5) |
1,900,000 |
17.6 |
% |
||
|
Hengtong Li(5) |
0 |
* |
|
||
|
Zhicun Chen(5) |
0 |
* |
|
||
|
Yan Shen(5) |
0 |
* |
|
||
|
All directors and executive officers as a group |
4,800,000 |
44.4 |
% |
||
____________
* Less than 1%.
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the common shares or the power to receive the economic benefit of the common shares.
(2) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(3) Represents 2,900,000 shares held directly by Tigerwind Group Limited, a British Virgin Islands limited liability company controlled by Yuebiao Li. Mr. Li holds voting and investment power over the shares held.
(4) Chief Financial Officer
(5) Director
Major Shareholders
As of September 12, 2019, no stockholders known to us was a beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common shares other than the shareholders identified in the directors and executive officers group in the table above. We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the members of the Board of Directors who served on the Compensation Committee during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were officers or employees of the company or any of its subsidiaries or had any relationship with the company requiring disclosure under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.
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Compliance with Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements
We are a foreign private issuer and, as a result, our directors and executive officers will not be required to report equity holdings under Section 16 of the Exchange Act and will not be subject to the insider short-swing profit disclosure and recovery regime.
Availability of Form 20-F to Shareholders
Rules promulgated by the SEC require us to provide an Annual Report to Shareholders who receive this Proxy Statement. We will also provide copies of the Annual Report to brokers, dealers, banks, voting trustees and their nominees for the benefit of their beneficial owners of record. Additional copies of the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 (without exhibits or documents incorporated by reference), are available without charge to shareholders upon written request to Secretary, Newater Technology, Inc., 1 Ruida Road, Laishan District, Yantai City, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China 264003, or via the Internet at http://dtnewa.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=41.
Other Proposed Actions
If any other items or matters properly come before the meeting, the proxies received will be voted on those items or matters in accordance with the discretion of the proxy holders.
Solicitation by Board of Directors; Expenses of Solicitation
Our Board of Directors has sent you this Proxy Statement. Our directors, officers and associates may solicit proxies by telephone or in person. We will also reimburse the expenses of brokers, nominees and fiduciaries that send proxies and proxy materials to our shareholders.
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