DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
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AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC. |
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EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 14A (this “Amendment No. 1”) is being filed to amend and supplement the definitive proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) for the annual meeting for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 (the “Annual Meeting”) of the stockholders of Amtech Systems, Inc. (the “Company”), which was filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on January 25, 2016. The Company made the following revisions for the purposes of addressing comments received from the Commission to amend and restate the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section to further clarify (a) factors used in compensation decisions and (b) comparisons to peer group company compensation.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This section discusses the principles underlying our executive compensation policies and decisions. It provides qualitative information regarding the manner in which compensation is earned by the three executive officers whose compensation is disclosed in the compensation tables following this discussion. We refer to these executive officers as “named executive officers” or “NEOs”. Our named executive officers during fiscal year 2015 were:
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• | Jong S. Whang Executive Chairman |
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• | Fokko Pentinga President and Chief Executive Officer |
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• | Bradley C. Anderson Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
The following discussion and analysis of compensation arrangements should be read together with the compensation tables and related disclosures set forth below. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on our current plans, considerations, expectations and determinations regarding future compensation programs. Actual compensation programs that we adopt may differ materially from currently planned programs as summarized in this discussion. In addition, we address the compensation paid or awarded during fiscal 2015 to our named executive officers.
Executive Summary
Recap of Fiscal Year 2015
We believe that the compensation of our named executive officers should facilitate the achievement of annual corporate goals as well as the performance of long-term business objectives. The 2015 fiscal year was a year of major accomplishments as we diversified our business portfolio with the acquisitions of BTU International, Inc. (“BTU”) and SoLayTec B.V. (“SoLayTec”). In addition, the sale of a portion of our investment in ion implant technology generated cash in fiscal 2015 and we project this will generate additional cash in fiscal 2016. We continued to operate in a soft demand environment during fiscal 2015, and therefore maintained a strong focus on corporate-wide expense controls and diligent cash management. In each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013, our named executive officers voluntarily reduced their base salaries and maintained their lower compensation through fiscal 2014. Effective December 1, 2014, the Compensation and Stock Option Committee approved a restoration of the annual base compensation for our NEOs. Factors that were considered in the decision to restore base salaries included, but were not limited to, the following: (i) for our Executive Chairman, his leadership in developing and executing the company’s overall strategy; his leading role in the acquisition of BTU and divestiture of a significant portion of our investment in Kingstone; (ii) for our Chief Executive Officer, his leading role in the acquisition of SoLayTec, the development and introduction of new products that allowed the Company to maintain its competitive position in the solar capital equipment market, and his supporting role in the acquisition of BTU and the divestiture of a significant portion of our investment in Kingstone; (iii) for our Chief Financial Officer, his supporting role in the acquisitions of BTU and SoLayTec, the divestiture of a significant portion of our investment in Kingstone, and his leading role with the integration of BTU. For fiscal 2015, we believe our executive compensation programs delivered payouts commensurate with the results of operations and the accomplishments noted above.
It is the responsibility of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee (“Compensation and Stock Option Committee” or “Compensation Committee”) of our Board of Directors to administer our compensation practices to ensure that they are competitive and include incentives which are designed to appropriately drive corporate performance. Our Compensation Committee reviews and approves all of our compensation policies, relating to our named executive officers’ salaries, bonuses and equity incentive compensation.
In November 2015, the Compensation Committee engaged the services of Pearl Meyer, an independent compensation consulting firm, to perform a competitive analysis of the compensation of our named executive officers. Based on a comprehensive review of Amtech's compensation compared to our peer group companies with similar annual revenues, Pearl Meyer determined that Amtech’s actual direct compensation, which includes base salary, short-term incentives and long-term incentives was below the 25th percentile of our peer group companies. Base salary was 14% below the 25th percentile of our peer companies, while short-term incentive compensation and long-term incentive compensation were 42% and 9%, respectively, below the 25th percentile of
our peers. Total direct compensation was 23% below the 25th percentile of our peers. The actual short-term compensation of our named executive officers fell 81% below our targeted levels, because our operating results fell below our targeted results. The conclusions of Pearl Meyer include a recommendation to consider adjusting base salary to the desired pay positioning over two to three years, which our Compensation and Stock Option Committee will consider in future reviews of executive compensation. The peer group was composed of the following companies:
Electro Scientific Industries Inc.
Axcelis Technologies Inc.
Cascade Microtech Inc.
Cohu, Inc.
CVD Equipment Corporation
FormFactor Inc.
inTEST Corp.
Mattson Technology Inc.
Nanometrics Incorporated
Ultratech, Inc.
Xcerra Corporation
Intevac Inc.
At the Company's 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, we held a non-binding advisory shareholder vote on the compensation of our NEOs, commonly known as a say-on-pay vote. Our shareholders approved the say-on-pay resolution by a favorable vote of approximately 94% of the votes cast, including abstentions. Based upon our review of our compensation policies and based upon the results of the say-on-pay vote, we decided to retain our current approach to executive compensation.
Based upon a separate advisory vote at the 2012 annual meeting of shareholders on the frequency of the say-on-pay vote, shareholders indicated their preference for an annual advisory vote on the compensation of our NEOs. Taking into account the shareholders' vote, the Board of Directors determined that the Company will conduct a non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Company's NEOs on an annual basis. Therefore, a shareholder advisory vote on executive compensation will be held at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. At the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders, the Company will be required to hold another separate advisory vote to reassess the frequency of the say-on-pay vote.
Objectives of Our Executive Compensation Programs
Our compensation programs for our named executive officers are designed to achieve the following objectives:
• attract and retain talented and experienced executives in our industry;
• motivate and reward executives whose knowledge, skills and performance are critical to our success;
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• | align the interests of our executives and shareholders by rewarding executives when shareholder value increases; and |
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• | motivate our executives to manage our business to meet our short-term and long-term corporate goals and business objectives, and reward them for meeting these objectives. |
We use a mix of short-term compensation in the form of base salaries and cash incentive bonuses and long-term compensation in the form of equity incentive compensation to provide a total compensation structure that is designed to encourage our executives to achieve these objectives.
Determining Executive Compensation
Our Compensation and Stock Option Committee establishes our general compensation policies and specific compensation for each of our executive officers, and administers our stock incentive program. In addition, our Compensation and Stock Option Committee is responsible for developing, administering and interpreting the compensation program for our named executive officers and other key employees. Our Compensation and Stock Option Committee was appointed by our Board of Directors, and consists entirely of independent, outside directors under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) who are “non-employee directors” for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.
Our Compensation and Stock Option Committee may delegate some or all of its responsibilities to one or more subcommittees whenever necessary to comply with any statutory or regulatory requirements or otherwise deemed appropriate by our Compensation and Stock Option Committee. Our Compensation and Stock Option Committee has the authority to retain consultants and other
advisors to assist with its duties and has sole authority to approve the fees and other retention terms of such consultants and advisors. As noted above, in November 2015, the Compensation Committee engaged the services of Pearl Meyer, an independent compensation consulting firm, to perform a competitive analysis of the compensation of our named executive officers.
Our Compensation and Stock Option Committee’s objective is to make the compensation packages of our executive officers sufficient to attract and retain persons of exceptional quality and to provide effective incentives to motivate and reward our executives for achieving our financial and strategic goals, which are essential to our long-term success and growth in shareholder value.
Elements of Our Executive Compensation Programs
Our executive compensation package for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 consisted of three main components: base salary, incentive cash bonuses and equity incentives. We believe it is important that the interests of our named executive officers are aligned with those of our shareholders; therefore, equity incentive compensation, in the form of stock options and restricted stock grants, constitutes a significant portion of our total executive compensation.
Within the context of the overall objectives of our compensation programs, the Compensation Committee determined the specific amounts of compensation to be paid to each of our executives in fiscal year 2015 based on a number of factors including:
• the roles and responsibilities of our named executive officers;
• the individual experience and skills of our named executive officers;
• the amounts of compensation being paid to our other executives;
• our named executive officers’ historical compensation at our company;
• the overall benefits package provided to our named executive officers; and
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• | our understanding of the amount of compensation generally paid by similarly situated companies to their executives with similar roles and responsibilities. |
Annual Cash Compensation
Base Compensation
Our Compensation and Stock Option Committee’s approach is to offer our executives salaries competitive with those of other executives in the industry in which we operate. To that end, our Compensation and Stock Option Committee periodically evaluates the competitiveness of base salaries against our peer group based on available information drawn from a variety of sources, including published and proprietary survey data, input and recommendations from our independent compensation consultant and our own experience recruiting and retaining executives. Our base salary levels are intended to be consistent with competitive practice and level of responsibility, with salary increases or decreases reflecting competitive trends, our overall financial performance and the performance of the individual executive. Salaries are adjusted to reflect individual roles and performance and may be adjusted at other times if a change in the scope of the officer’s responsibilities justifies such consideration or in order to maintain salary equity among executive officers. Elements of individual performance that are taken into account with regard to base compensation include individual accomplishments, such as a track record of leadership, implementing new product lines, executing and integrating acquisitions, meeting financial objectives, taking on additional responsibilities, or managing corporate governance, as well as individual contribution to overall company financial performance, such as creating operating efficiencies or implementing policies or transactions that increase shareholder value. We believe that a competitive base salary is a necessary element of any compensation program designed to attract and retain talented and experienced executives. We also believe that attractive base salaries can serve as an effective reward for the executives’ overall performance.
Cash bonuses
In addition to base salary, our executives are eligible to receive annual cash incentive bonuses comprised of (i) discretionary cash bonuses determined by the Compensation and Stock Option Committee and (ii) bonuses earned under the Company’s non-equity incentive bonus plan.
The primary objectives of our discretionary bonuses and non-equity incentive bonus plan are to provide an incentive for superior work, to motivate our executives toward even higher achievement and business results, to tie our executives’ goals and interests
to ours and our shareholders’ and to enable us to attract and retain highly qualified individuals. After the close of each fiscal year, our Compensation and Stock Option Committee reviews our actual financial performance against the incentive bonus plan performance criteria for each named executive officer in determining year-end incentive bonuses, if any. In addition, our Compensation and Stock Option Committee may recommend discretionary bonuses for particular contribution to the goals of the Company or where incentive bonuses do not adequately reflect the executive’s contributions during the year due to circumstances beyond the executive’s control.
Under our non-equity incentive bonus plan, participants can earn a target bonus equal to a specified percentage of their base salary by achieving 100% of pre-defined performance objectives. The participant’s bonus calculation is based upon achieving performance objectives established in each of the following categories: (i) bookings; (ii) revenue; (iii) gross margin; and (iv) operating profit. Objectives established for participants in these categories may be either at the corporate level, the operating division level or both. In addition, individual performance objectives may be established for certain participants. In order to be eligible for a bonus with respect to any of the above performance categories, the participant must achieve not less than 80% (90% in the case of gross margin) of the applicable performance objective. At these minimum levels, 20% of the bonus for the category is eligible for payment. The bonus calculation percentage with respect to any performance category increases by 4% (8% with respect to gross margin) for each 1% improvement in performance over the minimum level up to 100%, and by 1% (10% with respect to gross margin) for each 1% improvement in performance over 100%, up to a maximum of 150% (200% with respect to gross margin) of the participant’s target bonus.
Mr. Whang’s target bonus for fiscal 2015 was 80% of his base salary, or $320,000; Mr. Pentinga’s target bonus for fiscal 2015 was 75% of his base salary, or $305,250; and Mr. Anderson’s target bonus was 55% of his base salary, or $160,325. The bonuses of the named executive officers were calculated solely based upon the performance objectives at the corporate level. If fiscal 2015 performance was equivalent to 80% (90% with respect to gross margin) of performance objectives in all corporate performance categories, Mr. Whang’s bonus calculation would be $64,000, Mr. Pentinga’s bonus calculation would be $61,050, and Mr. Anderson’s bonus calculation would be $32,065. If fiscal 2015 performance was 150% (110% with respect to gross margin) of performance objectives in all corporate performance categories, Mr. Whang’s bonus calculation would be $480,000, Mr. Pentinga’s bonus calculation would be $457,875 and Mr. Anderson’s bonus calculation would be $240,488.
Notwithstanding the calculation of any bonus amount under the fiscal 2015 bonus plan, (i) no bonuses would have been payable based on achievement of corporate level objectives if consolidated operating profit was less than 3%; (ii) no bonuses would have been payable based on achievement of divisional level objectives if division operating profit (before corporate expense allocation) was less than 5%; and (iii) all bonus payments were subject to the discretionary approval of our Compensation and Stock Option Committee.
For fiscal 2015, the Compensation and Stock Option Committee awarded no bonuses pursuant to the non-equity incentive bonus plan. On November 18, 2014, the Compensation and Stock Option Committee approved a discretionary bonus of $50,000 each for Messrs. Whang, Pentinga, and Anderson. In making the decision to award discretionary cash bonuses for these executives, the Compensation and Stock Option Committee considered the executives' exemplary commitment to management of the company during the last several years and the efforts made related to recent business development activities.
Equity incentive compensation
From time to time, we grant stock options and shares of restricted stock in order to provide certain of our executives with a competitive total compensation package, and to reward contributions to the Company's long-term success and to the commitment of such executives to the interests of the Company's shareholders. These equity incentive awards are in the form of stock options and restricted stock grants to align the interests of our executives with our shareholders by providing our executives with strong incentives to increase shareholder value. Our Board of Directors does not apply a rigid formula in allocating stock options or restricted stock to our named executive officers as a group or to any particular executive. Instead, our Board of Directors exercises its judgment and discretion and considers, among other things, the executive’s past performance and contributions, and the executive’s anticipated future contributions and responsibilities, competitive factors, the non-equity compensation received by the executive and the total number of options and shares of restricted stock to be granted to all participants during the year.
Our Compensation and Stock Option Committee has discretion to determine the vesting schedule of the stock options and restricted period of the restricted stock granted under our 2007 Employee Stock Incentive Plan. The vesting period and restricted period provide added incentive for the executive to continue his or her employment with us and to strive to improve the Company's business performance.
In fiscal 2015, we granted options to purchase a total of 327,500 shares of common stock, of which options to purchase a total of 135,000 shares were granted to our named executive officers, representing 41% of all options granted in fiscal 2015. In fiscal
2015, we granted no shares of restricted stock. The number of stock options and shares of restricted stock granted to each executive is set forth in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table below. The aggregate grant date fair value (calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718) with respect to such grants for each individual named executive officer is set forth in the column “Option Awards” and “Stock Awards” in the “Summary Compensation Table.” The exercise price of each stock option granted under our plan is based on the closing price of our common stock on the previous trading day before the grant date.
Benefits
All of our named executive officers are eligible to receive an automobile allowance as well as benefits offered to employees generally, including life, health, disability and dental insurance and to participate our 401(k) plan. Our named executive officers are also eligible to participate in the Mayo Executive Health Plan. In addition, our Chief Executive Officer participates in Pensioenfonds Metaal en Techniek, a multi-employer pension plan that generally covers all our employees in the Netherlands. In July 2013, Mr. Whang and Mr. Anderson voluntarily suspended their automobile allowances; however, on November 18, 2014, the Compensation and Stock Option Committee approved the restoration of car allowances for Mr. Whang and Mr. Anderson. Consistent with our compensation philosophy is our intent to maintain our current benefits for our executive officers. Our Compensation and Stock Option Committee, in its discretion, may revise the named executive officers’ benefits if it deems it advisable.
Severance and Change in Control Arrangements
Our named executive officers have employment agreements that provide various benefits triggered by employment-related actions such as termination without cause, resignation with good reason and/or termination without cause following a change in control. See “Employment Agreement with Executive Chairman”, "Employment Agreement with Chief Executive Officer" and "Employment Agreement with Chief Financial Officer" below for a description of such provisions. Each of the employment agreements has been amended to ensure compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.
In setting the terms of and determining whether to approve these severance and change in control arrangements, our Compensation Committee or Board of Directors, as applicable, recognized that executives often face challenges securing new employment following a termination of their existing employment and that distractions created by uncertain job security may have a detrimental impact on their performance. However, none of the benefits provided by the severance and change in control arrangements are triggered by a change in control if our named executive officer’s employment is terminated for cause.
Other Compensatory Arrangements
In connection with the merger with BTU, Paul van der Wansem, BTU’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, entered into a one-year employment agreement with Amtech, which term commenced on January 31, 2015, the first day after completion of the merger. Mr. van der Wansem's employment with BTU was terminated immediately following the effective time of the merger. Mr. van der Wansem served as a member of the management executive committee for a one-year term, with an annual salary of $350,000, and was provided with health insurance and other benefits in effect for executives of Amtech including an automobile allowance. He also received a grant of 30,000 options on January 30, 2015, which will vest equally over each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date subject to Mr. van der Wansem's continued service. In addition, Mr. van der Wansem also entered into a two-year consulting agreement with Amtech commencing upon expiration of the employment agreement and which provides compensation of $22,083 per month. At the effective date of the merger, Amtech also nominated Mr. van der Wansem to its board of directors for a period of three years following the merger.
Accounting Treatment on Compensation Decisions
In the review and establishment of our compensation programs, we consider the anticipated accounting and tax implications to us and our executives. For example, we may utilize restricted stock as forms of equity compensation incentives in response to changes in the accounting treatment of equity awards. While we consider the applicable accounting and tax treatment, these factors alone are not determinative, and we also consider the cash and non-cash impact of the programs and whether a program is consistent with our overall compensation philosophy and objectives.
REPORT OF COMPENSATION AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE
The information contained in the following report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC, nor shall it be subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
The Compensation and Stock Option Committee, which is composed entirely of independent, outside directors, establishes the general compensation policies of the Company, and specific compensation for each executive officer of the Company, and administers the Company’s stock option program.
The Compensation and Stock Option Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included above with management and based on such review and discussions the Compensation and Stock Option Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.
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| RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Robert F. King, Chairman Michael Garnreiter
Egbert J.G. Goudena Sukesh Mohan |
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation for services rendered to Amtech during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 by our named executive officers.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
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Name and Principal Position | Year | | Salary ($) | | Bonus ($) (1) | | Stock Awards ($) | | Option Awards ($) (2) (8) | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) |
Jong S. Whang | 2015 | | 362,769 |
| | 50,000 |
| | — |
| | 304,495 |
| | — |
| | 28,901 |
| (3) | 746,165 |
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Executive Chairman | 2014 | | 224,000 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 219,000 |
| | — |
| | 14,633 |
| (4) | 457,633 |
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and Director | 2013 | | 299,692 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 91,200 |
| | — |
| | 28,751 |
| (5) | 419,643 |
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Fokko Pentinga | 2015 | | 342,126 |
| | 50,000 |
| | | | 304,495 |
| | | | 47,179 |
| (7) | 743,800 |
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Chief Executive | 2014 | | 258,137 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 219,000 |
| | — |
| | 72,456 |
| (7) | 549,593 |
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Officer and Director | 2013 | | 300,692 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 91,200 |
| | — |
| | 61,301 |
| (7) | 453,193 |
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Bradley C. Anderson | 2015 | | 258,475 |
| | 50,000 |
| | — |
| | 213,147 |
| | — |
| | 12,485 |
| (6) | 534,107 |
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Chief Financial | 2014 | | 180,194 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 155,078 |
| | — |
| | 6,618 |
| (6) | 341,890 |
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Officer | 2013 | | 215,719 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 72,960 |
| | — |
| | 14,435 |
| (6) | 303,114 |
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(1) | Represents discretionary cash bonuses awarded on November 18, 2014. No discretionary cash bonuses were awarded for fiscal years 2014 or 2013. |
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(2) | Amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For a description of the assumptions made by the Company when calculating such grant date fair value, refer to Note 1 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements as set forth in the Company’s Form 10-K filed November 19, 2015. |
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(3) | Amount represents car allowance of $14,192, $10,809 of life insurance premiums paid by the Company for which Mr. Whang’s spouse is the beneficiary and Company match under the 401(k) plan of $3,900. |
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(4) | Amount represents $10,808 of life insurance premiums paid by the Company for which Mr. Whang’s spouse is the beneficiary and Company match under the 401(k) plan of $3,825. |
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(5) | Amount represents car allowance of $14,192, $10,809 of life insurance premiums paid by the Company for which Mr. Whang’s spouse is the beneficiary and Company match under the 401(k) plan of $3,750. |
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(6) | Represents Company match under the 2013, 2014 and 2015 401(k) plan of $3,750, $3,818, and $3,900 respectively, and car allowance for 2013, 2014 and 2015 of $7,885, $0, and $7,885, respectively. Fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 amounts also include $2,800, $2,800, and $700 of travel incentive payments, respectively. |
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(7) | Represents Company contribution under the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Netherlands pension plan of $27,824, $29,865, and $18,877, respectively, and other (primarily car allowance) of $33,477, $42,591 and $28,302 in fiscal year 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. |
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(8) | In June 2013, the executive officers voluntarily cancelled certain outstanding stock options. Mr Whang voluntarily cancelled 30,000 options with an exercise price of $14.79 and 26,667 options with an exercise price of $17.12. Mr. Pentinga voluntarily cancelled 3,125 options with an exercise price of $14.79 and 23,333 options with an exercise price of $17.12. Mr. Anderson voluntarily cancelled 15,000 options with an exercise price of $14.79 and 11,667 options with an exercise price of $17.12. Also in June 2013, the Board of Directors, based upon the recommendation of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee, accelerated the vesting of certain outstanding option awards. |
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• | 50% of options with an exercise price of $2.95 vested effective June 30, 2013, and the remainder of such options will continue to vest according to the original vesting schedule (25% on each anniversary date of the original grant). |
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• | All options with exercise prices of $6.15 and $7.98 per share vested effective June 30, 2013. |
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• | Mr. Whang received accelerated vesting of 25,000, 5,000 and 27,500 options with exercise prices of $2.95, $6.15 and $7.98 per share, respectively. |
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• | Mr. Pentinga received accelerated vesting of 25,000, 2,500 and 63,750 options with exercise prices of $2.95, $6.15 and $7.98 per share, respectively. |
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• | Mr. Anderson received accelerated vesting of 20,000, 2,500 and 12,500 options with exercise prices of $2.95, $6.15 and $7.98 per share, respectively. |
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
The following table sets forth grants of plan-based awards made to our named executive officers in fiscal 2015 and related fair value compensation for fiscal 2015:
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| | | | | Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (4) | | | | | | | | |
Name | Grant Date (1) | | Date Grant Approved by Board (1) | | Threshold ($) | | Target ($) | | Maximum ($) | | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#) (1) | | All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#) (1) | | Exercise or Base Price of Options Awards ($/Sh) (2) | | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards ($) (3) |
Jong S. Whang | 11/19/2014 | | 11/19/2014 | | $64,000 | | $320,000 | | $480,000 | | — |
| | 50,000 |
| | $9.98 | | $304,495 |
Fokko Pentinga | 11/19/2014 | | 11/19/2014 | | $61,050 | | $305,250 | | $457,875 | | — |
| | 50,000 |
| | $9.98 | | $304,495 |
Bradley C. Anderson | 11/19/2014 | | 11/19/2014 | | $32,065 | | $160,325 | | $240,488 | | — |
| | 35,000 |
| | $9.98 | | $213,147 |
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(1) | The stock and option awards listed above vest in four (4) installments in equal amounts on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant. |
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(2) | The exercise price is equal to the closing price of the Company's Common Stock on the previous trading day before the grant. |
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(3) | See Stock-Based Compensation under Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015 filed with the SEC November 19, 2015 for the assumptions used to value equity based compensation. |
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(4) | Estimated amounts are based on the annual base salaries of $400,000, $407,000 and $291,500 for Messieurs Whang, Pentinga and Anderson, respectively. |
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table sets forth information regarding grants of plan-based option awards held by our named executive officers as of September 30, 2015:
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
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| Option Awards | | Stock Awards |
Name | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable | | Options Exercise Price ($) | | 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 ($) |
Jong S. Whang | 16,250 |
| | — |
| | $6.90 | | 12/8/2016 | | | | |
| 10,000 |
| | — |
| | $6.15 | | 11/20/2019 | | | | |
| 10,000 |
| | — |
| | $10.64 | | 8/6/2020 | | | | |
| 36,667 |
| | — |
| | $7.98 | | 12/15/2021 | | | | |
| — |
| | 12,500 |
| (1) | $2.95 | | 12/11/2022 | | | | |
| 12,500 |
| | 37,500 |
| (2) | $7.01 | | 12/12/2023 | | | | |
| — |
| | 50,000 |
| (3) | $9.98 | | 11/19/2024 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 4,583 |
| (4) | $19,707 |
Fokko Pentinga | 18,750 |
| | — |
| | $3.80 | | 12/9/2018 | | | | |
| 10,000 |
| | — |
| | $6.15 | | 11/20/2019 | | | | |
| 6,667 |
| | — |
| | $10.64 | | 8/6/2020 | | | | |
| 85,000 |
| | — |
| | $7.98 | | 12/15/2021 | | | | |
| — |
| | 12,500 |
| (1) | $2.95 | | 12/11/2022 | | | | |
| 12,500 |
| | 37,500 |
| (2) | $7.01 | | 12/12/2023 | | | | |
| — |
| | 50,000 |
| (3) | $9.98 | | 11/19/2024 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 3,750 |
| (4) | $16,125 |
Bradley C. Anderson | 7,500 |
| | — |
| | $6.15 | | 11/20/2019 | | | | |
| 5,000 |
| | — |
| | $10.64 | | 8/6/2020 | | | | |
| 16,667 |
| | — |
| | $7.98 | | 12/15/2021 | | | | |
| — |
| | 10,000 |
| (1) | $2.95 | | 12/11/2022 | | | | |
| 8,852 |
| | 26,554 |
| (2) | $7.01 | | 12/12/2023 | | | | |
| — |
| | 35,000 |
| (3) | $9.98 | | 11/19/2024 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 2,083 |
| (4) | $8,957 |
| |
(1) | Unvested option awards will vest in equal installments on the first through fourth anniversaries of the December 11, 2012 grant date. |
| |
(2) | Unvested option awards will vest in equal installments on the first through fourth anniversaries of the December 12, 2013 grant date. |
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(3) | Unvested option awards will vest in equal installments on the first through fourth anniversaries of the November 19, 2015 grant date. |
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(4) | The remaining unvested restricted stock awards for Messrs. Whang, Pentinga and Anderson vested in December 2015. |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table shows all stock options exercised and the value realized upon exercise, and all stock awards vested and the value realized upon vesting, by the named executive officers during fiscal 2015, which ended on September 30, 2015.
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED FOR FISCAL 2015
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Option Awards | | Stock Awards |
Name | | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) | | Value Realized on Exercise ($)(1) | | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) | | Value Realized on Vesting ($)(2) |
Jong S. Whang | | 30,000 |
| | 183,388 |
| | 7,916 |
| | 63,398 |
|
Fokko Pentinga | | 16,250 |
| | 148,850 |
| | 6,666 |
| | 57,839 |
|
Bradley C. Anderson | | 20,002 |
| | 102,050 |
| | 3,541 |
| | 30,523 |
|
| |
(1) | The value realized equals the difference between the option exercise price and the fair market value of Amtech common stock on the date of exercise, multiplied by the number of shares for which the option was exercised. |
| |
(2) | The value realized equals the fair market value of Amtech common stock on the vesting date, multiplied by the number of shares that vested. |
Pension Benefits
As previously discussed, Mr. Pentinga, our President and Chief Executive Officer, is a participant in Pensioenfonds Metaal en Techniek, a multi-employer pension plan that covers our employees in the Netherlands. As of September 30, 2015, Mr. Pentinga had 21 years of credited service and the present value of accumulated benefit thereunder was $748,000. No payments were made thereunder in fiscal 2015. None of our other named executive officers receive pension benefits.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
None of our named executive officers receive nonqualified deferred compensation benefits.
EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
Employment Agreement with Executive Chairman
On February 9, 2012, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Jong S. Whang, our executive chairman, as amended on July 1, 2012, June 8, 2013, April 9, 2015 and November 19, 2015. Below is a summary of the terms and conditions of Mr. Whang’s employment agreement.
Term
Mr. Whang’s employment agreement provides for an employment period commencing on the date of the employment agreement and continuing for an initial term of six years. Thereafter, the employment period will continue for successive one-year terms unless either we or Mr. Whang provides written notice of termination of the employment period at least 120 days prior to the end of any given term. If Mr. Whang remains in the full-time employ of our company beyond the employment period without any written agreement, his employment agreement will be deemed to continue on a month to month basis and either party will have the right to terminate the employment agreement at the end of any ensuing calendar month with written notice of at least 30 days.
Base Salary
Pursuant to his current employment agreement, Mr. Whang receives a base salary of $200,000 per annum, which base salary shall be reviewed on an annual basis by our Compensation and Stock Option Committee. Effective July 1, 2012, Mr. Whang had voluntarily reduced his annual salary from $400,000 to $320,000. Effective July 1, 2013, Mr. Whang voluntarily further reduced his annual base salary to $224,000. Effective December 1, 2014, upon approval of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee on November 18, 2014, Mr. Whang's base salary was restored to $400,000 per annum. Effective January 1, 2016, Mr. Whang voluntarily reduced his annual salary to $200,000. The reduction in base salary may be restored at any time in Mr. Whang's sole discretion with advance written notice to the Compensation and Stock Option Committee.
Incentive Compensation
Mr. Whang is also entitled to an annual cash bonus for each fiscal year that will be determined in accordance with an annual bonus plan adopted by our Compensation and Stock Option Committee. The annual bonus plan may not be any less favorable to Mr. Whang than the bonus plan for fiscal 2010 that was adopted by our Compensation and Stock Option Committee on December 21, 2009. The terms of Mr. Whang’s 2015 bonus plan are described above in more detail in the section “Annual Cash Compensation” under the caption "Cash Bonuses".
Stock Options
Pursuant to Mr. Whang’s employment agreement, any currently outstanding options held by Mr. Whang will remain in full force and effect in accordance with our stock option plans and applicable stock option agreements. Mr. Whang will also be issued an annual grant of stock options by our Compensation and Stock Option Committee within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year during his employment period. All of the options granted to Mr. Whang will be incentive stock options within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or if they do not qualify as incentive stock options, they will be non-qualified stock options. The amount and terms of the grants will be determined by our Compensation and Stock Option Committee.
Benefits
Mr. Whang will be entitled to receive from our Company such employee benefits as are provided to other executive officers of the Company, including family medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, and participation in pension and retirement plans, incentive compensation plans, stock option plans, Company-sponsored welfare benefit plans for disability and life insurance and other benefit plans. We will provide Mr. Whang with an annual automobile allowance of not less than $14,000 (annual allowance is currently $18,000), a life insurance policy in the face amount of $500,000 and such other benefits as we may deem appropriate from time to time. Effective July 1, 2013, Mr. Whang voluntarily suspended, for an indefinite period of time, his annual auto allowance, which was fully restored by the Compensation and Stock Option Committee on November 18, 2014.
Termination
Mr. Whang’s employment is “at will” and either we or Mr. Whang can terminate his employment agreement at any time, with or without “cause” or “good reason” (as those terms are defined in Mr. Whang’s employment agreement), upon 30 days written
notice. Mr. Whang’s employment agreement can also be terminated by us due to the disability of Mr. Whang after at least 30 days’ written notice by us of our intention to terminate his employment.
Severance
If we terminate the employment of Mr. Whang against his will and without cause (including by giving notice of termination of his employment agreement as described above), or if Mr. Whang terminates his employment for good reason, Mr. Whang is entitled to receive salary, incentive compensation and vacation accrued through the date of termination, plus (i) an amount equal to Mr. Whang’s base salary in effect on the date of termination for the remainder of the initial three-year term or two years, whichever is greater. (which, would be up to $1,200,000 if terminated during the first year of the term, or $800,000 if terminated after the first year of the term); (ii) an amount equal to the maximum amount of incentive compensation he could earn for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs; and (iii) full vesting of all outstanding stock options and restricted stock held by Mr. Whang. The value of Mr. Whang’s unvested stock options and unvested restricted stock at September 30, 2015 was approximately $37,000. If Mr. Whang voluntarily terminates his employment other than for good reason, if we terminate Mr. Whang’s employment for cause, or if Mr. Whang’s employment is terminated due to his death or disability, Mr. Whang will be entitled to receive salary and accrued vacation through the date of termination only. However, in the event Mr. Whang’s employment is terminated due to his death or disability, he will also be entitled to receive (i) a pro-rata portion of the amount of incentive compensation he would earn for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs if the results of operations of Amtech for such fiscal year were annualized, and (ii) full vesting of all outstanding stock options and restricted stock held by him.
On November 17, 2015, the Board of Directors, following the recommendation of the Company's Compensation and Options Committee of the Board of Directors, agreed to amend the change in control provisions of Mr. Whang's employment agreement to establish the base salary, for purposes of calculating the applicable termination payment, at $400,000.
Post-Employment Consulting
Mr. Whang’s employment agreement provides that upon termination of Mr. Whang against his will and without cause (including by giving notice of termination of his employment agreement as described above), or by Mr. Whang for good reason, for a period of two (2) years following the date of such termination, (i) Mr. Whang will make himself available for an average of 20 hours per week in order to consult with the Company in such manner and on such matters as the Company shall reasonably request, (ii) Mr. Whang will make himself available to serve on the Board of Directors of the Company, and (iii) in consideration for Mr. Whang’s agreement to perform such services, the Company will (A) pay Mr. Whang an annual amount equal to 40% of his base salary in effect on the date he was terminated and (B) include Mr. Whang in the Company’s family medical, dental and vision insurance plans, or, if Mr. Whang’s inclusion in such plans is not permitted, provide substantially the same benefits to the Mr. Whang at the Company’s expense.
Noncompetition
Mr. Whang agreed that during the term of his employment agreement he would not engage in certain activities in which he would be competing with us or our subsidiaries. He also agreed that for a period of two years after the end of the term of his employment agreement he would not engage in certain activities in which he would be competing with us or our subsidiaries and he would not own, directly or indirectly, more than a 5% interest in entities which compete with us or our subsidiaries.
Change in Control
In the event that Mr. Whang’s employment with us is terminated either (i) by us for any reason other than for cause during a “pending change in control” (as that term is defined in Mr. Whang’s employment agreement) of our Company or within one year following the occurrence of a “change in control” (as that term is defined in Mr. Whang’s employment agreement), or (ii) by Mr. Whang for good reason within one year following the occurrence of a change in control of our Company, then Mr. Whang will be entitled to receive within 30 days of the date of termination of his employment (provided, however, if such 30 day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another calendar year, Mr. Whang will not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment), in lieu of the severance payment otherwise payable, (i) an amount equal to three years of his base salary in effect on the date of termination of his employment, (ii) the maximum amount of the incentive compensation which he could earn for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs, and (iii) full vesting of all outstanding stock options and restricted stock he holds.
Employment Agreement with Chief Executive Officer
On June 29, 2012, we entered into an Employment Agreement with Fokko Pentinga, our chief executive officer, as amended on July 1, 2012, on June 29, 2013, and on April 9, 2015. Below is a summary of the terms and conditions of Mr. Pentinga's employment agreement.
Term
Mr. Pentinga's employment agreement provides for an employment period commencing on the date of the employment agreement and continuing for an indefinite period as required by Dutch statutory employment law.
Base Salary
Pursuant to his Employment Agreement, Mr. Pentinga receives a base salary of $407,000 per annum (€343,055, the euro equivalent based on a six month average exchange rate fixed one day before the effective date of the latest amendment to the Employment Agreement), which base salary shall be reviewed on an annual basis by our Compensation and Stock Option Committee and can be increased, but not decreased below $370,000, at the discretion of our Compensation and Stock Option Committee. Effective July 1, 2012, Mr. Pentinga voluntarily reduced his annual base salary to $314,500. Effective July 1, 2013, Mr. Pentinga voluntarily further reduced his annual base salary to $251,600 (€193,330). His salary is paid partially in euros and partially in U.S. dollars depending on where he performs his work. Effective December 1, 2014, upon approval of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee on November 18, 2014, Mr. Pentinga’s base salary was restored to $370,000 per annum (which salary will be paid in euros based upon the exchange rate in effect as of December 15, 2011). Effective April 9, 2015, upon approval of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee on April 9, 2015, Mr. Pentinga's annual base salary was increased to $407,000.
Incentive Compensation
Mr. Pentinga is also entitled to an annual cash bonus for each fiscal year that will be determined in accordance with an annual bonus plan adopted by our Compensation and Stock Option Committee. The annual bonus plan may not be any less favorable to Mr. Pentinga than the bonus plan for fiscal 2012 that was adopted by our Compensation and Stock Option Committee on December 15, 2011. The terms of Mr. Pentinga's 2014 bonus plan are described above in more detail in the section “Annual Cash Compensation,” under the caption “Cash Bonuses.”
Stock Options
Pursuant to Mr. Pentinga's employment agreement, any currently outstanding options held by Mr. Pentinga will remain in full force and effect in accordance with our stock option plans and applicable stock option agreements. Mr. Pentinga will also be issued an annual grant of stock options by our Compensation and Stock Option Committee within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year during his employment period. All of the options granted to Mr. Pentinga will be non-qualified stock options within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Benefits
Mr. Pentinga will be entitled to receive from our Company such employee benefits as are provided to other management level employees in his country of domicile (i.e. the Netherlands), including disability and life insurance, and participation in pension and retirement plans, incentive compensation plans, stock option plans, disability and life insurance and other benefit plans. We will provide Mr. Pentinga with a leased automobile at a cost of not more than €29,500 and such other benefits as we may deem appropriate from time to time.
Termination
Either we or Mr. Pentinga can terminate his employment agreement with prior written notice of termination given in accordance with Dutch statutory employment law, including observance of the Dutch statutory notice period, or by mutual agreement, or by the Company at any time for cause, as defined in the agreement. Mr. Pentinga's employment agreement can also be terminated by us due to the disability of Mr. Pentinga after meeting the requirements of Dutch statutory employment law.
Severance
If we terminate the employment of Mr. Pentinga against his will and without cause (including by giving notice of termination of his employment agreement as described above), or if Mr. Pentinga terminates his employment for good reason, Mr. Pentinga is entitled to receive salary, incentive compensation and vacation accrued through the date of termination, plus (i) an amount equal to Mr. Pentinga's base salary in effect on the date of termination for two years, which, amounts to $814,000 (€686,110); (ii) an amount equal to the maximum amount of incentive compensation he could earn for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs; and (iii) full vesting of all outstanding stock options and restricted stock held by Mr. Pentinga. The value of Mr. Pentinga's unvested stock options and unvested restricted stock at September 30, 2015 was approximately $33,000.
If Mr. Pentinga voluntarily terminates his employment other than for good reason, if we terminate Mr. Pentinga's employment for cause, or if Mr. Pentinga's employment is terminated due to his death or disability, Mr. Pentinga will be entitled to receive salary and accrued vacation through the date of termination. In addition, if we terminate Mr. Pentinga's employment due to disability as a result of his becoming incapacitated as defined in the Dutch Civil Code, Mr. Pentinga will be entitled to 70% of the maximum daily social wage for a maximum of 52 weeks, which would total approximately $58,200. However, in the event Mr. Pentinga's employment is terminated due to his death or disability, he will also be entitled to receive (i) a pro-rata portion of the amount of incentive compensation he would earn for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs if the results of operations of Amtech for such fiscal year were annualized, and (ii) full vesting of all outstanding stock options and restricted stock held by him.
Noncompetition
Mr. Pentinga agreed that during the term of his employment agreement he would not engage in certain activities in which he would be competing with us or our subsidiaries. He also agreed that for a period of two years after the end of the term of his employment agreement he would not engage in certain activities in which he would be competing with us or our subsidiaries and he would not own, directly or indirectly, more than a 5% interest in entities which compete with us or our subsidiaries.
Change in Control
In the event that Mr. Pentinga's employment with us is terminated either (i) by us for any reason other than for cause during a “pending change in control” (as that term is defined in Mr. Pentinga's employment agreement) of our Company or within one year following the occurrence of a “change in control” (as that term is defined in Mr. Pentinga's employment agreement), or (ii) by Mr. Pentinga for good reason within one year following the occurrence of a change in control of our Company, then Mr. Pentinga will be entitled to receive within 30 days of the date of termination of his employment (provided, however, if such 30 day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another calendar year, Mr. Pentinga will not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment), in lieu of the severance payment otherwise payable, (i) an amount equal to two years of his base salary in effect on the date of termination of his employment, (ii) the maximum amount of the incentive compensation which he could earn for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs, and (iii) full vesting of all outstanding stock options and restricted stock he holds.
Employment Agreement with Chief Financial Officer
On April 9, 2015, we entered into an Employment Agreement with Bradley C. Anderson, our chief financial officer. Below is a summary of the terms and conditions of Mr. Anderson's employment agreement.
Term
Mr. Anderson’s employment agreement provides for an employment period commencing on the date of the employment agreement and continuing for an initial term of three years. Thereafter, the employment period will continue for successive one-year terms unless either we or Mr. Anderson provides written notice of termination of the employment period at least 120 days prior to the end of any given term. If Mr. Anderson remains in the full-time employ of our company beyond the employment period without any written agreement, his employment agreement will be deemed to continue on a month to month basis and either party will have the right to terminate the employment agreement at the end of any ensuing calendar month with written notice of at least 30 days.
Base Salary
Pursuant to his Employment Agreement, Mr. Anderson receives a base salary of $291,500 per annum which base salary shall be reviewed on an annual basis by our Compensation and Stock Option Committee and can be increased, but not decreased at the discretion of our Compensation and Stock Option Committee.
Incentive Compensation
Mr. Anderson is also entitled to an annual cash bonus for each fiscal year that will be determined in accordance with an annual bonus plan adopted by our Compensation and Stock Option Committee. The annual bonus plan may not be any less favorable to Mr. Anderson than the bonus plan for fiscal 2010 that was adopted by our Compensation and Stock Option Committee on December 21, 2009. The terms of Mr. Anderson's 2015 bonus plan are described above in more detail in the section “Annual Cash Compensation,” under the caption “Cash Bonuses.”
Stock Options
Pursuant to Mr. Anderson's employment agreement, any currently outstanding options held by Mr. Anderson will remain in full force and effect in accordance with our stock option plans and applicable stock option agreements. Mr. Anderson will also be issued an annual grant of stock options by our Compensation and Stock Option Committee within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year during his employment period. All of the options granted to Mr. Anderson will be incentive stock options within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or if they do not qualify as incentive stock options, they will be non-qualified stock options. The amount and terms of the grants will be determined by our Compensation and Stock Option Committee.
Benefits
Mr. Anderson will be entitled to receive from our Company such employee benefits as are provided to other executive officers of the Company, including family medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, and participation in pension and retirement plans, incentive compensation plans, stock option plans, Company-sponsored welfare benefit plans for disability and life insurance and other benefit plans. We will provide Mr. Anderson with an annual automobile allowance of not less than $10,000 (annual allowance is currently $10,000) and such other benefits as we may deem appropriate from time to time. Effective July 1, 2013, Mr. Anderson voluntarily suspended, for an indefinite period of time, his annual auto allowance, which was fully restored by the Compensation and Stock Option Committee on November 18, 2014.
Termination
Mr. Anderson’s employment is “at will” and either we or Mr. Anderson can terminate his employment agreement at any time, with or without “cause” or “good reason” (as those terms are defined in Mr. Anderson’s employment agreement), upon 30 days written notice. Mr. Anderson’s employment agreement can also be terminated by us due to the disability of Mr. Anderson after at least 30 days’ written notice by us of our intention to terminate his employment.
Severance
If we terminate the employment of Mr. Anderson against his will and without cause (including by giving notice of termination of his employment agreement as described above), or if Mr. Anderson terminates his employment for good reason, Mr. Anderson is entitled to receive salary, incentive compensation and vacation accrued through the date of termination, plus (i) an amount equal to Mr. Anderson’s base salary in effect on the date of termination for the remainder of the initial three-year term or two years, whichever is greater (which would be up to $874,500 if terminated during the first year of the term, or $583,000 if terminated after the first year of the term); (ii) an amount equal to the maximum amount of incentive compensation he could earn for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs; and (iii) full vesting of all outstanding stock options and restricted stock held by Mr. Anderson. The value of Mr. Anderson’s unvested stock options and unvested restricted stock at September 30, 2015 was approximately $22,000. If Mr. Anderson voluntarily terminates his employment other than for good reason, if we terminate Mr.
Anderson’s employment for cause, or if Mr. Anderson’s employment is terminated due to his death or disability, Mr. Anderson will be entitled to receive salary and accrued vacation through the date of termination only. However, in the event Mr. Anderson’s employment is terminated due to his death or disability, he will also be entitled to receive (i) a pro-rata portion of the amount of incentive compensation he would earn for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs if the results of operations of Amtech for such fiscal year were annualized, and (ii) full vesting of all outstanding stock options and rest
Noncompetition
Mr. Anderson agreed that during the term of his employment agreement he would not engage in certain activities in which he would be competing with us or our subsidiaries. He also agreed that for a period of two years after the end of the term of his employment agreement he would not engage in certain activities in which he would be competing with us or our subsidiaries and he would not own, directly or indirectly, more than a 5% interest in entities which compete with us or our subsidiaries.
Change in Control
In the event that Mr. Anderson’s employment with us is terminated either (i) by us for any reason other than for cause during a “pending change in control” (as that term is defined in Mr. Anderson’s employment agreement) of our Company or within one year following the occurrence of a “change in control” (as that term is defined in Mr. Anderson’s employment agreement), or (ii) by Mr. Anderson for good reason within one year following the occurrence of a change in control of our Company, then Mr. Anderson will be entitled to receive within 30 days of the date of termination of his employment (provided, however, if such 30 day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another calendar year, Mr. Anderson will not have the right to designate the calendar year of payment), in lieu of the severance payment otherwise payable, (i) an amount equal to three years of his base salary in effect on the date of termination of his employment, (ii) the maximum amount of the incentive compensation which he could earn for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs, and (iii) full vesting of all outstanding stock options and restricted stock he holds.
Other Compensatory Arrangements
On November 17, 2015, upon the recommendation of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee, the Board approved stock option grants for certain named executive officers. Mr. Whang received a grant of an option to purchase 50,000 shares of the Company's common stock. Mr. Pentinga received a grant of an option to purchase 50,000 shares of the Company's common stock. Mr. Anderson received a grant of an option to purchase 35,000 shares of the Company's common stock. The options granted have an exercise price of $5.25 (the closing price of the Company's common stock on November 16, 2015) and will vest on the first four (4) anniversaries of the grant date. On November 17, 2015, the Company granted Mr. van der Wansem an option to purchase 6,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The options granted to Mr. van der Wansem have an exercise price of $5.25 and will vest on the first three (3) anniversaries of the grant date.
Compensation Policies and Practices as Related to Risk Management
The Compensation and Stock Option Committee does not believe the Company’s compensation policies and practices create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Compensation and Stock Option Committee has determined that the Company’s executive compensation program does not encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking as a result of the following factors:
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• | As discussed elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, our executive officer compensation includes a balanced mix of cash and equity. |
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• | Base salaries do not encourage risk taking as they are fixed in amount. |
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• | Performance-based cash bonus awards under the non-equity incentive plan focus on achievement of short-term or annual goals. Although this may seem to encourage the taking of short-term risks at the expense of long-term results, these bonuses in actuality represent only a portion of the executive officers’ total compensation opportunities, and the Compensation and Stock Option Committee believes that the non-equity incentive plan awards appropriately balance risk and the desire to focus executives on specific short-term individual and financial goals important to the Company’s success. |
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• | Discretionary cash bonuses are awarded at the discretion of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee, which allows the Compensation and Stock Option Committee to evaluate whether the executives are engaging in activities that create risks prior to awarding any such cash bonuses. This discretion mitigates the likelihood that executives will engage in |
activities that create risk, and allows the Compensation and Stock Option Committee the ability to refrain from rewarding any such risk-taking.
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• | Compensation provided to the executive officers in the form of long-term equity awards is important to help further align executives’ interests with those of the Company’s shareholders. The Compensation and Stock Option Committee believes that these awards do not encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking because the ultimate value of the awards is tied to the Company’s stock price over the long-term. In addition, the awards are subject to long-term vesting schedules to help ensure that executives have significant value tied to long-term stock price performance. |