UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934

 

Filed by the Registrantx
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant¨

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

xPreliminary Proxy Statement

 

¨☐ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

 

¨Definitive Proxy Statement

 

¨Definitive Additional Materials

 

¨Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

SKYLINE MEDICALPREDICTIVE ONCOLOGY INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified Inin Its Charter)
 
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

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SKYLINE MEDICALPREDICTIVE ONCOLOGY INC.

2915 Commers Drive,91 43rd Street, Suite 900110

Eagan, Minnesota 55121Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201

Telephone: (651) 389-4800(412) 432-1500

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held on December 28, 20172023

 

Dear Stockholder:

 

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Skyline MedicalPredictive Oncology Inc. (the “Company”) on December 28, 2017,2023, at 3:12:00 PM (Central(Eastern Time) at the offices of the company’s counsel, MaslonDLA Piper LLP 3300 Wells Fargo Center, 90 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402(US) at 1001 Liberty Avenue, Suite 500, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222 for the following purpose:purposes:

 

1.

To elect six members of the Board of Directors of the Companythree Class II directors to hold office until the next annual meeting or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders;

2.To approve an amendment of the Company’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 24,000,000 to 50,000,000.
3.To confirm the approval of amendments to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan proposed in 2016 to (i) increase the reserve of shares of common stock authorized for issuance thereunder to 5,000,000, (ii) increase certain thresholds for limitations on grants, and (iii) re-approve the performance goals thereunder.
4.

To ratify the appointment of Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd.BDO USA, P.C. as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm offor the Company for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.2023 (the “Auditor Proposal”);

3.5.

To approvevote on a proposal to adjourn the Annual Meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Annual Meeting to approve both the proposal to increase the authorized shares of common stock (Proposal 2) and the proposal to approve the amendments2023 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan Proposal”);

4.

To vote on a non-binding advisory resolution to approve compensation of the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (Proposal 3).

6.To conduct any other businessexecutive officers as more fully describeddisclosed in the proxy statement accompanying this Notice.Notice; and

5.To transact any other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

 

These items of business are more fully described in the proxy statement accompanying this Notice.

 

The record date for the Annual Meeting is November 27, 2017.14, 2023. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on that date are entitled to vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof, or by proxy.

 

 By Order of the Board of Directors,
 /s/ Raymond Vennare
 Sincerely,Raymond Vennare
 
/s/ Carl Schwartz
Carl Schwartz
Chief Executive Officer

 

Eagan, MinnesotaPittsburgh, Pennsylvania

December 4, 20175, 2023

 

ii

 

You are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, please vote your shares. You may submitvote your proxy over the Internet or by completing and returning the proxy card mailed to you. Voting instructions are printed on your proxy card or voting instruction card by completing, signing, dating and mailing your proxy card or voting instruction card in the envelope provided or vote by facsimile, email or over the Internet as instructedincluded in the proxy statement. Any stockholder attending the meeting may vote in person, even if you already returned a proxy card or voting instruction card and intend to changehave previously submitted your original vote. Please note, however, that if your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote at the meeting, you must obtain a legal proxy issued in your name from that record holder.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 28, 2017:2023:

 

The Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Proxy Statement is

and form of proxy card for the Annual meeting are available at http://investors.skylinemedical.comwww.annualgeneralmeetings.com/poai/2023/.

 

 

 

iii

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THIS PROXY MATERIAL AND VOTING1
  
PROPOSAL NO. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS6
  
INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE8
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS139
  
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS13
  
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION13
  
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION1415
  
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION1921
  
PROPOSAL NO. 2: APPROVALRATIFICATION OF AMENDMENT TO OUR CERTIFICATESELECTION OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE OUR AUTHORIZED SHARE CAPITALINDEPENDENT AUDITORS2025
  
PROPOSAL No. 3:  CONFIRMATION OF APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED 2012 STOCK2023 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN PROPOSED IN 2016 TO INCREASE THE RESERVE OF SHARES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE TO 5,000,000 AND INCREASE THE LIMITATIONS ON GRANTS22
PROPOSAL 4:  RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS27
  
PROPOSAL 5:  APPROVAL OF ADJOURNMENTProposal no. 4: “Say-On-Pay” Vote2931
  
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT3032
  
FORM 10-K3233
  
OTHER MATTERS33

 

APPENDIX A: FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE OUR AUTHORIZED SHARE CAPITAL

 

APPENDIX B: AMENDED AND RESTATED 2012 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN (marked to show revisions)

 

iv

 

SKYLINE MEDICALPREDICTIVE ONCOLOGY INC.

2915 Commers Drive,91 43rd Street, Suite 900110

Eagan, Minnesota 55121Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Telephone: (651) 389-4800(412) 432-1500

 

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 28, 20172023

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THIS PROXY MATERIAL AND VOTING

 

Why am I receiving these materials?Who is soliciting my vote?

 

We have sent you this proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card because theThe Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors” or the “Board”) of Skyline MedicalPredictive Oncology Inc. (the(“Predictive” or the “Company”) is soliciting your proxy to vote at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held on December 28, 2023, at 12:00PM (Eastern Time), at the offices of the company’s counsel, MaslonDLA Piper LLP on December 28, 2017,(US) at 3:00 PM (Central Daylight Time),1001 Liberty Avenue, Suite 500, 15222, including any adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting. You are invited

Am I allowed to attend the Annual Meeting to vote onin person?

Stockholders may attend the proposal describedAnnual Meeting in this proxy statement. However, you do not needperson. Any stockholder who desires to attend in person is kindly asked to provide advance written notice to secretary@predictive-oncology.com. If you would like directions to the meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card, or follow the instructions below to submit your proxy by facsimile, email or on the Internet.

The Company intends to mail this proxy statement and accompanying proxy card on or about December 4, 2017, to all stockholdersoffices of record entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.DLA Piper LLP (US), please call (412) 432-1500.

 

Who can vote at the Annual Meeting?

 

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on November 27, 2017,14, 2023, will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. On the record date, there were 6,282,7614,063,081 shares of common stock of the Company outstanding and entitled to vote. A list of stockholders, as of the record date, will be available for inspection for the ten days prior to the Annual Meeting. If you would like to inspect the stockholder list, contact us at secretary@predictive-oncology.com.

 

Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name

 

If, on November 27, 2017,14, 2023, your shares were registered directly in your name with the Company’s transfer agent, CorporatePacific Stock Transfer, Inc., then you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote in person at the meeting or vote by proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to vote your shares by completing, signing, dating and mailing your proxy card inelectronically over the envelope providedInternet or vote by proxy via facsimile, emailusing a proxy card that you may request or on the Internetthat we may elect to deliver at a later time, as instructed below to ensure your vote is counted.below.

 

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker or Bank

 

If, on November 27, 2017,14, 2023, your shares were held, not in your name, but rather in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer, or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other agent regarding how to vote the shares in your account. You are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares in person at the meeting unless you request and obtain a valid legal proxy from your broker or other agent.

 

1

What am I voting on?

 

There are five (5)four matters scheduled for a vote:

 

1.To elect six members

The election of the Board of Directors of the Companythree Class II directors to hold office until the next annual meeting or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders;

2.To approve an amendment

Ratification of the Company’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 24,000,000 to 50,000,000.

3.To confirm the approval of amendments to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan proposed in 2016 to (i) increase the reserve of shares of common stock authorized for issuance thereunder to 5,000,000, (ii) increase certain thresholds for limitations on grants, and (iii) re-approve the performance goals thereunder.

4.To ratify the appointment of Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd. asBDO USA, P.C.as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm offor the Company for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.2023 (the “Auditor Proposal”)

3.

A proposal to adopt the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan Proposal”);

4.A non-binding advisory resolution to approve compensation of the Company’s executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement accompanying this Notice; and

 

5.To approve a proposal to adjourn the Annual Meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Annual Meeting to approve both the proposal to increase the authorized shares of common stock (Proposal 2) and the proposal to approve the amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (Proposal 3).

We may also transact any other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

 

How do I vote?

 

For Proposals 2, 3, 4, and 5, you may vote “For” or “Against” or abstain from voting. For Proposal No. 1, you may either vote “For” all“FOR” the nomineesnominee to the Board of Directors or you may “Withhold” your votesvote for any nomineethe nominee. With respect to Proposals 2, 3 and 4, you specify.may vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” or abstain from voting. The procedures for voting are as follows:

 

Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name

 

If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting, vote by proxy using the enclosed proxy card, or vote by proxy via facsimile, email or on the Internet. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy to ensure your vote is counted. You may still attend the meeting and vote in personyour shares even if you have already voted by proxy.

 

·To vote online before the Annual Meeting, go to www.annualgeneralmeetings.com/poai and transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on December 27, 2023. Be sure to have your proxy card available and follow the instructions given on the secure website.

·To vote using thea proxy card, simply complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly in the envelope provided. If you return your signed proxy card to us before the Annual Meeting, we will vote your shares as you direct.

To vote by email, complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and scan and email it to cdalton@corporatestock.com. Your vote must be received by 4:00 PM Eastern Time (3:00 PM Central Time) on December 28, 2017, to be counted.  

To vote by facsimile, complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and fax it to (303) 282-5800. Your vote must be received by 4:00 PM Eastern Time (3:00 PM Central Time) on December 28, 2017, to be counted.

To vote in person, come to the Annual Meeting, and we will give you a ballot when you arrive. If you would like directions to the offices of the company’s counsel, Maslon LLP, please call (651) 389-4800.

Internet Voting

 

We are providing Internet proxy voting to allow you to vote your shares online, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions. However, please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your Internet access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone companies.

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of Broker or Bank

 

If you are a beneficial owner of shares registered in the name of your broker, bank, or other agent, you should receive a proxy cardmaterials and voting instructions with these proxy materials from that organization rather than from us. Simply complete and mailfollow the proxy cardvoting instructions to ensure that your vote is submitted to your broker or bank. Alternatively, you may vote over the Internet as instructed by your broker or bank. To vote in personreal time at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a valid legal proxy from your broker, bank, or other agent. Follow the instructions from your broker or bank included with these proxy materials or contact your broker or bank to request a proxy form.

 

2

How many votes do I have?

 

On each matter to be voted upon, you have one vote for each share of common stock you own as of November 27, 2017.14, 2023.

 

What if I return a proxy card or otherwise vote but do not make specific choices?

 

If you return a signed and dated proxy card or otherwise vote without marking any voting selections, your shares will be voted “For” Proposals 2, 3, 4 and 5, and “For” each of the directors nominated for re-election in Proposal 1.No. 1, and “For” Proposals 2, 3 and 4. If any other matter is properly presentedyou are a stockholder of record and do not vote over the Internet or by completing your proxy card, by voting at the annual meeting, your proxyholder (one of the individuals named on your proxy card)shares will vote your shares using its best judgment.not be voted.

 

2

Who is the Company’s proxy solicitor, and who is paying for this proxy solicitation?

 

The Company willhas retained Morrow Sodali (“Morrow”), an independent proxy solicitation firm, to assist in soliciting proxies on our behalf. We have agreed to pay Morrow a fee of $15,000, plus out-of-pocket expenses, for the entire cost of soliciting proxies. these services. We bear all proxy solicitation costs. If stockholders need assistance with casting or changing their vote, they should contact our proxy solicitor at (800) 662-5600.

In addition, to these mailed proxy materials, our directors and employees may also solicit proxies in person, by telephone, email or by other means of communication. Directors and employees will not be paid any additional compensation for soliciting proxies. We may also reimburse brokerage firms, banks and other agents for the cost of forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners.

 

What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card?

If you receive more than one proxy card, your shares are registered in more than one name or are registered in different accounts. Please complete, sign and return each proxy card to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

Are proxy materials available on the Internet?

 

This proxy statement isProxy materials for the Annual Meeting are available at http://investors.skylinemedical.com.www.annualgeneralmeetings.com/poai.

 

Can I change my vote after submitting my proxy?

 

Yes. You can revoke your proxy at any time before the final vote at the Annual Meeting. If you are the record holder of your shares, you may revoke your proxy in any one of three ways:

 

You may submit another properly completed proxy card with a later date.
·You may send a written notice to the secretary of the Company before the Annual Meeting stating that you would like to revoke your proxy.

 

You may send a timely written notice that you are revoking your proxy to our Secretary at 2915 Commers Drive, Suite 900, Eagan, Minnesota 55121.
·If you have signed and returned a paper proxy card, you may sign a new proxy card bearing a later date and submit it as instructed above.

 

·If you have voted over the Internet, you may cast a new vote over the Internet as instructed above.

You may attend the Annual Meeting to vote in person. Attending the meeting will not, by itself, revoke your proxy.

If your shares are held by your broker or bank as a nominee or agent, you should follow the instructions provided by your broker or bank.

  

How are votes counted?

Votes will be counted by the inspector of election appointed for the meeting, who will separately count for the election of directors, “For,” “Withhold” and broker non-votes; and with respect to the other proposals, votes “For” and “Against” votes, abstentions and broker non-votes. Abstentions will be counted towards the vote total for each proposal, and will have the same effect as “Against” votes. Broker non-votes have no effect and will not be counted towards the vote total for any proposal, except for Proposal 2, for which broker non-votes will have the same effect as “Against” votes.

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Is cumulative voting permitted for the election of directors?

 

No. You will not be permitted to cumulate your votes for the election of directions.directors. Under Delaware law, stockholders are not entitled to cumulative voting rights unless a corporation’s certificate of incorporation explicitly authorizes them.such rights. The Company’s certificate of incorporation does not authorize cumulative voting rights for stockholders.

 

What are “broker non-votes”?

 

Broker non-votes occur when a beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” does not give instructions to the broker or nominee holding the shares as to how to vote on matters deemed “non-routine.” Generally, if shares are held in street name, the beneficial owner of the shares is entitled to give voting instructions to the broker or nominee holding the shares. If the beneficial owner does not provide voting instructions, the broker or nominee can still vote the shares with respect to matters that are considered to be “routine,” but not with respect to “non-routine” matters. Proposal 4No. 2 is a matter considered routine under the NYSE rules. All other proposals are matters considered non-routine by the New York Stock Exchange, and therefore, there may be broker non-votes on these proposals.

 

How are votes counted and how many votes are needed to approve each proposal?

 

·For Proposal No. 1, the election of three Class II directors, who are elected by a plurality, the nominees receiving the most “For” votes (from the holders of shares of capital stock of the Company present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors)Proposal 1) will be elected. Only votes “For” or “Withheld” will affect the outcome. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of Proposal 1.

 3 

·ToFor Proposal No. 2, approval of auditors, to be approved, Proposal No. 2 (increase in authorized shares) must receive a “For” vote from the majority of all shares of capital stock of the Company present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote eitheron Proposal No. 2. Abstentions will be counted towards the vote total for Proposal 2 and will have the same effect as “Against” votes. No broker non-votes are expected on Proposal No. 2.

·For Proposal No. 3, adopting the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, Proposal No. 3 must receive a “For” vote from a majority of the shares of capital stock of the Company present in person or represented by proxy.proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on Proposal No. 3. If you “Abstain” from voting, it will have the same effect as an “Against” vote. Broker non-votes will alsonot have theany effect on approval of an “Against” vote.Proposal No. 3.

 

·To be approved,For Proposal 3No. 4, voting on a non-binding advisory resolution on executive compensation, Proposal No. 4 must receive a “For” vote from thea majority of all shares of capital stock of the Company present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote either in person or by proxy.on Proposal No. 4. If you “Abstain” from voting, it will have the same effect as an “Against” vote. Broker non-votes ifwill not have any will have no effect.

To be approved,effect on approval of Proposal 4 must receive a “For” vote from the majority of all shares entitled to vote either in person or by proxy. If you “Abstain” from voting, it will have the same effect as an “Against” vote. There will be no broker non-votes on ProposalNo. 4.

 

To be approved, Proposal 5 must receive a “For” vote from the majority of all shares present and entitled to vote either in person or by proxy. If you “Abstain” from voting, it will have the same effect as an “Against” vote. Broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect.

Because Proposal No. 4 is advisory only, the outcome of this vote will not be binding upon the Company or the Board of Directors. However, we value stockholders’ opinions, and we will consider the outcome of that vote when determining future executive compensation arrangements.

 

What is the quorum requirement?

 

A quorum of the Company’s stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present if stockholders holding at least a majorityone-third of the outstanding shares are present at the meeting in person or represented by proxy. On the record date, there were 6,282,7614,063,081 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Thus, the holders of 3,141,3811,357,069 shares of common stock must be present in personat the meeting or represented by proxy at the meeting to have a quorum.

 

Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank or other nominee) or if you vote in personreal time at the meeting.Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the quorum requirement. If there is no quorum, the holders of a majority of shares present at the meeting in personAnnual Meeting or represented by proxy or the chairman of the meeting, may adjourn the meetingAnnual Meeting to another date.

 

How can I find out the results of the voting at the Annual Meeting?

 

Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Annual Meeting. Final voting results will be published in a Current Report on Form 8-K, which we will file within four business days after the meeting.Annual Meeting.

 

4

When are stockholder proposals due for the 20182024 Annual Meeting?

 

If you would like to submitpresent a proposal for usconsideration to includebe included in the proxy statementmaterials for our 2018the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, you must comply with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and the advance notice provisions of our Amended and Restated Bylaws. You must also make sure that we receive your proposal at our executive offices (sent c/o Secretary) by ____________, 2018,no later than August 8, 2024 if the 2024 annual meeting is held within 30 days of ____________, 2018.December 28, 2024. If the 2024 annual meeting is not held within 30 days of such date, then the Companywe will disclose the deadline for such proposals, if different. Any stockholder proposal included in our proxy statement will also be included on our form of proxy so that stockholders can indicate how they wish to vote their shares on the proposal.

 

If you would like to recommend a person for consideration as a nominee for election as a director at our 2018 annual meeting,the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, you must comply with the advance notice provisions of our Second Amended and Restated Bylaws. These provisions require that we receive your nomination at our executive offices (sent c/o Secretary) no earlier than ____________, 2018September 29, 2024 and no later than ____________, 2018.October 29, 2024. If the Annual Meeting is not held within 30 days of December 28, 2024, then the Company will disclose the deadline for such proposals, if different.

 

4

If you would like to present a proposal at our 2018 annual meetingthe 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders without including it in our proxy statement, you must comply with the advance notice provisions of our Second Amended and Restated Bylaws. These provisions require that we receive your nominationproposal at our executive offices (sent c/o Secretary) no earlier than ____________, 2018September 29, 2024 and no later than ____________, 2018.October 29, 2024. If the Annual Meeting is not held within 30 days of December 28, 2024, then the Company will disclose the deadline for such proposals, if different.

 

If the presiding officer at the 2018 annual meeting2024 Annual Meeting of stockholdersStockholders determines that a stockholder proposal or stockholder director nomination was not submitted in compliance with the advance notice provisions of our Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, the proposal or nomination will be ruled out of order and not acted upon.


 

 

 

 5 

 

PROPOSAL NO. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

The Board of Directors shall be comprised of such number of directors as determined by the board,Board, and directors need not be stockholders of the Company. The Board is divided into three classes, and one class is elected each year at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders for a term of three years. Vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled only by persons elected by a majority of the remaining directors. A director elected by the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term and until the director’s successor is elected and qualified.

 

The directors of the Company do not have a definite term of office and each director serves until his or her successor is elected and duly qualified. The Board has established a Governance/Nominating and Governance Committee which considers director candidates, including those recommended by stockholders, and recommends candidates to the full Board for approval. To nominate a director, stockholders must submit such nomination in writing to our Secretary at 2915 Commers Drive,91 43rd Street, Suite 900, Eagan, Minnesota 55121.110, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201

 

The terms of the Class II directors are scheduled to expire on the date of the upcoming Annual Meeting. Based on the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Board’s nominees for election by the stockholders are Gregory S. St. Clair, Sr., Nancy Chung-Welch, Ph.D., and Matthew J. Hawryluk, Ph.D. If elected, each nominee will serve as a director until the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, or removal. The terms of the Class III and Class I directors are scheduled to expire on the date of the Company’s 2024 and 2025 annual stockholders meetings, respectively. The Board is currently comprised of seven sitting directors.

Set forth below are the biographies of each director, as well as a discussion of the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led the Board to conclude that each person nominated to serve or currently serving on the Board should serve as a director. In addition to the information presented below, we believe that the nominees meet the minimum qualifications established by the Nominating and Governance Committee.

NameAge (1)PositionDirector Class
Raymond F. Vennare71Director, CEO, Chairman of the BoardClass III
Daniel E. Handley, M.S., Ph.D.63DirectorClass I
Gregory S. St. Clair, Sr.57DirectorClass II
Chuck Nuzum75DirectorClass I
Nancy Chung-Welch, Ph.D.63DirectorClass II
Matthew J. Hawryluk, Ph.D.45DirectorClass II
Veena Rao, Ph.D.56DirectorClass III

(1)As of the date of this proxy statement

Nominees for Class II Directors for a Three-Year Term Ending at the 2026 Annual Meeting

Gregory S. St. Clair, Sr. Mr. St. Clair was appointed to the Board on July 9, 2020. He is the Founder and Managing Member of SunStone Consulting, LLC, a healthcare consulting firm that has (i) ratifiedserved healthcare providers throughout the United States since 2002. As frequently sought experts on issues related to compliance, reimbursement and revenue integrity, Mr. St. Clair and his team are constantly on-call to assist clients as they address financial challenges through creative solutions to the nation’s health systems. He is a nationally recognized expert by government regulators and health law attorneys regarding reimbursement and compliance matters. Previously, Mr. St. Clair worked as a national vice president for CGI, ImrGlobal, and Orion Consulting and as national director for Coopers & Lybrand. He holds a B.A. in Accounting and Finance from Juniata College in Huntington, Pennsylvania.

Nancy Chung-Welch, Ph.D. Dr. Chung-Welch was appointed to the Board on July 9, 2020. She is currently an independent consultant advising life science companies and their institutional investors on life science companies, technologies and industries with an emphasis on the research product/tools market. Previously she was a Director, Business Development at Cell Signaling Technology and was Director, Business Development at Thermo Fisher Scientific and Technical Marketing Manager for Fisher Scientific. She has over 25 years of marketing and business development experience in the life sciences market. Dr. Chung-Welch has a balanced blend of business and technical/analytical strengths to provide sound foundation for technology/IP assessments and external partnerships. She has a strong record of domestic and international experience in business and customer needs analysis, technology assessment, licensing, distribution deals, partnerships, strategic alliances, strategic customer relationships, mergers/acquisitions. She previously served as Instructor in Surgery and Assistant in Physiology at Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Hospital with expertise in basic science research, including cell biology, tissue culture, vascular physiology, genomics, proteomics, and lab automation applications. She is also a hands-on marketing executive and has conceptualized, launched, and managed products and services in the laboratory, medical, biotech/pharma, academic and government markets. She received her Ph.D. in Vascular Physiology and Cell Biology from Boston University.

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Matthew J. Hawryluk, Ph.D. Dr. Hawryluk was appointed to the Board on November 29, 2022. He has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer of Gritstone bio, Inc. since November 2015. Since March 2020, Dr. Hawryluk has served as an Advisory Board Member of PathAI, Inc. Prior to Gritstone, from April 2011 to October 2015, Dr. Hawryluk held positions of increasing responsibility at Foundation Medicine, Inc., then a public molecular diagnostics company (subsequently acquired by Roche), most recently serving as Vice President, Corporate and Business Development. Previously, he held roles in business development, marketing, and product management across multiple divisions of Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Dr. Hawryluk received a B.S. from the University of Notre Dame, a Ph.D. in cell biology and protein biochemistry from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and an M.B.A. at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business as a Swartz Entrepreneurial Fellow.

Class III Directors Continuing in Office Until the 2024 Annual Meeting

Raymond F. Vennare. Mr. Vennare was appointed to the Board on September 13, 2021 and in November 2022, was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer and as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Vennare brings more than thirty years of experience to his work as an accomplished senior executive, board director and biotechnology entrepreneur. As a professional who has built and managed companies on behalf of institutional investors, private foundations and research institutions, he is recognized as an expert in the practice of company creation, technology commercialization, business development and corporate governance. Mr. Vennare is currently (and has been since 2015), Chairman of the Board and CEO of Cvergenx, Inc., a genomic informatics company developing decision-support tools for radiation oncology, and since 2019 has been on the Board of Directors of Cvergenx Technologies India Private, Ltd. He also serves as a trusted and confidential advisor to clients as diverse as nationally ranked universities and philanthropic foundations to multi-national publicly traded companies and early-stage start-ups. Previously Mr. Vennare was Co-founder, President and CEO of ThermalTherapeutic Systems, Inc. (Medical Device); President and Chief Executive Officer of ImmunoSite, Inc. (Diagnostics); Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, TissueInformatics, Inc. (Bioinformatics); Founder, President and Partner in VSInteractive (Information Technology) and, Founder and President of the Fine Art Inventory Network (On-line Commerce). From June 2018 to December 2020, he was Vice Chairman of Guangzhou INDA Biotechnology Company, Ltd. Mr. Vennare has a Master’s Degree in Business and Ethics from Duquesne University, a Master’s Degree in Art History and Museum Studies from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

Veena Rao, Ph.D. Dr. Rao was appointed to the Board on May 2, 2023. Dr. Rao is an experienced commercial and technical leader with over 25 years of experience in the areas of drug development, med tech, medical devices, and digital health, having held a number of directorsroles in both large and small company environments. She has a background in technology innovation, licensing, and corporate business development in addition to having led launch and go-to-market teams for novel drug and medical device products. Dr. Rao currently serves as sixChief Business Officer of Portal Instruments, a needle-free drug delivery company, a position she has held since December 2022. Previously, Dr. Rao served as Chief Commercial Officer at Beta Bionics from February 2021 until August 2022, and (ii) nominated six directors (Messrs. McGoldrick, Reding, Krochuk, Engle,as Head of Corporate Development & Strategy at Beta Bionics from October 2020 until February 2021. Prior to Beta Bionics, Dr. Rao spent over a decade at Eli Lilly and Gabriel,Company with a number of commercial and technical roles including as Vice President of External Innovation for the Lilly Device team. Dr. Schwartz)Rao has also served on the Board of Directors of Thermalin, Inc, and advisor to the PharmStars program, and an advisor to Digbi Health. Dr. Rao has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University and an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

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Class I Directors Continuing in Office Until the 2025 Annual Meeting

Daniel E. Handley M.S., Ph.D. Dr. Handley was appointed to the Board on February 19, 2020. He serves as a Professor and the Director of the Clinical and Translational Genome Research Institute of Southern California University of Health Sciences. Previously, he was the Chief Scientific Officer of the Clinical and Translational Genome Research Institute, a Florida 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. During that time, he also held a courtesy faculty appointment in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University. He previously served as the Chief Scientific Officer for re-electionAdvanced Healthcare Technology Solutions, Inc., Life-Seq, LLC, as a senior researcher at the Annual Meeting.Procter & Gamble Co., a senior administrator, researcher, and laboratory manager at the David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine, and as a founding biotechnology inventor for the National Genetics Institute. He holds a B.A. in Biophysics from Johns Hopkins University, an M.S. in Logic and Computation from Carnegie Mellon University, a Ph.D. in Human Genetics from the University of Pittsburgh. He completed his post-doctoral training at Magee-Women’s Research Institute researching advanced genomic technologies applied to fetal and maternal health. He is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served as a nuclear propulsion instructor and a submarine nuclear reactor operator.

Chuck Nuzum. Mr. Nuzum was appointed to the Board on July 9, 2020. He has extensive experience as a CFO that ranges from private start-ups to large publicly traded companies. Mr. Nuzum presently provides financial consulting services on a project basis to companies such as McKesson, BioMarin, AutoDesk and Squire Patton Boggs, mentors start-up companies and serves on the Board of Directors of several companies. Previously he was co-founder and CFO of the Tyburn Group, a financial services company that creates and delivers prepaid payroll and general-purpose card programs for customers. For the four years prior, Mr. Nuzum served as the Controller of Dey, L.P., a large pharmaceutical manufacturing subsidiary of Merck KGaA. Prior to that he was co-founder, Executive Vice President and CFO of SVC Financials Services, one of the first companies in the field to integrate a mobile money solution for global distribution, Vice President of Finance and Administration at Tiburon, Inc., a leader in public safety and justice information systems, and CFO of Winebid.com the world’s leading e-commerce wine auction company. For more than two decades, Mr. Nuzum was CFO of Loomis Fargo & Co., the well-known international provider of ATM systems, armored cars and other security services. Mr. Nuzum, a Certified Public Accountant, earned his BA at the University of Washington at Seattle.

Vote Required and Board of Directors’ Recommendation

 

Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes of the holders of shares present in personat the Annual Meeting or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the election of directors at the annual meeting at which a quorum is present.Annual Meeting. The nominees receiving the most “For” votes (among votes properly cast in person or by proxy) will be elected. If no contrary indication is made, shares represented by executed proxies will be voted “For” the election of the nominees named above or, if any nominee becomes unavailable for election as a result of an unexpected occurrence, “For” the election of a substitute nominee designated by the Board of Directors. Each nominee hasBoard. The nominees have agreed to serve as a directordirectors if elected, and we havethe Company has no reason to believe that any nomineethe nominees will be unable to serve.

 

The following is a brief biographyproposal for each nominee for director.

NameAge (1)Position
Directors:
Thomas J. McGoldrick (3) (4) (5)75Director, Chairman of the Board
Andrew P. Reding (2)47Director
Carl Schwartz (5)75Director, Chief Executive Officer
Timothy A. Krochuk (2) (4) (5)47Director
J. Melville Engle (2) (3)67Director
Richard L. Gabriel (5)68Director

(1) Asthe election of directors relates solely to the election of the date of this proxy statement.

(2) Member of the Audit Committee

(3) Member of the Compensation Committee

(4) Member of the Governance/Nominating Committee

(5) Member of the Merger & Acquisition Committee

Nominees for election

Thomas J. McGoldrick. Mr. McGoldrick has served as a Director of the Company since 2005. Prior to that, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Monteris Medical Inc. from November 2002 to November 2005. He has been in the medical device industry for over 30 years and was co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fastitch Surgical in 2000. Fastitch is a start-up medical device company with unique technology in surgical wound closure. Prior to Fastitch, Mr. McGoldrick was President and Chief Executive Officer of Minntech from 1997 to 2000. Minntech was a $75 million per year publicly traded (NASDAQ-MNTX) medical device company offering services for the dialysis, filtration, and separation markets. Prior to employment at Minntech from 1970 to 1997, he held senior marketing, business development and international positions at Medtronic, Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. and Johnson & Johnson. Mr. McGoldrick is onClass II directors nominated by the Board of Directors of two other start-up medical device companies.Directors.

THE PREDICTIVE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE CLASS II NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE.

 

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Andrew P. Reding. Mr. Reding is an executive with extensive experience in sales and marketing of capital equipment for the acute care markets. He has served as a director of the Company since 2006 and he is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of TRUMPF Medical Systems, Inc., a position he has held since April 2007. Prior to that, he was Director of Sales at Smith & Nephew Endoscopy and prior to that, he served as Vice President of Sales and Director of Marketing with Berchtold Corporation from 1994 to 2006. His experience is in the marketing and sales of architecturally significant products for the operating room, emergency department and the intensive care unit. Mr. Reding has successfully developed high quality indirect and direct sales channels, implemented programs to interface with facility planners and architects and developed GPO and IDN portfolios. Mr. Reding holds a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and an MBA from The University of South Carolina.

Carl Schwartz. Dr. Schwartz was the owner manager of dental groups in Burton, Michigan and Grand Blanc, Michigan. Dr. Schwartz previously served on the Board of Delta Dental Corporation of Michigan, was a member of the Michigan Advisory Board for Liberty Mutual Insurance and was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Florida. In 1988 Dr. Schwartz joined a family business becoming chief executive officer of Plastics Research Corporation, a Flint, Michigan, manufacturer of structural foam molding, a low-pressure injection molding process. While there he led its growth from $2 million in revenues and 20 employees, to its becoming the largest manufacturer of structural foam molding products under one roof in the U.S. with more than $60 million in revenues and 300 employees when he retired in 2001. He holds B.A. and D.D.S. degrees from the University of Detroit.

J. Melville Engle. Mr. Engle was appointed to the Board of Directors on October 27, 2016. Mr. Engle has worked in the healthcare industry for the past three decades. Since 2012, he has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Engle Strategic Solutions, a consulting company focused on CEO development and coaching, senior management consulting, corporate problem solving and strategic and operational planning. He is Chairman of the Board of Windgap Medical, Inc., and has held executive positions at prominent companies including Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at ThermoGenesis Corp., Regional Head/Director, North America at Merck Generics, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dey, L.P. and CFO, at Allergan, Inc. In addition to ThermoGenesis, he has served on the Board of Directors of several public companies, including Oxygen Biotherapeutics and Anika Therapeutics. Mr. Engle holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Colorado and a MBA in Finance from the University of Southern California. He has served as a Trustee of the Queen of the Valley Medical Center Foundation, was a Board Member of the Napa Valley Community Foundation, and at the Napa College Foundation. He was also Vice Chair of the Thunderbird Global Council at the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Arizona.

Timothy A. Krochuk. Mr. Krochuk was appointed to the Board of Directors on October 27, 2016 and is a co-founder and managing director of GRT Capital Partners, LLC, an investment adviser based in Boston, and is a Portfolio Manager and Managing Partner for the GRT BioEdge Ventures Fund, a fund focused on equity investments in privately held, emerging healthcare and biopharmaceutical companies. Prior to starting GRT Capital Partners in 2001, Mr. Krochuk became the youngest diversified portfolio manager in the history of Fidelity and was responsible for the development, programming and implementation of investment models used by mutual funds with more than $20 billion in assets under management. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of CHP Clean Energy, a full-service provider of biogas power combined heat and power systems for wastewater treatment facilities with anaerobic digesters, which he founded in 2009. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Windgap Medical and Flatirons Bank. Mr. Krochuk holds an AB in Economics from Harvard College, a Chartered Financial Analyst designation, an Executive Masters Professional Director Certification from the American College of Corporate Directors and is an active member of the Board of the Massachusetts General Hospital President’s Council.

Richard L. Gabriel. Mr. Gabriel was appointed to the Board of Directors on December 1, 2016. He has more than 40 years of relevant healthcare experience, including two decades of executive leadership and as a director and consultant to development-stage companies. In addition, serving as chief operating officer of GLG Pharma since 2009, from 2003 until 2009 Mr. Gabriel was chief executive officer of DNAPrint Genomics and DNAPrint Pharmaceuticals. He is currently a director of Windgap Medical. Mr. Gabriel holds an MBA from Suffolk University in Boston, and a BS in Chemistry from Ohio Dominican College in Columbus.

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE IN FAVOR OF EACH NOMINEE NAMED ABOVE.

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INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Independence of the Board of Directors

 

Under NASDAQ listing standards, a majority of the members of a listed company’s Board of Directors must qualify as “independent,” as affirmatively determined by the board of directors. The Board of Directors consults with our counsel to ensure that the Board of Directors’ determinations are consistent with relevant securities and other laws and regulations regarding the definition of “independent,” including those set forth in pertinent listing standards of the NASDAQ, as in effect from time to time.

 

Consistent with these considerations, after review of all relevant transactions or relationships between each director, or any of his or her family members, and the Company, its senior management, and its independent registered public accounting firm, the Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that the following directorsChuck Nuzum, Nancy Chung-Welch, Ph.D., Gregory S. St. Clair, Sr., Dan Handley, Ph.D., Matthew J. Hawryluk, Ph.D., and nomineesVeena Rao are independent directors within the meaning of the NASDAQ listing standards: Messrs. McGoldrick, Reding, Krochuk, Engle and Gabriel.standards. In making this determination, the Board of Directors found that none of these directors and nominees had a material or other disqualifying relationship with the Company.

 

Leadership structure

 

Effective May 5, 2016,In April 2021, the boardBoard appointed Chuck Nuzum as lead independent director. On November 1, 2022, Raymond F. Vennare was appointed Chairman of directors appointed Carl Schwartz as Interimthe Board and Chief Executive Officer and appointed Thomas J. McGoldrick as Chairman of the Board. Effective December 1, 2016, the Board of Directors appointed Carl Schwartz as Chief Executive Officer. The Board believes that this division of leadership is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders at this time.Company.

 

Oversight of risk management

 

Board-level risk oversight is primarily performed by our full Board, although the Audit Committee oversees our internal controls and regularly assesses financial and accounting processes and risks. Our risk oversight process includes an ongoing dialogue between management and the Board and the Audit Committee, intended to identify and analyze risks that face the Company. Through these discussions with management and their own business experience and knowledge, our directors are able to identify material risks for which a full analysis and risk mitigation plan areplans may be necessary. The Board (or the Audit Committee, with respect to risks related to internal controls, financial and accounting matters) monitors risk mitigation action plans developed by management, in order to ensure such plans are implemented and are effective in reducing the targeted risk.

 

Code of ethics and business conduct

 

On November 14, 2008, theOur Board has adopted the Code of Ethics of Skyline MedicalPredictive Oncology Inc. that applies to all officers, directors and employees of the Company. We intend to maintain the highesthigh standards of ethical business practices and compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to our business. The Code of Ethics is available in print to any stockholder requesting a copy in writing from our Corporate Secretary at our executive office set forth on the cover page of this proxy statement.

 

Stockholder communications with the Board of Directors

 

Stockholders may send communications to the Company’s Board of Directors, or to any individual Board member, by means of a letter to such individual Board member or the entire Board addressed to:

 

Board of Directors (or named Board member)
Skyline Medical

Predictive Oncology Inc.

Attention: Chief Financial Officer
2915 Commers Drive,Secretary

91 43rd Street, Suite 900
Eagan, Minnesota 55121110

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201

 

If a stockholder is unsure as to which category the concern relates, the stockholder may communicate it to any one of the independent directors in care of Chief Financial Officerthe Company’s Secretary at the address of our principal executive offices listed above. All stockholder communications sent in care of our Chief Financial OfficerSecretary will be forwarded promptly to the applicable director(s).

 

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Meetings of the Board of Directors

 

The Board of Directors met 4five times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. All2022. During that fiscal year, all directors attended at least 100%75% of the aggregate of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the committees on which they served, and which were held during the period for which they were directors or committee members. In addition, the directors often communicate informally to discuss the affairs of the Company and, when appropriate, take formal action by written consent, in accordance with the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, its Second Amended and Restated Bylaws and Delaware law. The Company does not have a formal policy, but encourages directors to attend the annual meeting of stockholders.

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships our directors and executive officers. 

 

Information regarding committeesRegarding Committees of the Board of Directors

 

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016,2022, the Board of Directors maintained four committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Governance/Nominating and Governance Committee and the Merger & Acquisition Committee. The following table provides membership and meeting information for fiscal 2016 for each of the committees of the Board of Directors in existence through December 31, 2016:

Name Audit  Compensation Governance/
Nominating
 Merger &
Acquisition
Thomas J. McGoldrick       X X
Andrew P. Reding   X        
Carl Schwartz          X
Timothy A. Krochuk   X     X X
J. Melville Engle  X    X    
Richard L. Gabriel          X
Total meetings in fiscal 2016  4   3 1 0

Below is a description of each committee of the Board of Directors as suchthese committees are presently constituted. The Board of Directors has determined that each current member of each committeeof the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee meets the applicable SEC and NASDAQ rules and regulations regarding “independence” and that each member is free of any relationship that would impair his or her individual exercise of independent judgment with regardregards to the Company.

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships among our directors and executive officers. 

 

Audit Committee of the Board; Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors was established by the Board in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act to oversee the Company’s corporate accounting and financial reporting processes and audits of its financial statements.

 

The functions of the Audit Committee include, among other things:

 

·serving as an independent and objective party to monitor the Company’s financial reporting process and internal control system;

 

·coordinating, reviewing and appraising the audit efforts of the Company’s independent auditors and management and, to the extent the Company has an internal auditing or similar department or persons performing the functions of such department (“internal auditing department” or “internal auditors”), the internal auditing department; and

 

·communicating directly with the independent auditors, financial and senior management, the internal auditing department, and the Board of Directors regarding the matters related to the committee’s responsibilities and duties.

 

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Both our independent registered public accounting firm and management periodically meet privately with the Audit Committee.

Our Audit Committee currently consists of Mr. Krochuk,Nuzum, as the chairperson, Dr. Chung-Welch, Mr. RedingSt. Clair and Mr. Engle. Mr. Krochuk has a strong and vast financial history specializing as an investment advisor. He qualifies as a financial expert and meets independence within the meaning of NASDAQ’s listing standards.Dr. Veena Rao. Each Audit Committee member is a non-employee director of the Board. The Board of Directors reviews the NASDAQ listing standards definition of independence for Audit Committee members on an annual basis and has determined that all current members of our Audit Committee are independent (as independence is currently defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ listing standards). The Board has determined that Mr. Nuzum meets the criteria as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Audit Committee met foureight times in fiscal 2015 and four times in fiscal 2016.year 2022.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors currently consists of two directors,four directors: Mr. Engle,Nuzum, as the chairperson, Dr. Chung-Welch, Mr. St. Clair and Mr. McGoldrick.Dr. Hawryluk. All members of the Compensation Committee were appointed by the Board of Directors, and such committee consists entirely of directors who are “outside directors” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), “non-employee directors” for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and “independent” as independence is currently defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the NASDAQ listing standards. In fiscal 2016,2022, the Compensation Committee met twoeight times. The functions of the Compensation Committee include, among other things:

 

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The functions of the Compensation Committee include, among other things:

 

·Approvingapproving the annual compensation packages, including base salaries, incentive compensation, deferred compensation and stock-based compensation, for our executive officers;

 

·Administeringadministering our stock incentive plans, and subject to Board approval in the case of executive officers, approving grants of stock, stock options and other equity awards under such plans;

 

·Approvingapproving the terms of employment agreements for our executive officers;

 

·Developing,developing, recommending, reviewing and administering compensation plans for members of the Board of Directors;

 

·Reviewingreviewing and discussing the Company’s compensation discussion and analysis with management; and

 

·Preparingpreparing any compensation committee report required to be included in the annual proxy statement.

 

All Compensation Committee approvals regarding compensation to be paid or awarded to our executive officers are rendered with the full power of the Board, though not necessarily reviewed by the full Board.

 

Our Chief Executive Officer may not be present during any Board or Compensation Committee voting or deliberations with respect to his compensation. Our Chief Executive Officer may, however, be present during any other voting or deliberations regarding compensation of our other executive officers but may not vote on such items of business.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

As indicated above, the Compensation Committee consists of Mr. Engle and Mr. McGoldrick. No member of the Compensation Committee who served as such during the year ended December 31, 2022 has ever been an executive officer or employee of ours.ours while serving on the Committee or had a relationship requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. None of our officers currently serves, or has served during the last completed year, on the compensation committeeCompensation Committee or the Board of Directors of any other entity that has one or more officers serving as a member of the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee.

 

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Governance/Nominating and Governance Committee

 

The Governance/Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors currently consists of Mr. McGoldrick,Dr. Handley, as the chairperson, Mr. Nuzum and Mr. Reding, each of whom is anDr. Rao. Dr. Handley and Messrs. Nuzum and Dr. Rao are “independent director,directors,” as such term is defined by Thethe NASDAQ Market Listing Rule 5605(a)(2), and free from any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of his or her independent judgment as a member of the Committee.

Structure The Nominating and Meetings

The chairperson of the Governance/NominatingGovernance Committee presides at each meeting and, in consultation with the other members of the Governance/Nominating Committee, sets the frequency and length of each meeting and the agenda of items to be addressed at each meeting. The chairperson of the Governance/Nominating Committee ensures that the agenda for each meeting is circulated to each Committee member in advance of the meeting. The Governance/Nominating Committee reports its actions and recommendations to the Board.

Goals and Responsibilitiesmet four times during fiscal year 2022.

 

In furtherance of its purposes,purpose, the Governance/Nominating and Governance Committee:

 

·Evaluatesevaluates the composition, organization and governance of the Board, determines future requirements and make recommendations to the Board for approval;

 

·Determinesdetermines desired Board and committee skills and attributes and criteria for selecting new directors;

 

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·Reviewsreviews candidates for Board membership consistent with the Committee’s criteria for selecting new directors and annually recommendor as recommended by our stockholders. Annually, the Committee recommends a slate of nominees to the Board for consideration at the Company’sour annual stockholders’ meeting;

 

·Reviews candidates for Board membership, if any, recommended by the Company’s stockholders;

·Conducts the appropriate and necessary inquiries into the backgrounds and qualifications of possible director candidates;

·Evaluates and considers matters relating to the qualifications and retirement of directors;

·Developsdevelops a plan for, and consults with the Board regarding, management succession; and

 

·Advisesadvises the Board generally on corporate governance matters.

 

In addition, the Committee, if and when deemed appropriate by the Board or the Committee, will developdevelops and recommendrecommends to the Board a set of corporate governance principles applicable to the Company, and reviewreviews and reassessreassesses the adequacy of such guidelines annually and recommendrecommends to the Board any changes deemed appropriate. The Committee also advises the Board on (a)(1) committee member qualifications, (b)(2) appointments, removals and rotation of committee members, (c)(3) committee structure and operations (including authority to delegate to subcommittees), and (d)(4) committee reporting to the Board. Finally, the Committee performs any other activities consistent with this Charter, the Company’s Certificateits charter, our Certification of Incorporation, Bylaws and governing law as the Committee or the Board deems appropriate.

 

Committee Resources

The Governance/Nominating Committee has the authority to obtain advice and seek assistance from internal or external legal, accounting or other advisors. The Committee has the sole authority to retain and terminate any search firm to be used to identify director candidates, including sole authority to approve such search firm’s fees and other retention terms.

 

The Governance/Nominating Committee met 1 times during fiscal 2016.

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Merger & Acquisition Committee

 

The Merger & Acquisition Committee of the Board of Directors currently consists of Mr. Nuzum, Dr. Carl Schwartz, as the chairperson, Mr. Timothy Krochuk, Mr. Richard GabrielChung-Welch, Dr. Rao and Mr. Thomas McGoldrick, three of whom are “independent directors” as such item is defined by The NASDAQ Market Listing Rule 5605(a)(2), and free from any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of his or her independent judgment as a member of the committee. Dr. Schwartz is not deemed to be independent.Hawryluk. The Merger & Acquisition Committee is a newly formed committee constructed in December 2016 with the function of advisingadvises the Company towardwith respect to any considered mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and/or consolidations of any type. The Merger & Acquisition Committee did not meet during the fiscal year 2016.

 

Diversity

 

The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors does not currently have aconsiders and makes recommendations to the Board on all matters pertaining to the effectiveness of the Board, such as the size and composition of the Board; including the recognition of Equal Opportunity (which is the policy regarding attaining diversityof treating Directors and others without discrimination, especially on the Board.basis of their sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or identification, veteran status, race or age). Pursuant to Rules 5605(f) and 5606 of the NASDAQ listing standards, we have made our board diversity matrix available on our website at www.predictive-oncology.com under the “For Investors” and “Corporate Governance” tabs. The information on our website is not part of this proxy statement.

 

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of such securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Based solely on review of the copies of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto filed with the SEC during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and Forms 5 and amendments thereto filed with the SEC with respect to such fiscal year, or written representations that no Forms 5 were required, we believe that the following is the list of our officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners who have failed to file on a timely basis all Section 16(a) filing requirements during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022: Mr. Vennare late reporting covering 1 transaction, Dr. Chung-Welch late reporting covering 1 transaction and Dr. Jenkins late reporting covering 1 transaction.

Employee, Officer and Director Hedging and Pledging of Company Shares

The Company maintains a Policy on the Avoidance of Insider Trading that is applicable to its officers, members of the Board of Directors and all employees. The policy prohibits individuals subject to the policy from engaging in hedging transactions with respect to the Company’s common stock as well as pledging shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

 12 

 

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONSPARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Audit Committee has the responsibility to review and approve all transactions to which a related party and the Company may be a party prior to their implementation, to assess whether such transactions meet applicable legal requirements. Except as described in this proxy statement, since the beginning of fiscal 2015,2022, there were no related party transactions arising or existing requiring disclosure as required pursuant to NASDAQ listing standards, SEC rules and regulations or the Company’s policy and procedures.

 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In connection with the sale of the Series A Preferred Shares on February 4, 2014, Joshua Kornberg, our former President and Chief Executive Officer and a current director of the Company, was one of the purchasers. Mr. Kornberg purchased 19,231 Series A Preferred Shares for a purchase price of $25,000 and received warrants to purchase 52 shares of common stock. In August 2015, the holders of Series A Preferred Shares exchanged them for the Units sold in our public offering at that time. In that exchange, 250 shares of Series A Convertible Stock held by Mr. Kornberg were exchanged for 2,778 Units.

SOK Partners, LLC (“SOK”), a significant stockholder with Mr. Kornberg and Dr. Samuel Herschkowitz as managing partners, invested in the July 2014 offering of convertible notes and warrants. In November 2014, the convertible noteholders agreed to convert certain balances of the convertible notes in connection with the public offering of the Existing Units, in consideration of the agreement to issue certain additional shares. In connection with the Unit Offering in August 2015, all such convertible notes were redeemed at a redemption price of 140% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company paid approximately $163,000 to SOK in redemption of its convertible note.

One of the Company’s directors, Richard L. Gabriel, is the Chief Operating Officer and serves as a director of GLG Pharma (“GLG”). Another Company director, Tim Krochuk, is on the supervisory board for GLG. In September 20, 2016, the Company entered into a partnership and exclusive reseller agreement with GLG. Under the terms of the agreement, GLG intends to develop rapid diagnostic tests that utilize fluid and tissue collected by the STREAMWAY System during procedures. The Company agreed to issue an aggregate of 400,000 shares of common stock to GLG in four separate tranches of 100,000 shares of common stock in each tranche. The shares reserved in each tranche would be released after the achievement of certain development milestones designated in the agreement. In addition, the Company will pay a royalty to GLG on the sale of individual tests. Also, on November 1, 2016, the Company announced that it agreed to grant GLG exclusive rights to market and distribute the STREAMWAY System in the U.K. On November 2, 2016, the Company announced that it agreed to grant GLG the same rights in Poland and certain other countries in Central Europe. In April 2017, the partnership and exclusive reseller agreement between the Company and GLG was terminated.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

 

The following table presents the equity compensation plan information as of December 31, 2016:2022:

 

 Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
restricted stock,
warrants and options
 (a)
 Weighted-
average
exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants
(b)
 Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a)
(C)
Number of Securities to be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding Restricted Stock, Warrants and Options (a)Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants (b)Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)  156,806  $11.22   3,864,567 49,053$91.69178,203
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders  -  $-   - -

(1) Consists of outstanding options under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan. The remaining share authorization under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan was rolled over to the current 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended, the “2012 Plan”). On April 24, 2023, the Company effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split. All share amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the reverse split.

INFORMATION REGARDING OUR CURRENT EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table sets forth certain information concerning our current executive officers.

 

Name(1)ConsistsPosition(s)Age
Raymond F. VennareChief Executive Officer71
Joshua BlacherChief Financial Officer51
Pamela Bush, Ph.D., MBAChief Business Officer50

13

Name of outstanding optionsExecutive Officer

Principal Occupation, Business Experience for the Past Five Years and

Directorships of Public Companies

Raymond F. Vennare
Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Vennare’s biography is included above under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plansection titled “PROPOSAL NO. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS.”
Josh Blacher
Interim Chief Financial Officer
Effective September 30, 2023, Mr. Blacher was appointed as our Interim Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Blacher has served as a consultant with Danforth Advisors, LLC since September 2022 and the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan. The remaining share authorization under the 2008 Equity Incentive Planas Managing Partner of Columbus Circle Capital LLC (“Columbus Circle Capital”) since August 2019. During his tenure at Columbus Circle Capital, Mr. Blacher has served as CFO at several public and private companies. Prior to his tenure at Columbus Circle Capital, Mr. Blacher served as Chief Business Officer at Inmed Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: INM) from April 2018 to August 2019, as Chief Financial Officer of Therapix Biosciences (Nasdaq: TRPX) from April 2017 to April 2018, and as Chief Financial Officer at Galmed Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: GLMD) from October 2014 to March 2017. Mr. Blacher holds a Bachelor of Arts from Yeshiva University and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School.

Pamela Bush

Chief Business Officer

Dr. Bush was rolled over to the current 2012 Stock Incentive Plan. On July 28, 2016, the shareholders approved to increase the reserve shares for common stock authorized for issuance underappointed as our Chief Business Officer on January 30, 2023. Dr. Bush has served as the Company’s AmendedSenior Vice President of Strategic Sales and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan to 4,000,000 shares (4,000,000 shares prior toBusiness Development since December 2021. Before joining the 1:25 reverse stock split).Company, Dr. Bush worked at Eli Lilly & Company from September 2009 until June 2016, and again from January 2019 until November 2021. While at Eli Lilly & Company, Dr. Bush served in various roles including Corporate Business Development, Finance and Patient Services. She served as the Director of Immunology at Lilly Patient Services, Eli Lilly & Company, primarily focusing on managing vendor performance and relationships, as well as negotiating contracts and finding workflow efficiencies. Before that, Dr. Bush served as Director of Corporate Business Development at Eli Lilly & Company. Between June 2016 and January 2019, Dr. Bush founded BluGene Consulting, a consultancy supporting emerging life science companies that focused on new client acquisition and private investor fundraising, where she served as managing partner. Dr. Bush earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and MBA from CMU’s Tepper School of Business.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Overview

 

This section describes the material elements of the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to (i) each individual who served as our Chief Executive Officer andprincipal executive officer during 2022, (ii) our two most highly compensated other executive officers otherwho were serving as executive officers at the end of 2022 and who received more than $100,000 in the form of salary and bonus during such year, and (iii) up to two additional individuals for whom disclosure would have been provided pursuant to (ii) above but for the fact that the individual was not serving as an executive officer at the end of 2022. We refer to these individuals as our “Named Executive Officers.” Our named executive officers are:

·Raymond F. Vennare, Chief Executive Officer;

·Bob Myers, former Chief Financial Officer; and

·J. Melville Engle, former Chief Executive Officer

We did not have any other executive officers, as determined in accordance with SEC rules, collectively referredduring 2022. 

On April 24, 2023, we effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split. All share amounts and per share prices included in this Executive Compensation section have been retroactively restated to asreflect the “named executive officers.”  reverse split.

 

Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal 20162022 and 20152021

 

The following table provides information regarding the compensation awarded to or earned by each of the Named Executive Officers during the fiscal years ended December 31, 20162022 and December 31, 2015 by each of the named executive officers:2021:

 

Name and
Principal
Position
 Year (5)
Salary
 Bonus Stock
Awards
 (1)
Option
Awards
 (6)
All Other
Compensation
 Total
Compensation
               
Joshua Kornberg, former CEO  2016  $118,284  $-  $90,351  $-  $149,500  $358,135 
and President (2)  2015  $326,162  $562,941  $-  $417,628  $27,000  $1,333,731 
                             
Carl Schwartz, CEO (7)  2016  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
                             
David O. Johnson, COO  (3)  2016  $149,053  $36,000  $97,950  $10,920  $-  $293,923 
   2015  $180,926  $178,000  $-  $32,969  $-  $391,895 
                             
Bob Myers, CFO  (4)  2016  $131,234  $33,000  $90,938  $10,920  $-  $266,092 
   2015  $174,550  $130,750  $-  $30,222  $-  $335,522 
Name and
Principal
Position
 Year Salary Bonus Stock
Awards(1)
 All Other
Compensation
 Total
Compensation
             

Raymond F. Vennare

Chief Executive Officer

  2022  $87,500(2) $34,125(3) $-  $-  $121,625 
                         

Bob Myers, CFO (4)

Former Chief Financial Officer

  2022  $374,900  $110,430(5) $-  $26,538  $511,868 
   2021  $371,965  $106,950(6) $28,190(7) $-  $507,105 
                         

J. Melville Engle (8)

Former Chief Executive Officer

  2022  $406,917  $139,000  $-  $630,780(9) $1,176,697(10)
   2021  $391,342  $191,760(11) $57,838(7) $-  $640,940 

 

(1)Represents the actual compensation cost recognized during 2016 and 2015 as determined pursuant toThese amounts have been calculated in accordance with FASB ASC 718 – Stock Compensation utilizingTopic 718. Pursuant to SEC rules, the amounts shown exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. For a discussion of the assumptions discussed in Note 3, “Stock Optionsrelating to our valuations of these stock awards and Warrants,” instock options, please see Notes 1 and 4 to the notes to theaudited financial statements included in this prospectus.our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. These amounts reflect our accounting expense for these stock awards and stock options and do not correspond to the actual value that may be recognized by the Named Executive Officer.
 
(2)Effective May 5, 2016,November 1, 2022 Mr. Kornberg resigned as theVennare was named Chief Executive Officer and President andOfficer. Mr. Vennare receives an employeeannual salary of the Company. In connection with Mr. Kornberg’s resignation, the Company and Mr. Kornberg entered into$525,000.
(3)Reflects a separation agreement on June 13, 2016 (the “Separation Agreement”). See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Payment Obligations Under Separation Agreement with Former CEO.” In 2015 Mr. Kornberg also received options to purchase 253 shares of common stock as fees for serving on the Board of Directors. Mr. Kornberg’s minimum bonus for 2015 was 75% of his base salary or $206,250. During 2015 he also received $356,691performance in additional bonuses, in recognition of bonus amounts from prior years that were waived. In 2015 he also received bonus options to purchase 8,366 shares of common stock at $65.75 per share. In 2016, Mr. Kornberg received $18,685 as part of his salary2022 that was paid through his settlement contract. The restricted stock award for $90,351 was part of his severance settlement. All ofto Mr. Kornberg’s options to purchase stock were cancelled as part of his settlement contract.Vennare on March 15, 2023.
 (3)Mr. Johnson’s minimum bonus for 2016 was 20% of his base salary, or $36,000 that was accrued in 2016. During 2016 he received $36,000 in income from additional bonuses in recognition of bonus amounts from 2015. In 2016, he also received bonus options to purchase 3,574 shares of common stock at $4.20 per share. In 2016, Mr. Johnson exercised stock options valued at $97,950.
(4)Mr. Myers’s minimum bonus for 2016 was 20% of his base salary, or $33,000 that was accrued in 2016. During 2016 he received $33,000 in income from additional bonuses in recognition of bonus amounts 2015. In 2016, he also received bonus options to purchase 3,574 shares of common stock at $4.20 per share. In 2016, Mr. Myers exercised stock options valued at $90,938.
(5)Salaries shown, where applicable are net of the 401(k) retirement plan put in place during 2013.
(6)Mr. Kornberg’s All Other Compensation consists of $137,500 in severance and $12,000 in medical reimbursement.
(7)Dr. Schwartz became a director on March 23, 2016 and served as Executive Chairman from October 11, 2016 to December 1, 2016. On December 1, 2016 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Schwartz did not receive a salary, bonus or other payment during 2016. Dr. Schwartz received options to purchase 4,920 shares of common stock as fees for serving on the Board of Directors. Dr. Schwartz also received options to purchase 7,143 shares of common stock in 2016 as fees for serving on the Medical Advisory Committee. Certain of those options, 8,929 shares, did not vest until January 2017.

 

 1415 

 

(4)Effective September 30, 2023, Mr. Myers resigned as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.
(5)Reflects a bonus for performance in 2022 that was paid to Mr. Myers in 2023.
(6)Reflects a bonus for performance in 2021 that was paid to Mr. Myers in 2022.
(7)Reflects the grant date fair value of restricted stock units (RSUs) granted on May 17, 2021.The RSUs comprise a Long-Term Incentive Program (“LTIP”) structured to reward performance. See “Long Term Incentive Plan for Executive Officers” below.
(8)On March 19, 2021 Mr. Engle was named Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Engle received an annual salary of $475,000. Mr. Engle retired for the Company effective October 31, 2022. Mr. Engle received a retirement package for $524,400 in base salary, unused accrued vacation for $67,567 and the vesting of all RSU’s equaling 15,000 shares of our common stock.
(9)Reflects the grant date fair value of restricted stock units (RSUs) granted on May 17, 2021.The RSUs comprise a Long-Term Incentive Program (“LTIP”) structured to reward performance. See “Long Term Incentive Plan for Executive Officers” below.
(10)Includes severance payments of $109,250 paid to Mr. Engle in 2022 pursuant to a Transition and Separation Agreement dated September 15, 2022 between Mr. Engle and the Company, and the incremental fair value resulting from the acceleration of 15,000 RSUs pursuant to the Transition and Separation Agreement, computed as of the modification date in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
(11)Reflects a bonus for performance in 2021 that was paid to Mr. Engle in 2022.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-end for Fiscal 20162022

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding outstanding equity awards held by the named executive officers as of December 31, 2016:2022:

 

  Grant Date Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
Unexercisable
  Option 
Exercise 
Price
  Option 
Expiration 
Date
Carl Schwartz 3/31/2016  588      $4.25  3/31/2026
  6/30/2016  1,334      $3.75  6/30/2026
  9/30/2016  1,212      $4.13  9/30/2026
  12/31/2016  8,929      $2.80  12/31/2026
                 
David O. Johnson 8/13/2012  534      $150.00  8/13/2022
  3/18/2013  507      $148.25  3/18/2023
  3/6/2014  167      $431.25  3/6/2024
  9/16/2016  3,574      $4.20  9/16/2026
                 
Bob Myers 8/13/2012  534      $150.00  8/13/2022
  3/18/2013  422      $148.25  3/18/2023
  3/6/2014  140      $431.25  3/6/2024
  9/16/2016  3,574      $4.20  9/16/2026
Options Restricted Stock Units
  Grant Date Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
Exercisable
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
Unexercisable
 Option
Exercise
Price
 Option
Expiration
Date
 Number of
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
 Market Value
Of Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested
               
J. Melville Engle 12/31/2016  9      $560.00  12/31/2026      
  3/31/2017  12      $420.00  3/31/2027      
  6/22/2017  625      $294.00  6/22/2027      
  6/30/2017  17      $294.00  6/30/2027      
  9/30/2017  18      $290.80  9/30/2027      
  12/31/2017  124      $202.00  12/31/2027      
  3/31/2018  23      $220.00  3/31/2028      
  6/30/2018  23      $226.00  6/30/2028      
  9/30/2018  24      $212.00  9/30/2028      
  12/31/2018  202      $123.80  12/31/2028      
  3/31/2019  34      $150.00  3/31/2029      
  4/4/2019  625      $149.60  4/4/2029      
  6/30/2019  34      $149.60  6/30/2029      
  9/30/2019  50      $101.00  9/30/2029      
  12/31/2019  671      $52.20  12/31/2029      
  3/31/2020  159      $31.60  3/31/2030      
  4/3/2020  764      $26.20  4/3/2030      
  6/30/2020  153      $32.80  6/30/2030      
  9/30/2020  308      $16.20  9/30/2030      
  12/31/2020  2,390      $14.60  12/31/2030      
                         
Bob Myers 3/18/2013  3      $30.80  3/18/2023      
  3/6/2014  1      $30.80  3/6/2024      
  9/16/2016  18      $30.80  9/16/2026      
  6/22/2017  1,521      $30.80  6/22/2027      
  4/4/2019  830      $30.80  4/4/2029      
  9/23/2020             1,667  $10,233 
  5/17/2021             2,500  $15,350 

 

16

Executive Compensation Components for Fiscal 20162022

 

Base Salary. Base salary is an important element of our executive compensation program as it provides executives with a fixed, regular, non-contingent earnings stream to support annual living and other expenses. As a component of total compensation, we generally set base salaries at levels believed to attract and retain an experienced management team that will successfully grow our business and create stockholder value. We also utilize base salaries to reward individual performance and contributions to our overall business objectives but seek to do so in a manner that does not detract from the executives’ incentive to realize additional compensation through our stock optionsbonus and restricted stock awards.equity incentive programs.

 

The Compensation Committee reviews the Chief Executive Officer’s salary at least annually. The Compensation Committee may recommend adjustments to the Chief Executive Officer’s base salary based upon the Compensation Committee’s review of his current base salary, incentive cash compensation and equity-based compensation, as well as his performance and comparative market data. The Compensation Committee also reviews other executives’ salaries throughout the year, with input from the Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee may recommend adjustments to other executives’ base salary based upon the Chief Executive Officer’s recommendation and the reviewed executives’ responsibilities, experience, and performance, as well as comparative market data. Mr. Myers received an increase in his base salary on March 1, 2022 resulting in an annualized base salary of $380,880.

 

In utilizing comparative data, the Compensation Committee seeks to recommend salaries for each executive at a level that is appropriate after giving consideration to experience for the relevant position and the executive’s performance. The Compensation Committee reviews performance for both our Company (based upon achievement of strategic initiatives) and each individual executive. Based upon these factors, the Compensation Committee may recommend adjustments to base salaries to better align individual compensation with comparative market compensation, to provide merit-based increases based upon individual or company achievement, or to account for changes in roles and responsibilities.

 

Bonuses. Bonuses are part of a structured program established by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.

15

 

Stock Options and Other Equity Grants. Consistent with our compensation philosophies related to performance-based compensation, long-term stockholder value creation and alignment of executive interests with those of stockholders, we make periodic grants of long-term incentive compensation in the form of stock options or restricted stockother equity based incentive award to our executive officers, directors and others in the organization.

 

Stock options provide executive officers with the opportunity to purchase common stock at a price fixed on the grant date regardless of future market price. A stock option becomes valuable only if the common stock price increases above the option exercise price and the holder of the option remains employed during the period required for the option shares to vest. This provides an incentive for an option holder to remain employed by us. In addition, stock options link a significant portion of an employee’s compensation to stockholders’ interests by providing an incentive to achieve corporate goals and increase stockholder value. Under our Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”), we may also make grants of restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance share awards, performance unit awards and stock appreciation rights to officers and other employees. We adopted the 2012 Plan to give us flexibility in the types of awards that we could grant to our executive officers and other employees.

17

Amendment to Stock Option Plan. On September 3, 2020, our stockholders approved amendments to the 2012 Plan to increase the share reserve under the 2012 Plan by an aggregate 37,500 shares from the most recent reserve of 50,000 shares to an aggregate 87,500 shares. On August 17, 2021, our stockholders approved amendments to the 2012 Plan to increase the share reserve under the 2012 Plan by an aggregate 75,000 shares from the most recent reserve of 87,500 shares to an aggregate 162,500 shares. On December 2, 2022, our stockholders approved amendments to the 2012 Plan to increase the share reserve under the 2012 Plan by an aggregate 125,000 shares from the most recent reserve of 75,000 shares to an aggregate 287,500 shares. As of December 31, 2022, there were stock options to purchase 49,053 shares of common stock outstanding under the 2012 Plan. In determining the amount of the increases to the 2012 Plan, the Board took into account its intention to grant further equity awards to current and future executive officers and key employees and directors.

Restricted Stock Units. Consistent with our compensation philosophies related to performance-based compensation, long-term stockholder value creation and alignment of executive interests with those of stockholders, we make periodic grants of long-term incentive compensation in the form of restricted stock units to our executive officers.

Restricted stock units represent the right to receive shares of our common stock (or, in some cases, the value thereof in cash) upon vesting, with vesting generally being time-based, based on achievement of certain perform metrics, or both.

 

Limited Perquisites; Other Benefits. We provide our employees with a full complement of employee benefits, including health and dental insurance, short term and long termlong-term disability insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, FSA flex plan and Section 125 plan. Mr. Kornberg received $3,000 monthly as

Long Term Incentive Plan for Executive Officers

On May 17, 2021, the Committee adopted and approved a health insurance reimbursement in lieu2021 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) to provide incentives to the Company’s executive officers over the critical three-year performance period consisting of acceptingfiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023. Under the LTIP, the Company medical plan benefits.granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to the Company’s then-current CEO, J. Melville Engle, and its then CFO, Bob Myers, pursuant to the 2012 Plan.

 

The LTIP awards consist of 15,000 RSUs (target) for the CEO and 7,500 RSUs (target) for the CFO granted as of May 17, 2021. Each RSU award consists of three equal tranches, corresponding to the three years in the performance period. These RSUs will vest on January 1, 2024, with the level of vesting of each tranche based on (1) the level of achievement of performance goals for the corresponding fiscal year (see below) and (2) continued employment of the executive through January 1, 2024. For each tranche, the RSUs will vest at the 100% level for performance at the target level; 50% for performance at the threshold level (with no vesting below the threshold level); and 150% for maximum performance (in other words, for maximum performance on both performance components in a fiscal year, the payout for that year would be 150% of the number of RSUs in the corresponding tranche). The level of vesting for each component is prorated between the threshold level and the target level, and between the target level and the maximum level. To the extent vested, the awards will be paid out on or before March 15, 2024, following the determination of the Company’s earnings per share for fiscal 2023.

Performance-based vesting of the RSUs in the tranche for each fiscal year (5,000 RSUs (target) per year for the CEO and 2,500 RSUs (target) per year for the CFO) will be based equally on two components of performance:

(1)Stock Price. A stock price component is based on the average closing share price of the Company’s common stock over the last 20 trading days of the fiscal year, as set forth in the LTIP.

(2)Earnings (Loss) Per Share. An earnings component is based on the Company’s earnings (loss) per common share for that fiscal year, as set forth in the LTIP.

18

If the Committee determines that circumstances have changed and modification is required to reflect the original intent of the performance goals, the Committee may in its discretion increase (but not decrease) the number of RSUs that vest for any of the covered years.

To the extent vested, all RSUs awarded under the LTIP will be paid in shares of common stock.

Employment Contracts

 

Employment Agreement with Former Chief Executive Officer

 

On November 10, 2017,April 5, 2021, the Company and J. Melville Engle, former Chief Executive Officer of the Company, entered into an Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) effective as of March 19, 2021, the first date of Mr. Engle’s employment. Pursuant to the Agreement, Mr. Engle was entitled to an annual base salary of $475,000. He was also eligible (i) to receive an annual cash bonus equal to up to 50% of his salary, or at the discretion of the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Company’s Board of Directors, a higher percentage based on his performance and (ii) to participate in a long-term incentive plan to be adopted and maintained by the Committee. The Agreement provided that Mr. Engle would receive 5,000 restricted shares of Company common stock or restricted stock units for each of the first three calendar years of his employment, agreementvesting over three years and subject to continued employment, with Dr. Carl Schwartz, who has servedthe amount that vests to be based on his performance. Mr. Engle was also eligible to participate in the standard employee benefit plans generally available to executive employees of the Company, and, at the discretion of the Committee, to receive grants of stock options or other equity awards. Any grants of equity awards, including those above, were to be made from the Company’s 2012 Plan or successor plans.

Under the Agreement, Mr. Engle’s employment by the Company was at-will. If his employment was terminated by the Company without “cause” or if he voluntarily resigned with “good reason” (in each case as defined in the Agreement), then Mr. Engle would have been entitled to receive from the Company payment of his base salary then in effect through his last date of employment, plus accrued, unused vacation pay. In addition, Mr. Engle would have been entitled to (a) severance pay in an amount equal to 12 months of his base salary then in effect, less applicable taxes and withholdings; and (b) a bonus payment on a pro-rata basis through the date of his termination.

The Agreement also contained customary provisions with respect to confidentiality and intellectual property, in addition to ones prohibiting Mr. Engle from soliciting the Company’s employees and from engaging in certain activities that are competitive with the Company for a period of 12 months after termination of his employment.

Retirement of Former Chief Executive Officer

On September 15, 2022, Mr. Engle announced that he would retire as the Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors, effective October 31, 2022. To ensure an orderly transition of his responsibilities, the Company and Mr. Engle entered into a Transition and Separation Agreement (the “Transition Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. Engle continued to serve as Chief Executive Officer since December 1, 2016until October 31, 2022 under the terms of the Agreement, while the Company conducted a search for his replacement. The Transition Agreement provided for certain separation benefits to be paid to Mr. Engle following termination of his employment, subject to Mr. Engle executing and priordelivering a general release of claims in favor of the Company at such time, including $524,400 (gross) in severance pay, which amount is equal to that time was Interimone year of Mr. Engle’s base salary, a pro-rata bonus for 2022 in the amount of $139,000 (gross), and accelerated vesting of 15,000 restricted stock units previously granted to Mr. Engle as part of the Company’s 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

Employment Agreement with Current Chief Executive Officer since May 5, 2016.

On October 13, 2022, the Company and Raymond F. Vennare, the Company’s current Chief Executive Officer, entered into an Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”), effective as of November 1, 2022, the first date of Mr. Vennare’s employment. Pursuant to the Agreement, Mr. Vennare is entitled to an annual base salary of $525,000. He will also be eligible (i) to receive an annual cash bonus equal to up to 50% of his salary, or at the discretion of the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Company’s Board of Directors, a higher percentage based on his performance (prorated for 2022) and (ii) to participate in a long-term incentive plan to be adopted and maintained by the Committee. Mr. Vennare will also be eligible to participate in the standard employee benefit plans generally available to executive employees of the Company, and, at the discretion of the Committee, to receive grants of stock options or other equity awards. Any grants of equity awards, including those above, will be made from the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan or successor plans.

19

Under the Agreement, Mr. Vennare’s employment by the Company is at-will. If his employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or if he voluntarily resigns with “good reason” (in each case as defined in the Agreement), then Mr. Vennare will be entitled to receive from the Company payment of his base salary then in effect through his last date of employment, plus accrued, unused vacation pay. In addition, Mr. Vennare will be entitled to (a) severance pay in an amount equal to 12 months of his base salary then in effect, less applicable taxes and withholdings; and (b) a bonus payment on a pro-rata basis through the date of his termination.

The Agreement also contains customary provisions with respect to confidentiality and intellectual property, in addition to ones prohibiting Mr. Vennare from soliciting the Company’s employees and from engaging in certain activities that are competitive with the Company for a period of 12 months after termination of his employment.

Employment Agreement with Former Chief Financial Officer.

On August 13, 2012, we entered into an employment agreement, which agreement was amended on August 20, 2018 with Bob Myers, who served as Chief Financial Officer from July 1, 2012 until his resignation effective as of September 30, 2023. Under the agreement the employment of Dr. Schwartz with the Company isMr. Myers was at will. His annualized

Pursuant to his agreement, base salary is $250,000 and will be increased to $275,000 commencing January 1, 2018. Such base salaries mayfor Mr. Myers could be adjusted by the Companyus but maycould not be reduced except in connection with a reduction imposed on substantially all employees as part of a general reduction.

At least ten (10) business days before the beginning of each six month period ending June 30 or December 31 (a “Compensation Period”) during which Dr. Schwartz is employed under this Agreement, he may elect to receive non-qualified stock options for such Compensation Period in lieu of cash. Such options will have an exercise price per share equal to the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, will have an aggregate exercise price equal to the dollar amount of base salary to be received in options, will have a term of ten years, and will vest pro rata on a monthly basis over the period of time during which the base salary would have been earned. On June 22, 2017, Dr. Schwartz received options to purchase 85,034 shares at $1.47 per share, representing one-half of his base salary for fiscal 2017 ($125,000). The remaining one-half of his base salary for fiscal 2017 in the amount of $125,000 will be paid as follows: (1) $83,375 in cash, payable in equal installments on each normal payroll date through December 31, 2017, provided Dr. Schwartz is still employed on such date, and (2) a new stock option grant in lieu of $41,625 of salary in the form of non-qualified stock options. The stock options for 28,316 shares were issued on November 10, 2017, have an exercise price per share of $1.47, equal to the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, for an aggregate exercise price of $41,625, have a term of ten years, and will be vested in two equal installments on November 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017, with exercise subject to further stockholder approval of the Company’s 2012 Stock Incentive Plan.

Dr. Schwartz will He was also each be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus for each calendar year at the end of which he remainsremained employed by the Company at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. For 2017, the Compensation Committee will award a bonus based on performance of Dr. Schwartz and the Company, including the completion of acquisitions and other factors deemed appropriate by the Compensation Committee. For 2018 and subsequent year, the bonus will beus, subject to the attainment of certain objectives, whichobjectives. Mr. Myers was entitled to five (5) weeks of paid vacation per each calendar year earned ratably over each calendar year, to be taken at such times as he and the Company determined and provided that no vacation time shall unreasonably interfere with the duties required to be established in writingrendered by him.

Pursuant to his Agreement, if Mr. Myers’ employment was terminated by the Employee and the Board prior to each bonus period. The maximum bonus that may be earned by Employee for any year will be not less than 150% of Employee’s then-current base salary.

16

If the Company terminates the Dr. Schwartz’s employment without cause“cause” or if he terminates his employment forvoluntarily resigned with “good reason,”reason” (in each case as defined in the Agreement), then he shall bewould have been entitled to receive from the Company payment of his base salary then in effect through his last date of employment, plus accrued, unused vacation pay. In addition, Mr. Myers would have been entitled to severance pay in an amount equal to six12 months of his base salary (or twelve monthsthen in the event of a termination without cause due to a change of control)effect, less applicable taxes and withholdings. In that event, he will receivewithholdings; a bonus payment on a pro-rata basis through the date of terminationhis termination; and any accrued, unused vacation pay. The severance pay, bonus payment, and other consideration areSuch payments were conditioned upon executive’shis execution of a full and final release of liability. “Cause” is defined to mean the executive engages in willful misconduct or fails to follow the reasonable and lawful instructions of the Board, if such conduct is not cured within 30 days after notice; the executive embezzles or misappropriates assets of Company or any of its subsidiaries; the executive’s violation of his obligations in the agreement, if such conduct is not cured within 30 days after notice; breach of any agreement between the executive and the Company or to which Company and the executive are parties, or a breach of his fiduciary responsibility to the Company; commission by of fraud or other willful conduct that adversely affects the business or reputation of Company; or, Company has a reasonable belief the executive engaged in some form of harassment or other improper conduct prohibited by Company policy or the law. “Good reason” is defined as (i) a material diminution in Employee’s position, duties, base salary, and responsibilities; or (ii) Company’s notice to Employee that his or her position will be relocated to an office which is greater than 100 miles from Employee’s prior office location. In all cases of Good Reason, Employee must have given notice to Company that an alleged Good Reason event has occurred and the circumstances must remain uncorrected by Company after the expiration of 30 days after receipt by Company of such notice.

 

During Dr. Schwartz’s employmentThe Agreement also contained customary provisions with respect to confidentiality and intellectual property, in addition to ones prohibiting Mr. Myers from soliciting the CompanyCompany’s employees and for twelve months thereafter, regardless of the reason for the termination, he will not engagefrom engaging in a competing business, as defined in the agreement and will not solicit any person to leave employment with the Company or solicit clients or prospective clients of the Company with whom he worked, solicited, marketed, or obtained confidential information about during his employment with the Company, regarding services or productscertain activities that are competitive with anythe Company for a period of the Company’s services or products.

12 months after termination of his employment.

Employment Agreements with Chief Operating Officer and

Retirement of Former Chief Financial Officer

 

On August 13, 2012,14, 2023, Mr. Myers announced that he would retire as the Chief Financial Officer. The Company and Mr. Myers entered into employment agreements with David O. Johnson, who has served as Chief Operating Officer since July 1, 2012,a Separation Agreement and BobMutual Release (the “Separation Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. Myers who has servedcontinued to serve as Chief Financial Officer since July 1, 2012 (Messrs. Johnson and Myers are referred to as the “executives”). Under the agreements the employment of each of these individuals with the Company is at will.

until September 30, 2023. The annualized base salaries of Messrs. Johnson and Myers were $150,000 and $125,000, respectivelySeparation Agreement provided for their first year employed. Effective July 1, 2013 the annualized base salaries of Messrs. Johnson and Myers were $180,000 and $150,000, respectively. Effective in March 2014separation benefits Mr. Myers annualized base salary was increased to $165,000. Such base salaries may be adjusted byin exchange for the Company but may not be reduced except in connection with a reduction imposed on substantially all employees as part of a general reduction. The executives will also each be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus for each calendar year at the end of which he remains employed by the Company, subject to the attainment of certain objectives. The executives have a minimum bonus guarantee of 20% of their annualized salary.

If the Company terminates the executive’s employment without cause or if the executive terminates his employment for “good reason,” he shall be entitled to receive from Company severance pay in an amount equal to (a) before the first anniversary of the date of the agreement, three months of base salary, or (b) on or after the first anniversary of the date of the agreement, twelve months of base salary, in either case less applicable taxes and withholdings. In that event, he will receive a bonus payment on a pro-rata basis through the date of termination and any accrued, unused vacation pay. The severance pay, bonus payment, and other consideration are conditioned upon executive’s execution of a full and final release of liability. “Cause” is defined to mean the executive engagesclaims in willful misconduct or fails to follow the reasonable and lawful instructions of the Board, if such conduct is not cured within 30 days after notice; the executive embezzles or misappropriates assets of Company or any of its subsidiaries; the executive’s violation of his obligations in the agreement, if such conduct is not cured within 30 days after notice; breach of any agreement between the executive and the Company or to which Company and the executive are parties, or a breach of his fiduciary responsibility to the Company; commission by of fraud or other willful conduct that adversely affects the business or reputation of Company; or, Company has a reasonable belief the executive engaged in some form of harassment or other improper conduct prohibited by Company policy or the law. “Good reason” is defined as (i) a material diminution in Employee’s position, duties, base salary, and responsibilities; or (ii)Company’s notice to Employee that his or her position will be relocated to an office which is greater than 100 miles from Employee’s prior office location. In all cases of Good Reason, Employee must have given notice to Company that an alleged Good Reason event has occurred and the circumstances must remain uncorrected by Company after the expiration of 30 days after receipt by Company of such notice.

17

During each executive’s employment with the Company and for twelve months thereafter, regardless of the reason for the termination, he will not engage in a competing business, as defined in the agreement and will not solicit any person to leave employment with the Company or solicit clients or prospective clientsfavor of the Company with whom he worked, solicited, marketed, or obtained confidential information about duringincluded in the Separation Agreement and his employmentagreement to transition his responsibilities prior to his separation date of September 30, 2023. Those separation benefits included $430,000 (gross) in severance pay, which amount is equal to one year of Mr. Myer’s base salary, to be paid in accordance with the Company, regarding services or products that are competitive withCompany’s ordinary payroll practices, a pro-rata bonus for 2023 (but only if any ofbonus is paid to the Company’s services or products.Chief Executive Officer for 2023), and a lump sum payment of $36,797 (gross) in payment of accrued but unused vacation time.

  

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control

 

Most of our stock option agreements provide for an acceleration of vesting in the event of a change in control as defined in the agreements and in the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan. Additionally,However, the restricted stock option agreements that were awarded to managementMr. Myers provided that upon the termination of his employment without cause or for good reason, his options shall become fully vested, and directors in 2013 also provideremain exercisable for an accelerationup to five years after such termination (or such lesser period if the remaining period of vestingthe option is less than five years after such termination). In addition, in the event there is a change in control as defined inof such employee’s retirement, death or disability, such employee’s options shall become fully vested, and the 2012 Plan.vested shares may be purchased for the entire remaining period of the option. Also, see “Employment Contracts” above.

18

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Effective in 2013 the Board institutedabove for a quarterly and an annual stock options award program for all the directors under which they will be awarded options to purchase $5,000 worthdescription of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per quarter at an exercise price determined by the close on the last day of the quarter. Additionally, the directors that serve on a committee will receive options to purchase $10,000 worth of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 annually, per committee served, at an exercise price determined by the close on the last day of the year.

Director Compensation Table for Fiscal 2016

The following table summarizes thecertain severance compensation paid to each non-employee director in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016:

  Fees Paid or
Earned in Cash
 Stock Awards Option
Awards
 Total
Thomas McGoldrick $-  $-  $10,902(1) $10,902 
Richard Taney $-  $-  $1,823(2) $1,823 
Andrew Reding $-  $-  $10,902(3) $10,902 
Richard Gabriel $-  $-  $0(4) $0 
Tim Krochuk $-  $-  $0(5) $0 
J. Melville Engle $-  $-  $0(6) $0 
Carl Schwartz $-  $-  $9,079(7) $9,079 

(1)Mr. McGoldrick was awarded options to purchase 12,500 shares of common stock both for serving on the Board and for participating on the Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committees. The options did not vest until January 2017.
(2)Mr. Taney was awarded options to purchase 588 shares of common stock for serving on the Board. Mr. Taney resigned as a Director effective March 18, 2016.
(3)Mr. Reding was awarded options to purchase 8,929 shares of common stock both for serving on the Board and for participating on the Audit and Corporate Governance Committees. The options did not vest until January 2017.
(4)Mr. Gabriel was awarded options to purchase 1,786 shares of common stock for serving on the Board. The options did not vest until January 2017.
(5)Mr. Krochuk was awarded options to purchase 1,786 shares of common stock for serving on the Board. The options did not vest until January 2017.
(6)Mr. Engle was awarded options to purchase 1,786 shares of common stock for serving on the Board. The options did not vest until January 2017.
(7)Dr. Schwartz was awarded options to purchase 4,920 shares of common stock for serving on the Board. The options did not vest until January 2017.

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PROPOSAL 2: APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE OUR AUTHORIZED SHARE CAPITAL

Our Board of Directors has approved a proposal to amend our certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 24,000,000 to 50,000,000. The form of certificate of amendment to increase our authorized share capital is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement.

Background and Reasons for the Proposed Amendment

The authorized capital stock of the Company currently consists of 24,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which 2,300,000 are authorized as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share.

The stockholder base of our Company and number of outstanding shares have grown significantly over the past years, following our August 2015 public offering of Units and the subsequent cashless exercise of a significant number of Series A Warrants that were included in the Units. In anticipation of further growth, we believe that amending our certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares is consistent with the Board’s strategic vision of the Company to be one of the premier providers of fluid management disposal systems.

As of November 27, 2017, 6,282,761 shares of common stock are outstanding, 79,246 shares of preferred stock are outstanding, 1,359,375 shares of common stock are reserved under outstanding stock options, 2,640,625 shares of common stock are reserved under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan, 1,254,568 shares of common stock are reserved upon exercise of outstanding warrants, 3,170 shares of common stock are reserved upon conversion of outstanding preferred stock, and 127,651 shares of common stock are reserved. This leaves only 17,586,418 shares of common stock (73% of the total authorized shares of common stock) available for future issuances. In connection with equity financings in the near future, additional shares of common stock, preferred stock, warrants or other equity securities may be issued, making it necessary to increase the authorized shares.

Increasing the number of shares authorized will enable the Company to have sufficient shares for its anticipated equity financings, future equity offerings, strategic acquisition opportunities, the continued issuance of equity awards under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan to recruit and retain key employees, and for other general corporate purposes. From time to time, the Company evaluates and engages in discussions relating to possible opportunities for raising additional capital or entering into other transactions that may involve the issuance of additional shares of capital stock, although the Company presently has no obligations to issue additional capital stock other than as described above.

The increased authorized capital stock will provide the Board of Directors with the ability to approve the issuance of additional shares of capital stock, and securities that are convertible or exercisable into shares of such capital stock, without further vote of the stockholders, except as required under applicable law. The number of shares to be issued in any particular transaction and the price and other terms on which such shares will be issued will be determined solely by the Board of Directors. Under our certificate of incorporation, our stockholders do not have preemptive rights with respect to our common stock or our preferred stock. Thus, should our Board elect to issue additional shares, existing stockholders would not have any preferential rights to purchase any shares. In addition, under our certificate of incorporation, the Board has the authority to approve the rights and preferences of classes or series of preferred stock without stockholder approval.

The proposed amendment to our certificate of incorporation is not being recommended in response to any specific effort of which our Board is aware to obtain control of the Company, and our Board does not intend or view the proposed increase in authorized common stock as an anti-takeover measure. However, the ability of our Board to authorize the issuance of the additional shares of common stock that would be available if the proposed amendment is approved and adopted could have the effect of discouraging or preventing a hostile takeover. Further, the increased authorized capital stock may have the effect of permitting the Company’s current management, including the current Board of Directors, to retain its position, and place it in a better position to resist changes that stockholders may wish to make if they are dissatisfied with the conduct of the Company’s business. In the case of preferred stock, under certain circumstances, it may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of the Company by increasing the number of outstanding shares entitled to vote and by increasing the number of votes required to approve a change of control of the Company.arrangements.

 

 20 

 

Stockholder Vote RequiredDirector Compensation

 

In orderEffective June 17, 2021 the Board adopted a Director Compensation Program under which the members of the Board of Directors receive quarterly awards of common stock and cash as compensation for their services as directors and annual awards of common stock and cash for services as committee members. These awards were implemented to be approved, Proposal 2 must be approved byreplace a majorityprevious program of shares entitledquarterly stock option grants to vote eitherdirectors. The June 2020 annual common stock award remains in person or by proxyplace as described below.

The compensation program pays all of the compensation in the form of stock and cash awards (with the cash component payable in additional shares at the Annual Meeting.election of the director. The cash component is equal to 28% of the total value of the award (or 38.9% of the share component of the award), intended to pay the tax on the full award.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE OUR AUTHORIZED SHARE CAPITAL.Each director receives a quarterly award of $8,333 on the last day of the quarter, consisting of (i) shares with a value of $6,000 and (ii) $2,333 in cash (or additional shares).

 

For each board committee, each director receives an additional annual award of $11,112, consisting of (i) shares with a value of $8,000 and (ii) $3,112 in cash (or additional shares), payable on December 31.

 

Starting in 2022, director compensation became limited to Non-Employee Directors (directors who are not employees of Predictive Oncology or any subsidiary and who do not receive regular long-term cash compensation as consultants).

 

Effective as of January 25, 2023, under an Amended and Restated Director Compensation Program, the Lead Independent Director, will also receive an annual award of $11,112, consisting of (i) shares with a value of $8,000 and (ii) $3,112 in cash (or additional shares).

Effective on June 16, 2020 the Board instituted an annual common stock award for all the directors under which they will receive $7,000 in value of newly issued shares of common stock per year annually for three years, as long as they are serving as a director at the annual appointment date. Additionally, the directors will receive a $3,000 cash payment per year annually for three years, as long as they are serving as a director at the annual appointment date.

Director Compensation Table for Fiscal 2022

The following table summarizes the compensation paid to each individual who served as a director during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022:

  Fees Paid or
Earned in Cash
 Stock Awards (1) Option
Awards
 Total
Charles Nuzum Sr. $-  $140,562(2) $-  $140,562 
Daniel Handley $13,111  $60,781(3) $-  $73,892 
Greg St. Clair Sr. $7,778  $77,225(4) $-  $85,003 
Nancy Chung-Welch $23,338  $95,001(5) $-  $118,339 
David S. Smith $8,557  $27,000(6) $-  $35,557 
Matthew J. Hawryluk $2,333  $6,000(7) $-  $8,333 
Raymond F. Vennare $22,451  $57,002(8) $-  $79,453 
Christina S. Jenkins $13,111  $33,002(9) $-  $46,113 
J. Melvin Engle $-  $19,445(10) $-  $19,445 

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(1)Represents the compensation cost as determined pursuant to FASB ASC 718, Stock Compensation. On April 24, 2023, the Company effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split.  All share amounts provided have been retroactively restated to reflect the reverse split.
(2)Reflects 6,008 shares of common stock received in 2022 for serving on the Board and 8,608 shares of common stock received on January 3, 2023 and 1,339 shares of common stock received on January 31, 2023 for 2022 service on the Board and the Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Governance and Merger & Acquisition Committees.
(3)Reflects 3,785 shares of common stock received in 2022 for serving on the Board and 3,171 shares of common stock received on January 3, 2023 for 2022 service on the Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee.
(4)Reflects 4,435 shares of common stock received in 2022 for serving on the Board and 4,983 shares of common stock received on January 3, 2023 for 2022 service on the Board and the Compensation Committee.
(5)Reflects 5,395 shares of common stock received in 2022 for serving on the Board and 4,892 shares of common stock and $11,669 in cash received on January 3, 2023 for 2022 service on the Board and the Audit, Compensation, and Merger & Acquisition Committees.
(6)Reflects 946 shares of common stock received in 2022 for serving on the Board and 4,533 shares of common stock and $8,557 in cash received on January 3, 2023 for 2022 service on the Board and the Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committees. Mr. Smith resigned from the Board effective May 2, 2023.
(7)Reflects 688 shares of common stock received in 2022 for serving on the Board and 979 shares of common stock and $2,333 in cash on January 3, 2023 for 2022 service on the Board and the Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committee.
(8)Reflects 3,461 shares of common stock received in 2022 for serving on the Board and 2,935 shares of common stock and $7,007 in cash on January 3, 2023 for 2022 service on the Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee.
(9)Dr. Jenkins resigned from the Board effective August 31, 2022. Dr. Jenkins was awarded 2,628 shares of common stock for serving on the Board.
(10)Mr. Engle resigned from the Board effective October 31, 2022. Mr. Engel was awarded 1,012 shares of common stock for serving on the Board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 2122

PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE

Our compensation committee approves and administers our executive compensation program to align executive compensation with stockholder interests by linking pay to performance. Our overall compensation program includes a mix of short-term and long-term components.

During fiscal year 2022, there was a change to our executive management team when our tenured Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Engle (“PEO 2”) resigned on October 31, 2022. On November 1, 2022, Mr. Vennare (“PEO 1”) was appointed our Chief Executive Officer. We provide the compensation actually paid during fiscal year 2022 for both individuals providing service as Chief Executive Officer during fiscal year 2022 in the following tables.

As required by Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship between the compensation actually paid to our Named Executive Officers and certain aspects of our financial performance. We are a smaller reporting company pursuant to Rule 405 of the Securities Act and, as such, are only required to include information for the past two fiscal years in the table below.

Pay Versus Performance Table

Year Summary
Compensation
Table Total for
PEO 1
 Summary
Compensation
Table Total for
PEO 2
 Compensation
Actually Paid
to PEO 1
 Compensation
Actually Paid
to PEO 2
 Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO Named Executive Officers Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO Named Executive Officers Value of Initial Fixed
$100 Investment
Based on Total
Shareholder Return
 Net
Income
(a) (b) (b) (c) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g)
 2022  $121,625  $1,176,697  $121,625  $649,161  $511,868  $511,868  $130  $(25,737,634)
 2021  $-  $640,940  $-  $640,940  $507,105  $507,105  $42  $(19,657,174)

  

Fiscal 2022

PEO 1

 

Fiscal 2021

PEO 1

 

Fiscal 2022

PEO 2

 

Fiscal 2022

Non-PEO

 

Fiscal 2021

Non-PEO

SCT total compensation ($)  1,176,697   640,940   121,625   511,868   507,105 
Less: stock award values reported in the SCT for the covered year ($)  -   57,838   -   -   28,190 
Plus: fair value of stock awards granted in the covered year ($) (b)  -   122,190   -   -   31,348 
Change in fair value of outstanding unvested stock awards from prior years ($) (b)  -   -   -   26,385   63,460 
Change in fair value of stock awards from prior years that vested in the covered year ($) (c)  -   -   -   (603)  7,153 
Compensation actually paid ($)  1,176,697   694,792   121,625   529,150   575,627 

Description of Relationship Between CAP and Performance Measures

The following graphs further illustrate the relationship between the pay and performance figures that are included in the pay versus performance tabular disclosure above.

23

24 

 

PROPOSAL 3: CONFIRMATIONNO. 2: RATIFICATION OF APPROVALSELECTION OF AMENDMENTS TO AMENDED AND RESTATED 2012 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN PROPOSED IN 2016 TO INCREASE THE RESERVE OF SHARES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE TO 5,000,000 AND INCREASE CERTAIN THRESHOLDS FOR LIMITATIONS ON GRANTS AND RE-APPROVAL OF CERTAIN PERFORMANCE GOALS

IntroductionINDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

The Skyline Medical Inc.Audit Committee has selected BDO USA, P.C. (“BDO”) as Predictive’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023 and has further directed that management submit the selection of independent auditors for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting. Representatives of BDO are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Neither the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Bylaws nor other governing documents or law require stockholder ratification of the selection of BDO as Predictive’s independent auditors. However, the Audit Committee of the Board is submitting the selection of BDO to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee of the Board will reconsider whether to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee of the Board in its discretion may direct the appointment of different independent auditors at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

The affirmative vote of the majority of all shares present and entitled to vote on the matter, either in person or by proxy, will be required to ratify the selection of BDO. Abstentions will be counted toward the tabulation of votes cast on proposals presented to the stockholders and will have the same effect as negative votes. There will be no broker non-votes.

Principal accounting fees and services

In connection with the audit of the fiscal 2022 and 2021 financial statements, we entered into an engagement agreement with Baker Tilly US, LLP, which set forth the terms by which they would perform audit services for us.

The following table represents aggregate fees billed to us for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, by Baker Tilly US, LLP, respectively, our former principal accountants. All fees described below were approved by the Audit Committee. None of the hours expended on the audit of the 2022 and 2021 financial statements were attributed to work performed by persons who were not employed full time on a permanent basis by Baker Tilly US, LLP.

  2022 2021
Audit Fees (1) $337,558  $396,246 
Audit-Related Fees  -   - 
Tax Fees (2)  29,875   28,265 
All Other Fees (3)  102,250   99,537 
  $469,683  $524,048 

(1)Audit Fees were principally for services rendered for the audit and/or review of our consolidated financial statements. Also, includes fees for services rendered in connection with the filing of registration statements and other documents with the SEC, the issuance of accountant consents and comfort letters.
(2)Tax Fees consist of fees billed in the indicated year for professional services performed by Baker Tilly US, LLP with respect to tax compliance during 2022 and 2021.
(3)Other Fees in 2022 consisted of fees for assessment of the Company’s security and compliance activities. Other Fees in 2021 consisted of fees for auditing zPREDICTA for 2020 and 2019, and for reviewing zPREDICTA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2021 related to the acquisition of zPREDICTA by the Company.

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Pre-approval policies and procedures

The Audit Committee is required to pre-approve the audit and non-audit services performed by the Company’s independent auditors. The Audit Committee may not approve non-audit services prohibited by applicable regulations of the SEC if such services are to be provided contemporaneously while serving as independent auditors. The Audit Committee has delegated authority to the Chairman of the Audit Committee to approve the commencement of permissible non-audit related services to be performed by the independent auditors and the fees payable for such services, provided that the full Audit Committee subsequently ratifies and approves all such services. The Audit Committee determined that the rendering of the services other than audit services by Baker Tilly is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

Resignation of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

On April 3, 2023, the Company and Baker Tilly US, LLP (“Baker Tilly”) agreed that Baker Tilly, who was previously engaged as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, would be dismissed as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company in connection with auditing the Company’s consolidated financial statements commencing for the year ending December 31, 2023. The decision to dismiss Baker Tilly was approved by the Company’s Audit Committee.

The reports of Baker Tilly on the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (the “Baker Tilly Reports”) did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. During the Company’s two years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, and during the subsequent interim period preceding Baker Tilly’s dismissal (the “Relevant Period”), there were no disagreements with Baker Tilly on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosures, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Baker Tilly would have caused Baker Tilly to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its audit reports.

During the Relevant Period, there were no reportable events of the type described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K except as set forth below.

As disclosed in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s management identified the following material weakness in internal control over financial reporting:

Management has determined that we have not maintained adequate accounting resources with a sufficient understanding of U.S. GAAP to allow us to properly identify and account for complex technical accounting transactions. Management has determined that this represents a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. Notwithstanding the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, we have concluded that the consolidated financial statements and other financial information included in our annual and quarterly filings fairly present in all material respects our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows as of, and for, the periods presented.

This material weakness was discussed by the Company’s management and the Audit Committee with Baker Tilly. The Audit Committee has authorized Baker Tilly to respond fully to the inquiries of the Company’s new independent registered public accounting firm, concerning this material weakness.

The Company provided Baker Tilly with a copy of its Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 5, 2023 disclosing Baker Tilly’s dismissal prior to its filing and requested that Baker Tilly furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not Baker Tilly agreed with the above statements. A copy of the letter from Baker Tilly dated April 4, 2023 is filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 16.1.

THE PREDICTIVE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF BDO AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.

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PROPOSAL NO. 3: VOTE TO APPROVE THE 2023 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Background

We are asking stockholders to approve the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2023 Plan”), which was adopted by our Board on November 29, 2023, subject to stockholder approval. We are seeking stockholder approval of the 2023 Plan as a successor to our Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”) has previously been adopted by the Board and approved by the stockholders..

 

On June 6, 2016,No awards will be granted under the Board approved amendments to2023 Plan unless stockholders approve it at the 2012annual meeting. If stockholders approve the 2023 Plan, that increaseit will become effective on the number of shares of common stockdate of the Company reserved for issuance thereunder by 98,666,666, to a total of 4,000,000 (the “Amendments”). The Amendments also increased the limitations described under “Limitation on Certain Grants” below

On July 28, 2016, at the Company’s 2016 annual meeting the stockholders voted

The Amendments are subject to(the “Effective Date”) and contingent upon the approval by of the Company’s stockholders at the Annual Meeting. The stockholders are being asked to approve the Amendments and to re-approve the performance goals for performanceno new awards as described under “Performance Awards” below.

On July 28, 2016, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2016 Annual Meeting”). One of the items considered at the 2016 Annual Meeting was the amendment of the plan to increase the authorized shares to 4,000,000 shares (all share and price information in this letter is adjusted for a 1-for-25 reverse stock split effective October 27, 2016 (the “Reverse Split”)). Under the Company’s Bylaws and Delaware law, the approval of the amendment to the Plan required the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present and entitled to vote. On July 29, 2016, Skyline filed a Form 8-K reporting that for the plan amendment vote, there were 485,346 votes cast for the proposal; 362,571 votes were cast against the proposal and 137,435 votes abstained, with 720,513 broker non-votes. The Form 8-K reported that that the Plan amendment passed. However, the Company subsequently determined that this report was in error, because the total of the votes against and the votes that abstained were higher than the number of votes that were cast for the proposal. Therefore the shares in favor of approval of the Plan amendment did not represent a majority of the shares present and entitled to vote.

Because of this deficiency in the vote in 2016, the Board is soliciting a further stockholder vote at the 2017 annual meeting to confirm the proper approval of the Amendments.

Background

The Company adopted its 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”) on October 31, 2008 to aid the Company’s efforts to retain and motivate eligible employees and align the interests of eligible employees with those of stockholders. The share reservewill be granted under the 2012 Plan was 20,000,000, pluson or after such date. If stockholders do not approve the 3,850,720 shares that remained subject2023 Plan, we will continue to have the share reserve under the 2008 Plan as of the date the 2012 plan was initially adopted were added to the 2012 Plan reserve. As disclosed in the definitive proxy statement dated September 4, 2012 for the annual meeting held on September 20, 2012, following the adoption of the 2012 Plan the Company made awards of stock options covering 9,300,000 shares. The number of shares of common stock of the Company reserved for issuance under the 2012 Plan was increased by 30,000,000 to a total of 50,000,000, which was approved by the Company’s stockholders on April 15, 2013. A subsequent increase in the number of shares of common stock of the Company reserved for issuance under the 2012 Plan by 50,000,000 to a total of 4,000,000 was approved by the Company’s stockholders on September 10, 2013. Due to a 1-for-75 reverse stock split effective October 24, 2014, the shares reserve was reduced to 1,333,333 shares.

If the Amendments are approved, an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company will be authorized for issuance under the 2012 Plan, an increase of 98,666,666 shares, and there will be 99,116,106 shares available for future grants. In determining the amount of the increase in the 2012 Plan, the Board took into account its intentionauthority to grant further equity awards to current and future executive officers and key employees of the Company, and the current value of the Company’s common stock. The closing price of the Company’s common stock was $0.14 per share on June 2, 2016. Because the future stock price cannot be predicted, the Board recommended the increase in the share reserve in an amount that it believes sufficient for the Company’s needs based on the current stock price. However, if the Company’s stock price was to increase substantially in the future (after adjustment for any future stock splits or consolidations), then the Board believes that fewer shares would be needed for future individual awards to executive officers and key employees. In the event the Company’s Board of Directors effects a reverse stock split as described under Proposal 3, the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder will be adjusted proportionately.

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Finally, the 2012 Plan is intended to enable the Company to provide certain forms of performance-based compensation to executive officers that will meet the requirements for tax deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 162(m)”). Section 162(m) provides that, subject to certain exceptions, the Company may not deduct compensation paid to any one of certain executive officers in excess of $1 million in any one year. Section 162(m) excludes certain performance-based compensation from the $1 million limitation. Among other things, in order to comply, the 2012 Plan must specify the amount of stock options, SARs or performance awards that may be awarded to a recipient during any one fiscal year, and the thresholds must be disclosed to and approved by the Company’s stockholders. Following the approval of the Amendments, the 2012 Plan will provide that, during any one fiscal year, no person shall receive awards under the 2012 Plan that could resultuntil its expiration in that person receiving, earning or acquiring,December 2032. As of November 14, 2023, 74,402 shares remained available for issuance under our 2012 Plan and 48,224 shares were subject to adjustment: (a) stock options and SARs for, in the aggregate, more than 20,000,000 shares of common stock; or (b) performanceoutstanding awards in the aggregate, for more than 10,000,000 shares of common stock or, if payable in cash, with a maximum amount payable exceeding $2,000,000. Approval of the Amendments and re-approval of the performance goals will help the Company preserve the maximum deductibility of future compensation under theour 2012 Plan.

 

The Board believes that approval of the Amendments and re-approval of the performance goals areProposal No. 3 is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders because approval of the availability of2023 Plan will be an adequate number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2012 Plan, as well as complying with Section 162(m), are important factorsfactor in attracting, retaining, and motivating employees, consultants and directors in order to achieve the Company’s long-term growth and profitability objectives. Stockholder approval of the 2023 Plan will enable us to continue to grant equity awards to key individuals and remain competitive with our industry peers. If this proposal is not approved, we believe we would be at a significant disadvantage relative to our competitors for recruiting, retaining and motivating those individuals who are critical to our success, and we could be forced to increase cash compensation, reducing resources available to meet our other business needs. The Company currently has only three executive officers and will require additional executive and operating officers in order to effect its business plans that will drive future stockholder value. This factor, in turn will require equity compensation in order to attract and motivate these new officers.

To be approved, Proposal 3 must receive a “For” vote from the majority of all shares present and entitled to vote on the matter, either in person or by proxy. An abstention will have the same effect as an “Against” vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect.

 

Below is a summary of the 20122023 Plan, (as if the Amendments were effective), which is qualified entirely by reference to the complete text of the 20122023 Plan, a copy of which marked to show changes from the previous version of the 2012 Plan, is attached as Appendix BA to this proxy statement.

 

DescriptionSummary of the 20122023 Plan

 

General. The purpose of the 20122023 Plan is to increase stockholder value and to advance the Company’s interests of the Company by furnishing a variety of economic incentives (“Incentives”) designed to attract, retain and motivate employees, certain key consultants and directors of the Company. The 2012 Plan is administered by the compensation committee, or if no committee is designated, the board. The compensation committeedirectors. Incentives may grant Incentivesbe granted to employees (including officers) of the Company or its subsidiaries, members of the board, and consultants or other independent contractors who provide services to the Company or its subsidiaries, in the following forms: (a) non-statutory stock options and incentive stock options; (b) stock appreciation rights (“SARs”); (c) stock awards; (d) restricted stock; (e) restricted stock units (“RSUs”); and (f) performance awards.

 

Shares Subject to 20122023 Plan. Subject to adjustment, the number of shares of common stock which may be issued under the 20122023 Plan shall not exceed 99,064,763 shares. In addition, any1,250,000 shares, that were available inplus the reservenumber of the 2008 Plan were addedshares subject to outstanding awards under the 2012 Plan share reserve foras of the Effective Date that are forfeited, expire or otherwise terminate without the issuance underof shares after the 2012 Plan. IfEffective Date. Additionally, if an Incentive granted under the 2012 Plan or under the 20082023 Plan expires or is terminated or canceled unexercised as to any shares of common stock or forfeited or reacquired by the Company pursuant to rights reserved upon issuance thereof, such forfeited and reacquired shares may again be issued under the 20122023 Plan pursuant to another Incentive.

 

Administration. The 2023 Plan is administered by the compensation committee, or if no committee is designated, the Board.

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Description of Incentives

 

Stock Options. The compensation committee may grant non-qualified and incentive stock options to eligible employees to purchase shares of our common stock from the Company.stock. The 20122023 Plan confers on the compensation committee discretion, with respect to any such stock option, to determine the term of each option, the time or times during its term when the option becomes exercisable and the number and purchase price of the shares subject to the option. However, the option price per share may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date, and the term of each option shall not exceed ten years and one day from the grant date. With respect to stock options which are intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” (as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code), the aggregate fair market value of the shares with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time cannot exceed $100,000. All incentive stock options must be granted within ten years from the earlier of the date of the 20122023 Plan’s adoption by the boardBoard or approval by the Company’sour stockholders.

 

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Stock Appreciation Rights. A stock appreciation right or “SAR” is a right to receive, without payment to the Company, a number of shares, cash or any combination thereof, the amount of which is equal to the aggregate amount of the appreciation in the shares of common stock as to which the SAR is exercised. The compensation committee has the discretion to determine the number of shares as to which a SAR will relate as well as the duration and exercisability of a SAR. The exercise price may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date.

Limitation on Certain Grants. Following the approval of the Amendments, during any one fiscal year, no person shall receive Incentives under the 2012 Plan that could result in that person receiving, earning or acquiring, subject to adjustment: (a) stock options and SARs for, in the aggregate, more than 20,000,000 shares of common stock; or (b) performance awards, in the aggregate, for more than 10,000,000 shares of common stock or, if payable in cash, with a maximum amount payable exceeding $2,000,000.

 

Stock Awards. Stock awards consist of the transfer by the Company to an eligible participant of shares of common stock, with or without other payment, as additional compensation for services to the Company. The number of shares transferred pursuant to any stock award is determined by the compensation committee.

 

Restricted Stock. Restricted stock consists of the sale or transfer by the Company to an eligible participant of one or more shares of common stock that are subject to restrictions on their sale or other transfer by the employee which restrictions will lapse after a period of time as determined by the compensation committee. If restricted stock is sold to a participant, the sale price will be determined by the compensation committee, and the price may vary from time to time and among participants and may be less than the fair market value of the shares at the date of sale. Subject to these restrictions and the other requirements of the 20122023 Plan, a participant receiving restricted stock shall have all of the rights of a stockholder as to those shares.

 

RSUs. Restricted stock units represent the right to receive one share of common stock at a future date that has been granted subject to terms and conditions, including a risk of forfeiture, established by the compensation committee. Dividend equivalents may be granted with respect to any amount of RSU’sRSUs and either paid at the dividend payment date in cash or in shares of unrestricted stock having a fair market value equal to the amount of such dividends, or deferred with respect to such RSU’sRSUs and the amount or value thereof automatically deemed reinvested in additional RSU’sRSUs until the time for delivery of shares pursuant to the terms of the restricted stock unit award. RSU’sRSUs may be satisfied by delivery of shares of stock, cash equal to the fair market value of the specified number of shares covered by the RSU’s,RSUs, or a combination thereof, as determined by the compensation committee at the date of grant or thereafter.

 

Performance Awards. A performance award is a right to either a number of shares of common stock, their cash equivalent, or a combination thereof, based on satisfaction of performance goals for a particular period. AtThe right of a participant to exercise or aboutreceive a grant or settlement of any Incentive, and the same time that performance goals are established for a specific period, the compensation committee shall in its absolute discretion establish the percentage of the performance awards granted fortiming thereof, may be subject to such performance period which shallconditions as may be earned by the participant for various levels of performance measured in relation to achievement of performance goals for such performance period. Performance goals applicable to a performance award will be establishedspecified by the compensation committee not more than 90 days after the beginning of the relevant performance period. The performance goals for performance awards that are intended(such an Incentive is referred to qualify as “performance based” compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code must be based on one or more of the business criteria specified in the 2012 Plan.a “Performance Award”). The compensation committee may modify the performance goals if it determines that circumstances have changed and modification is required to reflect the original intent of the performance goals; provided, however, that nouse such change or modification may be made to the extent it increases the amount of compensation payable to any participant who is a “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The compensation committee will determine the terms and conditions applicable to any performance award, which may include restrictions on the delivery of common stock payable in connection with the performance award, the requirement that the stock be delivered in the form of restricted stock, or other restrictions that could result in the future forfeiture of all or part of any stock earned. The compensation committee will, as soon as practicable after the close of a performance period, determine the extent to which the performance goals for such performance period have been achieved; and the percentage of the performance awards earned as a result. Performance awards will not be earned for any participant who is not employed by the Company or a subsidiary continuously during the entire performance period for which such performance award was granted, except in certain events such as death, disability or retirement.

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The performance goals of a performance award consist of one or more business criteria and a targeted level or levelsother measures of performance with respectas it may deem appropriate in establishing any performance conditions, and may exercise its discretion to each of such criteria. The business criteria forchange the Company, on a consolidated basis, and/or specified subsidiaries or business units of the Company, are intendedamounts payable under any Incentive subject to qualify as “performance-based” compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, and shall consist of one or more of the following: earnings per share, operating income or profit, net income, gross or net sales, expenses, expenses as a percentage of net sales, inventory turns, cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow, cash flow return on equity, and cash flow return on investment), gross profit, margins, working capital, earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), return measures (including, but not limited to, return on assets, capital, invested capital, equity, sales, or revenue), revenue growth, share price (including, but not limited to, growth measures and total shareholder return), operating efficiency, productivity ratios, market share, economic value added and safety (or any of the above criteria as compared to the performance of a group of comparable companies, or any published or special index that the compensation committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate), or the compensation committee may select criteria based on the Company’s share price as compared to various stock market indices.

The stockholders are being requested to re-approve the above list of performance goals, which must be approved by stockholders at least once every five years.conditions.

 

Transferability of Incentives. Incentives granted under the 20122023 Plan may not be transferred, pledged or assigned by the holder thereof except, in the event of the holder’s death, by will or the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order. However, non-qualified stock options may be transferred by the holder thereof to certain family members or related entities.

 

Duration, Termination and Amendment of the Incentive Plan and Incentives. The 20122023 Plan will remain in effect until all Incentives granted under the 20122023 Plan have been satisfied or terminated and all restrictions on shares issued under the 20122023 Plan have lapsed. No Incentives may be granted under

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The Plan shall terminate at the 2012 Plan after August 13, 2022,close of business on the day before the tenth anniversary of the approval of the 2012 Plan by the Board of Directors.Effective. The Board of Directors may amend or discontinue the 20122023 Plan at any time. However, no such amendment or discontinuance may adversely change or impair a previously granted Incentive without the consent of the recipient thereof. Certain 20122023 Plan amendments require stockholder approval, including amendments which would increase the maximum number of shares of common stock which may be issued to all participants under the 20122023 Plan, change the class of persons eligible to receive Incentives under the 20122023 Plan, or materially increase the benefits accruing to participants under the 20122023 Plan. Generally, the terms of an existing Incentive may be amended by agreement between the compensation committee and the participant. However, in the case of a stock option or SAR, no such amendment shall (a) without stockholder approval, lower the exercise price of a previously granted stock option or SAR when the exercise price per share exceeds the fair market value of the underlying shares in exchange for another Incentive or cash or take any other action with respect to a stock option that may be treated as a re-pricing under the federal securities laws or generally accepted accounting principles, or (b) extend the term of the Incentive, with certain exceptions.

 

Change in Control; Effect of Sale, Merger, Exchange or Liquidation. Upon the occurrence of an event satisfying the definition of “change in control” with respect to a particular Incentive, unless otherwise provided in the agreement for the Incentive, such Incentive shall become vested and all restrictions shall lapse. The compensation committee may, in its discretion, include such further provisions and limitations in any agreement for an Incentive as it may deem desirable. The definition of “change in control” is similar to that in Mr. Kornberg’s employment agreement. Unless otherwise provided in the agreement for an Incentive, in the event of an acquisition of the Company through the sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets or through a merger, exchange, reorganization or liquidation of the Company or a similar event, the compensation committee has broad discretion to take any and all action it deems equitable under the circumstances, including but not limited to terminating the 20122023 Plan and all Incentives and issuing to the holders of outstanding vested options and SARs the stock, securities or assets they would have received if the Incentives had been exercised immediately before the transaction, or other specified actions.

Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following summary is intended only as a general guide to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of participation in the 2023 Plan and does not attempt to describe all possible federal or other tax consequences of such participation or tax consequences based on particular circumstances.

Incentive Stock Options

A participant recognizes no taxable income for regular income tax purposes as a result of the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option qualifying under Section 422 of the Code. Participants who neither dispose of their shares within two years following the date the option was granted nor within one year following the exercise of the option will normally recognize a capital gain or loss upon the sale of the shares equal to the difference, if any, between the sale price and the purchase price of the shares. If a participant satisfies such holding periods upon a sale of the shares, we will not be entitled to any deduction for federal income tax purposes. If a participant disposes of shares within two years after the date of grant or within one year after the date of exercise (a “disqualifying disposition”), the difference between the fair market value of the shares on the option exercise date and the exercise price (not to exceed the gain realized on the sale if the disposition is a transaction with respect to which a loss, if sustained, would be recognized) will be taxed as ordinary income at the time of disposition. Any gain in excess of that amount will be a capital gain.

If a loss is recognized, there will be no ordinary income, and such loss will be a capital loss. Any ordinary income recognized by the participant upon the disqualifying disposition of the shares generally should be deductible by us for federal income tax purposes, except to the extent such deduction is limited by applicable provisions of the Code.

In general, the difference between the option exercise price and the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise of an incentive stock option is treated as an adjustment in computing the participant’s alternative minimum taxable income and may be subject to an alternative minimum tax which is paid if such tax exceeds the regular tax for the year. Special rules may apply with respect to certain subsequent sales of the shares in a disqualifying disposition, certain basis adjustments for purposes of computing the alternative minimum taxable income on a subsequent sale of the shares and certain tax credits which may arise with respect to participants subject to the alternative minimum tax.

 

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2012Non-qualified Stock Options

Options not designated or qualifying as incentive stock options are non-qualified stock options having no special tax status. A participant generally recognizes no taxable income upon receipt of such an option. Upon exercising a non-qualified stock option, the participant normally recognizes ordinary income equal to the difference between the exercise price paid and the fair market value of the shares on the date when the option is exercised. If the participant is an employee, such ordinary income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. Upon the sale of stock acquired by the exercise of a non-qualified stock option, any gain or loss, based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date, will be taxed as capital gain or loss. We generally should be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the participant as a result of the exercise of a non-qualified stock option, except to the extent such deduction is limited by applicable provisions of the Code.

2023 Plan Benefits

 

The amount and timing of all awards under the 20122023 Plan arewill be determined in the sole discretion of the Company’s compensation committee (or if no committee is designated, the board)Board) and therefore cannot be determined in advance. The following table sets forth stock options and restricted stock granted under the 2012 Plan for the period beginning on January 1, 2015 and ending on November 27, 20017:

Name and PositionNumber of Shares of Restricted StockNumber of Shares
Underlying Options
Joshua Kornberg, former President and Chief Executive Officer (1)--
Carl Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer-422,445
David O. Johnson, Chief Operating Officer-332,925
Bob Myers, Chief Financial Officer-309,470
Executive officer Group-1,064,840
Non-executive Officer Employee Group-1,571,382

(1)Under the Separation Agreement effective June 13, 2016, all of Mr. Kornberg’s 550,546 outstanding stock options were canceled, and Mr. Kornberg received a grant of 500,000 shares of restricted stock, vesting on July 1, 2016.

As stated above, since July 29, 2016, the Company has granted stock options for 2,584,604 shares. The holders of all of such stock optionsnot approved any awards that are officers, directors and current employeesconditioned on stockholder approval of the 2023 Plan proposal. Therefore, the Company have agreedcannot determine the benefits or number of shares subject to awards that in addition to any vesting requirements of such options, the options cannotmay be exercised unless and until stockholder approval is obtained for a new Plan amendment to increase the share reserve. Otherwise, the amended options will remain fully in effect, with no changegranted in the vesting schedule, term or exercise price.future to executive officers and employees under the 2023 Plan.  

 

The following table describes the stock options granted to officers, directors and employees of Skyline who were granted options under the Plan after July 28, 2016 and have agreed to the restriction on exercise (the “Restriction”). If the stockholders approve the Amendments at the 2017 annual meeting, the Restriction will be removed.

Name and PositionNumber of Shares
Underlying Options with Restriction
Joshua Kornberg, former President and Chief Executive Officer (1)0
Carl Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer389,408
David O. Johnson, Chief Operating Officer323,996
Bob Myers, Chief Financial Officer307,684
Executive officer Group1,021,088
Non-Employee Directors as a Group815,780
Non-executive Officer Employee Group676,861

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” CONFIRMATION OF APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENTS TO OUR AMENDED AND RESTATED 2012 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN PROPSED IN 2016 TO INCREASE THE RESERVE OF SHARES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE AND TO INCREASE CERTAIN LIMITATIONS ON GRANTS AS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND TO RE-APPROVE THE PERFORMANCE GOALS DESCRIBED HEREIN.

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PROPOSAL 4: RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The Audit Committee has selected Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd. as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, and has further directed that management submit the selection of independent auditors for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting. Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd. also served as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2016. Representatives of Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd. are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Neither the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws nor other governing documents or law require stockholder ratification of the selection of Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd. as the Company’s independent auditors. However, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is submitting the selection of Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd. to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors in its discretion may direct the appointment of different independent auditors at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be required to ratify the selection of Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd. Abstentions will be counted toward the tabulation of votes cast on proposals presented to the stockholders and will have the same effect as negative votes. Broker non-votes are counted towards a quorum, but are not counted for any purpose in determining whether this matter has been approved.

Principal accounting fees and services

In connection with the audit of the fiscal 2017 financial statements, the Company entered into an engagement agreement with Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd., which sets forth the terms by which Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd. will perform audit services for the Company.

The following table represents aggregate fees billed to the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, by Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd., the Company’s principal accountant. All fees described below were approved by the Audit Committee.

  2016 2015
 Audit Fees (1) $122,559  $129,209 
 Audit-Related Fees (2)      - 
 Tax Fees (3)  6,772   8,779 
 All Other Fees (4)      - 
  $129,331  $137,988 

(1)Audit Fees were principally for services rendered for the audit and/or review of our consolidated financial statements. Also, includes fees for services rendered in connection with the filing of registration statements and other documents with the SEC, the issuance of accountant consents and comfort letters.

(2)There were no audit-related fees in 2015 or 2016.

(3)Tax Fees consist of fees billed in the indicated year for professional services performed by Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd. with respect to tax compliance.

(4)All Other Fees consist of fees billed in the indicated year for other permissible work performed by Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd. that is not included within the above category descriptions.  

27

Pre-approval policies and procedures

The Audit Committee is required to pre-approve the audit and non-audit services performed by our independent auditors. The Audit Committee may not approve non-audit services prohibited by applicable regulations of the SEC if such services are to be provided contemporaneously while serving as independent auditors. The Audit Committee has delegated authority to the Chairman of the Audit Committee to approve the commencement of permissible non-audit related services to be performed by the independent auditors and the fees payable for such services, provided that the full Audit Committee subsequently ratifies and approves all such services. The Audit Committee has determined that the rendering of the services other than audit services by Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd. is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF OLSEN THIELEN & CO., LTD. ASPROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE COMPANY.2023 EQUITY Incentive Plan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 2830 

 

PROPOSAL 5:NO. 4: ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), we are providing our stockholders an opportunity to cast a separate advisory vote on the compensation paid to our executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement.

The Company has designed its executive compensation program to attract, motivate, reward and retain the senior management talent required to achieve our corporate objectives and to increase long-term stockholder value. Substantially all of the Company’s executive compensation during the last several years had been paid pursuant to employment agreements. See “Executive Compensation” above.

This advisory vote, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives you as a stockholder the opportunity to vote on the compensation of our executive officers through the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the stockholders of Predictive Oncology Inc., approve the compensation of its executive officers as described in the proxy statement for its 2023 Annual Meeting.”

Under the Dodd-Frank Act, your vote on this matter is advisory and will therefore not be binding upon the Board of Directors. However, the Compensation Committee of the Board will take the outcome of the vote into account when determining further executive compensation arrangements.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” APPROVAL OF ADJOURNMENT OF ANNUAL MEETING, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the ANNUal Meeting to approve both the proposal to increase the authorized shares of common stock (Proposal 1) and the proposal to amend the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (Proposal 2).THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.

 

In the event that there are not sufficient votes to constitute a quorum or to approve both the proposal to increase the authorized shares of common stock (Proposal 2) and the proposal to amend the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (Proposal 3) at the Annual Meeting, those proposals could not be approved unless such meeting was adjourned to a later date or dates in order to permit further solicitation of proxies. In order to allow proxies that have been received by us at the time of the Annual Meeting to be voted for adjournment, you are being asked to consider a proposal to approve the adjournment of the annual meeting, if necessary or appropriate, including to permit further solicitation of proxies if necessary to obtain additional votes in favor of the proposals.

 

If there are sufficient votes to constitute a quorum and approve both the proposal to increase the authorized shares of common stock (Proposal 2) and the proposal to amend the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (Proposal 3) at the Annual Meeting, the chairman of the Annual Meeting may determine that no action will be taken on this proposal to adjourn.

 

Stockholder Vote Required

 

In order to be approved, Proposal 5 must be approved by a majority of shares present and entitled to vote either in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL TO ADJOURN THE ANNUAL MEETING, IF NECESSARY, TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIES in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the ANNUAL Meeting to approve both the proposal to increase the authorized shares of common stock (Proposal 1) and the proposal TO amend the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (Proposal 2).

 

 

 

 

 2931 

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF
CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth as of November 22, 2017 certain information regardingwith respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock by:as of November 14, 2023 (except where otherwise indicated) for:

 

Each person known to us to beneficially own 5% or more of our common stock;
·each person, or group of affiliated persons, who are known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock;

 

Each executive officer who in this proxy statement are collectively referred to as the “Named Executive Officers;”
·each of our directors;

 

Each of our directors; and
·each of the named executive officers; and

 

All of our executive officers (as that term is defined under the rules and regulations of the SEC) and directors as a group.
·all of the current directors and executive officers as a group.

 

We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under

The number of shares owned, total shares beneficially owned, and the Exchange Act. Beneficial ownership generally means having sole or shared voting or investment power with respect to securities. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, each stockholder named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the sharespercentage of common stock set forth opposite the stockholder’s name. We have based our calculation of the percentage of beneficial ownership on 6,282,761beneficially owned below assumes 4,063,081 shares of the Company’sour common stock outstanding on November 22, 2017. 14, 2023. On April 24, 2023, we effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split. All share amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the reverse split.

Beneficial ownership is determined under SEC rules and includes sole or shared power to vote or dispose of shares of Company common stock. The number and percentage of shares beneficially owned by a person or entity also include shares of common stock subject to stock options that are currently exercisable or become exercisable within 60 days of November 14, 2023. However, these shares are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of shares beneficially owned of any other person or entity. Except as indicated in footnotes to the table below or, where applicable, to the extent authority is shares by spouses under community property laws, the beneficial owners named in the table have, to our knowledge, sole voting and dispositive power with respect to all shares of common stock shown to be beneficially owned by them.

Unless otherwise noted below,indicated, the address for each person or entitystockholder listed in the table is c/o Skyline Medical Inc., 2915 Commers Drive,is: 91 43rd Street, Suite 900, Eagan, Minnesota 55121.110, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15201.

 

  Amount and
Nature of
 Percent
  Beneficial of
Name of Beneficial Owner Ownership Class
     
Officers and Directors        
         
Josh Kornberg (2)  10,828   0.2%
         
David Johnson (3)  180,828   2.8%
         
Bob Myers (4)  164,289   2.6%
         
Thomas J. McGoldrick (5)  226,180   3.5%
         
Andrew Reding (6)  205,419   3.2%
         
Carl Schwartz (7)  487,244   7.3%
         
Timothy Krochuk (8)  136,009   2.2%
         
J. Melville Engle (8)  136,009   2.2%
         
Richard Gabriel (8)  136,009   2.2%
         
All directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons)  1,671,987   21.2%
         
Sabby Healthcare Master Fund, Ltd.  315,000   5.0%
         
Sabby Volatility Master Fund, Ltd.  315,000   5.0%
  Amount and
Nature of
 Percent
  Beneficial of
Name of Beneficial Owner(1) Ownership Class
Directors and Named Executive Officers        
Raymond Vennare  7,122   * 
J. Melville Engle(2)  27,092   * 
Bob Myers (3)  7,094   * 
Chuck Nuzum (4)  28,652   * 
Gregory St. Clair (5)  19,266   * 
Daniel Handley (6)  16,307   * 
Nancy Chung-Welch(7)  18,974   * 
Matthew Hawryluk  7,135   * 
Veena Rao  5,849   * 
All directors and executive officers as a group (9 persons) (8)  140,137   3.44%

*Less than 1%.

 

 3032 

 

(1)1.

Under Rule 13d-3, a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise has or shares: (i)(1) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of shares; and (ii)(2) investment power, which includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares. Certain shares may be deemed to be beneficially owned by more than one person (if, for example, persons share the power to vote or the power to dispose of the shares). In addition, shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by a person if the person has the right to acquire the shares (for example, upon exercise of an option) within 60 days of the date as of which the information is provided. In computing the percentage ownership of any person, the amount of shares outstanding is deemed to include the amountnumber of shares beneficially owned by such person (and only such person) by reason of these acquisition rights. As a result, the percentage of outstanding shares of any person as shown in this table does not necessarily reflect the person’s actual ownership or voting power with respect to the number of shares of common stock actually outstanding.

2.
(2)Mr. Kornberg is no longer an executive officer.

Includes 10,8286,257 shares owned directly.

(3)Includesissuable upon exercise of stock options to purchase 179,952 shares that are exercisable within 60 days of November 22, 2017.14, 2023.

3.
(4)

Includes options to purchase 163,5282,278 shares that areissuable upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days of November 22, 2017.14, 2023.

4.
(5)

Includes options to purchase 226,1162,014 shares that areissuable upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days of November 22, 2017.14, 2023.

5.
(6)

Includes options to purchase 205,3661,332 shares that areissuable upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days of November 22, 2017.14, 2023.

6.
(7)

Includes (i) 64,729 shares owned directly, (ii) 2,2551,642 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants held by Dr. Schwartz that arestock options exercisable within 60 days of November 22, 2017, and (iii) 420,26014, 2023.

7.

Includes 2,014 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options held by Dr. Schwartz that are exercisable within 60 days of November 22, 2017.14, 2023.

(8)8.Includes options to purchase 136,00915,912 shares respectively per each director that areissuable upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days of November 22, 2017.14, 2023.

 

Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock and other equity securities of the Company. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

Based solely on review of the copies of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to the Company during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and Forms 5 and amendments thereto furnished to the Company with respect to such fiscal year, or written representations that no Forms 5 were required, the Company believes that the following is the list of its officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners who have failed to file on a timely basis all Section 16(a) filing requirements during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016: Joshua Kornberg, 2 late reports covering 2 transactions; Thomas J. McGoldrick, 2 late reports covering 2 transactions; Andrew P. Reding, 3 late reports covering 3 transactions; Carl Schwartz, 2 late reports covering 2 transactions; and Richard Taney, 1 late report covering 1 transaction.

31

FORM 10-K

 

A COPY OF THE COMPANY’S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K, ANNUAL REPORT, AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20162022 (WITHOUT EXHIBITS), ACCOMPANIES THIS NOTICE OF MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT. NO PART OF THE ANNUAL REPORT IS INCORPORATED HEREIN AND NO PART THEREOF IS TO BE CONSIDERED PROXY SOLICITING MATERIAL. THE COMPANY WILL FURNISH WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON WHOSE PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED, UPON WRITTEN REQUEST OF ANY SUCH PERSON, ANY EXHIBIT DESCRIBED IN THE LIST ACCOMPANYING THE FORM 10-K, UPON THE PAYMENT, IN ADVANCE, OF REASONABLE FEES RELATED TO THE COMPANY’S FURNISHING SUCH EXHIBIT(S). REQUESTS FOR COPIES OF SUCH EXHIBIT(S) SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE COMPANY’S SECRETARY AT 2915 COMMERS DRIVE,91 43RD STREET, SUITE 900, EAGAN, MINNESOTA, 55121.110, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15201.

 

32

OTHER MATTERS

 

The Board of Directors and management know of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. However, since it is possible that matters of which the Board and management are not now aware may come before the meeting or any adjournment of the meeting, the proxies confer discretionary authority with respect to acting thereon, and the persons named in such properly executed proxies intend to vote, act and consent in accordance with their best judgment with respect thereto. Upon receipt of such proxies (in the form enclosed) in time for voting, the shares represented thereby will be voted as indicated thereon and in the proxy statement.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

Additional Information

The Company’s reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and all amendments to those reports are available without charge through the Company’s website, www.predictive-oncology.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Our Audit Committee Charter, Nominating and Governance Committee Charter, and Compensation Committee Charter are also available at our website, as described above.

33

 By Order of the Board of Directors
  
  /s/ Carl SchwartzRaymond Vennare
  
 Carl SchwartzRaymond Vennare
 Chief Executive Officer

 

Eagan, MinnesotaPittsburgh, Pennsylvania

December 4, 20175, 2023

 

 

33

SKYLINE MEDICAL INC.

 

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

December __, 2017

__:00 __M (Central Time)

 

At the offices of

Maslon LLP

3300 Wells Fargo Center

90 South Seventh Street

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER __, 2017:

 

The Proxy Statement and the Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, of Skyline Medical Inc. are available at

http://skylinemedical.investorroom.com

 

Skyline Medical Inc.
2915 Commers Drive, Suite 900
Eagan, Minnesota 55121PROXY

This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors for use at the Annual Meeting on December __, 2017.

The shares of common stock you hold in your account will be voted as you specify on the reverse side.

If no choice is specified, the proxy will be voted “FOR” Proposals 2, 3, 4 and 5, and “FOR” each of the directors nominated for re-election in Proposal 1.

The undersigned hereby appoints CARL SCHWARTZ AND BOB MYERS, and each of them individually, with full power of substitution, as Proxies to represent and vote, as designated below, all shares of common stock of Skyline Medical Inc. (the “Company”) registered in the name of the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held at the offices of the Company’s counsel, Maslon LLP, 3300 Wells Fargo Center, 90 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 at __:00 __M (Central Time) on December __, 2017 (if you need directions to the Annual Meeting, please contact the Company at (651) 389-4800), and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, and the undersigned hereby revokes all proxies previously given with respect to the meeting.

See reverse for voting instructions

 

 

 

 34 

 

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we’ve provided.

Please detach here

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” Proposals 2, 3, 4 and 5, and “FOR” each of the nominees listed in Proposal 1.

1.To re-elect directors:01 – Thomas J.¨  Vote FOR¨  Vote WITHHELD
McGoldrick  all nominees   from all nominees
02 – Andrew P.  (except as marked)
Reding
03 – Carl
Schwartz
 04 – Timothy A.
Krochuk
05 – J. Melville
Engel
06 – Richard L.
Gabriel
(Instructions:  To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee, write the number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right).
2.To approve an amendment of the Company’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 24,000,000 to 50,000,000.¨  FOR¨  AGAINST¨  ABSTAIN
3.To confirm the approval of amendments to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan proposed in 2016 to (i) increase the reserve of shares of common stock authorized for issuance thereunder to 5,000,000, (ii) increase certain thresholds for limitations on grants, and (iii) re-approve the performance goals thereunder.¨  FOR¨  AGAINST¨  ABSTAIN
4.To ratify the appointment of Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd. as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.¨  FOR¨  AGAINST¨  ABSTAIN
5.To approve a proposal to adjourn the Annual Meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Annual Meeting to approve both the proposal to increase the authorized shares of common stock (Proposal 2) and the proposal to amend the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (Proposal 3).¨  FOR¨  AGAINST¨  ABSTAIN
6.In their discretion, upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

35

THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTED FOR EACH OF PROPOSALS 2, 3, 4 AND 5, AND FOR EACH OF THE DIRECTORS NOMINATED FOR RE-ELECTION IN PROPOSAL 1.

Address Change?  Mark Box    o

Indicate changes below:

Date __________________________________

Signature(s) in Box

PLEASE DATE AND SIGN ABOVE exactly as name appears at the left indicating, where appropriate, official position or representative capacity.  For stock held in joint tenancy, each joint tenant should sign.

36

APPENDIX A

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE OUR AUTHORIZED SHARE CAPITALPREDICTIVE ONCOLOGY INC.

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
SKYLINE MEDICAL INC.

(A Delaware Corporation)

Pursuant to Section 242 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the undersigned, being the Chief Executive Officer of Skyline Medical Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”), does hereby certify that the following resolution was adopted by the Corporation’s Board of Directors and its stockholders as hereinafter described:

RESOLVED: Section 4.1 of the Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of this Corporation is hereby amended and replaced with the following:

4.1 The total number of shares of stock that the Corporation shall have authority to issue is ____________ million (____________) shares of common stock, having a par value of one cent ($0.01) per share (“Common Stock”); and twenty million (20,000,000) shares of preferred stock, with a par value of one cent ($0.01) per share (“Preferred Stock”).

The foregoing resolution and this Certificate of Amendment were adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation pursuant to board resolution approved as of __________________, 2017, in accordance with Section 141 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, and of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Corporation’s voting stock at a meeting of stockholders held on __________________, 2017 in accordance with Section 242 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the _______________ of this Corporation, has executed this Certificate of Amendment to the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, as of ______________, 20___.

Skyline Medical Inc.
By:_________________________________
_____________, ___________________

APPENDIX B

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2012 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

(marked to show revisions)

SKYLINE MEDICAL INC. (f/k/a BIODRAIN MEDICAL, INC.)

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2012 STOCK2023 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Effective , 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

 

1. Purpose 1 
       
2. Administration 1 
       
3. Eligible Participants 1 
       
4. Types of Incentives 1 
       
5. Shares Subject to the Plan 1 
  5.1.Number of Shares 1 
  5.2.Cancellation 1 
  5.3.Type of Common Stock 2 
  5.4.Limitation on Certain Grants 2 
       
6. Stock Options 2 
  6.1.Price 2 
  6.2.Number 2 
  6.3.Duration and Time for Exercise 2 
  6.4.Manner of Exercise 2 
  6.5.Incentive Stock Options 2 
       
7. Stock Appreciation Rights 3 
  7.1.Price 3 
  7.2.Number 3 
  7.3.Duration 3 
  7.4.Exercise 4 
  7.5.Issuance of Shares Upon Exercise 4 
       
8. Stock Awards, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units 4 
  8.1.Number of Shares 4 
  8.2.Sale Price 4 
  8.3.Restrictions 4 
  8.4.Enforcement of Restrictions 5 
  8.5.End of Restrictions 5 
  8.6.Rights of Holders of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units 5 
  8.7.Settlement of Restricted Stock Units 5 
  8.8.Dividend Equivalents 5 
       
9. Performance Awards 5 
  9.1.Performance Conditions 5 
  9.2.Performance Awards Granted to Designated Covered Employees 5 
  9.3.Written Determinations 6 
  9.4.Status of Performance Awards Under Code Section 162(m) 6 
       
1.   Purpose1
2.   Administration1
3.   Eligible Participants1
4.   Types of Incentives1
5.   Shares Subject to the Plan1
5.1.   Number of Shares1
5.2.   Cancellation1
5.3.   Type of Common Stock2
5.4.   Limitation on Awards Granted to Non-Employee Directors2
6.   Stock Options2
6.1.   Price2
6.2.   Number2
6.3.   Duration and Time for Exercise2
6.4.   Manner of Exercise2
6.5.   Incentive Stock Options2
7.   Stock Appreciation Rights3
7.1.   Price3
7.2.   Number3
7.3.   Duration3
7.4.   Exercise3
7.5.   Issuance of Shares Upon Exercise4
8.   Stock Awards, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units4
8.1.   Number of Shares4
8.2.   Sale Price4
8.3.   Restrictions4
8.4.   Enforcement of Restrictions5
8.5.   End of Restrictions5
8.6.   Rights of Holders of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units5
8.7.   Settlement of Restricted Stock Units5
8.8.   Dividend Equivalents5

 

 

10. General 7 
  10.1.Plan Effective Date and Shareholder Approval; Termination of Plan 7 
  10.2.Duration 7 
  10.3.Non-transferability of Incentives 7 
  10.4.Effect of Termination or Death 7 
  10.5.Restrictions under Securities Laws 7 
  10.6.Adjustment 8 
  10.7.Incentive Plans and Agreements 8 
  10.8.Withholding 8 
  10.9.No Continued Employment, Engagement or Right to Corporate Assets 8 
  10.10.Payments Under Incentives 8 
  10.11.Amendment of the Plan 9 
  10.12.Amendment of Agreements for Incentives; No Repricing 9 
  10.13.Vesting Upon Change In Control 9 
  10.14.Sale, Merger, Exchange or Liquidation 10 
  10.15.Definition of Fair Market Value 11 
  10.16.Definition of Grant Date 11 
  10.17.Compliance with Code Section 409A 11 
  10.18.Prior Plan 12 

9.   Performance Awards5
10.   General5
10.1.   Plan Effective Date; Termination of Plan5
10.2.   Non-transferability of Incentives6
10.3.   Effect of Termination or Death6
10.4.   Restrictions under Securities Laws6
10.5.   Adjustment6
10.6.   Incentive Plans and Agreements6
10.7.   Withholding7
10.8.   No Continued Employment, Engagement or Right to Corporate Assets7
10.9.   Payments Under Incentives7
10.10.   Amendment of the Plan7
10.11.   Amendment of Agreements for Incentives; No Repricing7
10.12.   Vesting Upon Change In Control7
10.13.   Sale, Merger, Exchange or Liquidation8
10.14.   Definition of Fair Market Value9
10.15.   Definition of Grant Date10
10.16.   Compliance with Code Section 409A10
10.17.   Prior Plan11
10.18.   Clawback/Recovery11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SKYLINE MEDICALPREDICTIVE ONCOLOGY INC. (f/k/a BIODRAIN MEDICAL, INC.)

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2012 STOCK
2023 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

1. Purpose. The purpose of the Amended and Restated 2012 Stock2023 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) of Skyline MedicalPredictive Oncology Inc. (f/k/a BioDrain Medical, Inc.) (the “Company”) is to increase shareholder value and to advance the interests of the Company by furnishing a variety of economic incentives (“Incentives”) designed to attract, retain and motivate employees, certain key consultants and directors of the Company. Incentives may consist of opportunities to purchase or receive shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, of the Company (“Common Stock”) or other incentive awards on terms determined under this Plan.

 

2. Administration. The Plan shall be administered by the board of directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) or by a stock option or compensation committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors. The Committee shall consist of not less than two directors of the Company and shall be appointed from time to time by the Board of Directors. Each member of the Committee shall be (a) a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (including the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “1934 Act”) (a “Non-Employee Director”), and (b) shall be an “outside director” withinindependent directors under listing rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market or, if the meaning of Section 162(m) underCompany is no longer listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market, then any national securities exchange on which the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (“Code Section 162(m)”).Company’s common stock may be listed. The Committee shall have complete authority to award Incentives under the Plan, to interpret the Plan, and to make any other determination which it believes necessary and advisable for the proper administration of the Plan. The Committee’s decisions and matters relating to the Plan shall be final and conclusive on the Company and its participants. If at any time there is no stock option or compensation committee, the term “Committee”, as used in the Plan, shall refer to the Board of Directors.

 

3. Eligible Participants. Officers of the Company, employees of the Company or its subsidiaries, members of the Board of Directors, and consultants or other independent contractors who provide services to the Company or its subsidiaries shall be eligible to receive Incentives under the Plan when designated by the Committee. Participants may be designated individually or by groups or categories (for example, by pay grade) as the Committee deems appropriate. Participation by officers of the Company or its subsidiaries and any performance objectives relating to such officers must be approved by the Committee. Participation by others and any performance objectives relating to others may be approved by groups or categories (for example, by pay grade) and authority to designate participants who are not officers and to set or modify such targets may be delegated.

 

4. Types of Incentives. Incentives under the Plan may be granted in any one or a combination of the following forms: (a) incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options (Section 6); (b) stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) (Section 7); (c) stock awards (Section 8); (d) restricted stock (Section 8); restricted stock units (Section 8) and performance awards (Section 9). Subject to the specific limitations provided in this Plan, payment of Incentives may be in the form of cash, Common Stock or combinations thereof as the Committee shall determine, and with such other restrictions as it may impose.

 

5. Shares Subject to the Plan.

 

5.1. 5.1 Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10.6, the10.5, The maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may be issuedShares available for issuance under thethis Plan shall not exceed 4,000,000 shares(i) 1,250,000, which number includes the number of Common Stock. In addition,Shares remaining available for issuance under the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date any shares available in the reserve of the Prior Plan (as defined in Section 10.18) shall be added10.1) but not subject to outstanding awards as of the Effective Date; plus (ii), as contemplated in Section 5.2, the number of Shares subject to awards outstanding under the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date but only to the Plan share reserve and be available forextent that such outstanding awards are forfeited, expire or otherwise terminate without the issuance underof such Shares after the Plan.Effective Date. Any Shares delivered under the Plan may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares. Shares of Common Stock that are issued under the Plan or are subject to Incentives awarded under the Plan will be applied to reduce the maximum number of shares of Common Stock remaining available for issuance under the Plan.

 

5.2. 5.2 Cancellation. If an Incentive granted under the Plan or under the Prior Plan expires or is terminated or canceled unexercised as to any shares of Common Stock or forfeited or reacquired by the Company pursuant to rights reserved upon issuance thereof, such forfeited and reacquired shares may again be issued under the Plan pursuant to another Incentive. If any Shares subject to an Incentive granted under the Plan or under the Prior Plan are withheld or applied as payment in connection with the exercise of an Incentive (including the withholding of Shares on the exercise of a stock option or the exercise of an SAR that is settled in Shares) or the withholding or payment of taxes related thereto, such Shares shall not again be available for grant under the Plan.

 

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5.3. 5.3 Type of Common Stock. Common Stock issued under the Plan in connection with Incentives will be authorized and unissued shares.

 

5.4. 5.4 Limitation on Certain GrantsAwards Granted to Non-Employee Directors. DuringNo member of the Board of Directors who is not also an employee of the Company may be granted any one fiscal year, no person shall receiveIncentive or Incentives under the Plan that could result in that person receiving, earning or acquiring, subject to the adjustments described in Section 10.6: (a) Stock Options and SARs for,exceed in the aggregate more than 20,000,000 shares$100,000 in value (such value computed as of Common Stock;the date of grant in accordance with applicable financial accounting rules) in any calendar year (provided that service solely as a director, or (b) Performance Awards,payment of a fee for such services, will not cause a director to be considered an “employee” for purposes of this Section 5.4). The foregoing limit shall not apply to any Incentive made pursuant to any election by the directors, if permitted by the Committee, to receive an Incentive in the aggregate, for more than 20,000,00010,000,000 shareslieu of Common Stockall or if payable ina portion of annual and committee cash with a maximum amount payable exceeding $2,000,000.retainers and meeting fees.

 

6. Stock Options. A stock option is a right to purchase shares of Common Stock from the Company. Each stock option granted by the Committee under this Plan shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

6.1. 6.1 Price. The option price per share shall be determined by the Committee, subject to adjustment under Section 10.6.10.5. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the option price per share shall not be less than the Fair Market Value (as defined in Section 10.15)10.14) of the Common Stock on the Grant Date (as defined in Section 10.16)10.15).

 

6.2. 6.2 Number. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a stock option shall be determined by the Committee, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10.6.10.5. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a stock option shall be reduced in the same proportion that the holder thereof exercises an SAR if any SAR is granted in conjunction with or related to the stock option. If the number of shares subject to a stock option is reduced pursuant to the preceding sentence, the number of shares subject to the original grant will continue to count against the limitation on grants under Section 5.4.

 

6.3. 6.3 Duration and Time for Exercise. Subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 10.3,10.2, the term of each stock option shall be determined by the Committee but shall not exceed ten years and one day from the Grant Date. Each stock option shall become exercisable at such time or times during its term as shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant. The Committee may accelerate the exercisability of any stock option. Subject to the first sentence of this paragraph, the Committee may extend the term of any stock option to the extent provided in Section 10.4.10.3.

 

6.4. 6.4 Manner of Exercise. A stock option may be exercised, in whole or in part, by giving written notice to the Company, specifying the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased and accompanied by the full purchase price for such shares. The option price shall be payable (a) in United States dollars upon exercise of the option and may be paid by cash, uncertified or certified check or bank draft; (b) unless otherwise provided in the option agreement, by delivery of shares of Common Stock in payment of all or any part of the option price, which shares shall be valued for this purpose at the Fair Market Value on the date such option is exercised; or (c) unless otherwise provided in the option agreement, by instructing the Company to withhold from the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the stock option shares of Common Stock in payment of all or any part of the exercise price and/or any related withholding tax obligations consistent with Section 10.8,10.7, which shares shall be valued for this purpose at the Fair Market Value or in such other manner as may be authorized from time to time by the Committee. Before the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of a stock option, a participant shall have no rights as a shareholder.

 

6.5. 6.5 Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the following additional provisions shall apply to the grant of stock options which are intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options (as such term is defined in Code Section 422):

 

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(a) The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time the option is granted) of the shares of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any participant during any calendar year (under all of the Company’s plans) shall not exceed $100,000. The determination will be made by taking Incentive Stock Options into account in the order in which they were granted. If such excess only applies to a portion of an Incentive Stock Option, the Committee, in its discretion, will designate which shares will be treated as shares to be acquired upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option.

 

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(b) Any option agreement for an Incentive Stock Option under the Plan shall contain such other provisions as the Committee shall deem advisable, but shall in all events be consistent with and contain all provisions required in order to qualify the options as Incentive Stock Options.

 

(c) All Incentive Stock Options must be granted within ten years from the earlier of the date on which this Plan was adopted by Board of Directors or the date this Plan was approved by the shareholders.

 

(d) Unless sooner exercised, all Incentive Stock Options shall expire no later than ten years after the Grant Date.

 

(e) The option price for Incentive Stock Options shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the option on the Grant Date.

 

(f) If Incentive Stock Options are granted to any participant who, at the time such option is granted, would own (within the meaning of Code Section 422) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the employer corporation or of its parent or subsidiary corporation, (i) the option price for such Incentive Stock Options shall be not less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the option on the Grant Date and (ii) such Incentive Stock Options shall expire no later than five years after the Grant Date.

 

7. Stock Appreciation Rights. An SAR is a right to receive, without payment to the Company, a number of shares of Common Stock, the amount of which is determined pursuant to the formula set forth in Section 7.5. An SAR may be granted (a) with respect to any stock option granted under this Plan, either concurrently with the grant of such stock option or at such later time as determined by the Committee (as to all or any portion of the shares of Common Stock subject to the stock option), or (b) alone, without reference to any related stock option. Each SAR granted by the Committee under this Plan shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

7.1. 7.1 Price. The exercise price per share of any SAR granted without reference to a stock option shall be determined by the Committee, subject to adjustment under Section 10.6.10.5. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the exercise price per share shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Grant Date.

 

7.2. 7.2 Number. Each SAR granted to any participant shall relate to such number of shares of Common Stock as shall be determined by the Committee, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10.6.10.5. In the case of an SAR granted with respect to a stock option, the number of shares of Common Stock to which the SAR relates shall be reduced in the same proportion that the holder of the option exercises the related stock option. If the number of shares subject to an SAR is reduced pursuant to the preceding sentence, the number of shares subject to the original grant will continue to count against the limitation on grants under Section 5.4.

 

7.3. 7.3 Duration. Subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 10.3,10.2, the term of each SAR shall be determined by the Committee but shall not exceed ten years and one day from the Grant Date. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, each SAR shall become exercisable at such time or times, to such extent and upon such conditions as the stock option, if any, to which it relates is exercisable. The Committee may in its discretion accelerate the exercisability of any SAR. Subject to the first sentence of this paragraph, the Committee may extend the term of any SAR to the extent provided in Section 10.4.10.3.

 

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7.4. 7.4 Exercise. An SAR may be exercised, in whole or in part, by giving written notice to the Company, specifying the number of SARs which the holder wishes to exercise. Upon receipt of such written notice, the Company shall, within 90 days thereafter, deliver to the exercising holder certificates for the shares of Common Stock or cash or both, as determined by the Committee, to which the holder is entitled pursuant to Section 7.5.

 

7.5.

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7.5 Issuance of Shares Upon Exercise. The number of shares of Common Stock which shall be issuable upon the exercise of an SAR shall be determined by dividing:

 

(a) the number of shares of Common Stock as to which the SAR is exercised multiplied by the amount of the appreciation in such shares (for this purpose, the “appreciation” shall be the amount by which the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock subject to the SAR on the exercise date exceeds (1) in the case of an SAR related to a stock option, the purchase price of the shares of Common Stock under the stock option or (2) in the case of an SAR granted alone, without reference to a related stock option, an amount which shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant, subject to adjustment under Section 10.6)10.5); by

 

(b) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date.

 

No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon the exercise of an SAR; instead, the holder of the SAR shall be entitled to receive a cash adjustment equal to the same fraction of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date or to purchase the portion necessary to make a whole share at its Fair Market Value on the date of exercise.

 

8. Stock Awards, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. A stock award consists of the transfer by the Company to a participant of shares of Common Stock, with or without other payment therefor, as additional compensation for services to the Company. A share of restricted stock consists of shares of Common Stock which are sold or transferred by the Company to a participant at a price, if any, determined by the Committee and subject to restrictions on their sale or other transfer by the participant. Restricted stock units represent the right to receive shares of Common Stock at a future date. The transfer of Common Stock pursuant to stock awards, ,thethe transfer or sale of restricted stock and restricted stock units shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

8.1. 8.1 Number of Shares. The number of shares to be transferred or sold by the Company to a participant pursuant to a stock award or as restricted stock, or the number of shares that may be issued pursuant to a restricted stock unit, shall be determined by the Committee.

 

8.2. 8.2 Sale Price. The Committee shall determine the price, if any, at which shares of restricted stock shall be sold to a participant, which may vary from time to time and among participants and which may be below the Fair Market Value of such shares of Common Stock at the date of sale.

 

8.3. 8.3 Restrictions. All shares of restricted stock transferred or sold by the Company hereunder, and all restricted stock units granted hereunder, shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may determine, including, without limitation any or all of the following:

 

(a) a prohibition against the sale, transfer, pledge or other encumbrance of the shares of restricted stock, or the delivery of shares pursuant to restricted stock units, such prohibition to lapse at such time or times as the Committee shall determine (whether in annual or more frequent installments, at the time of the death, disability or retirement of the holder of such shares, or otherwise);

 

(b) a requirement that the holder of shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units forfeit, or (in the case of shares sold to a participant) re-sell back to the Company at his or her cost, all or a part of such shares in the event of termination of his or her employment, service on the Board of Directors or consulting engagement during any period in which such shares are subject to restrictions; and

 

(c) such other conditions or restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable.

 

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8.4. 8.4 Enforcement of Restrictions. In order to enforce the restrictions imposed by the Committee pursuant to Section 8.3, the participant receiving restricted stock or restricted stock units shall enter into an agreement with the Company setting forth the conditions of the grant. Shares of restricted stock shall be registered in the name of the participant and deposited, together with a stock power endorsed in blank, with the Company. Each such certificate shall bear a legend that refers to the Plan and the restrictions imposed under the applicable agreement. At the Committee’s election, shares of restricted stock may be held in book entry form subject to the Company’s instructions until any restrictions relating to the restricted stock grant lapse.

 

8.5. 8.5 End of Restrictions. Subject to Section 10.5,10.4, at the end of any time period during which the shares of restricted stock are subject to forfeiture and restrictions on transfer, such shares will be delivered free of all restrictions to the participant or to the participant’s legal representative, beneficiary or heir. Subject to Section 10.5,10.4, upon the lapse or waiver of restrictions applicable to restricted stock units, or at a later time specified in the agreement governing the grant of restricted stock units, any shares derived from the restricted stock units shall be issued and delivered to the holder of the restricted stock units.

 

8.6. 8.6 Rights of Holders of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, each participant receiving restricted stock shall have all the rights of a shareholder with respect to shares of stock during any period in which such shares are subject to forfeiture and restrictions on transfer, including without limitation, the right to vote such shares. Any holder of restricted stock units shall not be, and shall not have rights and privileges of, a shareholder with respect to any shares that may be derived from the restricted stock units unless and until such shares have been issued.

 

8.7. 8.7 Settlement of Restricted Stock Units.Units. Restricted stock units may be satisfied by delivery of shares of stock, cash equal to the Fair Market Value of the specified number of shares covered by the restricted stock units, or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee at the date of grant or thereafter.

 

8.8. 8.8 Dividend Equivalents. In connection with any award of restricted stock units, the Committee may grant the right to receive cash, shares of stock or other property equal in value to dividends paid with respect to the number of shares represented by the restricted stock units (“Dividend Equivalents”). Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at the date of grant, any Dividend Equivalents that are granted with respect to any award of restricted stock units shall be either (a) paid with respect to such restricted stock units at the dividend payment date in cash or in shares of unrestricted stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such dividends, or (b) deferred with respect to such restricted stock units and the amount or value thereof automatically deemed reinvested in additional restricted stock units until the time for delivery of shares (if any) pursuant to the terms of the restricted stock unit award.

 

9. Performance Awards.

9.1. Performance ConditionsAwards. The right of a participant to exercise or receive a grant or settlement of any Incentive, and the timing thereof, may be subject to such performance conditions as may be specified by the Committee (such an Incentive is referred to as a “Performance Award”). The Committee may use such business criteria and other measures of performance as it may deem appropriate in establishing any performance conditions, and may exercise its discretion to reducechange the amounts payable under any Incentive subject to performance conditions, except as limited under Section 9.2 hereof inconditions.

10. General.

10.1 Plan Effective Date; Termination of Plan. This Plan shall become effective following (i) the casedate of a Performance Award intended to qualify under Code Section 162(m). If and to the extent required under Code Section 162(m), any power or authority relating to a Performance Award intended to qualify under Code Section 162(m), shall be exercisedits approval by the Committee asBoard and (ii) its approval by stockholders of the CommitteeCompany within twelve months after such adoption (the “Effective Date”). Unless earlier terminated by the Board and notsubject to any extension that may be approved by stockholders, this Plan shall terminate at the Board.

9.2. Performance Awards Granted to Designated Covered Employees. If and toclose of business on the extentday before the Committee determines that a Performance Award totenth anniversary of the Effective Date. After the termination of this Plan either upon such stated termination date or its earlier termination by the Board, no additional awards may be granted under this Plan, but previously granted awards (and the authority of the Administrator with respect thereto, including the authority to a person who is designated byamend such awards) shall remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and the Committee as likely to be a covered employee within the meaningterms and conditions of Code Section 162(m) and regulations thereunder (a “Covered Employee”) should qualify as "performance-based compensation" for purposes of Code Section 162(m), the grant, exercise, and/or settlement of such Performance Award shall be contingent upon achievement of pre-established performance goals and other terms set forth in this Section 9.2.Plan.

 

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(a)    Performance Goals Generally. The performance goals for such Performance Awards shall consist of one or more business criteria and a targeted level or levels of performance with respect to each of such criteria, as specified by the Committee consistent with this Section 9.2. Performance goals shall be objective and shall otherwise meet the requirements of Code Section 162(m), including but not limited to the requirement that the level or levels of performance targeted by the Committee result in the achievement of performance goals being "substantially uncertain" at the time the Performance Award is granted. The Committee may determine that such Performance Awards shall be granted, exercised, and/or settled upon achievement of any one performance goal, or that two or more of the performance goals must be achieved as a condition to grant, exercise, and/or settlement of such Performance Awards. Performance goals may differ for Performance Awards granted to any one participant or to different participants.

(b)   Business Criteria. One or more of the following business criteria for the Company, on a consolidated basis, and/or specified subsidiaries or business units of the Company, shall be used exclusively by the Committee in establishing performance goals for such Performance Awards as are intended to qualify as “performance-based” compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code: earnings per share, operating income or profit, net income, gross or net sales, expenses, expenses as a percentage of net sales, inventory turns, cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow, cash flow return on equity, and cash flow return on investment), gross profit, margins, working capital, earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), return measures (including, but not limited to, return on assets, capital, invested capital, equity, sales, or revenue), revenue growth, share price (including, but not limited to, growth measures and total shareholder return), operating efficiency, productivity ratios, market share, economic value added and safety (or any of the above criteria as compared to the performance of a group of comparable companies, or any published or special index that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate), or the Committee may select criteria based on the Company’s share price as compared to various stock market indices. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may modify the performance goals if it determines that circumstances have changed and modification is required to reflect the original intent of the performance goals; provided, however, that no such change or modification may be made to the extent it increases the amount of compensation payable to any participant who is a Covered Employee.

(c)    Performance Period; Timing For Establishing Performance Goals. Achievement of performance goals in respect of such Performance Awards shall be measured over a performance period of up to ten (10) years, as specified by the Committee. Performance goals shall be established not later than ninety (90) days after the beginning of any performance period applicable to such Performance Awards, or at such other date as may be required or permitted for "performance-based compensation" under Code Section 162(m).

(d)   Settlement of Performance Awards; Other Terms. Settlement of such Performance Awards shall be in cash, stock, other Incentives or other property, in the discretion of the Committee. The Committee may, in its discretion, reduce the amount of a settlement otherwise to be made in connection with such Performance Awards. The Committee shall specify the circumstances in which such Performance Awards shall be paid or forfeited in the event of termination of continuous service by the participant before the end of a performance period or the settlement date of Performance Awards.

9.3. Written Determinations. All determinations by the Committee as to the establishment of performance goals, the amount of any Performance Award pool or potential individual Performance Awards, and as to the achievement of performance goals relating to Performance Awards under Section 9.2(a), shall be made in writing in the case of any Performance Award intended to qualify under Code Section 162(m). The Committee may not delegate any responsibility relating to such Performance Awards if and to the extent required to comply with Code Section 162(m).

9.4. Status of Performance Awards Under Code Section 162(m). It is the intent of the Company that Performance Awards granted under this Section 9 to persons who are designated by the Committee as likely to be Covered Employees shall, if so designated by the Committee, constitute "qualified performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Code Section 162(m). Accordingly, the terms of Sections 9.2, 9.3 and 9.4, including the definitions of Covered Employee and other terms used therein, shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with Code Section 162(m). Notwithstanding the foregoing, because the Committee cannot determine with certainty whether a given Participant will be a Covered Employee with respect to a fiscal year that has not yet been completed, the term Covered Employee as used herein shall mean only a person designated by the Committee, at the time of grant of Performance Awards, as likely to be a Covered Employee with respect to that fiscal year. If any provision of the Plan or any agreement relating to such Performance Awards does not comply or is inconsistent with the requirements of Code Section 162(m), such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such requirements.

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10.       General.

10.1. Plan Effective Date and Shareholder Approval; Termination of Plan. The Plan shall become effective on the Effective Date, subject to subsequent approval within twelve (12) months of its adoption by the Board by shareholders of the Company eligible to vote in the election of directors, by a vote sufficient to meet the requirements of Code Sections 162(m) (if applicable) and 422, Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act (if applicable), applicable requirements of any stock exchange, if any, and other laws, regulations, and obligations of the Company applicable to the Plan. Awards may be granted subject to shareholder approval, but may not be exercised or otherwise settled in the event shareholder approval is not obtained. The Plan shall terminate no later than ten (10) years from the date of the later of (x) the Effective Date and (y) the date an increase in the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan is approved by the Board (so long as such increase is also approved by the shareholders).

10.2. Duration. The Plan shall remain in effect until all Incentives granted under the Plan have either been satisfied by the issuance of shares of Common Stock or the payment of cash or been terminated under the terms of the Plan and all restrictions imposed on shares of Common Stock in connection with their issuance under the Plan have lapsed. No Incentives may be granted under the Plan after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date of the Plan.

10.3. 10.2 Non-transferability of Incentives. No stock option, SAR, restricted stock or stock award may be transferred, pledged or assigned by the holder thereof (except, in the event of the holder’s death, by will or the laws of descent and distribution to the limited extent provided in the Plan or the Incentive, or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or the rules thereunder), and the Company shall not be required to recognize any attempted assignment of such rights by any participant. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, stock options (other than stock options intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options pursuant to Section 6.5) may be transferred by the holder thereof to the holder’s spouse, children, grandchildren or parents (collectively, the “Family Members”), to trusts for the benefit of Family Members, to partnerships or limited liability companies in which Family Members are the only partners or shareholders, or to entities exempt from federal income taxation pursuant to Code Section 501(c)(3). During a participant’s lifetime, a stock option may be exercised only by him or her, by his or her guardian or legal representative or by the transferees permitted by this Section 10.3.10.2.

 

10.4. 10.3 Effect of Termination or Death. If a participant ceases to be an employee of or consultant to the Company for any reason, including death or disability, any Incentives may be exercised or shall expire at such times as may be set forth in the agreement, if any, applicable to the Incentive, or otherwise as determined by the Committee; provided, however, the term of an Incentive may not be extended beyond the term originally prescribed when the Incentive was granted, unless the Incentive satisfies (or is amended to satisfy) the requirements of Code Section 409A, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (together, “Code Section 409A”); and provided further that the term of an Incentive may not be extended beyond the maximum term permitted under this Plan.

 

10.5. 10.4 Restrictions under Securities Laws. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary: (a) the Company may, if it shall determine it necessary or desirable for any reason, at the time of award of any Incentive or the issuance of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to any Incentive, require the recipient of the Incentive, as a condition to the receipt thereof or to the receipt of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant thereto, to deliver to the Company a written representation of present intention to acquire the Incentive or the shares of Common Stock issued pursuant thereto for his or her own account for investment and not for distribution; and (b) if at any time the Company further determines, in its sole discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification (or any updating of any such document) of any Incentive or the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant thereto is necessary on any securities exchange or under any federal or state securities or blue sky law, or that the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with the award of any Incentive, the issuance of shares of Common Stock pursuant thereto, or the removal of any restrictions imposed on such shares, such Incentive shall not be awarded or such shares of Common Stock shall not be issued or such restrictions shall not be removed, as the case may be, in whole or in part, unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company.

 

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10.6. 10.5 Adjustment. In the event of any recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares or other change in the Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the Plan, including shares subject to outstanding Incentives, and the other numbers of shares of Common Stock provided in the Plan, shall be adjusted in proportion to the change in outstanding shares of Common Stock. In the event of any such adjustments, the purchase price of any option, the performance objectives of any Incentive, and the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to any Incentive shall be adjusted as and to the extent appropriate, in the discretion of the Committee, to provide participants with the same relative rights before and after such adjustment.

 

10.7. 10.6 Incentive Plans and Agreements. Except in the case of stock awards, the terms of each Incentive shall be stated in a plan or agreement approved by the Committee. The Committee may also determine to enter into agreements with holders of options to reclassify or convert certain outstanding options, within the terms of the Plan, as Incentive Stock Options or as non-statutory stock options and in order to eliminate SARs with respect to all or part of such options and any other previously issued options. The Committee shall communicate the key terms of each award to the participant promptly after the Committee approves the grant of such award.

 

10.8.

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10.7 Withholding.

 

(a) The Company shall have the right to withhold from any payments made under the Plan or to collect as a condition of payment, any taxes required by law to be withheld. If so permitted by the Committee at the time of the award of any Incentive or at a later time, at any time when a participant is required to pay to the Company an amount required to be withheld under applicable income tax laws in connection with a distribution of Common Stock or upon exercise of an option or SAR or upon vesting of restricted stock, the participant may satisfy this obligation in whole or in part by electing (the “Election”) to have the Company withhold, from the distribution or from such shares of restricted stock, shares of Common Stock having a value up to the minimum amount of withholding taxes required to be collected on the transaction. The value of the shares to be withheld shall be based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld shall be determined (“Tax Date”).

 

(b) Each Election must be made before the Tax Date. The Committee may disapprove of any Election, may suspend or terminate the right to make Elections, or may provide with respect to any Incentive that the right to make Elections shall not apply to such Incentive. An Election is irrevocable.

 

10.9. 10.8 No Continued Employment, Engagement or Right to Corporate Assets. No participant under the Plan shall have any right, because of his or her participation, to continue in the employ of the Company for any period of time or to any right to continue his or her present or any other rate of compensation. Nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed as giving an employee, a consultant, such persons’ beneficiaries or any other person any equity or interests of any kind in the assets of the Company or creating a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship of any kind between the Company and any such person.

 

10.10. 10.9 Payments Under Incentives. Payment of cash or distribution of any shares of Common Stock to which a participant is entitled under any Incentive shall be made as provided in the Incentive. Except as permitted under Section 10.17,10.16, payments and distributions may not be deferred under any Incentive unless the deferral complies with the requirements of Code Section 409A.

 

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10.11. 10.10 Amendment of the Plan. The Board of Directors may amend, alter, suspend, or discontinue the Plan at any time. However, no such amendment, alteration, suspension, or discontinuance shall adversely change or impair, without the consent of the recipient, an Incentive previously granted. Further, no such amendment shall, without approval of the shareholders of the Company, (a) increase the maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued to all participants under the Plan, (b) change or expand the types of Incentives that may be granted under the Plan, (c) change the class of persons eligible to receive Incentives under the Plan, or (d) materially increase the benefits accruing to participants under the Plan.

 

10.12. 10.11 Amendment of Agreements for Incentives; No Repricing. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 10.1210.11 or Section 10.17,10.16, the terms of an existing Incentive may be amended by agreement between the Committee and the participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, in the case of a stock option or SAR, no such amendment shall (a) without shareholder approval, lower the exercise price of a previously granted stock option or SAR, cancel a stock option or SAR when the exercise price per share exceeds the Fair Market Value of the underlying shares in exchange for another Incentive or cash, or take any other action with respect to a stock option that may be treated as a repricing under the federal securities laws or generally accepted accounting principles; or (b) extend the term of the Incentive, except as provided in Sections 10.410.3 and 10.17.10.16.

 

10.13. 10.12 Vesting Upon Change In Controin Controll.. Upon the occurrence of an event satisfying the definition of “Change in Control” with respect to a particular Incentive, unless otherwise provided in the agreement for the Incentive, such Incentive shall become vested and all restrictions shall lapse. The Committee may, in its discretion, include such further provisions and limitations in any agreement for an Incentive as it may deem desirable. For purposes of this Section 10.13,10.12, “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following:

 

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(a) a merger, consolidation, statutory exchange or reorganization approved by the Company’s shareholders, unless securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the successor corporation are immediately thereafter beneficially owned directly or indirectly and in substantially the same proportion, by the persons who beneficially owned the Company’s outstanding voting securities immediately prior to such transaction;

 

(b) any transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which any person or any group of persons comprising a “group” within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Securities Exchange1934 Act, of 1934, as amended (other than the Company or a person that, prior to such transaction or series of related transactions, directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Company) becomes directly or indirectly the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended)Act) of securities possessing (or convertible into or exercisable for securities possessing) thirty percent (30%) or more of the total combined voting power of the securities (determined by the power to vote with respect to the elections of Board members) outstanding immediately after the consummation of such transaction or series of related transactions, whether such transaction involves a direct issuance from the Company or the acquisition of outstanding securities held by one or more of the Company’s shareholders;

 

(c) there is consummated a sale, lease, exclusive license, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, other than a sale, lease, license, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its subsidiaries to an entity, more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale, lease, license, or other disposition; or

 

(d) individuals who, on the Effective Date, are Directors (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Directors; provided, however, that if the appointment or election (or nomination for election) of any new Director was approved or recommended by a majority vote of the members of the Incumbent Board then still in office, such new member shall, for purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Plan, (i) the definition of Change in Control (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company and the Participant shall supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Incentives subject to such agreement (it being understood, however, that if no definition of Change in Control or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition shall apply); (ii) for clarification, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (b) as the result of the acquisition of additional securities by Dr. Samuel Herschkowitz, Joshua Kornberg or their affiliates; and (iii)(ii) a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (b) solely as the result of a repurchase or other acquisition of securities by Company which, by reducing the number of shares of Voting Securities outstanding, increases the proportionate number of Voting Securities beneficially owned by any person to thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of all of the then outstanding Voting Securities; provided, however, that if any person referred to in this clause (iii)(ii) shall thereafter become the beneficial owner of any additional shares of Voting Securities (other than pursuant to a stock split, stock dividend, or similar transaction or as a result of an acquisition of securities directly from Company) and immediately thereafter beneficially owns thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of all of the then outstanding Voting Securities, then a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (b).

 

10.14. 10.13 Sale, Merger, Exchange or Liquidation. Unless otherwise provided in the agreement for an Incentive, in the event of an acquisition of the Company through the sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets or through a merger, exchange, reorganization or liquidation of the Company or a similar event as determined by the Committee (collectively a “transaction”), the Committee shall be authorized, in its sole discretion, to take any and all action it deems equitable under the circumstances, including but not limited to any one or more of the following:

 

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(a) providing that the Plan and all Incentives shall terminate and the holders of (i) all outstanding vested options shall receive, in lieu of any shares of Common Stock they would be entitled to receive under such options, such stock, securities or assets, including cash, as would have been paid to such participants if their options had been exercised and such participant had received Common Stock immediately before such transaction (with appropriate adjustment for the exercise price, if any), (ii) SARs that entitle the participant to receive Common Stock shall receive, in lieu of any shares of Common Stock each participant was entitled to receive as of the date of the transaction pursuant to the terms of such Incentive, if any, such stock, securities or assets, including cash, as would have been paid to such participant if such Common Stock had been issued to and held by the participant immediately before such transaction, and (iii) any Incentive under the Employment Agreement which does not entitle the participant to receive Common Stock shall be equitably treated as determined by the Committee.

 

(b) providing that participants holding outstanding vested Common Stock based Incentives shall receive, with respect to each share of Common Stock issuable pursuant to such Incentives as of the effective date of any such transaction, at the determination of the Committee, cash, securities or other property, or any combination thereof, in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of such Common Stock on a date within ten days before the effective date of such transaction over the option price or other amount owed by a participant, if any, and that such Incentives shall be cancelled, including the cancellation without consideration of all options that have an exercise price below the per share value of the consideration received by the Company in the transaction.

 

(c) providing that the Plan (or replacement plan) shall continue with respect to Incentives not cancelled or terminated as of the effective date of such transaction and provide to participants holding such Incentives the right to earn their respective Incentives on a substantially equivalent basis (taking into account the transaction and the number of shares or other equity issued by such successor entity) with respect to the equity of the entity succeeding the Company by reason of such transaction.

 

(d) to the extent that the vesting of any Incentives is not accelerated pursuant to Section 10.13,10.12, providing that all unvested, unearned or restricted Incentives, including but not limited to restricted stock for which restrictions have not lapsed as of the effective date of such transaction, shall be void and deemed terminated, or, in the alternative, for the acceleration or waiver of any vesting, earning or restrictions on any Incentive.

 

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The Board of Directors may restrict the rights of participants or the applicability of this Section 10.1410.13 to the extent necessary to comply with Section 16(b) of the 1934 Act, the Code or any other applicable law or regulation. The grant of an Incentive award pursuant to the Plan shall not limit in any way the right or power of the Company to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations or changes of its capital or business structure or to merge, exchange or consolidate or to dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

 

10.15. 10.14 Definition of Fair Market Value. For purposes of this Plan, the “Fair Market Value” of a share of Common Stock at a specified date shall, unless otherwise expressly provided in this Plan, be the amount which the Committee determines in good faith to be 100% of the fair market value of such a share as of the date in question. Notwithstanding the foregoing:

 

(a) If such shares are listed on a U.S. securities exchange, then Fair Market Value shall be determined by reference to the last sale price of a share of Common Stock on such U.S. securities exchange on the applicable date. If such U.S. securities exchange is closed for trading on such date, or if the Common Stock does not trade on such date, then the last sale price used shall be the one on the date the Common Stock last traded on such U.S. securities exchange.

 

(b) If such shares are publicly traded but are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange, then Fair Market Value shall be determined by reference to the trading price of a share of Common Stock on such date (or, if the applicable market is closed on such date, the last date on which the Common Stock was publicly traded), by a method consistently applied by the Committee.

 

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(c) If such shares are not publicly traded, then the Committee’s determination will be based upon a good faith valuation of the Company’s Common Stock as of such date, which shall be based upon such factors as the Committee deems appropriate. The valuation shall be accomplished in a manner that complies with Code Section 409A and shall be consistently applied to Incentives under the Plan.

 

10.16. 10.15 Definition of Grant Date. For purposes of this Plan, the “Grant Date” of an Incentive shall be the date on which the Committee approved the award or, if later, the date established by the Committee as the date of grant of the Incentive.

 

10.17. 10.16 Compliance with Code Section 409A.

 

(a) Except to the extent such acceleration or deferral is permitted by the requirements of Code Section 409A, neither the Committee nor a participant may accelerate or defer the time or schedule of any payment of, or the amount scheduled to be paid under, an Incentive that constitutes Deferred Compensation (as defined in paragraph(d) below); provided, however, that payment shall be permitted if it is in accordance with a “specified time” or “fixed schedule” or on account of “separation from service,” “disability,” death, “change in control” or “ unforeseeable emergency” (as those terms are defined under Code Section 409A) that is specified in the agreement evidencing the Incentive.

 

(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Plan, unless the agreement evidencing the Incentive specifically provides otherwise, if a participant is treated as a Specified Employee (as defined in paragraph (d) and as determined under Code Section 409A by the Committee in good faith) as of the date of his or her “separation from service” as defined for purposes of Code Section 409A, the Company may not make payment to the participant of any Incentive that constitutes Deferred Compensation, earlier than 6 months following the participant’s separation from service (or if earlier, upon the Specified Employee’s death), except as permitted under Code Section 409A. Any payments that otherwise would be payable to the Specified Employee during the foregoing 6-month period will be accumulated and payment delayed until the first date after the 6-month period. The Committee may specify in the Incentive agreement, that the amount of the Deferred Compensation delayed under this paragraph shall accumulate interest, earnings or Dividend Equivalents (as applicable) during the period of such delay.

 

(c) The Committee may, however, reform any provision in an Incentive that is intended to comply with (or be exempt from) Code Section 409A, to maintain to the maximum extent practicable the original intent of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A.

 

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(d) For purposes of this Section 10.17, "Deferred Compensation"10.16, “Deferred Compensation” means any Incentive under this Plan that provides for the “deferral of compensation” under a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” (as those terms are defined under Code Section 409A) and that would be subject to the taxes specified in Code Section 409A(a)(1) if and to the extent that the Plan and the agreement evidencing the Incentive do not meet or are not operated in compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3) and (a)(4) of Code Section 409A . Deferred Compensation shall not include any amount that is otherwise exempt from the requirements of Code Section 409A. A “Specified Employee” means a Participant who is a “key employee” as described in Code Section 416 (i) (disregarding paragraph (5) thereof) at any time during the Company’s fiscal year ending on January 31, or such other “identification date” that applies consistently for all plans of the Company that provide “deferred compensation” that is subject to the requirements of Code Section 409A. Each participant will be identified as a Specified Employee in accordance with Code Section 409A, including with respect to the merger of the Company with any other company or any spin-off or similar transaction, and such identification shall apply for the 12-month period commencing on the first day of the fourth month following the identification date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no participant shall be a Specified Employee unless the stock of the Company (or other member of a “controlled group of corporations” as determined under Code Section 1563) is publicly traded on an established securities market (or otherwise) as of the date of the participant’s “separation from service” as defined in Code Section 409A.

 

10.18.

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10.17 Prior Plan. Notwithstanding the adoption of this Plan by the Board of Directors and its approval by the shareholders, the Company’s 2008 Equity2012 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan, as it has been amended from time to time (the “Prior Plan”), shall remain in effect, and all grants and awards made under the Prior Plan shall be governed by the terms of the Prior Plan. From and after the Effective Date, no further grants and awards shall be made under the Prior Plan.

 

Approved by10.18 Clawback/Recovery. The awards granted under this Plan are subject to the Boardterms of Directors on August 13, 2012.

Approved by the shareholders on September 20, 2012.

Amendment increasing share reserveCompany’s recoupment, clawback or similar policy as it may be in Section 5.1effect from 20,000,000time to 50,000,000 and increasing share limitstime, as well as any similar provisions of applicable law or regulation, any of which could in Section 5.4 approved bycertain circumstances require reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, recoupment, reimbursement, or reacquisition of awards or any shares of Common Stock or other cash or property received with respect to the Boardawards (including any value received from a disposition of Directors on April 1, 2013 and by the shareholders on April 15, 2013.

Amendment increasing share reserve in Section 5.1 from 50,000,000 to 4,000,000 approved byshares acquired upon payment of the Board of Directors on August 1, 2013 and by the shareholders on September 10, 2013.

Due to a 1-for-75 reverse stock split effective October 24, 2014, the share reserve was reduced to 1,333,333.

Amendment increasing share reserve in Section 5.1 from 1,333,333 to 4,000,000 and increasing share limits in Section 5.4 approved by the Board of Directors on _________, 2016 and by the shareholders on ____________, 2016.

Due to a 1-for-25 reverse stock split effective October 27, 2016, the share reserve was reduced to 17,806.awards).

 

 

 

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PREDICTIVE ONCOLOGY INC.

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
DECEMBER 28, 2023

THIS REVOCABLE PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned hereby appoints Raymond Vennare and Josh Blacher, and each of them as proxies, each with full power of substitution, and authorizes them to represent and to vote all the shares of capital stock of Predictive Oncology Inc. which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and any adjournments or postponement thereinafter specified upon the proposals listed and as more particularly described in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and in their discretion upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting.

THIS PROXY, IF PROPERLY SIGNED AND DATED, WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE SPECIFIED IT WILL BE VOTED “FOR” THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND “FOR” PROPOSALS 2, 3, AND 4, AND, IN THEIR DISCRETION, UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS PROPERLY COMES BEFORE THE MEETING.

Should the undersigned be present and elect to vote at the Annual Meeting or at any adjournment thereof and after notifying the Company’s Corporate Secretary at the Annual Meeting of the undersigned’s decision to revoke this proxy, then the power of said attorneys and proxies shall be deemed terminated and of no further force and effect. This proxy may also be revoked by sending written notice to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at the address set forth on the Notice of Annual Meeting, by voting via the Internet at a later time or by submitting a signed, later-dated proxy prior to a vote being taken on a proposal at the Annual Meeting.

The undersigned acknowledges receipt from the Company, prior to the execution of this proxy, of the Notice of Annual Meeting, the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting, and the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Please complete, sign and date this proxy and return it promptly in the enclosed envelope.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the director nominees and “FOR” proposals 2, 3, and 4.

1.       Elect three Class I Directors

FORWITHHOLD
1. Gregory S. St. Clair, Sr.
2. Nancy Chung-Welch, Ph.D.
3. Matthew J. Hawryluk, Ph.D.

2.       Ratify the appointment of BDO USA, P.C. as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.

☐ FOR           ☐ AGAINST           ☐ ABSTAIN

3.       Vote on a proposal to approve the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan.

☐ FOR           ☐ AGAINST           ☐ ABSTAIN

4.       Vote on a non-binding advisory resolution to approve compensation of the Company’s executive officers.

☐ FOR           ☐ AGAINST           ☐ ABSTAIN

In their discretion, the named proxies are authorized to vote upon such other matters that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Date: ______________________

Signature of Stockholder: _________________________

Signature of Stockholder: _________________________

NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name appears on this proxy. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title. If shares are held jointly, each holder should sign.

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ON REVERSE SIDE

Voting Instructions

You may vote your proxy in the following ways:

Via Internet:

☐ Login to http://www.annualgeneralmeetings.com/poai2023/
☐ Enter your control number (12 digit number located below)

Via Mail:

Pacific Stock Transfer Company
c/o Proxy Department

6725 Via Austi Parkway, Suite 300
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119

CONTROL NUMBER

You may vote by Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Internet voting is available through 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on December 27, 2023.

Your Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.