As a result of the volatility in the global financial and commodity markets created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company implemented measures to reduce the Company’s ongoing cash expenses. Consistent with that goal, the Compensation Committee approved the Salary Reduction Equity Award Program (the “Salary Program”), effective April 1, 2020. Pursuant to the Salary Program, the Company reduced the base salary amounts paid to certain executive officers and other employees by up to 20% for the period between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. On April 1, 2020 and as contemplated by the Salary Program, the Company awarded a total of 201,988 RSUs pursuant to the Plan to participants in the Salary Program. The RSUs ratably vest on the first of every month through December 2020. Shares received upon settlement of RSUs granted under the Salary Program are not subject to any sale restrictions that would otherwise apply under the Company’s ownership guidelines; however, the provisions of the Company’s Securities Trading Policy continue to apply to such shares.
Concurrent with the approval of the Salary Program, the Compensation Committee approved the Director Retainer Reduction Equity Award Program (the “Director Retainer Program”), effective April 1, 2020. Pursuant to the Director Retainer Program, the Company reduced the cash retainer paid to non-employee directors by 20%. During the year ended December 31, 2020 and as contemplated by the Director Retainer Program, the Company awarded a total of 66,070 RSUs pursuant to the Plan to the participants in the Director Retainer Program. The RSUs ratably vest on June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2020. Shares received upon settlement of RSUs granted under the Director Retainer Program are not subject to any sale restrictions that would otherwise apply under the Company’s ownership guidelines; however, the provisions of the Company’s Securities Trading Policy continue to apply to such shares.
On October 1, 2020, both the Salary Program and the Director Retainer Program were terminated. Pursuant to the termination of the Salary Program, the Company recommenced payment of 100% of the base salary of the participating executive officers and other employees, on October 1, 2020, and each participating executive officer and employee agreed to forfeit RSUs awarded to him or her pursuant to the Salary Program scheduled to vest on or after October 1, 2020. Pursuant to the termination of the Director Retainer Program, the Company recommenced payment of 100% of the director fees of each non-employee director, on October 1, 2020, and each non-employee director agreed to forfeit RSUs awarded to him or her pursuant to the Director Retainer Program scheduled to vest on or after October 1, 2020.
On February 25, 2021, the Compensation Committee granted time-based RSUs to certain of the Company’s executive officers and other employees. Each RSU represents a contingent right to receive, upon vesting, one share of the Company’s Common Stock or its cash equivalent, as determined by the Company. The number of RSUs granted to certain named executive officers and certain other employees totaled 1,134,524. Also, in August 2021, 30,899 of additional time-based RSUs were granted to certain of the Company’s other employees.
Additionally, on May 18, 2021, the Company awarded an aggregate of 326,926 time-based RSUs to each of the Company’s non-employee directors, which vest on the first grant date anniversary or, if earlier, the date of the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders. Also, on August 4, 2021 and September 20, 2021, the Company awarded 22,087 and 17,351 time-based RSUs, respectively, to two new non-employee directors, which have the same vesting schedule as those issued on May 18, 2021.
Accelerated Vesting of Restricted Stock Unit Grants
Due to certain non-employee resignations and as permitted by the Plan, effective December 31, 2021, the Board approved the accelerated vesting of 115,386 RSUs granted on May 18, 2021.
On January 3, 2022, the Compensation Committee awarded 10,861 time-based RSUs to one of the Company’s non-employee directors, which vested in full during the six months ended June 30, 2022.
On February 24, 2022, the Compensation Committee awarded an aggregate of 1,085,548 time-based RSUs to certain of the Company’s executive officers and other employees, which vest ratably over a four-year period.
On May 19, 2022, the Compensation Committee awarded an aggregate of 159,766 time-based RSUs to the Company’s non-employee directors, which vest in full on May 19, 2023 or, if earlier, the date of the first Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of the Company following the Grant Date.