UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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CIMETRIX INCORPORATED
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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CIMETRIX INCORPORATED
6979 South High Tech Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah 84047-3757
April 22, 2014
Dear Shareholder:
On behalf of the Board of Directors and management, we cordially invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders for Cimetrix Incorporated, which will be held on Friday, June 6, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. at the Company's headquarters, located at 6979 South High Tech Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.
At the meeting, the Board of Directors is asking you to: (i) elect one director; (ii) ratify the appointment of Tanner LLC as the Company's independent registered public accountants; and (iii) transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. These proposals are more fully set forth in the proxy statement, which you are urged to read thoroughly. We will also report on the progress of the Company.
In accordance with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules, we are using the Internet as our primary means of furnishing proxy materials to shareholders. Consequently, most shareholders will not receive paper copies of our proxy materials. We will instead send our shareholders a notice with instructions for accessing the proxy materials and voting via the Internet. The notice also provides information on how shareholders may obtain paper copies of our proxy materials if they so choose. We believe this will make the proxy distribution process more efficient and less costly and will help in conserving natural resources.
Your vote is important! Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote as soon as possible. As an alternative to voting in person at the Annual Meeting, you may vote via the Internet, by telephone or, if you receive a paper proxy card in the mail, by mailing the completed proxy card. Voting by any of these methods will ensure your representation at the Annual Meeting.
| Very truly yours, | |
 | |
By: | |
| Robert H. Reback | |
| President and Chief Executive Officer |
INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS
In accordance with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules, we are using the Internet as our primary means of furnishing proxy materials to shareholders. Consequently, most shareholders will not receive paper copies of our proxy materials. We will instead send these shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials with instructions for accessing the proxy materials, including our proxy statement and annual report, and voting via the Internet. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials also provides information on how shareholders may obtain paper copies of our proxy materials if they so choose. We believe this will make the proxy distribution process more efficient and less costly and will help in conserving natural resources.
CIMETRIX INCORPORATED
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD JUNE 6, 2014
______________________________
To our Shareholders:
The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Cimetrix Incorporated, a Nevada corporation (the "Company"), will be held on Friday, June 6, 2014, commencing at 9:00 a.m., at the Company's headquarters located at 6979 South High Tech Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah, to consider and vote on the following matters described in this notice and the Proxy Statement:
| 1. | To elect one director to the Company's Board of Directors; |
| 2. | To ratify the appointment of Tanner LLC as the Company's independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014; |
| 3. | To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 7, 2014 as the record date for determination of shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof, and only record holders of common stock at the close of business on that day will be entitled to vote. At the record date, 45,042,006 shares of common stock were outstanding.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has adopted a “Notice and Access” rule that allows companies to deliver a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (“Notice of Internet Availability”) to shareholders in lieu of a paper copy of the proxy statement and related materials and the Company’s Annual Report to shareholders (the “Proxy Materials”). The Notice of Internet Availability provides instructions as to how shareholders can access the Proxy Materials online, contains a listing of matters to be considered at the meeting, and sets forth instructions as to how shares can be voted. Shares must be voted either in person at the Annual Meeting, by telephone, online or by completing and returning a proxy card as instructed on the Notice of Internet Availability. Shares cannot be voted by marking, writing on and/or returning the Notice of Internet Availability. Any Notices of Internet Availability that are returned will not be counted as votes. Instructions for requesting a paper copy of the Proxy Materials are set forth on the Notice of Internet Availability.
This Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and related Proxy Materials are being distributed or made available to shareholders beginning on or about April 22, 2014.
| By Order of the Board of Directors, | |
 | |
By: | |
| April 22, 2014 | Jodi M. Juretich |
| Salt Lake City, Utah | Chief Financial Officer, Secretary/Treasurer |
CIMETRIX INCORPORATED
6979 South High Tech Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah 84047-3757
PROXY STATEMENT
INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING
This Proxy Statement is being provided or made available to shareholders on or about April 22, 2014 in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Cimetrix Incorporated, a Nevada corporation (the "Company" or "Cimetrix"). The proxies are for use at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of the Company, which will be held on Friday, June 6, 2014, commencing at 9:00 a.m., at the Company's headquarters, 6979 South High Tech Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah, and at any adjournment thereof (the "Annual Meeting"). The record date for the Annual Meeting is the close of business on April 7, 2014 (the "Record Date"). Only holders of record of the Company's common stock on the Record Date are entitled to notice of the Annual Meeting and to vote at the Annual Meeting. The Company is making this proxy solicitation.
Voting via the Internet, by Telephone or by Mail
As an alternative to voting in person at the Annual Meeting, shareholders whose shares are registered in their own names may vote via the Internet, by telephone or, for those shareholders who receive a proxy card in the mail, by mailing a completed proxy card. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy materials provides instructions on how to access your proxy card, which contains instructions on how to vote via the Internet or by telephone. For those shareholders who receive a paper proxy card, instructions for voting via the Internet or by telephone are set forth on the proxy card. Those shareholders who receive a paper proxy card and voting instructions by mail, and who elect to vote by mail, should sign and return the mailed proxy card in the prepaid and addressed envelope that was enclosed with the proxy materials, and your shares will be voted at the Annual Meeting in the manner you direct. In the event that you return a signed proxy card on which no directions are specified, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the Board of Directors FOR the election of Michael B. Thompson as director (Proposal No. 1), FOR the ratification of the appointment of Tanner LLC as Cimetrix’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 (Proposal No. 2), and in the discretion of the proxy holders as to any other matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any postponement or adjournment of the Annual Meeting.
If your shares are registered in the name of a bank or brokerage firm (your record holder), you will receive instructions from your record holder that must be followed in order for your record holder to vote your shares per your instructions. Many banks and brokerage firms have a process for their beneficial holders to provide instructions via the Internet or over the telephone. If Internet or telephone voting is unavailable from your bank or brokerage firm, please complete and return the voting instruction card provided by your record holder in accordance with the instructions included therewith. Do not send the voting instruction card to the Company. Shares can only be voted by the registered holder or a duly authorized proxy and your shares will be voted by the bank or brokerage firm in accordance with a duly completed and returned voting instruction card. If you hold shares through a bank or brokerage firm and wish to be able to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a legal proxy from your brokerage firm, bank or other holder of record and present it to the inspector of elections with your ballot.
Shareholders can access the 2014 Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Shareholders electronically at www.colonialstock.com/Cimetrix2014.
Voting Rights
At the Record Date, there were 45,042,006 shares of the Company's common stock outstanding, all of which are entitled to be voted at the meeting. No other voting securities of the Company were outstanding at the Record Date. The presence, either in person or by proxy, of persons entitled to vote a majority of the Company's outstanding common stock is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes and shares voted by a broker or bank holding shares for a beneficial owner are all counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum.
Holders of common stock have one vote for each share on any matter that may be presented for consideration and action by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting. Generally, in order for any matter to be approved, the votes received in favor must exceed the votes against, except for the election of directors. There is no cumulative voting and directors are elected by a plurality vote. The nominee for director receiving the highest number of votes at the Annual Meeting will be elected. The ratification of Tanner LLC as the Company's independent registered public accountants must be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy.
Shares of our common stock which are entitled to be voted at the Annual Meeting that are represented by properly executed proxies will be voted in accordance with the instructions indicated on such proxies. If no instructions are indicated, such shares will be voted (i) FOR the election of Michael B. Thompson as director; (ii) FOR the ratification of the appointment by the Audit Committee of Tanner LLC to be our independent registered public accountants for the year ending December 31, 2014; and (iii) in the discretion of the proxy holders as to any other matters which may properly come before the Annual Meeting and that we did not have notice of a reasonable time prior to the availability this Proxy Statement. We are not currently aware of any other matter that may be presented at the Annual Meeting.
Your proxy may be revoked by providing written notice to Jodi M. Juretich, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer, Cimetrix Incorporated, 6979 High Tech Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84047, at any time prior to its exercise, by delivering a revocation, or a later-dated proxy to Ms. Juretich or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting your shares in person.
Proxy Solicitation Costs
The cost of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, this Proxy Statement and related documents, and the cost of soliciting proxies relating to the Annual Meeting, will be borne by the Company. The Company may request banks and brokers to solicit their customers who beneficially own common stock listed of record in the names of such nominees, and will reimburse such banks and brokers for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for such solicitations. The solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented by telephone, electronic and personal solicitation by officers, directors and regular employees of the Company, but no additional compensation will be paid for such efforts.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Proposal 1
Election to the Board of Directors
The Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors ("Nominating Committee") has nominated Michael B. Thompson, a director since 2004, to the Board of Directors to serve for a three year term. Mr. Thompson has consented to being named in the Proxy Statement as a nominee for election as director and has agreed to serve as a director if elected.
Under the Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, directors are divided into three classes. The term of office of one class of directors expires in each year. Directors are elected to serve until their successors are elected and qualified. There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors. If Mr. Thompson should for any reason become unavailable for election, the proxies may be voted for the election of a substitute nominee as the Board of Directors may propose. The accompanying form of proxy contains a discretionary grant of authority with respect to this matter.
The Nominating Committee is responsible for reviewing the requisite skills and characteristics of new Board members as well as the composition of the Board as a whole. We believe that the minimum qualifications for serving as a director are that a nominee demonstrates an ability to make a meaningful contribution to the Board’s oversight of the business and affairs of the Company and have a positive reputation with respect to ethical conduct. Nominees for director will include individuals who, taking into account their diversity, skills, and experience in the context of the needs of the Board, as well as other relevant factors such as conflicts of interest and other commitments, would enhance the Board’s ability to manage and direct it’s affairs and business. Although we do not have a formal policy on diversity for board members, it is a factor in assessing potential board members. Diversity not only encompasses racial and gender diversity, but it also relates to diversity of experience and background in an effort to ensure that the composition of our Board provides a strong and well balanced foundation of skill and experience.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Company is currently comprised of the following individuals:
Name | Age | Director Since | Expiration Of Current Term | Expiration of Term For Which Nominated | Position With The Company |
| Robert H. Reback | 54 | 2002 | 2015 | N/A | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
| Scott C. Chandler | 52 | 2003 | 2015 | N/A | Director |
| Michael B. Thompson | 61 | 2004 | 2014 | 2017 | Director |
| Edward C. Grady | 66 | 2011 | 2016 | N/A | Director |
Biographical Information
There is no family relationship among the current directors and executive officers. There is no arrangement or understanding between any director and any other person pursuant to which the director was or is to be selected as a director or nominee. All directors, with the exception of Robert H. Reback, President and Chief Executive Officer, are considered independent as defined by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. The following sets forth brief biographical information for Mr. Thompson, the director nominee, and our other directors.
Nominee:
Michael B. Thompson has served as a director of the Company since May 2004. Mr. Thompson is currently the VP of R&D and Information Technology for Kersh Risk Management in Plano, Texas. Kersh is a B2B company focused on helping employees and dependents make behavioral changes to improve their health, which benefits the employee and reduces employer health care costs. In 2007 and 2008, Mr. Thompson was the COO of Mediaport Entertainment, Inc., a digital media kiosk company that provides automated fulfillment and point of sale solutions for music, movies, eBooks, audio books, and other digital media. From 2003 to 2006, Mr. Thompson served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and director of Setpoint Companies, an industry leader in lean automation that designs, assembles, tests, and delivers automated assembly and test equipment. Mr. Thompson was integrally involved in Setpoint’s hub-and-spoke growth initiative starting four new companies while directly managing MySchedule.Net, Setpoint Spectrometers, and Rocky Mountain Testing Solutions. From 1986 to 2003, Mr. Thompson was the Vice President of the Brooks Automation Planning and Logistics Solutions’ software division, which develops simulation, scheduling, and material handling automation and software controls to the semiconductor and related high technology industries. He was the President of AutoSimulations, Inc., which was acquired by Brooks in January of 2000.
Mr. Thompson has been involved with automation, modeling and scheduling manufacturing systems for over 25 years. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from the Department of Engineering Sciences and Technology at Brigham Young University. Mr. Thompson has been a pioneer in the field of industrial scheduling, workforce scheduling and the application of simulation technology to industrial problems. He has authored numerous papers and articles published in technical magazines and professional journals.
The Board nominated Mr. Thompson for his business experience in successfully running software development companies and other organizations, and his experience and expertise with simulation, scheduling and material handling automation, and software controls.
Other Directors:
Robert H. Reback, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, has served as a director of the Company since July 2002. Mr. Reback joined Cimetrix as Vice President of Sales in January, 1996, was promoted to Executive Vice President of Sales in January, 1997 and became President on June 25, 2001. Prior to Cimetrix, Mr. Reback was the District Manager of Fanuc Robotics' West Coast business unit from 1994 to 1995. From 1985 to 1993, he was Director of Sales/Account Executives for Thesis, Inc., a privately-owned supplier of factory automation software, and was previously a Senior Automation Engineer for Texas Instruments. Mr. Reback holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.
The Board nominated Mr. Reback based on his long-standing service and extensive experience in factory automation and management. In addition, the Board values Mr. Reback's ability to convey his detailed knowledge of the Company's operations and strategy, as well as his insights about the equipment market and high-tech industries.
Scott C. Chandler has served as a director of the Company since May 2003. Since 2002, Mr. Chandler has been Managing Partner for Franklin Court Partners, LLC, a consulting firm that provides the following services: strategic consulting, financial analysis, business development, valuation analysis, business plan development, financing strategy development, litigation support, and due diligence support. From 1998 to 2001, Mr. Chandler was Chief Financial Officer (1998-2000) and Senior Vice President for Global Business Development (2000-2001) for RHYTHMS NetConnections, a leading provider of broadband services utilizing digital subscriber line (DSL) technology. At RHYTHMS, Mr. Chandler was responsible for raising over $2 billion for the company, and in 2001 led the financial restructuring of RHYTHMS, which resulted in the sale of its assets to MCI. From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Chandler served as President and Chief Executive Officer of C-COR, a pioneer in the cable television equipment industry. Under Mr. Chandler's leadership, C-COR's revenues increased to over $150 million, and it was named by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 fastest-growing public companies. Mr. Chandler earned an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and a B.A from Whitworth University. Mr. Chandler currently serves as a member of the board of directors of several privately held companies.
The Board nominated Mr. Chandler for his business experience in a variety of industries, his management experience, his recognition as a financial expert and Mr. Chandler's contributions to the Cimetrix Board, Compensation and Audit Committees.
Edward C. Grady has served as a director of the Company since September 2011. Mr. Grady is currently President and Chief Executive Officer and a director at Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. (ESIO), a supplier of laser based micro fabrication systems for consumer products, semiconductor and industrial applications. He has been a member of the board of directors at ESI since 2010. He served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Reel Solar Inc., an early stage start-up company focused on a unique low cost PV Solar panel production technology and process, from 2010 until Feb 2014. Mr. Grady retired in October 2007 from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Brooks Automation, a publicly held provider of automation solutions to the global semiconductor and other complex manufacturing industries, including clean tech and data storage. Prior to joining Brooks Automation in February 2003, he ran multiple divisions at KLA-Tencor, a publicly held process control company, and had served as Chief Executive Officer of Hoya Micro Mask Inc., a supplier of photo masks and services to the semiconductor industry. Mr. Grady began his career as an engineer for Monsanto/MEMC and, during his 13 years with the company, rose to the position of Vice President of Worldwide Sales for a division of MEMC. Mr. Grady currently serves on the boards of directors of Advanced Energy Inc. (AEIS), a supplier of precision power supplies to the Semiconductor process and thin film uses and solar power inverters for large scale solar power plants. Mr. Grady also served on the board of directors of Brooks Automation from 2003 to 2008, Evergreen Solar, Inc. from 2005 to 2011, and Verigy Ltd. from 2007 to 2011. Mr. Grady earned a B.S. in Engineering from Southern Illinois University and an MBA at the University of Houston.
The Board nominated Mr. Grady for his business experience in the semiconductor capital equipment industry along with his leadership skills in the development of solar and LED technologies.
Other Information
SEC regulations require us to describe certain legal proceedings which occurred during the past ten years, including bankruptcy and insolvency filings involving companies of which a director previously served as an executive officer. None of Cimetrix’s directors were involved in any legal proceedings of this nature.
Voting
Directors are elected by a plurality vote. The nominee for director receiving the highest number of votes at the Annual Meeting will be elected.
The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders vote "FOR" the election of the Director nominee to the Board, Michael B. Thompson.
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Proposal 2
The table below provides the aggregate fees paid or accrued by the Company to its independent registered public accounting firm, HJ & Associates, LLC, for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
| 2013 | 2012 | |||||||
| Audit fees | $ | 52,000 | $ | 52,000 | ||||
| Audit-related fees | - | - | ||||||
| Tax fees | 4,000 | 8,000 | ||||||
| Other fees | - | - | ||||||
| Total | $ | 56,000 | $ | 60,000 | ||||
Audit fees consist of fees for the audit of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s report on Form 10-K, the review of the consolidated interim financial statements included in Forms 10-Q, and services in connection with the Company’s various statutory and regulatory filings. Tax fees consist of fees for the preparation of the Company’s federal and state corporate income tax returns.
It is Cimetrix’s policy that the Audit Committee pre-approves all audit, tax and other services performed by our independent registered public accounting firm. All of the services described in the table above were approved in advance by our Audit Committee.
As previously disclosed by the Company, in April 2014 the Audit Committee completed a competitive process to determine what audit firm would serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2014. On April 1, 2014, the Audit Committee dismissed HJ & Associates, LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm effective immediately.
The reports of HJ & Associates, LLC on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, and through April 1, 2014, there were no (a) disagreements with HJ & Associates, LLC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to HJ & Associates, LLC’s satisfaction, would have caused HJ & Associates, LLC to make reference to the subject matter thereof in connection with its reports for such years; or (b) reportable events, as described under Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.
Also as previously disclosed, contemporaneous with the dismissal of HJ & Associates, LLC, the Audit Committee engaged Tanner LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2014. On April 4, 2014, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K announcing the changes in registrant’s certifying accountant and its engagement of Tanner LLC as its independent registered public accounting firm.
During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the subsequent interim period through April 1, 2014, the Company did not consult with Tanner LLC regarding any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2) of Regulation S-K.
Voting
Ratification of the appointment of Tanner LLC requires that the number of votes cast at the Meeting, in person or by proxy, in favor of the ratification exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to the ratification.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors appointed Tanner LLC, as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year. The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors seek to have the stockholders ratify this appointment. Representatives of Tanner LLC are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will respond to appropriate questions.
Although stockholder ratification is not required, the Audit Committee and the Board are submitting the appointment of Tanner LLC to the Company’s stockholders for an advisory vote on ratification at the Annual Meeting as a matter of good corporate governance in order to provide a means by which stockholders may communicate their opinion with respect to this matter. If the appointment of Tanner LLC is not ratified by the stockholders, the Audit Committee may replace Tanner LLC with another independent registered public accounting firm for the balance of the year or may decide to maintain its appointment of Tanner LLC, whichever it deems to be in the best interests of the Company given the circumstances at that time.
The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders vote "FOR" ratification of the appointment of Tanner LLC as the Company's independent registered public accountants for fiscal year 2014.
BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
Board Meetings
The Company's Board of Directors held five formal board meetings during 2013. Each of the Company's directors attended 100% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and the meetings of each of the committees on which they served during 2013.
Board Committees
The Board of Directors currently has standing audit, compensation and nominating committees. No separate compensation is paid for committee assignments or attendance. The audit committee has a written charter which is available at www.cimetrix.com/Governance. Printed copies are available upon written request to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at Cimetrix Incorporated, 6979 High Tech Drive, Salt Lake City UT 84047.
The Audit Committee currently consists of three directors, Scott C. Chandler, Michael B. Thompson and Edward C. Grady and is chaired by Scott C. Chandler. The Audit Committee held four meetings during 2013. Each member of the audit committee is considered independent as defined by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. The report of the Audit Committee is included below. The Board of Directors has determined that Scott C. Chandler, chairman of the Audit Committee, is the audit committee financial expert, as that term is defined under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
The Compensation Committee currently consists of Scott C. Chandler, Michael B. Thompson and Edward C. Grady. The Chairman of the Compensation Committee is Scott C. Chandler. The Compensation Committee held five meetings during 2013. All members of the Compensation Committee are independent as defined by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange and “independent directors” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
While there is no formal Compensation Committee charter, the Compensation Committee has responsibility for establishing and monitoring the executive compensation programs of the Company and for making decisions regarding the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers. The agenda for meetings of the Compensation Committee is determined by the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee approves the compensation packages of the Named Executive Officers, including their annual bonuses. Mr. Reback, the President and Chief Executive Officer, suggests items to be considered by the Compensation Committee from time to time, including the compensation package for the other Named Executive Officers, and participates in the meetings of the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee relies on its judgment in making compensation decisions after reviewing the performance of the Company and evaluating the executives’ leadership ability and responsibilities with the Company and current compensation arrangements. The Compensation Committee assessment process is designed to be flexible so as to better respond to the evolving business environment and individual circumstances.
During 2013, the Compensation Committee and the Company did not retain any compensation consultant to render services regarding executive compensation since an independent compensation consultant was retained in late 2010, but may seek the advice of such persons in the future.
The Nominating Committee currently consists of Scott C. Chandler, Michael B. Thompson and Edward C. Grady. The Nominating Committee did not hold any meetings during 2013. All members of the Nominating Committee are independent as defined by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. Functions of the Nominating Committee include identification of qualified individuals to serve as members of the Board of Directors, recommendation to the Board of Directors of a slate of nominees for election at each Annual Meeting of shareholders, recommendation to the Board of Directors concerning the appropriate size, function, needs and composition of the Board and its committees, and advising the Board of Directors on other corporate governance matters.
The Nominating Committee will consider nominees for election or appointment to the Board who are recommended by our stockholders, provided that a complete description of such nominee’s qualifications, experience and background, together with a statement signed by each nominee in which he or she consents to act as a director if elected, accompanies the recommendations. In addition, such nominations by stockholders must be made in accordance with our By-Laws. See “SHAREHOLDERS PROPOSALS” at the end of this document. Such recommendations should be submitted in writing no later than January 1, 2015, to the attention of the Committee, c/o Corporate Secretary, Cimetrix Incorporated, 6979 High Tech Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84047 and should not include self-nominations.
Board Leadership
Our Board has no policy with respect to the separation of the offices of Chairman and CEO. We currently do not have an official Chairman of the Board, although Robert H. Reback, President and CEO, fills that role. The Board believes that combining the role of Chairman and the position of CEO is appropriate to further strengthen the Company’s governance structure by promoting unified leadership and direction for the Company, fostering accountability and allowing for a single, clear focus for management to execute the Company’s strategy and business plans. The Company does not have a Lead Independent Director.
Board Oversight of Risk Management
The Board of Directors has an active role, as a whole and also at the committee level, in overseeing management of the Company's risks. The Board regularly reviews reports from executive management and other information regarding the Company's credit, liquidity and operations and compliance with corporate policies, legal and regulatory requirements, as well as the risks associated with each such matter. The Compensation Committee oversees management of risks relating to the Company's executive compensation plans and arrangements. The Audit Committee oversees management of financial risks and any potential conflicts of interest arising from related party transactions. While each committee is responsible for evaluating certain risks and overseeing the management of such risks, the entire Board of Directors is regularly informed through both formal and informal communications about such risks.
Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices of the Company, as well as the Company’s compliance with corporate policies and legal and regulatory requirements, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Audit Committee has met with management and discussed the Company's internal controls, the quality of the Company's financial reporting, and the results of the audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements. In addition, the Audit Committee met with the Company's then independent registered public accountants, HJ & Associates, LLC, and discussed all matters required to be discussed by the independent registered public accountants with the Audit Committee under Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (communication with audit committees). The Audit Committee received and discussed with the independent registered public accountants their annual written report on their independence from the Company and its management, which is made under Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (independence discussions with audit committees), and considered whether the other non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accountants potentially impaired their independence and determined that it did not.
In performing these functions, the Audit Committee acts only in an oversight capacity. In its oversight role, the Audit Committee relies on the work and assurances of the Company's management, which is responsible for the integrity of the Company's internal controls and its financial statements and reports, and the Company's independent registered public accountants, who are responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), and for issuing a report on these consolidated financial statements.
Based upon the reviews and discussions described above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In April 2014, following a competitive process to determine what audit firm would serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2014, the Committee retained Tanner LLC. As a matter of good corporate governance, the Committee is seeking ratification by the Company’s stockholders of that appointment.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott C. Chandler
Michael B. Thompson
Edward C. Grady
The above report of the Audit Committee will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing by us under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate the same by reference.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth certain biographical information with respect to the executive officers of the Company:
| Name | Age | Title |
| Robert H. Reback | 54 | President and Chief Executive Officer |
| David P. Faulkner | 58 | Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing |
| Jodi M. Juretich | 52 | Chief Financial Officer |
| Paul A. Johnson | 58 | Vice President of Software Engineering |
There is no arrangement or understanding between any officer and any other person pursuant to which the officer was or is to be selected as an officer or nominee. There are no family relationships between any of the officers and/or between any of the officers and directors. Biographical information for Mr. Reback is set forth above under “Board of Directors-Proposal 1.”
David P. Faulkner joined the Company in August 1996. Mr. Faulkner was previously employed as the Manager of PLC Marketing, Manager of Automotive Operations and District Sales Manager for GE Fanuc Automation, a global supplier of factory automation computer equipment specializing in programmable logic controllers, factory software and computer numerical controls from 1986 to 1996. Mr. Faulkner earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Jodi M. Juretich, Chief Financial Officer, joined Cimetrix in May 2007 and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in November 2008. Ms. Juretich has over 10 years’ experience in executive accounting management for private high-growth companies and 10 years of public accounting experience. Prior to joining Cimetrix, Ms. Juretich was Vice President of Finance for two venture funded private companies, General Manager for a subsidiary of Monster.com and an Accounting Manager with a division of The Times Mirror Company (Los Angeles Times). She has played key roles in raising venture capital in start-up organizations and led Cimetrix in implementing and managing the new Sarbanes-Oxley compliance requirements. She currently sits on the Executive Board of Directors as Chairman of the Board for the Utah Foster Care Foundation. Ms. Juretich earned a B.S. in Business Management from Westminster College.
Paul A. Johnson, Vice President of Software Engineering, joined Cimetrix in July 2010. Mr. Johnson has 25 years of experience in software development in a variety of industries, including semiconductor, telecommunications and finance. Mr. Johnson has an extensive development and management background working in .NET/C#, Agile development methodologies as well as object-oriented design and implementation techniques. Mr. Johnson was an independent Principle Software Development Consultant before joining Cimetrix. Prior to joining Cimetrix, he was a Senior Software Developer at Trintech Inc. from 2006-2009, building financial reconciliation systems in .NET and C#. Throughout his career, Mr. Johnson has led many software product engineering organizations, both large and small, serving in roles such as primary developer, team lead, principal architect, and executive manager. Mr. Johnson specializes in the application of mature software development technologies and processes as well as incorporating new techniques where they prove successful. Mr. Johnson earned a B.S. in Physics from the United States Military Academy, an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and an M.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology from University of Texas, Dallas.
Summary Compensation Table
The table below summarizes the total compensation paid to or earned by each of the Named Executive Officers for services in all capacities to the Company and its affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
| Restricted | Non-Equity | All Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock | Option | Incentive Plan | Compen- | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name and | Salary | Bonus | Awards | Awards | Compensation | sation | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Principal Postion | Year | ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | ||||||||||||||||||
| (a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) (5) | (f) (5) | (g) (6) | (i) | (j) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Robert H. Reback | 2013 | 200,000 | - | 35,248 | 16,000 | 15,511 | (1 | ) | 266,759 | |||||||||||||||||
| President and Chief | 2012 | 200,000 | - | 12,769 | 14,000 | 16,036 | (1 | ) | 242,805 | |||||||||||||||||
| Executive Officer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| David P. Faulkner | 2013 | 150,000 | - | 27,114 | 27,964 | 13,430 | (2 | ) | 218,508 | |||||||||||||||||
| Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing | 2012 | 150,000 | - | 8,513 | 51,355 | 12,824 | (2 | ) | 222,692 | |||||||||||||||||
| Jodi M. Juretich | 2013 | 135,000 | - | 10,846 | 9,000 | 6,151 | (3 | ) | 160,997 | |||||||||||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer | 2012 | 135,000 | - | 8,513 | 6,000 | 6,351 | (3 | ) | 155,864 | |||||||||||||||||
| Paul A. Johnson | 2013 | 150,000 | - | 10,846 | 14,000 | 6,799 | (4 | ) | 181,645 | |||||||||||||||||
| Vice President Engineering | 2012 | 150,000 | - | 8,513 | 1,000 | 6,947 | (4 | ) | 166,460 | |||||||||||||||||
| (1) | The amount of "All Other Compensation" reported in column (i) with respect to Mr. Reback consists of the following items: automobile allowance, $6,600 in 2013 and 2012; 401(k) Plan match, $8,000 in 2013 and $8,555 in 2012; and life insurance premiums, $911 in 2013 and $881 in 2012. |
| (2) | The amount of "All Other Compensation" reported in column (i) with respect to Mr. Faulkner consists of the following items: automobile allowance, $6,600 in 2013 and 2012; 401(k) Plan match, $6,000 in 2013 and $5,420 in 2012; and life insurance premiums, $830 in 2013 and $804 in 2012. |
| (3) | The amount of "All Other Compensation" reported in column (i) with respect to Ms. Juretich consists of the following items: 401(k) Plan match, $5,400 in 2013 and $5,625 in 2012; and life insurance premiums, $751 in 2013 and $726 in 2012. |
| (4) | The amount of "All Other Compensation" reported in column (i) with respect to Mr. Johnson consists of the following items: 401(k) Plan match, $6,000 in 2013 and $6,175 in 2012; and life insurance premiums, $799 in 2013 and $772 in 2012. |
| (5) | The amounts in columns (e) and (f) show the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards and options awards granted during the year indicated, computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718. |
| (6) | Annual performance bonuses earned for 2013 and paid in 2013 and 2014 are reported in column (g) under the heading “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation. |
Annual Incentive Bonuses
Each Named Executive Officer is eligible to participate in an annual performance-based bonus plan (“Annual Plan”). The Annual Plan is intended to motivate participating executives to achieve both short-term and long-term strategic and financial objectives. At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Compensation Committee (or Mr. Reback in the case of Named Executive Officers other than Mr. Reback) sets various financial and strategic objectives for the participating Named Executive Officers, the relative weight to be accorded those goals, and a target bonus level, expressed as a percentage of base salary, to be paid upon achievement of the designated performance goals. Those goals and target bonus amounts are set forth in an Annual Plan signed by the executive. The Compensation Committee approves the Annual Plans of all the Named Executive Officers.
In certain cases the strategic performance goals are qualitative, rather than quantitative. At or shortly after the end of each fiscal year, the Compensation Committee (or Mr. Reback in the case of Named Executive Officers other than Mr. Reback) determines the degree to which each Named Executive Officer’s specified annual performance goals were met, and the amount of annual bonus, if any, payable under the Annual Plan. If appropriate, the Compensation Committee approves the amount of annual bonus for payout.
In the case of qualitative performance measures, subjective discretion may be exercised in determining the degree to which the designated goals were met. In the event the specified performance goals are only partially achieved, a reduced performance bonus may be earned as specified in the Named Executive Officer’s Annual Plan. If financial performance goals are exceeded, additional bonus amounts may be earned above the target level, again as provided in the applicable Annual Plan. Annual Plans provide target bonus levels but no threshold or maximum payouts.
For 2013, Mr. Reback’s targeted performance bonus was 50% of his annual base salary and his financial performance goals were accorded a weight of 70% and consisted of specified measures of annual revenue growth, profitability and cash management. His strategic performance goals were accorded a weight of 30% and consisted of specific objectives relative to shareholder value and long-term strategy planning. Mr. Reback received partial credit for the financial goals and received partial credit for the strategic goals. The actual annual performance bonus earned under his 2013 Annual Plan was $16,000 which was paid on March 14, 2014.
For 2013, Mr. Faulkner’s targeted commission and performance bonus was 24% of his annual base salary and his commissions and performance goals consisted of increasing Company sales as well as bonus awards related to key accounts, product and services sales, and market diversification. Mr. Faulkner received commission payments on a quarterly basis. The actual total annual commissions and performance bonus earned by Mr. Faulkner under his 2013 Annual Plan was $27,964. Of that amount, $17,958 was paid in 2013 and $10,006 which paid on March 14, 2014.
For 2013, Ms. Juretich’s targeted performance bonus was 30% of her annual base salary and her financial performance goals were accorded a weight of 50% and consisted of specified measures of annual revenue growth, profitability and cash management. Her strategic performance goals were accorded a weight of 50% and consisted of specified objectives relative to internal operations, shareholder value and long-term strategy planning. Ms. Juretich received partial credit for the financial goals and received partial credit for the strategic goals. The actual annual performance bonus earned under her 2013 Annual Plan was $9,000 which was paid on March 14, 2014.
For 2013, Mr. Johnson’s targeted performance bonus was 30% of his annual base salary and his financial performance goals were accorded a weight of 40% and consisted of specified measures of annual revenue growth and profitability. His strategic performance goals were accorded a weight of 60% and consisted of specified objectives relative to new product innovation, customer satisfaction, and internal operations improvements. Mr. Johnson received partial credit on the financial goals and received partial credit for the strategic goals. The actual annual performance bonus earned under his 2013 Annual Plan was $14,000 which was paid on March 14, 2014.
Stock-Based Compensation
In May 2006, the Company’s shareholders approved the combined amendment and restatement of the Cimetrix Incorporated 1998 Incentive Stock Option Plan and the Cimetrix Incorporated Director Stock Option Plan as the Cimetrix 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). In addition to stock options, the Plan authorizes the grant of stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, and other stock unit and equity-based options. Stock awards under the Plan are designed to align the interests of the shareholders and the Company's officers in the enhancement of shareholder value. Stock options are granted at an exercise price not lower than the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. In making decisions regarding the stock option plan, the Compensation Committee evaluates the Company's overall financial performance for the year, the desirability of long-term service from an officer and the number of stock options held by other officers in the Company who have the same, more or less responsibility.
When granting stock based compensation, the Compensation Committee looks at each of these factors on a case by case basis. In 2010, the Company’s compensation consulting group provided guidelines to the Compensation Committee that provides for percentage allotments based on the following groups: President/CEO, Executive Team, Key Employees and Other Employees. To encourage long-term performance, the stock options granted under the Plan generally vest ratably over a one to four-year period and expire ten years after the date of grant. Vesting accelerates, however, upon termination on account of death or disability. Restricted stock vesting periods are generally a shorter term.
In granting stock options to the Named Executive Officers, the Company also considers the impact of the grant on the Company's financial performance, as determined in accordance with the requirements of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718. For long-term equity awards, the Company records expense in accordance with ASC Topic 718, which may vary from the actual value that may be realized by the named executives.
Other Benefits
Other benefits are provided to Messrs. Reback, Faulkner and Johnson and Ms. Juretich in order to achieve a competitive pay package. The Compensation Committee believes that those benefits, which are detailed in the Summary Compensation Table, are reasonable, competitive and consistent with the Company's overall executive compensation program.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
This table provides information on the year-end 2013 holdings of Company stock options by the Named Executive Officers. There were no unvested restricted stock awards in 2013.
| Option Awards | ||||||||||||
| Number of | Number of | |||||||||||
| Securities | Securities | |||||||||||
| Name | Underlying | Underlying | ||||||||||
| Unexercised | Unexercised | Options | Option | |||||||||
| Options (#) | Options (#) | Exercise | Expiration | |||||||||
| Exercisable | Unexercisable | Price ($) | Date | |||||||||
| (a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | ||||||||
| Robert H. Reback | 300,000 | - | 0.17 | 3/17/2015 | ||||||||
| Robert H. Reback | 125,000 | - | 0.02 | 5/12/2016 | ||||||||
| Robert H. Reback | 93,750 | 31,250 | (1 | ) | 0.08 | 3/17/2017 | ||||||
| Robert H. Reback | 125,000 | 125,000 | (1 | ) | 0.17 | 11/25/2021 | ||||||
| Robert H. Reback | 37,500 | 112,500 | (1 | ) | 0.12 | 11/13/2022 | ||||||
| Robert H. Reback | - | 325,000 | (1 | ) | 0.15 | 11/12/2023 | ||||||
| David P. Faulkner | 250,000 | - | 0.17 | 3/17/2015 | ||||||||
| David P. Faulkner | 75,000 | - | 0.02 | 5/12/2016 | ||||||||
| David P. Faulkner | 93,750 | 31,250 | (2 | ) | 0.08 | 3/17/2017 | ||||||
| David P. Faulkner | 75,000 | 75,000 | (2 | ) | 0.17 | 11/25/2021 | ||||||
| David P. Faulkner | 25,000 | 75,000 | (2 | ) | 0.12 | 11/13/2022 | ||||||
| David P. Faulkner | - | 250,000 | (2 | ) | 0.15 | 11/12/2023 | ||||||
| Jodi M. Juretich | 35,000 | - | 0.27 | 5/16/2014 | ||||||||
| Jodi M. Juretich | 10,000 | - | 0.27 | 8/5/2014 | ||||||||
| Jodi M. Juretich | 64,166 | - | 0.12 | 5/12/2015 | ||||||||
| Jodi M. Juretich | 42,778 | - | 0.04 | 11/12/2015 | ||||||||
| Jodi M. Juretich | 75,000 | - | 0.02 | 5/12/2016 | ||||||||
| Jodi M. Juretich | 75,000 | 75,000 | (3 | ) | 0.17 | 11/25/2021 | ||||||
| Jodi M. Juretich | 25,000 | 75,000 | (3 | ) | 0.12 | 11/13/2022 | ||||||
| Jodi M. Juretich | - | 100,000 | (3 | ) | 0.15 | 11/12/2023 | ||||||
| Paul A. Johnson | 37,500 | 12,500 | (4 | ) | 0.23 | 8/10/2017 | ||||||
| Paul A. Johnson | 100,000 | - | 0.36 | 3/8/2018 | ||||||||
| Paul A. Johnson | 75,000 | 75,000 | (4 | ) | 0.17 | 11/25/2021 | ||||||
| Paul A. Johnson | 25,000 | 75,000 | (4 | ) | 0.12 | 11/13/2022 | ||||||
| Paul A. Johnson | - | 100,000 | (4 | ) | 0.15 | 11/12/2023 | ||||||
| (1) | For Mr. Reback, the vesting dates for the indicated unexercisable options shown in column (c) are as follows: 31,250 options (expiration date March 17, 2017) vested on March 18, 2014; 62,500 options (expiration date November 25, 2021) vest each year on November 25, 2014 and 2015; 37,500 options (expiration date November 13, 2022) vest each year on November 13, 2014, 2015 and 2016; 81,250 options (expiration date November 12, 2023) vest each year on November 12, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. |
| (2) | For Mr. Faulkner, the vesting dates for the indicated unexercisable options shown in column (c) are as follows: 31,250 options (expiration date March 17, 2017) vested on March 18, 2014; 37,500 options (expiration date November 25, 2021) vest each year on November 25, 2014 and 2015; 25,000 options (expiration date November 13, 2022) vest each year on November 13, 2014, 2015 and 2016; 62,500 options (expiration date November 12, 2023) vest each year on November 12, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. |
| (3) | For Ms. Juretich, the vesting dates for the indicated unexercisable options shown in column (c) are as follows: 37,500 options (expiration date November 25, 2021) vest each year on November 25, 2014 and 2015; 25,000 options (expiration date November 13, 2022) vest each year on November 13, 2014, 2015 and 2016; 25,000 options (expiration date November 12, 2023) vest each year on November 12, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. |
| (4) | For Mr. Johnson, the vesting dates for the indicated unexercisable options shown in column (c) are as follows: 12,500 options (expiration date August 10, 2017) vest on August 12, 2014; 37,500 options (expiration date November 25, 2021) vest each year on November 25, 2014 and 2015; 25,000 options (expiration date November 13, 2022) vest each year on November 13, 2014, 2015 and 2016; 25,000 options (expiration date November 12, 2023) vest each year on November 12, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
No Named Executive Officers exercised Company stock options during the year ended December 31, 2013. No restricted stock awards were granted to Named Executive Officers or vested during the year ended December 31, 2013.
Employment Agreements
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Company has an employment agreement with Robert H. Reback, its President and Chief Executive Officer which expires on December 31, 2014 with an automatic renewal of two years from the then-current expiration date. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Reback receives an annual salary of $200,000 through the remaining term of the agreement and subject to increases as the Compensation Committee determines in its discretion. In addition, Mr. Reback is eligible to receive a cash bonus at the end of each fiscal year, upon the satisfaction of the performance objectives approved by the Compensation Committee on an annual basis. Mr. Reback is also eligible to participate in the Company’s 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan and other compensation plans, with annual awards determined by the Compensation Committee. The employment agreement provides that Mr. Reback cannot compete with the Company during the term of the agreement and for a period of one year thereafter.
The agreement further provides for severance pay equal to (i) Mr. Reback’s annual salary then in effect, (ii) health benefit plan coverage then in effect for a period not to exceed (a) the maximum amount of time that Mr. Reback is eligible to obtain group health benefits plan coverage under COBRA or (b) the date Mr. Reback receives substantially similar coverage from another employer and (iii) an additional bonus-based severance benefit of 60% of Mr. Reback’s annualized base salary, if Mr. Reback is terminated without cause by the Company or resigns for “good reason” (as such terms are defined in the agreement). In addition, if a change in control of the Company occurs, the vesting of Mr. Reback’s options and other awards under the Company’s compensation plans will be accelerated.
Other Executive Officers
The Company has an employment agreement with David P. Faulkner, its Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing which expires on December 31, 2014 with an automatic renewal of two years from the then-current expiration date. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Faulkner receives an annual salary per year in an amount not less than $150,000. The Board of Directors, and/or the Compensation Committee, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, may increase or decrease the base salary, but not below the minimum required.
Mr. Faulkner is eligible to receive commissions and bonus of which the objectives and amount of commissions and any bonus are at the discretion of the President and Chief Executive Officer, with approval from the Compensation Committee. Mr. Faulkner is also eligible to participate in the Company’s 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan and plans and policies covering life, disability, health and dental insurance. The employment agreement provides that Mr. Faulkner cannot compete with the Company during the term of the agreement and for a period of one year thereafter.
The agreement further provides a salary-based severance benefit equal to (i) Mr. Faulkner’s monthly base salary, for a period of six months, (ii) health benefit plan coverage then in effect for a period not to exceed (a) the maximum amount of time that Mr. Faulkner is eligible to obtain group health benefits plan coverage under COBRA (with the Company/Executive contributions remaining the same on a percentage basis) or (b) the date Mr. Faulkner receives substantially similar coverage from another employer. In addition, if a change in control of the Company occurs, the vesting of Mr. Faulkner’s options and other awards under the Company’s compensation plans will be accelerated.
The Company has an employment agreement with Jodi M. Juretich, its Chief Financial Officer which expires on December 31, 2014 with an automatic renewal of two years from the then-current expiration date. Under the terms of the agreement, Ms. Juretich receives an annual salary per year in an amount not less than $145,000. The Board of Directors, and/or the Compensation Committee, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, may increase or decrease the base salary, but not below the minimum required.
Ms. Juretich is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus conditioned upon the achievement of performance measures established by the Chief Executive Officer after consultation with the Compensation Committee of the Company. Ms. Juretich is also eligible to participate in the Company’s 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan and plans and policies covering life, disability, health and dental insurance. The employment agreement provides that Ms. Juretich cannot compete with the Company during the term of the agreement and for a period of one year thereafter.
The agreement further provides a salary-based severance benefit equal to (i) Ms. Juretich’s monthly base salary, for a period of six months, (ii) health benefit plan coverage then in effect for a period not to exceed (a) the maximum amount of time that Ms. Juretich is eligible to obtain group health benefits plan coverage under COBRA (with the Company/Executive contributions remaining the same on a percentage basis) or (b) the date Ms. Juretich receives substantially similar coverage from another employer. In addition, if a change in control of the Company occurs, the vesting of Ms. Juretich’s options and other awards under the Company’s compensation plans will be accelerated.
The Company has an employment agreement with Paul A. Johnson, its Vice President of Engineering which expires on December 31, 2014 with an automatic renewal of two years from the then-current expiration date. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Johnson receives an annual salary per year in an amount not less than $150,000. The Board of Directors, and/or the Compensation Committee, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, may increase or decrease the base salary, but not below the minimum required.
Mr. Johnson is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus conditioned upon the achievement of performance measures established by the Chief Executive Officer after consultation with the Compensation Committee of the Company. Mr. Johnson is also eligible to participate in the Company’s 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan and plans and policies covering life, disability, health and dental insurance. The employment agreement provides that Mr. Johnson cannot compete with the Company during the term of the agreement and for a period of one year thereafter.
The agreement further provides a salary-based severance benefit equal to (i) Mr. Johnson’s monthly base salary, for a period of six months, (ii) health benefit plan coverage then in effect for a period not to exceed (a) the maximum amount of time that Mr. Johnson is eligible to obtain group health benefits plan coverage under COBRA (with the Company/Executive contributions remaining the same on a percentage basis) or (b) the date Mr. Johnson receives substantially similar coverage from another employer. In addition, if a change in control of the Company occurs, the vesting of Mr. Johnson’s options and other awards under the Company’s compensation plans will be accelerated.
Retirement Benefits
The Company has a defined contribution retirement savings plan, which is qualified under Section 401(k) of the Code (the “401(k) Plan”). The plan is a broad-based, tax-qualified retirement plan under which eligible employees, including Messrs. Reback, Faulkner and Johnson, and Ms. Juretich, may make annual pre-tax salary reduction contributions subject to the various limits imposed under the Code. During 2013, the Company made a matching contribution to the 401(k) Plan for those employees meeting minimum age and service requirements equal to 100% of the employee’s contribution on the first 3% of pay contributed and 50% of the next 2% of pay contributed, up to a matching contribution cap equal to 4% of the employee's annual compensation. The Company and its subsidiaries do not maintain any other pension or retirement plans.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
The information below describes and quantifies certain payments or benefits that would be payable to Named Executive Officers under their existing employment agreements and our existing plans and programs had they been terminated on December 31, 2013 or if the Company had incurred a change in control on that date. These benefits are in addition to benefits generally available to all salaried employees of the Company in connection with a termination of employment such as distributions from the 401(k) Plan, disability and life insurance benefits, the value of employee-paid group health plan continuation coverage under COBRA and accrued vacation pay.
Estimated Payments Upon Termination of Employment
The following table shows the amount of severance pay provided for in the Name Executive Officers’ employment agreements if they had been terminated as of December 31, 2013.
| Continued | ||||||||||||||||
| Name | Severance | health care | Total | |||||||||||||
| Pay | Bonus | benefits | Payout | |||||||||||||
| ($) | ($) (5) | ($) (6) | ($) | |||||||||||||
| Robert H. Reback (1) | 200,000 | 120,000 | 17,100 | 337,100 | ||||||||||||
| David P. Faulkner (2) | 75,000 | - | 15,750 | 90,750 | ||||||||||||
| Jodi M. Juretich (3) | 72,500 | - | 6,480 | 78,980 | ||||||||||||
| Paul A. Johnson (4) | 75,000 | - | 15,527 | 90,527 | ||||||||||||
| (1) | Mr. Reback's employment agreement provides for a salary-based severance benefit equal to his annual salary then in effect, as well as a bonus-based severance benefit equal to 60% of his annual salary then in effect. The Company shall continue to pay Mr. Reback’s group health benefit plan coverage then in effect (with Company/employee contributions remaining the same on a percentage basis as during the period immediately prior to termination). |
| (2) | Mr. Faulkner's employment agreement provides for six month’s severance pay then in effect. The Company shall continue to pay Mr. Faulkner’s group health benefit plan coverage then in effect (with Company/employee contributions remaining the same on a percentage basis as during the period immediately prior to termination). |
| (3) | Ms. Juretich's employment agreement provides for six month’s severance pay then in effect. The Company shall continue to pay Ms. Juretich’s group health benefit plan coverage then in effect (with Company/employee contributions remaining the same on a percentage basis as during the period immediately prior to termination). |
| (4) | Mr. Johnson's employment agreement provides for six month’s severance pay then in effect. The Company shall continue to pay Mr. Johnson’s group health benefit plan coverage then in effect (with Company/employee contributions remaining the same on a percentage basis as during the period immediately prior to termination). |
| (5) | The bonus amounts in this column represent the maximum possible award. |
| (6) | The benefit amounts in this column represent the maximum amount of coverage under COBRA. |
Estimated Payments Upon Change in Control
Under the Company’s 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan and prior stock option plan, all otherwise unvested stock options and restricted stock awards held by Named Executive Officers become fully vested upon a “change of control” as defined below, without regard to whether the Named Executive Officer terminates employment. The Company’s stock option plans generally define a change of control (i) certain changes in majority of the Company’s board of directors within a 24 month period; (ii) the acquisition by any person of 50% or more of the Company’s common stock or voting securities; (iii) consummation of a merger or reorganization of the Company in which neither the Company nor another entity controlled by the Company’s shareholders is the surviving entity; (iv) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to another entity that is not controlled by the Company’s shareholders; or (v) shareholder approval of a liquidation of the Company.
The following table shows for each Named Executive Officer the unrealized intrinsic value of all of his or her otherwise unvested stock options and restricted stock awards on December 31, 2013 that would have vested had a change of control occurred on that day, calculated by multiplying the number of underlying shares by the per share closing price of Company stock on December 31, 2013 and, in the case of stock options, by then subtracting the applicable option exercise price:
| (1) | The amounts shown in this column represent the number of all unvested shares subject to stock options multiplied by the closing price per share of Company stock on December 31, 2013 less the number of unvested shares of stock options multiplied by the stock option exercise price on the date of grant. |
| (2) | There were no unvested shares of restricted stock issued to Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2013. |
| Intrinsic Value | Intrinsic Value | |||||||
| of Unvested | of Unvested | |||||||
| Stock Options | Restricted Stock | |||||||
| Name | ($) (1) | ($) (2) | ||||||
| Robert H. Reback | 14,938 | - | ||||||
| David P. Faulkner | 11,563 | - | ||||||
| Jodi M. Juretich | 5,750 | - | ||||||
| Paul A. Johnson | 5,750 | - | ||||||
If a change in control with respect to the Company results in acceleration of vesting of Named Executive Officer’s stock options and restricted stock, and if the value of such acceleration plus all other compensatory payments to the Named Executive Officer that are contingent on the change in control (including any severance payments upon termination of employment in connection with a change in control) exceeds 2.99 times the Named Executive Officer’s average W-2 compensation with the Company for the five taxable years preceding the year of the change of control (the “Base Period Amount”), the acceleration would result in an “excess parachute payment” under Code Section 280G. A Named Executive Officer would be subject to 20% excise tax, and the Company would be unable to deduct the amount by which such parachute payments to a Named Executive Officer exceeded one times the Named Executive Officer’s Base Period Amount. The Company has not agreed to provide to its Named Executive Officers any gross-up or reimbursement for excise taxes imposed on excess parachute payments.
Compensation Policies and Procedures
The Compensation Committee has reviewed the Company’s compensation program as it relates to all of the Company’s full-time employees and believes there are no material business risks generated by the structure of the program. As a matter of best practice, the Compensation Committee continues to monitor the Company’s compensation program to ensure that it continues to align the interests of our employees with those of our long-term stockholders while avoiding unnecessary or excessive risk.
Director Compensation
The Company uses a combination of cash and stock-based incentive compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve as directors. In setting director compensation, the Company considers the significant amount of time that directors expend in fulfilling their duties to the Company as well as the skill level required by the Company of directors. There is no requirement to own shares of Company common stock to serve as a director.
During 2010, the Compensation Committee retained the services of The Jaffe Group, an independent compensation consulting firm. The Jaffe Group was retained by the Compensation Committee to assess the Company’s compensation programs and make recommendations for independent board of director’s fees. In doing so, The Jaffe Group reviewed the Cimetrix director’s compensation compared to those of other small public and private companies and found that Cimetrix’s then-current compensation to directors was below comparable market rates. The Jaffe Group recommended structuring board fees to range from $2,500 to $3,125 per meeting, continuing the practice of granting annual stock awards and encouraging all directors to purchase shares of the Company’s stock in the public markets.
Effective May 1, 2011, the Company changed its compensation structure for directors and began paying each non-employee director a quarterly fee of $2,500. The Company encourages the directors to use a portion of their fees to purchase Cimetrix stock in the public markets.
Cash Compensation Paid to Directors
The non-employee directors each receive $2,500 per quarter. Employee members of the Board of Directors receive no additional cash compensation for attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors.
Stock Awards
During 2013, each of the three non-employee directors was awarded stock options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price range of $0.13 to $0.15 per share, vesting over a twelve-month period, and exercisable through November, 2023.
Director Compensation Table
The table below summarizes the compensation paid by the Company to, or earned by, our non-employee directors for the year ended December 31, 2013.
| Fees | Restricted | |||||||||||||||
| Earned or | Option | Stock | ||||||||||||||
| Paid in | Awards | Awards | Total | |||||||||||||
| Name (1) | Cash ($) | ($) (2) | ($) (2) | ($) | ||||||||||||
| Scott C. Chandler | 10,000 | 10,051 | - | 20,051 | ||||||||||||
| Michael B. Thompson | 10,000 | 10,051 | - | 20,051 | ||||||||||||
| Edward C. Grady | 10,000 | 10,051 | - | 20,051 | ||||||||||||
| (1) | Robert H. Reback served as a director of the Company in 2013 but is omitted from the Director Compensation Table because of his status as a Named Executive Officer. No additional remuneration was paid to Mr. Reback for his services as a director. |
| (2) | The amounts in these columns show the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards and options awards granted during the year indicated, computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718. As of the end of fiscal year 2013, non-employee directors had outstanding options for the following number of Company shares: Scott C. Chandler, 300,000 shares, Michael B. Thompson, 300,000 shares and Edward C. Grady, 150,000. |
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's executive officers, directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities to file reports of ownership and periodic changes in their ownership of the Company's common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports are made on Forms 3, 4, and 5. Such persons are also required to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file.
Based solely on its review of the copies of Forms 3, 4, and 5 received with respect to fiscal year 2013, or written representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that all filing requirements applicable to its directors, officers and greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with one possible exception.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table sets forth information with respect to beneficial ownership of the Company's common stock (inclusive of options and warrants), as of April 7, 2014, for each beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company's common stock that is known to the Company:
| Number of | ||||||||
| Shares of | Percent of | |||||||
| Name and Address | Common Stock | Ownership | ||||||
| Rorze Corporation (1) | 10,301,673 | 22.87% | ||||||
| Tsunami Network Partners Corporation (2) | 3,599,911 | 7.99% | ||||||
| (1) | The address for Rorze Corporation is 1588-2 Michinoue, Kannabe-Cho, Fukumi-Shi, Hiroshima-Ken Japan 720-2104 |
| (2) | The address for Tsunami Network Partners Corporation is c/o Tsunami Network Partners Corporation 3-6-1-Shin-Yokohama, Kouhoku-Ku, Yokohama-City, Kanagawa Japan 222-0033. The information for Tsunami is based on the records of the Company’s stock transfer agent and the most recent ownership report filed on behalf of Tsunami. The Company has been informed that these shares may have been transferred, but record ownership is unchanged as of the record date and no updated ownership reports have been filed. |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information with respect to beneficial ownership of the Company's common stock (inclusive of options), as of April 7, 2014, for each director and executive officer of the Company, and all executive officers and directors as a group:
| Number of | ||
| Shares of | Percent of | |
| Name, Title and Address (1) | Common Stock | Ownership (9) |
| Robert H. Reback, CEO and Director (2) | 1,839,125 | 4.02% |
| David P. Faulkner, Exec. VP of Sales & Mktg (3) | 1,363,750 | 2.99% |
| Michael B. Thompson, Director (4) | 496,948 | 1.10% |
| Jodi M. Juretich, CFO (5) | 495,846 | 1.09% |
| Scott C. Chandler, Director (6) | 358,500 | * |
| Paul A. Johnson, VP of Engineering (7) | 241,250 | * |
| Edward C. Grady, Director (8) | 142,750 | * |
| Executive officers and directors as a group (7 persons) | 4,938,169 | 10.84% |
* Less than 1%.
| (1) | The addresses for Messrs. Reback, Chandler, Thompson, Grady, Faulkner, Johnson and Ms. Juretich are c/o Cimetrix Incorporated, 6979 South High Tech Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84047-3757. |
| (2) | Includes 712,500 shares of common stock which Mr. Reback has the right to acquire within 60 days upon the exercise of stock options. |
| (3) | Includes 550,000 shares of common stock which Mr. Faulkner has the right to acquire within 60 days upon the exercise of stock options. |
| (4) | Includes 275,000 shares of common stock which Mr. Thompson has the right to acquire within 60 days upon the exercise of stock options. |
| (5) | Includes 326,944 shares of common stock which Ms. Juretich has the right to acquire within 60 days upon the exercise of stock options. |
| (6) | Includes 275,000 shares of common stock which Mr. Chandler has the right to acquire within 60 days upon the exercise of stock options. |
| (7) | Includes 237,500 shares of common stock which Mr. Johnson has the right to acquire within 60 days upon the exercise of stock options. |
| (8) | Includes 125,000 shares of common stock which Mr. Grady has the right to acquire within 60 days upon the exercise of stock options. |
| (9) | All applicable percentage ownership is based on 45,042,006 shares of common stock issued as of the Record Date, together with applicable options for the share owners. Shares of common stock subject to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after the Record Date and shares of common stock subject to restricted stock awards currently vested or vesting within 60 days after the Record Date are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding the options, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. |
ANNUAL REPORT
A copy of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (including audited consolidated financial statements) is available at www.colonialstock.com/Cimetrix2014.
Paper copies will be furnished without charge to beneficial shareholders or shareholders of record upon request to Jodi M. Juretich, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer, Cimetrix Incorporated, 6979 South High Tech Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84047-3757. If you are a shareholder of record, you can elect to access future annual reports and proxy statements electronically by marking the appropriate box on your proxy form or by following the instructions provided if you vote by Internet or by telephone. If you choose this option, you will receive a proxy form listing the website locations and your choice will remain in effect until you notify us by mail that you wish to resume mail delivery of these documents. If you hold your common stock through a bank, broker or another holder of record, refer to the information provided by that entity for instructions on how to elect this option.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Meeting to be held on June 6, 2014. The Company’s Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2013 are available on the Internet at www.colonialstock.com/Cimetrix2014.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
A copy of this Proxy Statement has been filed with the SEC. You may read and copy this proxy statement at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of this Proxy Statement by mail from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at prescribed rates. To obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room, you can call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers, including the Company, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC’s Internet website is www.sec.gov.
Delivery of Documents to Shareholders Sharing an Address
If you are the beneficial owner, but not the record holder, of shares of our common stock, your broker, bank or other nominee may only deliver one copy of this Proxy Statement and our 2013 annual report to multiple shareholders who share an address unless that nominee has received contrary instructions from one or more of the shareholders. We will deliver promptly, upon written or oral request, a separate copy of this Proxy Statement, our 2013 Annual Report and the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to a shareholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the documents was delivered. A shareholder who wishes to receive a separate copy of this Proxy Statement Annual Report and Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, now or in the future, should submit this request by writing to Cimetrix Incorporated, 6979 South High Tech Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84047. Beneficial owners sharing an address who are receiving multiple copies of proxy materials and annual reports and who wish to receive a single copy of such materials in the future will need to contact their broker, bank or other nominee to request that only a single copy of each document be mailed to all shareholders at the shared address in the future.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Shareholders who wish to include proposals for action at the Company's 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in next year's proxy statement must, in addition to other applicable requirements, cause their proposals to be received in writing by the Company at its address set forth on the first page of this Proxy Statement no later than December 24, 2014. Such proposals should be addressed to the Company's Secretary at the Company's address and may be included in next year's proxy statement if they comply with certain rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. If a shareholder proposal is introduced at the Company’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders without any discussion of the proposal in the Company’s proxy statement, and the shareholder does not notify us on or before March 8, 2015 of the intent to raise such proposal at the annual meeting of shareholders, then proxies received by us for that annual meeting will be voted by the persons named in such proxies in their discretion with respect to such proposal. Notice of such proposal is to be sent to the above address.
COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN SHAREHOLDERS AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors does receive communications from shareholders, from time to time, and addresses those communications as appropriate. Shareholders and other interested parties who wish to communicate with non-management directors of the Company should send their correspondences to the Company as follows:
| · | In writing, to Cimetrix Incorporated, 6979 South High Tech Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84047-3757, Attention Board of Directors |
| · | By e-mail, to directors@cimetrix.com. |
Matters relating to the Company's consolidated financial statements, accounting practices or internal controls should be specifically addressed to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. As a matter of policy, a copy of all other written communications from shareholders will be provided to the Chairman of the Audit Committee.
The Board of Directors encourages attendance by our directors at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. All four members of the Company’s Board of Directors participated in our Annual Meeting held in 2013.
OTHER MATTERS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors does not intend to present and has not been informed that any other person intends to present a matter for action at the meeting other than as set forth herein and in the Notice of the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters should properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof, the persons named in this proxy will vote all proxies given to them in accordance with their best judgment of such matters.
| By Order of the Board of Directors, | |
| |
By: | |
| April 22, 2014 | Jodi M. Juretich |
| Salt Lake City, Utah | Chief Financial Officer, Secretary/Treasurer |