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 (Amendment No. )
| | | | | | | | |
Filed by Registrant | ü | | | |
| | |
Filed by Party other than Registrant | | | | |
| | |
Check the appropriate box: | | |
| | |
| Preliminary Proxy Statement | | | Confidential, for Use of the Commission |
| | | Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
| | | |
ü | Definitive Proxy Statement | | | Definitive Additional Materials |
| | |
| Soliciting Materials Pursuant to §240.14a-12 | | |
PARLUX FRAGRANCES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
| | |
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): |
| |
ü | No fee required. |
| |
| Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
| (1) | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
| (2) | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
| (3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
| | $_____ per share as determined under Rule 0-11 under the Exchange Act. |
| (4) | Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
| (5) | Total fee paid: |
| |
| Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
| |
| Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing |
| for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
| (1) | Amount previously paid: |
| (2) | Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
| (3) | Filing Party: |
| (4) | Date Filed: |
PARLUX FRAGRANCES, INC.
5900 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 500
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
——————————————
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
——————————————
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Parlux Fragrances, Inc. (the “Company”) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, will be held at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, 3555 S. Ocean Drive, Room 312/313, Hollywood, FL 33009, on Thursday, October 16, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. for the following purposes as set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement:
1.
To elect directors to a term of office expiring at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in the year 2009 or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified;
2.
To ratify the appointment of Rachlin LLP as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009; and
3.
To transact such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof.
Holders of record of the Company’s common stock at the close of business on August 22, 2008, will be entitled to vote at the annual meeting or any postponement or adjournment of the annual meeting.
| |
| By Order of the Board of Directors, |
| |
| Neil J. Katz |
| Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
Dated: August 26, 2008
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please sign and date the enclosed proxy and return it in the envelope provided. Any person giving a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time prior to the exercise thereof and if present at the meeting may withdraw it and vote in person. Attendance at the meeting is limited to stockholders, their proxies and invited guests of the Company.
PARLUX FRAGRANCES, INC.
5900 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 500
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
——————————————
PROXY STATEMENT
——————————————
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF PARLUX FRAGRANCES, INC.
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2008
TO BE HELD OCTOBER 16, 2008
This proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Parlux Fragrances, Inc. (the “Company”) of proxies to be voted at the annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of the Company to be held at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, 3555 S. Ocean Drive, Room 312/313, Hollywood, FL 33009, on Thursday, October 16, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. or at any postponement or adjournment thereof. It is anticipated that the Proxy Statement and the form of proxy will be mailed on or about August 26, 2008, to stockholders as of the Record Date, as defined below.
VOTING SECURITIES; PROXIES; REQUIRED VOTE
Voting Securities
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on August 22, 2008 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. As of the Record Date, the Company had outstanding20,679,912 shares of Common Stock par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), excluding treasury shares. All references to shares and per share amounts as well as previously awarded stock options and warrants have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the Stock Split. Only the holders of Common Stock are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share.
Proxies
Mr. Neil J. Katz, the person named as proxy on the proxy card accompanying this Proxy Statement, was selected by the Board of Directors of the Company to serve in such capacity. Mr. Katz is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Each executed and returned proxy will be voted in accordance with the directions indicated thereon, or if no direction is indicated, such proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors contained in this Proxy Statement. Each stockholder giving a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before the shares it represents are voted. Revocation of a proxy is effective upon receipt by the Secretary of the Company of either (i) an instrument revoking the proxy or (ii) a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. Additionally, a stockholder may change or revoke a previously executed proxy by voting in person at the Annual Meeting.
Required Vote
The holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. At the Annual Meeting, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote thereon. At the Annual Meeting, the affirmative vote of a majority of the Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote thereon is required to ratify the auditors and transact any other business properly coming before the Annual Meeting.
The election inspectors appointed for the meeting will tabulate the votes in person or by proxy and will determine whether or not a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. The election inspectors will treat abstentions as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum but as unvoted for the purposes of determining the approval of any matter submitted to the stockholders for a vote. If a broker indicates on the proxy that it does not have discretionary authority as to certain shares to vote on a particular matter, those shares will not be considered as present and entitled to vote with respect to that matter.
PROPOSAL NO. 1:
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors currently consists of six members. The Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Nominating Committee, has designated the persons named below as nominees for election as directors, for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders in the year 2009. All nominees are currently serving as directors. Messrs. Katz, D’Agostino and Mitzman were appointed to the Board of Directors on February 6, 2007, in accordance with the terms of a settlement agreement reached by the parties to resolve a Consent Solicitation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Mr. Glenn Nussdorf, a holder of approximately 12% of the shares of the Company at that time (See Consent Solicitation on page 18). Messrs. Katz, D’Agostino and Mitzman were elected directors by the stockholders of the Company at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held in October 2007.
At the Annual Meeting, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote for the election of directors. It is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote the proxies they receive for the election of the nominees named below, unless a particular proxy withholds authorization to do so or provides other contrary instructions. Each of the nominees has indicated that he or she is willing and able to serve as a director. If before the Annual Meeting any nominee becomes unable to serve, an event which is not anticipated by the Board of Directors, the proxies will be voted for the election of whomever the Board of Directors may designate.
| | | | |
Name | | Age | | Position |
Neil J. Katz | | 64 | | Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
Anthony D’Agostino | | 52 | | Independent Director |
Esther Egozi Choukroun | | 46 | | Independent Director |
Glenn Gopman | | 52 | | Independent Director |
Robert Mitzman | | 53 | | Independent Director |
David Stone | | 59 | | Independent Director |
Neil J. Katz, was appointed Director and Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company in February 2007, and subsequently, was appointed Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in May 2007. From March 2004 through December 2006, Mr. Katz served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Gemini Cosmetics, Inc., a prestige fragrance company. From 2003 through 2004, he served as President of Strategem Creative Marketing Corporation, a marketing and consulting company which provided services to third parties. From 1991 through 2002, Mr. Katz served as President of Liz Claiborne Cosmetics, the prestige fragrance division of the Liz Claiborne Corporation. From 1986 to 1990, Mr. Katz served as President of Revlon’s Beauty Care Division. Mr. Katz is currently serving as a director on the Board of Directors of the Personal Care Products Council (formerly, The Cosmetic, Toil etry and Fragrance Association) and The Fragrance Foundation.
Anthony D’Agostino, a Certified Public Accountant, has served as an Independent Director of the Company since February 2007 and, as of April 2007, he was appointed Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Compensation, Independent, and Nominating Committees. Currently, Mr.D’Agostino is an audit manager with Sauvigne & Company, LLP, a Manhattan based CPA firm that he joined in December of 2007. He has been a consultant, assisting the chief financial officers and boards of directors of private and public companies, including Quality King Distributors, Inc., with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance issues and various transactions since 2004. From 2003 to 2004, Mr. D’Agostino served as the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of CPI Aerostructures, Inc., a defense contractor. From 2002 to 2003, Mr. D’Agostino served as the Vice President of Finance and Chief Finan cial Officer of American Patriot Apparel Corporation, a start-up not-for-profit organization. From 2000 to 2002, he served as Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Softheon, Inc., a software start-up company.
Esther Egozi Choukroun, has served as an Independent Director of the Company since October 2000, and has served as Chairman and as a member of various committees during that time. As of April 2007, she became Chairman of the Nominating Committee, and member of the Audit and Independent Committees. Since January 2007, Ms. Egozi Choukroun has been the Chief Financial Officer of Flagler Investment, LLC, a real estate investment firm specializing in the acquisition and management of underperforming office buildings in the Southeast United States and Texas. In addition, she is the Managing Member of PIX Holdings, LLC, a real estate advisory and consulting firm created in January 2007 and operating in South Florida and the Caribbean. From 2002 through 2006, Ms. Egozi Choukroun was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PIX Latin America Investments Corporation, a full service real estate com pany operating in Florida and Latin America. Ms. Egozi Choukroun was employed by Banque Nationale de Paris, Miami, from 1984 through 1996, and was Senior Vice President and Deputy General Manager from 1988 through 1996. From 1997 through 1999, she
2
was Director of International Philanthropy at the Mount Sinai Medical Center Foundation, and through 2002 was Executive Director of the Women’s International Zionist Organization for Florida.
Glenn H. Gopman, a Certified Public Accountant, has served as an Independent Director of the Company since October 1995, and has served as Chairman and/or as a member of various committees during that time. As of April 2007, he became Chairman of the Compensation and Independent Committees, and a member of the Audit Committee. Since 2003, Mr. Gopman has owned and operated an independent certified public accounting practice. He is presently a principal shareholder in the public accounting firm of Levi & Gopman, P.A. Until 2002, he was a partner in the public accounting firm of Rachlin Cohen & Holtz LLP. Prior to that, Mr. Gopman was a principal stockholder in the public accounting firm of Thaw, Gopman and Associates, P.A. He is a member of the American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Gopman is also an officer and director of The Hebrew Free Loan Associ ation of South Florida, Inc a non-profit organization. Mr. Gopman presently serves as Miami-Dade County School Board appointee to the Citizen’s Oversight Committee on School Facilities Planning.
Robert Mitzman, has served as an Independent Director of the Company since February 2007, and, as of April 2007, became a member of the Audit, Compensation, Independent and Nominating Committees. Since 1981, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of Quick International Courier, a privately held courier company, with over 600 employees and over 4,000 agents and worldwide offices. Mr. Mitzman was previously a member of Young Presidents Organization and currently serves on the board of directors of Orbit International Corp and Esquire Bank Corp.
David Stone, has served as an Independent Director of the Company since October 2002, and has served as Chairman and as a member of various committees during that time. As of 2007, he became a member of the Compensation and Nominating Committees. Mr. Stone has been in the telecommunications business since 1990 when he founded American Cellular Communications, Inc., which was subsequently sold to Cellstar, Inc., a division of Motorola, in 1997. In 1998, Mr. Stone founded America Internet Communications, L.L.C. (“AIC”), a company involved in long distance communications via the internet. During 2000, AIC entered into a partnership with the Stanford Bank of Texas to further develop this technology. In 2005, Mr. Stone founded Superior Communications, LLC, a company dedicated to providing internet service (VOIP) for major Latin American telephone companies, such as Telefonica Spain, and Cantv Venezuela, between Lat in America and the United States. In 2007, Mr. Stone became an equal partner in Dinama Mobile Applications, a European company rendering services for M-Banking, M-commerce, Interactive TV, 3G exclusively for the USA, Peru and Central America.
There are no family relationships between any of our executive officers or directors.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION
OF EACH NOMINEE FOR DIRECTOR NAMED ABOVE.
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In fiscal year 2008, there were eight meetings of the Board of Directors, and all of the directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of all committees he or she was a member. It is the Company’s policy for all members of the Board of Directors to attend annual meetings. All of the Company’s current directors attended the fiscal 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
The Board of Directors has determined that five directors, Ms. Egozi Choukroun and Messrs. D’Agostino, Gopman, Mitzman and Stone are independent, as defined in the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”). The Board of Directors established four standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Nominating Committee, and the Independent Committee, all of which are composed of independent directors. The Audit Committee and Nominating Committee operate under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors which sets forth the scope of responsibilities of such committees. Copies of those charters are available for review on the Company’s website at www.parlux.com.
The Independent Committee was originally formed during April 2003 to address a possible tender offer; such offer was subsequently withdrawn in June 2003. The Independent Committee reconvened during June 2006, to address a second possible tender offer, which was also subsequently withdrawn in July 2006.
Security holders may send communications to the Board of Directors by contacting the Company’s website,www.parlux.com, Investor Relations, or by writing to the Secretary of the Company, Parlux Fragrances, Inc. 5900 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. Such communications are reviewed by the Secretary of the Company, who will forward them to the Board or to individual Board members, as necessary. Security holders may also suggest director candidates by submitting a written proposal, along with relevant qualification data, to the Nominating Committee at the above address.
3
Audit Committee
In July 2007, the Board of Directors approved an Audit Committee charter that complies with SEC and Nasdaq regulations. Pursuant to its written charter, the Audit Committee appoints the Company’s independent registered public accountants to audit the Company’s financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, as well as review the scope, purpose and type of audit services to be performed by the independent registered public accountants, and the findings and recommendations of the accountants. Through fiscal 2008, the Audit Committee was composed of Messrs. D’Agostino, Gopman and Mitzman, and Ms. Egozi Choukroun, each of whom is independent, as defined in the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market.
The Audit Committee held four meetings in fiscal 2008. Mr. D’Agostino, a Certified Public Accountant and an independent director as defined in the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market, served as Chairman of the Audit Committee during fiscal 2008. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. D’Agostino is an audit committee financial expert as defined in the regulations of the SEC.
For fiscal 2009, the Audit Committee will continue to be composed of Mr. D’Agostino as Chairman, and Messrs. Mitzman, Gopman, and Ms. Egozi Choukroun as members, each of whom is independent, as defined in the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market. These members approved the financial statements to be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Management and the independent auditors are responsible for planning and conducting audits and determining that the Company’s financial statements are complete and accurate and are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include reviewing the following with Company management, its finance staff, and the independent auditors: (i) analyses and reports prepared by management and the independent auditors of significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the Company’s financial statements, (ii) the quality and adequacy of the Company’s internal controls and management’s assessment thereof, (iii) major changes to the Company’s auditing and accounting principles and practices as suggested by the independent auditors or management, (iv) the results of the audit, any problems or difficulties the independent auditors may have encountered, changes in scope of the audit and any management letters provided by the independent auditors and the Company’s response thereto, and (v) any legal and regulatory matters that may have a materi al impact on the Company’s financial statements. The Audit Committee is also responsible for reviewing the independence of the Company’s independent accountants and selecting, appointing and compensating the firm of independent accountants the Company retains and any appropriate action to ensure the accountants’ independence.
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management and Rachlin LLP (“Rachlin”), the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, the audited financial statements of the Company. The Committee discussed the matters Rachlin communicated to the Audit Committee under applicable auditing standards, including matters related to the conduct of the audit of the Company’s financial statements required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No.61, “Communications with Audit Committees.” The Audit Committee received from Rachlin the written statement concerning independence required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, “Independence Discussions with Audit Committees” and discussed with Rachlin their independence with the Company, including any relationships that may impact their independence. The Audit Committee considered whether any provision b y Rachlin of non-audit services to the Company is compatible with maintaining the accountants’ independence and has discussed with Rachlin the accountants’ independence.
Based on the review and discussions referred to in this report, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board approved, that the audited financial statements and the auditors’ report on Parlux management’s assessment of internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, be included in Parlux Fragrances, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.
|
AUDIT COMMITTEE |
Anthony D’Agostino, Chairman |
Glenn Gopman |
Esther Egozi Choukroun |
Robert Mitzman |
4
Compensation Committee
The duties of the Compensation Committee are to make recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning the salaries, bonuses and other compensation of Company executive officers, and to advise and act for the Board of Directors on other compensation matters. For further information on the Compensation Committee’s processes and procedures for consideration and determination of executive compensation, see Compensation Discussion and Analysis below. The Compensation Committee, during fiscal 2008, was composed of Messrs. D’Agostino, Mitzman, Gopman and Stone, all of whom are independent directors in compliance with Nasdaq regulations. The Compensation Committee held three meetings in fiscal 2008. (See “Executive Compensation” below). For fiscal 2009, the Compensation Committee will continue to be composed of Messrs. Gopman (Chairman), D’Agostino, Mitzman and Stone. The Compensation Committee does not h ave a formal written charter.
Nominating Committee
Pursuant to its written charter, the duties of the Nominating Committee are to identify, evaluate, and submit to the Board of Directors qualified individuals, including any recommended by stockholders through the process described above, to be recommended by the Board of Directors for election at each annual meeting of stockholders and to be added by the Board of Directors at any other time due to Board of Directors expansions, director resignations or retirements or otherwise and candidates for membership on each Board of Director committee. Such qualifications include industry experience, fashion/artistic talents and/or financial capabilities. Qualified individuals recommended by the Board of Directors are then presented in the Company’s Proxy Statement to be voted upon by the Company’s stockholders at each annual meeting. During fiscal 2008, the Nominating Committee was composed of Ms. Egozi Choukroun, and Messrs D 6;Agostino, Mitzman and Stone, all of whom are independent directors in accordance with Nasdaq regulations. The Nominating Committee had two meetings in fiscal 2008. For fiscal 2009, the Nominating Committee will continue to be composed of Ms. Egozi Choukroun (Chairperson), and Messrs. D’Agostino, Mitzman, and Stone.
Independent Committee
The Independent Committee does not have a formal written charter. To date, its responsibilities have been to evaluate, negotiate, and ultimately recommend approval or disapproval to the Board of Directors and the stockholders, of offers made to acquire all of the Company’s Common Stock or to act on consent actions seeking control of the Company. The Independent Committee did not meet in fiscal 2008.
For fiscal 2009, the Independent Committee will continue to be composed of Messrs. Gopman (Chairman), D’Agostino and Mitzman and Ms. Egozi Choukroun.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which is applicable to all of its employees, officers and directors and a separate Code of Ethics for Executive and Financial Officers. Both the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Code of Ethics for Executive and Financial Officers are available for review on the Company’s web site atwww.parlux.com.
5
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
This section describes the material elements of compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the individuals who served as our principal executive officer, our principal operating officer, and our principal financial officer during fiscal 2008. These individuals are listed in the “Summary Compensation Table” below and are referred to as the “Named Executive Officers.”
Our executive compensation programs are determined and proposed by our Compensation Committee and are approved by our Board of Directors. None of the Named Executive Officers are members of the Compensation Committee or otherwise had any role in determining the compensation of other Named Executive Officers, although the Compensation Committee does consider the recommendations of our principal executive officer in setting compensation levels for our other executive officers.
Executive Compensation Program Objectives and Overview.
The Compensation Committee conducts an annual review of our executive compensation programs to ensure that:
·
the program is designed to achieve our goals of promoting financial and operational success by attracting, motivating and facilitating the retention of key employees with outstanding talent and ability; and
·
the program adequately rewards performance which is tied to creating stockholder value.
Our current executive compensation program is based on three components, which are designed to be consistent with our compensation philosophy: (1) base salary; (2) annual incentive bonuses; and (3) grants of stock options.
In structuring executive compensation packages, the Compensation Committee considers how each component promotes retention and/or motivates performance by the executive. Base salaries, perquisites and personal benefits, and severance and other termination benefits are primarily intended to attract and retain highly qualified executives. We believe that in order to attract and retain top executives, we need to provide them with compensation levels that reward their continued productive service. Annual incentive bonuses are primarily intended to motivate our executive officers to achieve specific strategies and operating objectives, although we believe they also help us to attract and retain top executives. Our long-term equity incentives are primarily intended to align executive officers’ long-term interests with stockholders’ long-term interests, although we believe they also play a role in helping us to attract and retain top execu tives. Annual incentive bonuses and stock option grants are the elements of our executive compensation program designed to reward performance and thus the creation of stockholder value.
We view our current executive compensation program as one in which the individual components combine together to create a total compensation package for each executive officer that we believe achieves our compensation objectives. In determining our current executive compensation program and the amounts of compensation for each component of our program, the Compensation Committee evaluates the current executive compensation data for companies in our industry. The Compensation Committee believes that our current executive compensation program is appropriate based on the evaluation of the compensation paid by companies in our industry.
Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions.
The Compensation Committee makes recommendations to our Board for all compensation decisions for our senior executive officers, including non-cash compensation. Our Compensation Committee and Chief Executive Officer annually review the performance of our other executive officers. The conclusions reached and recommendations based on these reviews, including with respect to salary adjustments and annual award amounts, are presented to the Board by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee can modify any recommended adjustments or awards to our executive officers.
Current Executive Compensation Program Elements.
Base Salaries
We provide our executive officers with a base salary to compensate them for services rendered during the fiscal year. The initial base salaries for certain of our executive officers were fixed pursuant to their written employment agreements. See “Employment Agreements” beginning on page 11. The initial base salary ranges were determined for each
6
executive officer based upon their position, responsibility and industry experience. Any adjustments in the base salaries of our executive officers who are party to an employment agreement will be determined by the Compensation Committee based upon a combination of data derived from current surveys of compensation levels for similar positions in public companies of comparable size and industry type and a subjective review of the executive officer’s performance by the Compensation Committee, and the attainment of financial and operational objectives, with no specified weight being given to any of these factors. Salary levels are typically considered annually as part of our performance review process, as well as upon a promotion or other change in job responsibility. During fiscal 2008, the cash salaries paid to Messrs. Katz, Buttacavoli and Balsys were $540,561, $350,000, and $184,669, respectively. During fiscal 2007, the ca sh salaries paid to Messrs. Katz, Buttacavoli and Balsys were $62,116, $325,000 and $88,846, respectively.
Annual Incentive Bonuses
To reward superior performance and contributions made by our Named Executive Officers, we may award cash bonuses annually, based on the achievement of specific financial and operational goals and other factors. The relevant goals and the weight assigned to each goal are tailored to each Named Executive Officer based upon his or her area of responsibility. Each Named Executive Officer has a discussion setting forth the goals that must be achieved in order to earn the maximum cash bonus and the relative weight assigned to each goal on an annual basis. We aim to provide meaningful yet challenging goals relative to the expected performance of our Named Executive Officers. In establishing the goals, we strive to ensure that the targets are consistent with the strategic goals set by the Board, and that the goals set are sufficiently ambitious so as to provide meaningful results. We benchmark our targets to ensure they are fair compared to our indus try.
Based upon the recommendation of our Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee establishes target annual incentive bonus opportunities for each of our Named Executive Officers at the beginning of each fiscal year. These opportunities are established in accordance with the overall philosophy and objectives of our compensation program. Annual incentive bonus opportunities are generally tied to the achievement of specific financial and operational performance goals such as sales performance, financial performance, inventory efficiencies and other criteria which may be established from time to time. Each of the performance goals has a budget, target and maximum level of payment opportunity. At the end of each fiscal year, our Chief Executive Officer provides the Compensation Committee with an analysis of the performance of each of our Named Executive Officers against their performance goals. The Compensation Committee can increase or de crease the amount of the annual incentive bonus in its discretion. Annual incentive bonus opportunities and discretionary bonuses may also be awarded to our Named Executive Officers based on recommendations from our Chief Executive Officer and the Compensation Committee using subjective factors.
The annual incentive bonus opportunities for our Named Executive Officers was a maximum of 50% of base salary if 100% of the performance targets were achieved. Those targets, for all three Named Executive Officers, included profitability and the elimination of previously reported material weaknesses in internal control, which represented 75% of the maximum bonus amount. These targets were achieved by all three Named Executive Officers. In addition, each Named Executive Officer was given individual performance goals within their areas of responsibility, which accounted for the balance of the maximum bonus amount. During fiscal 2008, Messrs. Katz, Buttacavoli and Balsys received $225,000, $140,000 and $85,000, respectively. During fiscal 2007, Mr. Buttacavoli received an incentive bonus of $16,250.
Stock Option Grants
We use stock options as a means of aligning the interests of our key employees and executive officers with the interests of our stockholders, by ensuring that they have a direct interest in increasing stockholder value. Our policy is that the long-term compensation of our Named Executive Officers and other executive officers should be directly linked to the value provided to stockholders. Therefore, we have periodically made grants of stock options to provide further incentives to our executives to increase stockholder value. During fiscal 2007, no stock option grants were made to our executives. During fiscal 2008, stock option grants were made to Messrs. Katz and Balsys for 180,000 and 60,000 shares, respectively. Stock options are granted with an exercise price that is equal to the closing price of our common stock on the grant date. Thus, the recipients will realize value on their stock options if our stockholders realize value on th eir shares.
The purpose of awarding stock option grants is to:
·
give our key employees and executive officers an opportunity to acquire shares of our Common Stock;
·
provide an incentive for our key employees and executive officers to continue to promote our best interests;
·
enhance our long-term performance; and
7
·
provide an incentive for our key employees and executive officers to join or to remain employees of our company.
The Compensation Committee bases its grants of stock options to executives on a number of factors, including:
·
the executive’s position with us and total compensation package;
·
the executive’s performance of his or her individual responsibilities; and
·
the executive’s contribution to the success of our financial performance.
Compensation Deductible under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code
On August 10, 1993, the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 was enacted which amended the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by adding Section 162(m) which eliminates the deductibility of most cash and non-cash compensation over $1 million paid to certain “covered employees” (which generally is defined as a corporation’s chief executive officer and the four other highest compensated employees). Contributions to qualified plans, items excluded from the employee’s gross income, compensation paid pursuant to a binding agreement entered into on or before February 17, 1993, commission-based compensation, and certain “performance-based” compensation are types of remuneration that are not affected by the deduction limitation.
Compensation Committee Report
The following statement made by the Compensation Committee shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under either of these acts.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K.
Based on the review and discussions referred to in the paragraph immediately above, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K and this Proxy Statement.
|
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE |
Glenn Gopman, Chairman |
Anthony D’Agostino |
Robert Mitzman |
David Stone |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Messrs. Gopman, D’Agostino, Mitzman and Stone served as members of the Compensation Committee during fiscal 2008. No member of the Compensation Committee was an officer or employee of our Company during the prior year or was formerly an officer of our Company. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, none of our executive officers served on the compensation committee of any other entity, any of whose directors or executive officers served either on our Board of Directors or on our Compensation Committee.
8
Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our executive officers.
| | | | |
Name | | Age | | Position |
Neil J. Katz | | 64 | | Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
Frank A. Buttacavoli | | 53 | | Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |
Raymond J. Balsys | | 51 | | Chief Financial Officer |
Information concerning Neil J. Katz is set forth under “NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS”.
Frank A. Buttacavoli, a Certified Public Accountant, was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of the Company from April 1993 until May 2007, and was a director of the Company from March 1993 until February 2007. From July 1979 through June 1992, Mr. Buttacavoli was employed by Price Waterhouse, and was a Senior Manager from July 1987 to June 1992. In June 1996, Mr. Buttacavoli was promoted to Executive Vice President, and in October 1999, he assumed the additional responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer (“COO”). On May 14, 2007, in an effort to segregate duties, he gave up the title of Chief Financial Officer to work more closely with Mr. Katz on overall planning, management, logistical activities, building our core businesses and in the signing of new fragrance licenses.
Raymond J. Balsys, a Certified Public Accountant, was promoted to Chief Financial Officer effective as of May 2007. He has served as Vice President Finance since July 2006, when he rejoined the Company. From 2001 to 2005, Mr. Balsys served as the Director of SEC Reporting and Assistant Controller of AOL Latin America. He also served as the Client Services Manager at The Premier Group, an international provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions focusing on J.D. Edwards’ software, from 1998 to 2001. Mr. Balsys also served as Vice President Controller of Parlux from 1994 to 1997. Prior to 1994, Mr. Balsys worked as an Audit Manager at Price Waterhouse Coopers.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth compensation information regarding our Named Executive Officers, during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name and Principal Position | | Year | | Salary ($) | | Option Awards ($)(3) | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(4) | | All Other Compensation ($)(5) | | Total ($) |
Neil J. Katz (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer)(1) | | 2008 | | 540,561 | | 34,704 | | 225,000 | | — | | 765,561 |
| 2007 | | 62,116 | | — | | — | | — | | 62,116 |
Frank A. Buttacavoli (Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer)(2) | | 2008 | | 350,000 | | — | | 140,000 | | — | | 490,000 |
| 2007 | | 325,000 | | — | | 16,250 | | — | | 341,250 |
Raymond J. Balsys (Chief Financial Officer) | | 2008 | | 184,669 | | 11,568 | | 85,000 | | — | | 269,669 |
| 2007 | | 88,846 | | — | | — | | — | | 168,615 |
———————
(1)
Appointed a director and Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company on February 6, 2007, and subsequently appointed Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on May 14, 2007.
(2)
Resigned as Chief Financial Officer of the Company on May 15, 2007. Raymond J. Balsys was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company on May 15, 2007.
(3)
Amount listed represents the dollar amount we recognized for financial reporting purposes under Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123R, “Share Based Payment”. Assumptions made for the purpose of computing this amount are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008 (the “2008 Form 10-K) in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(4)
Amounts accrued in Fiscal 2008 and 2007 Financial Statements, and paid in June 2008 and July 2007, following audit completion.
(5)
“All Other Compensation,” which includes matching contributions made by us under our 401-K Plan and term life insurance and long-term disability insurance premiums paid by us, did not exceed $10,000 for any named executive officer.
9
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table sets forth information concerning each grant of an award made to a Named Executive Officer during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Approval Date | | Grant Date | |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1) | | All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#) (2) | | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards ($) |
Threshold | | Target | | Maximum |
($) | | ($) | | ($) |
Neil J.Katz | | 07/26/07 | | 10/11/07 | | — | | — | | | | 180,000 | | 416,448 |
| | 06/05/08 | | 06/05/08 | | — | | $250,000 | | | | — | | — |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Frank A. Buttacavoli | | 06/05/08 | | 06/05/08 | | — | | $175,000 | | | | — | | — |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Raymond J. Balsys | | 07/26/07 | | 10/11/07 | | — | | — | | | | 60,000 | | 138,816 |
| | 06/05/08 | | 06/05/08 | | — | | $ 95,000 | | | | — | | — |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
———————
(1)
Represents annual cash incentive awards pursuant to Named Executive Officer’s employment agreements or Company incentive program, the actual payouts of which are shown in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation table on page 9.
(2)
Option awards granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL 2008 YEAR-END
The following table sets forth information concerning unexercised options outstanding for each of our Named Executive Officers at March 31, 2008.
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Option Awards |
Name | |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) | | Option Exercise Price ($) | | Option Expiration Date |
Exercisable | Unexercisable |
Neil J. Katz (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) | | 30,000 | | 150,000(1) | | — | | $4.60 | | 10/11/2012 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Frank A. Buttacavoli (Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) | | 120,000 200,000 | | — — | | — — | | $1.219 $1.220 | | 3/31/2010 3/31/2011 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Raymond J. Balsys (Chief Financial Officer) | | 10,000 | | 50,000(2) | | — | | $4.60 | | 10/11/2012 |
———————
(1)
The options shall vest with respect to 60,000 shares on 3/31/2009 and 90,000 shares on 3/31/2010.
(2)
The options shall vest with respect to 20,000 shares on 3/31/2009 and 30,000 shares on 3/31/2010.
10
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED – FISCAL 2008
The following table sets forth information concerning each exercise of stock options for each of our Named Executive Officers during the year ended March 31, 2008.
| | | | | | |
| | | Option Awards |
Name | | | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) | | | Value Realized on Exercise ($) |
Neil J. Katz | | | — | | | — |
Frank A. Buttacavoli | | | 205,000 | | | 541,200(1) |
| | | 195,000 | | | 388,050(2) |
Raymond J. Balsys | | | — | | | — |
———————
(1)
Based on the difference between the closing market price on the date of exercise, which was $3.57 per share, and the exercise price of $0.93 per share, and does not take into account any taxes that may be payable in connection with the transaction.
(2)
Based on the difference between the closing market price on the date of exercise, which was $2.92 per share, and the exercise price of $0.93 per share, and does not take into account any taxes that may be payable in connection with the transaction.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Neil J. Katz
On July 26, 2007, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Katz, which provides for an annual base salary of $500,000 for the first 12 months, $550,000 for months 13 through 24 and $600,000 for months 25 through 36. Mr. Katz will be eligible to receive a bonus of up to 50% of his annual base salary on the Company’s achievement of certain financial measures and management objectives as determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee. In addition, Mr. Katz was granted an option to purchase 180,000 shares of common stock of the Company under the Parlux Fragrances, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan,”) subject to stockholder approval of the 2007 Plan, which was approved at our 2007 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting held on October 11, 2007.
Frank A. Buttacavoli
On June 1, 2005, consistent with prior practice, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Buttacavoli, which provides for an annual base salary of $285,000 for the period of June 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006, and for an annual base salary of $325,000, $350,000 and $400,000 for the periods commencing April 1, 2006, 2007 and 2008, and ending on March 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Mr. Buttacavoli will be eligible to receive a bonus of up to 50% of his annual base salary on the Company’s achievement of certain financial measures and management objectives as determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee. There were no warrants awarded with this agreement. In the event of a change in control, the agreement provides for the remaining monies due under the agreement and all unexercised warrants under previous agreements, to be doubled.
Raymond J. Balsys
On July 26, 2007, we entered into an employment with Mr. Balsys extending for 36 months, providing for an annual base salary of $190,000 for the first 12-month period, and increases thereafter at the discretion of the Company’s Compensation Committee. Mr. Balsys will be eligible to receive a bonus of up to 50% of his annual base salary on the Company’s achievement of certain financial measures and management objectives as determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee. In addition, Mr. Balsys was granted an option to purchase 60,000 shares of common stock of the Company under the 2007 Plan subject to stockholder approval of the 2007 Plan, which was approved at our 2007 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting held on October 11, 2007.
11
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
Neil J. Katz
Upon termination of Mr. Katz’s employment agreement for any reason other than resignation of Mr. Katz without “Good Reason,” as defined below, or termination by the Company for “Cause,” as defined below, the following will apply, with some exceptions:
(i)
Termination Payment. Mr. Katz, or his estate and heirs following his death, shall be entitled (A) to continue to receive his annual base salary in effect at the time of such termination for a period of 12 months following the date of such termination, (B) to be paid when otherwise payable as if employment was not terminated, any bonus earned by Mr. Katz through the date of termination pursuant to the terms of the bonus plan prorated to the date of termination, and (C) to have any unvested portion of his option fully vest as of the date of such termination.
(ii)
Termination Benefits. The Company shall continue to provide Mr. Katz with the executive benefits and perquisites available to executive officers of the Company, including any group health, dental, disability, or other form of executive benefit plan or program of the Company existing from time to time on the same terms and conditions as is available to all other executives for a period of 12 months following the date of termination.
(iii)
Condition to Severance. In the event Mr. Katz breaches any of the covenants contained in his employment agreement, then (A) the Company shall have no further obligation to make termination payments to Mr. Katz or to continue to provide the termination benefits described above, and (B) any unexercised option shall be forfeited and be cancelled.
Upon termination of Mr. Katz’s employment agreement by his resignation without “Good Reason,” as defined below, or by the Company for “Cause,” as defined below, Mr. Katz would not be eligible to receive any further compensation under his employment agreement other than what would be due through the effective date of Mr. Katz’s resignation or termination.
For purposes of Mr. Katz’s employment agreement “Good Reason” has the following meaning: a termination by the executive following a “Good Reason Event” provided (i) the executive provides notice to the Company of such Good Reason Event within 90 days of the initial existence of such Good Reason Event; (ii) the notice provides the Company with 30 days during which it may remedy the Good Reason Event; and (iii) the Company fails to remedy the Good Reason Event within such 30 day period. A “Good Reason Event” shall be deemed to occur upon (i) a material diminution in the executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities or (ii) any action or inaction of the Company which constitutes a material breach of his employment agreement. Also, for purposes of Mr. Katz’s employment agreement, “Cause” for the termination of the executive’s employment shall be deemed to exist if, in the good faith judgment of the Company’s Board of Directors: (i) the employee commits fraud, theft or embezzlement; (ii) the employee commits an act of dishonesty affecting the Company or a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; (iii) the employee breaches any non-competition, confidentiality or non-solicitation agreement with the Company; (iv) the employee breaches any of the material terms of his employment agreement and fails to cure such breach within 30 days after the receipt of written notice of such breach from the Company; (v) the employee engages in gross negligence or willful misconduct that causes unreasonable harm to the business and operations of the Company; or (vi) the executive’s unreasonable failure or refusal to diligently perform the duties and responsibilities required to be performed by the executive under the terms of his employment agreement.
The following table describes the estimated compensation upon termination of Mr. Katz’s employment agreement, assuming Mr. Katz’s employment agreement was in effect during fiscal 2008, for any reason other than resignation of Mr. Katz without “Good Reason,” as defined above, or termination by the Company for “Cause.” The estimated compensation assumes the triggering event occurred on March 31, 2008 (the last business day of fiscal 2008). Benefits that do not discriminate in scope, terms or operation and that are generally available to all employees are not included in the table.
| | | | | | |
Named Executive Officer | | Base Salary | | Bonus | | Options Immediately Vested |
Neil J. Katz | | $500,000(1) | | $250,000(2) | | 150,000 (3) |
———————
(1)
This amount will be paid when otherwise payable as if employment had not been terminated on March 31, 2008.
(2)
This amount assumes Mr. Katz earned an annual bonus of 50% of his annual base salary, the maximum annual bonus provided for in his employment agreement.
(3)
As of March 31, 2008, these options were out of the money.
12
Frank A. Buttacavoli
Upon termination of Mr. Buttacavoli’s employment agreement, the following will apply:
(i)
Upon Mr. Buttacavoli’s death, the Company shall pay to the person designated by Mr. Buttacavoli in a notice filed with the Company or, if no person is designated, to his estate as a lump sum death benefit, his full base salary for a period of six months after the date of his death in addition to any payments the executive’s spouse, beneficiaries or estate may be entitled to receive pursuant to any pension, stock option or executive benefit plan or life insurance policy or similar plan or policy then maintained by the Company. The Company shall have no further obligation under the employment agreement.
(ii)
If during any period that Mr. Buttacavoli fails to perform his duties under his employment agreement as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness, Mr. Buttacavoli shall continue to receive his full base salary until the his employment is terminated for disability, or until the executive terminates his employment, whichever comes first. After termination, Mr. Buttacavoli shall receive in equal monthly installments 100% of his base salary at the rate in effect at the time notice of termination is delivered for one year, plus any disability payments otherwise payable by or pursuant to plans provided by the Company.
(iii)
If Mr. Buttacavoli’s employment is terminated for “Cause,” as defined below, the Company shall pay Mr. Buttacavoli his full base salary through the date of termination at the rate in effect at the time notice of termination is delivered and the Company shall have no further obligation to Mr. Buttacavoli under his employment agreement.
(iv)
If (A) in breach of this Agreement, the Company shall terminate the Executive’s employment other than disability or for “Cause” or (B) the Executive shall terminate his employment for “Good Reason,” as defined below, then
(a)
The Company shall pay Mr. Buttacavoli his full base salary through the date of termination at the rate then in effect at the time notice of termination is given;
(b)
In lieu of any further salary payments to Mr. Buttacavoli for periods subsequent to the date of termination and in consideration of the rights of the Company under the employment agreement, the Company shall pay severance pay to Mr. Buttacavoli on the fifth day following the date of termination, in a lump sum amount equal to the entire salary due until the end of the term of the employment agreement based on an annual base salary at the highest rate in effect during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the date of termination.
(c)
In the event of a “Change in Control,” as defined below, of the Company, shall pay in a lump sum payment (or in monthly installments at the option of the executive) the greater of twice the amount of severance pay required in (b), or three times the annual base salary at the highest rate in effect during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the date of the termination.
(d)
In the event of a “Change in Control,” as defined below, of the Company, the total number of outstanding unexercised options (warrants) granted to the executive under his employment agreement or any previous employment or other agreements shall be doubled in quantity while retaining the original exercise price.
(v)
Unless Mr. Buttacavoli is terminated for “Cause,” as defined below, the Company shall maintain in full force and effect, for the continued benefit of the executive for the greater of the remaining term of the employment agreement or 18 months after termination of the employment agreement, all executive health and hospitalization plans and programs in which the executive was entitled to participate in immediately prior to the date of termination, provided that the executive’s continued participation is possible under the general terms and provisions of the plans and programs. If the executive’s participation in any plan or program is barred, the Company shall arrange to provide the executive with benefits substantially similar to those which the executive would otherwise have been entitled to receive under the plan and program from which his continued participation is barred.
(vi)
In the event of a termination of this Agreement by Mr. Buttacavoli for “Good Reason” as a result of a “change in control,” as defined below, the amount to be utilized in (iv) (b) above shall be changed to the average compensation of the executive during his employment agreement for the taxable years prior to such termination (all as determined to compute the base amount for purposes of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1984, as amended).
13
For purposes of Mr. Buttacavoli’s employment agreement, “Good Reason” means the Company has (through its Board or otherwise) (A) limited the powers of the executive in any manner not contemplated by the employment agreement, (B) failed to comply with the place of performance and compensation and related matters section of the employment agreement, (C) failed to cause any successor as contemplated in the employment agreement to assume the employment agreement, or (D) a change in control. For purposes of Mr. Buttacavoli’s employment agreement, a “Change in Control” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events (whether or not approved by the Board): (i) an event or series of events by which any person or other entity or group of persons or other entities acting in concert as determined in accordance with Section 13 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), whether or not applicable, together with its or their affiliates or associates shall, as a result of a tender offer or exchange offer, open market purchases, privately negotiated purchases, merger or otherwise (including pursuant to receipt of revocable proxies) (A) be or become directly or indirectly the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, whether or not applicable, except that a person shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such person has the right to acquire whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time) of more than 30% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding common stock of the Company or (B) otherwise have the ability to elect, directly or indirectly, a majority of the members of the Board. For purposes of Mr. Buttacavoli’s employment agreement, the Company shall have “Cause” to terminate the executive 146;s employment upon (A) the willful and continued failure by the executive to substantially perform his duties under the employment agreement (other than any failure resulting from the executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness) for thirty (30) days after written demand for substantial performance is delivered by the Company specifically identifying the manner in which the Company believes the executive has not substantially performed his duties, or (B) the willful engaging by the executive in misconduct (including embezzlement and criminal fraud) which is materially injurious to the Company, or (C) the willful violation by the executive of the non-compete and unauthorized disclosure provisions of the employment agreement, provided that the violation results in material injury to the Company, or (D) the conviction of the executive of a felony.
The following table describes the compensation upon termination of Mr. Buttacavoli’s employment agreement upon (i) death, (ii) disability, (iii) termination by the Company for “Cause,” (iv) termination by the Company other than for disability or “Cause” or termination by Mr. Buttacavoli for “Good Reason,” (v) termination by the Company as a result of a “Change in Control” and (vi) termination by Mr. Buttacavoli for “Good Reason” as a result of a “Change in Control.” The estimated compensation assumes the triggering event occurred on March 31, 2008 (the last business day of fiscal 2008). Benefits that do not discriminate in scope, terms or operation and that are generally available to all employees are not included in the table.
| | | | | |
Triggering Event | | Base Salary | | Options/Warrants | |
Death | | $ 175,000 | | — | |
Disability | | $ 350,000 | | — | |
Termination by the Company for “Cause” | | — | | — | |
Termination by the Company other than for disability or “Cause” or termination by Mr. Buttacavoli for “Good Reason” | | $ 350,000 | | — | |
Termination by the Company as a result of a “Change in Control” | | $1,050,000 | | $550,400(1) | |
Termination for by Mr. Buttacavoli for “Good Reason” as a result of a “Change in Control” | | $1,050,000 | | $550,400(1) | |
———————
(1)
Based on 320,000 warrants at March 31, 2008 closing price of $2.94 and an average exercise price of $1.22.
Raymond J. Balsys
Upon termination of Mr. Balsys’ employment agreement for any reason other than resignation of Mr. Balsys without “Good Reason,” as defined below, or termination by the Company for “Cause,” as defined below, the following will apply, with some exceptions:
(i)
Termination Payment. Mr. Balsys, or his estate and heirs following his death, shall be entitled (A) to continue to receive his annual base salary in effect at the time of such termination for a period of 12 months following the date of such termination, (B) to be paid when otherwise payable as if employment was not terminated, any bonus earned by Mr. Balsys through the date of termination pursuant to the terms of the bonus plan prorated to the date of termination, and (C) to have any unvested portion of his option fully vest as of the date of such termination.
14
(ii)
Termination Benefits. The Company shall continue to provide Mr. Balsys with the executive benefits and perquisites available to executive officers of the Company, including any group health, dental, disability, or other form of executive benefit plan or program of the Company existing from time to time on the same terms and conditions as is available to all other executives for a period of 12 months following the date of termination.
(iii)
Condition to Severance. In the event Mr. Balsys breaches any of the covenants contained in his employment agreement, then (A) the Company shall have no further obligation to make termination payments to Mr. Balsys or to continue to provide the termination benefits described above, and (B) any unexercised option shall be forfeited and be cancelled.
Upon termination of Mr. Balsys’ employment agreement by his resignation without “Good Reason,” as defined below, or by the Company for “Cause,” as defined below, Mr. Balsys would not be eligible to receive any further compensation under his employment agreement other than what would be due through the effective date of Mr. Balsys’ resignation or termination.
For purposes of Mr. Balsys’ employment agreement “Good Reason” has the following meaning: a termination by the executive following a “Good Reason Event” provided (i) the executive provides notice to the Company of such Good Reason Event within 90 days of the initial existence of such Good Reason Event; (ii) the notice provides the Company with 30 days during which it may remedy the Good Reason Event; and (iii) the Company fails to remedy the Good Reason Event within such 30 day period. A “Good Reason Event” shall be deemed to occur upon (i) a material diminution in the executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities or (ii) any action or inaction of the Company which constitutes a material breach of his employment agreement. Also, for purposes of Mr. Balsys’ employment agreement, “Cause” for the termination of the executive’s employment shall be deemed to exist if, in th e good faith judgment of the Company’s Board of Directors: (i) the employee commits fraud, theft or embezzlement; (ii) the employee commits an act of dishonesty affecting the Company or a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; (iii) the employee breaches any non-competition, confidentiality or non-solicitation agreement with the Company; (iv) the employee breaches any of the material terms of his employment agreement and fails to cure such breach within 30 days after the receipt of written notice of such breach from the Company; (v) the employee engages in gross negligence or willful misconduct that causes unreasonable harm to the business and operations of the Company; or (vi) the executive’s unreasonable failure or refusal to diligently perform the duties and responsibilities required to be performed by the executive under the terms of his employment agreement.
The following table describes the estimated compensation upon termination of Mr. Balsys’ employment agreement, assuming Mr. Balsys’ employment agreement was in effect during fiscal 2008, for any reason other than resignation of Mr. Balsys without “Good Reason,” as defined above, or termination by the Company for “Cause.” The estimated compensation assumes the triggering event occurred on March 31, 2008 (the last business day of fiscal 2008). Benefits that do not discriminate in scope, terms or operation and that are generally available to all employees are not included in the table.
| | | | | | |
Named Executive Officer | | Base Salary | | Bonus | | Options Immediately Vested |
Raymond J. Balsys | | $190,000(1) | | $95,000(2) | | 50,000(3) |
———————
(1)
This amount will be paid when otherwise payable as if employment had not been terminated on March 31, 2008.
(2)
This amount assumes Mr. Katz earned an annual bonus of 50% of his annual base salary, the maximum annual bonus provided for in his employment agreement.
(3)
As of March 31, 2008, these options were out of the money.
15
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
As of April 1, 2007, the annual base rate for director compensation for fiscal 2008 was increased from $18,000 to $42,000 for each non-employee director and each director was awarded 15,000 options subject to stockholder approval of the 2007 Plan, which was approved on October 11, 2007. Non-employee directors serving on the Audit Committee receive an additional $8,000 in cash annually, with the Chairman receiving an additional $10,000 in cash. Non-employee directors serving on the Compensation, Nominating, and Independent receive an additional $3,000 annually in cash for each Committee served on, with the Chairman of each of these committees receiving an additional $3,000 in cash annually.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the compensation of our directors (other than directors who are also Named Executive Officers) for the year ended March 31, 2008.
| | | | | | |
Name | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | | Option Awards ($)(1)(2)(3) | | Total ($) |
Anthony D’Agostino | | $69,000 | | $34,704 | | $103,704 |
Robert Mitzman | | $59,000 | | $34,704 | | $ 93,704 |
Glenn Gopman | | $62,000 | | $34,704 | | $ 96,704 |
Esther Egozi Choukroun | | $59,000 | | $34,704 | | $ 93,704 |
David Stone | | $48,000 | | $34,704 | | $82,7040 |
———————
(1)
All option awards were granted on October 11, 2007, at an exercise price of $4.60, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on that date.
(2)
As of March 31, 2008, each of our current directors owned the following number of options: Anthony D’Agostino – 15,000; Robert Mitzman – 15,000; Glenn Gopman – 49,000; Esther Egozi Choukroun – 15,000; David Stone – 15,000.
(3)
Amount listed represents the dollar amount we recognized for financial reporting purposes under Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123R, “Share Based Payment”. Assumptions made for the purpose of computing this amount are discussed in our 2008 Form 10-K in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Each director was awarded options to purchase 15,000 shares.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth as of the Record Date certain information with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by (i) each director of the Company, (ii) each of our Named Executive Officers, (iii) all current directors and executive officers of the Company as a group and (iv) based on information available to the Company and a review of statements filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(d) and 13(g) of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), each person or entity that beneficially owns (directly or together with affiliates) more than 5% of the Common Stock. The Company believes that each individual or entity named has sole investment and voting power with respect to shares of Common Stock indicated as beneficially owned by them, except as otherwise noted.
| | | | | | | |
| | | Common Stock Beneficially Owned (1) | | | Percentage Ownership (1) | |
Directors and Executive Officers: | | | | | | | |
Neil J. Katz (2) | | | 36,000 | | | * | |
Frank A. Buttacavoli (3) | | | 870,000 | | | 4.1% | |
Raymond J. Balsys (4) | | | 20,000 | | | * | |
Anthony D’Agostino (5) | | | 20,000 | | | * | |
Esther Egozi Choukroun (6) | | | 15,000 | | | * | |
Glenn Gopman (7) | | | 110,000 | | | * | |
Robert Mitzman (8) | | | 15,000 | | | * | |
David Stone (9) | | | 16,000 | | | * | |
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (6 Persons) (10) | | | 1,102,000 | | | 5.2% | |
Other Principal Stockholders, based on the most recent filings available to the Company: |
Signia Capital Management, LLC (11) | | | 2,147,692 | | | 10.4% | |
Glenn Nussdorf (12) | | | 2,050,013 | | | 9.9% | |
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. (13) | | | 1,387,373 | | | 6.7% | |
16
———————
*
Under one percent (1%).
(1)
Calculated pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act. Under Rule 13d-3(d), shares not outstanding which are subject to options, warrants, rights or conversion privileges exercisable within 60 days are deemed outstanding for the purpose of calculating the number and percentage owned by such person, but not deemed outstanding for the purpose of calculating the percentage owned by each other person listed. As of August 22, 2008, the Company had 20,679,912 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
(2)
Includes immediately exercisable options to purchase 30,000 shares of Common Stock under his employment agreement dated July 26, 2007. The address of Mr. Katz is 5900 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309.
(3)
Includes (a) immediately exercisable warrants to purchase 120,000 shares of Common Stock under his employment agreement, dated as of November 1, 1999, and (b) immediately exercisable warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of Common Stock granted on June 8, 2001. The address of Mr. Buttacavoli is 5900 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309.
(4)
Includes immediately exercisable options to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock under his employment agreement dated July 26, 2007. The address of Mr. Balsys is 5900 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309.
(5)
Includes immediately exercisable options to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock. The address of Mr. D’Agostino is 5900 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309.
(6)
Includes immediately exercisable options to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock. The address of Ms. Egozi Choukroun is 5900 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309.
(7)
Includes immediately exercisable options and warrants to purchase 15,000 and 34,000 shares of Common Stock, respectively. The address of Mr. Gopman is 5900 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309.
(8)
Includes immediately exercisable options to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock. The address of Mr. Mitzman is 5900 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309.
(9)
Includes immediately exercisable options to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock. The address of Mr. Stone is 5900 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309.
(10)
Includes our current executive officers and directors.
(11)
The address is 108 N. Washington St., Ste 305, Spokane, WA 99201.
(12)
The address of Mr. Nussdorf is 2060 Ninth Avenue, Ronkonkona, NY 11719.
(13)
The address is 1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Transactions with related parties, including, but not limited to, members of the Board of Directors, are closely monitored by management and any unusual trends or issues are brought to the attention of our Audit Committee and Board of Directors. In the event a transaction with a member of the Board is contemplated, the Director having a beneficial interest in the transaction is not allowed to participate in the decision-making and approval process. Thepolicies and procedures surrounding the review, approval or ratification of related party transactions are not in writing, nevertheless, such reviews, approvals and ratifications of related party transactions are documented in the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors.
E Com Ventures, Inc.
The majority shareholders of E Com Ventures, Inc. (“ECMV”), the parent company of Perfumania, hold an approximate 9.9% ownership interest in the Company, and accordingly, transactions with Perfumania are shown as related party transactions.
| | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended March 31, |
| 2008 | | 2007 | | 2006 |
Sales to Perfumania: | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations | $ | 51,148,000 | | $ | 11,720,000 | | $ | 7,517,000 |
Discontinued operations | | — | | | 5,513,000 | | | 15,925,000 |
| $ | 51,148,000 | | $ | 17,233,000 | | $ | 23,442,000 |
17
During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we had sales from continuing operations of approximately $51,148,000, $11,720,000 and $7,517,000, respectively, to Perfumania, which represented 33%, 9% and 7%, respectively, of our sales from continuing operations for the periods. In addition, we had sales to Perfumania of approximately $0, $5,513,000 and $15,925,000, respectively, of Perry Ellis products over the same periods which are reflected as discontinued operations. Perfumania is one of our largest customers and transactions with them are closely monitored by management, and any unusual trends or issues are brought to the attention of our Audit Committee and Board of Directors.Perfumania offers us the opportunity to sell our products in approximately 315 retail outlets and our terms with Perfumania take into consideration the relationship existing between the companies for over 15 years. Pricing and terms with Perfumania reflect (a) the volume of Perfumania’s purchases, (b) a policy of no returns from Perfumania, (c) minimal spending for advertising and promotion, (d) exposure of our products provided in Perfumania’s store windows, and (e) minimal distribution costs to fulfill Perfumania orders shipped directly to their distribution center.
While our invoice terms to Perfumania are stated as net ninety (90) days, for over ten years, management has granted longer payment terms taking into consideration the factors discussed above. We evaluate the credit risk involved, which is determined based on Perfumania’s reported results and comparable store sales performance. Management monitors the account activity to ensure compliance with their limits.
Net trade accounts receivable owed by Perfumania to us amounted to$15,392,112 and $6,101,456 at March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Trade accounts receivable from Perfumania are non-interest bearing, and are paid in accordance with the terms established by management.
We continue to evaluate our credit risk and assess the collectibility of the Perfumania receivables. Perfumania’s reported financial information, as well as our payment history with Perfumania, indicates that, historically, their first quarter ending approximately April 30, is Perfumania’s most difficult operating quarter as is the case with most U.S. based retailers. We have, in the past, received significant payments from Perfumania during the last three months of the calendar year, and have no reason to believe that this will not continue. Based on our evaluation, no allowances have been recorded as of March 31, 2008, and 2007. We will continue to evaluate Perfumania’s financial condition on an ongoing basis and consider the possible alternatives and effects, if any, on the Company.
Consent Solicitation
On February 6, 2007, we entered into a Settlement Agreement with Mr. Glenn H. Nussdorf, a major stockholder, and Mr. Ilia Lekach, a major stockholder and our former Chairman and CEO at the time.
On August 31, 2006, Mr. Glenn H. Nussdorf (“Nussdorf”) sent a letter to our Board of Directors requesting that it approve purchases of the Company’s Common Stock by Nussdorf and his brother in excess of fifteen percent (15%) in the aggregate of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock for purposes of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. On September 5, 2006, the Board granted such approval. The Board believed that open market purchases of Company shares by any stockholder benefited all Company stockholders and had also anticipated that an acquisition proposal at a premium might be forthcoming from Nussdorf.
On September 7, 2006, Nussdorf and a family member filed a Schedule 13D with the Commission reporting that Nussdorf may seek to influence or serve on the Board or designate nominees for election to the Board. On September 26, 2006, Nussdorf sent a letter to the Board notifying them of his objections to the proposed sale by the Company of its Perry Ellis fragrance rights to Victory International (USA) LLC. On October 17, 2006, Nussdorf and a family member filed an amendment to their Schedule 13D disclosing that Nussdorf was exploring the possibility of making an acquisition proposal to acquire the Company. On November 21, 2006, Nussdorf sent a letter to the Board announcing his intention to commence a consent solicitation to replace all the members of the Board. In the same letter, Nussdorf also wrote that he was considering making an acquisition proposal for the Company. On December 22, 2006, Nussdorf filed a preliminary consent solicitation statement on Schedule 14A with the SEC seeking to replace the entire Board with his slate of directors.
On January 4, 2007, the Board determined to go forward with its own solicitation in opposition to Nussdorf, and on January 8, 2007, the Board held a meeting to set the record date of January 17, 2007 in connection with Nussdorf’s proposed consent solicitation.
On January 19, 2007, Nussdorf filed the definitive consent solicitation statement on Schedule 14A with the SEC, and on January 23, 2007, we filed suit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Quality King Distributors, Inc., Model Reorg, Inc. (other entities affiliated with the Nussdorfs), Nussdorf and his proposed slate of new directors.
18
On February 6, 2007, pursuant to a settlement agreement between Nussdorf, Ilia Lekach and the Company, Nussdorf terminated his solicitation of consents from Parlux stockholders to replace Parlux’s directors, and Parlux dismissed its lawsuit against Mr. Nussdorf, his nominees and certain Nussdorf-controlled companies. The parties’ settlement provided for the immediate resignation from the Parlux Board of Ilia Lekach. In addition, because the parties’ settlement called for equal representation on the Parlux Board by the current independent directors and Mr. Nussdorf’s nominees, Jaya Kader Zebede, one of the current independent directors, offered her resignation in order to facilitate the transition. Frank A. Buttacavoli then agreed to resign as a director to allow for such equal representation, but continues to serve as Parlux’s Executive Vice President and Chie f Operating Officer. The parties’ settlement provided for the immediate appointment to the Parlux Board of three of Mr. Nussdorf’s nominees, Neil Katz, Anthony D’Agostino and Robert Mitzman.
The parties’ settlement also provided for the immediate appointment of Neil Katz as the interim Chief Executive Officer of Parlux. Neil Katz previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Gemini Cosmetics, Inc. and President of Liz Claiborne Cosmetics, the prestige fragrance division of the Liz Claiborne Corporation. The reconstituted Parlux Board was to conduct a search for a permanent CEO, and would consider Neil Katz for such position along with other candidates. Mr. Neil J. Katz was subsequently appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company by the Board of Directors on May 14, 2007.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Based solely upon a review of (1) Forms 3 and 4 and amendments to each form furnished to us pursuant to Rule 16a-3(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, during our fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, (2) any Forms 5 and amendments to the forms furnished to us with respect to our fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, and (3) any written representations referred to us in subparagraph (b)(1) of Item 405 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, no person who at any time during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 was a director, officer or, to our knowledge, a beneficial owner of more than 10% of our common stock failed to file on a timely basis reports required by Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.
PROPOSAL NO. 2:
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors has selected Rachlin LLP (“Rachlin”) as independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009. Rachlin has served as the Company’s independent certified public accounting firm since September 2007, having succeded Deloitte & Touche LLP (“D&T”). Representatives of Rachlin will be present at the Annual Meeting and will be given the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire. They will also be available to respond to appropriate questions.
The aggregate fees billed by Rachlin for fiscal year 2008 and for D&T in fiscals years 2007 and 2008 are as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | Fiscal Year Ended March 31, |
| | 2008 | | 2007 |
Audit Fees (a) | | $ | 814,504 | | $ | 1,395,206 |
Tax Fees (b) | | | 208,150 | | | 59,950 |
All Other Fees (c) | | | 23,251 | | | 261,410 |
———————
(a)
“Audit Fees” consist of fees billed for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our consolidated annual financial statements, and the review of our interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports. Our 2007 audit fees have been updated to reflect the final settlement with D&T.
(b)
“Tax Fees” consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for tax compliance and tax service.
(c)
“All Other Fees” in 2008 consist of fees billed for professional services rendered in connection with Rachlin’s audit of our Employee Benefit Plan.“All Other Fees” in 2007 consists of fees billed for professional services rendered in connection with D&T’s review of the results of the Independent Committee investigation regarding allegations made in the Second Class Action, which has since been dismissed.
The Audit Committee has considered and has agreed that the provision of services as described above are compatible with maintaining Rachlin’s independence. The Audit Committee pre-approves the engagement of the audit of our 401(k) Plan and Rachlin for all significant professional services. The Audit Committee has delegated the pre-approval authority to the Chairman of the Audit Committee, who evaluates and approves the particular engagement prior to the commencement of services. All fees were approved by the Audit Committee.
If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment of Rachlin, the selection of independent auditors may be reconsidered by the Audit Committee.
19
Changes in Company’s Certifying Accountant
Previous Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
On September 26, 2007, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved the dismissal of D&T as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The audit reports of D&T on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. The audit reports of D&T on management’s assessments of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (“internal control”) as of March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007 contained an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control and an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the C ompany’s internal control because of material weaknesses as of March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007. The following material weaknesses were identified and included in management’s assessments:
·
Lack of sufficient resources in our accounting and finance organization.
·
Lack of sufficient resources to provide for suitable segregation of duties.
·
Inadequate access controls with regard to computer master file information.
·
Inadequate controls over the processing of certain credits to accounts receivable.
·
Inadequate controls over the processing of certain expenses, most notably, advertising and promotional expenses.
·
Inadequate controls over the processing of adjustments to accounts payable.
·
Inadequate controls related to the inventory cycle. (This material weakness was identified and included in management’s assessment only for the year ended March 31, 2007.)
During the two fiscal years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007, and the subsequent interim period through September 26, 2007 (the “Relevant Period”), there were (1) no disagreements with D&T on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of D&T, would have caused them to make reference thereto in their reports to the subject matter of the disagreement, and (2) no reportable events, except that D&T advised the Company of the material weaknesses described above.
New Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
On September 26, 2007, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company appointed Rachlin as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008. In connection with the engagement of Rachlin, during the Relevant Period, the Company did not consult with Rachlin on the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; on the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements; or on any matter that was the subject of a disagreement or a reportable event. During the Relevant Period, the Company did not receive either written or oral advice from Rachlin that was an important factor in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION
OF THE APPOINTMENT OF RACHLIN LLP AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
FOR THE COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2009
EXPENSE OF SOLICITATION
The cost of soliciting proxies, which also includes the preparation, printing and mailing of the Proxy Statement, will be borne by the Company. Solicitation will be made by the Company primarily through the mail. Georgeson Shareholder Communications Corporation, New York, New York, has been retained to assist in the distribution of proxies at an estimated fee of $7,500, plus expenses. Directors, officers and regular employees of the Company may also solicit proxies personally, by telephone or telefax. The Company will request brokers and nominees to obtain voting instructions of beneficial owners of stock registered in their names and will reimburse them for any expenses incurred in connection therewith.
PROPOSALS OF STOCKHOLDERS FOR 2009 ANNUAL MEETING
Stockholders of the Company who intend to present a proposal for action at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, must notify the Company’s management of such intention by notice received at the Company’s principal executive offices no later than April 29, 2009 for such proposal to be included in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy relating to such meeting. Proposals received after April 29, 2009 shall be considered untimely.
20
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended March 31, 2008 is being delivered with the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement to the Company’s stockholders.
HOUSEHOLDING
Regulations regarding the delivery of copies of proxy materials and annual reports to stockholders permit us, banks, brokerage firms and other nominees to send one annual report and proxy statement to multiple stockholders who share the same address under certain circumstances. This practice is known as “householding.” Stockholders who hold their shares through a bank, broker or other nominee may have consented to reducing the number of copies of materials delivered to their address. In the event that a stockholder wishes to revoke a “householding” consent previously provided to a bank, broker or other nominee, the stockholder must contact the bank, broker or other nominee, as applicable, to revoke such consent. If a stockholder wishes to receive a separate proxy statement or Annual Report for this year, we will promptly deliver a separate copy to such stockholder that contacts us by mail at Parlux Fragrances, Inc., Attn: Secretary of the Company, 5900 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309.Any stockholders of record sharing an address who now receive multiple copies of our annual reports and proxy statements and who wish to receive only one copy of these materials per household in the future should also contact Investor Relations by mail or telephone as instructed above. Any stockholders sharing an address whose shares of common stock are held by a bank, broker or other nominee who now receive multiple copies of our annual reports and proxy statements, and who wish to receive only one copy of these materials per household, should contact the bank, broker or other nominee to request that only one set of these materials be delivered in the future.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board knows of no matters that are expected to be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting which are not described herein. However, if other matters properly come before the meeting, it is intended that the person named in the accompanying proxy will vote thereon in accordance with his best judgment.
PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IN THE UNITED STATES. A PROMPT RETURN OF YOUR PROXY CARD WILL BE APPRECIATED AS IT WILL SAVE THE EXPENSE OF FURTHER MAILINGS.
| |
| By Order of the Board of Directors, |
| |
| Neil J. Katz |
| Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
Fort Lauderdale, FL
August 26, 2008
21
| | |
| PARLUX FRAGRANCES, INC. | PROXY |
Proxy for Annual Meeting of Stockholders October 16, 2008
(THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY)
The undersigned stockholder of Parlux Fragrances, Inc. (the “Company”) acknowledges receipt of the Notice of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the accompanying Proxy Statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting and, revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoints Mr. Neil J. Katz with full power of substitution as proxy to vote all the shares of Common Stock of the Company owned or held by the undersigned at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, 3555 S. Ocean Drive, Room 312/313, Hollywood, FL 33009, on Thursday, October 16, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. or any adjournment or postponement hereof.
This Proxy should be dated, signed by the stockholder(s) exactly as the name appears on the envelope in which this material was mailed, and returned at the earliest convenience in the enclosed return envelope. Persons signing in a fiduciary capacity should so indicate.
Continued and to be signed on reverse side
| | | | | | |
1. Election of Directors to serve until the fiscal 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders | | 2. Ratification of Rachlin LLP as Independent Auditors for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009. |
FOR | WITHHELD | | | FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN |
¨ | ¨ | | | ¨ | ¨ | ¨ |
| | |
(01) Neil J. Katz | | |
(02) Anthony D’Agostino | | |
(03) Esther Egozi Choukroun | | |
(04) Glenn H. Gopman | | |
(05) Robert Mitzman | | |
(06) David Stone | | |
¨ For all nominees listed above, except as noted below: | |
________________________________________________ | |
| |
| | |
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
|
| | |
Date | | (Stockholder’s signature) |
| | |
| | (Stockholder’s signature) |