10/21/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/21/2024 04:02
TABLE OF CONTENTS
☒
|
Filed by the Registrant
|
||
☐
|
Filed by a party other than the Registrant
|
||
☐
|
Preliminary Proxy Statement
|
||
☐
|
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
|
||
☒
|
Definitive Proxy Statement
|
||
☐
|
Definitive Additional Materials
|
||
☐
|
Soliciting Material under § 240.14a-12
|
||
Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):
|
|||
☒
|
No fee required
|
||
☐
|
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials
|
||
☐
|
Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11
|
||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
/s/ Jason W. Reese
|
|||
Jason W. Reese
|
|||
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
|
|||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
•
|
The election of each of Matthew A. Drapkin, James H. Hugar, David Matter, James P. Parmelee, Jason W. Reese and Eric J. Scheyer to serve as members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation until the earlier of their death, resignation, removal or election of their successor;
|
•
|
The ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the Corporation's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025;
|
•
|
The approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the Corporation's named executive officers;
|
•
|
The approval, on an advisory basis, of the frequency of future stockholder advisory votes on the compensation of the Corporation's named executive officers; and
|
•
|
Other matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
|
/s/ Adam M. Kleinman
|
|||
Adam M. Kleinman
|
|||
President and Secretary
|
|||
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
|
|||
October 18, 2024
|
|||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
|
|||
GENERAL INFORMATION
|
1
|
||
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
|
2
|
||
Proxy Materials
|
2
|
||
Proposals to Be Voted on
|
3
|
||
How You Can Vote
|
4
|
||
Attending the Annual Meeting
|
6
|
||
Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations
|
7
|
||
Obtaining Additional Information
|
8
|
||
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
|
9
|
||
DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS
|
11
|
||
PROPOSALS TO BE CONSIDERED AND VOTED ON
|
12
|
||
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
|
12
|
||
Proposal 2: Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
15
|
||
Proposal 3: Advisory Vote on the Compensation of Our Named Executive Officers
|
17
|
||
Proposal 4: Advisory Vote on the Frequency of Future Advisory Votes on the Compensation of Our Named Executive Officers
|
18
|
||
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
|
19
|
||
Board of Directors
|
19
|
||
Committees of our Board of Directors
|
22
|
||
Communications with our Board of Directors
|
24
|
||
Nasdaq Board Diversity Rules
|
24
|
||
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
|
25
|
||
Insider Trading Policy - Hedging
|
25
|
||
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
|
25
|
||
Executive Officers
|
26
|
||
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
|
28
|
||
Employment Agreements/Arrangements with our Named Executive Officers
|
28
|
||
Cash Bonuses
|
29
|
||
Equity-Based Compensation
|
29
|
||
Pay Versus Performance Disclosure
|
31
|
||
Compensation of Our Board of Directors
|
33
|
||
Equity Compensation Plan Information
|
33
|
||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
|
Why did I receive GEG's proxy materials?
|
2.
|
What is included in the proxy materials?
|
•
|
Our Notice of Annual Stockholders' Meeting;
|
•
|
Our proxy statement for the Annual Meeting;
|
•
|
Our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K; and
|
•
|
A proxy card or voting instruction card.
|
3.
|
Why did I receive the Notice instead of a paper copy of the full set of proxy materials?
|
4.
|
What information is contained in this proxy statement?
|
5.
|
I share an address with another stockholder, and we received only one Notice or paper copy of the proxy materials. How may I obtain an additional copy?
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
6.
|
Who pays the cost of soliciting proxies for the Annual Meeting?
|
7.
|
What items of business will be voted on at the Annual Meeting?
|
•
|
Election of directors;
|
•
|
Ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP ("Deloitte") to serve as the Corporation's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025;
|
•
|
Approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the Corporation's named executive officers; and
|
•
|
Approval, on an advisory basis, of the frequency of future stockholder advisory votes on the compensation of the Corporation's named executive officers.
|
8.
|
What are my voting choices?
|
9.
|
How does the Board of Directors recommend that I vote?
|
10.
|
What vote is required to approve each item?
|
Proposal
|
Required Vote
|
|||||
1.
|
Election of directors
|
Plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting
|
||||
2.
|
Ratification of independent registered public accounting firm
|
Majority of the shares present and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting
|
||||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Proposal
|
Required Vote
|
|||||
3.
|
Advisory vote on executive compensation
|
Majority of the shares present and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting
|
||||
4.
|
Advisory vote on frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation
|
Majority of the shares present and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting (if no option is approved by a majority of the shares present and entitled to vote, then the option receiving the greatest number of votes)
|
||||
11.
|
What happens if additional items are presented at the Annual Meeting?
|
12.
|
Is my vote confidential?
|
13.
|
Where can I find the voting results?
|
14.
|
What shares can I vote?
|
15.
|
What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
16.
|
How can I vote?
|
17.
|
How will my shares be voted?
|
18.
|
Will shares I hold in my brokerage account be voted if I do not provide timely voting instructions?
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
19.
|
Will shares that I own as a stockholder of record be voted if I do not timely complete and submit my online ballot or return my proxy card?
|
20.
|
When is the deadline to vote?
|
21.
|
May I change or revoke my vote?
|
22.
|
Who will serve as inspector of elections?
|
23.
|
Who can attend the Annual Meeting?
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
24.
|
What is the deadline to submit stockholder proposals to be included in the proxy materials for next year's Annual Stockholders' Meeting?
|
25.
|
How may I nominate director candidates or present other business for consideration at an Annual Stockholders' Meeting?
|
26.
|
How may I recommend candidates to serve as directors?
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
27.
|
How may I obtain financial and other information about GEG?
|
28.
|
What if I have questions for GEG's transfer agent?
|
29.
|
How do I get additional copies of this proxy statement or voting materials?
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
•
|
each of the directors and named executive officers for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024;
|
•
|
all of our current executive officers and directors as a group; and
|
•
|
each person known by us to be beneficial owners of 5% or more of our outstanding common stock.
|
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
|
Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership(1)
|
Percent
Of Class
|
||||
Directors and Named Executive Officers
|
||||||
Matthew A. Drapkin(2)
|
6,959,760
|
22.0%
|
||||
James H. Hugar(3)
|
307,353
|
1.0%
|
||||
Adam M. Kleinman(4)
|
793,730
|
2.6%
|
||||
David Matter(5)
|
405,311
|
1.4%
|
||||
James P. Parmelee(6)
|
355,513
|
1.2%
|
||||
Jason W. Reese(7)
|
7,372,765
|
24.7%
|
||||
Eric J. Scheyer(8)
|
571,321
|
1.9%
|
||||
Keri A. Davis(9)
|
79,663
|
*
|
||||
Nichole Milz(10)
|
176,347
|
*
|
||||
All current executive officers and directors as a group (9 persons)
|
17,021,763
|
55.7%
|
||||
5% Stockholders
|
||||||
Entities affiliated with Northern Right Capital Management, L.P., 9 Old Kings Hwy S., 4th Floor, Darien, CT 06820(11)
|
6,295,619
|
19.8%
|
||||
Entities affiliated with Imperial Capital Asset Management, LLC, 3801 PGA Boulevard, Suite 603, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410(12)
|
6,379,646
|
21.4%
|
||||
Entities affiliated with PC Elfun LLC, 3547 53rd Avenue West, #220, Bradenton, FL 34210(13)
|
3,123,285
|
9.5%
|
||||
*
|
Less than 1% of the outstanding shares of our common stock.
|
(1)
|
This table is based upon information supplied by each officer and director, and Schedules 13D and 13G, if any, filed with the SEC. Unless otherwise indicated in the table, the address for each person named above is c/o Great Elm Group, Inc., 3801 PGA Boulevard, Suite 603, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.
|
(2)
|
Includes the 6,295,619 shares identified in footnote (11) below. Also includes 89,238 shares issuable upon the conversion of 5.00% convertible senior PIK notes due 2030 ("PIK Notes"), including additional PIK Notes issued as interest payments on the PIK Notes ("Additional PIK Notes"). Also includes 574,903 shares of restricted stock directly held by Mr. Drapkin, of which 108,284 shares are deferred pursuant to a pre-established deferral election and will be delivered in a single lump sum upon the earlier of (a) three years from the grant date of such shares and (b) termination of Mr. Drapkin's service as a member of our Board of Directors.
|
(3)
|
Includes 256,297 shares of vested restricted stock and 2,897 shares of unvested restricted stock.
|
(4)
|
Includes 213,000 vested stock options, 421,557 shares of vested restricted stock and 66,915 shares of unvested restricted stock.
|
(5)
|
Includes 159,439 shares of vested restricted stock and 12,924 shares of unvested restricted stock.
|
(6)
|
Includes 316,252 shares of vested restricted stock and 14,261 shares of unvested restricted stock.
|
(7)
|
Includes the 6,379,646 shares identified in footnote (12) below and 789,084 shares of vested restricted stock and 204,035 shares of unvested restricted stock directly held by Mr. Reese.
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(8)
|
Includes 232,020 shares issuable upon conversion of the PIK Notes, including the Additional PIK Notes, and 325,040 shares of vested restricted stock and 14,261 shares of unvested restricted stock. Mr. Scheyer disclaims beneficial ownership of certain securities issuable upon conversion of the PIK Notes, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
|
(9)
|
Includes 40,000 vested stock options, 12,995 shares of vested restricted stock and 26,668 shares of unvested restricted stock.
|
(10)
|
Includes 82,430 shares of vested restricted stock and 93,917 shares of unvested restricted stock.
|
(11)
|
Based on information furnished in a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on January 5, 2024, jointly by Northern Right Capital Management, L.P. ("Northern Right"), Northern Right Capital (QP), L.P. ("Northern Right QP"), BC Advisors, LLC ("BCA") and Matthew A. Drapkin. Northern Right, in its capacity as investment manager for separate managed accounts on behalf of investment advisory clients, reported sole voting and dispositive power over 2,958,414 shares of our common stock, which includes 1,044,724 shares of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of the PIK Notes. Northern Right also reported shared voting and dispositive power of 3,237,143 shares of our common stock currently held by Northern Right QP, which includes 957,665 shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the PIK Notes. Northern Right QP reported sole voting and dispositive power over 3,237,143 shares of our common stock, which includes 957,665 shares of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of the PIK Notes. BCA and Mr. Drapkin reported shared voting and dispositive power over 6,195,557 shares of our common stock, which includes 2,002,389 shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the PIK Notes. Mr. Drapkin reported sole voting and dispositive power over 437,146 shares of our common stock. The 6,295,619 shares listed in the table above includes an additional 50,062 shares of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of the Additional PIK Notes issued since the aforementioned Schedule 13D/A.
|
(12)
|
Based on information furnished in a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on June 20, 2023, jointly by Long Ball Partners, LLC ("Long Ball"), Imperial Capital Asset Management, LLC ("ICAM"), the managing member and investment manager of Long Ball, Imperial Capital Group Holdings II, LLC ("ICGH II") and Jason Reese, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ICAM and portfolio manager of Long Ball. Long Ball reported beneficial ownership of 4,668,103 shares of our common stock, ICAM reported beneficial ownership of 5,577,187 shares of our common stock and ICGH II reported beneficial ownership of 460,900 shares of our common stock. The 6,379,646 shares listed in the table above includes an additional 341,559 shares of our common stock, in the aggregate, reported by Long Ball, ICAM and Jason Reese on a subsequently filed Form 4.
|
(13)
|
Based on information furnished in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 7, 2024, jointly by PC Elfun LLC, Pine Crest Capital LLC, Michael Hughes and Daniel J. Hopkins in which each reported beneficial ownership of 3,047,108 shares of our common stock (as to which each claims shared voting and dispositive power), which includes 3,047,108 shares of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of PIK Notes. The 3,123,285 shares of our common stock listed in the table above includes an additional 76,177 shares of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of the Additional PIK Notes issued since the aforementioned Schedule 13G.
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Director/Nominee
|
Age
|
Audit
Committee
|
Nominating &
Corporate Governance
Committee
|
Compensation
Committee
|
||||||||
James H. Hugar
|
78
|
Chair
|
✔
|
|||||||||
David Matter
|
55
|
✔
|
||||||||||
Jason W. Reese
|
59
|
|||||||||||
Eric J. Scheyer
|
59
|
✔
|
✔
|
|||||||||
Matthew A. Drapkin
|
51
|
Chair
|
✔
|
|||||||||
James P. Parmelee
|
58
|
✔
|
Chair
|
|||||||||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
•
|
the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered with respect to our consolidated financial statements in connection with which either a written report or oral advice was provided to us that Deloitte concluded was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or
|
•
|
any matter that was either the subject of a "disagreement" (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) or a "reportable event" (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).
|
Year Ended
June 30,
|
||||||
In thousands
|
2024
|
2023
|
||||
Audit Fees:
|
||||||
Audit services, statutory audits, quarterly reviews and Securities Act (as defined below) filings
|
$568
|
$589
|
||||
Audit-Related Fees:
|
||||||
Due diligence, accounting consultations and audits in connection with mergers and acquisitions and attest services related to financial reporting that are not required by statute or regulation
|
-
|
-
|
||||
Tax Fees:
|
||||||
Income tax compliance and consulting
|
-
|
-
|
||||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Year Ended
June 30,
|
||||||
In thousands
|
2024
|
2023
|
||||
All Other Fees: (including financial information systems design and implementation)
|
-
|
-
|
||||
Total fees
|
$568
|
$589
|
||||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
•
|
Hiring and firing our Chief Executive Officer and overseeing his or her performance and that of other senior management in the operation of the Corporation;
|
•
|
Planning for management succession;
|
•
|
Guiding corporate strategy;
|
•
|
Reviewing and monitoring strategic, financial and operating plans and budgets and their development and implementation by management;
|
•
|
Assessing and monitoring risks and risk-management strategies;
|
•
|
Suggesting, reviewing and approving significant corporate actions;
|
•
|
Reviewing and monitoring processes designed to maintain our integrity, including financial reporting, compliance with legal and regulatory obligations, and relationships with stockholders, employees, customers, suppliers and others; and
|
•
|
Selecting director nominees, appointing board committee members, forming board committees and overseeing effective corporate governance.
|
•
|
To review and approve all board and committee agendas and approve information sent to our Board of Directors, providing input to management on the scope and quality of such information;
|
•
|
To consult with committee chairs regarding the topics and schedules of the meetings of our Board of Directors and its committees and approve such schedules to assure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items;
|
•
|
To call a special meeting of our Board of Directors or the independent directors at any time, at any place and for any purpose;
|
•
|
To be available for consultation and direct communication with GEG's major stockholders;
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
•
|
To consult with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee as part of the committee's review of director nominations and recommendations of director candidates;
|
•
|
To consult with directors regarding acceptance of memberships on other boards to assure that multiple board service does not conflict or otherwise interfere with such directors' service to GEG;
|
•
|
Led by the Compensation Committee, to report annually to our Board of Directors on succession planning, including policies and principles for executive officer selection; and
|
•
|
To perform such other duties as may be assigned from time-to-time by the independent directors.
|
• Matthew A. Drapkin
|
• David Matter
|
||
• James H. Hugar
|
• James P. Parmelee
|
||
• Eric J. Scheyer
|
|||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
•
|
establishment of corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our named executive officers and our other executive officers and evaluation of performance in light of these stated objectives;
|
•
|
evaluation of the performance of the named executive officers and determination and approval of, and, in the case of our Chief Executive Officer, recommendation to our Board of Directors for approval, the compensation and other terms of employment, including long-term incentive compensation, severance and change-in-control arrangements, of our named executive officers;
|
•
|
appointment, retention, compensation, termination and oversight of the work of any independent experts, consultants and other advisers, review and approval of the fees and retention terms for such experts, consultants and other advisers and consideration at least annually of the independence of such consultants;
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
•
|
review and administration of our general compensation plans and other employee benefit plans, including incentive-based compensation and equity compensation plans and other similar plans and programs; and
|
•
|
review with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (or other applicable executive compensation disclosure), including the determination of whether to recommend that it be included in the proxy statement. In fulfilling its responsibilities, our Compensation Committee is entitled to delegate to a subcommittee for any purpose it deems appropriate, including delegation to a subcommittee of our Board of Directors consisting of one or more members of our Board of Directors the authority to make awards to non-executive officers under the equity-based plans, in accordance with guidelines and policies set by our Compensation Committee.
|
•
|
the number of meetings attended;
|
•
|
the level of participation;
|
•
|
the quality of performance; and
|
•
|
any other relationships and transactions that might impair such directors' independence.
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
•
|
possessing relevant expertise upon which to be able to offer advice and guidance to management, including public company board experience and international business experience;
|
•
|
the ability to read and understand basic financial statements;
|
•
|
having sufficient time to devote to our affairs;
|
•
|
a reputation for personal integrity and ethics;
|
•
|
demonstrated excellence in his or her field;
|
•
|
the ability to work effectively with the other members of our Board of Directors;
|
•
|
having the ability to exercise sound business judgment; and
|
•
|
the commitment to rigorously represent the long-term interests of the stockholders.
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Total Number of Directors: 6
|
||||||||||||||
Part I: Gender Identity
|
Male
|
Female
|
Non-Binary
|
Not Disclosed
|
||||||||||
Number of Directors Based on Gender Identity
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||||
Part II: Demographic Background
|
||||||||||||||
African American or Black
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||||
Alaskan Native or Native American
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||||
Asian
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||||
Hispanic or Latinx
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||||
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||||
White
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||||
Two or More Races or Ethnicities
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||||
LGBTQ+
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||||
•
|
was an officer or employee of ours or any of our subsidiaries;
|
•
|
was formerly an officer of ours or any of our subsidiaries; or
|
•
|
(except as described herein) had any relationship requiring disclosure by us under the SEC's rules requiring disclosure of related party transactions in this proxy statement.
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Name
|
Age
|
Position
|
||||
Jason W. Reese
|
59
|
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
|
||||
Keri A. Davis
|
40
|
Chief Financial Officer & Chief Accounting Officer
|
||||
Nichole Milz
|
50
|
Chief Operating Officer
|
||||
Adam M. Kleinman
|
49
|
President
|
||||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Name and Principal Position
|
Fiscal
Year
|
Salary
($)
|
Bonus
($)(4)
|
Stock
Awards
($)(5)
|
Option
Awards
($)(6)
|
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation ($)
|
All Other
Compensation
($)(7)
|
Total ($)
|
||||||||||||||||
Jason W. Reese(1)
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
|
2024
|
500,091
|
750,000
|
275,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,525,091
|
||||||||||||||||
2023
|
78,205
|
275,000
|
-
|
400,000
|
-
|
715,000
|
1,468,205
|
|||||||||||||||||
Adam M. Kleinman(2)
President
|
2024
|
400,091
|
200,000
|
125,000
|
-
|
-
|
13,200
|
738,291
|
||||||||||||||||
2023
|
399,997
|
200,000
|
326,814
|
-
|
-
|
12,200
|
939,011
|
|||||||||||||||||
2022
|
300,000
|
35,938
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
214,100
|
550,038
|
|||||||||||||||||
Nichole Milz(3)
Chief Operating Officer
|
2024
|
300,091
|
212,500
|
150,000
|
-
|
-
|
13,200
|
675,791
|
||||||||||||||||
2023
|
226,349
|
125,000
|
106,311
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
457,660
|
|||||||||||||||||
(1)
|
Mr. Reese was appointed as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer on May 4, 2023.
|
(2)
|
Mr. Kleinman has been our President since March 21, 2018. $191,314 and $203,826 of Mr. Kleinman's compensation in the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023, respectively, was reimbursed by GECC.
|
(3)
|
Mrs. Milz was appointed as our Chief Operating Officer effective September 6, 2022. $81,913 and $85,407 of Mrs. Milz's compensation in the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023, respectively, was reimbursed by GECC.
|
(4)
|
Incentive amounts payable under the GECM Bonus Plan for the performance period ended June 30, 2024 are discretionary and were paid partially in cash, which is reported in this column, and partially in shares of GEG stock granted in fiscal 2025 for certain executives, which will be reported in next year's proxy.
|
(5)
|
The amounts in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards granted in fiscal year 2024 calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. These amounts for Mr. Reese, Mr. Kleinman and Mrs. Milz represent the portion of their bonuses earned in fiscal 2023 that were paid in shares of restricted stock.
|
(6)
|
The amount in this column for Mr. Reese reflects the grant date value of an option award granted to him in fiscal 2023 calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
|
(7)
|
The amounts listed in this column reflect the following: for Mr. Reese, the value of cash and equity retainers he received for his service on the Board for the second half of fiscal 2024 and the first half of fiscal 2025 and for Mr. Kleinman and Mrs. Milz, the amount of the Corporation's 401(k) match.
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Option Awards
|
Stock Awards
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Name
|
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
|
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
|
Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
|
Option
Exercise
Price ($)
|
Option
Expiration
Date
|
Number of
Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested (#)
|
Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested ($)
|
||||||||||||||
Jason W. Reese
|
-
|
2,000,000(1)
|
2.05
|
5/11/2033
|
26,151(3)
|
47,072
|
|||||||||||||||
79,908(4)
|
143,834
|
||||||||||||||||||||
99,637(5)
|
179,347
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Adam M. Kleinman
|
213,000
|
-
|
3.60
|
9/18/2027
|
24,615(6)
|
44,307
|
|||||||||||||||
54,762
|
2,381(2)
|
4.52
|
8/6/2024
|
100,000(7)
|
180,000
|
||||||||||||||||
45,289(8)
|
81,520
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Nichole Milz
|
32,362(9)
|
58,252
|
|||||||||||||||||||
54,348(10)
|
97,826
|
||||||||||||||||||||
(1)
|
Mr. Reese was granted 2,000,000 options on May 11, 2023. These options will vest and become exercisable in five equal installments on the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of May 5, 2023, subject to Mr. Reese's continued employment and subject to certain Stock Price Vesting Triggers (each, a "Stock Price Vesting Trigger") as set forth below. For each of the five annual vesting tranches, the Stock Price Vesting Trigger will be deemed achieved as of the first date following May 11, 2023 that the 30 calendar-day trailing average of the trading price of the common stock (as measured by the volume-weighted average price) equals or exceeds: (i) $4.07 for the first tranche, (ii) $6.00 for the second tranche, (iii) $8.00 for the third tranche, (iv) $10.00 for the fourth tranche and (v) $12.00 for the fifth tranche.
|
(2)
|
Mr. Kleinman was granted 57,143 options on August 6, 2019. These options vest as follows: 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date and 2.0833% per month thereafter.
|
(3)
|
Represents an award of 104,602 restricted shares granted to Mr. Reese on September 24, 2021 in connection with his service on the Board of Directors. This award vests as follows: 25% on the grant date and 25% on each anniversary thereafter.
|
(4)
|
Represents an award of 159,817 restricted shares granted to Mr. Reese on September 20, 2022 in connection with his service on the Board of Directors. This award vests as follows: 25% on the grant date and 25% on each anniversary thereafter.
|
(5)
|
Represents an award of 132,850 restricted shares granted to Mr. Reese on September 25, 2023, of which 72,464 were granted in connection with his service on the Board of Directors and 60,386 were granted in connection with his service as Chief Executive Officer. This award vests as follows: 25% on the grant date and 25% on each anniversary thereafter.
|
(6)
|
Mr. Kleinman was granted 49,230 restricted shares on September 20, 2022. These share awards vest as follows: 25% on the grant date and 25% on each anniversary thereafter.
|
(7)
|
Mr. Kleinman was granted 100,000 restricted shares on September 20, 2022. These share awards vest on the second anniversary of the grant date.
|
(8)
|
Mr. Kleinman was granted 60,386 restricted shares on September 25, 2023. These share awards vest as follows: 25% on the grant date and 25% on each anniversary thereafter.
|
(9)
|
Mrs. Milz was granted 48,544 restricted shares on September 20, 2022. These shares awards vest in equal 1/3 amounts on the first, second and third year anniversaries of the grant date.
|
(10)
|
Mrs. Milz was granted 72,464 restricted shares on September 25, 2023. These share awards vest as follows: 25% on the grant date and 25% on each anniversary thereafter.
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year (a)
|
Summary
Compensation
Table (SCT)
Total for
Jason W. Reese
(b-1)(1)
|
Compensation
Actually Paid
(CAP) to
Jason W. Reese
(c-1)(1)(2)
|
SCT
Total for
Peter A. Reed
(b-2)(1)
|
CAP to
Peter A. Reed
(c-2)(1)(2)
|
Average
SCT Total
for
Non-PEO
Named
Executive
Officers
(NEOs) (d)(1)
|
Average
CAP to
Non-PEO
NEOs
(e)(1)(2)
|
Value of
Initial Fixed
$100
Investment
Based On:
Total
Shareholder
Return
(f)(3)
|
Net
Income
(Loss) (g)
($ in 000s)
|
||||||||||||||||||
2024
|
$1,525,091
|
$1,477,121
|
-
|
-
|
$707,041
|
$720,258
|
$80
|
$(926)
|
||||||||||||||||||
2023
|
$1,468,205
|
$1,472,490
|
$693,898
|
$609,154
|
$698,336
|
$685,112
|
$91
|
$27,680
|
||||||||||||||||||
2022
|
-
|
-
|
$533,788
|
$450,011
|
$42,069
|
$417,918
|
$96
|
$(15,037)
|
||||||||||||||||||
(1)
|
Mr. Reese served as our principal executive officer ("PEO") from May 4, 2023 through June 30, 2024. Peter A. Reed served as our PEO from September 18, 2017 through May 4, 2023. For 2022, our non-PEO named executive officers ("NEOs") included Mr. Kleinman and Brent J. Pearson. For 2024 and 2023, our non-PEO NEOs included Mr. Kleinman and Mrs. Milz.
|
(2)
|
For each of 2024, 2023, and 2022, the values included in this column for the compensation actually paid to each of Messrs. Reese and Reed, and the average compensation actually paid to our Non-PEO NEOs reflect the following adjustments to the values included in column (b-1), (b-2) and (d) for 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively:
|
Jason W. Reese
|
2024
|
2023
|
||||||
Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO (column (b-1))
|
$1,525,091
|
$1,468,205
|
||||||
(-) SCT "Stock Awards" column value
|
$(275,000)
|
-
|
||||||
(-) SCT "Option Awards" column value
|
-
|
$(400,000)
|
||||||
(+) year-end fair value of equity awards granted in the covered year that are outstanding and unvested as of the covered year-end
|
$179,347
|
$415,006
|
||||||
(+/-) year-over-year change in fair value of equity awards granted in prior years that are outstanding and unvested as of the covered year-end
|
$(26,515)
|
$(5,230)
|
||||||
(+) vesting date fair value of equity awards granted and vested in the covered year
|
$68,751
|
-
|
||||||
(+/-) change in fair value as of vesting date (from the prior year-end) of equity awards granted in prior years that vested in the covered year
|
$5,447
|
$(5,492)
|
||||||
(-) fair value as of prior-year end of equity awards granted in prior years that failed to vest in the covered year
|
-
|
-
|
||||||
(+) dollar value of dividends/earnings paid on equity awards in the covered year
|
-
|
-
|
||||||
(+) excess fair value for equity award modifications
|
-
|
-
|
||||||
Compensation Actually Paid to Jason W. Reese (column (c-1))
|
$1,477,121
|
$1,472,490
|
||||||
Peter A. Reed
|
2023
|
2022
|
||||||
Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO (column (b-2))
|
$693,898
|
$533,788
|
||||||
(-) SCT "Stock Awards" column value
|
-
|
-
|
||||||
(-) SCT "Option Awards" column value
|
$(84,263)
|
-
|
||||||
(+) year-end fair value of equity awards granted in the covered year that are outstanding and unvested as of the covered year-end
|
-
|
-
|
||||||
(+/-) year-over-year change in fair value of equity awards granted in prior years that are outstanding and unvested as of the covered year-end
|
$(106)
|
$(740)
|
||||||
(+) vesting date fair value of equity awards granted and vested in the covered year
|
-
|
-
|
||||||
(+/-) change in fair value as of vesting date (from the prior year-end) of equity awards granted in prior years that vested in the covered year
|
$(375)
|
$(83,037)
|
||||||
(-) fair value as of prior-year end of equity awards granted in prior years that failed to vest in the covered year
|
-
|
-
|
||||||
(+) dollar value of dividends/earnings paid on equity awards in the covered year
|
-
|
-
|
||||||
(+) excess fair value for equity award modifications
|
-
|
-
|
||||||
Compensation Actually Paid to Peter A. Reed (column (c-2))
|
$609,154
|
$450,011
|
||||||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Average for Non-PEO NEOs
|
2024
|
2023
|
2022
|
||||||||
Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs (column (d))
|
$707,041
|
$698,336
|
$462,069
|
||||||||
(-) SCT "Stock Awards" column value
|
$(137,500)
|
$(216,563)
|
$(6,250)
|
||||||||
(-) SCT "Option Awards" column value
|
-
|
-
|
$(6,250)
|
||||||||
(+) year-end fair value of equity awards granted in the covered year that are outstanding and unvested as of the covered year-end
|
$97,826
|
$190,103
|
$7,929
|
||||||||
(+/-) year-over-year change in fair value of equity awards granted in prior years that are outstanding and unvested as of the covered year-end
|
$13,549
|
$(53)
|
$(570)
|
||||||||
(+) vesting date fair value of equity awards granted and vested in the covered year
|
$37,500
|
$13,477
|
$2,801
|
||||||||
(+/-) change in fair value as of vesting date (from the prior year-end) of equity awards granted in prior years that vested in the covered year
|
$1,841
|
$(188)
|
$(41,810)
|
||||||||
(-) fair value as of prior-year end of equity awards granted in prior years that failed to vest in the covered year
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||
(+) dollar value of dividends/earnings paid on equity awards in the covered year
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||
(+) excess fair value for equity award modifications
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||
Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs (column (e))
|
$720,258
|
$685,112
|
$417,918
|
||||||||
(3)
|
For each of 2024, 2023 and 2022, total shareholder return for the Corporation was calculated as the yearly percentage change in cumulative total shareholder return based on a deemed fixed investment of $100 at market close on June 30, 2021, assuming dividend reinvestment. Because fiscal years are presented in the table in reverse chronological order (from top to bottom), the table should be read from bottom to top for purposes of understanding cumulative returns over time.
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
•
|
$65,000 in cash as an annual retainer.
|
•
|
$20,000 in cash for service as Audit Committee chairperson.
|
•
|
$10,000 in cash for service as Compensation Committee chairperson.
|
•
|
$10,000 in cash for service as Nominating and Corporate Governance chairperson.
|
•
|
$10,000 in cash for each committee on which a director does not serve as chairperson.
|
•
|
$130,000 in cash for service as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors.
|
•
|
Annual grant of restricted stock having a value of $65,000. Amounts granted in fiscal 2024 include a grant on January 3, 2024 having a value of $65,000 (representing the 2024 calendar year, which consisted of the last half of fiscal 2024 and the first half of fiscal 2025), measured using the closing price on the date of grant, subject to monthly vesting from the grant date, pro-rated for partial periods of service during the fiscal year.
|
Name
|
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)
|
Stock Awards ($)(1)
|
All Other
Compensation ($)
|
Total ($)
|
||||||||
Matthew A. Drapkin(2)
|
-
|
247,500
|
65,000(3)
|
312,500
|
||||||||
James Hugar
|
32,500
|
127,500
|
-
|
160,000
|
||||||||
David Matter
|
-
|
140,000
|
-
|
140,000
|
||||||||
James P. Parmelee
|
-
|
150,000
|
-
|
150,000
|
||||||||
Eric Scheyer
|
-
|
150,000
|
-
|
150,000
|
||||||||
(1)
|
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock awards as of the date of the award (as described above) calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. These awards were issued as part of the annual grant of restricted stock, as well as restricted stock that the director elected to receive in lieu of the applicable cash retainer.
|
(2)
|
Mr. Drapkin has elected to defer all stock-based compensation relating to service periods beginning January 1, 2021 under the Non-Employee Directors Deferred Compensation Plan.
|
(3)
|
Represents compensation to Mr. Drapkin in exchange for his service on the Board of Directors of GECC equal to $65,000 per annum, pro-rated for his appointment date of April 3, 2023.
|
Plan Category (as of June 30, 2024)
|
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
|
Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
|
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
|
||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
|
3,324,081
|
$2.70(1)
|
2,388,367(2)
|
||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||
(1)
|
Represents the weighted average exercise price of outstanding options only, as restricted share units do not have an exercise price.
|
(2)
|
Total includes 1,444,367 under the Great Elm Group, Inc. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan and 944,000 under the Great Elm Group, Inc. 2016 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS