UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section
14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. __)
Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
Check the appropriate box:
☒ | 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 Pursuant to § 240.14a-12 |
Surge Components, 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):
☒ | 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): | |
(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: |
SURGE COMPONENTS, INC.
95 East Jefryn Blvd.
Deer Park, New York 11729
March ___, 2018
Dear Stockholders:
It is our pleasure to invite you to the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Surge Components, Inc. (“Surge” or the “Company”) to be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at our offices located at 95 E. Jefryn Blvd., Deer Park, New York 11729 at 9:00 a.m., local time. A Notice of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement and Proxy Card are enclosed with this letter. A copy of the Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017 also accompanies this mailing.
The Annual Meeting will be held for the following purposes:
1. | To elect three Class C directors to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board” or “Board of Directors”) from the nominees named in the accompanying proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) and any others properly nominated in accordance with Article II Section 5 of our Amended and Restated By-laws (the “Bylaws”) for a term of three years and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified; | |
2. | To approve an amendment to the articles of incorporation of the Company to declassify the Board; | |
3. | To ratify the appointment of Seligson & Giannattasio, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2018; | |
4. | To hold an advisory vote on the executive compensation of the Company’s named executive officers; and | |
5. | To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any postponements or adjournments thereof. |
It is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting whether or not you are personally able to attend. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we hope that you will read the enclosed Notice of the Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement and the voting instructions on the enclosed Proxy Card. We hope that you will promptly vote by completing, signing and dating the Proxy Card and mailing it in the enclosed, postage pre-paid envelope, or vote by telephone or the Internet by following the instructions on the Proxy Card. If your shares are not registered in your own name and you would like to attend the Annual Meeting, please ask the broker, bank or other nominee that holds the shares to provide you with evidence of your share ownership. Any proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise at the Annual Meeting as described in the accompanying Proxy Statement.
The attached Proxy Statement is dated March , 2018 and is first being mailed to stockholders on or about March , 2018, together with the Proxy Card and the Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017.
Sincerely, | |
Ira Levy | |
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director |
SURGE COMPONENTS, INC.
95 East Jefryn Blvd.
Deer Park, New York 11729
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON APRIL 11, 2018
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF SURGE COMPONENTS, INC.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2017 annual meeting of the stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Surge Components, Inc., a Nevada Corporation (“Surge” or the “Company”), will be held on April 11, 2018, at our offices located at 95 E. Jefryn Blvd., Deer Park, New York 11729, at 9:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
1. | To elect three Class C directors to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board” or “Board of Directors”) from the nominees named in the accompanying proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) and any others properly nominated in accordance with Article II Section 5 of our Amended and Restated By-laws (the “Bylaws”) for a term of three years and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified; | |
2. | To approve an amendment to the articles of incorporation of the Company to declassify the Board; | |
3. | To ratify the appointment of Seligson & Giannattasio, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2018; | |
4. | To hold an advisory vote on the executive compensation of the Company’s named executive officers; and | |
5. | To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any postponements of adjournments thereof. |
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you use the enclosed Proxy Card to vote FOR each of the Company’s nominees for Class C director in proposal 1 and FOR proposals 2, 3 and 4.
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 9, 2018 as the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and at any postponement or adjournment thereof.
YOUR VOTE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU OWN. If you are a stockholder of record, whether or not you personally plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please take a few minutes now to vote over the Internet or by telephone by following the instructions on the Proxy Card, or by completing, signing and dating the enclosed Proxy Card and mailing it in the postage pre-paid envelope provided. If your shares are held in “street name,” that is, held for your account by a broker, bank or other nominee, you will receive instructions from the holder of record that you must follow for your shares to be voted. Regardless of the number of Company shares you own, your vote is important.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ NOMINEES USING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD.
THE BOARD ADDITIONALLY RECOMMENDS VOTING FOR PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4, USING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD.
The proxy statement accompanying this notice provides a more complete description of the business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting. We encourage you to read the proxy statement carefully and in its entirety.
By order of the Board of Directors, | |
Ira Levy | |
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director |
Deer Park, New York
March , 2018
This Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, proxy statement and form of proxy are first being mailed to stockholders on or about March , 2018.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability
of Proxy Materials for the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be Held on April 11, 2018
This Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the accompanying Proxy Statement and our Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017, are available free of charge at the “Investor Relations” portion of our website at http://www.surgecomponents.com/relations.asp.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | |
PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS | 1 |
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS | 5 |
PROPOSAL 2: AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO DECLASSIFY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS | 9 |
PROPOSAL 3: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | 10 |
PROPOSAL 4: ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION | 11 |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT | 12 |
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE | 13 |
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT | 17 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION | 18 |
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING | 21 |
ANNUAL REPORT | 21 |
DELIVERY OF PROXY MATERIALS TO HOUSEHOLDS | 21 |
OTHER MATTERS | 22 |
SURGE COMPONENTS, INC.
95 East Jefryn Blvd.
Deer Park, New York 11729
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
April 11, 2018
This Proxy Statement,
along with a proxy card and our 2017 Annual Report, is first being mailed
to stockholders on or about March , 2018
General Information
This proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) is being furnished by the Board of Directors (the “Board” or the “Board of Directors”) of Surge Components, Inc. (“Surge” or the “Company”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held at our offices located at 95 E. Jefryn Blvd., Deer Park, New York 11729 on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 9:00 a.m., local time, and at any postponements or adjournments thereof (the “Annual Meeting”). The Annual Meeting is being held for the purposes set forth in this Proxy Statement. This Proxy Statement, the enclosed Proxy Card, and the Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017 are first being mailed to stockholders on or about March , 2018.
We have elected to provide access to our proxy materials both by sending you this full set of proxy materials, including a Notice of Annual Meeting, a Proxy Card and the Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017, and by notifying you of the availability of our proxy materials on the Internet. The Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and Annual Report to Stockholders for the Company’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2017 are available at http://surgecomponents.com/relations.asp. In accordance with rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the materials on this website are searchable, readable and printable, and the website does not have “cookies” or other tracking devices which identify visitors.
Under our governing documents, no other business may be raised by stockholders at the Annual Meeting unless proper notice has been given to us by the stockholders seeking to bring such business before the meeting. If any other item or proposal properly comes before the Annual Meeting, the proxies received will be voted on such matter in accordance with the discretion of the proxy holders.
Voting Procedures
If you are a record holder, meaning your shares are registered in your own name, you may vote:
(1) | By Internet: Access [ ] and follow the simple instructions. You will be required to provide the unique control number printed on the Proxy Card to access your account and vote your shares. |
(2) | By Telephone: Call [ ] toll free from within the United States from any touch-tone telephone, and follow the instructions on your enclosed Proxy Card. |
(3) | By Mail: Complete, sign and date your enclosed Proxy Card and mail it in the enclosed postage pre-paid envelope. Your shares will be voted according to your instructions. |
(4) | In Person at the Annual Meeting: If you attend the Annual Meeting, you may deliver your completed Proxy Card in person or you may vote by completing a ballot, which we will provide to you at the meeting. You are encouraged to complete, sign and date the Proxy Card and mail it in the enclosed postage pre-paid envelope regardless of whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. |
1 |
If your shares are held in “street name,” meaning they are held for your account by a broker, bank or other nominee, these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by that nominee. The nominee holding for your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you may vote:
(1) | Over the Internet: You will receive instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee stating if they permit Internet voting and, if they do, explaining how to do so. You should follow those instructions. |
(2) | By Telephone: You will receive instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee stating if they permit telephone voting and, if they do, explaining how to do so. You should follow those instructions. |
(3) | By Mail: You will receive instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee explaining how you can vote your shares by mail. You should follow those instructions. |
(4) | In Person at the Annual Meeting: You must contact your broker, bank or other nominee who holds your shares to obtain a “legal” proxy card and bring it with you to the Annual Meeting. You will not be able to vote in person at the meeting unless you have a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee issued in your name giving you the right to vote your shares. |
The shares represented by any proxy card which is properly executed and received by the Company prior to or at the Annual Meeting (each, a “Conforming Proxy”) will be voted in accordance with the specifications made thereon. Conforming Proxies on a Proxy Card on which no specifications have been made by the stockholder will be voted in favor of the proposals described in the Proxy Statement. The Board of Directors is not aware of any matters that are expected to come before the Annual Meeting other than those described in this Proxy Statement. However, if any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the Proxy Card will vote the shares represented by each Conforming Proxy on a Proxy Card on those matters as instructed by the Board of Directors, or in the absence of express instructions from the Board of Directors, in accordance with their own best judgment. For information regarding the revocation of a Conforming Proxy, please see “Revocation of Proxies”.
Proof of Ownership Required for Attending the Annual Meeting in Person
You are entitled to attend the Annual Meeting only if you are a stockholder of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”), as of the close of business on March 9, 2018, the record date set by the Board of Directors (“Record Date”), or hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting. If you are a stockholder of record or a beneficial owner of Common Stock that is held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee, you will need to provide valid identification and proof of ownership to attend the Annual Meeting. This proof can be:
● | a brokerage statement or letter from a broker, bank or other nominee indicating ownership on the Record Date, |
● | a proxy card, or |
● | a valid, legal proxy provided by your broker, bank or other nominee. |
Any holder of a proxy from a stockholder must present the proxy card, properly executed, and a copy of proof of ownership. Stockholders and proxy holders must also present a form of photo identification such as a driver’s license. We will be unable to admit anyone who fails to present identification or refuses to comply with our security procedures. No cameras, recording equipment, electronic devices, large bags or packages will be permitted at the Annual Meeting. You are encouraged to vote by proxy regardless of whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting.
Quorum
The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote, is necessary to constitute a quorum. Shares of Common Stock represented by Conforming Proxies will be counted as present at the Annual Meeting for purposes of determining a quorum without regard as to whether the proxy is marked as casting a vote for or against a proposal, withholding a vote or abstaining. Shares of Common Stock represented by Conforming Proxies that are voted on at least one matter coming before the Annual Meeting will also be counted as present for purposes of determining a quorum, even if the beneficial owner’s discretion has been withheld (a “broker non-vote”) for voting on some or all other matters. For information regarding broker non-votes, please see “Revocation of Proxies”.
2 |
Required Vote
Each stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock.
Proposal 1, concerning the three directors to be elected, will require approval of a plurality of the votes cast. With plurality voting, the three nominees for director who receive the largest number of shares voted FOR will be elected, irrespective of the number or percentage of votes cast. Directors will be elected by a favorable vote of the plurality of shares of Common Stock present, in person or by proxy, at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote. You may either vote FOR or WITHHOLD authority to vote for the Company’s director nominees. If you withhold authority to vote with respect to any nominee, your shares will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum, but will not be considered to have been voted FOR the director nominee and will result in such nominee receiving fewer votes. As a result, directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, meaning that the three candidates receiving the highest number of FOR votes will be elected. Broker non-votes are not deemed “votes cast” with respect to proposal 1 and therefore will have no effect on the vote.
PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ NOMINEES BY VOTING FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ NOMINEES ON THE PROXY CARD.
Pursuant to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Nevada Law, proposal 2 will require the affirmative “FOR” votes of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company and proposals 3 and 4 will require the affirmative “FOR” votes of a majority of the shares present, in person or by proxy, entitled to be voted thereon. You may vote FOR, AGAINST or ABSTAIN on Proposals 2, 3 and 4. If you abstain from voting on any of such proposals, your shares will nevertheless be counted as present for purposes of establishing a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions will have the same practical effect as a vote against proposal 2. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote for any of proposals 2 and 4.
If your shares are registered in your name, your shares will not be voted unless you provide a proxy by Internet, telephone or mail, or vote in person at the Annual Meeting. If you hold shares through an account with a bank, broker, or other nominee, your shares will not be voted, except with respect to certain routine matters, unless you provide voting instructions. Broker non-votes, if any, are counted as present for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum but will not be counted for purposes of determining whether a proposal has been approved, except in the case of certain “routine” matters. Broker non-votes occur when brokers, banks and other nominees do not receive voting instructions from their customers, and the broker, bank or other nominee does not have discretionary voting authority with respect to a proposal. If you hold shares through a broker, bank or other nominee and you do not give instructions as to how to vote, under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), your broker, bank or other nominee may have authority to vote your shares on certain routine matters but not on non-routine matters. If the nominee that holds your shares does not receive instructions from you on how to vote your shares on a non-routine matter, the nominee that holds your shares will inform us that it does not have the authority to vote on such matter with respect to your shares. Typically, “non-routine” matters include the election of directors, the advisory proposal on executive compensation, and the adoption of the amendment to the articles of incorporation, and “routine” matters include ratification of the appointment of independent auditors. Therefore, please instruct your broker how to vote your shares on these matters promptly. We will publish final voting results in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the SEC within four business days from the date of the Annual Meeting.
Solicitation of Proxies
We are required by law to convene an Annual Meeting of our stockholders at which directors are elected. Because our shares are widely held, it would be impractical for our stockholders to meet physically in sufficient numbers to hold a meeting. Accordingly, proxies are solicited from our stockholders. United States federal securities laws require us to send you this Proxy Statement and specify the information required to be contained in it. This solicitation of proxies is being made by the Board of Directors of the Company and all expenses of this solicitation will be borne by the Company. These costs will include, among other items, the expense of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing the proxy materials to stockholders of record and beneficial owners, and reimbursements paid to brokerage firms, banks and other fiduciaries for their reasonable out of pocket expenses for forwarding proxy materials to stockholders and obtaining beneficial owner’s voting instructions. In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, directors, officers and employees may solicit proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors, without additional compensation, personally or by telephone. We may also solicit proxies by email from stockholders who are our employees or who previously requested to receive proxy materials electronically.
3 |
Revocation of Proxies
A stockholder of record who has executed and delivered a Conforming Proxy may revoke such Conforming Proxy at any time before the Annual Meeting by (i) timely completing and returning a new proxy card with a later date, (ii) voting on a later date by using the Internet or by telephone, (iii) delivering a written notice of revocation to the Corporate Secretary of the Company prior to the Annual Meeting or (iv) attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Only a stockholder’s latest proxy submitted prior to the Annual Meeting will be counted. A stockholder’s attendance at the Annual Meeting will not automatically revoke such stockholder’s proxy unless such stockholder votes at the Annual Meeting or specifically requests in writing that his or her prior proxy be revoked.
If you are a beneficial owner, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker in accordance with such broker’s procedures.
Other Matters
If you have any questions or require any assistance with voting your shares, or if you need additional copies of the proxy materials, please contact: Surge Components, Inc., 95 East Jefryn Blvd., Deer Park, New York 11729, Attention: Corporate Secretary.
4 |
PROPOSAL
NO. 1:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our board of directors is classified into the following three classes:
Name | Class | Term Expires | ||
Ira Levy | Class A | 2019 | ||
Steven J. Lubman | Class A | 2019 | ||
Alan Plafker | Class B | 2018 | ||
Martin Novick | Class B | 2018 | ||
Lawrence Chariton Peter Levy |
Class C Class C |
Nominee in 2017 for term ending in 2020 Nominee in 2017 for term ending in 2020 | ||
Gary Jacobs | Class C | Nominee in 2017 for term ending in 2020 |
The current Class C directors are Lawrence Chariton, Peter Levy and Gary Jacobs and their terms expire at this Annual Meeting, or as soon thereafter as their successors are duly elected and qualified.
At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be asked to elect each of Lawrence Chariton, Peter Levy and Gary Jacobs as Class C directors, each to hold office until the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or removal.
Pursuant to the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board has nominated each of Lawrence Chariton, Peter Levy and Gary Jacobs, who each currently serve as a director, to stand for reelection at the Annual Meeting.
The basic responsibility of a Company director is to exercise his or her business judgment prudently and act in a manner that he or she believes in good faith to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board consider individuals who have records for leadership and success in their areas of activity and who will make meaningful contributions to the Board. Nominees for director are selected on the basis of Board experience, character, integrity, ability to make independent analytical inquiries, business background, as well as an understanding of the Company’s business environment.
We believe that each of the director nominees bring these qualifications in a positive manner to our Board of Directors. Moreover, the director nominees provide our Board with a complement of specific business skills, experience and perspectives.
We have been advised by each of Lawrence Chariton, Peter Levy and Gary Jacobs that they are willing to be named as a nominee and each is willing to continue to serve as a director if elected. If some unexpected occurrence should make necessary, in the discretion of the Board, the substitution of some other person for the nominees, it is the intention of the persons named in the proxy to vote for the election of such other person as may be designated by the Board.
Conforming Proxies on a Proxy Card held on the Record Date that are returned will be voted, unless otherwise specified, in favor of the nominees for the Class C directors named below. Each of the nominees has consented to be named in this Proxy Statement and to serve if elected, but should any nominee be unable to serve or decline to serve for good cause (which event is not anticipated) the persons named in the Proxy Card intend to vote for such substitute nominee or nominees as the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may recommend and that the Board of Directors may nominate. If any such substitute nominee(s) are designated, we will file an amended proxy statement and Proxy Card that, as applicable, identifies the substitute nominee(s), discloses that such nominee(s) have consented to being named in the revised proxy statement and to serve if elected, and includes biographical and other information about such nominee(s) as required by the rules of the SEC.
5 |
Class C Nominees
Alan Plafker has served as a director since June 2001. Since November 2016, he has served as Vice President of Garber Atlas Fries & Associates, Inc., an insurance agency providing commercial and personal insurance coverage. From July 2000 to November 2016, Mr. Plafker served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Member Brokerage Service LLC, a credit union service organization owned by Melrose Credit Union, and also served as director of business services for the credit union. From January 1993 to July 2000, he served as a member of the credit union’s board of directors and supervisory committee. Mr. Plafker has more than 35 years of executive and management experience in the insurance and credit union industries. He is a New York State licensed insurance agent and broker. Mr. Plafker has earned certification as a Certified Professional Insurance Agent from the AIMS Society and earned the CIC designation from the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors. He has also earned the CUBLP (Credit Union Business Lending Professional) designation from the CUNA Business Lending Certification Institute. In addition, he is a past President and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Professional Insurance Agents Association of New York State, and currently serves as Treasurer and as a member of the Board of Directors for the New York Independent Livery Drivers Benefit Fund, a New York State benefit fund providing injury benefits for livery drivers, to comply with the Workers’ Compensation Board regulations. Mr. Plafker received a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Adelphi University. Mr. Plafker’s experience in the insurance industry and knowledge of financial matters led to the conclusion that he should serve on our board.
Gary M. Jacobs has served as a director since July 2003. Since October 2014, Mr. Jacobs has served as President of Bar Bakers, LLC, a commercial food manufacturer of nutritional bars, cookies and other baked goods. From March 2011 to October 2014, he served as a consultant to several companies, providing advisory services in the areas of turn-around and financial and operational efficiencies. Mr. Jacobs served as the Chief Financial Officer of Chem Rx from June 2008 until March 2011. From May 2005 to June 2008, Mr. Jacobs was the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Gold Force International, Ltd., a supplier of gold, silver and pearl jewelry to U.S. retail chains, and Karat Platinum LLC, a developer of an alternative to platinum. From July 2003 to April 2005, Mr. Jacobs served as President of The Innovative Companies, LLC, a supplier of natural stone. From October 2001 to February 2003, Mr. Jacobs served as Executive Vice President of Operations and Corporate Secretary of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., a food and personal care products company. Mr. Jacobs also served as Executive Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. from September 1998 to October 2001. Prior to that, Mr. Jacobs was the Chief Financial Officer of Graham Field Health Products, Inc., a manufacturing and distribution company. Mr. Jacobs served for 13 years as a member of the audit staff of Ernst & Young LLP, where he attained the position of senior manager. He is a certified public accountant and holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting from Adelphi University. Mr. Jacobs’s experience as a certified public accountant and as a chief financial officer led to the conclusion that he should serve on our board.
Peter A. Levy has been a director of the Company since April 2017. He is an equity shareholder at the law firm of Mandelbaum Salsburg, one of the region’s oldest and most renowned law firms. He joined Mandelbaum as a member in September of 2015. In addition to practicing law for 15 years, Mr. Levy spent 12 years as a partner at a regional accounting firm, Sobel & Company, and has served as the chief operating officer of two different public companies, The Empire Sports & Entertainment and MYOS Corporation. As the president of MYOS Corporation, he successfully positioned the company on the NASDAQ stock exchange. Mr. Levy has significant experience in mergers and acquisitions, joint venture partnering, corporate governance, business processes, and strategic planning. Community service is an important aspect of Mr. Levy’s life. For over 20 years he has been on the Board and also served as the Corporate Liaison to Easter Seals – Camp ASCCA, America’s flagship camp for People with Disabilities, and he is the co-builder of the Roswal-Levy Tower, the world’s largest wheelchair-accessible interactive climbing tower for the disabled. For over a decade, Mr. Levy has been on the Board of Hamp’s Camp, a charity founded by former N.Y. Giants running back Rodney Hampton, which is dedicated to providing leadership tools to underprivileged children in Atlanta, Newark, and Houston. Mr. Levy’s financial experience led to the conclusion that he should serve on our board.
Required Vote
Each nominee shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast in the election by the holders of the Common Stock represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, meaning that the three candidates receiving the highest number of FOR votes will be elected. Unless marked to the contrary, Conforming Proxies on a Proxy Card will be voted FOR each of the nominees. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on the proposal.
6 |
Recommendation of the Board
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF PETER LEVY, ALAN PLAFKER
AND GARY JACOBS AS A CLASS C DIRECTOR.
Continuing Directors
Biographical and other information with respect to all members of the Board of Directors whose current terms will continue after the Annual Meeting is set forth below:
Class B Directors — Current Term Expires at the 2018 Annual Meeting
Lawrence Chariton has served as a director since 2001. Since May 2008, he has served as a consultant to Great American Jewelry, a retail jewelry firm. He served for 32 years as Chief Operating Officer of Linda Shop Jewelry, a retail jewelry firm. Mr. Chariton previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of New Island Hospital in Bethpage New York and subsequently served as a member of the Board of Directors of St. Joseph’s Hospital from February 2007 to December 2010. Mr. Chariton served on the Board of Directors of Jewish National Fund of Long Island. Mr. Chariton has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Hofstra University and is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America in Diamond Grading and Color Essentials. Mr. Chariton’s experience running a small business led to the conclusion that he should serve on our board.
Martin Novick is a real estate investor and was appointed to the Board in September 2016. He served as a vice president of Audiovox Electronic Corp., an international distributor and value-added service provider in the accessory, mobile and consumer electronics industries, from 1969 to 2008. He previously served on the board of directors of Audiovox Electronic Corp., Nu Horizons Electronics Corp., a distributor of electronic components which was acquired by Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) in January 2011 and Arielle Electronics, a company that sold bluetooth and wireless products. Mr. Novick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from New York University. Mr. Novick’s significant experience in the electronics industry and as a director of a public company led to the conclusion that he should serve on our board.
Class A Directors — Current Term Expires at the 2019 Annual Meeting
Ira Levy has served as our President, Chief Executive Officer and director since our inception in November 1981, and as our Chief Financial Officer since March 2010. From 1976 to 1981, Mr. Levy was employed by Capar Components Corp., an importer and supplier of capacitor and resistor products. Mr. Levy has served on the board of trustees of the Bellmore Jewish Center since 2002 and served as its president from 2006 to 2008. From 2000 to 2004, he served as a member of the board of trustees of METNY, the governing body of the Conservative movement of Judaism for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Mr. Levy studied Business Management at Hofstra University. Mr. Levy’s experience in, and knowledge of, the electronics components business led to the conclusion that he should serve on our board.
Steven J. Lubman has served as our Vice President, Secretary and a director since our inception in November 1981. In June 1988, Mr. Lubman founded Challenge Electronics, a division of the Company. From 1980 through 1981, he served as the sales manager for NIC Components Corp., a division of Nu Horizons Electronics Corp., a distributor of electronic components which was acquired by Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) in January 2011. From 1976 through 1980, Mr. Lubman served as both an inside and then outside salesperson for Capar Components Corp., a division of Diplomat Electronics Inc., a broad line distributor of electronic components including integrated circuits, diodes, transistors, and capacitor products. Mr. Lubman’s more than 35 years of experience in, and knowledge of the electronics components business, led to the conclusion that he should serve on our board.
7 |
Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons
The following is a description of transactions with our executive officers, directors or 5% stockholders during the past two years. We believe that all of the transactions described below were made on terms no less favorable to us than could have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties. All future related party transactions will be approved by our audit committee or a majority of our independent directors who do not have an interest in the transaction and who will have access, at our expense, to our independent legal counsel.
Surge and Challenge/Surge Inc. both lease their current executive offices from Great American Realty of Jefryn Blvd., LLC, an entity owned equally by Ira Levy, our Chief Executive Officer, President and Secretary, Steven Lubman, our vice president, and an individual who is not affiliated with us. Our lease is through September 2020 and our annual minimum rent payments were approximately $250,026 and $176,000 for fiscal 2016 and 2017, respectively, which reflect market rates.
Procedures for Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons
Pursuant to the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving all related party transactions as defined under Item 404 of Regulation S-K, after reviewing each such transaction for potential conflicts of interests and other improprieties.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10% of our common stock to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in the ownership of our common stock and other equity securities. Such persons are required to furnish us copies of all Section 16(a) filings.
Based solely upon a review of the copies of the forms furnished to us, we believe that our officers, directors and holders of more than 10% of our common stock complied with all applicable filing requirements during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017 except for two late Forms 4 for Mr. Tofias.
8 |
PROPOSAL NO. 2:
AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO DECLASSIFY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Articles of Incorporation currently provide that we shall have a staggered board of directors to be divided into three classes, with the term of office of each class to expire after three years and with the directors of each class to be elected by the stockholders at the third annual meeting of stockholders following the annual meeting at which such class of directors was elected.
Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, we agreed, among other things, to declassify our Board on a rolling basis. Accordingly, the Board has approved such amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (the “Declassification Amendment”) and has recommended that such amendment be approved by our stockholders at this Annual Meeting.
If the Declassification Amendment is adopted and approved by our stockholders at this Annual Meeting, promptly following the completion of the Annual Meeting, we will file a certificate of amendment to the Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada. Declassification of our Board would be phased in over a three-year period commencing with the election of the directors at the next annual meeting of our stockholders and would result in the Board being fully declassified (and all directors standing for annual elections) commencing with the 2020 annual meeting of our stockholders. It should be noted that, if approved by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting, the Declassification Amendment will not change the unexpired three-year terms of directors elected prior to this Annual Meeting. Accordingly, the three-year term for directors previously elected at our 2016 annual meeting of stockholders will expire at our 2019 annual meeting of stockholders and the three-year term for directors previously elected at our 2017 annual meeting of stockholders will expire at our 2020 annual meeting of stockholders. If the Declassification Amendment is adopted and approved, each of the directors elected at the next annual meeting of our stockholders will be elected for a one-year term expiring at our 2019 annual meeting of stockholders. In all cases, each director will hold office until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal. Under the Nevada Revised Statutes (the “NRS”), any director selected to fill a vacancy on our Board due to a director’s resignation will hold office for the remainder of the term of office of the resigning director. If the stockholders do not approve the Declassification Amendment, the Board will remain classified. Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws are silent as to the term of office to be held by a director selected to fill a vacancy on our Board.
Vote Required
In accordance with the NRS, adoption of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote, voting together as a single class.
Recommendation of the Board
Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement, the Board agreed to recommend a vote “FOR” approval of the Declassification Amendment.
9 |
PROPOSAL
NO. 3:
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has appointed Seligson & Giannattasio, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018. Although this appointment does not require ratification, the Board has directed that the appointment of Seligson & Giannattasio, LLP be submitted to stockholders for ratification due to the significance of their appointment to us. If stockholders do not ratify the appointment of Seligson & Giannattasio, LLP, the Audit Committee will consider the appointment of another independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2018.
Seligson & Giannattasio, LLP served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017. A representative of Seligson & Giannattasio, LLP is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting.
Fees Billed by Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm during Fiscal 2016 and 2017
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed to us for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2016 and 2017 by Seligson & Giannattasio, LLP:
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
Audit Fees(1) | $ | 151,000 | $ | 151,000 | ||||
Tax Fees(2) | $ | 12,000 | $ | 12,000 |
(1) | Audit Fees represent the aggregate fees for professional services for the audit of our annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. |
(2) | Tax fees represent the aggregate fees billed for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. |
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for the pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our principal independent accountants on a case-by-case basis. Our Audit Committee has established a policy regarding approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our principal independent accountants. Our Audit Committee pre-approves these services by category and service. Our Audit Committee has preapproved all of the services provided by our principal independent accountants in the fiscal year ending November 30, 2017.
Vote Required
Approval of proposal 3 will require the approval of a majority of the shares of Common Stock represented at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. Unless marked to the contrary, Conforming Proxies on a Proxy Card will be voted FOR proposal 3. Abstentions will have the same practical effect as a vote against the proposal. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on the proposal.
Recommendation of the Board
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 3.
10 |
PROPOSAL
NO. 4:
ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
As required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-21 promulgated thereunder, we are seeking an advisory, non-binding stockholder vote with respect to compensation awarded to our named executive officers. We hold stockholder votes on executive compensation on an annual basis until our next stockholder advisory vote on the frequency of say-on-pay votes.
Our executive compensation program and compensation paid to our named executive officers are described in this Proxy Statement. Our compensation programs are overseen by the Board and our Compensation Committee and reflect our philosophy to pay all of our employees, including our named executive officers, in ways that support three primary business objectives:
● | Attract and retain the best talent. |
● | Support our culture of performance. |
● | Align employee interests with long-term stockholder interests in the overall success of the Company. |
To help achieve these objectives, we structure our named executive officers’ compensation to reward the achievement of short-term and long-term strategic and operational goals.
The Board believes that the Company’s executive compensation programs use appropriate structures and sound pay practices that are effective in achieving the Company’s core objectives and goals. Accordingly, the Board is asking you to vote on the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the stockholders of the Company hereby approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, including the compensation tables and related narrative discussion.
Vote Required
Approval of proposal 4 will require the approval of a majority of the shares of Common Stock represented at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote. Unless marked to the contrary, Conforming Proxies on a Proxy Card will be voted FOR proposal 4. Abstentions will have the same practical effect as a vote against the proposal. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on the proposal.
The advisory vote on executive compensation solicited by this proposal is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers, which is disclosed elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. The vote is advisory, and therefore is not binding on the Company or the Board in any way. Furthermore, because this non-binding, advisory resolution primarily relates to the compensation of our named executive officers that have already been paid or contractually committed, there is generally no opportunity for us to revisit these decisions. However, the Board values the opinions of our stockholders and will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation policies and decisions.
Recommendation of the Board
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 4.
11 |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company beneficially owned as of March 9, 2018 by each of the Company’s 5% or greater shareholders, directors and executive officers, including each of the named executive officers set forth in the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement, and by all directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise noted, each of the named persons and members of the group has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of Common Stock shown.
Name and address of Beneficial Owner(1) | Amount and Nature of Common Stock Beneficially Owned(2) | Percentage of Common Stock Beneficially Owned(3) | ||||||
Ira Levy | 1,170,299 | 22.4 | % | |||||
Steven J. Lubman | 970,108 | 18.6 | % | |||||
Lawrence Chariton | 178,073 | (3)(4) | 3.42 | % | ||||
Alan Plafker | 50,000 | (3)(4) | 1 | % | ||||
Martin Novick | - | - | ||||||
Gary Jacobs | 112,000 | (3)(5) | 2.14 | % | ||||
Peter Levy | - | - | ||||||
All directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons) | 2,481,110 | 47.5 | % |
(1) | Except as otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner is c/o Surge Components, Inc., 95 East Jefryn Boulevard, Deer Park, NY 11729. |
(2) | Applicable percentage ownership is based on 5,224,431 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 9, 2018. |
(3) | Includes 25,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options with an exercise price of $0.82, which are exercisable within 60 days. |
(4) | Includes 25,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options with an exercise price of $0.87, which are exercisable within 60 days. |
(5) | Includes 50,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options with an exercise price of $0.87, which are exercisable within 60 days. |
12 |
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Directors and Executive Officers
Our executive officers and directors, and their ages, positions and offices with us are as follows:
Name | Age | Position and Offices with Surge | ||
Ira Levy | 61 | Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President and Director | ||
Steven J. Lubman | 62 | Vice President, Secretary and Director | ||
Alan Plafker*(1)(2)(3) | 59 | Class B Director | ||
Martin Novick* | 81 | Class B Director | ||
Lawrence Chariton*(1)(2)(3) | 60 | Class C Director | ||
Gary Jacobs*(1)(2)(3) | 60 | Class C Director | ||
Peter Levy*(1)(2)(3) | 58 | Class C Director |
* | Independent director |
(1) | Member of Compensation Committee. |
(2) | Member of Audit Committee |
(3) | Member of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
Director Independence
The Board has determined that each of Messrs. Chariton, Plafker, Peter Levy, Novick and Jacobs qualify as “independent” under the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules as well as Rule 10A-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
Board and Committee Meetings
During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017, the Board held 9 meetings. Each of the directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board (held during the period for which he served as a director), and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which he served (during the periods that he served on such committees). We have no written policy regarding director attendance at annual meetings of stockholders. Our last annual meeting of stockholders was held on January 5, 2017 and all of our directors attended such meeting.
Board Committees
The composition and responsibilities of each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are described below. Members will serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by the Board. Each committee operates under a charter that has been approved by the Board, and which is available on our website at http://www.surgecomponents.com/relations.asp.
Audit Committee
Our Audit Committee is comprised of Messrs. Chariton, Plafker, Novick, Jacobs and Peter Levy each of whom is an independent director of the Board. Mr. Jacobs serves as chairman of the Audit Committee. Our Board has determined that Mr. Jacobs is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K. The audit committee members are “independent” as that term is defined under the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017, the Audit Committee held four meetings.
The Audit Committee is authorized to:
● | approve and retain the independent auditors to conduct the annual audit of our books and records; |
● | review the proposed scope and results of the audit; |
● | review and pre-approve the independent auditor’s audit and non-audit services rendered; |
13 |
● | approve the audit fees to be paid; |
● | review accounting and financial controls with the independent auditors and our financial and accounting staff; |
● | review and approve transactions between us and our directors, officers and affiliates; |
● | recognize and prevent prohibited non-audit services; |
● | establish procedures for complaints received by us regarding accounting matters; |
● | oversee internal audit functions; and |
● | prepare the report of the Audit Committee that SEC rules require to be included in our annual meeting proxy statement. |
Compensation Committee
Our Compensation Committee is comprised of Messrs. Chariton, Novick, Plafker and Jacobs and Peter Levy, each of whom is an independent director. Mr. Jacobs serves as chairman of the Compensation Committee. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017, the Compensation Committee held two meetings.
The Compensation Committee is authorized to:
● | review and recommend the compensation arrangements for management, including the compensation for our chief executive officer; |
● | establish and review general compensation policies with the objective of attracting and retaining superior talent, rewarding individual performance and achieving our financial goals; |
● | administer our stock incentive plans; and |
● | prepare the report of the Compensation Committee that SEC rules require to be included in our annual meeting proxy statement. |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of Messrs. Chariton, Plafker, Novick, Jacobs and Peter Levy, each of whom is an independent director. Mr. Jacobs serves as chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held three meetings during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is authorized to:
● | identify and nominate members of the board of directors; |
● | oversee the evaluation of the board of directors and management; |
● | develop and recommend corporate governance guidelines to the board of directors; |
● | evaluate the performance of the members of the board of directors; and |
● | make recommendations to the board of directors as to the structure, composition and functioning of the board of directors and its committees. |
14 |
Director Nominations
In evaluating and determining whether to nominate a candidate for a position on the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee utilizes a variety of methods and considers criteria such as high professional ethics and values, experience on the policy-making level in business or medical research/practice experience relevant to our product candidates and a commitment to enhancing stockholder value. Candidates may be brought to the attention of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee by current Board members, stockholders, officers or other persons. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will review all candidates in the same manner regardless of the source of the recommendation.
We have no formal policy regarding board diversity. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Board may therefore consider a broad range of factors relating to the qualifications and background of nominees, which may include diversity, which is not only limited to race, gender or national origin. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s and Board’s priority in selecting board members is identification of persons who will further the interests of our stockholders through his or her established record of professional accomplishment, the ability to contribute positively to the collaborative culture among board members and professional and personal experiences and expertise relevant to our growth strategy.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also considers stockholder recommendations for director nominees that are properly received in accordance with our Bylaws and applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. In order to validly nominate a candidate for election or reelection as a director, stockholders must give timely notice of such nomination in writing to our Corporate Secretary and include, as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate, all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected). For more information on director candidate nominations by stockholders, see “Stockholder Proposals” herein.
Procedures for Nominating Directors
Our Bylaws provide that nominations for the election of directors may be made upon timely notice given by any stockholder of record entitled to vote for the election of directors. A timely notice must be made in writing, contain the information required by our Bylaws and be received by the Secretary of the Company, not later than the close of business on the 90th day, nor earlier than the opening of business on the 120th day before the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting. However, in the event that the date of the upcoming annual meeting is advanced more than 45 days before, or delayed more than 45 calendar days after, such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be delivered not earlier than the opening of business on the 120th before the meeting and not later than (x) the close of business on the 90th day before the meeting or (y) the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the annual meeting was first made by the Company.
Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight
Although we have not adopted a formal policy on whether the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions should be separate or combined, we have traditionally determined that it is in our best interests and in the best interests of our stockholders to combine these roles. Mr. Levy has served as our Chairman since November 1981. Due to our small size, we believe it is currently most effective to have the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions combined.
Our board of directors is primarily responsible for overseeing our risk management processes. The Board receives and reviews periodic reports from management, auditors, legal counsel, and others, as considered appropriate regarding our assessment of risks. The Board focuses on the most significant risks facing us and our general risk management strategy, and also ensures that risks undertaken by management are consistent with the board’s appetite for risk. While the Board oversees our risk management, management is responsible for day-to-day risk management processes. We believe this division of responsibilities is the most effective approach for addressing the risks facing us and that our board leadership structure supports this approach.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our officers, directors and employees. A copy of the code of ethics is accessible on our website at http://www.surgecomponents.com/relations.asp. Additional copies of the code of ethics may be obtained without charge, from us by writing or calling: 95 East Jefryn Blvd., Deer Park, New York 11729, Attention: Corporate Secretary, Telephone: (631) 595-1818.
15 |
Stockholder Communications with the Board
Stockholders who wish to do so may communicate directly with the Board or specified individual directors by writing to:
Board of Directors (or name of individual director)
c/o Corporate Secretary
Surge Components, Inc.
95 East Jefryn Blvd.
Deer Park, New York 11729
The Board of Directors maintains a process for stockholders or other interested parties to communicate with the Board or any Board member. Stockholders or interested parties who desire to communicate with the Board should send any communication to the Company’s Corporate Secretary, Surge Components, Inc., 95 East Jefryn Blvd., Deer Park, New York 11729. We will forward all communications from security holders and interested parties to the full Board, to non-management directors, to an individual director or to the chairperson of the Board committee that is most closely related to the subject matter of the communication, except for the following types of communications: (i) communications that advocate that we engage in illegal activity; (ii) communications that, under community standards, contain offensive or abusive content; (iii) communications that have no relevance to our business or operations; and (iv) mass mailings, solicitations and advertisements. The Corporate Secretary will determine when a communication is not to be forwarded. Our acceptance and forwarding of communications to directors does not imply that directors owe or assume any fiduciary duties to persons submitting the communications.
Additionally, the Audit Committee has established procedures for the receipt, retention and confidential treatment of complaints received by Surge regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, including procedures for confidential, anonymous submissions by employees with respect to such matters. Employees and stockholders may raise a question or concern to the Audit Committee regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters by writing to:
Chairman, Audit Committee
c/o Corporate Secretary
Surge Components, Inc.
95 East Jefryn Blvd.
Deer Park, New York 11729
16 |
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed our financial statements for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017 with both management and Seligson & Giannattasio, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm. In its discussion, management has represented to the Audit Committee that our financial statements for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017 were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The Audit Committee meets with our independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their annual audit and quarterly reviews, our internal controls and the overall quality of our financial reporting. The Audit Committee has discussed with our independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) in Rule 3200T.
The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from our independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has considered and discussed with Seligson & Giannattasio, LLP, such firm’s independence and the compatibility of the non-audit services provided by the firm with its independence.
Based on the Audit Committee’s review of the audited financial statements and the various discussions noted above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017.
AUDIT COMMITTEE | |
Gary Jacobs (Chairman) | |
Alan Plafker | |
Lawrence Chariton Martin Novick Peter Levy |
17 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation paid to our executive officers for the years ended November 30, 2017 and November 30, 2016:
Name and Position | Fiscal Year | Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Stock Awards ($)(1) |
Option Awards ($)(1) |
All
Other Compensation ($)(2) |
Total ($) |
|||||||||||||||||||
Ira Levy | 2017 | 275,000 | 137,500 | - | - | 53,872 | 466,372 | |||||||||||||||||||
President CEO and CFO | 2016 | 275,000 | 144,375 | 50,926 | - | 54,070 | 524,371 | |||||||||||||||||||
Steven J. Lubman | 2017 | 225,000 | 100,000 | - | - | 43,975 | 368,975 | |||||||||||||||||||
Vice President and Secretary | 2016 | 225,000 | 133,750 | 23,438 | - | 43,975 | 426,163 |
(1) | Amounts in this column reflect the grant date value of the stock awards granted in fiscal 2017 and the stock awards granted in fiscal 2016, respectively, granted to Messrs. Levy and Lubman in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“Topic 718”), disregarding any estimates of forfeitures. |
(2) | Amounts in this column include payments for medical insurance, automobile allowance and life and personal insurance. With respect to fiscal 2017, the amounts were comprised of the following items: |
Medical Insurance | Automobile Allowances | Life and Personal Insurance | ||||||||||
Ira Levy | $ | 25,770 | $ | 19,832 | $ | 8,270 | ||||||
Steven J. Lubman | $ | 24,800 | $ | 11,400 | $ | 7,775 |
2017 Base Salary and Bonus
In February 2016, the Company entered into revised employment agreements with two officers of the Company. Pursuant to these agreements, the base salary for one officer is $275,000 and the base salary for the other officer is $225,000. The agreements continue until terminated by either party.
The Company’s compensation committee may award these officers with bonuses and will review the base salary amounts for each of the officers on an annual basis to determine if any changes to the base salary amounts need to be made. Pursuant to the employment agreements, the officers are prohibited from engaging in activities which are competitive with those of the Company during their employment with the Company and for one year following termination. If the agreement is terminated other than for cause, the officer would be entitled to all base salary earned through the date of termination, accrued but unused vacation, all vested equity, and bonus amounts payable to the officer through the date of termination. The officers would also be entitled to receive an additional thirty-six months of annual compensation equal to the average of his base salary and bonus for the three calendar years prior to the date of termination, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practice over a 52-week period.
The bonus granted to the named executive officers in 2017 was based on certain performance goals that were set prior to the year by the Compensation Committee and the executive, but ultimately the bonus is discretionary, as the Compensation Committee has the authority to make all final decisions regarding the amount and form of bonuses provided to the executive officers. For Mr. Levy, his target bonus amount is equal to fifty percent (50%) of his base salary, and Mr. Lubman’s target is equal to forty-five percent (45%) of his base salary.
In 2017 the Compensation Committee used four performance markers to guide their decisions regarding bonus amounts. The performance guidelines that were applicable to Messrs. Levy and Lubman’s bonuses for the 2017 year included individual performance goals, revenue growth, achieving the operating plan goals for specific divisions of the company, and achieving the operating plan for the company as a whole. Each performance guideline was generally intended to make up twenty-five percent of the potential bonus amount for each executive. Based upon the Company’s and the executives’ performance during the 2017 year, the Compensation Committee granted awards that were approximately one hundred percent (100%) of the executives’ target award amount.
18 |
2017 Equity Compensation Awards
We have historically granted fully vested stock awards and stock option awards. The amount of awards granted in any given year is determined based on the performance of the Company and the executive in the previous year. Performance is generally based upon the same performance guidelines that are used for the annual cash bonus award for that year. The Compensation Committee sets a target award amount based upon a percentage of the executive’s base salary. At the end of the year, the Compensation Committee determines the cash amount that resulted from the previous year’s performance, with any discretionary adjustments that the Compensation Committee deems to be appropriate, and converts that cash amount into a number of shares of stock awards or stock option awards, as applicable.
With respect to the 2017 year, no equity awards were granted by the Compensation Committee.
Employment Agreements
In February 2016, the Company entered into revised employment agreements (the “Levy Agreement” and the “Lubman Agreement”, individually, and collectively, the “Employment Agreements”) with Ira Levy and Steven Lubman, respectively, which provides the executives with a base salary of $275,000 and $225,000, respectively (“Base Salary”). The executives shall receive an annual bonus as shall be determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee, as applicable, in its sole discretion, based upon criteria to be established in its sole discretion. The executives shall also be entitled to receive additional cash, equity or other compensation or benefits in consideration for their services to the Company, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee. In addition, the executives shall be entitled to receive grants of stock options, stock and/or any other equity incentive awards available to senior executives, under the Company’s equity incentive plans, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee.
The Employment Agreements will remain in effect until terminated by either the Company or the executive. In the event an executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause (as defined in the Employment Agreements), or if an executive resigns other than for Good Reason (as defined in the Employment Agreements), he shall be entitled to receive (i) any earned but unpaid salary, all vested equity, and any earned but unpaid bonus awards through the date of termination, and (ii) reimbursement for any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by him in accordance with the Company’s policy prior to the date of termination.
In the event an executive’s employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or if an executive resigns for Good Reason, including a Change of Control (as defined in the Employment Agreements) that is accompanied by the executive’s resignation within a twelve month period following that Change of Control, such executive shall be entitled to any earned but unpaid salary, all vested equity, and any earned but unpaid bonus awards through the date of termination. Such executive will also be paid an additional thirty-six months of annual compensation equal to the average of his base salary and bonus for the three calendar years prior to the date of termination, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practice over a 52-week period. The Company shall also (i) accelerate the vesting on any of the executive’s unvested stock options, restricted stock grants or other equity incentive awards; and (ii) reimburse the executive for any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by him in accordance with the Company’s policy prior to the date of termination. In the event that the executive is terminated without Cause due to our inability to pay our debts when they generally become due, we will not be liable for the cash severance payments or the payment of annual bonuses due to the executive. The severance benefits potentially payable upon a termination other than for Cause or for Good Reason will be provided subject to the executive signing a general release of claims in our favor prior to payment.
19 |
In the event an executive’s employment is terminated by the Company upon death or disability, the executive or his estate shall be entitled to receive his salary then in effect along with all other fringe benefits (including, without limitation, family medical benefits) for a period of one year following the date of such termination. In addition, the executive or his estate shall have the right to exercise any unexercised and vested options for a period of ninety days following the date of termination and to receive payment for any accrued but unpaid vacation time.
The Employment Agreements contain customary non-competition and non-solicitation provisions that extend to one year after the date of termination of the executives’ employment with the Company. The executives also agreed to customary terms regarding confidentiality and ownership of product ideas.
Outstanding Equity Awards at November 30, 2017
Name | Number of securities underlying options, Unexercisable (#) | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options, Exercisable (#) |
Option Exercise Price ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
||||||||||||
Ira Levy | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
Steven Lubman | - | - | - |
Director Compensation for Year Ending November 30, 2017
The following table summarizes the compensation for our non-employee board of directors for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017. All compensation paid to our employee directors is included under the summary compensation table above. With respect to the 2017 fiscal year, the director compensation program consisted of a monthly cash fee of $2,500 per month, with the amount increased to $3,500 per month for a non-employee director that serves as the chairman of more than two committees on the Board of Directors. The non-employee directors are also eligible to receive equity awards, although there is no annual target amount set for the non-employee directors.
Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | Option Awards ($)(1) | Total ($) | |||||||||
Alan Plafker | 30,000 | - | 30,000 | |||||||||
Martin Novick | 30,000 | - | 30,000 | |||||||||
Lawrence Chariton | 30,000 | - | 30,000 | |||||||||
Gary Jacobs | 42,000 | - | 42,000 | |||||||||
Peter Levy | 11,250 | - | 11,250 |
(1) | Amounts in this column reflect the grant date value of the option awards granted to each of the directors in accordance with Topic 718, disregarding any estimates of forfeitures. Further details of the methods and assumptions used for purposes of valuing these awards are included in Note H of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report. As of November 30, 2017, Messrs. Plafker and Chariton each held 50,000 shares of unexercised but vested stock option awards, and Mr. Jacobs held 75,000 shares of unexercised but vested stock option awards. |
20 |
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING
Stockholder proposals intended for inclusion in our proxy statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting (expected to be held on or about November 21, 2018 pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act must be submitted to us on or before July 4, 2018 so that they may be considered by us for inclusion in our proxy statement relating to that meeting.
Our Bylaws provide that nominations for the election of directors and proposals for other business to be consider at the annual meeting of stockholders may be made upon timely notice given by any stockholder of record entitled to vote for the election of directors. A timely notice must be made in writing, contain the information required by our Bylaws and be received by the Secretary of the Company, not later than the close of business on the 90th day, nor earlier than the opening of business on the 120th day before the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting. However, in the event that the date of the upcoming annual meeting is advanced more than 45 days before, or delayed more than 45 calendar days after, such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be delivered not earlier than the opening of business on the 120th before the meeting and not later than (x) the close of business on the 90th day before the meeting or (y) the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the annual meeting was first made by the Company.
ANNUAL REPORT
The Annual Report is being sent with this Proxy Statement to each stockholder and is available at the Investor Relations portion of our website as well as on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Annual Report contains our audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2016 and November 30, 2017. The Annual Report, however, is not to be regarded as part of the proxy soliciting material.
DELIVERY OF PROXY MATERIALS TO HOUSEHOLDS
Only one copy of this Proxy Statement and one copy of our Annual Report are being delivered to multiple registered stockholders who share an address unless we have received contrary instructions from one or more of the stockholders. A separate form of proxy and a separate notice of the Annual Meeting are being included for each account at the shared address.
Registered stockholders who share an address and would like to receive a separate copy of our Annual Report and/or a separate copy of this Proxy Statement, or have questions regarding the householding process, may contact our transfer agent: Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, by calling (212) 509-4000, or by forwarding a written request addressed to Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 1 State Street, 30th Floor, New York, New York 10004. Promptly upon request, a separate copy of our Annual Report and/or a separate copy of this Proxy Statement will be sent. By contacting Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, registered stockholders sharing an address can also (i) notify us that the registered stockholders wish to receive separate annual reports to stockholders, proxy statements and/or Notices of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, as applicable, in the future or (ii) request delivery of a single copy of annual reports to stockholders, proxy statements and/or Notices of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, as applicable, in the future if registered stockholders at the shared address are receiving multiple copies.
Many brokers, brokerage firms, broker/dealers, banks and other holders of record have also instituted “householding” (delivery of one copy of materials to multiple stockholders who share an address). If your family has one or more “street name” accounts under which you beneficially own shares of common stock of Surge, you may have received householding information from your broker, brokerage firm, broker/dealer, bank or other nominee in the past. Please contact the holder of record directly if you have questions, require additional copies of this Proxy Statement or our Annual Report or wish to revoke your decision to household and thereby receive multiple copies. You should also contact the holder of record if you wish to institute householding.
21 |
OTHER MATTERS
Management does not know of any other matters which are likely to be brought before the meeting. However, in the event that any other matters properly come before the meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote said proxy in accordance with their judgment in said matters.
The information presented in this proxy statement under the caption “Audit Committee Report” will not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, and nothing contained in any previous filings made by the Company under such acts shall be interpreted as incorporating by reference the information presented under said specified captions.
Where You Can Find More Information
We file annual and quarterly reports and other reports and information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports and other information can be inspected and copied at, and copies of these materials can be obtained at prescribed rates from, the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. We distribute to our stockholders annual reports containing financial statements audited by our independent registered public accounting firm and, upon request, quarterly reports for the first three quarters of each fiscal year containing unaudited financial information. In addition, the reports and other information are filed through Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (known as “EDGAR”) system and are publicly available on the SEC’s Web site, located at http://www.sec.gov. We will provide without charge to you, upon written or oral request, a copy of the reports and other information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Any requests for copies of information, reports or other filings with the SEC should be directed to Surge Components, Inc., 95 E. Jefryn Blvd., Deer Park, New York 11729, Attention: Investor Relations.
By Order of the Board of Directors | |
Ira Levy, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director | |
Deer Park, New York March , 2018 |
22 |
Important Notice Regarding the Availability
of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice & Proxy Statement and the Annual Report are available at the
Investor Relations portion of our website
at http://www.surgecomponents.com/relations.asp.
SURGE COMPONENTS, INC.
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
April 11, 2018 9:00 AM Local Time
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF SURGE COMPONENTS, INC.
The undersigned stockholder of Surge Components, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), hereby appoints Ira Levy and Steven J. Lubman, and each of them, each with power to act without the other and with power of substitution, as proxies and attorneys-in-fact and hereby authorizes them to represent and vote, all of the shares of common stock of the Company which the undersigned is entitled to vote, on all matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on April 11, 2018 at the Company’s offices located at 95 E. Jefryn Blvd., Deer Park, New York 11729, at 9:00 a.m., local time, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (“Annual Meeting”). The undersigned stockholder hereby revokes any proxy or proxies heretofore given by the undersigned for the Annual Meeting.
THIS PROXY CARD, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE BUT THE CARD IS SIGNED, THIS PROXY CARD WILL BE VOTED “FOR” THE ELECTION OF ALL NOMINEES IN PROPOSAL 1, “FOR” PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4, AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES WITH RESPECT TO SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
Continued and to be signed on reverse side
23 |
SURGE COMPONENTS, INC.
95 EAST JEFRYN BLVD.
DEER PARK, NEW YORK 11729
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Continental Stock Transfer, 1 State Street, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10004, Attention: Proxy Department.
VOTE BY E-MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and send it to proxy@continentalstock.com.
VOTE BY FAX
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and fax it to (212) 509-5152.
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
1. | Election of Directors. | Vote FOR | Vote WITHHOLD | Vote FOR ALL | ||||
Peter Levy Alan Plafker Gary Jacobs |
ALL nominees |
from all nominees |
nominees except the nominee marked below | |||||
☐ | ☐ | _____________ | ||||||
2. | Approval of an amendment to the articles of incorporation of the Company to declassify the board of directors of the Company. | |||||||
For | Against | Abstain | ||||||
☐ | ☐ |
☐ | ||||||
3. |
Ratification of the appointment of Seligson & Giannattasio, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2018. | |||||||
For | Against | Abstain | ||||||
☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||||
4. |
Advisory vote on executive compensation. | |||||||
For | Against | Abstain | ||||||
☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||||
NOTE: The proxies are authorized to vote on all such matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name, by authorized officer.
Signature | Date | ||
Signature (Joint Owners) | Date |