Unassociated Document
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, as amended
Filed
by the registrant |
x |
Filed
by a party other than the registrant |
o |
Check the
appropriate box:
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o |
Preliminary
Proxy Statement |
o |
Confidential,
For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2)) |
x |
Definitive
Proxy Statement |
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o |
Definitive
Additional Materials |
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o |
Soliciting
Materials Pursuant to Rule 14a-12 |
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METROPOLITAN
HEALTH NETWORKS, INC. |
(Name
of Registrant as specified in its Charter) |
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METROPOLITAN
HEALTH NETWORKS, INC. |
(Name
of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement) |
Payment
of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
x |
No
fee required. |
o |
Fee
computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11. |
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(1) |
Title
of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2) |
Aggregate
number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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(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): |
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(4) |
Proposed
maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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(5) |
Total
fee paid: Fee paid previously with preliminary
materials. |
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o |
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. |
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(1) |
Amount
Previously Paid: |
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(2) |
Form,
Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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(3) |
Filing
Party: |
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(4) |
Date
Filed: |
[INSERT
METROPOLITAN HEALTH LOGO]
250
Australian
Avenue
Suite
400
West
Palm Beach, Florida 33401
May 27,
2005
Dear
Shareholder:
You are
cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Metropolitan
Health Networks, Inc. that will be held at the Marriott Hotel, 1001 Okeechobee
Blvd., West Palm Beach, Florida on Thursday, June 23rd, 2005,
at 10:00 a.m. EST. I look forward to greeting as many of our shareholders as
possible.
Details
of the business to be conducted at the 2005 Annual Meeting are given in the
attached Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement.
Whether
or not you attend the 2005 Annual Meeting it is important that your shares be
represented and voted at the meeting. Therefore, I urge you to sign, date, and
promptly return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.
If you decide to attend the 2005 Annual Meeting, you will of course be able to
vote in person, even if you have previously submitted your proxy card.
On behalf
of the Board of Directors, I would like to express our appreciation for your
continued interest in the affairs of Metropolitan.
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Sincerely, |
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/s/ Michael M. Earley |
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Michael
M. Earley |
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Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer |
METROPOLITAN
HEALTH NETWORKS, INC.
250
Australian
Avenue
Suite
400
West
Palm Beach, Florida 33401
NOTICE
OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO
BE HELD ON THURSDAY, JUNE 23rd,
2005
To the
Shareholders of Metropolitan Health Networks, Inc.:
NOTICE IS
HEREBY GIVEN that the 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "2005 Annual
Meeting") of Metropolitan Health Networks, Inc., a Florida corporation
("Metropolitan"), will be held on Thursday, June 23rd, 2005,
at the Marriott Hotel, 1001 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, Florida on
Thursday, June 23rd, 2005,
at 10:00 a.m. EST for the following purposes:
· |
To
elect six members to Metropolitan's Board of Directors to hold office
until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors
are duly elected and qualified; |
· |
To
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve of and ratify the selection
of Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A. as Metropolitan's independent auditors
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005;
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· |
To
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the adoption of
Metropolitan’s Supplemental Stock Option Plan;
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To
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the adoption of
Metropolitan’s Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan;
and |
· |
To
transact such other business as may properly come before the 2005 Annual
Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
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All
shareholders are cordially invited to attend; however, only shareholders of
record at the close of business on Friday, May 6th, 2005
are entitled to vote at the 2005 Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
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By
Order of the Board of Directors, |
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/s/ Roberto L. Palenzuela, Esq. |
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General
Counsel and Secretary |
West Palm
Beach, Florida
May 27,
2005
THIS
IS AN IMPORTANT MEETING AND ALL SHAREHOLDERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING
IN PERSON. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE
COMPLETE, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE
ENCLOSED RETURN ENVELOPE. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
SHAREHOLDERS WHO EXECUTE A PROXY CARD MAY NEVERTHELESS ATTEND THE MEETING,
REVOKE THEIR PROXY AND VOTE THEIR SHARES IN PERSON.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
PURPOSES
OF THE MEETING |
1 |
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GENERAL
INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING |
2 |
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Who
can vote? |
2 |
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How
do I vote by proxy? |
2 |
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When
was this proxy statement sent to shareholders? |
2 |
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What
if other matters come up at the 2005 Annual Meeting? |
2 |
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Can
I change my vote after I return my proxy card? |
2 |
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Can
I vote in person at the 2005 Annual Meeting rather than by completing the
proxy card? |
2 |
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What
do I do if my shares are held in "street name"? |
2 |
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How
are votes counted? |
2 |
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Who
pays for this proxy solicitation? |
3 |
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OUTSTANDING
VOTING SECURITIES AND VOTING RIGHTS |
3 |
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SHAREHOLDER
PROPOSALS |
4 |
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SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT |
6 |
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ELECTION
OF DIRECTORS |
8 |
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DIRECTORS |
8 |
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Board
of Directors and Board Meetings |
10 |
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Compensation
of Directors |
10 |
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Shareholder
Communication Policy |
10 |
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Board
Committees and Committee Meetings |
11 |
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Report
of the Audit & Finance Committee(1)
. |
12 |
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Compliance
with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended |
13 |
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Certain
Relationships and Related Party Transactions |
13 |
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Legal
Proceedings |
14 |
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EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION |
14 |
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Options
Granted in the Year Ended December 31, 2004 to Named Executive
Officers |
14 |
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Aggregated
Options Exercises in Fiscal 2004 and Fiscal Year Ending Option
Values |
15 |
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Employment
Agreements |
15 |
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Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation |
17 |
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Compensation
Committee Report on Executive Compensation |
17 |
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Committee
Report on Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Compensation |
17 |
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PERFORMANCE
GRAPH |
18 |
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INDEPENDENT
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS |
20 |
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Fees |
20 |
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Pre-Approval
Policies and Procedures of the Audit & Finance
Committee |
20 |
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APPROVAL
AND RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS |
21 |
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APPROVAL
OF THE ADOPTION OF METROPOLITAN’S SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN |
22 |
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Summary
of the Supplemental Plan |
22 |
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Supplemental
Plan Benefits Table |
24 |
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Other
Considerations |
25 |
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APPROVAL
OF THE ADOPTION OF METROPOLITAN’S OMNIBUS PLAN |
26 |
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Summary
of the Omnibus Plan |
26 |
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Omnibus
Plan Benefits Table |
30 |
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Other
Considerations |
30 |
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OTHER
MATTERS |
31 |
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ANNUAL
REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS |
31 |
2005
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
OF
METROPOLITAN
HEALTH NETWORKS, INC.
PROXY
STATEMENT
THURSDAY,
June 23rd, 2005,
10:00 a.m. EST,
Marriott
Hotel
1001
Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm
Beach, Florida
This
Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of
Directors of Metropolitan of proxies from the holders of Metropolitan's common
stock (the "Common Stock"), for use at the 2005 Annual Meeting to be held at
Marriott Hotel, 1001 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, Florida on Thursday,
June 23rd, 2005,
at 10:00 a.m. EST, or at any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof, pursuant
to the foregoing Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The
approximate date that this Proxy Statement and the enclosed form of proxy are
first being sent to shareholders is May 27th, 2005.
Shareholders should review the information provided herein in conjunction with
Metropolitan's 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which accompanies this Proxy
Statement. The complete mailing address, including zip code, of Metropolitan's
principal executive offices is 250
Australian
Avenue,
Suite
400,
West Palm
Beach, Florida 33401 and its telephone number is (561) 805-8500.
PURPOSES
OF THE MEETING
At the
2005 Annual Meeting, Metropolitan's shareholders will consider and vote upon the
following matters:
1. The
election of six members to Metropolitan's Board of Directors to serve until the
next Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Metropolitan or until their successors
are duly elected and qualified;
2. To
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve of and ratify the selection of
Kaufman,
Rossin & Co., P.A. as
Metropolitan's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2005;
3. To
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the adoption of Metropolitan’s
Supplemental Stock Option Plan (the “Supplemental Plan”);
4. To
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the adoption of Metropolitan’s
Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”); and
5. Such
other business as may properly come before the 2005 Annual Meeting, including
any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Unless
contrary instructions are indicated on the enclosed proxy card, all shares
represented by valid proxies received pursuant to this solicitation (and which
have not been revoked in accordance with the procedures set forth below) will be
voted: (1) FOR
the
election of the six nominees for director named below; (2) FOR
the
approval of and ratification of Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A. as
Metropolitan’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2005; (3) FOR the
approval of the adoption of Metropolitan’s Supplemental Plan; and (4)
FOR
the
approval Company’s Omnibus Plan.
In the
event a shareholder specifies a different choice by means of the enclosed proxy
card, his or her shares will be voted in accordance with the specification so
made. The Board of Directors does not know of any other matters that may be
brought before the 2005 Annual Meeting nor does it foresee or have reason to
believe that proxy holders will have to vote for substitute or alternate
director nominees. In the event that any other matter should come before the
2005 Annual Meeting or any director nominee is not available for election, the
persons named in the enclosed proxy card will have discretionary authority to
vote all proxies not marked to the contrary with respect to such matters, in
accordance with their best judgment.
GENERAL
INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING
Who
can vote?
You can
vote your shares of Common Stock if Metropolitan’s records show that you owned
the shares on Friday, May 6th, 2005. A
total of 48,796,728 shares of Common Stock can vote at the 2005 Annual
Meeting. You are
entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock. The enclosed proxy card
shows the number of shares you can vote.
How
do I vote by proxy?
Follow
the instructions on the enclosed proxy card to vote on each proposal to be
considered at the 2005 Annual Meeting. Sign and date the proxy card and mail it
back to Metropolitan in the enclosed envelope. The proxyholders named on the
proxy card will vote your shares as such shareholder instructs. If you sign and
return the proxy card but do not vote on a proposal, the proxyholders will vote
for you on that proposal. Unless you instruct otherwise, the proxyholders will
vote for each of the six director nominees and in favor of all of the other
proposals to be considered at the 2005 Annual Meeting.
When
was this proxy statement sent to shareholders?
This
proxy statement was first mailed on May 27, 2005 to Metropolitan’s shareholders
of record as of May 6th, 2005,
the record date for voting at the 2005 Annual Meeting.
What
if other matters come up at the 2005 Annual Meeting?
The
matters described in this proxy statement are the only matters Metropolitan
knows will be voted on at the 2005 Annual Meeting. If other matters are properly
presented at the meeting, the proxyholders will vote your shares as they see
fit.
Can
I change my vote after I return my proxy card?
Yes. At
any time before the vote on a proposal, you can change your vote either by
giving Metropolitan’s secretary a written notice revoking your proxy card or by
signing, dating, and returning to Metropolitan a new proxy card. Metropolitan
will honor the proxy card with the latest date.
Can
I vote in person at the 2005 Annual Meeting rather than by completing the proxy
card?
Although
Metropolitan encourages you to complete and return the proxy card to ensure that
your vote is counted, you can attend the 2005 Annual Meeting and vote your
shares in person.
What
do I do if my shares are held in "street name"?
If your
shares are held in the name of your broker, a bank, or other nominee, that party
should give you instructions for voting your shares.
How
are votes counted?
Metropolitan
will hold the 2005 Annual Meeting if holders of a majority of the shares of
Common Stock entitled to vote either sign and return their proxy cards or attend
the meeting. If you sign and return your proxy card, your shares will be counted
to determine whether Metropolitan has a quorum even if you abstain or fail to
vote on any of the proposals listed on the proxy card.
If your
shares are held in the name of a broker or other nominee, and you do not
instruct the nominee in a timely fashion how to vote your shares (so-called
"Broker Nonvotes"), the broker or nominee may be able to vote your shares as the
broker sees fit depending upon whether the proposal is a routine or non-routine
proposal. For example, Broker Nonvotes will be counted as present to determine
if a quorum exists at the 2005 Annual Meeting but will not be counted as present
and entitled to vote on Proposal Nos. 3 or 4 as such are deemed “non-routine” by
the American Stock Exchange (“AMEX”) Company Guide.
Who
pays for this proxy solicitation?
Metropolitan
does. In addition to sending you these materials, Metropolitan may engage a
proxy solicitation firm to contact you directly by telephone, mail or in person.
Metropolitan will bear such costs, if any, which are not expected to exceed
$5,000.
OUTSTANDING
VOTING SECURITIES AND VOTING RIGHTS
The Board
of Directors has set the close of business on Friday, May 6th, 2005 as
the record date (the "Record Date") for determining shareholders of Metropolitan
entitled to notice of and to vote at the 2005 Annual Meeting. As of the Record
Date, there were 48,796,728 shares of
Common Stock issued and outstanding, all of which are entitled to be voted at
the 2005 Annual Meeting. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote on
each matter submitted to shareholders for approval at the 2005 Annual Meeting.
Shareholders do not have the right to cumulate their votes for directors.
Metropolitan's
Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) provide that the presence, in person
or by proxy, of the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock entitled to vote at the 2005 Annual Meeting is necessary to
constitute a quorum.
Pursuant
to the Florida Business Corporation Act (the “Act”), the six persons receiving
the highest number of votes cast in his or her favor by the shares of Common
Stock represented in person or by proxy at the 2005 Annual Meeting will be
elected as directors (Proposal No. 1). Pursuant to Metropolitan’s Bylaws and the
Act, the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock represented in person or by proxy at the 2005 Annual Meeting is required
to approve the ratification of auditors (Proposal No. 2), the approval of the
adoption of the Supplemental Plan (Proposal No. 3); and the approval of the
adoption of the Omnibus Plan (Proposal No. 4).
Abstentions
are counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum.
Abstentions are not counted as votes cast "for" or "against" the election of any
director (Proposal No. 1). However,
abstentions are treated as present and entitled to vote and thus have the effect
of a vote against the ratification of auditors (Proposal No. 2), the approval of
the adoption of the Supplemental Plan (Proposal No. 3); and the approval of the
adoption of the Omnibus Plan (Proposal No .4) .
If less
than a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote are
represented at the 2005 Annual Meeting, a majority of the shares so represented
may adjourn the 2005 Annual Meeting to another date, time or place, and notice
need not be given for the new date, time or place, if the new date, time or
place is announced at the 2005 Annual Meeting before an adjournment is taken.
Prior to the 2005 Annual Meeting, Metropolitan will select one or more
inspectors of election for the meeting. Such inspectors shall determine the
number of shares of Common Stock represented at the 2005 Annual Meeting, the
existence of a quorum and the validity and effect of proxies and shall receive,
count and tabulate ballots and votes and determine the results
thereof.
A list of
shareholders entitled to vote at the 2005 Annual Meeting will be available at
Metropolitan's offices, 250
Australian
Avenue,
Suite
400,
West Palm
Beach, Florida 33401, for a period of ten (10) days prior to the 2005 Annual
Meeting and at the 2005 Annual Meeting itself, for examination by any
shareholder.
SHAREHOLDER
PROPOSALS
Shareholder
proposals for inclusion in the Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of
shareholders to be held in the year 2006 must be received at the principal
executive offices of Metropolitan not fewer than 90 days nor more than 120 days
prior to June 23, 2006 i.e., between February 23rd and
March 23rd 2006.
This includes shareholder nominations of director candidates. If the date of the
2006 annual meeting has been changed by more than 30 days before or more than 70
days after June 23rd, 2006,
shareholder proposals must be delivered to Metropolitan not earlier than the
close of business on the 120th day
prior to the 2006 annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which
public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by Metropolitan.
In the event that the annual meeting of shareholders in 2006 is delayed by more
than 30 days, Metropolitan will announce the new deadline for shareholder
director proposals in a Current Report on Form 8-K. Shareholders interested in
submitting a proposal for inclusion in the proxy materials for the annual
meeting of Shareholders in 2006 may also refer to Securities Exchange Commission
(“SEC”) Rule 14a-8 which further describes the procedures for doing so.
Separately
and in addition to the timing requirements discussed above, Metropolitan’s
Bylaws require that a shareholder seeking to nominate a candidate for election
to the Board of Directors include the following information in such
shareholder’s notice to Metropolitan:
As to
each person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate for election as a
director:
· |
the
name and age of the nominee and, if applicable, all positions and offices
held by such person in Metropolitan including the dates and terms of
service; |
· |
a
description of any family relationship between the nominee and any
director or executive officer of
Metropolitan; |
· |
a
description of the business experience and principal occupations of the
nominee for the past five years, including the name of the nominee’s
principal employers and the dates of
service; |
· |
a
description of any relationship between any employer of the nominee during
the past five years and Metropolitan; |
· |
a
list of all directorships held by the
nominee; |
· |
a
description of any legal proceedings involving the nominee or any entity
for which the nominee served as an executive officer, including; without
limitation, the filing of any petition under federal bankruptcy or state
insolvency laws with respect to the nominee’s property or business or any
entity for which the nominee served as an executive officer within the
preceding two (2) years; the conviction of the nominee or naming of the
nominee as the subject of a criminal proceeding and any order or similar
decree enjoining the nominee from engaging in specified activities; and
|
· |
a
description of all arrangements or understandings between such shareholder
and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or
persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by
such shareholder; |
· |
any
other information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed
in solicitations of proxies for election of directors or is otherwise
required by Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended; |
· |
the
nominee’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a
nominee and to serving as a director if
elected. |
As to any
other business that the shareholder proposes to bring before the
meeting:
· |
a
brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting
including the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any
resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business
includes a proposal to amend the Bylaws of Metropolitan, the language of
the proposed amendment), |
· |
the
reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and
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· |
any
material interest in such business of such shareholder and the beneficial
owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and
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As to the
shareholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf
the nomination or other proposal is made:
· |
the
name and address of such shareholder, as they appear on Metropolitan's
books, and of such beneficial owner, |
· |
the
class and number of shares of capital stock of Metropolitan which are
owned beneficially and of record by such shareholder and such beneficial
owner, |
· |
a
representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of stock of
Metropolitan entitled to vote at such meeting and or by proxy at the
meeting to propose such business or nomination, and
|
· |
a
representation whether the shareholder or the beneficial owner, if any,
intends or is part of a group which intends (a) to deliver a proxy
statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of
Metropolitan's outstanding capital stock required to approve or adopt the
proposal or elect the nominee and/or (b) otherwise to solicit proxies from
shareholders in support of such proposal or
nomination. |
In each
case the notice must be given by personal delivery or by United States certified
mail, postage prepaid, to the attention of Roberto L. Palenzuela, General
Counsel and Secretary of Metropolitan, whose address is 250
Australian
Avenue,
Suite
400,
West Palm
Beach, Florida 33401. Any
shareholder desiring a copy of Metropolitan’s Bylaws will be furnished one
without charge upon written request to the Secretary. A copy of Metropolitan’s
Bylaws is filed as an exhibit to Metropolitan’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
on September 30, 2004, and is available at the SEC Internet website at
www.sec.gov
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The
following table sets forth certain information regarding Metropolitan's Common
Stock beneficially owned as of the Record Date (i) by each person who is known
by Metropolitan to beneficially own more than 5% of Metropolitan's Common Stock;
(ii) by each of Metropolitan's directors and Metropolitan’s Chief Executive
Officer and the other three most highly compensated individuals serving as
executive officers at the end of the 2004 fiscal year (collectively, the “Named
Executive Officers”); and (iii) by the Named Executive Officers and directors as
a group.
Name
of Beneficial Owner |
|
Amount
of
Beneficial
Ownership |
|
Percentage
of
Class % |
|
Martin
W.
Harrison, M.D. (1) |
|
|
5,112,169 |
|
|
10.18 |
|
Karl
M. Sachs (2) |
|
|
876,975 |
|
|
1.75 |
|
Debra
A. Finnel (3) |
|
|
832,459 |
|
|
1.66 |
|
David
S. Gartner (4) |
|
|
289,276 |
|
|
0.58 |
|
Michael
M. Earley (5) |
|
|
338,233 |
|
|
0.67 |
|
Roberto
L. Palenzuela (6) |
|
|
57,420 |
|
|
0.11 |
|
Eric
Haskell (7) |
|
|
40,333 |
|
|
0.08 |
|
Barry
T. Zeman (8) |
|
|
45,064 |
|
|
0.09 |
|
Norman
Pessin (9) |
|
|
2,596,655 |
|
|
5.17 |
|
Fundamental
Management Corporation (10) |
|
|
2,530,000 |
|
|
5.04 |
|
Directors
and Executive Officers as a Group (8 persons) |
|
|
7,591,929 |
|
|
15.56 |
|
(1) |
250
Australian Ave., Suite 400, West Palm Beach, FL. 33401. Includes (1)
4,102,169 shares owned directly by Dr. Harrison, (2) 900,000 shares owned
by H30, Inc., a corporation for which Dr. Harrison serves as a Director,
(3) 40,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options at a price of $0.91,
expiring between November 2005 and November 2006, and (4) 70,000 shares
issuable upon exercise of options at a price of $0.70, expiring December
2008. Does not include 25,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options
at a price of $1.83 that have not yet
vested. |
(2) |
3675
Coral Way, Miami, Florida 33145. Includes 876,975 shares owned directly by
Karl M. Sachs. Does not include 25,000 shares issuable upon the exercise
of options at a price of $1.83 that have not yet
vested. |
(3) |
250
Australian Ave., Suite 400, West Palm Beach, FL. 33401. Includes (1)
32,459 shares owned directly by Debra A. Finnel, (2) 150,000 shares
issuable upon the exercise of options at $0.50 per share, expiring between
October 2005 and October 2007, (3) 300,000 shares issuable upon the
exercise of options at a price of $1.00, expiring between 1/1/07 and
1/1/09, and (4) 350,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options at a
price of $0.35, expiring in September 2008. Does not include 800,000
shares issuable upon the exercise of options at a price of $1.83 that have
not yet vested. |
(4) |
250
Australian Ave., Suite 400, West Palm Beach, FL. 33401. Includes (1)
109,276 shares owned directly by David S. Gartner and (2) 180,000 shares
issuable upon the exercise of options at a price of $0.35, expiring in
September 2008. Does not include 150,000 shares issuable upon the exercise
of options at a price of $1.83 that have not yet
vested. |
(5) |
250
Australian Ave., Suite 400, West Palm Beach, FL. 33401. Includes (1)
39,899 shares owned directly by Michael M. Earley, (2) 40,000 shares
issuable upon the exercise of options at a price of $0.30 per share,
expiring between June 2005 and June 2006, (3) 25,000 shares issuable upon
the exercise of options at a price of $2.00 per share, expiring in
September 2005 and (4) 233,334 shares issuable upon the exercise of
options at a price of $0.35 per share, expiring between December 2008 and
December 2009. Does not include 116,666 shares issuable upon the exercise
of options at a price of $0.35 per share or 400,000 shares issuable upon
the exercise of options at a price of $1.83 that have not yet
vested. |
(6) |
250
Australian Ave., Suite 400, West Palm Beach, FL. 33401. Includes (1) 7,420
shares held by Roberto L. Palenzuela and (2) 50,000 shares issuable upon
the exercise of options at a price of $0.67, expiring March 2010. Excludes
100,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options at a price of $0.67
and 100,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options at a price of
$1.83 that have not yet vested. |
(7) |
518
Candace Lane, Villanova, PA. 19085. Includes 40,333 shares owned directly
by Eric Haskell. Does not include 25,000 shares issuable upon the exercise
of options at a price of $1.83 that have not yet
vested. |
(8) |
26
Beaver Street, New York City, New York 10004. Includes 30,250 shares owned
directly by Barry Zeman, 5,614 owned by his spouse and 9,200 held in his
IRA. Does not include 25,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options
at a price of $1.83 that have not yet
vested. |
(9) |
605
Third Avenue, 14th floor, New York, NY, 10158. Includes (1) 50,000 shares
owned by Norman H. Pessin, (2) 699,883 shares owned by Sandra F. Pessin
and (3) 1,846,772 owned f/b/o Norman H. Pessin SEP
IRA. |
(10) |
8567
Coral Way, #138, Miami, FL 33155. Includes
(1) 930,000 shares owned by Active Investors II, Ltd. and (2) 1,600,000
shares owned by Active Investors III, Ltd. |
ELECTION
OF DIRECTORS
(Proposal
No. 1)
Metropolitan’s
Board of Directors currently consists of six members. Six directors are to be
elected at the 2005 Annual Meeting to hold office until the next annual meeting
of shareholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. It is
intended that the accompanying proxy will be voted in favor of the following
persons to serve as directors unless the shareholder indicates to the contrary
on the proxy. Under Florida law and Metropolitan’s Articles of Incorporation,
the six persons receiving the highest number of votes cast in his or her favor
in person or by proxy at the 2005 Annual Meeting will be elected as directors of
Metropolitan. Management expects that each of the nominees will be available for
election, but if any of them is not a candidate at the time the election occurs,
it is intended that such proxy will be voted for the election of another nominee
to be designated by the Board of Directors to fill any such vacancy. Each of the
six director nominees listed below has been approved by the Governance and
Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors.
DIRECTORS
Our
directors as of the date of this Proxy Statement are as follows:
|
|
Age |
|
|
Position |
|
Michael
M. Earley |
|
49 |
|
|
Chairman
of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer |
|
Debra
A. Finnel |
|
43 |
|
|
President,
Chief Operating Officer and Director |
|
Karl M. Sachs, CPA |
|
69 |
|
|
Director
|
|
Martin
W. Harrison, M.D. |
|
52 |
|
|
Director
|
|
Eric
Haskell, CPA |
|
58 |
|
|
Director |
|
Barry
T. Zeman |
|
59 |
|
|
Director |
|
There are
no family relationships among
Metropolitan’s officers and directors, nor are there any arrangements or
understandings between any of the directors or officers of Metropolitan or any
other person pursuant to which any officer or director was or is to be selected
as an officer or director.
The Board
of Directors has affirmatively determined that Karl M. Sachs, Martin W.
Harrison, Eric Haskell and Barry T. Zeman meet the
definition of "independent director" under Section 121A of the AMEX Company
Guide.
MICHAEL
M. EARLEY,
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer has been employed by Metropolitan
since March 10, 2003 and previously served as a director of Metropolitan from
June 2000 to December 2002. Mr. Earley became Chairman of the Board of Directors
in September 2004. Mr. Earley has been an advisor to public and privately owned
companies, acting in a variety of management roles since 1997. From 1986 to
1997, he served in a number of senior management roles, including CEO and CFO of
Intermark, Inc. and Triton Group Ltd., both publicly traded diversified holding
companies. He was Chief Executive Office of Triton Group Management, a corporate
consulting firm, from 1997 through December 1999. He was Chief Executive Officer
of Collins Associates, an institutional money management firm, from January 2000
through December 2002. Mr. Earley was a self-employed corporate consultant from
January 2002 through February 2003. Since August 2002, Mr. Earley has been
serving as a director and member of the audit committee of MPower
Communications, a publicly traded telecommunications company. Mr. Earley
received his undergraduate degrees in Accounting and Business Administration
from the University of San Diego. From 1978 to 1983, he was an audit and tax
staff member of Ernst & Whinney.
DEBRA
A. FINNEL,
President and Chief Operating Officer, has been employed by Metropolitan since
January 1999 and has served on the Board of Directors of Metropolitan since
2002. She has twenty years of healthcare experience in the South Florida market,
specializing in managed care and risk contracting, including five years as
Regional Director with FamilyCare, Inc., the largest affiliate of International
Medical Centers, Inc., Florida’s first Medicare+Choice HMO. Prior to joining
Metropolitan, Ms. Finnel was President and Chief Operating Officer of Advanced
HealthCare Consultants, Inc., which managed and owned physician practices in
multiple states and provided turnaround consulting to managed care providers,
MSOs, Independent Physician Associations and
hospitals. She also has extensive experience in provider contracting, claims
administration and customer service. Ms. Finnel has had an affiliated provider
relationship with Humana Medical Plans since their inception in the Florida
market in 1986 and has developed strong relationships with many senior
healthcare executives throughout Florida, as well as state and federal
government.
MARTIN
W. HARRISON, M.D. has
served as a Director of Metropolitan since June 1999 and currently serves as a
member of Metropolitan’s Compensation, Audit & Finance and Governance &
Nominating Committees. From 2000 to March 2003, Mr. Harrison also served as an
advisor to the Board of Directors of Metropolitan. Mr. Harrison is a
self-employed medical doctor and has practiced medicine in South Florida,
specializing in preventive and occupational medicine. Dr. Harrison completed his
undergraduate training at the University of Illinois and obtained his
postgraduate and residency training as well as his Masters in Public Health from
Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Harrison is currently the owner of H30, Inc. a
privately held biomedical product development company.
KARL
M. SACHS, CPA rejoined
the Board of Directors in September 2002 after previously serving as a Director
of Metropolitan from March 1999 to December 2001. He currently serves on
Metropolitan’s Compensation, Audit & Finance and Governance & Nominating
Committees. He is a founding partner of the Miami-based public accounting firm
of Sachs & Foccaraci, P.A. A certified public accountant for more than
thirty years, Mr. Sachs is a member of the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants, Personal Financial Planning and Tax Sections; Florida
Institute of Certified Public Accountants; and the National Association of
Certified Valuation Analysts. The firm of Sachs & Focaracci, P.A. serves the
financial and tax needs of its diverse clients in addition to providing
litigation support services. Mr. Sachs is a qualified litigation expert for the
U.S. Federal District Court, U.S. District Court, U.S. Bankruptcy Court and
Circuit Courts of Dade and Broward Counties and has previously served as an
auditor for the Internal Revenue Service. He is a graduate of the University of
Miami where he received his Bachelors Degree in Business
Administration in 1957.
ERIC
HASKELL, CPA joined
the Board of Directors of Metropolitan in August 2004. Mr. Haskell is a
retired certified public accountant with over 30 years of experience in senior
financial positions at several public and private companies and has significant
expertise in the areas of acquisitions and divestitures, strategic planning and
investor relations. From 1989 until April 2004, Mr. Haskell served as the Chief
Financial Officer of Systems & Computer Technology Corp., a NASDAQ listed
software and services corporation with annual revenues of approximately $270
million. He currently serves on the Board of Directors and the Audit and
Nominating Committees of Triton PCS Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded company
and wireless communication services provider, and on the Board of Directors,
Audit and Compensation Committees of Indus International Inc., a publicly traded
company that develops,
markets and implements software and service solutions for capital intensive
industries worldwide. He also
serves on the Board of Directors and Audit and Compensation Committees of eMoney
Advisor, Inc., a provider of web-enabled comprehensive wealth planning
solutions. Mr. Haskell has served on the Board of the Philadelphia Ronald
McDonald House since 1996 and currently serves as Chairman of its Finance
Committee. Mr. Haskell received his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration
from Adelphi University in 1969.
BARRY
T. ZEMAN joined
the Board of Directors in August 2004. Mr. Zeman has 34 years of health care
industry and hospital management experience. Mr. Zeman has operated in the
capacity of President and/or Chief Executive Officer of several hospital
organizations throughout the State of New York. He served as Associate Director
of the Long Island Jewish Medical Center from 1971 through 1976. He served
as Associate Director of Staten Island University Hospital from 1976
to 1979 and as President and Chief Executive Officer from 1979 to 1989. He
was President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Charles Hospital and
Rehabilitation Center from 1991 through 2000. From 2000 through February 2003,
Mr. Zeman served as President of the Parker Jewish Institute, a private
not-for-profit rehabilitative, sub-acute and long-term care institution. In
1989, Mr. Zeman founded U.S. Business Development Corp., a private consulting
firm offering comprehensive and consultative solutions to professionals in the
areas of health care finance, construction, physician group practices, hospital
association activities and health care law. He has served as President of U.S.
Business Development Corp. since its inception. In May 2004, Mr. Zeman became
Regional Business Development Manager for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. He
currently serves as the Chair of the Building & Grounds Committee and
Secretary of the Board of Directors of Adelphi University and has served on the
Board of Directors of Adelphi University since 1997. Mr. Zeman received his
Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati in
1969 and his Masters Degree in Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh
in 1971.
Board
of Directors and Board Meetings
Each
director is elected at Metropolitan’s annual meeting of shareholders and holds
office until the next annual meeting of stockholders, or until successors are
elected and qualified. At present, Metropolitan’s Bylaws provide for no less
than one director and no greater than 11 directors. Currently, the Board of
Directors of Metropolitan consists of six directors. The Bylaws permit the Board
of Directors to fill any vacancy and such director may serve until the next
annual meeting of shareholders or until his successor is elected and qualified.
In 2004, the Board of Directors held 14 regular meetings and one special
meeting. There were two votes by Unanimous Written Consent. All directors
attended 75% or more of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the
Board of Directors and (ii) the total number of meetings of committees of the
Board of Directors held during the period that such person served on such
committee.
Five
members of the Board of Directors were able to attend Metropolitan’s last annual
meeting. Metropolitan has adopted a formal written policy regarding attendance
by members of the Board of Directors at annual meetings of shareholders.
While
members of Metropolitan’s Board of Directors are not required to be present at
Metropolitan’s annual meetings, all members of Metropolitan’s Board of Directors
are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Compensation
of Directors
In
exchange for Board service for a full year in 2004, Metropolitan’s non-employee
Directors received cash compensation in the amount of $36,000, and 25,000
options to acquire Metropolitan’s Common Stock at the market price on the date
of grant with a one-year vesting period. Additionally, each non-employee
Director was paid $6,000 for the year in Metropolitan’s Common Stock for each
committee membership and committee chairmanship. Non-employee directors who
joined the Board in 2004 received 30,000 shares of Metropolitan’s Common Stock
upon joining the Board of Directors. Currently,
two of the six Directors of Metropolitan are also employees of
Metropolitan and do
not receive additional compensation for their services as Directors.
Metropolitan is a party to employment
agreements with each of Michael M. Earley and Debra A. Finnel as further
described in the section of this Proxy Statement entitled "Employment
Agreements." Metropolitan reimburses all Directors for their expenses in
connection with their activities as Directors of Metropolitan.
For
fiscal year 2005, the Board of Directors retained the services of an independent
consulting firm to review Metropolitan’s compensation package for its
non-employee Directors. After reviewing the recommendations of the consulting
firm, effective January 1, 2005, the Board’s compensation arrangement was
amended to provide that Metropolitan’s non-employee Directors will receive a
retainer of $20,000 for the full year of Board service in 2005. Additionally,
the non-employee Directors will receive additional amounts ranging from $500 to
$1,500 for attendance at Board and committee meetings. The Chairpersons of the
Governance & Nominating Committee, Compensation Committee and Audit &
Finance Committee will also receive an additional retainer of $2,000, $4,000 and
$6,000, respectively, per year for service in 2005. In addition, each
non-employee Director will receive an annual grant of 25,000 options of
Metropolitan’s Common Stock, issuable at the market price at the date of grant
with a one-year vesting period.
Shareholder
Communication Policy
In
September 2004, the Board of Directors adopted a Shareholder Communication
Policy for shareholders wishing to communicate with various Board committees and
individual members of the Board of Directors. Shareholders wishing to
communicate with the Board of Directors, Metropolitan’s Governance &
Nominating Committee, and specified individual members of the Board of Directors
can send communications to the Board of Directors and, if applicable, to the
Governance and Nominating Committee or to specified individual directors in
writing c/o Roberto L. Palenzuela, General Counsel and Secretary, Metropolitan
Health Networks, Inc., 250 Australian Avenue, Suite 400, West Palm Beach,
Florida 33401. Metropolitan does not screen such mail and all such letters will
be forwarded to the intended recipient.
Board
Committees and Committee Meetings
Metropolitan
had three active committees in 2004, the Compensation Committee, the Governance
& Nominating Committee and the Audit & Finance Committee.
The
Compensation Committee’s primary objectives include making recommendations to
the Board of Directors regarding the compensation for our directors, executive
officers, non-officer employees and consultants and administering Metropolitan’s
employee stock option plans. It is currently composed of Mr. Haskell, Mr. Sachs
and Dr. Harrison. The Compensation Committee met 4 times in 2004. The
Compensation Committee’s report on Executive Officer and Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer Compensation is included in this Proxy Statement on pages 17 -
18.
The
primary objectives of Metropolitan’s Governance & Nominating Committee
include: (1) assisting the Board by identifying individuals qualified to become
Board members and recommending to the Board the director nominees for the next
annual meeting of shareholders; (2) overseeing the governance of the corporation
including recommending to the Board Corporate Governance Guidelines for
Metropolitan; (3) leading the Board in its annual review of the Board’s
performance; and (4) recommending to the Board director nominees for each Board
Committee. It is currently composed of Mr. Zeman, Mr. Haskell, Mr. Sachs and Dr.
Harrison. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Zeman, Mr. Haskell, Mr.
Sachs and Dr. Harrison are “independent” as such term is
defined by Rule 121A of the AMEX Company Guide. The
Governance & Nominating Committee met 2 times in 2004.
The Board
has adopted a charter for the Governance &Nominating Committee. The
Governance & Nominating Committee Charter is posted on Metropolitan’s
website. The Internet address for Metropolitan’s website is http://www.metcare.com.
The
Governance & Nominating Committee Charter provides
that shareholder nominees to the Board of Directors will be evaluated using the
same guidelines and procedures used in evaluating nominees nominated by other
persons.
In
evaluating director nominees, the Governance & Nominating Committee
considers the following factors:
· |
the
appropriate size and the diversity of the Corporation's Board;
|
· |
the
needs of the Corporation with respect to the particular talents and
experience of its directors; |
· |
the
knowledge, skills and experience of nominees, including experience in
technology, business, finance, administration or public service, in light
of prevailing business conditions and the knowledge, skills and experience
already possessed by other members of the Board;
|
· |
familiarity
with national and international business matters;
|
· |
experience
in political affairs; |
· |
experience
with accounting rules and practices; |
· |
whether
such person qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” pursuant to
SEC rules; |
· |
appreciation
of the relationship of the Corporation's business to the changing needs of
society; and |
· |
the
desire to balance the considerable benefit of continuity with the periodic
injection of the fresh perspective provided by new
members. |
In
identifying director nominees, the Governance & Nominating Committee will
first evaluate the current members of the Board of Directors willing to continue
in service. Current members of the Board with skills and experience that are
relevant to Metropolitan's business and who are willing to continue in service
shall be considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of
service by existing members of the Board with that of obtaining a new
perspective. Generally, the Governance & Nominating Committee strives to
assemble a Board of Directors that brings to Metropolitan a variety of
perspectives and skills derived from business and professional experience. In
doing so, the Governance & Nominating Committee also considers candidates
with appropriate non-business backgrounds. If any
member of the Board does not wish to continue in service or if the Governance
& Nominating Committee or the Board decides not to re-nominate a member for
re-election, the Governance & Nominating Committee identifies the desired
skills and experience of a new nominee in light of the criteria above. Other
than the foregoing, there are
no specific, minimum qualifications that the Governance & Nominating
Committee believes that a Committee-recommended nominee to the Board of
Directors must possess, although the Governance & Nominating Committee may
also consider such other factors as it may deem are in the best interests of
Metropolitan and its shareholders.
In its
deliberations, the Governance & Nominating Committee is aware that
Metropolitan’s Board must be comprised of a majority of “independent” directors,
as such term is defined by the AMEX Company Guide, and at least one director who
qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by SEC rules. The
Governance & Nominating Committee also believes it appropriate for certain
key members of Metropolitan’s management to participate as members of the Board.
The
Governance & Nominating Committee and Board of Directors are polled for
suggestions as to individuals meeting the criteria of the Governance &
Nominating Committee. Research may also be performed to identify qualified
individuals. To date, Metropolitan has not engaged third parties to identify or
evaluate or assist in identifying potential nominees, although Metropolitan
reserves the right in the future to retain a third party search firm, if
necessary. With
respect to the nominees proposed for election at the 2005 Annual Meeting, all
nominees have been recommended for re-election by the Governance &
Nominating Committee.
The Audit
& Finance Committee currently consists of Mr. Sachs, Mr. Haskell, Mr. Zeman
and Dr. Harrison. The primary function of the Audit Committee is to assist the
Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to (i) the quality
and integrity of the Corporation’s financial statements and corporate accounting
practices, (ii) the Corporation’s compliance with legal and regulatory
requirements, (iii) the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence
and (iv) the performance of the Corporation’s internal audit function and
independent auditors. The Board
of Directors has determined that Mr. Sachs and Mr. Haskell are “financial
experts”, as such term is defined under federal securities law, and are
“independent”, as such term is
defined by Rule 121A of the AMEX Company Guide. The Audit & Finance
Committee met 7 times in 2004.
The Board
has adopted a charter for the Audit & Finance Committee. The Audit &
Finance Committee Charter is posted on Metropolitan’s website. The Internet
address for Metropolitan’s website is http://www.metcare.com.
Report
of the Audit & Finance Committee(1) .
The Audit
& Finance Committee is responsible for assisting the Board of Directors of
Metropolitan in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to (i) the
quality and integrity of Metropolitan’s financial statements and corporate
accounting practices, (ii) Metropolitan’s compliance with legal and regulatory
requirements, (iii) the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence
and (iv) the performance of Metropolitan’s internal audit function and
independent auditors. The Audit & Finance Committee is also directly
responsible for the nomination of the independent auditor to be proposed for
shareholder approval in any proxy statement. In connection with its oversight
role, the Audit & Finance Committee relies on the work and assurances of
Metropolitan’s management, which has the primary responsibility for financial
statements and reports, including the system of internal controls, and of the
independent auditors, who, in their report, express an opinion on the conformity
of Metropolitan’s annual financial statements to generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States.
In
fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit & Finance Committee
reviewed and discussed Metropolitan's audited financial statements contained in
Metropolitan's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004
with management and Metropolitan’s independent auditors including a discussion
of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the
reasonableness of significant judgments, and the clarity of disclosures in the
financial statements. The Audit & Finance Committee met with Metropolitan's
independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the
results of their examinations, their evaluations of Metropolitan's internal
controls, and the overall quality of Metropolitan's financial reporting. The
Audit & Finance Committee has discussed with the independent auditors the
matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61
(Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards). In addition, the Audit
Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the
independent auditors required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1
(Independence Discussions with Audit Committees). The Audit Committee has
substantively discussed with the independent auditors the auditors' independence
from Metropolitan and its management and has also considered the compatibilities
of non-audit services performed by the independent auditors on behalf of
Metropolitan with the auditors' independence.
Based
upon the foregoing review and discussions, the Audit & Finance Committee
recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be
included in Metropolitan’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004 filed with the SEC on March 22, 2005. The Audit & Finance
Committee and the Board of Directors have also recommended, subject to
shareholder approval, the selection of Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A. as
Metropolitan's independent auditors for the year ending December 31,
2005.
|
The
Audit & Finance Committee |
|
|
|
Karl
M. Sachs, CPA |
|
Eric
Haskell |
|
Barry
T. Zeman |
(1) The
material in this Report of the Audit Committee shall not be deemed to be
"soliciting material," or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation
14A or 14C. This report is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing of
Metropolitan under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Compliance
with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended
Section
16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)
requires Metropolitan’s directors and executive officers, and persons who own
more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding Common Stock, to file with the
SEC initial reports of ownership on Form 3 and reports of changes in ownership
of Common Stock on Forms 4 or 5. Such persons are required by SEC regulation to
furnish Metropolitan with copies of all such reports they file.
Based
solely on its review of the copies of such reports furnished to Metropolitan or
written representations that no other reports were required, Metropolitan
believes that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers,
directors and greater than ten (10%) percent beneficial owners have been
complied during the year ended December 31, 2004 and through the date hereof
except for the following: Barry T. Zeman failed to file on a timely basis one
report on Form 3 and two reports on Form 4 with respect to seven transactions;
Martin W. Harrison, M.D. failed to file on a timely basis four reports on Form 4
with respect to five transactions; Karl M. Sachs failed to file on a timely
basis five reports on Form 4 with respect to eleven transactions; Roberto L.
Palenzuela failed to file on a timely basis one report on Form 3 with respect to
three transactions and one report on Form 4 with respect to one transaction;
Eric Haskell failed to file on a timely basis one report on Form 3 and one
report on Form 4 with respect to three transactions; David S. Gartner
failed to file on a timely basis one report on Form 4 with respect to one
transaction; Debra A. Finnel failed to file on a timely basis one report on Form
4 with respect to one transaction; and Michael M. Earley failed to file on a
timely basis one report on Form 4 with respect to one transaction.
Certain
Relationships and Related Party Transactions
During
the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004, Metropolitan paid Vitreo Retinal
Consultants, a company owned by Dr. Salomon Melgen, $295,000 for services
rendered as a provider in Metropolitan’s Provider Services Network. The fees
paid were usual and customary for the services provided. Dr. Melgen resigned as
a director of Metropolitan effective January 13, 2005.
Legal
Proceedings
There are
no pending, material legal proceedings to which any director, officer or
affiliate of Metropolitan, any owner of record or beneficially of more than five
percent of any class of voting securities of Metropolitan, or any associate of
any such director, officer, affiliate of Metropolitan, or security holder is a
party adverse to Metropolitan or any of its subsidiaries or has a material
interest adverse to Metropolitan.
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
The
following table presents information concerning the compensation awarded to,
earned by or paid to the Named Executive Officers during Metropolitan’s last
three (3) completed fiscal years. No executive officer of Metropolitan or its
subsidiaries, other than the Named Executive Officers, earned compensation in
excess of $100,000 during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
All |
|
|
|
Fiscal |
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
Other |
|
Name
and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus
(3) |
|
Options |
|
Compensation(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael
M. Earley (1) |
|
2004 |
|
$ |
250,000
|
|
$ |
125,000
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
$ |
2,084 |
|
Chairman
& CEO |
|
2003 |
|
$ |
118,000
|
|
$ |
60,000
|
|
|
350,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debra
A. Finnel |
|
2004 |
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
$ |
125,000 |
|
|
800,000
|
|
$ |
4,333 |
|
President
& COO |
|
2003 |
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
$ |
160,000 |
|
|
350,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
- |
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David
S. Gartner |
|
2004 |
|
$ |
160,000 |
|
$ |
75,000 |
|
|
150,000
|
|
$ |
4,333 |
|
Chief
Financial Officer |
|
2003 |
|
$ |
144,000 |
|
$ |
60,000 |
|
|
180,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
$ |
120,000 |
|
|
- |
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Roberto
L. Palenzuela (2) |
|
2004 |
|
$ |
129,000 |
|
$ |
60,000 |
|
|
250,000
|
|
$ |
1,867 |
|
Secretary
& General Counsel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr.
Earley became Metropolitan’s President and Chief Executive Officer
effective March 10, 2003. The 2003 salary figure above is based on an
annualized salary of $130,000. |
(2) |
|
Mr.
Palenzuela became Metropolitan’s Secretary and General Counsel effective
March 8, 2004. The 2004 salary figure above is based on an annualized
salary of $160,000. |
(3) |
|
Each
of Mr. Earley, Ms. Finnel and Mr. Gartner were awarded a bonus in the
amount of $60,000 on March 19, 2004 for services provided during the 2003
fiscal year. Ms. Finnel received an additional bonus in 2003 in the amount
of $100,000. The board has approved bonuses of $125,000 each for Mr.
Earley and Ms. Finnel, $75,000 for Mr. Gartner and $60,000 for Mr.
Palenzuela for services rendered in 2004. The bonuses were paid by
Metropolitan on April 1, 2005 65% in cash and 35% in Metropolitan Common
Stock, based on the per share closing price of the Common Stock on
December 31, 2004. |
(4) |
|
Metropolitan’s
401(k) Plan was adopted in 2004. The amounts disclosed in this column
represent Metropolitan’s annual contribution for the fiscal year 2004 to
each Named Executive Officer’s plan. Metropolitan matched each Named
Executive Officer’s contribution by 33.3%. |
Options
Granted in the Year Ended December 31, 2004 to Named Executive
Officers
The
following table provides information concerning individual grants of stock
options granted to the Named Executive Officers during fiscal year 2004. No
stock appreciation rights were granted to any executive officer during the
fiscal year 2004.
Name |
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Options |
Percent
of
Total
Options
Granted
to
Employees
in
Fiscal
Year (1) |
Exercise
or
Base
Price
($/Share) |
Expiration
Date |
Potential
Realizable Value
at
Assumed Annual Rate of
Stock
Price Appreciation
For
Option Term |
|
|
|
|
|
5% |
10% |
Michael
M. Earley |
400,000 |
17.39% |
$1.83
|
11/5/14 |
$460,351
|
$1,166,619
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debra
A. Finnel |
800,000 |
34.79% |
$1.83
|
11/5/14 |
$920,702
|
$2,333,239
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David
S. Gartner |
150,000 |
6.52% |
$1.83
|
11/5/14 |
$172,632
|
$437,482
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Roberto
L. Palenzuela |
50,000 |
2.17% |
$0.67
|
3/8/10 |
$11,393
|
$25,847
|
|
50,000 |
2.17% |
$0.67
|
3/8/11 |
$13,638
|
$31,782
|
|
50,000 |
2.17% |
$0.67
|
3/8/12 |
$15,995
|
$38,310
|
|
100,000 |
4.35% |
$1.83
|
11/5/14 |
$115,088
|
$291,655
|
(1)
|
A
total of 2,299,800 options were granted to employees of Metropolitan in
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. Included in this number are
1,200,000 options that were granted to two directors who are also
employees of Metropolitan. |
Aggregated
Options Exercises in Fiscal 2004 and Fiscal Year Ending Option
Values
The
following table sets forth certain information as to the exercise of stock
options during fiscal year 2004 by each of the Named Executive Officers and the
value of unexercised stock options held by each of the Named Executive Officers
at the end of fiscal year 2004. No Named Executive Officer held outstanding
stock appreciation rights during or at the end of fiscal year 2004
.
Name |
|
Shares
Acquired
on
Exercise (#) |
|
Value
Realized
($) |
|
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
at
Fiscal Year-End
(#)
Exercisable/
Unexercisable |
|
Value
of Unexercised
In-the-Money
Options
At
Fiscal Year-End
($)
Exercisable/
Unexercisable(1) |
|
Michael
M. Earley |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
298,334/516,666 |
|
|
$700,618/$689,332 |
|
Debra
A. Finnel |
|
|
0 |
|
|
$0 |
|
|
800,000/800,000 |
|
|
$1,766,500/$800,000 |
|
David
S. Gartner |
|
|
0 |
|
|
$0 |
|
|
180,000/150,000 |
|
|
$446,400/$150,000 |
|
Roberto
L. Palenzuela |
|
|
0 |
|
|
$0 |
|
|
0/250,000 |
|
|
$0/$424,000 |
|
(1) |
The
closing sale price of the Common Stock on December 31, 2004 as reported by
the AMEX was $2.83 per share. Value is calculated by multiplying (a) the
difference between $2.83 and the option exercisable price by (b) the
number of shares of Common Stock
underlying. |
Employment
Agreements
Metropolitan
is a party to employment agreements with four of its executive officers, its
Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial
Officer, and General Counsel.
In 2004,
Metropolitan was a party to an employment agreement with Michael M. Earley,
Chairman and Executive Officer, which was amended and restated effective January
3, 2005. The initial term of Mr. Earley’s current employment agreement is for
one year and is automatically renewable for successive one year terms, unless
earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The agreement
calls for an annual base salary of $300,000 to be reviewed annually.
Metropolitan’s Board of Directors in its sole discretion may increase Mr.
Earley’s salary and award bonuses and options to Mr. Earley at any time. The
agreement also provides for an automobile allowance in the amount of $800 per
month, a telephone allowance in the amount of $250 per month, vacation,
participation in all benefit plans offered by Metropolitan to its executives and
the reimbursement of reasonable business expenses The agreement also contains
non-disclosure, non-solicitation and non-compete restrictions. The
non-solicitation and non-compete restrictions survive for a period of two years
and one year, respectively, following the date of termination. Either party may
terminate the contract at any time.
From 2001
through the end of 2004, Metropolitan was a party to an employment agreement
with Debra A. Finnel, President and Chief Operating Officer, which was amended
and restated effective January 3, 2005. The initial term of Ms. Finnel’s current
employment agreement is for one year and is automatically renewable for
successive one year terms, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the
terms of the agreement. The agreement calls for an annual base salary of
$300,000 to be reviewed annually. Metropolitan’s Board of Directors in its sole
discretion may increase Ms. Finnel’s salary and award bonuses and options to Ms.
Finnel at any time. The agreement also provides for an automobile allowance in
the amount of $1,500 per month, a telephone allowance in the amount of $250 per
month, vacation, participation in all benefit plans offered by Metropolitan to
its executives and the reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in the
course of the business of Metropolitan. The agreement also contains
non-disclosure, non-solicitation and non-compete restrictions. The
non-solicitation and non-compete restrictions continue for a period of one year
following the date of termination. Either party may terminate the agreement at
any time.
In 2004,
Metropolitan was a party to an employment agreement with David S. Gartner, Chief
Financial Officer, which was amended and restated effective January 3, 2005. The
initial term of Mr. Gartner’s current employment agreement is for one year and
is automatically renewable for successive one year terms, unless terminated in
accordance with the terms of the agreement. The agreement calls for an annual
base salary of $190,000 to be reviewed annually. Metropolitan’s Board of
Directors may in its sole discretion increase Mr. Gartner’s salary and award
bonuses and options to Mr. Gartner at any time. The agreement also provides for
an automobile allowance in the amount of $500 per month, a telephone allowance
in the amount of $100 per month, vacation, participation in all benefit plans
offered by Metropolitan to its executives and the reimbursement of reasonable
business expenses. The agreement also contains non-disclosure, non-solicitation
and non-compete restrictions. The non-solicitation and non-compete restrictions
survive for a period of two years and one year, respectively, following the date
of termination. Either party may terminate the agreement at any time.
In 2004,
Metropolitan was a party to an employment agreement with Roberto L. Palenzuela,
General Counsel and Secretary, which was amended and restated effective January
3, 2005. The initial term of Mr. Palenzuela’s current employment agreement is
for one year and is automatically renewable for successive one year terms,
unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The
agreement calls for an annual base salary of $190,000 to be reviewed annually.
Metropolitan’s Board of Directors in its sole discretion may increase Mr.
Palenzuela’s salary and award bonuses and options to Mr. Palenzuela at any time.
The agreement also provides for an automobile allowance in the amount of $500
per month, a telephone allowance in the amount of $100 per month, vacation,
participation in all benefit plans offered by Metropolitan to its executives and
the reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in the course of the business
of Metropolitan. The agreement also contains non-disclosure, non-solicitation
and non-compete restrictions. The non-solicitation and non-compete restrictions
survive for a period of two years and one year, respectively, following the date
of termination. Either party may terminate the agreement at any
time.
In the
event that any one of Mr. Earley, Ms. Finnel, Mr. Gartner or Mr. Palenzuela (i)
is terminated by Metropolitan without cause, (ii) dies or becomes disabled,
(iii) terminates his/her employment because he/she has been assigned duties
inconsistent with his/her position or because his/her duties and
responsibilities have been diminished or because of a breach of the agreement by
Metropolitan or because he/she has been reassigned to a location outside of the
area for which he/she was hired, he/she will be entitled to reimbursement of all
unreimbursed expenses incurred prior to the date of termination, payment of
unused vacation days and payment of his/her then annual base salary and benefits
for a period of one year following the termination; provided,
however, that if
Ms. Finnel’s employment is terminated because of her death or disability, she
will be entitled to payment of her then annual base salary and benefits for an
additional one year period for a total of two years after the date of her
termination. If there is a change of control of Metropolitan (as such term is
defined in the agreements), each of Mr. Earley, Ms. Finnel, Mr. Gartner and Mr.
Palenzuela will be entitled to reimbursement of all unreimbursed expenses
incurred prior to the date of termination, payment of unused vacation days, a
single lump sum payment of an amount equal to his/her then annual base salary
plus bonuses payable, the value of annual fringe benefits paid to him/her in the
year preceding the year of termination, and the value of the portion of his/her
benefits under any deferred compensation plan which are forfeited for reason of
the termination.
Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
From
January 1, 2004 until September 23, 2004 the following individuals served as
members of Metropolitan’s Compensation Committee: Dr. Martin W. Harrison, Dr.
Salomon Melgen and Karl M. Sachs. Effective September 24, 2004 through December
31, 2004, the Compensation Committee consisted of Eric Haskell, Karl Sachs and
Dr. Martin W. Harrison.
Dr.
Harrison served as an advisor to the Board of Directors of Metropolitan from
2000 through March of 2003. A company owned by Dr. Melgen, Vitreo Consultants,
Inc., served as a provider in Metropolitan’s Provider Services Network. During
fiscal year 2004, Metropolitan paid to Vitreo Consultants $295,000 for services
rendered as a provider in its PSN. Other than these relationships, no members of
the Compensation Committee are or have served as a consultant to or been
employed by Metropolitan.
No
executive officer of Metropolitan served as a director or on the compensation
committee of any entity of which any member of the Board of Directors or
Compensation Committee of Metropolitan is an executive officer during the fiscal
year 2004.
Compensation
Committee Report on Executive Compensation
Metropolitan’s
compensation policy with respect to executive officers is to offer a
compensation package which includes a competitive salary, competitive benefits,
a supportive workplace environment and bonus and stock options awards based upon
the achievement of individual and company performance goals established by the
Board of Directors annually as an incentive for superior corporate performance.
Executive officer salaries are reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee
which makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for its approval of the
salaries, bonuses, and stock option grants to be awarded to Metropolitan’s
executive officers.
During
the fiscal year 2004, the Compensation Committee engaged an independent firm,
Watson Wyatt & Company, to provide consulting services to the Compensation
Committee regarding its executive officer compensation policies. The objectives
of the study with respect to executive compensation were as follows: assess the
competitiveness of pay for executive management team; identify any gaps that may
exist; and make recommendations to address gaps that may exist, including
designing a more clearly defined bonus plan with measurable
payouts.
After
reviewing the recommendations of Watson Wyatt & Company, the Board of
Directors approved final salaries for fiscal year 2005 and bonuses for fiscal
year 2004 payable to Metropolitan’s executive officers. Additionally, for fiscal
year 2005, the Board of Directors is presently reviewing a Cash Bonus Plan for
executive officers, which will clearly define both individual-specific and
company-specific performance goals will and award bonuses as a percentage of
base salary upon the achievement of the various performance goals throughout the
year. Individual-specific performance goals are determined annually by the Board
of Directors for the Chief Executive Officer and by the Chief Executive Officer
for all other executive officers. For 2005, company-specific performance goals
under the proposed Cash Bonus Plan relate to Metropolitan’s attainment of a
specified level of operating income and the status of its developing HMO
business segment.
Committee
Report on Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Compensation
The
Compensation Committee has previously established that the corporate goals and
objectives relevant to Michael M. Earley’s, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, compensation include, among other things, (i) diversification,
expansion, and broadening of Metropolitan’s core business and new service
offerings; (ii) an increase in shareholder value, (iii) fulfillment of customer
expectations, (iv) out-performance of the competition, (v) development of an
employee-valued culture, and (vi) enhancement of social responsibility.
In
reviewing Mr. Earley’s proposed compensation package for fiscal year 2004, the
independent firm engaged by Metropolitan, Watson & Wyatt Company, reported
that the base salary paid by Metropolitan to Mr. Earley was significantly below
market and that the short-term and long-term incentives paid to Mr. Earley were
below market. Watson & Wyatt Company’s report, which included a peer review
of 13 companies, recommended that Metropolitan allocate Mr. Earley’s bonus in
terms of a percent of his base salary based on performance of Metropolitan from
both a numbers and objectives standpoint and further recommended that the bonus
be paid in a combination of cash, stock and options. The award of stock and
options would serve to enhance Mr. Earley’s stock ownership and incentivize Mr.
Earley with respect to future growth of Metropolitan. In determining Mr.
Earley’s overall annual compensation for fiscal year 2004, the Compensation
Committee considered Mr. Earley’s performance as the Chief Executive Officer in
2004, in light of the goals described in the paragraph above, Metropolitan’s
performance for the fiscal year 2004, and the findings of Watson Wyatt &
Company. The Compensation Committee recommended to the Board a 20% increase in
Mr. Earley’s salary from $250,000 to $300,000 for fiscal year 2005, a bonus in
the amount of $125,000 to be paid part in cash and Common Stock (to be valued at
the closing price of the Common Stock on December 31, 2004), and 400,000 stock
options (the exercise price of which is equal to the closing price of the Common
Stock on November 12, 2004). The Compensation Committee believes that, in light
of Mr. Earley’s satisfaction of certain individual goals and Metropolitan’s
achievement of performance goals for the fiscal year 2004, the compensation paid
to Mr. Earley as Chief Executive Officer for fiscal year 2004, including his
base salary, bonus and stock options, is reasonable when compared to the
compensation paid to other chief executive officers of public companies
competing in the same market as Metropolitan.
|
COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE |
|
Eric
Haskell
Martin
W. Harrison, M.D.
Karl
M. Sachs |
PERFORMANCE
GRAPH
The
following graph depicts Metropolitan's cumulative total return for the last five
fiscal years relative to the cumulative total
returns of the NASDAQ Stock Market Index and a group of peer companies (the
“Peer Group”). All
indices shown in the graph have been reset to a base of $100 as of December 31,
1999 and assume an investment of $100 on that date and the reinvestment of
dividends paid since that date.
INDEPENDENT
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Kaufman,
Rossin & Company, P.A. has served as Metropolitan’s independent public
accountants for each of Metropolitan’s last two fiscal years.
Fees
The
following table presents fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for
services rendered to Metropolitan by Kaufman, Rossin & Co.,
P.A.:
Fiscal
Year Ended |
|
Audit
Fees(1) |
|
Audit-Related
Fees(2) |
|
Tax
Fees(3) |
|
All
Other Fees(4) |
|
December
31, 2004 |
|
$ |
233,318 |
|
$ |
22,943 |
|
$ |
24,810 |
|
$ |
16,651 |
|
December
31, 2003 |
|
$ |
285,513 |
|
$ |
31,864 |
|
$ |
32,780 |
|
$ |
17,080 |
|
(1) “Audit
Fees” represents the aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years
for professional services rendered for the audit of Metropolitan’s annual
financial statements and review of financial statements included in
Metropolitan’s Form 10-Q and/or services provided by Kaufman, Rossin & Co.,
P.A. in connection with statutory or regulatory filings or engagements By
Metropolitan for those two fiscal years.
(2) “Audit
Related Fees” represents the aggregate fees billed for each of the last two
fiscal years for assurance and related services reasonably related to the
performance of the audit of Metropolitan’s annual financial statements for those
years. For the two years, the audit-related fees were incurred in connection
with SEC registration statement consent procedures.
(3) “Tax
Fees” represents the aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years
for professional services related to tax compliance, tax advice and tax
planning. The “Tax Fees” also included fees billed for the preparation of
federal and state income tax returns on behalf of Metropolitan.
(4) “All
Other Fees” represents fees billed for other products and services rendered by
Kaufman Rossin & Co., P.A. to Metropolitan for the last two fiscal years. In
both 2004 and 2003, these fees consisted primarily of services provided in
connection with the investigation of Metropolitan by the U.S. Attorneys’ Office
in Wilmington, Delaware.
Pre-Approval
Policies and Procedures of the Audit & Finance
Committee
The
engagement of Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A. as Metropolitan’s independent
auditors for each of the fiscal years ended 2004 and 2003 was pre-approved by
the Audit & Finance Committee. All services performed by Kaufman, Rossin
& Co., P.A. on behalf of Metropolitan during fiscal years 2003 and 2004 were
pre-approved by the Audit & Finance Committee. In September 2004, the Audit
& Finance Committee adopted, and the Board of Directors ratified,
Metropolitan’s Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy which sets forth
the procedures and the conditions pursuant to which services proposed to be
performed by Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A., Metropolitan’s independent
auditors, will be pre-approved by the Audit & Finance Committee. All of the
audit and non-audit services performed by Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A. during
the 2004 and 2003 fiscal years were pre-approved by our Audit & Finance
Committee.
APPROVAL
AND RATIFICATION OF
INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS
(Proposal
No. 2)
As
recommended by the Audit & Finance Committee, the Board of Directors has
designated, subject to the approval of and ratification by the shareholders, the
firm of Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A. as independent auditors to audit and
report on Metropolitan’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2005. Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A. served as Metropolitan’s
independent auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. Action by
shareholders is not required by law in the appointment of independent auditors,
but their appointment is being submitted to the shareholders by the Board in
order to give shareholders an opportunity to express their approval or
disapprove of the selection of Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A. by the Board of
Directors.
The Audit
& Finance Committee selected Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A. as the best
firm to deliver independent audits in light of factors such as the auditor’s
depth of experience, breadth of reserves, commitment to provide exceptional
service, ability to handle transaction issues and location of key personnel.
Metropolitan
believes that Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A. has no direct or indirect
financial interest in Metropolitan or in any of its subsidiaries, nor has it had
any connection with Metropolitan or any of its subsidiaries in the capacity of
promoter, underwriter, voting trustee director, officer or employee.
Metropolitan anticipates representatives of Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A. will
be present at the meeting of shareholders and will be afforded an opportunity to
make a statement, if they desire to do so. It is also expected that they will be
available to respond to appropriate questions.
In the
event that the shareholders of Metropolitan do not approve of and ratify the
selection of Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A., the Board of Directors will
reconsider who Metropolitan should designate as its independent
auditors.
THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT METROPOLITAN’S SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE
APPROVAL AND RATIFICATION OF KAUFMAN, ROSSIN & CO., PA AS METROPOLITAN’S
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.
APPROVAL
OF THE ADOPTION OF METROPOLITAN’S
SUPPLEMENTAL
PLAN
(Proposal
No. 3)
The Board
of Directors has
approved the adoption of the Supplemental
Plan, a copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix
A.
Summary
of the Supplemental Plan
Background
and Purpose
The
stated purpose of the Supplemental Plan is to promote the interests of
Metropolitan and any subsidiary thereof and the interests of Metropolitan’s
shareholders by providing an opportunity to selected employees, officers,
directors and consultants of Metropolitan and any Subsidiary thereof to purchase
Common Stock of Metropolitan. By encouraging such stock ownership, Metropolitan
seeks to attract, retain and motivate such persons and to encourage such persons
to devote their best efforts to the business and financial success of
Metropolitan.
Eligibility
Any
employee, officer, director or consultant of Metropolitan, employed by, or
performing services for, Metropolitan or any subsidiary of Metropolitan (an
“Eligible Individual”) is eligible to participate under the terms in the
Supplemental Plan. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors shall
have the sole authority to select the Eligible Individuals to whom options are
granted. There are approximately 135 employees, officers, directors or
consultants who qualify as Eligible Individuals.
Shares
Subject to Award under the Supplemental Plan and Market Price
The
maximum number of shares authorized for issuance pursuant to Options granted
under the Supplemental Plan is 8,253,242 shares. The estimated market value of
the shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the Supplemental Plan
is $23,356,675 as of the Record Date. The Supplemental Plan provides that the
shares of Common Stock that are subject to Options granted under the
Supplemental Plan may be either authorized and unissued shares or shares
reacquired at any time and now or hereafter held as treasury stock as the Board
of Directors may determine. As of the Record Date, there were 977,000 shares of
Common Stock available for issuance under the Supplemental Plan, which shares
either (i) had not been the subject of an Option grant by Metropolitan
(“Unreserved Shares”) or (ii) had not been either reserved for issuance pursuant
to Options that have expired or otherwise been cancelled or issued in connection
with a cashless exercise feature of an Option and reacquired by Metropolitan
(“Former Option Shares”). The Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors
determined by formal
resolution dated February 21, 2005 that no
further Options will be issued by Metropolitan under the Supplemental Plan and
any Unreserved Shares and Former Option Shares available for issuance under the
Supplemental Plan shall be retired and shall no longer be available for issuance
under the Supplemental Plan.
Administration
of the Supplemental Plan
The
Supplemental Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. The
Compensation Committee is authorized to interpret the Supplemental Plan and to
adopt, from time to time, such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the
provisions of the Supplemental Plan, as it may deem advisable to carry out the
purposes of the Supplemental Plan, including amendments which may increase the
cost of the Supplemental Plan to Metropolitan or alter the allocation of
benefits as between the persons and groups identified in the Supplemental Plan
Benefits Table below.
Grant
of Options under the Supplemental Plan
In
addition to the broad authority described above, the Compensation Committee has
the authority to
(i) to
select the Participants who are to be granted options (“Options”) to acquire
shares under the Supplemental Plan;
(ii) to
establish the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under each
Option;
(iii) to
determine the time and the conditions subject to which Options may be exercised
in whole or in part;
(iv) to
determine the form of the consideration that may be used to purchase shares of
Common Stock upon exercise of any Option (including the circumstances under
which the Participant may pay all or part of the exercise price by entering into
a promissory note with Metropolitan, or circumstances under which Metropolitan’s
issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock may be used by an Participant to
exercise an Option);
(v) to
impose restrictions and/or conditions with respect to shares of Common Stock
acquired upon exercise of an Option;
(vi) to
determine the circumstances under which shares of Common Stock acquired upon
exercise of any Option may be subject to repurchase by Metropolitan;
(vii) to
establish a vesting provision for any Option relating to the time when (or the
circumstances under which) the Option may be exercised by an Participant,
including, without limitation, vesting provisions that may be contingent upon
(A) Metropolitan meeting specified financial goals, (B) a change of control of
Metropolitan or (C) the occurrence of other specified events;
(viii) to
accelerate the time when outstanding Options may be exercised; and
(ix) to
establish any other terms, restrictions and/or conditions applicable to any
Option not inconsistent with the provisions of the Supplemental
Plan.
Terms
and Conditions of Awards under the Supplemental Plan
Each
Option issued under the Supplemental Plan is a “non-qualified stock option” for
federal, state and local income tax purposes.
The
Supplemental Plan provides that the Compensation Committee shall fix the option
exercise price which may be equal to, more than or less than 100% of the fair
market value of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Option on the date the
Option is granted, provided,
however, that
the option exercise price will not be less than the par value of such shares of
Common Stock.
Unless
otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, each Option expires and
terminates five (5) years after the subject Option grant date.
Each
Option is exercisable in such amount or amounts, under such conditions
(including provisions governing the rights to exercise such Option), and at such
times or intervals or in such installments as is determined by the Committee in
its sole discretion.
Options
are not be transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, or a domestic relations order, and during an Participant’s
lifetime an Option is exercisable only by the Participant or an alternate payee
under a domestic relations order.
In its
sole and complete discretion, the Compensation Committee may at any time amend
any Option for the following reasons:
(i)
additions and/or changes to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.(the
“Code”), any federal or state securities law, or other law or regulations
applicable to the Option, are made, and such additions and/or changes have some
effect on the Option, or
(ii) any
other event not described in clause (i) occurs and the Participant gives his or
her consent to such amendment.
To the
extent that Metropolitan is required to withhold any federal, state or local
taxes in respect of any compensation income realized by any Participant in
respect of an Option granted under the Supplemental Plan or in respect of any
shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of an Option, Metropolitan will
deduct from any payments of any kind otherwise due to such Participant the
aggregate amount of such federal, state or local taxes required to be so
withheld or, if such payments are insufficient to satisfy such federal, state or
local taxes, or if no such payments are due or to become due to such
Participant, then, such Participant will be required to pay to Metropolitan, or
make other arrangements satisfactory to Metropolitan (including, with prior
Compensation Committee approval, use of a promissory note in favor of
Metropolitan) regarding payment to Metropolitan of, the aggregate amount of any
such taxes. All matters with respect to the total amount of taxes to be withheld
in respect of any such compensation income shall be determined by the
Compensation Committee in its sole discretion.
No
Participant or beneficiary under the Supplemental Plan is deemed a shareholder
of Metropolitan or has any rights as such with respect to any shares to be
provided under the Supplemental Plan until he or she becomes the holder of such
shares.
Term,
Amendment and Termination of the Supplemental Plan
The Board
of Directors may amend or suspend the Supplemental Plan or any portion thereof
at any time, provided such amendment is made with shareholder approval if such
approval is necessary to comply with any tax or regulatory requirement. The
Compensation Committee in its sole discretion may also amend the Supplemental
Plan so as to conform with local rules and regulations subject to any provisions
to the contrary specified in the Supplemental Plan.
Federal
Income Tax Consequences
The
following discussion summarizes Metropolitan’s understanding of the more
significant United States federal income tax consequences associated with the
Supplemental Plan.
The
Supplemental Plan is not qualified under the provisions of Section 401(a) of the
Code, nor is it subject to any of the provisions of ERISA.
Upon the
exercise of an Option, the Participant will recognize, as ordinary income, the
difference between the option price and the Fair Market Value (as such term is
defined in the Supplemental Plan) of the Common Stock on the date the Option is
exercised.
The
Participant’s tax basis in the shares received upon the exercise of a
non-qualified stock Option will be the sum of the amount of any income
recognized and the amount paid in connection with the exercise. Any gain or loss
that a Participant realizes on a subsequent disposition of Common Stock acquired
upon the exercise of a non-qualified stock Option will be treated as long-term
or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the period during which the
Participant held such shares.
The
exercise of a non-qualified stock Option will entitle Metropolitan to claim a
federal income tax deduction equal to the amount of income recognized by the
participant.
Restrictions
on Resale
Shares of
Common Stock acquired by Participants pursuant to the Supplemental Plan may be
resold only in compliance with the registration requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable state securities laws. On February
23rd, 2005,
Metropolitan filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 registering 7,276,242
shares of Common Stock underlying outstanding options granted pursuant to the
Supplemental Plan.
Supplemental
Plan Benefits Table
The
following table identifies the benefits or amounts received or allocated since
the adoption of the Supplemental Plan to (i) each of the Named Executive
Officers (ii) Metropolitan’s executive officers as a group, (iii) all current
non-management directors as a group, and (iv) all employees who are not also
Named Executive Officers as a group. No additional options are expected to be
awarded pursuant to the Supplemental Plan to the persons or groups specified
below.
Name
and Position |
|
Dollar
Value ($) |
|
Number
of Units |
|
Michael
M. Earley, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer |
|
$ |
183,950 |
|
|
65,000 |
|
Debra
A. Finnel, President, Chief Operating Officer and Director |
|
$ |
1,698,000 |
|
|
600,000 |
|
David
S. Gartner, Chief Financial Officer |
|
$ |
283,000 |
|
|
100,000 |
|
Roberto
L. Palenzuela, General Counsel and Secretary |
|
$ |
424,500 |
|
|
150,000 |
|
Executive
Officer Group |
|
$ |
2,589,450 |
|
|
915,000 |
|
Non-Management
Director Group |
|
$ |
1,613,100 |
|
|
570,000 |
|
Non-Executive
Officer Employee Group |
|
$ |
19,154,125 |
|
|
6,768,242 |
|
Other
Considerations
The Board
of Directors believes that share ownership is an important factor in attracting,
retaining and motivating experienced and qualified personnel for positions of
substantial responsibility and encouraging such personnel to devote their best
efforts to the business and financial success of and otherwise for the benefit
of Metropolitan.
The Board
of Directors has unanimously approved the adoption of the Supplemental Plan and
voted to recommend it for approval to Metropolitan’s shareholders. Shareholder
approval is not required in order to maintain the effectiveness of the
Supplemental Plan; however, this proposal is being to submitted to the
shareholders by the Board in order to give shareholders an opportunity to
express their approval of the Supplemental Plan. The Supplemental Plan will
remain in effect notwithstanding the failure of a majority of the shares
entitled to vote and represented at the Annual Meeting to vote in favor of its
adoption.
THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS
THAT
METROPOLITAN’S SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR”
THE
ADOPTION OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN
APPROVAL
OF THE ADOPTION OF METROPOLITAN’S
OMNIBUS
PLAN
(Proposal
No. 4)
The Board
of Directors has
approved, subject to shareholder approval, the adoption of the Omnibus
Plan, a copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix
B.
Summary
of the Omnibus Plan
Background
and Purpose
The
general purpose of the Omnibus Plan is to provide a means to enable Metropolitan
to (i) attract, retain, and motivate directors, executives and key employees and
(ii) to motivate such personnel through added incentives to make a maximum
contribution to greater profitability; (iii) to develop and maintain a highly
competent management team; and (iv) to be competitive with other companies with
respect to executive compensation.
Eligibility
All
directors, executives and key employees of Metropolitan, as well as any other
persons whose participation the Compensation Committee determines is in the best
interest of Metropolitan (collectively, the “Participants”), are eligible to
participate in the Omnibus Plan. There are approximately 55 directors,
executives, and key employees eligible to participate in the Omnibus Plan.
Shares
Subject to Award under the Omnibus Plan
The Board
of Directors has reserved 6,000,000 authorized but unissued shares of Common
Stock for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the Omnibus Plan. If any
awards granted pursuant to the Omnibus Plan expire unexercised or are forfeited,
terminated, or settled in cash in lieu of Common Stock, the shares of Common
Stock theretofore subject to such awards generally are again available for
awards under the Omnibus Plan. The estimated market value of the shares of
Common Stock authorized for issuance under the Omnibus Plan is $16,980,000 as of
the Record Date.
Administration
of the Omnibus Plan
The
Omnibus Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, which currently
consists of three members of Metropolitan’s Board of Directors. The Compensation
Committee is authorized to construe and interpret the Omnibus Plan and to
promulgate, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the
implementation, administration, and maintenance of the Omnibus Plan. Each
Participant receiving an award under the Omnibus Plan is required to enter into
an agreement with Metropolitan that sets forth the restrictions, terms, and
conditions of the award (the “Award Agreement”). The Compensation Committee
makes all determinations necessary or advisable for the Omnibus Plan including
(a) selecting the Participants, (b) making awards thereunder in such amounts and
form as the Compensation Committee may determine, (c) imposing such
restrictions, terms, and conditions upon such awards as the Compensation
Committee may deem appropriate, and (d) correcting any defect or omission, or
reconciling any inconsistency, in the Omnibus Plan or any Award Agreement.
Grant
of Awards under the Omnibus Plan
Participants
may receive a variety of stock options and awards under the Omnibus Plan.
Participants
may purchase Metropolitan’s Common Stock through stock options granted to them
under the Omnibus Plan. An option entitles the optionee to purchase shares of
Common Stock from Metropolitan at the exercise price designated in the option.
Two types of options, incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options,
may be granted under the Omnibus Plan. The two types of options differ primarily
in the tax consequences attending the exercise of an option and the disposition
of the shares received upon exercise of an option.
Participants
also may be granted stock appreciation rights, also known as “SARs,”
independently of, or in relation to, an option. “Related SARs” are granted in
relation to a particular option and can be exercised only upon the surrender to
Metropolitan, unexercised, of that portion of the option to which the SAR
relates. The exercise of an SAR entitles the participant to receive the excess
of the “fair market value” of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise
over the exercise price of the related option.
Participants
also may be awarded restricted stock (“Restricted Stock”), Common Stock which is
issued with the restriction that the holder may not sell, transfer, pledge or
assign such Common Stock until the terms and conditions of the award are
met.
Awards
under the Omnibus Plan may also be in the form of performance-based shares
(“Performance Shares”), with each performance share representing such monetary
amount as is designated by the Compensation Committee subject to such terms and
conditions as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate.
Pursuant
to the Omnibus Plan, Metropolitan may also award to a Participant (i) rights to
receive shares of Common Stock at a future time (“Deferred Stock”) and/or (ii)
shares of Common Stock in exchange for compensation that has been earned or that
is to be earned by such Participant (“Stock Awards”). A Restricted Stock Award
Unit (a “Unit”) is one type of Deferred Stock that the participant may be
awarded pursuant to the Omnibus Plan. A Unit entitles the holder thereof to,
subject to vesting and/or performance requirements, receive shares of Common
Stock.
In
addition to the awards discussed above, the Omnibus Plan provides for the
granting of other awards of Common Stock and awards that are valued in whole or
part by reference to a share of Common Stock, including convertible preferred
stock, preferred stock, convertible debentures, exchangeable securities, phantom
stock, and book value stock awards and options, which awards may be either
alone, in addition to or in tandem with other awards permitted under the Omnibus
Plan ("Other Stock-Based Awards"). The Compensation Committee may establish
conditions, restrictions, limitations, values and other terms applicable to
Other Stock-Based Awards as it determines in its discretion.
Terms
and Conditions of Awards
Options. An
option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted under the Omnibus Plan will
either (a) qualify under Section 422 of the Code for treatment as an “incentive
stock option” or (b) not qualify for treatment as an incentive stock option
under Section 422 of the Code (a “non-statutory option”). An option may be
granted alone or in addition to any other award under the Omnibus Plan and will
be subject to a periodic vesting schedule. The Compensation Committee will
designate Participants to whom Options will be granted, will determine whether
an Option is an “incentive stock option” or a “non-statutory stock option”, and
will specify the number of shares of Common Stock subject to each grant. All
Options granted under the Plan will be subject to the applicable provisions of
the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement and to such other provisions as the
Compensation Committee may adopt.
By law,
incentive stock options may only be granted to employees of the Company. No
participant may be granted incentive stock options (under the Plan and any other
Plan of the Company) that are first exercisable in any calendar year for Common
Stock having an aggregate fair market value (determined as of the date that the
incentive stock option was granted) in excess of $100,000 and the limitations
prescribed by Section 422(d) of the Code. The preceding annual limitation does
not apply with respect to non-statutory stock options.
Subject
to certain restrictions, the Compensation Committee recommends to the Board of
Directors for its approval the exercise prices, expiration dates and other
material conditions relating to options awarded under the Omnibus Plan. For
example, the option price of an incentive stock option may not be less than the
“Fair Market Value” (as such term is defined in the Omnibus Plan) on the date
the Option is granted. In addition, in the case of an incentive stock option
granted to a Participant who is a “Ten Percent Shareholder” (as such term is
defined below), the option price may not be less than 110% of “Fair Market
Value” on the date the option is granted. The term of an Option will be such
period of time as is fixed by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant
subject to the following limitations: (a) the term of an incentive stock option
may not exceed ten years after the date of grant and (b) the term of an
incentive stock option granted to a Ten Percent Shareholder may not exceed five
years. The term will be described in the applicable Award
Agreement.
An option
may be exercised by giving written notice of exercise of the Company specifying
the number of shares to be purchased. Such notice must be accompanied by payment
in full of the exercise price in cash or if permitted by the terms of the
governing Award Agreement by delivery of (a) a fully-secured, recourse
promissory note or (b) shares of Common Stock already owned by the Participant.
The Compensation Committee also may permit Participants to simultaneously
exercise an Option, sell all or some of the shares of the Common Stock thereby
acquired, and use the proceeds from such sale for payment of the exercise price.
If a
Participant's employment is terminated for any reason other than disability,
retirement, or death before an option has vested, such Participant’s rights to
exercise such Option will immediately terminate. If a Participant’s employment
is terminated by disability, retirement, or death before an Option has vested,
such Option will vest to the extent determined by the Compensation Committee.
If a
Participant's employment is terminated for any reason other than disability,
retirement, or death, a vested option will remain exercisable for a period of up
to three months following such termination, or such other period as determined
by the Compensation Committee. If a Participant’s employment is terminated by
death, retirement or disability, such Participant (or his or her estate) will
have the right to exercise a vested incentive stock option at any time within
the one-year period following such termination, subject to any lesser exercise
period imposed by the Code. In the event the vested Option is a non-statutory
option, the Participant (or his or her estate) will have the right to exercise
the Option during such period following termination as is set forth in the
applicable Award Agreement.
If a
non-employee director leaves the Board of Directors for any reason other than
disability, retirement, or death before an option becomes vested, such option
will be forfeited. If a non-employee director leaves the Board of Directors due
to disability, retirement, or death before an option becomes vested, such option
will vest to the extent determined by the Compensation Committee.
If a
non-employee director leaves the Board of Directors for any reason other than
death, disability, or retirement, a vested option will remain exercisable for a
period of up to three months following such termination, as determined by the
Compensation Committee and provided in the Award Agreement. If a non-employee
director leaves the Board of Directors due to death, disability or retirement,
such director (or his or her estate) will have the right to exercise a vested
option during such period following his or her departure from the Board as is
provided in the applicable Award Agreement or the Committee may otherwise
specify.
Stock
Appreciation Rights. Awards
of SARs may be made by the Compensation Committee under the Omnibus Plan in
conjunction with awards of options (a “Related SAR”) or independent of any
related option (an “Independent SAR”). An Independent SAR is a right to receive
an amount payable either in Common Stock and/or cash equal to the appreciation
in the Fair Market Value (as such term is defined in the Omnibus Plan) of
Metropolitan’s Common Stock for a predetermined number of shares over the period
designated in the Award Agreement. The terms and conditions for such a SAR and
its exercise (including, among other things, a Participant’s right to exercise
the SAR upon termination) are determined by the Compensation Committee and will
be set out in the Award Agreement. A Related SAR entitles the Participant to
surrender the related option and receive in exchange therefor a payment in cash
or shares of Common Stock having an aggregate value equal to the amount by which
the Fair Market Value on the day of surrender exceeds the exercise price of the
option multiplied by the number of shares acquirable under the surrendered
option. A Related SAR is subject to the same terms and conditions as the related
Option and is vested and exercisable only if the option is vested and
exercisable.
Restricted
Stock. Awards
under the Omnibus Plan may be in the form of Restricted Stock. Restricted Stock
may be granted along or in addition to any other award under the Omnibus Plan.
The Compensation Committee shall determine the number of shares of Restricted
Stock to be granted and may impose different terms and conditions on any
particular grant. In consideration with each grant, the Compensation Committee
shall determine: the purchase price, if any, to be paid for the Restricted
Stock; the length of the Restriction Period (as such term is defined below), any
service or performance restrictions applicable to the Restricted Stock, the
schedule pursuant to which restrictions shall lapse, and if dividends or other
distributions on the Restricted Stock are to be paid currently to the
Participant or for the account of the Participant, subject to certain
conditions.
Performance
Shares. Awards
under the Omnibus Plan may be in the form of Performance Shares, including a
requirement that the Participant forfeit such Performance Shares in the event
certain performance criteria are not met within a designated period of time.
Performance Shares may be granted alone or in addition to any other award under
the Omnibus Plan. The Compensation Committee determines the number of
Performance Shares to be granted to a Participant. The Compensation Committee
may impose different terms and conditions on any particular Performance Shares
granted to any Participant. Participants receiving grants of Performance Shares
will only earn into and be entitled to payment in respect of such awards if
Metropolitan and the Participant achieve certain performance goals (the
“Performance Goals”) during and in respect of a designated performance period
(the “Performance Period”). The Performance Goals and the Performance Period are
established by the Compensation Committee.
Deferred
Stock. Awards
of Deferred Stock, including Units, may be made pursuant to the Omnibus Plan.
Deferred Stock awards may contain such conditions as to vesting, the purchase
price (if any) payable by the Participant, forfeiture, performance goals and
other terms as the Compensation Committee determines. Deferred Stock may be
granted alone or in addition to any other award under the Omnibus Plan. In
general, upon the close of the deferral period specified in the Deferred Stock
Award Agreement, the vested shares of Common Stock subject to the Agreement are
issued to the Participant. The remaining shares, if any, awarded will either be
forfeited or will continue to be subject to the terms and conditions set by the
Compensation Committee, as applicable. Among the types of Deferred Stock awards
that may be made by the Compensation Committee are Units. In general, a Unit
represents a right to receive one share of Common Stock once any applicable
vesting or other conditions or restrictions for the unit are met. This is
similar to a Restricted Stock Award, except that the underlying shares of Common
Stock are not issued to the Participant until all conditions for payment have
been met.
Other
Stock Awards. The
Omnibus Plan also provides for Stock Awards. The value of a Stock Award is
determined by multiplying the number of shares awarded by the Fair Market Value
of a share of Common Stock on the day of the award. The Compensation Committee
may establish such conditions, restrictions and limitations on Stock Award as it
determines in its sole discretion, and may cause a Stock Award at such time as
the value represented thereby is to be paid to a Participant to be paid in cash
or in the number of shares of Common Stock equal to such value divided by the
Fair Market Value of a share on the date of payment.
Suspension,
Termination and Amendment of the Omnibus Plan
The Board
of Directors may suspend, terminate, or amend the Omnibus Plan at any time and
from time to time in such respects as the Board of Directors may deem advisable,
subject to the limitations that (a) no such termination or amendment may be
effected after the date of an occurrence of a “change in control” if the result
would be to impair the rights of any Participant with respect to an outstanding
award made to him or her, and (b) no such amendment may, without shareholder
approval, (i) alter the group of persons eligible to be Participants, (ii)
materially increase the number of shares of Common Stock available for the
issuance of awards under the Omnibus Plan, (iii) extend the term of incentive
stock options granted under the Omnibus Plan, or (iv) limit or restrict the
powers of the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee with respect to
the administration of the Omnibus Plan, or (c) modify the requirement of
shareholder approval of the foregoing amendments.
Federal
Income Tax Consequences
The
following discussion summarizes Metropolitan’s understanding of the more
significant federal income tax consequences associated with options granted
under the Omnibus Plan. The tax consequences of receipt of any award under the
Omnibus Plan may vary depending upon the particular circumstances and it should
be noted that the income tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof
change frequently. Participants should rely upon their own tax advisors for
advice concerning the specific tax consequences applicable to them.
The
Omnibus Plan is not a “ tax-qualified” retirement or savings program under the
provisions of Section 401(a) of the Code, nor is it subject to any of the
provisions of ERISA. The rules governing the tax treatment of awards granted
pursuant to the Omnibus Plan are quite technical. Therefore, the description of
the federal income tax consequences set forth below is necessarily general in
nature and does not purport to be complete. Moreover, statutory provisions are
subject to change, as are their interpretations, and their application may vary
in individual circumstances.
Under
Section 421 of the Code, no income will be recognized by a participant upon the
grant or the exercise of an incentive stock option (although, as discussed
below, the exercise may give rise to alternative minimum tax liability). A
Participant will recognize income if and when he or she disposes of the shares
acquired under the incentive stock option. If the disposition does not occur
within two years after the grant of the incentive stock option or within one
year after the shares were transferred to him or her (the “ISO Holding Period”),
the gain realized on such disposition will be characterized as long-term capital
gain. Metropolitan will not be entitled to a federal income tax deduction with
respect to the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option. Metropolitan will
be entitled to a federal income tax deduction if the Participant disposes of
Common Stock acquired under an incentive stock option prior to the expiration of
the ISO Holding Period. In that event, Metropolitan generally will be entitled
to a federal income tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income
recognized by the Participant. In addition, Metropolitan must report that amount
as wages on a Form W-2 for the year involved, but no income tax withholding will
be required. Before exercising an incentive stock option, a Participant should
discuss the possible application of the alternative minimum tax with his or her
tax advisor.
Upon the
exercise of a non-statutory stock option, the Participant will recognize, as
ordinary income, the difference between the option price and the Fair Market
Value of the Common Stock on the date the option is exercised. The Participant’s
tax basis in the shares received upon the exercise of a non-statutory stock
option or SAR will be the sum of the amount of any income recognized and the
amount paid in connection with the exercise. Any gain or loss that a Participant
realizes on a subsequent disposition of Common Stock acquired upon the exercise
of an SAR or non-statutory stock option will be treated as long-term or
short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the period during which the
Participant held such shares. The exercise of a non-statutory stock option will
entitle Metropolitan, if Metropolitan is the Participant’s employer, to claim a
federal income tax deduction equal to the amount of income recognized by the
Participant.
Restrictions
on Resale
Shares of
Common Stock acquired by Participants pursuant to the Omnibus Plan may be resold
only in compliance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and applicable state securities laws. On February
23rd, 2005,
Metropolitan filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 registering 2,799,800
shares of Common Stock underlying outstanding options granted pursuant to the
Omnibus Plan and 3,200,200 shares reserved for issuance under options to be
granted pursuant to the Omnibus Plan.
Omnibus
Plan Benefits Table
The
following table disclosed the benefits or amounts received or allocated during
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 under the Omnibus Plan to (i) each of
Metropolitan’s Named Executive Officers, individually, (ii) Metropolitan’s
executive officers as a group, (iii) All current non-management directors as a
group, and (iv) all employees who are not also Named Executive Officers as a
group. The amount of options to be received in the future by the persons or
groups specified below are not determinable.
Name
and Position |
|
Dollar
Value ($) |
|
Number
of Units |
|
Michael
M. Earley, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer |
|
$ |
1,132,000 |
|
|
400,000 |
|
Debra
A. Finnel, President, Chief Operating Officer and Director |
|
$ |
2,264,000 |
|
|
800,000 |
|
David
S. Gartner, Chief Financial Officer |
|
$ |
424,500 |
|
|
150,000 |
|
Roberto
L. Palenzuela, General Counsel and Secretary |
|
$ |
283,000 |
|
|
100,000 |
|
Executive
Officer Group |
|
$ |
4,103,500 |
|
|
1,450,000 |
|
Non-Management
Director Group |
|
$ |
424,500 |
|
|
150,000 |
|
Non-Executive
Officer Employee Group |
|
$ |
1,980,434 |
|
|
699,800 |
|
Other
Considerations
Future
issuances of shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Omnibus Plan may have the
effect of diluting the voting rights and could dilute equity and earnings per
share of existing shareholders. In addition, the availability of additional
shares of Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of options could discourage or
make more difficult efforts to obtain control of Metropolitan. However, the
Board of Directors’ purpose in recommending this proposal is not as an
anti-takeover measure.
The Board
of Directors believes that share ownership is an important factor in attracting,
retaining and motivating experienced and qualified personnel for positions of
substantial responsibility and encouraging such personnel to devote their best
efforts to the business and financial success of and otherwise for the benefit
of Metropolitan.
The Board
of Directors has unanimously approved the adoption of the Omnibus Plan and voted
to recommend it for approval to Metropolitan’s shareholders. Pursuant to the
terms of the Omnibus Plan, the effectiveness of awards granted thereunder are
conditioned upon shareholder approval of the Omnibus Plan. In the event that a
majority of the shares entitled to vote and represented at the Annual Meeting do
not vote in favor of the adoption of the Omnibus Plan, the Board will consider
an alternative means to compensate the recipients of awards under the Omnibus
Plan to date.
THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS
THAT
METROPOLITAN’S SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR”
THE
ADOPTION OF METROPOLITAN’S OMNIBUS PLAN
OTHER
MATTERS
Management
is not aware of any matters to be presented for action at the 2005 Annual
Meeting, except matters discussed in this Proxy Statement. If any other matters
properly come before the meeting, it is intended that the shares represented by
proxies will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting the
proxies.
ANNUAL
REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
A copy of
Metropolitan's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2004, accompanies this Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement.
Additional copies of the Annual Report on Form 10-K may be obtained without
charge by writing to:
Metropolitan
Health Networks, Inc
250
Australian
Avenue,
Suite
400
West Palm
Beach, Florida 33401
Attention:
General Counsel and Secretary
|
|
By
Order of the Board of Directors, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Roberto L. Palenzuela |
May 27, 2005 |
|
General
Counsel and Secretary |
PLEASE
SIGN, DATE AND MAIL BACKYOUR PROXY CARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:
ANNUAL
MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
METROPOLITAN
HEALTH NETWORKS, INC.
JUNE 23,
2005
Please
Detach and Mail in the Envelope Provided
The
undersigned appoints Michael M. Earley, attorney and proxy, with full power of
substitution, on behalf of the undersigned, and with all powers the undersigned
would possess if personally present, to vote all shares of Common Stock of
Metropolitan Health Networks, Inc. that the undersigned would be entitled to
vote at the above Annual Meeting and any adjournment thereof.
The
shares represented by this proxy will be voted as specified and, in the
discretion of the proxies, on all other matters. If not otherwise specified,
shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the
Directors.
x PLEASE
MARK YOUR VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE
The Board
of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1, 2, 3 and
4.
PROPOSAL
NO. 1
|
VOTE
FOR all nominees
listed
below, except vote
withheld
from the
nominee
whose name is written below (if any):
|
VOTE
WITHHELD
FROM
ALL
NOMINEES
|
(1) |
To
elect six members to Metropolitan's Board of Directors to hold office
until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors
are duly elected and qualified |
Nominees:
(1) Michael M. Earley; (2) Debra A. Finnel; (3) Karl M. Sachs; (4) Martin W.
Harrison; (5) Barry T. Zeman; and (6) Eric Haskell.
INSTRUCTION:
To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write the nominee’s
name in the space provided below:
PROPOSAL
NO. 2
(2) |
To
ratify the appointment of Kaufman & Rossin P.A. as independent
auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2005 |
FOR
|
AGAINST
|
ABSTAIN
|
PROPOSAL
NO. 3
(3) |
To
approve the adoption of Metropolitan’s Supplemental Stock Option
Plan |
FOR
|
AGAINST
|
ABSTAIN
|
PROPOSAL
NO. 4
(4) |
To
approve the adoption of Metropolitan’s Omnibus Equity Compensation
Plan |
FOR
|
AGAINST
|
ABSTAIN
|
PLEASE
MARK, SIGN AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD AND PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
Signature
Dated:
,
2005 Signature
Dated:
,
2005
(if held
jointly)
IMPORTANT:
Please mark, date and sign your name exactly as it appears on this proxy and
return this proxy in the enclosed envelope. When signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee, guardian or officer of a corporation, please give your
full title as such. For joint accounts, each joint owner should
sign.
APPENDIX
A
METROPOLITAN
HEALTH NETWORKS INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL
STOCK OPTION PLAN
Section
1. Purpose. The
purpose of the Metropolitan Health Networks Inc. Supplemental Stock Option Plan
(the “Plan”) is to
promote the interests of Metropolitan Health Networks Inc., a Florida
corporation (the “Company”), and
any Subsidiary thereof and the interests of the Company’s shareholders by
providing an opportunity to selected employees, officers, directors and
consultants of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof to purchase Common Stock of
the Company. By encouraging such stock ownership, the Company seeks to attract,
retain and motivate such persons and to encourage such persons to devote their
best efforts to the business and financial success of the Company. It is
intended that this purpose will be effected by the granting of “non-qualified
stock options” to acquire the Common Stock of the Company.
Section
2. Definitions. For
purposes of the Plan, the following terms used herein shall have the following
meanings, unless a different meaning is clearly required by the
context.
2.1. “Board
of Directors” shall
mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.2. “Code” shall
mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
2.3. “Committee” shall
mean the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors referred to in Section
5 hereof.
2.4. “Common
Stock” shall
mean the Common Stock, $0.001 par value, of the Company.
2.5. “Eligible
Participant” shall
mean any employee, officer, director or consultant of the Company, employed
by, or performing services for, the Company or any Subsidiary of the
Company.
2.6. “Non-Qualified
Option” shall
mean the Options granted to the Eligible Participant pursuant to the Plan that
are intended to be, and qualify as, “non—qualified stock options” as described
in Treasury Regulation Section 1.83—7 or any successor regulation
thereto.
2.7. “Option” shall
mean any Non—Qualified Option granted to an Eligible Participant pursuant to the
Plan.
2.8. “Subsidiary
of the Company” shall
have the meaning set forth in Section 424(f) of the Code.
Section
3. Eligibility. Options
may be granted to any Eligible Participant. The Committee shall have the sole
authority to select the Eligible Participant to whom Options are to be granted
hereunder. No person shall have any right to participate in the Plan. Any person
selected by the Committee for participation during any one period will not by
virtue of such participation have the right to be selected as a Participant for
any other period.
Section
4. Common
Stock Subject to the Plan.
4.1. Number
of Shares. The
maximum number of shares of Common Stock for which Options may be granted under
the Plan shall be 8,253,242 shares, subject to adjustment as provided by Section
7 hereof, and provided such shares of Common Stock may be validly issued upon
exercise pursuant to applicable laws.
4.2. Reissuance. The
shares of Common Stock that may be subject to Options granted under the Plan may
be either authorized and unissued shares or shares reacquired at any time and
now or hereafter held as treasury stock as the Board of Directors may determine.
Section
5. Administration
of the Plan.
5.1. Administration. The
Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors (the “Committee”).
5.2. Grant
of Options.
(a) The
Committee shall have the sole authority and discretion under the Plan (i) to
select the Eligible Participants who are to be granted Options hereunder so long
as such Eligible Participants meet the requirements set forth in the definition
of Eligible Participants set forth in this Plan; (ii) to establish the number of
shares of Common Stock that may be issued under each Option; (iii) to
determine the time and the conditions subject to which Options may be exercised
in whole or in part; (iv) to determine the form of the consideration that may be
used to purchase shares of Common Stock upon exercise of any Option (including
the circumstances under which the Employee may pay all or part of the exercise
price by entering into a promissory note with the Company, or circumstances
under which the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock may be
used by a Participant to exercise an Option); (v) to impose restrictions and/or
conditions with respect to shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of an
Option; (vi) to determine the circumstances under which shares of Common Stock
acquired upon exercise of any Option may be subject to repurchase by the
Company; (vii) to establish a vesting provision for any Option relating to
the time when (or the circumstances under which) the Option may be exercised by
a Participant, including, without limitation, vesting provisions that may be
contingent upon (A) the Company meeting specified financial goals, (B) a change
of control of the Company or (C) the occurrence of other specified events;
(viii) to accelerate the time when outstanding Options may be exercised; and
(ix) to establish any other terms, restrictions and/or conditions
applicable to any Option not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Committee shall not and
shall not have the power to determine that the form of consideration that may be
used to purchase shares of Common Stock upon exercise of any Option is a loan
that violates the provisions of any applicable securities laws.
5.3. Interpretation. The
Committee shall be authorized to interpret the Plan and may, from time to time,
adopt such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the provisions of the
Plan, as it may deem advisable to carry out the purposes of the
Plan.
5.4. Finality. The
interpretation and construction by the Committee of any provision of the Plan,
any Option granted hereunder or any agreement evidencing any such Option shall
be final and conclusive upon all parties.
5.5. Voting. Members
of the Committee may vote on any matter affecting the administration of the Plan
or the granting of Options under the Plan.
5.6. Expenses,
Etc. All
expenses and liabilities incurred by the Committee in the administration of the
Plan shall be borne by the Company. The Committee may employ attorneys,
consultants, accountants or other persons in connection with the administration
of the Plan. The Company, and its officers and directors, shall be entitled to
rely upon the advice, opinions or valuations of any such persons.
5.7. Indemnification. Neither
the members of the Board of Directors nor any member of the Committee shall be
liable for any act, omission, or determination taken or made in good faith with
respect to the Plan or any Options granted under it, and members of the Board of
Directors and the Committee shall be entitled to indemnification and
reimbursement by the Company in respect of any claim, loss, damage, or expense
(including attorneys' fees, the costs of settling any suit, provided such
settlement is approved by independent legal counsel selected by the Company, and
amounts paid in satisfaction of a judgment, except a judgment based on a finding
of bad faith) arising therefrom to the full extent permitted by
law.
Section
6. Terms
and Conditions of Options.
6.1. Non-Qualified
Options. Unless
otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee, the terms and conditions of
each Option granted under the Plan, which shall be a Non-Qualified Option, shall
be as follows:
(a) Each
Non-Qualified Option issued hereunder shall not constitute nor be treated as an
“incentive stock option” as defined in Section 422(b) of the Code but will be a
“non-qualified stock option” for Federal, state and local income tax purposes.
The terms and conditions of any Option granted hereunder need not be identical
to those of any other Non-Qualified Option granted hereunder.
(b) The
option (exercise) price shall be fixed by the Committee and may be equal to,
more than or less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of Common
Stock subject to the Non-Qualified Option on the date such Non-Qualified Option
is granted, provided,
however, that
the option (exercise) price shall not be less than the par value of such shares
of Common Stock.
(c) Each
Option shall expire and terminate five (5) years after the subject Option grant
date;
(d) Each
Option shall be exercisable in such amount or amounts, under such conditions
(including provisions governing the rights to exercise such Option), and at such
times or intervals or in such installments as shall be determined by the
Committee in its sole discretion.
(e) Options
shall not be transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, or a domestic relations order, and during an Eligible
Participant’s lifetime an Option shall be exercisable only by the Eligible
Participant or an alternate payee under a domestic relations order.
(f) To the
extent that the Company is required to withhold any Federal, state or local
taxes in respect of any compensation income realized by any Eligible Participant
in respect of an Option granted hereunder or in respect of any shares of Common
Stock acquired upon exercise of an Option, the Company shall deduct from any
payments of any kind otherwise due to such Eligible Participant the aggregate
amount of such Federal, state or local taxes required to be so withheld or, if
such payments are insufficient to satisfy such Federal, state or local taxes, or
if no such payments are due or to become due to such Eligible Participant, then,
such Eligible Participant will be required to pay to the Company, or make other
arrangements satisfactory to the Company (including, with prior Committee
approval, use of a promissory note in favor of the Company) regarding payment to
the Company of, the aggregate amount of any such taxes. All matters with respect
to the total amount of taxes to be withheld in respect of any such compensation
income shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
(g) In the
event the Eligible Participant leaves the employ of the Company or ceases
performing services for the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company for any
reason including, without limitation, termination, resignation, death,
disability or otherwise, the unvested portion of any Option shall immediately
expire.
(h) Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, the Committee shall not and shall not have the
power to determine that the form of consideration that may be used to purchase
shares of Common Stock upon exercise of any Option is a loan that violates the
provisions of any applicable securities laws.
Section
7. Adjustments. In the
event that, after the adoption of the Plan, the outstanding shares of the
Company’s Common Stock shall be increased or decreased or changed into or
exchanged for a different number or kind of shares of stock or other securities
of the Company or of another corporation through reorganization, merger or
consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, split-up,
combination or exchange of shares or declaration of any dividends payable in
Common Stock, the Board of Directors shall appropriately adjust the number of
shares of Common Stock (and the option price per share) subject to the
unexercised portion of any outstanding Option (to the nearest possible full
share).
Section
8. Effect
of the Plan on Employment Relationship. Neither
the Plan nor any Option granted hereunder to an Eligible Participant shall be
construed as conferring upon such Eligible Participant any right to continue in
the employ of (or otherwise provide services to) the Company or any Subsidiary
or Parent thereof, or limit in any respect the right of the Company or any
Subsidiary or Parent thereof to terminate such Eligible Participant’s employment
or other relationship with the Company or any Subsidiary or Parent, as the case
may be, at any time.
Section
9. Amendment
of the Plan. The
Committee or Board of Directors may amend or suspend the Plan or any portion
thereof at any time, provided such amendment is made with shareholder approval
if such approval is necessary to comply with any tax or regulatory requirement.
The Committee in its sole discretion may amend the Plan so as to conform with
local rules and regulations subject to any provisions to the contrary specified
herein.
Section
10. Amendment
of an Option. In its
sole and complete discretion, the Committee may at any time amend any Option for
the following reasons: (i) additions and/or changes to the Code, any federal or
state securities law, or other law or regulations applicable to the Option, are
made, and such additions and/or changes have some effect on the Option, or (ii)
any other event not described in clause (i) occurs and the Eligible Participant
gives his or her consent to such amendment.
Section
11. Exemption
from Computation of Compensation for Other Purposes. By
acceptance of an applicable Option, subject to the conditions of such Option,
each Eligible Participant shall be considered in agreement that all shares sold
or awarded and all Options granted under this Plan shall be considered special
incentive compensation and will be exempt from inclusion as “wages” or “salary”
in pension, retirement, life insurance, and other employee benefits arrangements
of the Company, except as determined otherwise by the Company. In addition, each
beneficiary of a deceased Eligible Participant shall be in agreement that all
such Options will be exempt from inclusion in “wages” or “salary” for purposes
of calculating benefits of any life insurance coverage sponsored by the
Company.
Section
12. Listing,
Registration and Other Legal Compliance. No
Options or shares of the Common Stock shall be required to be issued or granted
under the Plan unless legal counsel to the Company shall be satisfied that such
issuance or grant will be in compliance with all applicable federal and state
securities laws and regulations and any other applicable laws or regulations.
The Committee may require, as a condition of any payment or share issuance, that
certain agreements, undertakings, representations, certificates, and/or
information, as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable, be executed or
provided to the Company to assure compliance with all such applicable laws or
regulations. Any certificates for shares of Common Stock delivered under the
Plan may be subject to such stock-transfer orders and such other restrictions as
the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations, or other
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon
which the Common Stock is then listed, and any applicable federal or state
securities law. In addition, if, at any time specified herein (or in any
Agreement or otherwise) for (a) the making of any Option, or the making of any
determination, (b) the issuance or other distribution of Common Stock, or (c)
the payment of amounts to or through an Eligible Participant with respect to any
Option, any law, rule, regulation, or other requirement of any governmental
authority or agency shall require the Company, any affiliate, or any Eligible
Participant (or any estate, designated beneficiary, or other legal
representative thereof) to take any action in connection with any such
determination, any such shares to be issued or distributed, any such payment, or
the making of any such determination, as the case may be, shall be deferred
until such required action is taken.
Section
13. Rights
as Shareholder. No
Eligible Participant or beneficiary shall be deemed a shareholder of the Company
nor have any rights as such with respect to any shares to be provided under the
Plan until he or she has become the holder of such shares.
Section
14. Construction
of the Plan. The Plan,
and its rules, rights, agreements and regulations, shall be governed, construed,
interpreted and administered solely in accordance with the laws of the state of
Washington. In the event any provision of the Plan shall be held invalid,
illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, for any reason, such
determination shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of any
remaining provision, portion of provision or the Plan overall, which shall
remain in full force and effect as if the Plan had been absent the invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision or portion thereof
Section
15. Termination
of the Plan. The
Committee may terminate the Plan at any time. Unless the Committee shall
theretofore have terminated the Plan, the Plan shall terminate on December 31,
2010 . No Option may be granted hereunder after termination of the Plan. The
termination or amendment of the Plan shall not alter or impair any rights or
obligations under any Option theretofore granted under the Plan.
Section
16. Effective
Date of the Plan. The
Plan shall be effective as of May 1, 1999.
APPENDIX
B
METROPOLITAN
HEALTH NETWORKS, INC.
OMNIBUS
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE
I
|
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
|
1
|
ARTICLE
II
|
DEFINITIONS
|
1
|
ARTICLE
III
|
ADMINISTRATION
|
5
|
ARTICLE
IV
|
INCENTIVE
STOCK OPTIONS
|
9
|
ARTICLE
V
|
NONQUALIFIED
STOCK OPTIONS
|
10
|
ARTICLE
VI
|
STOCK
APPRECIATION RIGHTS
|
11
|
ARTICLE
VII
|
INCIDENTS
OF STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK RIGHTS
|
12
|
ARTICLE
VIII
|
RESTRICTED
STOCK
|
14
|
ARTICLE
IX
|
DEFERRED
STOCK
|
16
|
ARTICLE
X
|
STOCK
AWARDS
|
17
|
ARTICLE
XI
|
PERFORMANCE
SHARES
|
18
|
ARTICLE
XII
|
OTHER
STOCK-BASED AWARDS
|
19
|
ARTICLE
XIII
|
ACCELERATION
EVENTS
|
21
|
ARTICLE
XIV
|
AMENDMENT
AND TERMINATION
|
23
|
ARTICLE
XV
|
MISCELLANEOUS
PROVISIONS
|
23
|
ARTICLE
I
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
1.1 The Plan
is designed for the benefit of the directors, executives and key employees of
the Company (i) to attract and retain for the Company personnel of exceptional
ability; (ii) to motivate such personnel through added incentives to make a
maximum contribution to greater profitability; (iii) to develop and maintain a
highly competent management team; and (iv) to be competitive with other
companies with respect to executive compensation.
1.2 Awards
under the Plan may be made to Participants in the form of (i) Incentive Stock
Options; (ii) Nonqualified Stock Options; (iii) Stock Appreciation Rights; (iv)
Restricted Stock; (v) Deferred Stock; (vi) Stock Awards; (vii) Performance
Shares; (viii) Other Stock-Based Awards; and (ix) other forms of equity-based
compensation as may be provided and are permissible under this Plan and the
law.
1.3 The Plan
shall be effective November 5, 2004 (the "Effective Date"), subject to the
approval of the Plan by a majority of the votes cast by the holders of the
Company’s Common Stock, which may be voted at the next annual or special
shareholder’s meeting. Any Awards granted under the Plan prior to such approval
shall be effective when made (unless otherwise specified by the Committee at the
time of grant) but shall be conditioned on, and subject to, the approval of the
Plan by the Company’s shareholders.
ARTICLE
II
DEFINITIONS
Except
where the context otherwise indicates, the following definitions
apply:
2.1 "Acceleration
Event" means the occurrence of an event defined in Article XIII of the
Plan.
2.2 "Act"
means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
2.3 "Agreement"
means the written agreement evidencing each Award granted to a Participant under
the Plan.
2.4 "Award"
means an award granted to a Participant in accordance with the provisions of the
Plan, including, but not limited to, a Stock Option, Stock Right, Restricted or
Deferred Stock, Stock Award, Performance Share, Other Stock-Based Award, or any
combination of the foregoing.
2.5 "Board"
means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.6 "Change
in Control" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.2 of the
Plan.
2.7 "Change
in Control Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.7 of the
Plan.
2.8 "Code"
means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
2.9 "Committee"
means the Compensation Committee of the Board.
2.10 "Company"
means Metropolitan Health Networks, Inc., a Florida corporation.
2.11 "Deferral
Period" means the period commencing on the date an Award of Deferred Stock is
granted and ending on such date as the Committee shall determine.
2.12 "Deferred
Stock" means the stock awarded under Article IX of the Plan.
2.13 "Disability"
means disability as determined under procedures established by the Committee or
in any Award.
2.14 "Discount
Stock Options" means the Nonqualified Stock Options, which provide for an
exercise price of less than the Fair Market Value of the Stock at the date of
the Award.
2.15 "Early
Retirement" means retirement from active employment with the Company, with the
express consent of the Committee, pursuant to the early retirement provisions
established by the Committee or in any Award.
2.16 "Effective
Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.3 of the Plan.
2.17 "Elective
Deferral Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.3 of the
Plan.
2.18 "Eligible
Participant" means any director, executive or key employee of the Company, as
shall be determined by the Committee, as well as any other person whose
participation the Committee determines is in the best interest of the Company,
subject to limitations as may be provided by the Code, the Act or the Committee.
For purposes of Article IV and Incentive Stock Options that may be granted
hereunder, the term "Eligible Participant" shall be limited to an executive or
other key employee meeting the qualifications for receipt of an Incentive Stock
Option under the provisions of Section 422 of the Code.
2.19 "ERISA"
means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
2.20 "Fair
Market Value" means, with respect to any given day, (a) if the Company's Common
Stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange or another national exchange or
is quoted on the National or SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market,
Inc.("Nasdaq"), then the closing or last sale price, respectively, reported on
such day, or if the Stock was not traded on such day, the closing or last sale
price on the next day on which the Stock was traded, all as reported by such
source as the Committee may select; or (b) if the Company's Common Stock is not
traded on the American Stock Exchange or another national exchange or on the
Nasdaq but is traded on the NASD OTC Bulletin Board (the “Bulletin Board”), then
the last sale price, or, if a last sale price is not quoted, the mean between
the closing bid and asked prices for the Common Stock on such day, or, if no bid
or ask price information is available on such day then the last sale price or
the closing bid and asked prices on the next day on which such information
becomes available, all as reported by such source as the Committee may select.
The Committee may establish an alternative method of determining Fair Market
Value.
2.21 "Incentive
Stock Option" means a Stock Option granted under Article IV of the Plan, and as
defined in Section 422 of the Code.
2.22 "Limited
Stock Appreciation Rights" means a Stock Right which is exercisable only in the
event of a Change in Control, as described in Section 6.8 of this Plan, which
provides for an amount payable solely in cash, equal to the excess of the Stock
Appreciation Right Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the day the Stock
Right is surrendered over the price at which a Participant could exercise a
related Stock Option to purchase the share of Stock.
2.23 "Nonqualified
Stock Option" means a Stock Option granted under Article V of the
Plan.
2.24 "Normal
Retirement" means retirement from active employment with the Company or any
Subsidiary on or after age 65, or pursuant to such other requirements as may be
established by the Committee or in any Award.
2.25 "Option
Grant Date" means, as to any Stock Option, the latest of:
(a) the date
on which the Committee grants the Stock Option to the Participant;
(b) the date
the Participant receiving the Stock Option becomes an employee of the Company or
its Subsidiaries, to the extent employment status is a condition of the grant or
a requirement of the Code or the Act; or
(c) such
other date (other than the dates described in (i) and (ii) above) as the
Committee may designate.
2.26 "Other
Stock-Based Award" means an Award under Article XII of the Plan that is valued
in whole or in part by reference to, or is otherwise based on,
Stock.
2.27 "Participant"
means an Eligible Participant to whom an Award of equity-based compensation has
been granted and who has entered into an Agreement evidencing the
Award.
2.28 "Performance
Share" means an Award under Article XI of the Plan of a unit valued by reference
to a designated number of shares of Stock, which value may be paid to the
Participant by delivery of such property as the Committee shall determine,
including, without limitation, cash, Stock, or any combination thereof, upon
achievement of such Performance Objectives during the Performance Period as the
Committee shall establish at the time of such Award or thereafter.
2.29 "Performance
Objectives" shall have the meaning set forth in Article XI of the
Plan.
2.30 "Performance
Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Article XI of the Plan.
2.31 "Plan"
means the Metropolitan Health Networks, Inc. Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan,
as amended from time to time.
2.32 “Related
Stock Appreciation Right” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1 of the
Plan.
2.33 "Restricted
Stock" means an Award of Stock under Article VIII of the Plan, which Stock is
issued with the restriction that the holder may not sell, transfer, pledge, or
assign such Stock and with such other restrictions as the Committee, in its sole
discretion, may impose (including, without limitation, any restriction on the
right to vote such Stock, and the right to receive any cash dividends), which
restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such time or times, in
installments or otherwise, as the Committee may deem appropriate.
2.34 "Restriction
Period" means the period commencing on the date an Award of Restricted Stock is
granted and ending on such date as the Committee shall determine.
2.35 "Retirement"
means Normal or Early Retirement.
2.36 "Stock"
means shares of common stock par value $0.001 per share of the Company, as may
be adjusted pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.11.
2.37 "Stock
Appreciation Right" means a Stock Right, as described in Article VI of this
Plan, which provides for an amount payable in Stock and/or cash, as determined
by the Committee, equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of a share of
Stock on the day the Stock Right is exercised over the price at which the
Participant could exercise a related Stock Option to purchase the share of
Stock.
2.38 "Stock
Appreciation Right Fair Market Value" means a value established by the Committee
for the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right or a Limited Stock Appreciation
Right.
2.39 "Stock
Award" means an Award of Stock granted in payment of compensation, as provided
in Article X of the Plan.
2.40 "Stock
Option" means an Award under Article IV or V of the Plan of an option to
purchase Stock. A Stock Option may be either an Incentive Stock Option or a
Nonqualified Stock Option.
2.41 "Stock
Right" means an Award under Article VI of the Plan. A Stock Right may be either
a Stock Appreciation Right or a Limited Stock Appreciation Right.
2.42 "Termination
of Employment" means the discontinuance of employment of a Participant with the
Company. The determination of whether a Participant has discontinued employment
shall be made by the Committee in its discretion. In determining whether a
Termination of Employment has occurred, the Committee may provide that service
as a consultant or service with a business enterprise in which the Company has a
significant ownership interest shall be treated as employment with the Company.
The Committee shall have the discretion, exercisable either at the time the
Award is granted or at the time the Participant terminates employment, to
establish as a provision applicable to the exercise of one or more Awards that
during the limited period of exercisability following Termination of Employment,
the Award may be exercised not only with respect to the number of shares of
Stock for which it is exercisable at the time of the Termination of Employment
but also with respect to one or more subsequent installments for which the Award
would have become exercisable had the Termination of Employment not occurred.
ARTICLE
III
ADMINISTRATION
3.1 This Plan
shall be administered by the Committee. Members of the Committee may vote on any
matters affecting the administration of the Plan or the grant of Awards pursuant
to the Plan, except that no such member shall act upon the granting of an Award
to himself or herself, but any such member may be counted in determining the
existence of a quorum at any meeting of the Committee or Board during which
action is taken with respect to the granting of an Award to such member. The
Committee, in its discretion, may delegate to one or more of its members such of
its powers, as it deems appropriate. The Committee also may limit the power of
any member to the extent necessary to comply with Rule 16b-3 under the Act or
any other law. The Board, in its discretion, may require that all or any final
actions or determinations by the Committee be made by or be subject to approval
or ratification by the Board before becoming effective. To the extent all or any
decisions, actions, or determinations relating to the administration of the Plan
are made by the Board, the Board shall have all power and authority granted to
the Committee in this Article and otherwise in this Plan, and for these
purposes, all references to the "Committee" herein shall be deemed to include
the Board.
3.2 The
Committee shall meet at such times and places as it determines. A majority of
its members shall constitute a quorum, and the decision of a majority of those
present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall constitute the
decision of the Committee. A unanimous consent signed by all of the members of
the Committee shall constitute the decision of the Committee without necessity,
in such event, for holding an actual meeting.
3.3 The
Committee shall have the exclusive right to interpret, construe and administer
the Plan, to select the persons who are eligible to receive an Award, and to act
in all matters pertaining to the granting of an Award and the contents of the
Agreement evidencing the Award, including, without limitation, the determination
of the number of Stock Options, Stock Rights, shares of Stock or Performance
Shares subject to an Award and the form, terms, conditions and duration of each
Award, and any amendment thereof consistent with the provisions of the Plan. All
acts, determinations and decisions of the Committee made or taken pursuant to
grants of authority under the Plan or with respect to any questions arising in
connection with the administration and interpretation of the Plan, including the
severability of any and all of the provisions thereof, shall be conclusive,
final and binding upon all Participants, Eligible Participants and their
beneficiaries.
3.4 The
Committee may adopt such rules, regulations and procedures of general
application for the administration of this Plan, as it deems
appropriate.
3.5 Without
limiting the foregoing Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4, and notwithstanding any
other provisions of the Plan, the Committee is authorized to take such action as
it determines to be necessary or advisable, and fair and equitable to
Participants, with respect to an Award in the event of an Acceleration Event as
defined in Article XIII. Such action may include, but shall not be limited to,
establishing, amending or waiving the forms, terms, conditions and duration of
an Award and the Award Agreement, so as to provide for earlier, later, extended
or additional times for exercise or payments, differing methods for calculating
payments, alternate forms and amounts of payment, an accelerated release of
restrictions or other modifications. The Committee may take such actions
pursuant to this Section 3.5 by adopting rules and regulations of general
applicability to all Participants or to certain categories of Participants, by
including, amending or waiving terms and conditions in an Award and the Award
Agreement, or by taking action with respect to individual Participants.
3.6 The
aggregate number of shares of Stock, which are reserved for issuance under the
Plan, shall be 6,000,000. The aggregate number of shares of stock reserved for
issuance under the plan shall be adjusted in accordance with Section
3.11.
(a) If, for
any reason, any shares of Stock or Performance Shares awarded or subject to
purchase under the Plan are not delivered or purchased, or are reacquired by the
Company, for reasons including, but not limited to, a forfeiture of Restricted
Stock or termination, expiration or cancellation of a Stock Option, Stock Right
or Performance Share, or any other termination of an Award without payment being
made in the form of Stock (whether or not Restricted Stock), such shares of
Stock or Performance Shares shall not be charged against the aggregate number of
shares of Stock available for Award under the Plan, and shall again be available
for Award under the Plan.
(b) For all
purposes under the Plan, each Performance Share awarded shall be counted as one
share of Stock subject to an Award.
(c) To the
extent a Stock Right granted in connection with a Stock Option is exercised
without payment being made in the form of Stock (whether or not Restricted
Stock), the shares of Stock which otherwise would have been issued upon the
exercise of such related Stock Option shall not be charged against the aggregate
number of shares of Stock subject to an Award under the Plan, and shall again be
available for Award under the Plan.
3.7 Each
Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a written Award Agreement.
Each Award Agreement shall be subject to and incorporate (by reference or
otherwise) the applicable terms and conditions of the Plan, and any other terms
and conditions (not inconsistent with the Plan) required by the Committee.
3.8 The
Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates for shares of
Stock prior to:
(a) the
listing of such shares on any stock exchange on which the Stock may then be
listed; and
(b) the
completion of any registration or qualification of such shares of Stock under
any federal or state law, or any ruling or regulation of any government body
which the Company shall, in its discretion, determine to be necessary or
advisable.
3.9 All
certificates for shares of Stock delivered under the Plan shall also be subject
to such stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem
advisable under the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the Securities
and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which the Stock is then listed
and any applicable federal or state laws, and the Committee may cause a legend
or legends to be placed on any such certificates to make appropriate reference
to such restrictions. In making such determination, the Committee may rely upon
an opinion of counsel for the Company.
3.10 Subject
to the restrictions on Restricted Stock, as provided in Article VIII of the Plan
and in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, each Participant who receives an
Award of Restricted Stock shall have all of the rights of a shareholder with
respect to such shares of Stock, including the right to vote the shares to the
extent, if any, such shares possess voting rights and receive dividends and
other distributions. Except as provided otherwise in the Plan or in an Award
Agreement, no Participant awarded a Stock Option, Stock Right, Deferred Stock,
Stock Award or Performance Share shall have any right as a shareholder with
respect to any shares of Stock covered by his or her Stock Option, Stock Right,
Deferred Stock, Stock Award or Performance Share prior to the date of issuance
to him or her of a certificate or certificates for such shares of
Stock.
3.11 If any
reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock split-up, stock
dividend, or consolidation of shares of Stock, merger or consolidation of the
Company or its Subsidiaries or sale or other disposition by the Company or its
Subsidiaries of all or a portion of its assets, any other change in the
Company's or its Subsidiaries' corporate structure, or any distribution to
shareholders other than a cash dividend results in the outstanding shares of
Stock, or any securities exchanged therefor or received in their place, being
exchanged for a different number or class of shares of Stock or other securities
of the Company, or for shares of Stock or other securities of any other Company;
or new, different or additional shares or other securities of the Company or of
any other Company being received by the holders of outstanding shares of Stock,
then equitable adjustments shall be made by the Committee in:
(a) the
limitation of the aggregate number of shares of Stock that may be awarded as set
forth in Sections 3.6, 3.16, and 4.1(e) (to the extent permitted under Section
422 of the Code) of the Plan;
(b) the
number of shares and class of Stock that may be subject to an Award, and which
have not been issued or transferred under an outstanding Award;
(c) the
purchase price to be paid per share of Stock under outstanding Stock Options and
the number of shares of Stock to be transferred in settlement of outstanding
Stock Rights; and
(d) the
terms, conditions or restrictions of any Award and Award Agreement, including
the price payable for the acquisition of Stock; provided, however, that all
adjustments made as the result of the foregoing in respect of each Incentive
Stock Option shall be made so that such Stock Option shall continue to be an
Incentive Stock Option, as defined in Section 422 of the Code.
3.12 In
addition to such other rights of indemnification as they may have as directors
or as members of the Committee, the members of the Committee shall be
indemnified by the Company against reasonable expenses, including attorney's
fees, actually and necessarily incurred in connection with the defense of any
action, suit or proceeding, or in connection with any appeal therein, to which
they or any of them may be a party by reason of any action taken or failure to
act under or in connection with the Plan or any Award granted thereunder, and
against all amounts paid by them in settlement thereof (provided such settlement
is approved by independent legal counsel selected by the Company) or paid by
them in satisfaction of a judgment or settlement in any such action, suit or
proceeding, except as to matters as to which the Committee member has been
negligent or engaged in misconduct in the performance of his duties; provided,
that within sixty (60) days after institution of any such action, suit or
proceeding, a Committee member shall in writing offer the Company the
opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same.
3.13 The
Committee may require each person purchasing shares of Stock pursuant to a Stock
Option or other Award under the Plan to represent to and agree with the Company
in writing that he is acquiring the shares of Stock without a view to
distribution thereof. The certificates for such shares of Stock may include any
legend, which the Committee deems appropriate to reflect any restrictions on
transfer.
3.14 The
Committee shall be authorized to make adjustments in performance based criteria
or in the terms and conditions of other Awards in recognition of unusual or
nonrecurring events affecting the Company or its financial statements or changes
in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles. The Committee may
correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the
Plan or any Award Agreement in the manner and to the extent it shall deem
desirable to carry it into effect. In the event the Company (or any Subsidiary,
if applicable) shall assume outstanding employee benefit awards or the right or
obligation to make future such awards in connection with the acquisition of
another Company or business entity, the Committee may, in its discretion, make
such adjustments in the terms of Awards under the Plan as it shall deem
appropriate.
3.15 The
Committee shall have full power and authority to determine whether, to what
extent and under what circumstances, any Award shall be canceled or suspended.
In particular, but without limitation, all outstanding Awards to any Participant
shall be canceled if (a) the Participant, without the consent of the Committee,
while employed by the Company or after termination of such employment, becomes
associated with, employed by, renders services to, or owns any interest in
(other than any nonsubstantial interest, as determined by the Committee), any
business that is in competition with the Company or with any business in which
the Company has a substantial interest as determined by the Committee; or (b) is
terminated for cause as determined by the Committee.
3.16 Subject
to the limitations of Section 3.6, the maximum number of shares of Stock with
respect to which an Award or Awards of Stock Options and/or Stock Rights under
the Plan may be granted during any calendar year to any participant shall be
five hundred thousand (500,000) shares.
ARTICLE
IV
INCENTIVE
STOCK OPTIONS
4.1 Each
provision of this Article IV and of each Incentive Stock Option granted
hereunder shall be construed in accordance with the provisions of Section 422 of
the Code, and any provision hereof that cannot be so construed shall be
disregarded. Incentive Stock Options shall be granted only to Eligible
Participants, each of whom may be granted one or more such Incentive Stock
Options at such time or times determined by the Committee following the
Effective Date until November 5, 2014, subject to the following
conditions:
(a) The
Incentive Stock Option price per share of Stock shall be set in the Award
Agreement, but shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair
Market Value of the Stock at the time of the Option Grant Date.
(b) The
Incentive Stock Option and its related Stock Right, if any, may be exercised in
full or in part from time to time within ten (10) years from the Option Grant
Date, or such shorter period as may be specified by the Committee in the Award;
provided, that in any event, the Incentive Stock Option and related Stock Right
shall lapse and cease to be exercisable upon, or within such period following, a
Termination of Employment as shall have been determined by the Committee and as
specified in the Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement or its related Stock
Right Award Agreement; provided, however, that such period following a
Termination of Employment shall not exceed three (3) months unless employment
shall have terminated:
(i) as a
result of death or Disability, in which event, such period shall not exceed one
year after the date of death or Disability; and
(ii) as a
result of death, if death shall have occurred following a Termination of
Employment and while the Incentive Stock Option or Stock Right was still
exercisable, in which event, such period shall not exceed one year after the
date of death;
provided,
further, that such period following a Termination of Employment shall in no
event extend the original exercise period of the Incentive Stock Option or any
related Stock Right.
(c) The
aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Option Grant Date, of the
shares of Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable
for the first time during any calendar year by any Eligible Participant shall
not exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000); provided, however, to the
extent permitted under Section 422 of the Code:
(i) if a
Participant's employment is terminated by reason of death, Disability or
Retirement and the portion of any Incentive Stock Option that is otherwise
exercisable during the post-termination period applied without regard to the one
hundred thousand dollar ($100,000) limitation contained in Section 422 of the
Code is greater than the portion of such option that is immediately exercisable
as an Incentive Stock Option during such post-termination period under Section
422, such excess shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option;
and
(ii) if the
exercise of an Incentive Stock Option is accelerated by reason of an
Acceleration Event, any portion of such Award that is not exercisable as an
Incentive Stock Option by reason of the one hundred thousand dollar ($100,000)
limitation contained in Section 422 of the Code shall be treated as a
Nonqualified Stock Option.
(d) Incentive
Stock Options shall be granted only to an Eligible Participant who, at the time
of the Option Grant Date, does not own Stock possessing more than 10% of the
total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company; provided,
however, the foregoing restriction shall not apply if at the time of the Option
Grant Date the option price is at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the
Fair Market Value of the Stock subject to the Incentive Stock Option and such
Incentive Stock Option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of
five (5) years from the Option Grant Date.
(e) The
Committee may adopt any other terms and conditions which it determines should be
imposed for the Incentive Stock Option to qualify under Section 422 of the Code,
as well as any other terms and conditions not inconsistent with this Article IV
as determined by the Committee.
4.2 The
Committee may at any time offer to buy out for a payment in cash, Stock,
Deferred Stock or Restricted Stock an Incentive Stock Option previously granted,
based on such terms and conditions as the Committee shall establish and
communicate to the Participant at the time that such offer is made.
4.3 If the
Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement so provides, the Committee may require
that all or part of the shares of Stock to be issued upon the exercise of an
Incentive Stock Option shall take the form of Deferred or Restricted Stock,
which shall be valued on the date of exercise, as determined by the Committee,
on the basis of the Fair Market Value of such Deferred Stock or Restricted Stock
determined without regard to the deferral limitations and/or forfeiture
restrictions involved.
ARTICLE
V
NONQUALIFIED
STOCK OPTIONS
5.1 One or
more Stock Options may be granted as Nonqualified Stock Options to Eligible
Participants to purchase shares of Stock at such time or times determined by the
Committee, following the Effective Date, subject to the terms and conditions set
forth in this Article V.
5.2 The
Nonqualified Stock Option price per share of Stock shall be established in the
Award Agreement and may be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair
Market Value at the time of the grant, or at such later date as the Committee
shall determine.
5.3 The
Nonqualified Stock Option and its related Stock Right, if any, may be exercised
in full or in part from time to time within such period as may be specified by
the Committee or in the Award Agreement; provided, that, in any event, the
Nonqualified Stock Option and the related Stock Right shall lapse and cease to
be exercisable upon, or within such period following, Termination of Employment
as shall have been determined by the Committee and as specified in the
Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement or Stock Right Award Agreement;
provided, however, that such period following Termination of Employment shall
not exceed three (3) months unless employment shall have
terminated:
(a) as a
result of Retirement or Disability, in which event, such period shall not exceed
one year after the date of Retirement or Disability, or within such longer
period as the Committee may specify; and
(b) as a
result of death, or if death shall have occurred following a Termination of
Employment and while the Nonqualified Stock Option or Stock Right was still
exercisable, in which event, such period may exceed one year after the date of
death, as provided by the Committee or in the Award Agreement.
5.4 The
Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement may include any other terms and
conditions not inconsistent with this Article V or with Article VII, as
determined by the Committee.
ARTICLE
VI
STOCK
APPRECIATION RIGHTS
6.1 A Stock
Appreciation Right may be granted to an Eligible Participant in connection with
an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option granted under Article
IV or Article V of this Plan (a “Related Stock Appreciation Right”), or may be
granted independent of any related Incentive or Nonqualified Stock
Option.
6.2 A Related
Stock Appreciation Right shall entitle a holder of a Stock Option, within the
period specified for the exercise of the Stock Option, to surrender the
unexercised Stock Option (or a portion thereof) and to receive in exchange
therefor a payment in cash or shares of Stock having an aggregate value equal to
the amount by which the Fair Market Value of each share of Stock exceeds the
Stock Option price per share of Stock, times the number of shares of Stock under
the Stock Option, or portion thereof, which is surrendered.
6.3 Each
Related Stock Appreciation Right granted hereunder shall be subject to the same
terms and conditions as the related Stock Option, including limitations on
transferability, if any, and shall be exercisable only to the extent such Stock
Option is exercisable and shall terminate or lapse and cease to be exercisable
when the related Stock Option terminates or lapses. The grant of a Related Stock
Appreciation Right related to an Incentive Stock Option must be concurrent with
the grant of the Incentive Stock Option. With respect to Nonqualified Stock
Options, the grant of a Related Stock Appreciation Right either may be
concurrent with the grant of the Nonqualified Stock Option, or subsequent to the
grant of the Nonqualified Stock Option, in connection with a Nonqualified Stock
Option previously granted under Article V, which is unexercised and has not
terminated or lapsed.
6.4 The
Committee shall have the sole discretion to determine, in each case whether the
payment with respect to the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right shall be made
in the form of all cash, all Stock, or any combination thereof. If payment is to
be made in Stock, the number of shares of Stock shall be determined based on the
Fair Market Value of the Stock on the date of exercise of the Stock Appreciation
Right. If the Committee elects to make full payment in Stock, no fractional
shares of Stock shall be issued and cash payments shall be made in lieu of
fractional shares.
6.5 The
Committee shall have sole discretion as to the timing of any payment made in
cash, Stock, or a combination thereof upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation
Right. Payment may be made in a lump sum, in annual installments or may be
otherwise deferred and the Committee shall have sole discretion to determine
whether any deferred payments may bear amounts equivalent to interest or cash
dividends.
6.6 Upon the
exercise of a Related Stock Appreciation Right, the number of shares of Stock
subject to exercise under any related Stock Option shall automatically be
reduced by the number of shares of Stock represented by the Stock Option or
portion thereof which is surrendered.
6.7 The
Committee, in its sole discretion, may also provide that, in the event of a
Change in Control, the amount to be paid upon the exercise of a Stock
Appreciation Right or Limited Stock Appreciation Right shall be based on the
Change in Control Price, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee
may specify at grant.
6.8 In its
sole discretion, the Committee may grant Limited Stock Appreciation Rights under
this Article VI. Limited Stock Appreciation Rights shall become exercisable only
in the event of a Change in Control, subject to such terms and conditions as the
Committee, in its sole discretion, may specify at grant. Such Limited Stock
Appreciation Rights shall be settled solely in cash. A Limited Stock
Appreciation Right shall entitle the holder of the related Stock Option to
surrender such Stock Option, or any portion thereof, to the extent unexercised,
in respect of the number of shares of Stock as to which such Limited Stock
Appreciation Right is exercised, and to receive a cash payment equal to the
difference between (a) the Stock Appreciation Right Fair Market Value (at the
date of surrender) of a share of Stock for which the surrendered Stock Option or
portion thereof is then exercisable, and (b) the price at which a Participant
could exercise a related Stock Option to purchase the share of Stock. Such Stock
Option shall, to the extent so surrendered, thereupon cease to be exercisable. A
Limited Stock Appreciation Right shall be subject to such further terms and
conditions as the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, deem appropriate.
ARTICLE
VII
INCIDENTS
OF STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK RIGHTS
7.1 Each
Stock Option and Stock Right shall be granted subject to such terms and
conditions, if any, not inconsistent with this Plan, as shall be determined by
the Committee, including any provisions as to continued employment as
consideration for the grant or exercise of such Stock Option or Stock Right and
any provisions which may be advisable to comply with applicable laws,
regulations or rulings of any governmental authority.
7.2 An
Incentive Stock Option and its related Stock Right, if any, shall not be
transferable by the Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution, and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Participant
only by him or by his guardian or legal representative. A Nonqualified Stock
Option and its related Stock Right, if any, shall be subject to the
transferability and exercisability restrictions of the immediately preceding
sentence unless otherwise determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion,
and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
7.3 Shares of
Stock purchased upon exercise of a Stock Option shall be paid for in such
amounts, at such times and upon such terms as shall be determined by the
Committee, subject to limitations set forth in the Stock Option Award Agreement.
Without limiting the foregoing, the Committee may establish payment terms for
the exercise of Stock Options which permit the Participant to deliver shares of
Stock (or other evidence of ownership of Stock satisfactory to the Company) with
a Fair Market Value equal to the exercise price of the Stock Option as
payment.
7.4 No cash
dividends shall be paid on shares of Stock subject to unexercised Stock Options.
The Committee may provide, however, that a Participant to whom a Stock Option
has been granted which is exercisable in whole or in part at a future time shall
be entitled to receive an amount per share equal in value to the cash dividends,
if any, paid per share on issued and outstanding Stock, as of the dividend
record dates occurring during the period between the date of the grant and the
time each such share of Stock is delivered pursuant to exercise of such Stock
Option or the related Stock Right. Such amounts (herein called "dividend
equivalents") may, in the discretion of the Committee, be:
(a) paid in
cash or Stock either from time to time prior to, or at the time of the delivery
of, such Stock, or upon expiration of the Stock Option if it shall not have been
fully exercised; or
(b) converted
into contingently credited shares of Stock (with respect to which dividend
equivalents may accrue) in such manner, at such value, and deliverable at such
time or times, as may be determined by the Committee. Such Stock (whether
delivered or contingently credited) shall be charged against the limitations set
forth in Section 3.6.
7.5 The
Committee, in its sole discretion, may authorize payment of interest equivalents
on dividend equivalents which are payable in cash at a future time.
7.6 In the
event of death or Disability, the Committee, with the consent of the Participant
or his legal representative, may authorize payment, in cash or in Stock, or
partly in cash and partly in Stock, as the Committee may direct, of an amount
equal to the difference at the time between the Fair Market Value of the Stock
subject to a Stock Option and the exercise
price of the Option in consideration of the surrender of the Stock Option.
7.7 If a
Participant is required to pay to the Company an amount with respect to income
and employment tax withholding obligations in connection with exercise of a
Nonqualified Stock Option and/or with respect to certain dispositions of Stock
acquired upon the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option, the Committee, in its
discretion and subject to such rules as it may adopt, may permit the Participant
to satisfy the obligation, in whole or in part, by making an irrevocable
election that a portion of the total Fair Market Value of the shares of Stock
subject to the Nonqualified Stock Option and/or with respect to certain
dispositions of Stock acquired upon the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option,
be paid in the form of cash in lieu of the issuance of Stock and that such cash
payment be applied to the satisfaction of the withholding obligations. The
amount to be withheld shall not exceed the statutory minimum Federal and State
income and employment tax liability arising from the Stock Option exercise
transaction.
7.8 The
Committee may permit the voluntary surrender of all or a portion of any Stock
Option granted under the Plan to be conditioned upon the granting to the
Participant of a new Stock Option for the same or a different number of shares
of Stock as the Stock Option surrendered, or may require such voluntary
surrender as a condition precedent to a grant of a new Stock Option to such
Participant. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, such new Stock Option shall
be exercisable at the same price, during such period and on such other terms and
conditions as are specified by the Committee at the time the new Stock Option is
granted. Upon surrender, the Stock Options surrendered shall be canceled and the
shares of Stock previously subject to them shall be available for the grant of
Awards under the Plan.
ARTICLE
VIII
RESTRICTED
STOCK
8.1 Restricted
Stock Awards may be made to certain Participants as an incentive for the
performance of future services that will contribute materially to the successful
operation of the Company. Awards of Restricted Stock may be made either alone,
in addition to or in conjunction with other Awards granted under the Plan and/or
cash payments made outside of the Plan.
8.2 With
respect to Awards of Restricted Stock, the Committee shall:
(a) determine
the purchase price, if any, to be paid for such Restricted Stock, which may be
equal to or less than par value and may be zero, subject to such minimum
consideration as may be required by applicable law;
(b) determine
the length of the Restriction Period;
(c) determine
any restrictions applicable to the Restricted Stock such as service or
performance, other than those set forth in this Article VIII;
(d) determine
if the restrictions shall lapse as to all shares of Restricted Stock at the end
of the Restriction Period or as to a portion of the shares of Restricted Stock
in installments during the Restriction Period; and
(e) determine
if dividends and other distributions on the Restricted Stock are to be paid
currently to the Participant or withheld by the Company for the account of the
Participant.
8.3 Awards of
Restricted Stock must be accepted within a period of sixty (60) days (or such
shorter periods as the Committee may specify at grant) after the date of the
Award of Restricted Stock, by executing a Restricted Stock Award Agreement and
paying whatever price (if any) is required.
The
prospective recipient of a Restricted Stock Award shall not have any rights with
respect to such Award, unless such recipient has executed a Restricted Stock
Award Agreement and has delivered a fully executed copy thereof to the
Committee, and has otherwise complied with the applicable terms and conditions
of such Award.
8.4 Except
when the Committee determines otherwise, or as otherwise provided in the
Restricted Stock Award Agreement, if a Participant terminates employment with
the Company for any reason before the expiration of the Restriction Period, all
shares of Restricted Stock still subject to restriction shall be forfeited by
the Participant and shall be reacquired by the Company.
8.5 Except as
otherwise provided in this Article VIII, no shares of Restricted Stock received
by a Participant shall be sold, exchanged, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or
otherwise disposed of during the Restriction Period.
8.6 To the
extent not otherwise provided in a Restricted Stock Award Agreement, in cases of
death, Disability or Retirement or in cases of special circumstances, the
Committee, if it finds that a waiver would be appropriate, may elect to waive
any or all remaining restrictions with respect to such Participant's Restricted
Stock.
8.7 In the
event of hardship or other special circumstances of a Participant whose
employment with the Company is involuntarily terminated (other than for cause),
the Committee may waive in whole or in part any or all remaining restrictions
with respect to any or all of the Participant's Restricted Stock, based on such
factors and criteria as the Committee may deem appropriate.
8.8 The
certificates representing shares of Restricted Stock may either:
(a) be held
in custody by the Company until the Restriction Period expires or until
restrictions thereon otherwise lapse, and the Participant shall deliver to the
Company a stock power endorsed in blank relating to the Restricted Stock;
and/or
(b) be issued
to the Participant and registered in the name of the Participant, and shall bear
an appropriate restrictive legend and shall be subject to appropriate
stop-transfer orders.
8.9 Except as
provided in this Article VIII, a Participant receiving a Restricted Stock Award
shall have, with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock covered by any Award,
all of the rights of a shareholder of the Company, including the right to vote
the shares to the extent, if any, such shares possess voting rights, and the
right to receive any dividends; provided, however, the Committee may require
that any dividends on such shares of Restricted Stock shall be automatically
deferred and reinvested in additional Restricted Stock subject to the same
restrictions as the underlying Award, or may require that dividends and other
distributions on Restricted Stock shall be withheld by the Company for the
account of the Participant. The Committee shall determine whether interest shall
be paid on amounts withheld, the rate of any such interest, and the other terms
applicable to such withheld amounts.
8.10 If and
when the Restriction Period expires without a prior forfeiture of the Restricted
Stock subject to such Restriction Period, unrestricted certificates for such
shares shall be delivered to the Participant.
8.11 In order
to better ensure that Award grants actually reflect the performance of the
Company and the service of the Participant, the Committee may provide, in its
sole discretion, for a tandem performance-based or other Award designed to
guarantee a minimum value, payable in cash or Stock to the recipient of a
Restricted Stock Award, subject to such performance, future service, deferral
and other terms and conditions as may be specified by the
Committee.
ARTICLE
IX
DEFERRED
STOCK
9.1 Shares of
Deferred Stock (together with cash dividend equivalents, if so determined by the
Committee) may be issued either alone or in addition to other Awards granted
under the Plan in the discretion of the Committee. The Committee shall determine
the individuals to whom, and the time or times at which, such Awards will be
made, the number of shares to be awarded, the price (if any) to be paid by the
recipient of a Deferred Stock Award, the time or times within which such Awards
may be subject to forfeiture, and all other conditions of the Awards. The
Committee may condition Awards of Deferred Stock upon the attainment of
specified performance goals or such other factors or criteria as the Committee
may determine.
9.2 Deferred
Stock Awards shall be subject to the following terms and
conditions:
(a) Subject
to the provisions of this Plan and the applicable Deferred Stock Award
Agreement, Deferred Stock Awards may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned
or otherwise encumbered during the Deferral Period. At the expiration of the
Deferral Period (or the Elective Deferral Period defined in Section 9.3), share
certificates shall be delivered to the Participant, or his legal representative,
in a number equal to the number of shares of Stock covered by the Deferred Stock
Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, based on service, performance and/or such
other factors or criteria as the Committee may determine, the Committee, at or
after the date of the grant, may accelerate the vesting of all or any part of
any Deferred Stock Award and/or waive the deferral limitations for all or any
part of such Deferred Stock Award.
(b) Unless
otherwise determined by the Committee, amounts equal to any dividends that would
have been payable during the Deferral Period with respect to the number of
shares of Stock covered by a Deferred Stock Award if such shares of Stock had
been outstanding shall be automatically deferred and deemed to be reinvested in
additional Deferred Stock, subject to the same deferral limitations as the
underlying Deferred Stock Award.
(c) Except to
the extent otherwise provided in this Plan or in the applicable Deferred Stock
Award Agreement, upon Termination of Employment during the Deferral Period for a
given Award, the Deferred Stock covered by such Award shall be forfeited by the
Participant; provided, however, the Committee may provide for accelerated
vesting in the event of Termination of Employment due to death, Disability or
Retirement, or in the event of hardship or other special circumstances as the
Committee deems appropriate.
(d) The
Committee may require that a designated percentage of the total Fair Market
Value of the shares of Deferred Stock held by one or more Participants be paid
in the form of cash in lieu of the issuance of Stock and that such cash payment
be applied to the satisfaction of the federal and state income and employment
tax withholding obligations that arise at the time the Deferred Stock becomes
free of all restrictions. The designated percentage shall be equal to the income
and employment tax withholding rate in effect at the time under federal and
applicable state laws.
(e) The
Committee may provide one or more Participants subject to the mandatory cash
payment with an election to receive an additional percentage of the total value
of the Deferred Stock in the form of a cash payment in lieu of the issuance of
Deferred Stock. The additional percentage shall not exceed the difference
between fifty percent (50%) and the designated percentage cash
payment.
(f) The
Committee may impose such further terms and conditions on partial cash payments
with respect to Deferred Stock as it deems appropriate.
9.3 A
Participant may elect to further defer receipt of Deferred Stock for a specified
period or until a specified event (the "Elective Deferral Period"), subject in
each case to the Committee's approval and to such terms as are determined by the
Committee. Subject to any exceptions adopted by the Committee, such election
must generally be made at least twelve (12) months prior to completion of the
Deferral Period for the Deferred Stock Award in question (or for the applicable
installment of such an Award).
9.4 Each
Award shall be confirmed by, and subject to the terms of, a Deferred Stock Award
Agreement.
9.5 In order
to better ensure that the Award actually reflects the performance of the Company
and the service of the Participant, the Committee may provide, in its sole
discretion, for a tandem performance-based or other Award designed to guarantee
a minimum value, payable in cash or Stock to the recipient of a Deferred Stock
Award, subject to such performance, future service, deferral and other terms and
conditions as may be specified by the Committee.
ARTICLE
X
STOCK
AWARDS
10.1 A Stock
Award shall be granted only in payment of compensation that has been earned or
as compensation to be earned, including, without limitation, compensation
awarded concurrently with or prior to the grant of the Stock Award.
10.2 For the
purposes of this Plan, in determining the value of a Stock Award, all shares of
Stock subject to such Stock Award shall be valued at not less than one hundred
percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of such shares of Stock on the date such
Stock Award is granted, regardless of whether or when such shares of Stock are
issued or transferred to the Participant and whether or not such shares of Stock
are subject to restrictions which affect their value.
10.3 Shares of
Stock subject to a Stock Award may be issued or transferred to the Participant
at the time the Stock Award is granted, or at any time subsequent thereto, or in
installments from time to time, as the Committee shall determine. If any such
issuance or transfer shall not be made to the Participant at the time the Stock
Award is granted, the Committee may provide for payment to such Participant,
either in cash or shares of Stock, from time to time or at the time or times
such shares of Stock shall be issued or transferred to such Participant, of
amounts not exceeding the dividends which would have been payable to such
Participant in respect of such shares of Stock (as adjusted under Section 3.11)
if such shares of Stock had been issued or transferred to such Participant at
the time such Stock Award was granted. Any issuance payable in shares of Stock
under the terms of a Stock Award, at the discretion of the Committee, may be
paid in cash on each date on which delivery of shares of Stock would otherwise
have been made, in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value on such date of the
shares of Stock which would otherwise have been delivered.
10.4 A Stock
Award shall be subject to such terms and conditions, including, without
limitation, restrictions on the sale or other disposition of the Stock Award or
of the shares of Stock issued or transferred pursuant to such Stock Award, as
the Committee shall determine; provided, however, that upon the issuance or
transfer of shares pursuant to a Stock Award, the Participant, with respect to
such shares of Stock, shall be and become a shareholder of the Company fully
entitled to receive dividends, to vote to the extent, if any, such shares
possess voting rights and to exercise all other rights of a shareholder except
to the extent otherwise provided in the Stock Award. Each Stock Award shall be
evidenced by a written Award Agreement in such form as the Committee shall
determine.
ARTICLE
XI
PERFORMANCE
SHARES
11.1 Awards of
Performance Shares may be made to certain Participants as an incentive for the
performance of future services that will contribute materially to the successful
operation of the Company. Awards of Performance Shares may be made either alone,
in addition to or in tandem with other Awards granted under the Plan and/or cash
payments made outside of the Plan.
11.2 With
respect to Awards of Performance Shares, which may be issued for no
consideration or such minimum consideration as is required by applicable law,
the Committee shall:
(a) determine
and designate from time to time those Participants to whom Awards of Performance
Shares are to be made;
(b) determine
the performance period (the "Performance Period") and/or performance objectives
(the "Performance Objectives") applicable to such Awards;
(c) determine
the form of settlement of a Performance Share; and
(d) generally
determine the terms and conditions of each such Award. At any date, each
Performance Share shall have a value equal to the Fair Market Value, determined
as set forth in Section 2.15.
11.3 Performance
Periods may overlap, and Participants may participate simultaneously with
respect to Performance Shares for which different Performance Periods are
prescribed.
11.4 The
Committee shall determine the Performance Objectives of Awards of Performance
Shares. Performance Objectives may vary from Participant to Participant and
between Awards and shall be based upon such performance criteria or combination
of factors as the Committee may deem appropriate, including for example, but not
limited to, minimum earnings per share or return on equity. If during the course
of a Performance Period there shall occur significant events which the Committee
expects to have a substantial effect on the applicable Performance Objectives
during such period, the Committee may revise such Performance Objectives.
11.5 The
Committee shall determine for each Participant the number of Performance Shares
which shall be paid to the Participant if the applicable Performance Objectives
are exceeded or met in whole or in part.
11.6 If a
Participant terminates service with the Company during a Performance Period
because of death, Disability, Retirement or under other circumstances in which
the Committee in its discretion finds that a waiver would be appropriate, that
Participant, as determined by the Committee, may be entitled to a payment of
Performance Shares at the end of the Performance Period based upon the extent to
which the Performance Objectives were satisfied at the end of such period and
pro rated for the portion of the Performance Period during which the Participant
was employed by the Company; provided, however, the Committee may provide for an
earlier payment in settlement of such Performance Shares in such amount and
under such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate or desirable.
If a Participant terminates service with the Company during a Performance Period
for any other reason, then such Participant shall not be entitled to any payment
with respect to that Performance Period unless the Committee shall otherwise
determine.
11.7 Each
Award of a Performance Share shall be paid in whole shares of Stock, or cash, or
a combination of Stock and cash as the Committee shall determine, with payment
to be made as soon as practicable after the end of the relevant Performance
Period.
11.8 The
Committee shall have the authority to approve requests by Participants to defer
payment of Performance Shares on terms and conditions approved by the Committee
and set forth in a written Award Agreement between the Participant and the
Company entered into in advance of the time of receipt or constructive receipt
of payment by the Participant.
ARTICLE
XII
OTHER
STOCK-BASED AWARDS
12.1 Other
awards of Stock and other awards that are valued in whole or in part by
reference to, or are otherwise based on, Stock ("Other Stock-Based Awards"),
including, without limitation, convertible preferred stock, convertible
debentures, exchangeable securities, phantom stock and Stock awards or options
valued by reference to book value or performance, may be granted either alone or
in addition to or in tandem with Stock Options, Stock Rights, Restricted Stock,
Deferred Stock or Stock Awards granted under the Plan and/or cash awards made
outside of the Plan. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall
have authority to determine the Eligible Participants to whom and the time or
times at which such Awards shall be made, the number of shares of Stock subject
to such Awards, and all other conditions of the Awards. The Committee also may
provide for the grant of shares of Stock upon the completion of a specified
Performance Period. The provisions of Other Stock-Based Awards need not be the
same with respect to each recipient.
12.2 Other
Stock-Based Awards made pursuant to this Article XII shall be subject to the
following terms and conditions:
(a) Subject
to the provisions of this Plan and the Award Agreement, shares of Stock subject
to Awards made under this Article XII may not be sold, assigned, transferred,
pledged or otherwise encumbered prior to the date on which the shares are
issued, or, if later, the date on which any applicable restriction, performance
or deferral period lapses.
(b) Subject
to the provisions of this Plan and the Award Agreement and unless otherwise
determined by the Committee at the time of the Award, the recipient of an Award
under this Article XII shall be entitled to receive, currently or on a deferred
basis, interest or dividends or interest or dividend equivalents with respect to
the number of shares covered by the Award, as determined at the time of the
Award by the Committee, in its sole discretion, and the Committee may provide
that such amounts (if any) shall be deemed to have been reinvested in additional
Stock or otherwise reinvested.
(c) Any Award
under this Article XII and any Stock covered by any such Award shall vest or be
forfeited to the extent so provided in the Award Agreement, as determined by the
Committee, in its sole discretion.
(d) Upon the
Participant's Retirement, Disability or death, or in cases of special
circumstances, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, waive in whole or in
part any or all of the remaining limitations imposed hereunder (if any) with
respect to any or all of an Award under this Article XII.
(e) Each
Award under this Article XII shall be confirmed by, and subject to the terms of,
an Award Agreement.
(f) Stock
(including securities convertible into Stock) issued on a bonus basis under this
Article XII may be issued for no cash consideration.
12.3 Other
Stock-Based Awards may include a phantom stock Award, which is subject to the
following terms and conditions:
(a) The
Committee shall select the Eligible Participants who may receive phantom stock
Awards. The Eligible Participant shall be awarded a phantom stock unit, which
shall be the equivalent to a share of Stock.
(b) Under an
Award of phantom stock, payment shall be made on the dates or dates as specified
by the Committee or as stated in the Award Agreement and phantom stock Awards
may be settled in cash, Stock, or some combination thereof.
(c) The
Committee shall determine such other terms and conditions of each Award as it
deems necessary in its sole discretion.
ARTICLE
XIII
ACCELERATION
EVENTS
13.1 For the
purposes of the Plan, an Acceleration Event shall occur in the event of a
"Change in Control".
13.2 A "Change
in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if:
(a) Any
"Person" as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Act, including a "group" (as that
term is used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Act), but excluding the
Company and any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company and
(including any trustee of such plan acting as trustee) who:
(i) makes a
tender or exchange offer for any shares of the Company's Stock (as defined
below) pursuant to which any shares of the Company's Stock are purchased (an
"Offer"); or
(ii) together
with its "affiliates" and "associates" (as those terms are defined in Rule 12b-2
under the Act) becomes the "Beneficial Owner" (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3
under the Act) of at least fifty percent (50%) of the Company's Stock (an
"Acquisition");
(b) The
shareholders of the Company approve a definitive agreement or plan (i) to merge
or consolidate the Company with or into another Company and (x) the Company
shall not be the surviving corporation or (y) the Company shall be the surviving
corporation and in connection therewith, all or part of the outstanding stock
shall be changed into or exchanged for stock or other securities of any other
Person or cash or any other property, (ii) to sell or otherwise dispose of 50%
or more of its assets, or (iii) to liquidate the Company;
(c) The
Company shall be a party to a statutory share exchange with any other Person
after which the Company is a subsidiary of any other Person; or
(d) When, as
a result of, or in connection with, any tender or exchange offer, merger or
other business combination, sale of assets or contested election, or any
combination of the foregoing, the individuals who, prior to such transaction,
constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Directors") cease for any reason other than
death to constitute at least a majority thereof.
13.3 Upon the
occurrence of an Acceleration Event, the Committee may, in its discretion,
declare that all then outstanding Performance Shares with respect to which the
applicable Performance Period has not been completed shall be paid as soon as
practicable as follows:
(a) all
Performance Objectives applicable to the Award of Performance Shares shall be
deemed to have been satisfied to the extent necessary to result in payment of
one hundred percent (100%) of the Performance Shares covered by the Award;
and
(b) the
applicable Performance Period shall be deemed to have ended on the date of the
Acceleration Event;
(c) the
payment to the Participant shall be the amount determined either by the
Committee, in its sole discretion, or in the manner stated in the Award
Agreement. This amount shall then be multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of
which is the number of full calendar months of the applicable Performance Period
that have elapsed prior to the date of the Acceleration Event, and the
denominator of which is the total number of months in the original Performance
Period; and
(d) upon the
making of any such payment, the Award Agreement as to which it relates shall be
deemed canceled and of no further force and effect.
13.4 Upon the
occurrence of an Acceleration Event, the Committee, in its discretion, may
declare that 50% of all then outstanding Stock Options not previously
exercisable and vested as immediately exercisable and fully vested, in whole or
in part. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the percentage of outstanding
Stock Options which may become immediately exercisable and fully vested upon the
Acceleration Event may, in the Committee’s discretion, be higher or lower than
50%.
13.5 Upon the
occurrence of an Acceleration Event, the Committee, in its discretion, may
declare the restrictions applicable to Awards of Restricted Stock, Deferred
Stock or Other Stock- Based Awards to have lapsed, in which case the Company
shall remove all restrictive legends and stop-transfer orders applicable to the
certificates for such shares of Stock, and deliver such certificates to the
Participants in whose names they are registered.
13.6 The value
of all outstanding Stock Option, Stock Rights, Restricted Stock, Deferred Stock,
Performance Shares, Stock Awards and Other Stock-Based Awards, in each case to
the extent vested, shall, unless otherwise determined by the Committee in its
sole discretion at or after grant but prior to any Change in Control, be cashed
out on the basis of the "Change in Control Price," as defined in Section 13.7 as
of the date such Change in Control is determined to have occurred or such other
date as the Committee may determine prior to the Change in Control.
13.7 For
purposes of Section 13.7, "Change in Control Price" means the highest price per
share of Stock paid in any sale reported on a national exchange or quoted on
Nasdaq or the Bulletin Board, or paid or offered in any bona fide transaction
related to a Potential or actual Change in Control of the Company at any time
during the sixty (60) day period immediately preceding the occurrence of the
Change in Control, in each case as determined by the Committee except that, in
the case of Incentive Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (or Limited
Stock Appreciation Rights) relating to such Incentive Stock Options, such price
shall be based only on transactions reported for the date on which the optionee
exercises such Stock Appreciation Rights (or Limited Stock Appreciation
Rights).
ARTICLE
XIV
AMENDMENT
AND TERMINATION
14.1 The
Board, upon recommendation of the Committee, or otherwise, at any time and from
time to time, may amend or terminate the Plan as may be necessary or desirable
to implement or discontinue this Plan or any provision thereof. No amendment,
without approval by the Company's shareholders, shall:
(a) alter the
group of persons eligible to participate in the Plan;
(b) except as
provided in Sections 3.6 and 3.11, increase the maximum number of shares of
Stock or Stock Options or Stock Rights which are available for Awards under the
Plan or increase the maximum number of shares with respect to which Stock
Options or Stock Rights may be granted to any employee under the
Plan;
(c) extend
the period during which Incentive Stock Option Awards may be granted beyond
November 5, 2014
(d) limit or
restrict the powers of the Board and the Committee with respect to the
administration of this Plan; or
(e) change
any of the provisions of this Article XIV.
14.2 No
amendment to or discontinuance of this Plan or any provision thereof by the
Board or the shareholders of the Company shall, without the written consent of
the Participant, adversely affect, as shall be determined by the Committee, any
Award theretofore granted to such Participant under this Plan; provided,
however, the Committee retains the right and power to:
(a) annul any
Award if the Participant competes against the Company or any Subsidiary or is
terminated for cause as determined by the Committee;
(b) provide
for the forfeiture of shares of Stock or other gain under an Award as determined
by the Committee for competing against the Company or any Subsidiary;
and
(c) convert
any outstanding Incentive Stock Option to a Nonqualified Stock
Option.
14.3 If an
Acceleration Event has occurred, no amendment or termination shall impair the
rights of any person with respect to an outstanding Award as provided in Article
XIII.
ARTICLE
XV
MISCELLANEOUS
PROVISIONS
15.1 Nothing
in the Plan or any Award granted hereunder shall confer upon any Participant any
right to continue in the employ of the Company (or to serve as a director
thereof) or interfere in any way with the right of the Company to terminate his
or her employment at any time. Unless specifically provided otherwise, no Award
granted under the Plan shall be deemed salary or compensation for the purpose of
computing benefits under any employee benefit plan or other arrangement of the
Company or its Subsidiaries for the benefit of its employees unless the Company
shall determine otherwise. No Participant shall have any claim to an Award until
it is actually granted under the Plan. To the extent that any person acquires a
right to receive payments from the Company under the Plan, such right shall,
except as otherwise provided by the Committee, be no greater than the right of
an unsecured general creditor of the Company. All payments to be made hereunder
shall be paid from the general funds of the Company, and no special or separate
fund shall be established and no segregation of assets shall be made to assure
payment of such amounts, except as provided in Article VIII with respect to
Restricted Stock and except as otherwise provided by the Committee.
15.2 The
Company may make such provisions and take such steps as it may deem necessary or
appropriate for the withholding of any taxes which the Company or any Subsidiary
is required by any law or regulation of any governmental authority, whether
federal, state or local, domestic or foreign, to withhold in connection with any
Stock Option or the exercise thereof, any Stock Right or the exercise thereof,
or in connection with any other type of equity- based compensation provided
hereunder or the exercise thereof, including, but not limited to, the
withholding of payment of all or any portion of such Award or another Award
under this Plan until the Participant reimburses the Company for the amount the
Company is required to withhold with respect to such taxes, or canceling any
portion of such Award or another Award under this Plan in an amount sufficient
to reimburse itself for the amount it is required to so withhold, or selling any
property contingently credited by the Company for the purpose of paying such
Award or another Award under this Plan, in order to withhold or reimburse itself
for the amount it is required to so withhold.
15.3 The Plan
and the grant of Awards shall be subject to all applicable federal and state
laws, rules, and regulations and to such approvals by any government or
regulatory agency as may be required. Any provision herein relating to
compliance with Rule 16b-3 under the Act shall not be applicable with respect to
participation in the Plan by Participants who are not subject to Section 16(b)
of the Act.
15.4 The terms
of the Plan shall be binding upon the Company, its Subsidiaries, and their
successors and assigns.
15.5 Neither a
Stock Option, Stock Right, nor any other type of equity-based compensation
provided for hereunder, shall be transferable except as provided for herein. If
any Participant makes such a transfer in violation hereof, any obligation of the
Company shall forthwith terminate.
15.6 This Plan
and all actions taken hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Florida, except to the extent preempted by ERISA.
15.7 The Plan
is intended to constitute an "unfunded" plan for incentive and deferred
compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant by the
Company, nothing contained herein shall give any such Participant any rights
that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company. In its sole
discretion, the Committee may authorize the creation of trusts or other
arrangements to meet the obligations created under the Plan to deliver shares of
Stock or payments in lieu of or with respect to Awards hereunder; provided,
however, that, unless the Committee otherwise determines with the consent of the
affected Participant, the existence of such trusts or other arrangements is
consistent with the "unfunded" status of the Plan.
15.8 Each
Participant exercising an Award hereunder agrees to give the Committee prompt
written notice of any election made by such Participant under Section 83(b) of
the Code, or any similar provision thereof.
15.9 If any
provision of this Plan or an Award Agreement is or becomes or is deemed invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, or would disqualify the Plan or
any Award Agreement under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such
provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws or
if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the
Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award Agreement, it
shall be stricken and the remainder of the Plan or the Award Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect.
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METROPOLITAN HEALTH NETWORKS, INC. |
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By: |
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Authorized
Officer |
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ATTEST:
(Corporate
Seal)
Secretary