freqelec20180924_defa14a.htm

 



UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549 

 


 

SCHEDULE 14A

 


 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.    )

 

Filed by the Registrant ☒

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

 

Check the appropriate box:

☐         Preliminary Proxy Statement

☐         Confidential, for Use of the Commission only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

☒         Definitive Proxy Statement

☐         Definitive Additional Materials

☐         Soliciting Material Under §240.14a-12

 

FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) 

                                                                           

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

☒         No fee required.

☐         Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

 

(1)      Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 

(2)      Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 

(3)      Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 

(4)      Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

  

(5)      Total fee paid:

 

☐         Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

☐         Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously.  Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.

 

(1)          Amount Previously Paid:

_____________________________________________________________________________

(2)          Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

_____________________________________________________________________________

(3)          Filing Party:

_____________________________________________________________________________

(4)          Date Filed:

_____________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS, INC.

55 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard

Mitchel Field, New York 11553

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

To be held on October 10, 2019

 

To the Stockholders:

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Frequency Electronics, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held at the offices of the Company, 55 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Mitchel Field, New York 11553, on the 10th day of October 2019, at 10:00 A.M., Eastern Daylight Time, for the following purposes:

 

1.  

To elect seven (7) directors to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their respective successors shall have been elected and qualified;

 

2.  

To consider and act upon ratifying the appointment of BDO, USA LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2020;

 

3.  

To conduct a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation;

 

4.

To conduct a non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of holding future non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation; and

 

5.  

To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

 

Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 14, 2019, the date fixed by the Board of Directors as the record date for the meeting, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting.

 

By order of the Board of Directors

 

 

/s/Steven L. Bernstein                                          

STEVEN L. BERNSTEIN

Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer

 

 

Mitchel Field, New York

August 28, 2019

 

 

ALL STOCKHOLDERS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING.  YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT.  WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE TO ENSURE THAT YOUR SHARES WILL BE REPRESENTED.  YOU MAY NEVERTHELESS VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING.

 

1

 

 

FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS, INC.

55 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard

Mitchel Field, New York 11553

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

To be held on October 10, 2019

 

This Proxy Statement is being furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by and on behalf of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Frequency Electronics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter called the “Company”), for use at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at the office of the Company, 55 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Mitchel Field, New York 11553, on the 10th day of October 2019, at 10:00 A.M., Eastern Daylight Time, or any adjournment or adjournments thereof. This Proxy Statement, together with the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2019 and the Proxy Card, are first being mailed to stockholders on or about August 28, 2019. Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 14, 2019 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting.

 

The Board may use the services of the Company’s directors, officers and other regular employees to solicit proxies personally or by telephone and may request brokers, fiduciaries, custodians and nominees to send proxies, proxy statements and other materials to their principals and reimburse them for their out-of-pocket expenses in so doing. The cost of solicitation of proxies, which it is estimated will not exceed $7,500, will be borne by the Company. Each proxy duly executed and returned to the Company is revocable. The procedure a stockholder must follow to revoke its proxy depends on how such stockholder hold its shares. Registered holders of the Company’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share (“Common Stock”), may revoke a previously submitted proxy by submitting another valid later dated proxy or by providing a signed letter of revocation to the Corporate Secretary of the Company before the closing of the polls at the Annual Meeting. Only the latest dated validly executed proxy will count. Stockholders also may revoke any previously submitted proxy by attending the Annual Meeting and voting their shares in person. Note that simply attending the Annual Meeting without taking one of the above actions will not revoke a proxy. In general, stockholders holding shares in “street name” may revoke previously submitted voting instructions by submitting to their custodian another valid voting instruction or a signed letter of revocation. Stockholders holding shares in “street name” should contact their custodian for detailed instructions on how to revoke their voting instruction and the applicable deadlines.

 

Voting Securities and Votes Required

 

The Board has fixed the close of business on August 14, 2019, as the record date for determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting (the “Record Date”). As of the Record Date, the Company had outstanding 9,032,511 shares of Common Stock, (excluding 131,429 treasury shares). Each share of Common Stock entitles the record holder thereof to one vote on each matter brought before the Annual Meeting. No shares of preferred stock were outstanding as of the Record Date. A majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, represented in person or by proxy, constitutes a quorum. Rights of appraisal or similar rights of dissenters are not available to stockholders of the Company with respect to any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting.

 

A stockholder who abstains from voting on any or all proposals will be included in the number of stockholders present at the Annual Meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. A “broker non-vote” will also be counted for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.  A “broker non-vote” occurs when a beneficial owner whose shares are held of record by a broker does not instruct the broker how to vote those shares and the broker does not otherwise have discretionary authority to vote on a particular matter. Brokers are not permitted to vote shares without instructions on proposals that are not considered “routine.” Accordingly, brokers are entitled to vote on Proposal Number 2 (the ratification of the independent registered public accounting firm), which is considered a “routine” matter, but brokers are not entitled to vote on Proposal Number 1 (the election of directors, Proposal Number 3 (advisory vote on executive compensation or Proposal Number 4 (advisory vote on the frequency of holding future advisory votes on executive compensation). In order to avoid a broker non-vote on these proposals, a beneficial owner whose shares are held of record by a broker must send voting instructions to that broker.

 

Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the election of directors, the advisory vote on executive compensation or the advisory vote on the frequency of holding future advisory votes on executive compensation. Likewise, the stockholder abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of the election of directors, the ratifying of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm, the advisory vote on executive compensation or the advisory vote on the frequency of holding future advisory votes on executive compensation.

 

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If you are a stockholder whose shares are registered directly in your name with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, our transfer agent, and you return a signed Proxy Card without giving specific voting instructions, then the individuals designated as proxyholders on the Proxy Card will vote your shares in accordance with the recommendations of the Board: (i) “FOR” the election of each of the seven (7) Board nominees listed herein, (ii) “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of BDO, USA LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2020, (iii) “FOR” the approval of the non-binding advisory vote on the Company’s executive compensation and (iv) for “ONE YEAR” as to the frequency of future advisory executive compensation votes.

 

Please vote your proxy so your vote can be counted.

 

It is expected that the following business will be considered at the meeting and action will be taken thereon.

 

 

 

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PROPOSAL NO. 1

 

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be asked to elect seven (7) directors (“Director(s)”) to the Board to hold office until the next annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders (the “2020 Annual Meeting”) and until their respective successors are elected and qualified.  Cumulative voting is not permitted. The table below includes each director nominee’s principal occupation, age and year first elected to the Board. Each director nominee served as a director during fiscal year 2019 and was elected at the 2018 annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders (the “2018 Annual Meeting”).

 

Although it is not anticipated that any of the individuals listed below will be unable or unwilling to stand for election, in the event of such an occurrence, submitted proxies may be voted for a substitute designated by the Board. However, in lieu of designating a substitute, the Board may reduce the number of directors.

 

The director nominees are as follows:

 

Name of Director

 

Principal Occupation

 

Age

 

Year First Elected

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martin B. Bloch

 

Chief Scientist of the Company and Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

83

 

1961

 

Jonathan Brolin

 

Founding and Managing Partner, Edenbrook Capital, LLC

 

46

 

2017

 

Joel Girsky

 

Retired President, Chief Executive Officer and director of Jaco Electronics, Inc.

 

80

 

1986

 

Lance W. Lord (1)

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of L2 Aerospace; retired four-star Air Force general

 

73

 

2016

 

Russell M. Sarachek

 

Managing Director of Contra Capital Management LLC

 

56

 

2016

 

Richard Schwartz

 

Retired Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of ATK

 

83

 

2004

 

Stanton D. Sloane

 

President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company

 

69

 

2016

 

 

(1)

General Lord was appointed to the Board pursuant to a Settlement Agreement, dated September 13, 2016, (the “Settlement Agreement”) by and among the Company, on the one hand, and Mr. Ryan Levenson, Privet Fund LP, Privet Fund Management LLC, and General Lord, on the other hand.  Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement and subject to the terms, conditions and exceptions contained therein, the Company agreed to nominate General Lord for election to the Board at the Company’s 2017 annual meeting of stockholders and to recommend and solicit for his election at such annual meeting in the same manner as for the other nominees nominated by the Board.  The full text of the Settlement Agreement was included as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on September 16, 2016.  General Lord is being nominated for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting independent of the Settlement Agreement.

 

All directors hold office for a one-year period or until their successor is elected and qualified.

 

The Board has determined that Messrs. Brolin, Girsky, Lord, Sarachek, and Schwartz, are “independent,” as defined in the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”).  The composition of the Board, consisting of two (2) officers of the Company (Mr. Bloch and Dr. Sloane) and the five (5) independent directors, is in full compliance with the listing requirements of the NASDAQ.

 

Nominees for Election as Directors

 

MARTIN B. BLOCH, age 83, founder of the Company, has served as a director of the Company and of its predecessor since 1961. Mr. Bloch served as the Company’s President and, except for December 1993 through October 1998, as its Chief Executive Officer until May 1, 2018. In addition Mr. Bloch has served as the Company’s Chief Scientist for over 45 years. Previously, he served as chief electronics engineer of the Electronics Division of Bulova Watch Company.  Mr. Bloch’s current service as Chief Scientist and his long-tenured service as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company allows him to bring to the Board in-depth knowledge of the Company’s business, operations, employees and strategic opportunities.

 

4

 

 

JONATHAN BROLIN, age 46, has served as a director of the Company since November 2017, and as Lead Independent Director since May 2018. Mr. Brolin is the Founder and Managing Partner of Edenbrook Capital, LLC, which he founded in 2011. Edenbrook takes a private equity approach to public markets, principally through concentrated, long-term investments in small and mid-cap companies. Mr. Brolin has over 20 years of experience in public and private equity investing and investment banking. In addition, Mr. Brolin serves as an Adjunct Professor of Finance at Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business, where he teaches Advanced Topics in Value Investing. He earned his MBA from Columbia Business School, where he was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. Mr. Brolin earned his BA from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a Benjamin Franklin Scholar and General Honors Student. Mr. Brolin’s extensive business and investment banking experience and his demonstrated leadership capacities allow him to bring valuable insight and knowledge to the Board

 

JOEL GIRSKY, age 80, has served as a director of the Company since October 1986 and was Chairman of the Board from July 2016 until May 1, 2018. Until September 2017 he was the President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Jaco Electronics, Inc., a distributor of active and passive electronic components used in the manufacture and assembly of electronic products, where he served in such capacity for over forty years. Mr. Girsky also serves as the Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee. Mr. Girsky’s knowledge of the Company through his service as a director of the Company, as well as his experience as the chief executive officer of a publicly-traded electronics business, allow him to bring valuable insight and knowledge to the Board.

 

LANCE W. LORD, age 73, has served as a director of the Company since September 2016. General Lord is the Founder and Chairman of L2 Aerospace, an innovative company formed to shape and influence the business competition in the dynamic and emerging commercial, civil and defense aerospace markets. General Lord is the former Commander of Air Force Space Command (“AFSPC”) and Chief Executive Officer of ASTROTECH Space Operations. While with AFSPC at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado, General Lord was responsible for the development, acquisition and operation of Air Force space and missile weapon systems. Overseeing a global network of satellite command and control, communications, missile warning and launch facilities to ensure the combat readiness of the U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile force, he led more than 39,700 personnel who provided combat capabilities to North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Strategic Command. General Lord was the recipient of several prestigious military decorations throughout his 37-year military career – including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. General Lord retired from the Air Force in 2006.  General Lord is a member of the Board of Directors of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings (NYSE:AJRD), a technology-based engineering and manufacturing company that develops and produces specialized propulsion and armament systems. General Lord is also a Senior Associate of the Four Star Group, a senior advisor to US Global HF Net, LLC, a member of the Iridium Corporation’s Government Advisory Board, an emeritus member of the Board of Directors for the Challenger Learning Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a Trustee of the Falcon Foundation, Chairman of the Board of Advisors of USO Colorado Springs and President of the Association of Air Force Missileers.  General Lord served as a member of the President’s Space-Based Position, Navigation and Timing Advisory Board from 2011 to 2013.  He is also a senior advisor to Chandra Space Technologies and Skeyeon Space Systems. General Lord’s unique experience as Commander, Air Force Space Command, as well as his other Air Force and commercial activities provides key insights for the Board, particularly as it relates to future space platforms and relevant technologies.

 

RUSSELL M. SARACHEK, age 56, has served as a director of the Company since August 2016. Mr. Sarachek has served as the Managing Director of Contra Capital Management, LLC since 2002.  Mr. Sarachek served as director for six years of Breeze-Eastern Corp, an aerospace/defense manufacturer, which was sold to TransDigm Corp. in 2016.  From 1992 to 2002, he held various positions, including Executive Vice President and director of mergers and acquisitions at Groupe Schneider, a global manufacturer and distributor of electrical equipment and industrial controls. Mr. Sarachek has extensive knowledge in corporate governance practices for public companies and has a range of aerospace and defense industry involvements that help strengthen the Board’s collective qualifications, skills, and experience.

 

RICHARD SCHWARTZ, age 83, has served as a director of the Company since 2004.  He was a trustee and chairman of the Finance Committee of Cooper Union in New York City, a position he held from 2004 through 2008.  Prior to his retirement in 2000, Mr. Schwartz was Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of ATK, a major aerospace and defense company. He served in senior executive positions at ATK and predecessor companies beginning in 1990.  Prior to that, Mr. Schwartz had been president of the Rocketdyne division of Rockwell International, a company he first joined in 1957. Mr. Schwartz was part of the originator team on GPS where he was the satellite Program Manager for Rockwell. For his work on the GPS originator team, Mr. Schwartz was elected to the GPS Hall of Fame.  In addition, in February 2019, Mr. Schwartz and three other members of the GPS originator team were recognized for their GPS success with the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering award. Mr. Schwartz also serves on the board of directors of Astronautics Corporation of America.  Mr. Schwartz’s extensive industry experience, his prior board and executive management experience and his demonstrated leadership capabilities allow him to bring valuable insight and knowledge to the Board.

 

5

 

 

STANTON D. SLOANE, age 69, has served as a director of the Company since August 2016.  On May 1, 2018, Dr. Sloane was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Prior to being named President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sloane had served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company since September 2017. Dr. Sloane was President and Chief Executive Officer of Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (Nasdaq: CMTL), a communications company for both commercial and government customers worldwide, from January 2015 until September 2016 and a director of Comtech from January 2012 until September 2016.  Prior to joining Comtech, Dr. Sloane was President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of Decision Sciences International Corporation, a privately-held advanced security and detection systems company, from August 2011 through January 2015.  Prior to that, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of SRA International, Inc. (“SRA”), an information solutions company. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of SRA from April 2007 through July 2011, during which time he helped lead the sale of SRA to a private equity firm.  Prior to joining SRA, he was Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Systems & Solutions from June 2004 until April 2007.  He began his business career with General Electric Aerospace in 1984 and progressed through engineering, program management, and business development assignments in a variety of General Electric Aerospace and subsequently Lockheed Martin businesses.  He also served as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1976 until 1981.  Dr. Sloane holds a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies (Aeronautics) from Barry University, a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Pepperdine University, and a Doctor of Management degree from the Weatherhead Business School at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Sloane’s experience as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Executive Officer, as well as his prior leadership roles in the aerospace and defense industry provide valuable insights into Company operations and efficiency, as well as strategy for further developing Defense Department business.

 

Family Relationships

 

There are no family relationships between any director and executive officer.

 

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

 

No director, executive officer, significant employee or control person of the Company has been involved in any legal proceeding listed in Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K in the past 10 years.

 

Transactions with Related Persons

 

There were no transactions between the Company and any related persons during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2019.

 

 

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Compensation of Directors:

 

Directors who are not officers of the Company receive annual directors’ fees of $25,000 per year. In addition, the chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional annual stipend of $8,000 and the chairman of the Compensation Committee receives an additional annual stipend of $4,000. Company officers do not receive additional compensation for their service on the Board or for attendance at Board meetings or committee meetings.  Directors who are not officers do not participate in Company-sponsored deferred compensation programs.

 

The table below reflects director fees paid to directors who are not officers of the Company during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2019.

 

Director Compensation

 

   

Fees Earned or

         

Name

 

Paid in Cash ($)

   

Total ($)

 

Joel Girsky

  $ 33,000     $ 33,000  

Russell M. Sarachek

    25,000       25,000  

Richard Schwartz

    29,000       29,000  

Jonathan Brolin

    25,000       25,000  

Lance W. Lord

    25,000       25,000  

 

Vote Required and Board Recommendation

 

Assuming the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting, the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast by holders of shares of Common Stock represented at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote is required for the election of directors. The seven (7) nominees receiving the highest number of “FOR” votes will be elected. Abstentions will be counted as present for the purposes of determining a quorum but are not counted as votes cast. Broker non-votes, if any, will be counted as present for the purposes of determining a quorum but are not counted as votes cast.

 

THE BOARD DEEMS PROPOSAL NO. 1 TO BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE COMPANY DIRECTOR NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE.

 

 

7

 

 

PROPOSAL NO. 2

 

APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

The Board, upon recommendation of the Audit Committee, has appointed the firm of BDO USA, LLP (“BDO”) to be the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2020, and recommends to stockholders that they vote for ratification of that appointment.

 

It is anticipated that a representative of BDO will be present at the Annual Meeting.  Such representative will be given the opportunity to make a statement and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

 

Change of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

EisnerAmper LLP (“EisnerAmper”) was the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2019. EisnerAmper and its predecessor, Amper, Politziner & Mattia, LLC, had audited the Company’s financial statements since 2008.

 

On July 26, 2019, the Board, at the direction of the Audit Committee, chose not to renew the Company’s engagement with EisnerAmper. The Company notified EisnerAmper on July 29, 2019 that it would be dismissed as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, effective immediately. The decision to change independent registered public accounting firms was approved by the Audit Committee.

 

EisnerAmper’s reports on the Company’s financial statements for the years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

 

During the Company’s fiscal years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018, and the subsequent interim period through July 29, 2019, there were (i) no disagreements, within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act (“Regulation S-K”), and the related instructions thereto, with EisnerAmper on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of EisnerAmper, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports. Also during this same period, there were no “reportable events” within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions thereto.

 

On July 26, 2019, the Audit Committee approved the appointment of BDO as the Company’s new independent registered public accounting firm, effective upon dismissal of EisnerAmper on July 29, 2019. During the Company’s fiscal years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018, and the subsequent interim period through July 29, 2019, neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf consulted with BDO regarding either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company that BDO concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a “disagreement” within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions thereto or a “reportable event” within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions thereto.

 

Audit and Non-Audit Fees

 

The following table presents the aggregate fees and expenses paid or accrued by the Company for professional services rendered by the Company’s former independent registered public accounting firm, EisnerAmper, in fiscal years 2019 and 2018.  Other than as set forth below, no professional services were rendered or fees billed by EisnerAmper during fiscal years 2019 and 2018.

 

 

Service

 

2019

   

2018

 

Audit Fees (1)

  $ 368,600     $ 345,000  

Audit-Related Fees (2)

    25,000       31,000  

Tax Fees (3)

    -       -  

All Other Fees (4)

    -       -  

TOTAL

  $ 393,600     $ 376,000  

 

8

 

 


 

(1)

Audit fees consist of professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements, the reviews of the quarterly financial statements, issuance of consents and assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC.

 

 

(2)

Other audit-related services provided by EisnerAmper include the annual audit of the Company’s employee benefit plans as well as accounting consultations regarding significant transactions during the fiscal year.

 

 

(3)

Tax fees consist of fees for services rendered to the Company for tax compliance, tax planning and advice.

 

 

(4)

No other services were performed by EisnerAmper in connection with financial information systems design and implementation or otherwise.

 

Pre-Approved Services

 

The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm based on its detailed description of services expected to be rendered during that year.  The Audit Committee pre-approved all fees associated with the services that EisnerAmper provided in fiscal year 2019. The fees are budgeted and the Audit Committee requires the independent registered public accounting firm to report actual fees versus the budget periodically throughout the year within each of the four categories of service described below.  

  

Audit Services include audit work performed on the Company’s financial statements, as well as work that generally only the independent auditors can reasonably be expected to provide, including statutory audits, comfort letters, consents and assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC.

 

Audit-Related Services are for assurance and related services that are traditionally performed by the independent auditors, including due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions, employee benefit plan audits, and special procedures required to meet certain regulatory requirements and discussions surrounding the proper application of financial accounting and/or reporting standards.

 

Tax Services include all services, except those services specifically related to the audit of the financial statements, performed by the independent auditors’ tax personnel, including tax analysis; assisting with coordination of execution of tax related activities, primarily in the area of corporate development; supporting other tax related regulatory requirements; and tax compliance and reporting.

 

Other Services are those associated with services not captured in the other categories.  The Company generally does not request such services from the independent auditors.

 

During the year, circumstances may arise when it may become necessary to engage the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for additional services not contemplated in the original pre-approval categories.  In those instances, the Audit Committee requires specific pre-approval before engaging the independent registered public accounting firm for such additional services.

 

The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members.  The member(s) to whom such authority is delegated must report, for informational purposes only, any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

 

Vote Required and Board Recommendation

 

Stockholder ratification of the selection of BDO as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is not required by the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) or otherwise. However, the Board is submitting the selection of BDO to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate governance. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain BDO. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may appoint a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it is determined that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and the Company’s stockholders. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock represented at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote is required for the ratification of BDO as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2020.

 

THE BOARD DEEMS PROPOSAL NO. 2 TO BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” APPROVAL THEREOF.

 

9

 

 

PROPOSAL NO. 3

 

ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) enables the Company’s stockholders to vote to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s principal executive officer and the two other most highly compensated executive officers (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”) as disclosed in this Proxy Statement in accordance with SEC rules.

 

The Company’s objective is to provide a fair and competitive compensation package to its Named Executive Officers that rewards long-term performance and enhances stockholder value.  In order to achieve its goals, the Company is dependent on its ability to attract, retain and motivate individuals who can achieve superior technical, operational and financial results.  This approach has enabled the Company to attract and retain the executive talent that has resulted in increased revenues and profitability in recent years and has established the basis for sustaining such growth in the future.  For an overview of the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, see the “Executive Compensation” section below.

 

The Company is asking for non-binding approval of the compensation of its Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement in accordance with SEC rules, which includes the disclosures under the “Executive Compensation” section, the summary compensation table, the related footnotes and the narrative discussion following the summary compensation table.  This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers and the policies and practices described in this Proxy Statement.  Accordingly, stockholders are asked to vote “FOR” the following non-binding resolution at the Annual Meeting:

 

“RESOLVED, that the Company’s stockholders approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the Named Executive Officers as described in the “Executive Compensation” section, the summary compensation tables, the related footnotes and the narrative discussion in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.”

 

While the Company intends to carefully consider the voting results of this proposal, this vote is advisory and therefore not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee or the Board. Nevertheless, the Board and the Compensation Committee value the opinions of the Company’s stockholders, and to the extent there is any significant vote against the Named Executive Officer compensation as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address those concerns.

 

The Company currently intends to hold the next non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of its Named Executive Officers at the 2020 Annual Meeting, unless the Board modifies its policy of holding this vote on an annual basis, particularly after considering the results of Proposal Number 4 (Advisory Vote on the Frequency of Holding Future Advisory Votes on Executive Compensation).

 

Vote Required and Board Recommendation

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock represented at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote is required for advisory approval of this proposal.

 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AS DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO THE SEC’S EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION DISCLOSURE RULES.

 

 

10

 

 

PROPOSAL NO. 4

 

ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF HOLDING
FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The Dodd-Frank Act also enables the Company’s stockholders to vote, on a non-binding advisory basis, on the frequency with which they would prefer to cast a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers.  By voting on this proposal, stockholders may indicate whether they would prefer a non-binding advisory vote on Named Executive Officer compensation once every one, two or three years.  The Company is required at least every six years to hold an advisory vote to determine the frequency of the advisory stockholder vote on executive compensation. The Company held its last vote regarding the frequency of holding future advisory votes on executive compensation in October 2013. In October 2013, 65.2% of the Company’s stockholders supported holding annual advisory votes on executive compensation.

 

After careful consideration of the frequency alternatives, the Board believes that continuing to conduct a non-binding, advisory vote on executive compensation on an annual basis is appropriate for the Company and its stockholders. Such timing for the advisory vote will ensure our stockholders are engaged in executive officer compensation decisions.  Additionally, while the Company’s executive compensation programs are designed to promote a long-term connection between pay and performance, the Board recognizes that awards to the Company’s Named Executive Officers are typically made annually, and improvements to compensation plans are often considered and adopted on an annual basis.  Holding an annual advisory vote on executive compensation provides more direct and immediate feedback on the Company’s compensation decisions.  Accordingly, stockholders are asked to vote on the following non-binding resolution, indicating their preference among the choices on the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of our named executive officers. Stockholders may also abstain from voting.

 

“RESOLVED, that an advisory vote of the Company’s stockholders to approve on an advisory basis the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers shall be held at an annual meeting of stockholders (i) every year, (ii) every two years, or (iii) every three years.”

 

While the Company intends to carefully consider the voting results of this proposal, this vote is advisory and therefore not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee or the Board. Nevertheless, the Board and the Compensation Committee value the opinions of the Company’s stockholders and will consider the vote when determining the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.

 

Vote Required and Board Recommendation

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock represented at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote is required for advisory approval of this proposal.  With respect to this proposal, if none of the frequency alternatives (one year, two years or three years) receives a majority vote, the Company will consider the frequency that receives the highest number of votes by stockholders to be the frequency that has been approved by the Company’s stockholders.  However, because this vote is advisory and not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee or the Board, the Board may decide that it is in the best interests of the Company and the stockholders to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation more or less frequently than the option approved by the Company’s stockholders.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE TO HOLD FUTURE NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTES ON THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS EVERY ONE YEAR (AS OPPOSED TO EVERY TWO YEARS OR EVERY THREE YEARS).

 

11

 

 

PROPOSALS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

In accordance with the rules promulgated by the SEC, any stockholder who wishes to submit a proposal for inclusion in the proxy material to be distributed by the Company in connection with the 2020 Annual Meeting must submit such proposal to the Company no later than April 30, 2020.

 

Assuming that the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting is held on schedule, the Company must receive notice of a stockholder’s intention to introduce a nomination or other item of business at that meeting no earlier than June 12, 2020, and no later than July 12, 2020. The business of the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting shall not include voting on any stockholder nominee or proposal if proper notice as to such nominee or proposal is not properly delivered to the Company in accordance with these deadlines and the Bylaws.

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The executive officers hold office until the annual meeting of the Board following the annual meeting of stockholders, subject to earlier removal by the Board.

 

The names of all executive officers of the Company and all positions and offices with the Company which they presently hold are as follows:

 

Stanton D. Sloane

-

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

Martin B. Bloch

-

Chief Scientist

 

Oleandro Mancini

-

Senior Vice President, Business Development

 

Steven Strang

-

President, FEI-Zyfer

 

Thomas McClelland

-

Vice President, Advanced Development

 

Adrian Lalicata

-

 

Vice President, RF & Microwave Systems 

Steven L. Bernstein

-

Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer

 

For biographical information concerning Dr. Sloane and Mr. Bloch, see “Proposal No. 1 – Election of Directors” above.

 

Oleandro Mancini, age 70, joined the Company in August 2000 as Vice President, Business Development and was promoted to Senior Vice President, Business Development in 2010.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Mancini had served as Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Satellite Transmission Systems, Inc. since 1998 and from 1995 to 1998 as Vice President, Business Development at Cardion, Inc., a Siemens A.G. company.  From 1987 to 1995, he held the position of Vice President, Engineering at Cardion, Inc.

 

Steven Strang, age 55 was named President of FEI-Zyfer, Inc., effective May 1, 2005.  Previously, Mr. Strang was Executive Vice President of this subsidiary and its predecessor companies where he has served for 20 years in various technical and management positions.

 

Thomas McClelland, age 64, joined the Company as an engineer in 1984 and was elected Vice President, Commercial Products in March 1999.  In fiscal year 2011, Mr. McClelland’s title was modified to Vice President Advanced Development to describe his expanded role in the Company.

 

Adrian Lalicata, age 72, joined the Company in 2006 as Vice President, RF & Microwave Systems.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Lalicata served as Vice President of Engineering at Herley-CTI and Communication Techniques, a Dover Company.  Mr. Lalicata has served as Director of Engineering at Microphase Corp. and Adcomm, Inc.  He also held leading engineering positions at Loral Electronic Systems, Cardion Electronics, and Airborne Instruments Laboratories.

 

Steven L. Bernstein, age 54, joined the Company in April 2010 as its Controller and was appointed to the position of Chief Financial Officer in April 2016.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Bernstein worked in the North America accounting group of Arrow Electronics Company, a Fortune 500 electronics distributor.

 

12

 

 

STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 

 

The following table sets forth, as of July 31, 2019, information concerning the beneficial ownership of the Common Stock held by (i) each person who is known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the Common Stock, (ii) each of the Company’s directors and nominees for director, (iii) each of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, and (iv) all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group:

 

 Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

 

Amount and Nature

of Beneficial

Ownership (1)

   

Percent of

Class (2)

 

Edenbrook Capital, LLC (3)

2 Depot Plaza

Bedford Hills, New York 10507

    1,484,352       16.5 %
                 

Kennedy Capital Management, Inc. (4)

10629 Olive Blvd.

               

St. Louis, MO 63141

    839,173       9.3 %
                 

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (5)

               

6300 Bee Cave Road, Bldg One

               

Austin, TX 78746

    690,241       7.6 %
                 

Frequency Electronics, Inc.

               

401(k) Savings Plan (6)

               

55 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.

               

Mitchel Field, NY 11553

    653,660       7.2 %
                 

Royce & Associates, LP (7)

               

745 Fifth Avenue

               

New York, New York 10151

    493,791       5.5 %
                 

Jonathan Brolin (3)

               

c/o Frequency Electronics, Inc.

               

55 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.

               

Mitchel Field, NY 11553

    1,484,352       16.5 %
                 

Martin B. Bloch (8) (9)

c/o Frequency Electronics, Inc.

               

55 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.

               

Mitchel Field, NY 11553

    982,569       10.9 %
                 

Russell M. Sarachek (10)

               

c/o Contra Capital Management, LLC

               

945 Fifth Avenue

               

New York, New York 10021

    408,777       4.5 %
                 

Oleandro Mancini (9)

c/o Frequency Electronics, Inc.

               

55 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.

               

Mitchel Field, NY 11553

    95,324       1.1 %
                 

Joel Girsky

               

c/o Frequency Electronics, Inc.

               

55 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.

               

Mitchel Field, NY 11553

    82,550       less than 1 %
                 

Richard Schwartz

               

c/o Frequency Electronics, Inc..

               

55 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.

               

Mitchel Field, NY 11553

    67,550       less than 1 %

 

13

 

 

                 

Stanton D. Sloane (9)

               

c/o Frequency Electronics, Inc.

               

55 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.

               

Mitchel Field, NY 11553

    25,000       less than 1 %
                 

Lance W. Lord

               

c/o Frequency Electronics, Inc..

               

55 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.

    5,000       less than 1 %

Mitchel Field, NY 11553

               
                 

All executive officers

               

and directors as a group (9)

               

(12 persons)

    3,404,168       37.7 %

 

Notes: 

(1)   

Each person has sole voting and investment power over the shares reported, except as noted.

(2)   

Based on 9,032,511 shares outstanding as of July 31, 2019.

(3)   

As reported in a Form 4 dated July 29, 2019, filed collectively by Edenbrook Capital, LLC, Edenbrook Long Only Value Fund LP and Jonathan Brolin. The principal business of Edenbrook Capital, LLC is that of investment manager to certain private investment funds; Edenbrook Long Only Value Fund LP is a Delaware limited partnership with respect to the Common Stock owned by such private investment funds; and Jonathan Brolin is the Managing Member of Edenbrook Capital, LLC and, as such, is in the position to determine the investment and voting decisions made by Edenbrook Capital, LLC. Each of Jonathan Brolin, Edenbrook Capital, LLC and Edenbrook Long Only Value Fund LP specifically disclaim beneficial ownership in these shares, except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein.

(4)   

As reported in a Schedule 13G/A dated February 12, 2019, filed by Kennedy Capital Management, Inc. (“Kennedy”). Kennedy possesses investment and voting power over 839,173 shares.  

(5)   

As reported in a Schedule 13G/A dated February 8, 2019, filed by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (“Dimensional”). Dimensional possesses investment power over 690,241 shares and voting authority over 683,526 shares. Dimensional disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities.

(6)   

Represents shares of stock held by the Frequency Electronics, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan, a profit sharing plan and trust under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “401(k) Savings Plan”), all of which shares have been allocated to the individual accounts of employees of the Company (including the Named Executive Officers).  In May 2015, the Frequency Electronics, Inc. ESOP Trust (the “Trust”) for the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) was merged into the 401(k) Savings Plan.  All ESOP shares allocated to the individual accounts of employees of the Company were re-allocated to the individual accounts (including those of the Named Executive Officers) in the 401(k) Savings Plan.

(7)   

As reported in a Schedule 13G/A dated January 14, 2019, filed by Royce & Associates, LP (“Royce”).  Royce possesses investment and voting power over 493,791 shares. 

(8)   

Includes 71,000 shares owned by members of Mr. Bloch’s immediate family, 197,748 shares held by a partnership over which Mr. Bloch maintains discretionary control and 39,600 shares held in trust for Mr. Bloch’s wife.  Mr. Bloch disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.

 

 (9)   

Includes the number of shares which, as at July 31, 2019, were deemed to be beneficially owned by the persons named below, by way of their respective rights to acquire beneficial ownership of such shares within 60 days through (i) the exercise of options or SARs; (ii) the automatic termination of a trust, discretionary account, or similar arrangement; or (iii) by reason of such person’s having sole or shared voting powers over such shares.  The following table sets forth for each person named below the total number of shares which may be so deemed to be beneficially owned by him and the nature of such beneficial ownership:

 

 

 

Name

 

Profit Sharing Plan & Trust

401(k)

(a)

   

ISO, NQSO or SAR

Shares

(b)

 

Martin B. Bloch

    27,088       263,500  

Stanton D. Sloane

    0       25,000  

Oleandro Mancini

    7,045       82,750  

All Directors and Officers as a Group (12 persons)

    61,445       722,250  

 

14

 

 

(a) Includes all shares allocated under the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan including those shares allocated from the former ESOP plan following the May 2015 plan merger.  This plan permits eligible employees, including officers, to defer a portion of their income through voluntary contributions to the plan.  Under the provisions of the plan, the Company made discretionary matching contributions of the Company’s Common Stock.  All participants in the plan become fully vested in the Company contribution after six years of employment.  All of the officers named above are fully vested in the shares attributable to their accounts.  Upon the allocation of shares to an employee’s 401(k) Savings Plan account, such employee has the right to direct the 401(k) Savings Plan trustees in the exercise of the voting rights of such shares.

 

(b) All amounts in this column represent the number of shares that may be obtained upon exercise of SARs in which the officers are fully vested or may become vested within 60 days of July 31, 2019.  Such grants have been made under the Company’s 2005 Stock Award Plan.  For the individual grants, exercise prices and expiration dates for the Named Executive Officers, see “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End” below.

 

(10)  

Mr. Sarachek is deemed to be the indirect beneficial owner of 408,777 shares owned by Contra Capital Management, LLC, of which he is the sole managing member, by virtue of his having sole investment discretion and voting control over the shares.

 

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), requires the Company’s directors, officers and any person who is the beneficial owner of more than 10% of the Company’s equity securities (“10% stockholder”) to file reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of the Company’s Common Stock and other equity securities with the SEC.  Directors, executive officers and 10% stockholders are required to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.  Based on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to it, the Company believes that during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2019, the Company’s directors, officers and 10% stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them. 

 

CERTAIN INFORMATION AS TO COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS OF THE BOARD

 

During the past fiscal year, five (5) meetings of the Board were held.  Each of the Company’s directors attended, in person or telephonically, all of the meetings of the Board and all of the meetings of committees of the Board of which such director was a member that were held during the past fiscal year.

 

In addition to attendance at Board meetings, the Board encourages, but does not require, all directors to attend annual meetings of the Company’s stockholders. All of the Company’s directors attended the Company’s 2018 Annual Meeting except one who was unable to attend in person but participated telephonically.

 

Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee consists of the following five independent Directors:  Messrs. Brolin, Girsky, Lord, Sarachek and Schwartz.  Each of these directors is independent in accordance with the independence standards for audit committee membership set forth in Section 10A(m)(3) of the Exchange Act and the listing standards of the NASDAQ, upon which the Company’s Common Stock is listed and trades.  The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements.  In addition, the Board has determined that Mr. Girsky, chairman of the Audit Committee, satisfies the SEC’s criteria as an “audit committee financial expert.

 

The Audit Committee has procedures in place to receive, retain and handle complaints received regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters and to allow for the confidential and anonymous submission by anyone of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.

 

The purpose of the Audit Committee is to oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Company and the audits of the Company’s financial statements.  The functions of the Audit Committee include, without limitation, (i) responsibility for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the Company’s independent auditors, (ii) review and pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services provided to the Company by the independent auditors, other than as may be allowed by applicable law, and (iii) review of the annual audited and quarterly consolidated financial statements.  The Audit Committee Charter, which describes all of the Audit Committee’s responsibilities, is posted on the Company’s website at http://www.frequencyelectronics.com.

 

The Audit Committee held four (4) meetings during the last fiscal year.  For the Audit Committee’s report, see “Report of the Audit Committee” below.

 

15

 

 

Compensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee consists of the following five independent directors: Messrs. Brolin, Girsky, Lord, Sarachek and Schwartz. The Compensation Committee Charter, which describes all of the Compensation Committee’s responsibilities, is posted on the Company’s website at http://www.frequencyelectronics.com.  The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing remuneration arrangements for the highest paid executives and the Company’s stock option, bonus and other incentive compensation plans.  The Compensation Committee held five (5) meetings during fiscal year 2019. 

 

The Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sloane, recommends to the Compensation Committee base salary, bonus payouts from the short-term incentive pool and long-term incentive grants for the Company’s officers (other than himself) and other eligible employees (see “Executive Compensation” below).  Dr. Sloane makes these recommendations to the Compensation Committee based on input from the Company’s Human Resources Manager using compensation data as described below, as well as qualitative judgments regarding individual performance.  The Compensation Committee reviews and considers Dr. Sloane’s recommendations prior to making its own recommendations to the Board.  Dr. Sloane is not involved with any aspect of determining his own pay.

 

In order to assess whether the compensation program that the Company provides to its executive officers is competitive, the Company’s Human Resources department annually participates in a survey of electronics companies in the New York metropolitan area.  This survey compares base salaries by job type as well as benefits offered by other companies in the electronics industry.  The Compensation Committee has established salaries and benefits which are in the mid-range of those companies which participate in this survey.

 

Director Nominations

 

The Company does not have a formal nominating or corporate governance committee because the Board has determined it is in the best interest of the Company for the entire Board to fulfill such responsibilities.  New director nominations, which are infrequent, and compliance with corporate governance rules, are reviewed and approved by the independent directors of the entire Board.  By Board resolution, the Company has determined that if a new director is to be nominated, the independent directors of the Board (currently Messrs. Brolin, Girsky, Lord, Sarachek and Schwartz) will conduct interviews of qualified candidates and, as appropriate, will recommend selected individuals to the Board.  The independent directors consider director candidates based on criteria approved by the Board, including such individuals’ backgrounds, skills, expertise, accessibility and availability to serve constructively and effectively on the Board.  The Board has no formal policy on the consideration to be given to diversity in the nomination process, other than to seek candidates who have skills and experience that are appropriate to the position and complementary to those of the other board members or candidates using the criteria identified above.  The Company may retain a director search firm to assist it in identifying qualified director nominees.

 

Director Candidates Proposed by Stockholders

 

The Company will consider recommendations for director candidates submitted in good faith by stockholders of the Company.  A stockholder recommending an individual for consideration by the Board (and the independent directors) must provide (i) evidence of compliance with the stockholder eligibility requirements set forth in the Company’s Bylaws, (ii) the written consent of the candidate(s) for nomination as a director, (iii) a resume or other written statement of the qualifications of the candidate(s) for nomination as a director, and (iv) all information regarding the candidate(s) and the stockholder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement filed with the SEC if the candidate(s) were nominated for election to the Board, including, without limitation, name, age, business and residence address and principal occupation or employment during the past five years.  Stockholders should send the required information to the Company at 55 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Mitchel Field, New York 11553, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

 

For a recommendation to be considered by the Company for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Company’s Corporate Secretary must receive the recommendation no earlier than June 27, 2020 and no later than 5:00 PM, local time, on July 27, 2020.  Such recommendations must be sent via registered, certified or express mail (or other means that allows the stockholder to determine when the recommendation was received by the Company).  The Company’s Corporate Secretary will send properly submitted stockholder recommendations to the independent directors for consideration at a future meeting.  Individuals recommended by stockholders in accordance with these procedures will receive the same consideration as other individuals evaluated by the independent directors.

 

16

 

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS

 

Communications with Directors

 

Stockholders and other interested parties may communicate directly with any director, including any non-management member of the Board, by writing to the attention of such individual at the following address:  Frequency Electronics, Inc., 55 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Mitchel Field, New York 11553, Attention: Corporate Secretary.  The Company’s Corporate Secretary will distribute any stockholder communications received to the director(s) to whom the letter is addressed or to all of the directors if addressed to the entire Board.

 

Communications that are intended for the non-management directors generally should be marked “Personal and Confidential” and sent to the attention of the Lead Independent Director. The Lead Independent Director will distribute any communications received to the non-management member(s) to whom the communication is addressed.

 

Executive Sessions of Independent Directors

 

The independent directors regularly meet without any management directors or employees present.  Such executive sessions are held at least annually and as often as necessary to fulfill the independent directors’ responsibilities.

 

Size of Board

 

The Company’s Bylaws provide that the size of the Board shall consist of not less than three (3) but not more than twelve (12) members, as determined from time to time by the Board.

 

Code of Ethics

 

All directors, officers and employees of the Company must act ethically and in accordance with the Company’s Code of Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”).  The Code of Ethics satisfies the definition of “code of ethics” under the rules and regulations of the SEC and is available on the Company’s website at http://www.frequencyelectronics.com.  The Code of Ethics is also available in print to anyone who requests it by writing to the Company at the following address:  Frequency Electronics, Inc., 55 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Mitchel Field, New York 11553, Attention: Ethics Officer.  Annually, the Company’s Directors review the Code of Ethics.

 

Board Leadership Structure

 

The positions of Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer are currently held by different persons.  The Company also has a Lead Independent Director, Mr. Brolin.  The Board believes that the current Board structure including an Executive Chairman, Lead Independent Director and Chief Executive Officer – is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders.

 

Board Risk Oversight

 

The Company’s senior management manages the day-to-day risks facing the Company under the oversight and supervision of the Board, which oversees the Company’s risk management strategy, focusing on the adequacy of the Company’s risk management and mitigation processes.  The Board’s role in the risk oversight process includes receiving regular reports from senior management on areas of material risk, including operational, financial, legal and regulatory and strategic and reputational risks.  The Board receives these reports to enable it to understand the Company’s risk identification, risk management and risk mitigation strategies.  While the entire Board is ultimately responsible for risk oversight at the Company, the Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to risk in the areas of financial reporting and internal controls.  In performing its functions, the Audit Committee has access to management and is able to engage advisors, if deemed necessary.  The Board receives regular reports from the Audit Committee regarding its areas of focus.

 

17

 

 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

The Report of the Audit Committee is not to be considered filed with the SEC or incorporated by reference into any other filings which the Company makes with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, nor is this information considered as proxy soliciting material.  This portion of this proxy statement is not a part of any of those filings unless otherwise specifically stated in those filings.

 

The members of the Audit Committee have been appointed by the Board.  The Audit Committee is comprised of five non-employee directors, each of whom satisfies the independence standards for audit committee membership set forth in Section 10A(m)(3) of the Exchange Act and the independence requirements of the NASDAQ.  The Audit Committee is governed by a charter that has been approved and adopted by the Board and which is reviewed and reassessed annually by the Audit Committee.

 

The Audit Committee oversees the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board.  Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process including the systems of internal controls.  In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2019, 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 Committee reviewed with the independent auditors, who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles, their judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Company’s accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under generally accepted auditing standards.  In addition, management and the independent auditors have represented to the Audit Committee that the financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

The Audit Committee has also discussed with the independent auditors any matters required to be discussed by the applicable standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”).  The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent accountant required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountant’s independence.

 

The Audit Committee discussed with the Company’s independent auditors the overall scope and plans for their audit.  The Audit Committee met with the independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examination, their evaluation of the Company’s internal controls, and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.  The Audit Committee held four meetings during fiscal year 2019.

 

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board (and the Board has approved) that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2019 for filing with the SEC.

 

Joel Girsky, Chairman, Audit Committee

Jonathan Brolin

Lance W. Lord

Russel M. Sarachek

Richard Schwartz

 

18

 

 

Executive Compensation

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers.

 

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary

 

 

Bonus

(1)

 

 

Option and SAR Awards

(2)

 

 

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings

(3)

 

 

All Other Compensation

(4)

 

 

Total

 

Stanton D. Sloane

 

2019

 

$

325,000

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

168,251

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

29,224

 

 

$

522,475

 

President, Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martin B. Bloch

 

2019

 

 

430,769

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

53,004

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

52,217

 

 

 

535,990

 

Chief Scientist & Former President, CEO

 

2018

 

 

430,769

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

56,829

 

 

 

487,598

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oleandro Mancini

 

2019

 

 

228,885

 

 

 

50,106

 

 

 

14,929

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

14,815

 

 

 

308,735

 

Senior Vice President,

Business Development

 

2018

 

 

236,923

 

 

 

19,960

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

19,080

 

 

 

275,963

 

 

Notes:

 

(1)

Mr. Sloane is awarded bonuses based upon consolidated bookings, revenue and operating income. Mr. Bloch is awarded bonuses based upon consolidated pretax profits. Mr. Mancini is awarded bonuses based upon the bookings generated by the FEI-NY segments.

 

(2)

The amounts in this column do not represent actual cash payments to the Named Executive Officers.  Each value represents the aggregate grant date fair value of the Common Stock or SARs awarded, as applicable, by the Company during fiscal years 2019 and 2018 computed in accordance with FASB ASC TOPIC 718.  The assumptions used in determining the grant date fair values of these awards are set forth in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which are included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2019, as filed with the SEC.

 

(3)

The Company has entered into certain deferred compensation arrangements with certain key employees (including the Named Executive Officers) providing for the payment of benefits upon retirement or death or upon the termination of employment not for cause.  The change in the actuarially calculated deferred compensation liability to the Company for each of the Named Executive Officers for fiscal years 2019 and 2018 is as follows:  Mr. Bloch: $280,416 (2019) and $267,166 (2018) and Mr. Mancini: $(12,450) (2019) and  $(10,763) (2018). The Company made no payments towards these deferred contribution arrangements for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2019 or 2018. These non-cash amounts are included in the Company’s general and administrative expenses for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

 

19

 

 

(4)

The amounts shown in this column are composed of the following:

 

Name

 

Costs of Purchased or Leased Automobile

 

 

Health, Life, Disability Insurance & Medical Reimbursement (a)

 

 

Additional Life Insurance Premiums (b)

 

 

Financial Planning Advice and Other (c)

 

 

Total All

Other Compensation

 

Stanton D. Sloane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

$

11,499

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

10,000

 

 

$

7,725

 

 

$

29,224

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martin Bloch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

0

 

 

 

18,806

 

 

 

24,411

 

 

 

9,000

 

 

 

52,217

 

2018

 

 

0

 

 

 

23,068

 

 

 

24,063

 

 

 

9,698

 

 

 

56,829

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oleandro Mancini

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

9,868

 

 

 

1,947

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

3,000

 

 

 

14,815

 

2018

 

 

10,110

 

 

 

5,970

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

3,000

 

 

 

19,080

 

 

(a)  

All employees of the Company are eligible for health, term life and disability insurance, the premiums for which are partially paid by the Company. This column only reflects reimbursement of medical costs, which is available only to officers.

 

(b)  

Company-paid premiums for additional whole life insurance policies, the beneficiaries of which are the heirs of Dr. Sloane and Mr. Bloch, respectively.

 

(c)

The amounts include financial planning advice and the fair market value of contributions by the Company of Common Stock to the accounts of the Named Executive Officers in the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan, which may not exceed $3,000 in a calendar year.

 

Narrative Disclosure of Summary Compensation Table

 

Short-Term Incentives

 

The Company maintains short-term incentive bonus programs for certain employees which are based on operating profits and certain other relevant criteria of the individual subsidiaries to which the employees are assigned.  The Company’s employment agreement with its Chief Executive Officer includes a bonus formula based on various criteria (see “Chief Executive Officer Employment Agreement,” “Chief Scientist and Former Chief Executive Officer Employment Agreement” and “Senior Vice President, Business Development Employment Agreement” below).  These plans are designed to create incentives for superior performance and to allow the Company’s executive officers to share in the success of the Company by rewarding the contributions of individual officers.  Focused on short-term or annual business results, these plans enable the Company to award designated executives with annual cash bonuses based on their contributions to the profits of the Company.

 

Long-Term Incentives

 

As part of its comprehensive compensation program, the Company stresses long-term incentives through awards of shares of its Common Stock through the grant of SARs or options to purchase Common Stock through its 2005 Stock Award Plan.  Grants and awards are aimed at attracting new personnel, recognizing and rewarding current executive officers for special individual accomplishments, and retaining high-performing officers and key employees by linking financial benefit to the performance of the Company (as reflected in the market price of Common Stock) and to continued employment with the Company.  Grants of SARs, stock options and other equity awards are generally determined on an individual-by-individual basis.  The factors considered are the individual’s performance and potential for contributing to the Company’s future growth, the number of SARs, stock options and awards previously granted to the individual and the Company’s financial and operational performance.

 

The Company does not maintain any compensation plans for its executive officers or directors nor for any of its other employees which provide compensation intended to serve as incentive for performance to occur over a period longer than one fiscal year other than the stock award plans discussed above and the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan discussed below.  The grant date fair market values of the SAR awards under the 2005 Stock Award Plan granted during fiscal year 2019 and 2018 are shown in the Summary Compensation Table above.

 

20

 

 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Agreements

 

The Company has no tax-qualified defined benefit or actuarial retirement plans in effect.  It has entered into certain deferred compensation agreements with certain key employees, including its officers, providing for the payment of benefits upon retirement or death or upon the termination of employment not for cause.  The Company pays compensation benefits out of its working capital but has also purchased whole or universal life insurance (of which it is the sole beneficiary) on the lives of each of the participants to cover the optional lump sum obligations under the deferred compensation agreements upon the death of the participant.  The annual premiums paid during fiscal year 2019 were less than the increase in cash surrender value of the whole and universal life insurance policies.

 

The deferred compensation for participants in the program is reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee.  The annual benefit may be increased based upon recent performance, length of service, economic conditions and other factors.  The annual benefit to be provided to each of the Named Executive Officers upon his retirement is as follows:

 

Stanton D. Sloane, President & CEO

  $ 0  

Martin B. Bloch, Chief Scientist and Former President & CEO

  $ 235,000  

Oleandro Mancini, Senior VP

  $ 85,000  

 

Such benefits are payable for the remaining life of the individual with a minimum payment over ten years (25 years for Mr. Bloch) to either the employee or his beneficiaries.  Benefits may be paid in a lump sum in the case of a participant’s death, disability or early termination of employment without cause.  The change in actuarial value in nonqualified deferred compensation benefits under the deferred compensation agreements for each of the Named Executive Officers is presented in footnote 4 to the Summary Compensation Table above.

 

Supplemental Separation Benefits

 

Included in the deferred compensation agreements of certain executive officers and certain key employees are provisions for supplemental separation benefits.  Under the agreements, in the event of a change in control or ownership of part or all of the Company which gives rise to discharge of any officer or employee without cause, then such officer or employee will receive supplemental severance pay equal to one and one-half times the employee’s average base salary plus cash bonus from the previous five calendar years prior to the change of control if such discharge occurs in the first year after the change of control.  If discharge occurs more than one year but less than two years after the change of control, then the employee will receive two-thirds of the five-year average of base salary and bonus 

 

Chief Executive Officer Employment Agreement

 

Pursuant to his employment agreement, Dr. Sloane’s base annual salary is $325,000.  Dr. Sloane also receives additional compensation of up to $20,000 in the form of financial planning advice and Company-paid premiums for life insurance coverage, the beneficiaries of which are Dr. Sloane’s heirs.  Dr. Sloane’s employment agreement provides a fixed annual bonus of 100% of his base salary at the end of the applicable fiscal year, only payable if the Company shows a profit for the year, as well as separation benefits in the event of a change in control or ownership of part or all of the Company, and continuation of disability, medical and life insurance.  Dr. Sloane has been awarded SARs based on 90,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock and the market value of the Common Stock as of the applicable date of grant.  The SARs are exercisable for a period of five years from the date of grant. (See “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End” and footnote (10) under “Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” above.)

 

Chief Scientist and Former Chief Executive Officer Employment Agreement

 

Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Bloch’s base annual salary is $400,000. Mr. Bloch also receives additional compensation of up to $52,000 in the form of financial planning advice and Company-paid premiums for life insurance coverage, the beneficiaries of which are Mr. Bloch’s heirs.  Mr. Bloch’s employment agreement provides a fixed annual bonus of 6% of the pre-tax profit of the Company with a cap on the pre-tax profit at $20,000,000, as well as separation benefits in the event of a change in control or ownership of part or all of the Company, continuation of disability, medical and life insurance, the cost of an annual physical examination and a new automobile every three years.  Mr. Bloch has been awarded SARs based on 266,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock and the market value of the Common Stock as of the applicable date of grant.  The SARs are exercisable for a period of ten years from the date of grant with the exception of the fiscal years 2019 through 2015 awards which are exercisable for a period of five years from the date of grant.  (See “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End” and footnote (10) under “Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” above.)

 

21

 

 

Senior Vice President, Business Development Employment Arrangement

 

The Company has not entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Mancini.  Mr. Mancini’s annual base salary is $220,000.  Mr. Mancini is paid an annual bonus based on bookings generated by the FEI-NY segments. In fiscal year 2018, Mr. Mancini’s annual bonus was $19,960 and in fiscal year 2019, Mr. Mancini’s annual bonus was $50,106. In addition, the Company has entered into a deferred compensation agreement with Mr. Mancini providing for the payment of an annual benefit of $85,000 upon his retirement or death or upon the termination of his employment (other than for cause).  Mr. Mancini also is eligible for health, term life and disability insurance, the premiums of which are partially paid by the Company, and for reimbursement of medical expenses and an automobile leasing arrangement. Mr. Mancini was awarded SARs based on 89,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock and the market value of the Common Stock as of the applicable date of grant.  The SARs are exercisable for a period of ten years from the date of grant with the exception of the fiscal years 2019 through 2015 awards which are exercisable for a period of five years from the date of grant. (See “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End” and footnote (10) under “Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” above.)

 

Employee Benefit Plans

 

Officers, including the Named Executive Officers, are eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan.  This plan permits eligible employees to defer a portion of their income through voluntary contributions to the plan.  Under the provisions of the plan, the Company makes discretionary matching contributions of the Company’s Common Stock, the fair market value of which may not exceed $3,000 in a calendar year.  All participants in the plan become fully vested in the Company contribution after six years of employment.  All of the Named Executive Officers are fully vested in the shares attributable to their accounts. (See footnote (10) under “Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” above.)

 

Other Compensation

 

Officers (other than Mr. Bloch) and certain key employees are provided with a leased automobile to use for both business and personal purposes.  The operating costs of each vehicle are paid by the Company.  The value of any personal use is included in the taxable income of each employee.  Officers of the Company are also reimbursed for out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred by the officers and their families.  Such reimbursement is also included in the officers’ taxable income.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans:

 

The following table sets forth as of April 30, 2019, the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of outstanding stock option grants and the number of shares available for future issuance under such plans:

 

Plan Category

 

Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options warrants and rights

 

 

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options warrants and rights

 

 

Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))

 

 

 

(a)

 

 

(b)

 

 

(c)

 

Equity Compensation Plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Approved by Security Holders (1)

 

 

1,507,250

 

 

$

8.89

 

 

 

81,966

 

 

(1)     Equity compensation plans approved by security holders consist of the Company’s 2005 Stock Award Plan and 1998 Restricted Stock Plan.

 

22

 

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

The following table includes certain information with respect to the value of all unexercised SARs previously awarded to the Named Executive Officers outstanding at the end of the fiscal year, April 30, 2019.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights

 

 

Name

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised SARs

(#)

Exercisable

 

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised

SARs

(#)

Unexercisable

 

 

SARs

Exercise

Price

($)

 

SARs

Expiration

Date

(1)

Stanton D. Sloane

 

 

5,000

6,250

-0-

 

 

 

 

5,000

18,750

55,000

 

 

$

 

 

 

10.98

8.06

8.65

 

 

2/16/22

9/17/22

5/7/23

 

Martin B. Bloch

 

 

55,000

55,000

55,000

55,000

16,000

5,000

-0-

 

 

 

-0-

-0-

-0-

-0-

-0-

5,000

20,000

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.70

7.25

8.82

10.38

13.24

10.58

7.49

 

4/11/21

12/18/21

9/13/22

8/8/23

4/29/20

8/18/21

7/24/23

Oleandro Mancini

 

 

10,000

12,000

12,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

5,000

 -0-

 

 

 

-0-

-0-

-0-

-0-

-0-

-0-

-0-

5,000

 5,000

 

 

$

4.60

5.65

9.70

7.25

8.82

10.38

13.24

10.58

8.43

 

10/26/19

9/13/20

4/11/21

12/18/21

9/13/22

8/8/23

4/29/20

8/18/21

5/10/23

 

(1)

Stock options and SARs are generally exercisable cumulatively at 25% per year beginning one year after the date of grant.  In general, awards expire ten years after the date of grant but such terms may be modified at the discretion of the Company’s Compensation Committee.  The awards granted in fiscal years 2019 through 2015 are exercisable for a period of five years from the date of grant.  Grants are made at the market value of Common Stock as of the applicable date of grant.

 

23

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

A copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2019, is included herewith. The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K includes the financial statements for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2019 and 2018. Additionally, the Annual Report on Form 10-K is available under the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at http://www.frequencyelectronics.com.  Stockholders may also request printed copies of the Proxy Statement and the Annual Report on Form 10-K by calling the Company at (516) 794-4500, extension 2131, or by sending an email to investorrelations@freqelec.com.  For a charge of $50, the Company agrees to provide a copy of the exhibits to the Annual Report on Form 10-K to any stockholder who requests such a copy. Exhibits to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K are also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

STOCKHOLDERS SHARING THE SAME ADDRESS

 

SEC rules permit companies, brokers, banks or other intermediaries to deliver a single copy of a proxy statement and annual report to households at which two or more stockholders reside.  This practice, known as “house holding,” is designed to reduce duplicate mailings and save significant printing and postage costs as well as natural resources.  Stockholders sharing an address who have been previously notified by their broker, bank or other intermediary and have consented to householding will receive only one copy of the Company’s Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

If you would like to opt out of this practice for future mailings and receive separate proxy statements and annual reports for each stockholder sharing the same address, please contact your broker, bank or other intermediary.  You may also obtain a separate Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K without charge by contacting the Company at Frequency Electronics, Inc., 55 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Mitchel Field, New York 11553, Attention: Corporate Secretary; (516) 794-4500, extension 3100.  We will promptly send additional copies of the Proxy Statement or Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Stockholders sharing an address that are receiving multiple copies of the Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K can request delivery of a single copy of future proxy statements and annual reports by contacting their broker, bank or other intermediary or by contacting the Company as indicated above.

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the only business which the Board intends to present and knows that others will present at the Annual Meeting is hereinabove set forth.  If any other matter or matters are properly brought before the meeting or any adjournments thereof, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying Proxy to vote the Proxy on such matters in accordance with their judgment.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

/s/Steven L. Bernstein          

 

STEVEN L. BERNSTEIN

 

Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer

 

Dated:  August 28, 2019

 

 

 

24

 

 

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF

 

FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS, INC.

 

October 10, 2019

 

GO GREEN

e-Consent makes it easy to go paperless. With e-Consent, you can quickly access your proxy

material, statements and other eligible documents online, while reducing costs, clutter and

paper waste. Enroll today via www.astfinancial.com to enjoy online access.

 

 

The Notice of Meeting, Proxy Statement, Proxy Card

are available at http://ir.freqelec.com/proxyvote.cfm

 

Please sign, date and mail

your proxy card in the

envelope provided as soon

as possible.

 

Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided.

 


THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES IN PROPOSAL 1,

“FOR” PROPOSALS 2 AND 3 AND FOR “ONE YEAR” IN PROPOSAL 4

PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE ☒


 

(1)   Election of seven (7) directors to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their respective successors shall have been elected and shall have qualified.

 

(2)  Ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2020.

FOR

AGAINST

ABSTAIN

     

NOMINEES

 

 

☐ FOR ALL NOMINEES

NOMINEES

○ Martin B. Bloch

 

(3)  Non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation.

FOR

AGAINST

ABSTAIN

  ○ Joel Girsky          

☐ WITHHOLD AUTHORITY

     FOR ALL NOMINEES

○ Jonathan Brolin

○ Richard Schwartz

○ Dr. Stanton D. Sloane

 

(4)  Non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of holding future non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation.

 

1 YEAR

2 YEARS

3 YEARS

ABSTAIN

  ○ Russel Sarachek          

☐ FOR ALL EXCEPT

 (See instructions below)

○ Lance Lord

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All as described in the Proxy Statement dated August 28, 2019, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged. The Board of Directors requests that you fill in, date and sign the Proxy and return it in the enclosed postpaid envelope.

 

INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT” and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here:  ●

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY, USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

 

The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the Proxy Statement, each dated August 28, 2019.

 

To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method. ☐

 

 

 
     

 

Signature of Stockholder     Date:    Signature of Joint Stockholder     Date:  

 

Note:  Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy.  When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign.  When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such.  If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such.  If signer is partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.

 

 

 

 

FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS, INC.

Proxy - Annual Meeting of Stockholders - October 10, 2019

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

The undersigned stockholder of FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS, INC. (the “Company”), hereby revoking any proxy heretofore given, does hereby appoint MARTIN BLOCH and STEVEN BERNSTEIN, and each of them individually, as the undersigned’s true and lawful agents and proxies, with power of substitution in each, for and in the name of the undersigned to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held at the offices of the Company, 55 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Mitchel Field, New York on October 10, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., Eastern Daylight Time, and any adjournment or postponement thereof and authorizes them to vote upon all matters specified in the notice of the meeting, as set forth on the reverse hereof, and in their discretion upon such other business as may properly and lawfully come before the meeting, all shares of stock of the Company which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the meeting.

 

 

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED. IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, SUCH SHARES WILL BE VOTED “FORTHE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES IN PROPOSAL 1, “FORPROPOSALS 2 AND 3 AND FOR “ONE YEARIN PROPOSAL 4.

 

 

In the event that any of the Board of Directors’ nominees named in this Proxy are unable to serve, or for good cause will not serve, this Proxy conveys discretionary authority to Mr. Bloch and Mr. Bernstein, and each of them individually, to vote as recommended by the Board of Directors with respect to the election of any person to replace such nominee.