DEF 14A
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 þ
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
MISONIX, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
MISONIX, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
To the Shareholders of
MISONIX, INC.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) of
MISONIX, INC., a New York corporation (the Company), will be held at the Companys Corporate
Office, 1938 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11735 on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 10:00 a.m., or at
any adjournment thereof, for the following purposes:
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1. |
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To elect six Directors to the Board of Directors; |
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2. |
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To ratify the selection of Grant Thornton LLP as the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm; and |
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3. |
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To consider and act upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual
Meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
The above matters are set forth in the Proxy Statement attached to this Notice to which your
attention is directed.
Only shareholders of record on the books of the Company at the close of business on November
2, 2010 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or at any adjournment thereof. You are
requested to sign, date and return the enclosed Proxy at your earliest convenience in order that
your shares may be voted for you as specified.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
RICHARD ZAREMBA
Secretary
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be held December 7, 2010. The Proxy Statement and our
2010 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at
http://cstproxy.com/misonix/2010.
MISONIX, INC.
1938 New Highway
Farmingdale, New York 11735
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) of MISONIX, INC. (the Company)
will be held on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 will be held at the Companys 1938 New Highway,
Farmingdale, NY 11735, at 10:00 a.m. for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of
Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The enclosed Proxy is solicited by and on behalf of the Board of
Directors of the Company (Board of Directors or Board) for use at the Annual Meeting to be held
on Tuesday, December 7, 2010, and at any adjournments of such Meeting. The approximate date on
which this Proxy Statement and the enclosed Proxy are being first mailed to shareholders is
November 8, 2010.
If a Proxy in the accompanying form is duly executed and returned, the shares represented by
such Proxy will be voted as specified. In the absence of such directions, the Proxy will be voted
in accordance with the recommendations of management. The attendance of a shareholder at the
Annual Meeting will not automatically revoke such shareholders proxy. However, a shareholder may
revoke a proxy at any time prior to its exercise by (1) delivering to our Corporate Secretary a
written notice of revocation prior to the Annual Meeting, (2) delivering to our Corporate Secretary
before the Annual Meeting a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or (3) attending the Annual
Meeting, filing a written notice of revocation with the secretary of the meeting and voting in
person.
Voting Rights
On November 2, 2010 (the Record Date), the Company had outstanding 7,001,369 shares of its
only class of voting securities, namely common stock, $.01 par value per share (the Common
Stock). Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share registered in their names at the
close of business on the Record Date. The affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast at the
Annual Meeting is required for the election of Directors. The affirmative vote of a majority of
the shares cast at the Annual Meeting is required for the ratification of the selection of Grant
Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) as the Companys independent registered public accountant firm. On
all other matters which may come before the Annual Meeting, the affirmative vote of a majority of
the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is required. For purposes of determining whether proposals
have received a majority vote, abstentions will not be included in the vote totals and, in
instances where brokers are prohibited from exercising discretionary authority for beneficial
owners who have not returned a Proxy (broker non-votes), those votes will not be included in the
vote totals. Therefore, abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted in the determination of a
quorum and will have no effect on the vote for the election of Directors or the ratification of the
selection of Grant Thornton as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. Unless
contrary instructions are given, all Proxies received pursuant to this solicitation will be voted
in favor of the (i) election of the nominees named in Proposal One and (ii) ratification of the
selection of Grant Thornton.
Under the New York Business Corporation Law, shareholders are not entitled to dissenters
rights with respect to the proposals set forth in this Proxy Statement.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth as of November 2, 2010, certain information with regard to the
ownership of the Companys Common Stock by (i) each beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Companys Common Stock; (ii) each Director and nominee for Director; (iii) each executive officer
named in the Summary Compensation Table below; and (iv) all executive
officers and Directors of the Company as a group. Unless otherwise stated, the persons named in
the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all Common Stock shown as
beneficially owned by them.
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Percent |
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Common Stock |
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of |
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Name and Address (1) |
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Beneficially Owned |
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Class |
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Michael A. McManus, Jr. |
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836,751 |
(2) |
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11.0 |
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Dimensional Fund Advisors LP |
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511,508 |
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6.8 |
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Howard Alliger |
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251,508 |
(3) |
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3.5 |
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Richard Zaremba |
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148,000 |
(4) |
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2.1 |
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T. Guy Minetti |
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102,000 |
(5) |
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1.4 |
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Thomas F. ONeill |
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77,000 |
(6) |
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1.1 |
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John W. Gildea |
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40,000 |
(7) |
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* |
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Charles Miner |
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40,000 |
(8) |
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* |
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Michael Ryan |
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33,750 |
(9) |
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All executive officers and Directors as a group (eleven people) |
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1,693,111 |
(10) |
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20.7 |
(11) |
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* |
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Less than 1% |
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(1) |
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Except as otherwise noted, the business address of each of the named individuals in this table is c/o MISONIX,
INC., 1938 New Highway, Farmingdale, New York 11735. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP has a principal business
office at 1299 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401. |
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Includes 612,500 shares which Mr. McManus has the right to acquire upon exercise of stock options which are
currently exercisable. |
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Includes 65,000 shares which Mr. Alliger has the right to acquire upon exercise of stock options which are
currently exercisable. |
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Includes 121,500 shares which Mr. Zaremba has the right to acquire upon exercise of stock options which are
currently exercisable. |
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Includes 70,000 shares which Mr. Minetti has the right to acquire upon exercise of stock options which are
currently exercisable. |
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(6) |
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Includes 70,000 shares which Mr. ONeill has the right to acquire upon exercise of stock options which are
currently exercisable. |
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Includes 40,000 shares which Mr. Gildea has the right to acquire upon exercise of stock options which are
currently exercisable. |
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Includes 40,000 shares which Dr. Miner has the right to acquire upon exercise of stock options which are
currently exercisable. |
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Includes 28,750 shares which Mr. Ryan has the right to acquire upon exercise of stock options which are
currently exercisable. |
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(10) |
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Includes the shares indicated in notes (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8) and (9). Does not include 4,400
shares owned by the sister of an executive officer, as to which shares beneficial ownership is disclaimed by
such executive officer. |
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(11) |
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Calculation includes exercisable options to acquire 1,164,410 shares of Common Stock held by the persons noted. |
2
PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Six Directors are to be elected at the Annual Meeting. The term of each Director expires at
the Annual Meeting, with Messrs. Alliger, Gildea, McManus, Miner, Minetti, and ONeill standing for
reelection for a term of one year. The following table contains information regarding all
Directors and executive officers of the Company:
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Director |
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Name |
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Age |
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Position with Company |
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Since |
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Howard Alliger |
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83 |
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Director |
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1971 |
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T. Guy Minetti |
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59 |
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Director |
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2003 |
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Thomas F. ONeill |
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64 |
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Director |
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2003 |
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John W. Gildea |
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67 |
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Director |
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2005 |
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Dr. Charles Miner III |
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59 |
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Director |
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2005 |
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Michael A. McManus, Jr. |
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67 |
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Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
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1998 |
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Richard Zaremba |
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55 |
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Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer |
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Dan Voic |
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48 |
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Vice President of R&D and Engineering |
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Michael C. Ryan |
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64 |
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Senior Vice President Medical Division |
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Ronald Manna |
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56 |
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Vice President of New Product Development and Regulatory Affairs |
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Frank Napoli |
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53 |
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Vice President Operations |
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Principal Occupations and Business Experience of Directors and Executive Officers
The following is a brief account of the business experience of the Companys Directors:
Howard Alliger founded the Companys predecessor in 1955 and the Company was a sole proprietorship
until 1960. The Company name then was Heat Systems-Ultrasonics. Mr. Alliger was President of the
Company until 1982 and Chairman of the Board until 1996. He has been awarded 25 patents and has
published various papers on ultrasonic technology. In 1959, Mr. Alliger sold the first sonicator
in the United States. For three years, ending in 1991, Mr. Alliger was the President of the
Ultrasonic Industry Association. Mr. Alliger holds a BA degree in economics from Allegheny College
and attended Cornell University School of Engineering for four years. He has also established, and
is President of, two privately-held entities which are engaged in pharmaceutical research and
development.
Mr. Alliger has extensive experience as an investor and is the Founder of the Company. The Board
believes this experience qualifies him to serve as a director.
T. Guy Minetti is Chief Executive Officer of Twig Tek, LLC, which is engaged in the recirculation
and recycling of used electronics. Prior to joining Twig Tek in November 2009, he founded and was
Managing Director of Senior Resource Advisors LLC, a management consulting firm, from 2005 to 2008.
Prior to founding Senior Resource Advisors LLC, Mr. Minetti served as the Vice Chairman of the
Board of Directors of 1-800-Flowers.Com, Inc., a publicly-held specialty gift retailer based in
Westbury, New York. Before joining 1-800-Flowers.Com, Inc. in September 2000, Mr. Minetti was the
Managing Director of Bayberry Advisors, an investment banking firm he founded in 1989 to provide
corporate finance advisory services to small-to-medium-sized businesses. From 1981 through 1989,
Mr. Minetti was a Managing Director of the investment banking firm, Kidder, Peabody & Company.
While at Kidder, Peabody, Mr. Minetti worked in the investment banking and high yield bond
departments.
Mr. Minetti has extensive experience as an investment banker and as a director and Vice Chairman of
a public company. The Board believes this experience qualifies him to serve as a director.
Thomas F. ONeill has been a principal of Sandler ONeill & Partners, L.P., an investment banking
firm, since founding such firm in 1988. From 1985 through 1988, Mr. ONeill was a Managing
Director of Bear Stearns & Co., Inc. From 1972 through 1985, Mr. ONeill was employed by L.F.
Rothschild. Mr. ONeill serves on the Board of Directors of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and The
Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. Mr. ONeill is a graduate of New York University and a veteran of the
United States Air Force.
3
Mr. ONeill has extensive experience as an investment banker and as a director of public companies.
The Board believes this experience qualifies him to serve as a director.
John W. Gildea is the founding principal of Gildea Management Co. (Gildea Management), a
management company of special situations with middle market companies in the United States and
Central Europe. From 2000 to 2005 Gildea Management formed a joint venture with J.O. Hambro
Capital Management Co. to manage accounts targeting high yield debt and small capitalization
equities. From 1996 to 2000 Gildea Management formed and founded Latona Europe, a joint venture
between Latona U.S., Lazard Co., and Gildea Management to restructure several Czech Republic
companies. Before forming Gildea Management in 1990, Mr. Gildea managed the Corporate Series Group
at Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette, an investment banking firm. Mr. Gildea is a graduate of the
University of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Gildea has extensive experience as an investment banker and as a director of public and private
companies. The Board believes this experience qualifies him to serve as a director.
Dr. Charles Miner III currently practices internal medicine in Darien, Connecticut. Dr. Miner is
on staff at Stamford and Norwalk Hospitals and is an instructor in clinical medicine at Columbia
University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Miner received his M.D. from the University Of
Cincinnati College Of Medicine in 1979 and received a Bachelor of Science from Lehigh University in
1974.
Dr. Miner is an experienced physician. The Board believes this experience qualifies him to serve
as a director.
Michael A. McManus, Jr. became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on October 30,
1998. Prior to joining the Company, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of New York
Bancorp Inc. from 1991 through March 1998 and as a director of such company from 1990 through March
1998. He also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Home Federal Savings Bank, the
principal subsidiary of New York Bancorp Inc., from February 1995 through March 1998. From 1990
through November 1991, Mr. McManus was President and Chief Executive Officer of Jamcor
Pharmaceuticals Inc. Mr. McManus served as an Assistant to the President of the United States from
1982 to 1985 and held positions with Pfizer Inc. and Revlon Group. Mr. McManus received a BA in
economics from the University of Notre Dame and a JD from the Georgetown University Law Center. He
serves as a member of the Board of Directors of A. Schulman Inc. and Novavax, Inc.
Mr. McManus extensive first hand knowledge of the business and historical development of the
Company, as well as his executive, management, and leadership experience and achievement give him
highly valued insights into our Companys challenges, opportunities and business. Mr. McManus
also possesses broad knowledge related to equity and capital markets that the Board believes are
invaluable to the Boards discussions of the Companys capital and liquidity needs and qualify him
to serve on the Board.
4
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of these nominees as Directors.
The following is a brief account of the business experience of the Companys executive
officers:
Michael A. McManus, Jr. became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on October 30,
1998. Prior to joining the Company, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of New York
Bancorp Inc. from 1991 through March 1998 and as a director of such company from 1990 through March
1998. He also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Home Federal Savings Bank, the
principal subsidiary of New York Bancorp Inc., from February 1995 through March 1998. From 1990
through November 1991, Mr. McManus was President and Chief Executive Officer of Jamcor
Pharmaceuticals Inc. Mr. McManus served as an Assistant to the President of the United States from
1982 to 1985 and held positions with Pfizer Inc. and Revlon Group. Mr. McManus received a BA in
economics from the University of Notre Dame and a JD from the Georgetown University Law Center. He
serves as a member of the Board of Directors of A. Schulman Inc. and Novavax, Inc.
Richard Zaremba became Senior Vice President in September 2004. He became Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer in February 1999. Mr. Zaremba became Secretary and Treasurer in March 1999.
From March 1995 to February 1999, he was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Comverse
Information Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of digital voice recording systems. Previously, Mr.
Zaremba was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Miltope Group, Inc., a manufacturer of
electronic equipment. Mr. Zaremba is a licensed certified public accountant in the State of New
York and holds BBA and MBA degrees in Accounting from Hofstra University.
Dan Voic became Vice President of R&D and Engineering in January 2002. Prior thereto, he served as
Engineering Manager and Director of Engineering of the Company. Mr. Voic has approximately 14
years experience in both medical and industrial product development. Mr. Voic holds a M.S. degree
in mechanical engineering from Polytech University Traian Vuia of Timisoara, Romania and a MS
degree in applied mechanics from Polytechnic University of New York.
Michael C. Ryan became Senior Vice President, Medical Division in October 2007. Prior thereto, he
served as Senior Vice President and General Manager for Nomos Radiation Oncology, a manufacturer of
radiological products, from 2006 to October 2007. From 1992 to 2005, Mr. Ryan was Executive Vice
President, Business Development for Inter V. Mr. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts from John F.
Kennedy College.
Ronald Manna became Vice President Regulatory Affairs of the Company in September 2005. From
July 2002 through September 2005, he served as Vice President New Product Development and
Regulatory Affairs. For more than five years prior thereto, Mr. Manna served as Vice President
Operations of the Company. Mr. Manna holds a BS degree in mechanical engineering from Hofstra
University.
Frank Napoli became Vice President of Operations in September 2004. From March 2004 to September
2004, Mr. Napoli was Vice President of Manufacturing for Spellman High Voltage Electronics Corp., a
manufacturer of power supplies. Previously, Mr. Napoli was Director of Manufacturing for
Telephonics Corporation, a defense contractor. Mr. Napoli holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical
Engineering from the New York Institute of Technology.
Each of the Companys executive officers is to serve until the next annual meeting of
shareholders or until his earlier resignation or removal.
5
Meetings of the Board of Directors
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, the Board of Directors held four meetings and the
Stock Option Committee held one meeting. The Audit Committee met four times and the Compensation
Committee met once during the last fiscal year. No Director attended less than 75% of the
aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings of Committees of
which he was a member that were held during the Companys last fiscal year.
In compliance with requirements of the Corporate Governance Requirements (the CGR) of The
NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (Nasdaq), the non-management directors of the Board of Directors met four
times in executive session during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010.
Committees of the Board
Currently, the only standing committees of the Board of Directors of the Company are its Stock
Option Committees, the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. The Stock Option
Committee for the 1991 Employee Stock Option Plan, the 1996 Employee Stock Option Plan, the 1998
Employee Stock Option Plan, the 2001 Employee Stock Option Plan the 2005 Employee Equity Incentive
Plan and the 2009 Employee Equity Incentive Plan consists of Messrs. Alliger, Miner, Minetti,
ONeill and Gildea. The Stock Option Committee for the 1996 Non-Employee Director Stock Option
Plan, the 2005 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan and the 2009 Non-Employee Director Stock
Option Plan consists of Messrs. McManus, Alliger, Miner, Minetti, ONeill and Gildea. The Stock
Option Committees are responsible for administering the Companys stock option plans.
The Company has a separately designated standing audit committee established in accordance
with section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act).
The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Gildea, Miner, Minetti and ONeill. The Board of
Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is independent not only under
the CGR but also within the definition contained in a final rule of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the SEC). Furthermore, the Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Minetti,
ONeill and Gildea are audit committee financial experts within the definition contained in a
final rule adopted by the SEC.
The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Alliger, Minetti, ONeill and Gildea. The
Compensation Committee is responsible for considering and recommending remuneration arrangements
for executive officers and directors to the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive Officer of the
Company makes recommendations for compensation of executive officers other than himself to the
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee did not employ a compensation consultant during
fiscal 2010 to assist it in evaluating executive compensation. The Committee also did not set
percentage compensation goals against a peer group of companies, or benchmark, our executives
compensation, though the availability to our executives of alternative employment opportunities is
an important consideration in the compensation design process. Rather, the Committee used its
marketplace knowledge, background, experience and market information to make recommendations
concerning executive compensation. The Board of Directors has not adopted a written charter for
the Compensation Committee.
Nomination of Directors
The Company does not currently have a standing nominating committee or a formal nominating
committee charter. Currently, the independent members of the Board, rather than a nominating
committee, approve or recommend to the full Board those persons to be nominated. The Board
believes that the current method of nominating directors is appropriate because it allows each
independent board member input into the nomination process and does not unnecessarily restrict the
input that might be provided from an independent director who could be excluded from a committee.
Currently, five of the six directors are independent. Furthermore, the Board has adopted by
resolution a director nomination policy. The purpose of the policy is to describe the process by
which candidates for inclusion in the Companys recommended slate of director nominees are
selected. The director nomination policy is administered by the Board. Many of the benefits that
would otherwise come from a written committee charter are provided by this policy.
6
In the ordinary course, absent special circumstances or a change in the criteria for Board
membership, the incumbent directors who continue to be qualified for Board service and are willing
to continue as directors are re-nominated. If the Board thinks it is in the best interest of the
Company to nominate a new individual for director in connection with an annual meeting of
shareholders, or if a vacancy occurs between annual shareholder meetings, the Board will seek
potential candidates for Board appointments who meet the criteria for selection as a nominee and
have the specific qualities or skills being sought. Director candidates will be selected based on
input from members of the Board, senior management of the Company and, if deemed appropriate, a
third-party search firm.
Candidates for Board membership must possess the background, skills and expertise to make
significant contributions to the Board, to the Company and its shareholders. Desired qualities to
be considered include substantial experience in business or administrative activities; breadth of
knowledge about issues affecting the Company; and ability and willingness to contribute special
competencies to Board activities. The independent members of the Board also consider whether
members and potential members are independent under the CGR. In addition, candidates should
possess the following attributes: personal integrity; absence of conflicts of interest that might
impede the proper performance of the responsibilities of a director; ability to apply sound and
independent business judgment; sufficient time to devote to Board and Company matters; ability to
fairly and equally represent all shareholders; reputation and achievement in other areas;
independence under rules promulgated by the SEC and the CGR; and diversity of viewpoints,
background and experiences.
The Board of Directors intends to review the director nomination policy from time to time to
consider whether modifications to the policy may be advisable as the Companys needs and
circumstances evolve, and as applicable legal or listing standards change. The Board may amend the
director nomination policy at any time.
The Board will consider director candidates recommended by shareholders and will evaluate such
director candidates in the same manner in which it evaluates candidates recommended by other
sources, as described above. Recommendations must be in writing and mailed to MISONIX, INC., 1938
New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11735, Attention: Corporate Secretary, and include all information
regarding the candidate as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to
the proxy rules promulgated by the SEC if the candidate were nominated by the Board of Directors
(including such candidates written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and
to serving as a director if elected). The shareholder giving notice must provide (i) his or her
name and address, as they appear on the Companys books, and (ii) the number of shares of the
Company which are beneficially owned by such shareholder. The Company may require any proposed
nominee to furnish such other information it may require to be set forth in a shareholders notice
of nomination which pertains to the nominee.
Director Compensation For The 2010 Fiscal Year
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Option |
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Name |
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Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
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Awards ($) |
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Total ($) |
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Michael A. McManus, Jr. |
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John Gildea |
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18,500 |
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18,500 |
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Howard Alliger |
|
|
13,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,500 |
|
Dr. Charles Miner III |
|
|
18,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,500 |
|
T. Guy Minetti |
|
|
23,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,500 |
|
Thomas F. ONeill |
|
|
18,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,500 |
|
7
Outstanding options at fiscal year end for each of Messrs. ONeill and Minetti are 75,000 shares;
Mr. Alliger is 70,000 shares and each of Messrs. Gildea and Miner are 45,000 shares. Each
non-employee director receives an annual fee of $15,000. The Chairman of the Audit Committee
receives an additional $10,000 per year cash compensation and other members of the Audit Committee
receive an additional $5,000 per year cash compensation. Each non-employee director is also
reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred while traveling to attend meetings of the Board of
Directors or while traveling in furtherance of the business of the Company.
Section 16 (a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Companys executive officers, directors and
persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Companys equity securities (Reporting
Persons) to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership on Forms 3, 4, and 5 with the SEC.
These Reporting Persons are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all
Forms 3, 4 and 5 they file with the SEC. Based solely on the Companys review of the copies of the
forms it has received, the Company believes that all Reporting Persons complied on a timely basis
with all filing requirements applicable to them with respect to transactions during fiscal year
2010.
Communications with Directors
Shareholders, associates of the Company and other interested parties may communicate directly
with the Board of Directors, with the non-management Directors or with a specific Board member, by
writing to the Board (or the non-management Directors or a specific Board member) and delivering
the communication in person or mailing it to: Board of Directors, Privileged & Confidential, c/o
Richard Zaremba, Secretary, MISONIX, INC., 1938 New Highway, Farmingdale, New York 11735.
Correspondence will be discussed at the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors, or as
indicated by the urgency of the matter. The non-management Directors are: Messrs. Alliger,
Minetti, ONeill, Gildea and Miner. From time to time, the Board of Directors may change the
process by which shareholders may communicate with the Board of Directors or its members. Any
changes in this process will be posted on the Companys website or otherwise publicly disclosed.
Director Independence
The Company is required to have a Board of Directors a majority of whom are independent as
defined by the CGR and to disclose in the proxy statement for each annual meeting those Directors
that the Board of Directors has determined to be independent. Based on such definition, the Board
of Directors has determined that all Directors other than Mr. McManus, who is an officer of the
Company, are independent.
The Company is required to have an audit committee of at least three members composed solely
of independent Directors. The Board of Directors is required under the CGR to affirmatively
determine the independence of each Director on the Audit Committee. The Board has determined that
each member of the Audit Committee is independent not only under the CGR but also within the
definition contained in a final rule of the SEC. Furthermore, the Board of Directors has
determined that Messrs. Minetti, ONeill and Gildea are audit committee financial experts within
the definition contained in a final rule adopted by the SEC.
Corporate Governance
The Company has an ongoing commitment to good governance and business practices. In
furtherance of this commitment, we regularly monitor developments in the area of corporate
governance and review our policies and procedures in light of such developments. We comply with
the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC and Nasdaq and implement other corporate
governance practices we believe are in the best interests of the Company and the shareholders.
8
Board Leadership and Structure
Michael A. McManus, Jr., our Chief Executive Officer, also serves as Chairman of the Board of
Directors. The Board believes that the Company and its shareholders are best served by having the
Chief Executive Officer also serve as Chairman of the Board as Mr. McManus possesses extensive
experience and in-depth knowledge of our Company and the opportunities and challenges we face. The
Board also believes that this structure is appropriate in light of the size of our Company and
corresponding size of
our Board and the complexity of our business. We believe that Mr. McManus is best positioned to
develop agendas that ensure that our Boards time and attention are focused on the matters that are
most critical to us. The Board does not have a specifically designated lead independent director.
However, Guy Minetti, an independent director and Chair of our Audit Committee, has typically led
the executive session of the Board and acts as a liaison between the independent directors and
management.
Risk Oversight
The Board oversees Company functions in an effort to assure that Company assets are properly
safeguarded, that appropriate financial and other controls are maintained, and that the Companys
business is conducted prudently and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and ethical
standards. While the Board is responsible for risk oversight, Company management is responsible
for managing risk. The Company has robust internal processes and a strong internal control
environment to identify and manage risks and to communicate with the Board. The Board monitors and
evaluates the effectiveness of the internal controls and the risk management program at least
annually. Management communicates routinely with the Board and individual Directors on the
significant risks identified and how they are being managed. Directors are free to, and often do,
communicate directly with senior management.
The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and overseeing the Companys financial statements,
including the integrity of the Companys financial and disclosure controls, its legal compliance
programs and procedures, and its procedures for identifying, evaluating and controlling material
financial, legal and operational risk. The Audit Committee, whose members are all independent
directors, receives regular reports about these matters from, and meets separately with, the
Companys outside auditors, and receives regular reports from Company management.
Board Attendance at Annual Meetings of Shareholders
The Company does not currently have a formal policy regarding Director attendance at the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders. It is, however, expected that Directors will be in attendance,
absent compelling circumstances. Except for Mr. ONeill, all members of the Board of Directors
attended the Companys Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on December 8, 2009.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to all of its Directors, officers
(including its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller and any person
performing similar functions) and employees. The Company has filed a copy of this Code of Ethics
as Exhibit 14 to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. The
Company has also made the Code of Ethics available on its website at www.MISONIX.com.
In accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Audit Committee has established
procedures for the receipt and handling of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting,
internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and to allow for the confidential, anonymous
submission by employees of concerns regarding auditing or accounting matters.
* * *
9
The Audit Committee has furnished the following report. The information contained in the
Audit Committee Report is not to be deemed to be soliciting material or to be filed with the
SEC, nor is such information to be incorporated by reference into any future filings under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company
specifically incorporates it by reference in to such filings.
Audit Committee Report
Management is responsible for the Companys financial reporting process, including its system
of internal control, and for the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The Companys independent
auditors are responsible for auditing those financial statements. The Audit Committees
responsibility is to monitor and review these processes. It is not the Audit Committees duty or
responsibility to conduct audit or accounting reviews or procedures. The members of the Audit
Committee are not employees of the Company and may not be, and may not represent themselves to be
or to serve as, accountants or auditors by profession or experts in the fields of accounting or
auditing. Therefore, the Audit Committee has relied, without independent verification, on
managements representation that the financial statements have been prepared with integrity and
objectivity and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
and on the representations of the independent registered public accounting firm included in its
report on the Companys financial statements. The Audit Committees oversight does not provide it
with an independent basis to determine that management has maintained appropriate accounting and
financial reporting principles or policies, or appropriate internal controls and procedures
designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations.
Furthermore, the Audit Committees considerations and discussions with management and the
independent registered public accounting firm do not assure that the Companys financial statements
are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States,
that the audit of the Companys financial statements has been carried out in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards or that the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm is in fact independent.
The Audit Committee of the Companys Board of Directors is currently composed of four
Directors, none of who are officers or employees of the Company. The Board of Directors has
determined that (1) all members of the Audit Committee are financially literate and independent
under the CGR, and (2) Messrs. Gildea, Minetti and ONeill are audit committee financial experts,
as defined under the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC. The Board of Directors has
adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee charter is attached to this
Proxy Statement as Exhibit A.
In accordance with its written charter, the Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in
fulfilling its responsibility to monitor the integrity of the accounting, auditing and financial
reporting practices of the Company. Typically, for each fiscal year, the Audit Committee selects
the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the financial statements of the Company
and its subsidiaries and such selection is subsequently presented to the Companys shareholders for
ratification.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements contained in
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2010 with our management; has discussed
with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the
statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1. AU
section 380) as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; has discussed with the
independent registered public accounting firm the independent registered public accounting firms
independence; and has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent
registered public accounting firm required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1
(Independence Discussions with Audit Committees).
10
Based on the review and discussions of the above, the Audit Committee recommended to our Board
of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Companys Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2010 for filing with the SEC.
Reported upon by the Audit Committee
T. Guy Minetti
Thomas F. ONeill
John W. Gildea
Dr. Charles Miner III
* * *
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview of Compensation Program and Philosophy
Our compensation program is intended to:
|
|
|
Attract, motivate, retain and reward employees of outstanding ability; |
|
|
|
Link changes in employee compensation to individual and corporate performance; |
|
|
|
Align employees interests with those of the shareholders. |
The ultimate objective of our compensation program is to increase shareholder value. We seek
to achieve these objectives with a total compensation approach which takes into account a
competitive base salary, bonus pay based on the annual performance of the Company and individual
goals and stock option awards.
Base Salaries
Base salaries paid to executives are intended to attract and retain highly talented
individuals. In setting base salaries, individual experience, individual performance, the Companys
performance and job responsibilities during the year are considered. Executive salaries are
reconciled by Human Resources and evaluated against local companies of similar size and nature.
Annual Bonus Plan Compensation
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approves annual performance based
compensation. The purpose of the annual bonus based compensation is to motivate executive officers
and key employees. Target bonuses, based upon recommendation from the Chief Executive Officer, are
evaluated and approved by the Compensation Committee for all employees other than the Chief
Executive Officer. The bonus recommendations are derived from individual and Company performance
and are not based on a specific formula but are discretionary. The Chief Executive Officers bonus
compensation is derived from the Board of Directors recommendation to the Compensation Committee
based upon the Chief Executive Officers performance and Company performance and is not based on a
specific formula but is discretionary.
11
Stock Option Awards
Stock option awards are intended to attract and retain highly talented executives, to provide
an opportunity for significant compensation when overall Company performance is reflected in the
stock price, and to help align executives and shareholders interests. Stock options are
typically granted at the time of hire to key new employees and annually to a broad group of
existing key employees, including executive officers.
Annual option grants to executive officers are made in the form of incentive stock options
(ISOs) to the fullest extent permitted under tax rules, with the balance granted in the form of
nonqualified stock options. ISOs have potential income tax advantage for executives if the
executive disposes of the acquired shares after satisfying certain holding periods. Tax laws
provide that the aggregate grant, at date
of grant for market value of ISOs that become exercisable for any employee in any year, may not
exceed $100,000.
Our current standard vesting schedule for all employees is 25% on the first anniversary of the
date of grant, 50% on the second anniversary of the date of grant, 75% on the third anniversary of
the date of grant and 100% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant.
401 (k) Plan
Our Individual Deferred Tax and Savings Plan (the 401 (k) plan) is a tax qualified
retirement savings plan pursuant to which all of the Companys U.S. employees may defer
compensation under Section 401 (k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code).
The Company currently contributes an amount equal to 10% of salary contributed under the 401 (k)
plan by an eligible employee, up to the maximum allowed under the Code. We do not provide any
supplemental retirement benefits to executive officers.
Change in Control benefits
Change in control benefits are intended to diminish the distinction that executives would face
by virtue of the personal uncertainties created by a pending or threatened change in control and to
assure that the Company will continue to have the executives full attention and services at all
time. Our change in control benefits are designed to be competitive with similar benefits available
at companies with which we compete for executives talent. These benefits, as one element of our
total compensation program, help the Company attract, retain and motivate highly talented
executives.
Mr. McManus has an agreement that provides, after a change in control of the Company, for a
one-time additional compensation payment equal to two times his total compensation (annual salary
plus bonus) at the highest rate paid during his employment payable within 60 days of termination.
A change in control shall be deemed to have occurred in the event (i) any person (as such term
is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), or group of such persons, without the
consent of the Board, is or becomes a beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange
Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the combined
voting power of the Companys then outstanding securities, or (ii) of a merger, consolidation or
other combination the result of which is the ownership by shareholders of the Company of less than
60% of those voting securities of the resulting or acquiring entity having the power to elect a
majority of the Board of Directors of such entity.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no change in control shall be deemed to have occurred requiring
payment to Mr. McManus by virtue of (i) any transaction which results in Mr. McManus or a group of
persons which includes Mr. McManus, acquiring, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of any class of
voting securities of the Company, or (ii) if Mr. McManus continues in the employ of the Company
more than 9 months following the occurrence of an event which would otherwise constitute a change
in control.
12
Mr. Zaremba has an agreement for the payment of six months of annual base salary upon a change
in control of the Company.
The Company provides, in each of its option agreements with named executive officers, for
accelerated vesting upon a change in control of the Company. The Company believes that, in the
context of a potential change in control, executives should be entitled to participate with other
shareholders in realizing the value contributed to the Company. Accordingly, the accelerated
vesting of stock options is intended to compensate executives for their contributions up to and
including the date of a change in control, and to provide additional incentive to remain employed
by the Company in order to assist in effectuating such potential change in control. For fiscal
year 2010 the named executive officers held 310,750 unvested stock options. Accordingly, the named
executive officers, as of the end of fiscal year
2010 would have been entitled to accelerated vesting upon a change in control of the Company
occurring on such date.
Tax deductibility of Executive Compensation
Section 162 (m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits to $1,000,000 per person the amount that
we may deduct for compensation paid to any of our most highly compensated officers in any year. In
fiscal 2010, there was no executive officers compensation that exceeded $1,000,000.
* * *
The following table sets forth information for the Companys last two fiscal years ended
concerning the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our named executive officers during
such fiscal years for services rendered to the Company.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal |
|
Fiscal Year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Awards |
|
|
|
|
Position |
|
Ended June 30, |
|
|
Salary ($) |
|
|
Bonus ($) |
|
|
($)(a) |
|
|
Total ($) |
|
Michael A. McManus, Jr. |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
286,458 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
101,075 |
|
|
|
587,533 |
|
Chairman, President and Chief |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
275,000 |
|
|
|
11,458 |
|
|
|
107,000 |
|
|
|
393,458 |
|
Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard Zaremba |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
196,154 |
|
|
|
34,000 |
|
|
|
48,516 |
|
|
|
278,670 |
|
Senior Vice President, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
192,100 |
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
23,032 |
|
|
|
223,132 |
|
Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael Ryan |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
236,001 |
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
48,546 |
|
|
|
296,517 |
|
Senior Vice President-Medical |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
225,000 |
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
23,032 |
|
|
|
256,022 |
|
Division |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
risk-free interest rate of 3.1%; no dividend yield; volatility factor of the expected
market price of the Common Stock of 81.94%, and a weighted-average expected life of the
options of six and one half years. |
13
Employment Agreements
Effective July 1, 2008, the Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement
with its President and Chief Executive Officer. The agreement was amended effective January 1,
2010. The agreement expires on June 30, 2011 and is automatically renewable for one-year periods
unless notice is given by the Company or Mr. McManus that it or he declines to renew the agreement.
The agreement provides for an annual base compensation of $283,250 and a Company-provided
automobile. The agreement also provides for a discretionary bonus based upon achievement of his
annual goals and objectives as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
In conformity with the Companys policy, all of its directors, officers and employees execute
confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements upon the commencement of employment with the Company.
The agreements generally provide that all inventions or discoveries by the employee related to the
Companys business and all confidential information developed or made known to the employee during
the term of employment shall be the exclusive property of the Company and shall not be disclosed to
third parties without the prior approval of the Company. Mr. Zaremba has an agreement for the
payment of six months annual base salary upon a change in control of the Company. Mr. McManus is
entitled in the event of a change of control to payment of two times his total compensation (annual
base salary plus bonus) at the highest rate paid during the period of employment, payable in a lump
sum within 60 days of termination of employment. The Companys employment agreement with Mr.
McManus also contains non-competition provisions that preclude him from competing with the Company
for a period of 18 months from the date of his termination of employment.
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON CHANGE IN CONTROL
In addition, and as discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section above, the
Company periodically grants options to purchase Common Stock of the Company to named executive
officers. Pursuant to the terms of the Companys Stock Option Plans, such options generally vest
and become fully exercisable upon a change in control, defined generally as: (1) an acquisition by
an person or entity of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company or the combined voting
power of the Companys voting shares; (2) replacement of a majority of the members of the Board of
Directors of the Company with new members (other than members approved by the incumbent Board); (3)
consummation of a merger, consolidation, reorganization or sale or disposition of all or
substantially all of the Companys assets (a Business Combination) unless the existing
shareholders retain more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Companys voting securities,
at least a majority of the incumbent Board members remain on the Board and no person or entity
other than the Company, an employee benefit plan or an entity resulting from such Business
Combination acquires more than 20% of the combined voting power of the Companys then outstanding
securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; or (4) the Companys
shareholders approval of a complete liquidation or a disposition of the Company.
14
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AS OF NOVEMBER 2, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options (#) |
|
|
Options (#) |
|
|
Option Exercise |
|
|
Option Expiration |
|
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
|
Unexercisable |
|
|
Price ($) |
|
|
Date |
|
|
Michael A. McManus, Jr. |
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.07 |
|
|
|
10/17/11 |
|
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.10 |
|
|
|
09/30/12 |
|
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.66 |
|
|
|
11/01/13 |
|
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.18 |
|
|
|
11/01/14 |
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
(5) |
|
|
1.91 |
|
|
|
11/04/18 |
|
|
|
|
12,500 |
|
|
|
37,500 |
(7) |
|
|
2.44 |
|
|
|
09/09/19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
(1) |
|
|
1.82 |
|
|
|
09/07/20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard Zaremba |
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.12 |
|
|
|
05/08/11 |
|
|
|
|
16,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.07 |
|
|
|
10/17/11 |
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.10 |
|
|
|
09/30/12 |
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.70 |
|
|
|
09/16/13 |
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.00 |
|
|
|
09/15/14 |
|
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.60 |
|
|
|
09/27/15 |
|
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.82 |
|
|
|
02/07/16 |
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.45 |
|
|
|
10/20/16 |
|
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
(2) |
|
|
4.04 |
|
|
|
09/04/17 |
|
|
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
9,000 |
(4) |
|
|
2.04 |
|
|
|
09/26/18 |
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
(6) |
|
|
.85 |
|
|
|
12/11/18 |
|
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
16,000 |
(7) |
|
|
2.44 |
|
|
|
09/09/19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
(1) |
|
|
1.82 |
|
|
|
09/07/20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael Ryan |
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
9,000 |
(4) |
|
|
2.04 |
|
|
|
09/26/18 |
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
(6) |
|
|
.85 |
|
|
|
12/11/18 |
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
18,000 |
(7) |
|
|
2.44 |
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09/09/19 |
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30,000 |
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1.82 |
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09/07/20 |
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Options issued 09/07/10 and vest equally over 4 years |
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Options issued 09/05/07 and vest equally over 4 years |
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Options issued 11/07/07 and vest equally over 4 years |
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Options issued 09/29/08 and vest equally over 4 years |
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Options issued 11/04/08 and vest equally over 4 years |
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Options issued 12/11/08 and vest equally over 4 years |
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Options issued 09/09/09 and vest equally over 4 years |
Stock Options
In September 1991, in order to attract and retain persons necessary for the success of the
Company, the Company adopted a stock option plan (the 1991 Plan) which covers up to 375,000
shares of Common Stock. Pursuant to the 1991 Plan, officers, directors, consultants and key
employees of the Company are eligible to receive incentive and/or non-incentive stock options. At
June 30, 2009, options to purchase 30,000 shares were outstanding under the 1991 Plan at an
exercise price of $7.38 per share with a vesting period of two years, options to purchase 327,750
shares had been exercised and options to purchase 47,250 shares have been forfeited (of which
options to purchase 30,000 shares have been reissued). There are no shares available for future
grants.
In March 1996, the Board of Directors adopted and, in February 1997, the shareholders approved
the 1996 Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan covering an aggregate of 450,000 shares (the 1996
Plan) and the 1996 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the 1996 Directors Plan) covering an
aggregate of 1,125,000 shares of Common Stock. At June 30, 2010, options to purchase 71,000 shares
were outstanding at exercise prices ranging from $5.18 to $7.60 per share with a vesting period of
immediate to three years under the 1996 Plan and options to acquire 160,000 shares were outstanding
at exercise prices ranging from $3.21 to $7.60 per share with a vesting period of immediate to
three years under the 1996 Directors Plan. At June 30, 2010, options to purchase 138,295 shares
under the 1996 Plan have been exercised and options to purchase 392,650 shares have been forfeited
(of which options to purchase 182,945 shares have been reissued). At June 30, 2010, options to
purchase 808,500 shares under the 1996 Directors Plan have been exercised and options to purchase
90,000 shares have been forfeited (of which none have been reissued). There are no shares available
for future grants.
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In October 1998, the Board of Directors adopted and, in January 1999, the shareholders
approved the 1998 Employee Stock Option Plan (the 1998 Plan) covering an aggregate of 500,000
shares of Common Stock. At June 30, 2010, options to purchase 275,200 shares were outstanding under
the 1998 Plan at exercise prices ranging from $3.45 to $7.60 per share with a vesting period of
immediate to three years. At June 30, 2010, options to purchase 72,848 shares under the 1998 Plan
have been exercised and options to purchase 217,227 shares under the 1998 Plan have been forfeited
(of which options to purchase 79,702 shares have been reissued). There are no shares available for
future grants.
In October 2000, the Board of Directors adopted and, in February 2001, the shareholders
approved the 2001 Employee Stock Option Plan (the 2001 Plan) covering an aggregate of 1,000,000
shares of Common Stock. At June 30, 2010, options to purchase 788,010 shares were outstanding under
the 2001 Plan at exercise prices ranging from $3.45 to $8.00 per share with a vesting period of one
to four years. At June 30, 2010, options to purchase 128,306 shares under the 2001 Plan have been
exercised and options to purchase 251,950 shares under the 2001 Plan have been forfeited (of which
159,577 options have been reissued). At June 30, 2010, there were 83,684 shares available for
future grants.
In September 2005, the Board of Directors adopted, and in December 2005, the shareholders
approved, the 2005 Employee Equity Incentive Plan (the 2005 Plan) covering an aggregate of
500,000 shares of Common Stock and the 2005 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the 2005
Directors Plan) covering an aggregate of 200,000 shares of Common Stock. At June 30, 2010, there
were options to purchase 374,300 shares outstanding under the 2005 Plan at exercise prices ranging
from $.85 to $4.98 per share with a vesting period of four years. At June 30, 2010, there were no
options exercised under the 2005 Plan and 34,000 shares have been forfeited (of which no options
have been reissued). At June 30, 2010, 125,700 shares were available for future grants under the
2005 Plan. At June 30, 2010, options to purchase 150,000 shares were outstanding under the 2005
Directors Plan at an exercise price ranging from $2.66 to $5.42 with a vesting period over three
years. At June 30, 2010, there were no options exercised and 50,000 shares were available for
future grants under the 2005 Directors Plan.
In December 2009, the Board of Directors and shareholders adopted the 2009 Employee Equity
Incentive Plan (the 2009 Plan) covering an aggregate of 500,000 shares of Common Stock and the
2009 Non-Employee Stock Option Plan (the 2009 Directors Plan) covering an aggregate of 200,000
shares of Common Stock. At June 30, 2010 there were no options outstanding, exercised, or
forfeited under the 2009 Plan. At June 30, 2010 500,000 shares were available for future grants
under the 2009 plan. At June 30, 2010 there were no options outstanding exercised, or forfeited
under the 2009 Directors Plan. At June 30, 2010, 200,000 shares were available for future grants
under the 2009 Directors Plan.
The selection of participants, allotments of shares and determination of price and other
conditions relating to options are determined by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof,
depending on the Plan, and in accordance with Rule 4350(c) of the Corporate Governance Requirements
applicable to Nasdaq-listed companies. Incentive stock options granted under the plans are
exercisable for a period of up to ten years from the date of grant at an exercise price which is
not less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of the grant, except that the
term of an incentive stock option granted under the plans to a shareholder owning more than 10% of
the outstanding Common Stock may not exceed five years and its exercise price may not be less than
110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. Options shall become
exercisable at such time and in such installments as provided in the terms of each individual
option agreement.
16
PROPOSAL TWO
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Audit Committee has selected Grant Thornton to serve as the Companys Independent
registered public accounting firm for the 2011 fiscal year. Grant Thornton will audit the Companys
consolidated financial statements for the 2011 fiscal year and perform other services. While
shareholder ratification is not required by the Companys By-Laws or otherwise, the Board of
Directors, at the direction of the Audit Committee, is submitting the selection of Grant Thornton
to the shareholders for ratification as part of good corporate governance practices. If the
shareholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee may, but is not required to,
reconsider whether to retain Grant Thornton. Even is the selection is ratified, the Audit
Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different accounting firm as the
independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the year ending June 30. 2011 at
any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interest of the
Company and its shareholders.
The favorable vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock, represented in
person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting, will be required for such ratification.
A representative of Grant Thornton is expected to be available either personally or by
telephone hookup at the Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders and
will be given opportunity to make a statement if he desires to do so.
Audit Fees:
Grant Thornton billed the Company $383,467 and $379,361 in the aggregate for services rendered
for the audit of the Companys annual financial statements for the Companys 2010 and 2009 fiscal
years, respectively, and the review of the interim financial statements included in the Companys
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the Companys 2010 and 2009 fiscal years, respectively.
Audit-Related Fees:
The Company did not engage Grant Thornton to perform audit-related services, as defined by the
SEC, for the Companys 2010 and 2009 fiscal years.
Tax Fees:
Grant Thornton did not render any tax related services, as defined by the SEC, for the
Companys 2010 and 2009 fiscal years.
All Other Fees:
Grant Thornton did not render any other services to the Company for the 2010 and 2009 fiscal
years.
Policy on Pre-approval of Independent Auditor Services
The charter of the Audit Committee provides for the pre-approval of all auditing services and
all permitted non-auditing services to be performed for the Company by the independent auditors,
subject to the requirements of applicable law. The procedures for pre-approving all audit and
non-audit services provided by the independent auditors include the Audit Committee reviewing
audit-related services, tax services, and other services. The Audit Committee periodically monitors
the services rendered by and actual fees paid to the independent auditors to ensure that such
services are within the parameters approved by the Audit Committee.
17
The Board of Directors recommends a vote for ratification of the selection of Grant Thornton
as the Companys Independent registered public accounting firm.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors does not know of any business
other than that specified above to come before the Annual Meeting, but, if any other business does
lawfully come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed
Proxy to vote in regard thereto in accordance with their judgment.
The Company will pay the cost of soliciting Proxies in the accompanying form. In addition to
solicitation by use of the mails, certain officers and regular employees of the Company may solicit
proxies by telephone, telegraph or personal interview without additional remuneration therefor.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Shareholder proposals with respect to the Companys next Annual Meeting of Shareholders must
be received by the Company no later than July 11, 2011 to be considered for inclusion in the
Companys next Proxy Statement. Under SEC proxy rules, Proxies solicited by the Board of Directors
for the 2011 Annual Meeting may be voted at the discretion of the persons named in such proxies (or
their substitutes) with respect to any shareholder proposal not included in the Companys Proxy
Statement if the Company does not receive notice of such proposal on or before September 26, 2011,
unless the 2011 Annual Meeting is not held within 30 days before or after the anniversary date of
the 2010 Annual Meeting.
A copy of the Companys Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010
is available to all shareholders. Shareholders are referred to the Report for financial and other
information about the Company, but such Report is not incorporated in this Proxy Statement and is
not part of the proxy soliciting material.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
RICHARD ZAREMBA
Secretary
Dated: November 8, 2010
Farmingdale, New York
18
EXHIBIT A
MISONIX, INC.
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
A. Purpose
The primary purpose of the Audit Committee (the Audit Committee) of MISONIX, INC. (the
Company) shall be to assist the Board of Directors (the Board) in fulfilling its responsibility
to oversee the integrity of the Companys financial reporting process, including the performance of
the Companys systems of internal accounting and financial controls, the Companys internal audit
function, the outside auditors qualifications and independence, the Companys process for
monitoring compliance with applicable legal, regulatory and ethics programs, and the annual
independent audit of the Companys financial statements. A purpose of the Audit Committee shall
also be to prepare the Audit Committee report to be included in the Companys proxy statement for
the annual meeting of shareholders and any other meeting of shareholders at which members of the
Board are to be elected.
In discharging its oversight role, the Audit Committee shall have the power to investigate any
matter that comes to its attention, with full access to all books, records, facilities and
personnel of the Company. The Audit Committee shall also have the power to retain (at the Companys
expense) outside counsel, auditors or other advisors as it determines necessary to carry out its
purposes and to determine the engagement terms and fees of such outside counsel, auditors and other
advisors. The outside auditors are ultimately accountable to the Audit Committee and shall report
directly to the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee shall review the adequacy of this Charter on an annual basis and recommend
any proposed changes to the Board for approval.
B. Membership
The Audit Committee shall comprise not less than three (3) members of the Board, each of whom
shall be independent as defined below. The Audit Committees composition will meet the requirements
of the Qualitative Listing Requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market and all applicable federal
securities laws.
The members of the Audit Committee shall be appointed by the Board and shall be subject to
removal by the Board.
1. Independence
No Audit Committee member shall qualify as independent unless the Board affirmatively
determines that the member has no material relationship with the Company (either directly or as a
partner, shareholder, or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company) and
otherwise meets the standards for independence of the Nasdaq Stock Market and any applicable
federal securities laws.
2. Financial Expertise and Experience
At least one (1) member of the Audit Committee shall be an audit committee financial expert
as defined in rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. All members of the Audit
Committee shall be financially literate, as defined in the Qualitative Listing Requirements of the
Nasdaq Stock Market.
C. Key Responsibilities
The Audit Committees job is one of oversight. The Companys management is responsible for
preparing the Companys financial statements and the outside auditors are responsible for auditing
those financial statements. The Audit Committee is not responsible for planning or conducting
audits or determining that the Companys financial statements are complete and accurate or in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable rules and regulations.
Consequently, in carrying out its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee is not providing
any expert or special assurance as to the Companys financial statements or any professional
certification as to the outside auditors work.
The Audit Committee shall meet at least four times per year, or more often as necessary to
perform the duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee as set forth herein. The Audit
Committee shall report to the Board at its next meeting after each Audit Committee meeting.
The following are functions of the Audit Committee in carrying out its oversight function.
1. Selection and Compensation of the Outside Auditors
The Audit Committee shall have the sole authority and direct responsibility to select,
evaluate and, where appropriate, replace the outside auditors. In connection therewith, the Audit
Committee is responsible for determining the engagement terms and fees of the outside auditors and
for resolving disputes between management and the outside auditors regarding financial reporting.
2. Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services
All auditing services provided to the Company by the outside auditors shall be pre-approved by
the Audit Committee.
Additionally, the Audit Committee or one or more of its members shall review any non-audit
services provided to the Company by its outside auditors and, except for certain de minimis
services to the extent permitted by law, shall pre-approve any such non-audit services. The Audit
Committee shall be responsible for determining the engagement terms and fees of any non-audit
services to be provided by the outside auditors. The Audit Committee shall not approve the
engagement of the Companys outside auditors to perform any non-audit services that are prohibited
by Section 10A(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any rules promulgated
thereunder.
The decisions of any member of the Audit Committee to whom authority is delegated to approve
any activity by the outside auditors shall be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next
meeting.
The Audit Committee shall consider whether the outside auditors performance of any proposed
non-audit services is compatible with the outside auditors independence.
A-2
3. Meetings with and Reports from Outside Auditors
(a) The Audit Committee shall periodically meet with management and the outside auditors in
separate executive sessions.
(b) The Audit Committee shall review and discuss with management and the outside auditors the
audited financial statements and related footnotes and the Managements Discussion and Analysis to
be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K (or the Annual Report to Shareholders if
distributed prior to the filing of the Form 10-K). Such review and discussion shall include the
analysis and judgment of management and the outside auditors about the appropriateness and quality,
not just acceptability, of accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and
the clarity of the disclosures in the financial statements. In addition, the Audit Committee shall
review and consider with management and the outside auditors the matters required to be discussed
by Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 61. The Audit Committee shall recommend to the Board
whether, based on the review and discussions described herein, the financial statements should be
included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(c) The Audit Committee shall review and discuss with management and the outside auditors the
Companys interim financial results to be included in the Companys quarterly reports to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This review will occur prior to each filing by the
Company of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
(d) The Audit Committee shall review and discuss with management and the outside auditors the
accounting policies and assumptions which may be viewed as critical, the alternative treatments of
financial information within generally accepted accounting principles that the outside auditors
have discussed with management, the ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and
treatments, and the treatment preferred by the outside auditors. The Audit Committee shall review
and discuss with management and the outside auditors any significant changes in the accounting
policies of the Company and accounting and financial reporting pronouncements and proposed rules
that may have a significant impact on the Companys financial reports.
(e) The Audit Committee shall review and discuss with management and the outside auditors (i)
any financial or non-financial arrangements of the Company which do not appear on the financial
statements of the Company but are necessary to understand how significant aspects of the Companys
business are conducted; and (ii) material transactions or courses of dealing with parties related
to the Company.
(f) At least annually, the Audit Committee shall obtain and review a report by the outside
auditors describing the following: (i) the outside auditors internal quality control procedures;
and (ii) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control review, or peer
review of the outside auditors, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional
authorities, within the preceding five (5) years respecting one (1) or more independent audits
carried out by the outside auditors, and any steps taken to deal with any such issues.
A-3
(g) The Audit Committee shall evaluate the qualifications, performance and independence of the
outside auditors and the lead audit partner (including the rotation of the lead audit partner) and
present the conclusions of the Audit Committee to the entire Board. In evaluating the outside
auditors, the Audit Committee shall consider whether it is appropriate to rotate outside auditing
firms.
(h) The Audit Committee shall: (i) request from the outside auditors annually, a formal
written statement delineating all relationships between the auditors and the Company consistent
with Independence Standards Board Standard Number 1; (ii) discuss with the outside auditors any
such disclosed relationship and its impact on the outside auditors independence; and (iii)
determine any appropriate action in response to the outside auditors report to satisfy itself of
the auditors independence.
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De minimis services are defined in Section 202 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Section
10A(i)(1)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act) as services that meet the following criteria: (1) all
such services must in the aggregate constitute no more than 5% of the revenues paid by the company
to the outside auditor; (2) such services must not have been recognized by the company as non-audit
services at the time of the engagement for such services and (3) such services are brought to the
attention of the audit committee (or one or more members of the committee to whom the approval of
such services has been delegated) and are approved by the committee or such members(s) before the
completion of such services. |
A-4
(i) The Audit Committee shall meet separately with the outside auditors, with and without
management present, to discuss the results of their audits, including any audit problems or
difficulties and managements response.
(j) The Audit Committee shall review and discuss with management, the outside auditors and the
Companys Chief Financial Officer, the adequacy and effectiveness of the Companys internal
controls, including the Companys legal and regulatory compliance programs and the application of
the Companys code of ethics to the senior financial officers. The Audit Committee shall review and
discuss the Companys legal and regulatory compliance programs with the Companys General Counsel.
(k) The Audit Committee shall review and discuss the Companys guidelines and policies to
govern the process by which risk assessment and risk management is undertaken and its programs for
monitoring and controlling major financial risks.
(l) The Audit Committee shall review and discuss with the Companys Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer their evaluation of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures.
4. Other Matters
(a) Legal Proceedings and Contingent Liabilities
The Audit Committee shall review with management material and pending or overtly threatened
legal proceedings involving the Company and other material contingent liabilities.
(b) Press Releases and Information Provided to Analysts and Ratings Agencies
The Audit Committee shall discuss earnings press releases, as well as financial information
and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies. Such discussion may be done
generally (through a discussion of the types of information to be disclosed and the types of
presentations to be made). In addition, the Audit Committee may delegate the review of individual
press releases or presentations to the Audit Committees chairman or another member of the Audit
Committee.
(c) Proxy Statement Report
The Audit Committee shall prepare the Audit Committee report required by the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission to be included in the Companys proxy statement for the election
of members of the Board. The report will address all issues required by the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
A-5
(d) Procedures for Employee Complaints and Concerns
The Audit Committee shall establish procedures for: (a) the receipt, retention and treatment
of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or
auditing matters; and (b) confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Company of
concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
(e) Hiring Practices for Employees of Outside Auditor
The Audit Committee shall set clear hiring practices for employees or former employees of the
outside auditors; such practices to be in accordance with applicable federal securities laws.
(f) Annual Self-Evaluation
The Audit Committee shall perform an annual self-evaluation to determine the extent to which
it fulfilled its obligations as described in this Charter or otherwise required by applicable
listing standards, regulations or law.
A-6
PROXY
MISONIX, INC.
This Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby appoints Michael A. McManus, Jr. and Richard Zaremba, as Proxies, each with
the power to appoint a substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as
designated below, all the shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, held of record by the
undersigned on November 2, 2010 at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on December 7,
2010 or any adjournment thereof (the Meeting) of MISONIX, INC.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN
THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED
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Election of Directors: |
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NOMINEES: |
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(01) Michael A. McManus, Jr., (02) Howard Alliger, (03) T. Guy Minetti, (04) Thomas F.
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FOR all Nominees listed (except
as marked to the contrary) |
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WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
to vote for all Nominees listed |
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(Instruction: To withhold authority to vote for
one or more individual nominees write the
nominees name(s) in the line provided below.) |
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Ratification of the selection of Grant Thornton LLP as independent registered public accounting firm. |
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In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly
come before the Meeting. This Proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed
herein by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is made, the Proxy will be voted FOR the
election of all Directors and Proposal 2.
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Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. |
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(Signature)
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, 2010
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When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, as executor,
administrator, trustee, or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign
in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized person. Please note any change in your address alongside the
address as it appears in the Proxy.
PLEASE MARK IN BLUE OR BLACK INK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held December 7, 2010. The Proxy Statement and our 2010 Annual Report to
Shareholders are available at http://www.cstproxy.com/misonix/2010.