UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
Check the appropriate box:
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| Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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| Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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| Definitive Proxy Statement |
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| Definitive Additional Materials |
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| Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12 |
Via Renewables, 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 all boxes that apply):
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| No fee required. |
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| Fee paid previously with preliminary materials |
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| Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11 |
VIA RENEWABLES, INC.
12140 Wickchester Ln., Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77079
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To the shareholders of Via Renewables, Inc.:
Notice
is hereby given that the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Via
Renewables, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held at 12140 Wickchester Ln.,
Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77079, on May 18, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Central
Time (the “Annual Meeting”). The Annual Meeting is being held for the
following purposes:
1. To elect one Class II director.
2. To
ratify the appointment of Grant Thonrton LLP (“GT”) as our independent
registered public accountant for 2022.
3. To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers.
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
These
proposals are described in the accompanying proxy materials. You will
be able to vote at the Annual Meeting if you held shares of the
Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Class A
common stock”), or Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the
“Class B common stock” and, together with the Class A common stock, the
“Common Stock”), at the close of business on March 24, 2022. Holders of
shares of our 8.75% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative
Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”)
generally have no voting rights and, accordingly, are not entitled to
vote on any matters at the Annual Meeting.
Pursuant
to rules promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(the “SEC”), we are also providing access to our proxy materials over
the Internet. As a result, we are mailing to most of our shareholders a
Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials instead of a paper
copy of this Proxy Statement,
a proxy card and our 2021 Annual Report to Shareholders. The Notice
contains instructions on how to access those documents over the
Internet, as well as instructions on how to request a paper copy of our
proxy materials. We believe that this process will allow us to provide
you with the information you need in a more timely manner, will save us
the cost of printing and mailing documents to you, and will conserve
natural resources.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
We
urge you to promptly vote your shares of Common Stock in advance of the
Annual Meeting. You will retain the right to revoke your proxy at any
time before the vote, or to vote your shares of Common Stock personally
if you attend the Annual Meeting. Voting your shares of Common Stock in
advance of the Annual Meeting will not prevent you from attending the
Annual Meeting and voting in person. Please note, however, that if you
hold your shares of Common Stock through a broker or other nominee, and
you wish to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain from
your broker or other nominee a proxy issued in your name.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
W. Keith Maxwell, III
Chief
Executive Officer
Houston, Texas
April 8, 2022
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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 18, 2022 The
Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the Proxy Statement for
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, along with the Company’s 2021 Annual
Report to Shareholders, is available free of charge at
www.proxyvote.com. |
VIA RENEWABLES, INC.
12140 Wickchester Ln., Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77079
PROXY STATEMENT
2022 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
The
Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors” or the
“Board”) is soliciting your proxy for the Annual Meeting that will be
held on May 18, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time, at 12140 Wickchester
Ln., Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77079. By granting the proxy, you
authorize the persons named on the proxy to represent you and vote your
shares of Common Stock at the Annual Meeting. Those persons will also be
authorized to vote your shares of Common Stock to adjourn the Annual
Meeting from time to time and to vote your shares at any adjournments or
postponements of the Annual Meeting.
In
accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the SEC, we are
providing shareholders of our Common Stock access to proxy materials on
the Internet. Accordingly, a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy
Materials (the “Notice”) will be mailed to our Common Stock shareholders
of record as of March 24, 2022 on or about April 8, 2022. The Notice
contains instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the
Internet and how to request a paper copy. In addition, shareholders of
our Common Stock may request to receive future proxy materials in
printed form by mail or electronically by e-mail. An election to receive
proxy materials by mail or e-mail will remain in effect until the
shareholder terminates it.
Shareholders of Record and Beneficial Owners
Most
of our shareholders hold their shares through a broker, bank or other
nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below,
there are some distinctions between shares held of record and shares
owned beneficially.
Shareholders of Record.
If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer
agent, you are considered the shareholder of record with respect to
those shares, and the Notice and any requested proxy materials,
including a proxy and voting instruction card, are being sent directly
to you.
Beneficial Owners.
If your shares are held in a brokerage account or by a bank or other
nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in
“street name,” and the Notice will be forwarded to you by your broker or
nominee. The broker or nominee is considered the shareholder of record
with respect to those shares. If you are a beneficial owner of Common
Stock held in street name, you must either direct your broker or other
nominee how to vote your Common Stock, or obtain a “legal” proxy from
your broker or other nominee to vote in person at the Annual Meeting. As
the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker how to
vote. Beneficial owners that receive the proxy materials by mail should
follow the instructions included in the proxy materials to transmit
voting instructions.
QUORUM AND VOTING
Voting Stock.
Holders of our Common Stock are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
The shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will vote
together as a single class on all matters. Each shareholder is entitled
to one vote for each share of Class A common stock and one vote for each
share of Class B common stock owned by them on the record date. Holders
of shares of our Series A Preferred Stock generally have no voting
rights and, accordingly, are not entitled to vote on any matters at the
Annual Meeting.
You may vote by any of the following four methods:
•Internet. Vote on the Internet at www.proxyvote.com.
This web site also allows electronic proxy voting using smartphones,
tablets and other web-connected mobile devices (additional charges may
apply pursuant to your service provider plan). Simply follow the
instructions on the Notice, or if you received a proxy card by mail,
follow the instructions on the proxy card, and you can confirm that your
vote has been properly recorded. If you vote on the Internet, you can
request electronic delivery of proxy materials for future shareholder
meetings. Internet voting facilities will be available 24 hours a day
and will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) on May 17, 2022.
•Telephone.
Vote by telephone by following the instructions on the Notice. Voice
prompts allow you to vote your shares of Common Stock and confirm that
your vote has been properly recorded. Telephone voting
facilities for shareholders will be available 24 hours a day and will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 17, 2022.
•Mail.
If you have requested and received a proxy card by mail, you can vote
by mail by completing, signing, dating and returning your proxy card in
the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided. If you vote by mail
and your proxy card is returned unsigned, then your vote cannot be
counted. If you vote by mail and the returned proxy card is signed
without indicating how you want to vote, then your proxy will be voted
as recommended by the Board. If you mail in your proxy card, it must be
received by us before the voting polls close at the Annual Meeting to be
counted.
•In person. You may attend and vote at the Annual Meeting.
The
Board recommends that you vote using one of the first three methods
discussed above, as it is not practical for most shareholders to attend
and vote at the Annual Meeting. Using one of the first three methods
discussed above to vote will not limit your right to vote at the Annual
Meeting if you are able to attend in person. If you are a beneficial
owner of Common Stock held in street name, you must either direct your
broker or other nominee as to how to vote your Common Stock, or obtain a
“legal” proxy from your broker or other nominee to vote in person at
the Annual Meeting. Beneficial owners that receive the proxy materials
by mail from the shareholder of record should follow the instructions
included in the proxy materials to transmit voting instructions.
Even
if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, please vote your
proxy in advance of the Annual Meeting using one of the methods above as
soon as possible so that your shares of Common Stock will be
represented at the Annual Meeting if for any reason you are unable to
attend in person. You may revoke your proxy in writing at any time
before it is exercised at the Annual Meeting by delivering to the
Company a written notice of the revocation, by submitting your vote
electronically through the Internet or by phone after the grant of the
proxy, or by signing and delivering to the Company a proxy with a later
date than the proxy previously submitted. Your attendance at the Annual
Meeting will not revoke the proxy unless you give written notice of
revocation to us before the proxy is exercised or unless you vote your
shares of Common Stock in person at the Annual Meeting.
Record Date.
The record date for shareholders of Common Stock entitled to notice of
and to vote at the Annual Meeting was the close of business on March 24,
2022. As of the record date, 15,804,277 shares of Class A common stock
were outstanding and entitled to be voted at the Annual Meeting and
20,000,000 shares of Class B common stock were outstanding and entitled
to be voted at the Annual Meeting. Holders
of shares of Series A Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights
and, accordingly, are not entitled to vote on any matters at the Annual
Meeting.
Quorum and Adjournments.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. The
Chairman of the meeting or a majority of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock entitled to vote who are present in person or by proxy at
the Annual Meeting have the power to adjourn the Annual Meeting from
time to time, without notice other than an announcement at the Annual
Meeting; provided however, that if the adjournment is for more than 30
days, a notice of the adjourned meeting must be given to each
shareholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. At any adjourned
Annual Meeting at which a quorum is present, the Company may transact
any business that might have been transacted at the Annual Meeting.
Vote Required.
The director will be elected by a plurality of the votes validly cast
at the Annual Meeting. All other proposals require the affirmative vote
of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present, in
person or by proxy, and entitled to vote on the matter at the Annual
Meeting.
An
automated system that Broadridge Financial Solutions administers will
tabulate the votes. Brokers who hold shares in street name for customers
are required to vote shares in accordance with instructions received
from the beneficial owners. Brokers are permitted to vote on
discretionary items if they have not received instructions from the
beneficial owners, but they are not permitted to vote (a “broker
non-vote”) on non-discretionary items absent instructions from the
beneficial owner. Broker non-votes generally occur because the broker
does not receive voting instructions from the beneficial owner and lacks
discretionary authority to vote the shares. Brokers do not have
discretionary voting authority with respect to Proposal ONE or THREE.
For Proposal TWO, ratification of the appointment of our independent
registered public accountant, brokers will have discretionary authority
in the absence of timely instructions from their customers. Abstentions
(i.e., if you or your broker marks “ABSTAIN” on a proxy) and broker
non-votes will count in determining whether a quorum is present at the
Annual Meeting. However, broker non-votes will not have any effect on
the outcome of Proposal ONE or THREE. Abstentions will have the effect
of votes cast against Proposal TWO and Proposal THREE, but will not have
any effect on the outcome of Proposal ONE.
Default Voting.
A proxy that is properly completed and submitted will be voted at the
Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions on the proxy. If you
properly complete and submit a proxy, but do not indicate any
contrary
voting instructions, your shares will be voted FOR the director nominee
listed in Proposal ONE, FOR Proposal TWO and FOR Proposal THREE.
If
any other business properly comes before the shareholders for a vote at
the Annual Meeting, your shares will be voted in accordance with the
discretion of the holders of the proxy. The Board of Directors knows of
no matters, other than those previously stated, to be presented for
consideration at the Annual Meeting.
References
herein to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and similar terms refer to
Via Renewables, Inc. and its subsidiaries unless the context indicates
otherwise. For more information on our organizational structure, see
“Transactions with Related Persons.”
PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTOR
The
Board of Directors has nominated Nick W. Evans, Jr. for election as a
Class II director to serve for a term beginning immediately following
the Annual Meeting and expiring at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
Via Renewables, Inc. to be held in 2025, or until such director’s
successor is elected and qualified or upon the earlier of such
director’s death, disability, resignation or removal.
Mr.
Evans is currently serving as Class II director. The Board of Directors
has no reason to believe that Mr. Evans will be unable or unwilling to
serve if elected. If Mr. Evans becomes unable or unwilling to accept a
nomination for election, either we will not hold a vote for his election
or the persons acting under the proxy will vote for the election of a
substitute nominee that the Board of Directors recommends. Biographical
information for Mr. Evans, as well as our other current directors and
executive officers, is contained in the “Directors and Executive
Officers” section below.
Required Vote
The
election of the director nominee in this proposal requires a plurality
of the votes validly cast at the Annual Meeting. Neither abstentions nor
broker non-votes will have any effect on the outcome of voting on
director elections.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the election of the nominee.
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
After
the Annual Meeting, assuming the shareholders elect the nominee for the
Board of Directors as set forth in “Proposal ONE—Election of Director”
above, our Board of Directors will be, and our executive officers are:
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Name | Age | Position |
W. Keith Maxwell III | 57 | Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Director |
Mike Barajas | 38 | Chief Financial Officer |
Paul Konikowski | 50 | Chief Operating Officer |
Barbara Clay | 51 | Acting General Counsel and Secretary |
Amanda E. Bush (1)(2*)(3) | 41 | Director |
Kenneth M. Hartwick (1*)(2)(3) | 59 | Director |
Nick W. Evans, Jr.(1)(2)(3*) | 73 | Director |
(1) Member of the Compensation Committee.
(2) Member of the Audit Committee.
(3) Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
* Chair of specified committee
Our
Board of Directors currently consists of four members. Our directors
are divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms. Each
year, the directors of one class stand for re-election as their terms of
office expire. Ms. Bush is designated as a Class III director, and her
term of office will expire at our Annual Meeting of Shareholders in
2023. Messrs. Maxwell and Hartwick are designated as Class I directors
and their terms of office will expire at our Annual Meeting of
Shareholders in 2024. Mr. Evans is designated as a Class II director,
and his term of office will expire at our Annual Meeting of Shareholders
in 2025, if elected.
Set forth below is biographical information about each of our executive officers, directors and the director nominee.
W. Keith Maxwell III.
Mr. Maxwell has served as our Chief Executive Officer since November
2020, and as a director and non-executive Chairman of the Board of
Directors since August 2014. Mr. Maxwell served as interim Chief
Executive Officer from March 2020 to November 2020. Mr. Maxwell serves
as the Chief Executive Officer of NuDevco Partners, LLC, Retailco, LLC, a
Texas limited liability company (“Retailco”), Retailco Services, LLC
and National Gas & Electric, LLC, each of which is affiliated with
us. Mr. Maxwell served on the Board of Directors of Azure Midstream
Partners GP, LLC, the general partner of a midstream energy company,
from February 2015 until February 2016. Prior to that time, he served as
Chairman of the Board of Marlin Midstream GP, LLC (formerly Marlin
Midstream Partners, LP). Prior to founding the predecessor of Via
Renewables, Inc. in 1999, Mr. Maxwell was a founding partner in Wickford
Energy, an oil and natural gas services company, in 1994. Wickford
Energy was sold to Black Hills Utilities in 1997. Prior to Wickford
Energy, Mr. Maxwell was a partner in Polaris Pipeline, a natural gas
producer, services and midstream company sold to TECO Pipeline in 1994.
In 2010, Mr. Maxwell was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the
Year in the Energy, Chemicals and Mining category. A native of Houston,
Texas, Mr. Maxwell earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the
University of Texas at Austin in 1987. Mr. Maxwell has several
philanthropic interests, including the Special Olympics, Child
Advocates, Salvation Army, Star of Hope and Helping a Hero. We believe
that Mr. Maxwell’s extensive energy industry background, leadership
experience developed while serving in several executive positions and
strategic planning and oversight brings important experience and skill
to our board of directors.
Mike Barajas.
Mr. Barajas serves as our Chief Financial Officer, a position he has
held since November 2021. Immediately prior to his appointment as Chief
Financial Officer, Mr. Barajas served as the Company’s Vice President of
Finance and Investor Relations. Mr. Barajas oversees the Company’s
accounting, tax, SEC reporting, treasury, financial planning and
analysis, and investor relations functions. He is also the Chief Risk
Officer. Prior to rejoining the Company in 2019, Mr. Barajas worked for
several energy companies including Spark Energy from 2009 to 2014,
Marlin Midstream, Xcalibur Logistics, and National Gas & Electric,
LLC (“NG&E”) with leadership experience in accounting, finance,
mergers & acquisitions, and treasury. Mr. Barajas holds a Master of
Science in Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the
C.T. Bauer College of Business at The University of Houston. Mr.
Barajas is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Texas.
Paul Konikowski.
Mr. Konikowski has served as our Chief Operating Officer since November
2021. Immediately prior to his appointment as Chief Operating Officer,
Mr. Konikowski served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of
NG&E, a position he had held since April 2015. Prior to NG&E,
Mr. Konikowski served as
Chief
Operating Officer of Glacial Energy and Senior Vice President and Chief
Information Officer of Via Renewables, Inc. (formerly Spark Energy,
Inc.). Mr. Konikowski has extensive retail energy experience spanning
more than 20 years including, sales, operations, risk and IT. Mr.
Konikowski holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer
Information Systems and Marketing from Stephen F. Austin State
University.
Barbara Clay.
Ms. Clay has served as our Acting General Counsel since January 2020.
Most recently, Ms. Clay was Chief Legal Officer of Crius Energy, a
retail natural gas and electricity company, from 2012 to 2019, where she
was responsible for managing all legal matters, including litigation,
compliance, and regulatory. Prior to joining Crius Energy, Ms. Clay was
Vice President, Senior Counsel for MasterCard Worldwide, an American
multinational financial services corporation, from 2007 to 2012, where
she supported that company in finance and treasury, international and
domestic mergers & acquisitions, SEC matters and board advisory
matters. Earlier in her career, Ms. Clay was Counsel for Boies, Schiller
& Flexner, where she represented energy, communication, and
financial industry clients in connection with private and public mergers
and acquisitions, joint ventures, and complex contract matters. Ms.
Clay graduated with honors from Rutgers University, where she earned a
B.S. and a M.S. in Environmental Sciences. She also earned a Juris
Doctor from Pace University School of Law, where she was a managing
editor of the Pace University Environmental Law Review, and an MBA from
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management. Ms.
Clay brings to Via Renewables, Inc. over two decades of energy and
compliance experience for highly regulated industries.
Amanda E. Bush.
Ms. Bush has served as a director since August 2019. Ms. Bush currently
serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Laser Midstream, a position
she has held since February 2022. Prior joining Laser Midstream, Ms.
Bush served as the Chief Financial Officer of Azure Midstream Energy,
LLC, a midstream energy company, from June 2017 through February 2022.
Prior to joining Azure Midstream Energy, LLC, she was the Chief
Financial Officer at Marlin Midstream Partners, LP, a midstream energy
company, from April 2013 to June 2017. Ms. Bush served as Chief
Financial Officer of Via Renewables, Inc. from May 2012 to April 2013,
and prior to that held positions in various other finance roles with Via
Renewables, Inc. Ms. Bush began her career in public accounting with
PwC. Ms. Bush has a master’s degree in accounting from the University of
Houston and is a Texas certified public accountant. Ms. Bush was
selected to serve as a director because of her extensive financial
expertise and knowledge of the retail natural gas and electricity
business.
Kenneth M. Hartwick.
Mr. Hartwick has served as a director since August 2014. Mr. Hartwick
currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and previously as the Senior
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ontario Power Generation,
Inc., an electricity producer, a position he has held since April 2019.
Previously, Mr. Hartwick served as Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of Ontario Power Generation, Inc., from March 2016 to
April 2019. Mr. Hartwick also serves as a director of MYR Group, Inc.,
an electrical contractor specializing in transmission, distribution, and
substation projects, a position he has held since 2015. Mr. Hartwick
served as the Chief Financial Officer of Wellspring Financial
Corporation, a sales financing company, from February 2015 until March
2016. Mr. Hartwick also served as the interim Chief Executive Officer of
Atlantic Power Corporation, a power generation plant operator, from
September 2014 until January 2015 and as a director of Atlantic Power
Corporation from October 2004 until March 2016. He has served in various
roles for Just Energy Group Inc., most recently serving as President
and Chief Executive Officer from 2004 to February 2014. Mr. Hartwick
also served as President of Just Energy Group Inc. from 2006 to 2008, as
Chief Financial Officer from 2004 to 2006, and as a director from 2008
to February 2014. Mr. Hartwick also served as the Chief Financial
Officer of Hydro One, Inc., an energy distribution company, from 2002 to
2004. Mr. Hartwick holds an Honours of Business Administration degree
from Trent University. Mr. Hartwick was selected to serve as a director
because of his extensive knowledge of the retail natural gas and
electricity business and his leadership and management expertise.
Nick W. Evans, Jr.
Mr. Evans has served as a director since May 2016. Mr. Evans began his
career at the Georgia Railroad Bank and then joined Abitibi Southern
Corporation. He began his television career in sales at WATU-TV and
WRDW-TV in Augusta and then moved to WNEP-TV, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton,
Pennsylvania. He returned to WAGT-TV in Augusta and eventually became
president and general manager. From 1987 to 2000, he was President and
CEO of Spartan Communications, Inc., headquartered in Spartanburg, South
Carolina. He currently serves as chairman of ECP Benefits and
ECP/Trinity, partner of Toast Wine & Beverage, and is involved in
business development for Group CSE in Atlanta. Mr. Evans is a former
board member of numerous civic, community, business and industry
organizations. While a Rotarian he was selected as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Currently, he holds board positions with Wells Fargo (Augusta Advisory
Board), Forest Hills Golf Association, Azalea Capital (Advisory Board)
and Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. Mr. Evans served as a
director of Marlin Midstream GP, LLC, the general partner of Marlin
Midstream Partners, LP, from September 2013 through February 2015. Mr.
Evans holds a B.B.A. degree from Augusta College. Mr. Evans was selected
to serve as a director because of his leadership and management
expertise.
Status as a Controlled Company
Because
W. Keith Maxwell, III, through his indirect ownership of NuDevco
Retail, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“NuDevco Retail”) and
Retailco, controls more than 50% of our outstanding voting power, we
qualify as a “controlled company” as that term is defined under the
corporate governance rules of the NASDAQ Global Select Market
(“NASDAQ”). As a controlled company, we may elect not to comply with
certain NASDAQ corporate governance requirements, including (i) the
requirement that a majority of our Board of Directors consist of
independent directors, (ii) the requirement to have a
nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of
independent directors and a written charter addressing the committee’s
purpose and responsibilities, (iii) the requirement to have a
compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors and a
written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities,
and (iv) the requirement of an annual performance evaluation of the
nominating/corporate governance and compensation committees.
Although
our Board of Directors consists of a majority of independent directors
and has established a nominating and corporate governance committee and a
compensation committee of independent directors, it may appoint
non-independent directors and determine to eliminate these committees at
any time. In such a case, you may not have the same protections
afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of
NASDAQ’s corporate governance requirements.
Meetings and Committees of Directors
The
Board of Directors held six meetings during 2021, and our independent
directors met in executive session four times during 2021. The Board of
Directors currently has three standing committees: the Audit Committee,
the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee. The Audit Committee held four meetings in 2021, the
Compensation Committee held two meetings in 2021, and the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee held two meetings in 2021. During 2021,
each of our directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board
of Directors and the meetings of the committees of the Board of
Directors on which that director served.
Audit Committee
The
Audit Committee is a separately designated standing audit committee
established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act.
The Audit Committee is comprised of three directors who meet the
independence and other requirements of the NASDAQ and the SEC. The Audit
Committee currently consists of Ms. Bush and Messrs. Evans and
Hartwick. Ms. Bush currently serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee.
The
SEC requires that we disclose whether or not our Audit Committee has an
“audit committee financial expert” as a member. An “audit committee
financial expert” is defined as a person who, based on his or her
experience, possesses the attributes outlined in such rules. We have
determined that each of Ms. Bush and Mr. Hartwick satisfies the
definition of “audit committee financial expert.” Additionally, each of
the current members of the Audit Committee meets the requirements of
financial literacy under the requirements of the NASDAQ and SEC rules
and regulations.
The
Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in its oversight of the
integrity of our financial statements and our compliance with legal and
regulatory requirements and corporate policies and controls. The Audit
Committee has the sole authority to retain and terminate our independent
registered public accountant, approve all auditing services and related
fees and the terms thereof, and pre-approve any non-audit services to
be rendered by our independent registered public accountant. The Audit
Committee is also responsible for confirming the independence and
objectivity of our independent registered public accountant. Our
independent registered public accountant is given unrestricted access to
the Audit Committee. More information regarding the functions performed
by the Audit Committee and its membership is set forth in the “Audit
Committee Report” included herein and also in the “Audit Committee
Charter” that is posted on the Company’s website at www.viarenewables.com.
Compensation Committee
Our
Compensation Committee currently consists of three directors who are
“independent” as such term is defined under the rules of the SEC and the
NASDAQ. Our Compensation Committee currently consists of Ms. Bush and
Messrs. Evans and Hartwick. Mr. Hartwick currently serves as the Chair
of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee establishes
salaries, incentives and other forms of compensation for officers and,
in certain circumstances, for other employees. Our Compensation
Committee also administers our incentive compensation plans.
The
Compensation Committee is delegated all authority of the Board of
Directors as may be required or advisable to fulfill the purposes of the
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee may form and
delegate
some or all of its authority to subcommittees when it deems
appropriate. Meetings may, at the discretion of the Compensation
Committee, include members of the Company’s management, other members of
the Board of Directors, consultants or advisors, and such other persons
as the Compensation Committee or its chairperson may determine in an
informational or advisory capacity.
Our
Chief Executive Officer annually reviews the competitive pay position
and the performance of each member of senior management other than
himself. Our Chief Executive Officer’s conclusions and recommendations,
including those for base salary adjustments and award amounts for the
current year, are presented to the Compensation Committee. The
Compensation Committee makes all compensation decisions and approves all
share-based awards for the Named Executive Officers. The Compensation
Committee may exercise its discretion in modifying any compensation
adjustment or awards to any executive officer, including reducing or
increasing the payment amount for one or more components of such awards.
Our
Board of Directors annually considers the performance of our Chief
Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee determines all components
of our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation and meets outside the
presence of all of our executive officers to consider appropriate
compensation for our Chief Executive Officer.
The
Compensation Committee has the sole authority to retain, amend the
engagement with, and terminate any compensation consultant to be used to
assist in the evaluation of director, Chief Executive Officer or
officer compensation, including employment contracts and change in
control provisions. The Compensation Committee has sole authority to
approve the consultant’s fees and other retention terms and has
authority to cause the Company to pay the fees and expenses of such
consultants. As of the date of this Proxy Statement we have not engaged a compensation consultant.
More
information regarding the functions performed by the Compensation
Committee and its membership is in the “Compensation Committee Charter”
that is posted on the Company’s website at www.viarenewables.com.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee currently consists of
three directors who are “independent” as such term is defined under the
rules of the SEC and the NASDAQ. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee currently consists of Ms. Bush and Messrs. Evans and
Hartwick. Mr. Evans currently serves as the Chair of the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee.
The
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies individuals
qualified to become directors, consistent with criteria approved by the
Board, recommends to the Board the director nominees for annual meetings
of shareholders; reviews and recommends to the Board the corporate
governance policies applicable to the Company; oversees the evaluation
of the Board and its committees; oversees the Company’s policies, goals
and reporting on sustainability, environmental, social and governance
matters; and performs such other functions as the Board may assign it
from time to time.
The
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is delegated all
authority of the Board as may be required or advisable to fulfill the
purposes of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may retain and determine
funding for executive search firms, legal counsel, consultants, as well
as other experts and advisers. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee may form and delegate some or all of its authority to
subcommittees when it deems appropriate. Meetings may, at the discretion
of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, include members
of the Company’s management, other members of the Board of Directors,
consultants or advisors, and such other persons as the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee or its chairperson may determine in an
informational or advisory capacity.
More
information regarding the functions performed by the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee and its membership is set forth in the
“Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter” that is posted
on the Company’s website at www.viarenewables.com.
See also “Identification of Director Candidates” included herein for
more information regarding the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee’s role in selecting director nominees.
Director Independence
We
have reviewed the independence of our current non-management directors
using the independence standards of the NASDAQ and, based on this
review, determined that three of our current directors, Ms. Bush and
Messrs. Evans and Hartwick are independent. In connection with this
assessment, the Board of Directors also determined that Ms. Bush and
Messrs. Evans and Hartwick are independent within the meaning of the
NASDAQ standards currently in effect and applicable to members of the
Audit Committee and Compensation Committee.
Attendance at Annual Meetings
The
Board of Directors encourages all directors to attend the Annual
Meetings of Shareholders, if practicable. All of our directors then
serving attended the 2021 Annual Meeting by phone or in person. We
anticipate that all of our directors will attend the 2022 Annual Meeting
by phone or in person.
Code of Conduct and Financial Code of Ethics
Our
Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Conduct applicable to our
employees, directors and officers, and a Financial Code of Ethics
applicable to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and
other senior financial officers in accordance with applicable U.S.
federal securities laws and the corporate governance rules of NASDAQ.
Any waiver of the Code of Conduct and Financial Code of Ethics may be
made only by our Board of Directors and will be promptly disclosed as
required by applicable U.S. federal securities laws and the corporate
governance rules of NASDAQ. The Code of Conduct and Financial Code of
Ethics are posted on our website at www.viarenewables.com.
SUSTAINABILITY
We
are focused on reducing carbon emissions and are committed to advancing
the energy transition with innovative renewable energy solutions. We
also understand that a diverse work environment powers innovation,
enhances employee engagement, and creates greater resilience for
overcoming barriers.
Renewable Energy
Sourcing
power and gas is at the core of our business, and operating an
asset-light model allows us to remain flexible and competitive in our
power and gas supply. We leverage the same market flexibility to source
renewable energy at affordable prices and provide seamless access for
our customers. As demand for renewable energy continues to increase, we
plan to expand our renewable solutions to accommodate new technologies
coming to market now and in the future.
We
make use of renewable energy credits (“RECs”), which are a market-based
instrument that represents the realized renewable attributes of
renewable-based power generation. When we procure RECs on behalf of our
customers, we are claiming their share of renewable generation that was
delivered to the electric grid. We back several of our energy plans with
specific RECs and, in doing so, directly support renewable generators.
For the gas segment of our business, we utilize carbon offsets that
represent a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions typically by carbon
capture and sequestration. Historically, we utilized RECs to offset
customer volumes strictly related to customers enrolled in renewable
energy plans, but in the second quarter of 2021, we began fully
offsetting 100% of customer volume by using RECs.
Diversity and Inclusion
We
benefit from a diverse work environment at all levels of our
organization. Our 2021 company survey results show that we were almost
even on the amount of male and female employees, with males accounting
for 51% of employees and females accounting for 49% of employees in our
June 2021 survey. Additionally, our employees have varied races and
ethnicities with Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and American Indians
all being represented in our 2021 survey.
As
an equal opportunity employer who is committed to diversifying and
promoting a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for employees of
all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations,
education levels, and national origins, we will continue to foster a
diverse workplace
To
learn more about our sustainability efforts, please read our
Sustainability Report, which is available under the “Sustainability” tab
of the “Investor Relations” section of our website.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Corporate Governance Guidelines
The
Board of Directors believes that sound governance practices and
policies provide an important framework to assist it in fulfilling its
duty to shareholders. The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines
cover the following principal subjects:
•role and functions of the Board of Directors and its Chairman;
•qualifications and independence of directors;
•size of the Board of Directors and director selection process;
•shareholder communications with directors;
•committee functions and independence of committee members;
•meetings of independent directors;
•annual performance evaluation of the committees;
•compensation of the Board of Directors;
•director access to senior management and to independent advisors;
•annual performance evaluation of the management; and
•review of governance policies and any other corporate governance issues.
The “Corporate Governance Guidelines” are posted on the Company’s website at www.viarenewables.com.
The Board of Directors reviews the Corporate Governance Guidelines
periodically to reassess their adequacy and approve any proposed
changes.
Board Leadership Structure
W.
Keith Maxwell III currently serves as our Chief Executive Officer and
as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Board has no policy with
respect to the separation of the offices of Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer.
Our
independent directors have also determined that it is optimal for the
Board to have a “lead director,” whose responsibilities include, among
others, presiding over executive sessions of the independent directors
and establishing the agenda for each meeting of the independent
directors. All of these principles are set forth in the Company’s
Corporate Governance Guidelines. Currently, the Board of Directors
selects a lead independent director on a meeting-by-meeting basis, as
needed, to preside over scheduled meetings of the independent directors
based upon the topic of the meeting and relevant experience.
Additionally,
the Board of Directors regularly meets in executive session without the
presence of the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or other
members of management. The lead director presides at these meetings and
provides the Board of Directors’ guidance and feedback to the President
and Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s management team. Further,
the Board of Directors has complete access to the Company’s management
team.
Board Diversity Matrix
The table below contains information based on the voluntary self-identification of each member of the Company’s board.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Board Diversity Matrix (as of April 8, 2022) |
Total Number of Directors | 4 |
| Female | Male | Non-Binary | Did Not Disclose Gender |
Part I: Gender Identity |
Directors | 1 | 3 | -- | -- |
Part II: Demographic Background |
African American or Black | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Alaskan Native or Native American | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Asian | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Hispanic or Latinx | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | -- | -- | -- | -- |
White | 1 | 3 | -- | -- |
Two or More Races or Ethnicities | -- | -- | -- | -- |
LGBTQ+ | -- |
Did Not Disclose Demographic Background | -- |
Communications with the Board of Directors
Shareholders
or other interested parties can contact the Board, any committee of the
Board, or any director in particular by writing to: Via Renewables,
Inc., 12140 Wickchester Ln., Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77079, Attention:
legal department. Shareholders or other interested parties should mark
the envelope containing each communication as “Stockholder Communication
with Directors” and clearly identify the intended recipient(s) of the
communication. Our legal department will review and forward each
communication, as expeditiously as reasonably practicable, to the
addressee(s) if (1) the communication complies with the requirements
adopted by the Board relating to the subject matter of the
communication; and (2) the communication falls within the scope of
matters generally considered by the Board. To the extent the subject
matter of a communication relates to matters that have been delegated by
the Board to a committee or to an executive officer, then the legal
department may forward the communication to the chairman of the
appropriate committee or the appropriate executive officer.
Oversight of Risk Management
Except
as discussed below, the Board of Directors as a whole oversees our
assessment of major risks and the measures taken to manage such risks.
For example, the Board of Directors:
•has approved the risk management policies related to our wholesale portfolio and hedging activities; and
•reviews
management’s capital spending plans, approves our capital budget and
requires that management present for Board review significant departures
from those plans.
The
Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing our assessment and
management of financial reporting and internal control risks. In
consultation with management, our independent registered public
accountant and, if applicable, the officer or employee responsible for
the internal audit function, the Audit Committee annually reviews and
assesses the adequacy and integrity of our financial reporting process
and internal controls, and discusses significant financial risk,
exposures and any remedial steps management has taken.
We
have also formed a risk committee. The risk committee has control and
authority over all our risk management activities and establishes and
oversees the execution of the Company’s credit risk management policy
and commodity risk policy. The risk management policies are reviewed at
least annually, and the risk committee
typically
meets quarterly to assure that we have followed our policies. The risk
committee also seeks to assure the application of our risk management
policies to new products that we may offer.
The
risk committee is comprised of our Chief Executive Officer and our
Chief Financial Officer who meet on a regular basis as to the status of
the risk management activities and positions. Commodity positions are
typically reviewed and updated daily based on information from our
customer databases and pricing information sources. The risk policy sets
volumetric limits on intraday and end of day long and short positions
in natural gas and electricity. With respect to specific hedges, we have
documented a formal delegation of authority delegating product type,
volumetric, tenor and timing transaction limits to the energy supply
managers. Any hedging transactions that exceed these delegated
transaction limits are reported to the risk committee.
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
In
this section, we describe our compensation philosophy, the factors the
Compensation Committee considered in developing our compensation
packages, and the decision-making process it followed in setting
compensation for our Named Executive Officers for the year ended
December 31, 2021. You should read this section in conjunction with the
tables and accompanying narratives that follow. We believe our
compensation program is effective, appropriate and strongly aligned with
the long-term interests of our stockholders and that the total
compensation package provided to our Named Executive Officers is
reasonable and not excessive.
Our “Named Executive Officers” as defined under the SEC’s rules for the year ended December 31, 2021 were:
| | | | | |
Name | Position |
W. Keith Maxwell III | Chief Executive Officer |
Mike Barajas | Chief Financial Officer |
Paul Konikowski | Chief Operating Officer |
Barbara Clay | Acting General Counsel and Secretary |
James G. Jones II | Former Chief Financial Officer |
Kevin McMinn | Former Chief Operating Officer |
| |
On
August 27, 2020, we entered into an engagement letter with Good Counsel
Legal Services, LLC, pursuant to which Ms. Clay agreed to fulfill the
role of Acting General Counsel and Secretary to the Company. On August
1, 2021, the engagement letter was amended to reflect a change of the
entity from Good Counsel Legal Services, LLC to Good Counsel Group LLC
(“Good Counsel”). The terms of the engagement letter are described
below. Because Ms. Clay is engaged through Good Counsel pursuant to an
engagement letter, she does not participate in our compensation programs
on the same basis as other Named Executive Officers unless noted below.
On
April 2, 2021, Mr. McMinn entered into a Transition and Resignation
Agreement and Mutual Release of Claims (the “McMinn Transition
Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. McMinn resigned from all positions of
employment (including as Chief Operating Officer). Because disclosure
would have been required for Mr. McMinn but for the fact that he was not
serving as an executive officer at December 31, 2021, he is included as
a Named Executive Officer.
On
November 4, 2021, Mr. Jones entered into a Transition and Resignation
Agreement and Mutual Release of Claims (the “Jones Transition
Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Jones resigned from all positions of
employment (including as Chief Financial Officer). Because disclosure
would have been required for Mr. Jones but for the fact that he was not
serving as an executive officer at December 31, 2021, he is included as a
Named Executive Officer.
Objective and Focus
Our
principal business strategy is to maintain stable cash flows and to
grow our business by adding customers and optimizing our existing
customer base. We believe that executing this business strategy will
translate directly into increased stockholder value. The objective of
our compensation program is to reward performance that contributes to
the achievement of our business strategy on both a short-term and
long-term basis. Accordingly, a significant portion of our executive
compensation is related to factors that directly and indirectly relate
to our business strategy and performance, and influence stockholder
value.
While
the Compensation Committee intends to continue its strategy of using
programs that emphasize performance-based compensation with a goal to
achieve an appropriate balance between our short and long-term
performance and between our performance and stockholder return, we value
the opinion of our stockholders and welcome the communication regarding
our executive compensation policies and practices. Our Compensation
Committee and Board will thoughtfully consider the results of the
non-binding advisory vote regarding our Named Executive Officer’s
compensation and whether to implement any desired change to our
compensation, policies and procedures as a result of such vote.
Elements of Executive Compensation
The
compensation of our Named Executive Officers consists of base salaries,
annual cash bonuses, long-term incentive awards, and other in-service
and post-employment benefits and perquisites.
Base Salary
We
pay base salaries to provide a fixed amount of compensation for our
Named Executive Officer’s regular work. Base salaries are generally set
at levels deemed necessary to attract and retain individuals with
superior talent commensurate with their relative expertise and
experience. The Compensation Committee reviews the base salaries of the
Named Executive Officers annually at the beginning of each fiscal year,
and usually makes percentage increases based on several factors,
including its view of the cost of living and competitive conditions for
executive talent, an evaluation of our performance, the individual’s
performance, years of service, responsibilities, experience, leadership
abilities, increases or changes in duties and responsibilities, our
future growth plans, industry conditions, and our current ability to
pay.
Incentive Bonuses
We
have historically paid annual incentive cash bonuses to motivate and
reward our executives. Our Named Executive Officers have historically
had the potential to receive a meaningful cash bonus if annual
operational, financial and other objectives and goals are met and the
Compensation Committee approves the bonus. Annual cash bonuses have
historically been subject to an individual’s continued employment
through the date of payment.
In
determining the annual cash bonuses earned, the Compensation Committee
has historically given substantial weight to achievement of pre-set
goals and objectives, which are historically reviewed and adopted by the
Compensation Committee at the beginning of the year. Upon completion of
the year, the Compensation Committee reviews actual performance to the
goals and objectives as a guide to determine the actual amount of the
annual cash bonus. However, the Compensation Committee and the Board
maintain complete discretion on the final determination of annual cash
bonuses for the Named Executive Officers in order to address unusual and
infrequent events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the February 2021
Texas winter storm.
In
March of 2021, the Compensation Committee initially reviewed and
adopted the metrics of Mass Market RCE Count; Operating Expense to Gross
Margin; Free Cash Flow to Common Shareholders, and a discretionary
component that would allow our Named Executive Officers, consistent with
prior years.
Mass
Market RCE Count represents the residential customer equivalents
(“RCEs”) in the Company’s residential and small commercial book. An RCE
is an industry standard measure of natural gas or electricity usage with
each RCE representing annual consumption of 100 MMBtu of natural gas or
10 MWh of electricity. Operating Expense to Gross Margin is calculated
as general and administrative costs (calculated as total general and
administrative costs (including bad debt expense), less non-cash
compensation expense, broker fees, and lead generation costs) divided by
gross margin (calculated as total retail gross margin, less broker
fees). We define retail gross margin as operating income (loss) plus (i)
depreciation and amortization expenses and (ii) general and
administrative expenses, less (iii) net asset optimization revenues
(expenses), (iv) net gains (losses) on non-trading derivative
instruments, and (v) net current period cash settlements on non-trading
derivative instruments. Free Cash Flow to Common Shareholders represents
cash flows generated by the Company available to pay dividends, reduce
debt, and pursue growth opportunities. Free Cash Flow to Common
Shareholders is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA less interest, preferred
stock dividends, tax payments, cash paid for acquisitions, capital
expenditures, mandatory loan repayments, and earnout payments.
In
April 2022, the Compensation Committee reviewed the Company’s
performance to the goals, noting that while Operating Expense to Gross
Margin exceeded the goal, both Mass Market RCE Count and Free Cash Flow
to Common Shareholder were below target levels, primarily due to ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, restricted marketing sales, and Winter
Storm Uri. Ultimately, the Compensation Committee determined not to
grant cash incentive bonuses with respect to the year ended December 31,
2021.
Long-Term Equity Awards
We
have historically paid long-term equity awards because we believe that
long-term equity-based incentive compensation is an important component
of our overall compensation program because it:
•balances short- and long-term objectives;
•aligns
our Named Executive Officers’ interests with the long-term interests of
our stockholders and the creation of stockholder value;
•makes our compensation program competitive from a total remuneration standpoint;
•encourages retention of our Named Executive Officers; and
•gives Named Executive Officers the opportunity to share in our long-term value creation.
The
Board originally adopted the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan on July
21, 2014 in connection with our initial public offering. The incentive
plan was amended and restated on September 1, 2016 to expand the sources
of Class A common stock that may be used to settle awards granted under
the Incentive Plan. At our 2019 annual meeting of shareholders,
shareholders approved an amendment and restatement of our incentive plan
to increase the number of shares of Class A common stock reserved under
the plan (such plan, as amended and restated, the “Incentive Plan”).
Our Incentive Plan provides for grants of cash payments, stock options,
stock appreciation rights, restricted stock or units, bonus stock,
dividend equivalents, and other stock-based awards. Historically, our
Named Executive Offers have only received restricted stock units
(“RSUs”), rather than any other type of awards. RSUs represent a right
to receive stock, cash or a combination thereof at the end of a
specified deferral or vesting period. The RSUs may also provide for
dividend equivalent rights (“DERs”) which, rather than paying dividends
on RSUs in cash, credits additional RSUs to an awards based on the
dividend paid, which are subject to the same vesting schedule as the
underlying grant.
Similar
to its process for determining annual cash bonuses, the Compensation
Committee uses goals and objectives historically adopted and reviewed by
the Compensation Committee at the beginning of the year in determining
the number of RSUs to grant to our Named Executive Officers. A dollar
amount of RSUs based on percentage of base salary is established as a
target award. Upon completion of a year, the Compensation Committee
reviews actual performance to the goals and objectives to determine the
dollar amount of RSUs to be issued as an award. However, the
Compensation Committee and the Board maintain complete discretion on the
final determination of the number of RSUs to be granted to the Named
Executive Officers. After the RSUs are earned and granted, they are
subject to an additional service based vesting period.
In
March 2021, the Compensation Committee adopted the metrics of Embedded
Gross Margin and Relative Total Shareholder Return to be used as a guide
in determining the number of RSUs to be granted in 2022 based on
performance for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Embedded
Gross Margin is defined as a rolling five-year measure of management’s
estimate of future contracted Retail Gross Margin. The Embedded Gross
Margin is the difference between existing customer contract prices and
the cost of supply for the remainder of the term, with appropriate
assumptions for customer attrition and renewals. It is assumed that
expiring contracts will be renewed at target margin and renewals rates.
Relative
Total Shareholder Return is calculated as the percentile ranking
against the peer group based on the increase or decrease in the
volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the companies’ stock for the
last ten trading days of the current year compared to the VWAP of the
stock for the last ten trading days of the previous year, plus dividends
earned during the current year. Relative Total Shareholder Return is
measured according to a peer group of companies selected by the
Compensation Committee. The peer group of companies was selected based
on industry and relative size.
In March 2021, the Compensation Committee approved a peer group for purposes of Relative Total Shareholder Return consisting of:
| | | | | |
Company | Ticker |
Genie Energy LTD | GNE |
Atlantic Power Corporation | AT |
Just Energy Group Inc. | JE.TO |
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation | CPK |
Unitil Corporation | UTL |
RGC Resources, Inc. | RGCO |
Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. | SPH |
MarineMax, Inc. | HZO |
Russel 2000 Index | ^RUT |
Covanta Holding Corporation | EQT |
Superior Plus Corp. | SPB.TO |
Mistras Group, Inc. | MG |
FuelCell Energy Inc. | FCEL |
Jones Energy, Inc. | JONE |
The
peer group was initially the same as the prior year. The Compensation
Committee is permitted to exercise discretion to exclude companies from
the peer group, as well as the measurement period for which Relative
Total Stockholder Return is calculated at the end of the performance
period. The Compensation Committee excluded Atlantic Power Corporation,
Covanta Holding Corporation and Jones Energy, Inc., as these companies
were acquired. The Compensation Committee also excluded Just Energy
Group, Inc. since it was delisted from a national securities exchange.
Each
goal serves as a guide for our Named Executive Officer to earn a
weighted percentage of their base salary. For the year ended December
31, 2021 and prior to reduction, our Named Executive Officers could have
earned a percentage of their base salary as follows for the following
metrics, prior to weighting:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Metric | Target | Eligible Grant as a % of Base Salary |
80% | 85% | 90% | 95% | 100% | 125% | 150% |
Embedded Gross Margin | $450.9 million | 80% | 85% | 90% | 95% | 100% | 110% | 125+% |
Relative Total Shareholder Return | 70th Percentile | 50th | 55th | 60th | 65th | 70th | 80th | 90th |
Each of the above metrics is weighted 50%.
In
April 2022, the Compensation Committee reviewed the Company’s
performance to the pre-determined goals, noting Embedded Gross Margin
was $423.0 million (or approximately 94% of the target), and Relative
Total Shareholder Return was at the 84th
percentile. Achievement at those levels corresponded to an eligible
grant of 95% of base salary based on Embedded Gross Margin, and 135% of
base salary based on Relative Total Stockholder Return. With a weighting
of 50% per metric, this provided a guide for a grant in the amount of
115% of base salary.
Given
the unique operating environment as a result of COVID-19 and Winter
Storm Uri, the Compensation Committee exercised its discretion to
determine the amount of awards rather than strictly rely upon the
foregoing formulas. The Compensation Committee determined it should
grant RSUs to incentivize Named Executive Officers with long-term
strategic goals to grow the customer book, explore new markets to expand
geographical diversity, and continue to provide positive returns for
shareholders. For Mr. Maxwell, the Compensation Committee also
considered the amount of awards typically given to chief executive
officers of the list of peer group companies, and that Mr. Maxwell
received a base salary of $1. For, Mr. Barajas and Mr. Konikowski, the
Compensation Committee considered the lack of a cash bonus award, and
prior service to the Company in different capacities.
The
following table shows the maximum percentages of base salary that the
Named Executive Officers could have received in RSUs that were based
upon metrics approved by the Compensation Committee in March 2021, the
percentage of base salary actual earned and the dollar amount of the
actual awards to be issued.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | Maximum Long Term Incentive Award Value as Percentage of Base Salary | Percentage of Base Salary Actually Earned | Dollar Amount of Award(1) |
Mr. Maxwell | 150% | * | $2,000,000 |
Mr. Barajas | 150% | 200% | $500,000 |
Mr. Konikowski | 150% | 71.4% | $250,000 |
Ms. Clay | -- | -- | $250,000(2) |
(1)The awards are expected to be granted in May 2022.
(2)The
Compensation Committee elected to award Ms. Clay a grant of RSUs for
performance during the year ended December 31, 2021 related to the
resolution of several legal matters.
The
grants of RSUs to Mr. Barajas and Mr. Konikowski, and Ms. Clay, are
expected to vest ratably over four years beginning on May 18, 2023. The
grant to Mr. Maxwell is expected to vest ratably over two years
beginning on the date of the grant. The percentage of base salary
actually earned is not shown for Mr. Maxwell because his base salary is
$1, so the amount is not meaningful. Ms. Clay does not have a base
salary and is instead paid pursuant to the terms of her consulting
agreement with Good Counsel.
The
incentive awards issued during the year ended December 31, 2021 are
reported in the “Stock Awards” column of the Summary Compensation Table.
Please see our proxy statement for our 2021 annual meeting of
shareholders for a discussion of the calculation of those awards. The
awards to be issued during the year ending December 31, 2022, described
above, will be reporting in the Summary Compensation Table for the proxy
statement to be filed in connection with the 2023 annual meeting of
shareholders.
In-Service and Post-Employment Benefits
In
addition to the elements of compensation discussed above, we also
provide other benefits to our Named Executive Officers, including
retirement benefits to match competitive practices in our industry and
that are comparable to those provided at other companies of our size.
They are designed to provide certain basic quality of life benefits and
protections to our employees and at the same time enhance our
attractiveness as an employer.
401(k) Retirement Plan
We
sponsor a 401(k) retirement plan. During the year ended December 31,
2021, the plan was available to all of our employees immediately upon
employment. The Named Executive Officers participate on the same basis
as all other employees. Eligible employees may contribute 90% of their
salary up to the Internal Revenue Service maximum contribution to the
plan through payroll deductions. We match 100% of an employee’s
contribution up to 4% of his or her salary. Our Class A common stock is
not an investment option under the plan.
Other Benefit Plans
We
provide other benefits such as medical, dental, vision, flexible
spending accounts, paid time off, life insurance and disability
coverage, which are also provided to all other eligible employees.
Perquisites
We
provide certain perquisites to our Named Executive Officers, such as a
cellular allowance. More detail on our perquisites may be found in the
narrative following the Summary Compensation Table, below.
Tax and Accounting Considerations
The
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) eliminated the
“performance-based compensation” deduction limitation under Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (referred to as
the “Code”). Given that we have not historically granted compensation
that would be considered “performance-based compensation,” all taxable
compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers, including
compensation expense generated in connection with RSUs is not exempt
from the Section 162(m) deduction limit. We may from time to time in
the future pay compensation amounts to our executive officers that are
not deductible. Although we consider tax deductibility in the design
and administration of our executive compensation plans and programs, we
believe that
our
interests are best served by providing competitive levels of
compensation to our Named Executive Officers even if it results in the
non-deductibility of certain amounts under the Code.
Restricted
stock unit awards to our employees, including Named Executive Officers,
have been granted and reflected in our consolidated financial
statements, based upon the applicable accounting guidance, at fair
market value on the grant date in accordance with ASC Topic 718.
Restricted stock unit awards to our directors have been granted and
reflected in our consolidated financial statements based upon applicable
accounting guidance, at fair market value as of the reporting period
ending date in accordance with ASC Topic 718.
Clawback Policy
We
currently do not have a recovery, or “clawback” policy applicable to
our Named Executive Officers of any annual cash bonuses or equity
compensation awards other than those required under Section 304 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Compensation Committee will continue to evaluate
the need to adopt such a policy.
The Role of Management
Our
Chief Executive Officer annually reviews the competitive pay position
and the performance of each member of senior management other than
himself. Our Chief Executive Officer’s conclusions and recommendations,
including those for base salary adjustments and award amounts for the
current year, are presented to the Compensation Committee. The
Compensation Committee makes all compensation decisions and approves all
share-based awards for the Named Executive Officers.
Our
Board of Directors annually considers the performance of our Chief
Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee determines all components
of our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation and meets outside the
presence of all of our executive officers to consider appropriate
compensation for our Chief Executive Officer.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During
the last completed fiscal year, our Compensation Committee consisted of
Ms. Bush and Messrs. Evans and Hartwick. Our Compensation Committee
consists solely of members who are “independent” as defined by NASDAQ
Rule 5605(c). Ms. Bush served as our Chief Financial Officer from May
2012 through April 2013.
During
the last completed fiscal year, none of our executive officers served
on the board of directors or Compensation Committee of a company that
has an executive officer that served on our Board or Compensation
Committee. No member of our Board is an executive officer of a company
in which one of our executive officers served as a member of the board
of directors or Compensation Committee of that company.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
The
Board believes that it is in the best interest of the Company and its
stockholders to align the financial interests of the officers of
non-employee members of the Board with those of the Company’s
stockholders. For independent directors, we encourage stock ownership
through an informal policy that the independent directors own Class A
common stock at least equal to two times their annual retainer of
$75,000 prior to selling any shares of Class A common stock or receiving
director fees in cash.
Hedging and Pledging
Our
insider trading policy, which applies to our officers (including our
Named Executive Officers), directors, employees and consultants,
strongly discourages hedging and pledging.
Risk Management
The
Compensation Committee has reviewed our compensation policies as
generally applicable to our employees and believes that our policies do
not encourage excessive and unnecessary risk-taking, and that the level
of risk that they do encourage is not reasonably likely to have a
material adverse effect on the Company. The Compensation Committee
performs this assessment annually.
Although portion of the compensation provided to Named Executive
Officers is based on our performance, we believe our compensation
programs do not encourage excessive and unnecessary risk-taking by our
Named Executive Officers (or other employees) because these programs are
designed to encourage employees to remain focused on both our
short-term and long-term operational and financial goals. We set
performance goals that we believe are reasonable in light of our past
performance and market conditions.
2022 Executive Compensation Decisions
For
the year ending December 31, 2022, Mr. Maxwell will receive a base
salary of $1, Mr. Barajas will receive a base salary of $250,000, and
Mr. Konikowski will receive a base salary of $350,000.
In
March 2022, the Compensation Committee adopted the following metrics to
be used in determining the payment of annual cash bonus for the year
ended December 31, 2022: Mass Market RCE Count; Operating Expense to
Gross Margin; Free Cash Flow to Common Shareholders, and Discretionary.
In addition, the Compensation Committee adopted the metrics of Embedded
Gross Margin and Relative Total Shareholder Return to determine the
number of RSUs to be granted in 2023.
We
have in the past granted RSUs that vest upon a change in control (“CIC
RSUs”). In April 2022, the Compensation Committee reserved 750,000
shares of Common Stock under our existing Incentive Plan to be used for
awards that the Compensation Committee may grant that vest upon a change
in control, such as the CIC RSUs. As of the date of this proxy
statement, no awards that vest upon a change in control have been
granted to, or are outstanding with respect to, any of our current
director or executive officers named in this proxy statement. We will
disclose the amount, terms and conditions of any new award agreement or
grant that vests up on a change in control as required by the rules and
regulations of the SEC.
Director Compensation
The
Compensation Committee is charged with recommending all cash and
non-cash compensation of our non-employee directors. Our non-employee
directors, other than Mr. Maxwell, received cash fees for their service
on the Board and its committees during the year ended December 31, 2021
as set forth below:
| | | | | |
Fee | Amount($) |
Annual Retainer | 150,000 |
Audit Committee Chair | 10,000 |
Compensation Committee Chair | 10,000 |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair | 10,000 |
Special Committee Chair(1) | 10,000 |
Each Special Committee Meeting attended(1) | 1,000 |
(1) The Special Committee is formed from time to time to review certain related party transactions.
Directors
who are also our employees do not receive any additional compensation
for their service on our Board of Directors. As the Chairman of the
Board of Directors, Mr. Maxwell is paid annual director fees of
$250,000. Non-employee directors receive half of their annual retainer
in RSUs having a dollar value of $75,000, or beginning January 1, 2020,
in cash if the informal stock ownership guidelines described above for
non-employee directors have been met. The annual grants have a vesting
period of one year. In addition, each director is reimbursed for: (i)
travel and miscellaneous expenses to attend meetings and activities of
our Board or its committees; (ii) travel and miscellaneous expenses
related to such director’s participation in general education and
orientation program for directors; and (iii) travel and miscellaneous
expenses for each director’s spouse who accompanies a director to attend
meetings and activities of our Board of Directors or any of our
committees.
More
information about the actual compensation paid to non-employee
directors is set forth in the Director Compensation table, below.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES
Summary Compensation Table
The following table summarizes the compensation for our NEOs for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($) | Stock Awards ($)(1) | Non-equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | All Other Compensation ($)(2) | Total ($) |
Mr. Maxwell | 2021 | 1 | 2,222,689 | – | 24,925 | | 2,247,615 |
President and Chief Executive Officer | 2020 | 1 | – | – | 24,925 | | 24,925 |
Mr. Barajas Chief Financial Officer | 2021 | 177,692 | 168,500 | – | 23,782 | | 369,974 |
Mr. Konikowski Chief Operating Officer | 2021 | 39,081 | 115,500 | – | 190,255 | | 344,836 |
Ms. Clay | 2021 | – | – | – | 600,000 | | 600,000 |
Acting General Counsel | 2020 | – | 268,285 | – | 687,525 | | 955,810 |
Mr. Jones | 2021 | 277,230 | 668,373 | -- | 333,166 | | 1,278,769 |
Former Chief Financial Officer | 2020 | 300,000 | 293,111 | – | 37,727 | | 630,838 |
| 2019 | 180,000 | 350,875 | 132,750 | 7,030 | | 670,655 |
Mr. McMinn | 2021 | 80,769 | – | -- | 427,404 | | 508,173 |
Former Chief Operating Officer | 2020 | 225,000 | 179,282 | – | 42,830 | | 447,112 |
(1) The
amounts reflected in this column represent the grant date fair value of
restricted stock unit awards and dividend equivalent rights granted to
the Named Executive Officers pursuant to our Incentive Plan during the
year ended December 31, 2021, computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718.
See “Note 11. Stock-Based Compensation” to our consolidated financial
statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2021 for additional detail regarding assumptions
underlying the value of these equity awards.
(2)The amounts included in the table above under “All Other Compensation” consist of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | Year | 401(k) Matching Contribution ($) | Insurance Premiums ($) | Cellular Allowance ($) | Other ($) |
Mr. Maxwell | 2021 | – | 24,925 | – | – |
| 2020 | – | 24,925 | – | – |
Mr. Barajas | 2021 | 7,234 | 15,780 | 768 | – |
Mr. Konikowski | 2021 | 8,246 | 1,021 | 988 | 180,000(3) |
Ms. Clay | 2021 | – | – | – | 600,000(4) |
| 2020 | – | – | – | 687,523(4) |
Mr. Jones | 2021 | 10,569 | 21,761 | 836 | 300,000(5) |
| 2020 | 11,716 | 24,925 | 1,086 | – |
| 2019 | 6,277 | 33 | 720 | – |
Mr. McMinn | 2021 | 2,192 | 6,633 | 266 | 418,313(5) |
| 2020 | 7,785 | 18,259 | 786 | 16,000(6) |
(3) Represents
payments received by Mr. Konikowski as a result of providing consulting
services to the Company prior to his appointment as Chief Operating
Officer.
(4) Represents
payments under the engagement agreement with Good Counsel. See
“—Employment and Other Agreements—Engagement Agreement with Good
Counsel.”
(5) Represents severance payments. See “Severance Agreements” below.
(6) Represents a relocation payment to Mr. McMinn.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards During 2021
The following table presents grants of plan-based awards during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards | Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Name of Executive | Grant Date | Approval Date(1) | Threshold ($) | Target ($) | Maximum($) | Threshold ($) | Target ($) | Maximum($) | All other stock awards: Number of shares of stock or units (#)(2) | Grant date fair value of Stock Awards ($)(3) |
Mr. Maxwell | 5/18/21 | 3/2/21 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 52,521 | 555,672 |
| 5/18/21 | 3/2/21 | | | | | | | 157,563 | 1,667,017 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Mr. Barajas(4) | 11/5/21 | 11/2/21 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 10,000 | 115,600 |
| 5/18/21 | 3/2/21 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 5,000 | 52,900 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Mr. Konikowski | 11/8/21 | 11/2/21 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 10,000 | 115,500 |
Ms. Clay | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Mr. Jones | 5/18/21 | 3/2/21 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 52,247 | 552,773 |
| 11/5/21 | 11/2/21 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 10,000 | 115,600 |
Mr. McMinn | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
(1) Represents the date the award was approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board.
(2) The grants included tandem dividend equivalent rights that are not shown in the table above.
(3) The
amounts reflected in this column represent the grant date fair value of
restricted stock unit awards and dividend equivalent rights granted to
the Named Executive Officers pursuant to our Incentive Plan (as defined
below), computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718. See “Note 11.
Stock-Based Compensation” to our consolidated financial statements
contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2021 for additional detail regarding assumptions underlying the
value of these equity awards.
(4) Mr.
Barajas received a grant of 5,000 RSUs and dividend equivalent rights
prior to his appointment as Chief Financial Officer.
Narrative Disclosure to the Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table
Restricted Stock Unit Awards
If
the Compensation Committee determines that awards of RSUs are earned
pursuant to the criteria set above under “Compensation Discussion and
Analysis—Elements of Executive Compensation—Long Term Equity
Awards—Annual Incentive Awards,” the Compensation Committee has
historically granted awards of RSUs that vest ratably over four years in
each May, with the initial vesting occurring in May following the year
of the grant. The grants made during the year ended December 31, 2021
were for performance during the year ended December 31, 2020.
The
grant of 52,521 RSUs to Mr. Maxwell on May 18, 2021 vested immediately.
The grant of 157,563 RSUs to Mr. Maxwell on May 18, 2021 vests over
four years, with the initial vesting on May 18, 2022. The grant included
tandem dividend equivalent rights that vest on the same schedule.
The
grant of 10,000 RSUs to Mr. Barajas on November 5, 2021 vests over four
years, with the initial vesting on May 18, 2022. The grant included
tandem dividend equivalent rights that vest on the same schedule.
The
grant of 10,000 RSUs to Mr. Konikowski on November 8, 2021 vests over
four years, with the initial vesting on May 18, 2022. The grant included
tandem dividend equivalent rights that vest on the same schedule.
The
grant of 52,247 RSUs to Mr. Jones on May 18, 2021 vests over four
years, with the initial vesting on May 18, 2022. The grant included
tandem dividend equivalent rights that vest on the same schedule. The
vesting of the 52,247 RSUs to Mr. Jones was accelerated in connection
with his departure. See “Severance Agreements” below.
Employment and Other Agreements
Employment Agreement with Mr. Maxwell
In
March 2020, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Maxwell,
by which Mr. Maxwell was named Interim President and Interim Chief
Executive Officer of the Company and all of its wholly-owned
subsidiaries. Mr. Maxwell was appointed to Chief Executive Officer in
November 2020.
Mr.
Maxwell’s employment agreement provides for a term beginning March 13,
2020 and continuing in force and effect until the appointment of a new
person or persons as President and/or Chief Executive Officer.
•Mr. Maxwell’s employment agreement further provides that:
•Mr. Maxwell will have an Annual base salary of $1.00;
•Mr. Maxwell shall be eligible to participate in any annual bonus plan established by the Company;
•Mr. Maxwell shall be eligible to participate in the Company’s benefit plans and programs;
•the
Company will indemnify and hold Mr. Maxwell harmless for all acts and
omissions during his employment to the maximum extent possible; and
•the Company will purchase and maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance providing coverage for Mr. Maxwell.
Employment Agreements with Messrs. Barajas and Konikowski
In
November 2021, we entered into an employment agreement with each of Mr.
Barajas and Mr. Konikowski. Each of the employment agreements provides
for an initial term through December 31, 2022. The terms of each of the
employment agreements automatically renews for periods of 12 months,
unless a party under the employment agreements provides notice of
non-renewal at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the
then-existing term.
The
employment agreements each provide that, in the event the relevant
executive is terminated by us other than for “cause” or the executive’s
employment terminates due to either our election not to renew the term
of the agreement or the executive’s resignation for “good reason,” the
executive will, subject to execution of a release of claims, be entitled
to receive the following payments and benefits:
•12
months’ base salary plus an additional amount equal to the employee’s
target bonus for the year of termination pro-rated based upon the number
of days employee was employed in the calendar year of termination and
based upon our actual performance through such date of termination,
payable in twelve substantially equal installments (the “Severance
Payment”);
•any
bonus earned for the calendar year prior to the year in which the
termination occurs but which is unpaid as of the date of termination
(the “Post-Termination Bonus Payment”); and
•full vesting of any outstanding unvested awards held by the executive under our Incentive Plan.
“Cause”
under the employment agreements is generally defined to include (a) a
material uncured breach by the executive of the employment agreement or
any other obligation owed to us, (b) commission of an act of gross
negligence, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, theft
or embezzlement, (c) any conviction, indictment or plea of nolo
contendere with respect to any felony or any crime involving moral
turpitude, (d) willful failure to perform obligations pursuant to the
employment agreement or failure or refusal to follow the lawful
instructions of our Board of Directors and (e) any conduct which is
materially injurious to us.
“Good
Reason” under the employment agreements is generally defined to include
(a) a material diminution in base salary, (b) a material diminution in
title, duties, authority or responsibilities, (c) relocation by more
than fifty miles or (d) material and uncured breach of the employment
agreement by us.
A
non-renewal of the term of the employment agreement by the employee, a
termination by reason of employee’s death or disability, a termination
by the Company for Cause, or a termination of employment by employee
without Good Reason, or a separation in connection with a “Change in
Control” described, does not give rise to a right to the Severance
Payment or Post-Termination Bonus Payment.
If
within 120 days prior to execution of a definitive agreement for a
“Change in Control” transaction and ending 365 days after consummation
or final closing of such transaction, the relevant executive’s
employment is terminated by us other than for “cause” or the executive’s
employment terminates due to either our election not to renew the term
of the agreement or the executive’s resignation for “good reason,”
subject to execution of a release of claims and other conditions, the
relevant executive is entitled to receive the following payments and
benefits:
•a
lump sum payment equal to 1.0 times the employee’s base salary then in
effect, and the full target annual bonus for the year in which
termination occurs, and payable within 15 days following the date in
which employment is terminated;
•any
bonus earned for the calendar year prior to the year in which the
termination occurs but which is unpaid as of the date of termination,
payable within 15 days following the date in which employment is
terminated;
•a
pro rata target annual bonus for the year of termination, calculated
based upon our actual performance through such date and payable within
15 days following the date in which employment is terminated;
•full vesting of any outstanding awards held by the executive under our Incentive Plan; and
•reimbursement or payment of certain continuing health benefits, if elected by the executive.
The employment agreements generally define “Change in Control” to mean:
•the
consummation of an agreement to acquire or a tender offer for
beneficial ownership by any person, of 50% or more of the combined
voting power of our outstanding voting securities entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors, or by any person of 90% or more
of the then total outstanding shares of Class A common stock;
•individuals who constitute the incumbent board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board;
•consummation
of certain reorganizations, mergers or consolidations or a sale or
other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets;
•approval by our shareholders of a complete liquidation or dissolution;
•a
public offering or series of public offerings by Retailco and its
affiliates, as a selling shareholder group, in which their total
interest drops below 10 million of our total outstanding voting
securities;
•a
disposition by Retailco and its affiliates in which their total
interest drops below 10 million of our total outstanding voting
securities; or
•any
other business combination, liquidation event of Retailco and its
affiliates or restructuring of us which the Compensation Committee deems
in its discretion to achieve the principles of a Change in Control.
The
employment agreements also provide for noncompetition and
nonsolicitation covenants which are in effect during the period of the
executive’s employment and for a period of 12 months thereafter.
Engagement Agreement with Good Counsel
In
August 2020, we entered into an engagement agreement with Good Counsel
to represent the Company in connection with its legal, regulatory and
compliance matters. The engagement agreement was amended on August 1,
2021 to reflect a change in the entity providing services to Good
Counsel. Pursuant to this engagement agreement, Ms. Clay was named
Acting General Counsel and Secretary to the Company.
The
engagement agreement provides for a flat monthly rate of $50,000 which
represents full-time coverage of all legal matters by Mrs. Clay. Good
Counsel will also bill us for costs and expenses incurred in the course
of their representation, provided that our written approval is necessary
for any expenses greater than $300.
In addition to the monthly fee and other fees mentioned above, the
engagement agreement also provides for (a) a one-time $50,000 sign-on
bonus to be paid to Good Counsel, and (b) a grant to Ms. Clay of 27,500
RSUs, half of which will vest on May 18, 2021, and the other half of
which vest on May 18, 2022, unless there is a Change in Control, at
which time all of the shares would vest.
The engagement agreement generally defines “Change in Control” to mean:
•the
consummation of an agreement to acquire or a tender offer for
beneficial ownership by any person, of 50% or more of the combined
voting power of our outstanding voting securities entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors, or by any person of 90% or more
of the then total outstanding shares of Class A common stock;
•individuals who constitute the incumbent board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board;
•consummation
of certain reorganizations, mergers or consolidations or a sale or
other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets or an
acquisition of assets of another entity;
•approval by our shareholders of a complete liquidation or dissolution;
•a
public offering or series of public offerings by Retailco and its
affiliates, as a selling shareholder group, in which their total
interest drops below 10 million of our total outstanding voting
securities;
•a
disposition by Retailco and its affiliates in which their total
interest drops below 10 million of our total outstanding voting
securities; or
•any
other business combination, liquidation event of Retailco and its
affiliates or restructuring of us which the Compensation Committee deems
in its discretion to achieve the principles of a Change in Control.
The
engagement agreement provides for an initial term from September 1,
2020 to August 31, 2022. On or after August 1, 2022, we may terminate
the engagement agreement by giving written notice that the engagement
agreement ends 60 days from the date of the written notice. If we do not
provide such notice, the engagement agreement will continue
month-to-month until we terminate it by providing 60 days’ advance
written notice. We may also terminate the engagement agreement at any
time for Cause.
“Cause”
under the engagement agreement is generally defined to include (a) a
material uncured breach by the executive of the engagement agreement or
any other obligation owed to us, (b) commission of an act of gross
negligence, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, theft
or embezzlement, (c) any conviction, indictment or plea of nolo
contendere with respect to any felony or any crime involving moral
turpitude, (d) willful failure to perform obligations pursuant to the
engagement agreement or failure or refusal to follow the lawful
instructions of our Board of Directors and (e) any conduct which is
materially injurious to us.
Salary to Total Compensation
For
the year ended December 31, 2021, salary accounted for the following
percentages of each Named Executive Officer’s total compensation:
| | | | | |
Name | Salary as a Percentage of Total Compensation |
Mr. Barajas | 48% |
Mr. Konikowski | 11% |
For
Mr. Maxwell, he earns a base salary of $1, so the percentage of salary
to total compensation is not meaningful. For Ms. Clay, she is
compensated pursuant to the contract with Good Counsel and does not
receive a base salary.
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2021 Year End
The
following table reflects information regarding outstanding RSUs held by
our Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2021. None of our
Named Executive Officers hold any option awards.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Name |
Grant Date | Stock Awards |
Number of Restricted Stock Units That Have Not Vested (#) | Market Value of Restricted Stock Units That Have Not Vested ($)(1) |
Mr. Maxwell(2) | 5/18/21 | 165,555 | 1,892,294 |
Mr. Barajas(3) | 11/5/21 | 17,768 | 203,088 |
Mr. Konikowski(4) | 11/8/21 | 10,160 | 116,129 |
Ms. Clay(5) | 9/4/20 | 14,985 | 171,279 |
Mr. Jones(6) | – | – | – |
Mr. McMinn(6) | – | – | – |
(1) Represents
the market value of each award based on the closing price of $11.43 of
our Class A common stock at December 31, 2021.
(2) The
RSUs shown in the table represent the unvested portion of a grant of
157,563 RSUs and tandem dividend equivalent rights that vest ratably
over four years with the first vesting on May 21, 2022.
(3) The
RSUs shown in the table represent the unvested portion of a grant of
10,000 RSUs and tandem dividend equivalent rights that vest ratably over
four years with the first vesting on May 18, 2022, and 7,768 RSUs
previously held by Mr. Barajas prior to becoming Chief Financial Officer
that vest over four years with the first vesting on May 18, 2022.
(4)
The RSUs shown in the table represent the
unvested portion of a grant of 10,000 RSUs and tandem dividend
equivalent rights that vest ratably over four years with the first
vesting on May 18, 2022.
(5)
The engagement agreement with Good Counsel specified that Ms. Clay
received a grant 27,500 RSUs and tandem dividend equivalent rights, with
half vesting on May 18, 2021, and the other half vesting on May 18,
2022.
(6) All
RSUs were settled in connection with the respective officer’s
departure. See “Severance Agreements.”
Stock Vested During 2021(1)
| | | | | | | | |
Name | Stock Awards |
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) | Value Realized on Vesting ($)(2) |
Mr. Maxwell(3) | 52,521 | 561,975 |
Mr. Barajas | 1,120 | 11,984 |
Mr. Konikowski | -- | -- |
Ms. Clay(4) | 14,261 | 152,593 |
Mr. Jones(5) | 124,083 | 1,419,463 |
Mr. McMinn(6) | 32,456 | 317,744 |
(1) There are no outstanding option awards.
(2) The
value realized on vesting of RSUs was calculated is based on the number
of RSUs that vested (including shares withheld for tax withholding
purposes) multiplied by the closing sale price on the date of vesting of
the award or, if there were no reported sales on such date, on the last
preceding date on which any reported sale occurred.
(3) Vesting of 52,521 RSUs on May 18, 2021.
(4) Vesting of 14,261 RSUs on May 18, 2021.
(5) Vesting of 16,112 RSUs on May 18, 2021 and 107,971 RSUs on November 4, 2021.
(6) Vesting of 32,456 RSUs on April 2, 2021.
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control
The
employment agreements of Messrs. Barajas and Konikowski provide for
certain payments upon termination and change in control. Please see
“Employment Agreements-- Employment Agreements with Messrs. Barajas and
Konikowski” above. The engagement agreement with Good Counsel provides
that the RSUs granted to Ms. Clay will vest upon a change in control.
Please see “Engagement Agreement with Good Counsel.” Mr. Maxwell’s
employment agreement does not provide for any change in control
payments.
The
Compensation Committee has the discretion to make certain adjustments
to awards in the event of a change in control the Compensation Committee
determines is appropriate in light of the specific transaction.
The
following tables show the payments that our Named Executive Officer
would be entitled to in the event of (a) a termination by the Company
for convenience, a non-renewal of the term by the Company, or a
termination by the Named Executive Officer for Good Reason, and (b) a
termination under circumstances constituting a Change in Control (as
defined in the employment agreement) in which the Named Executive
Officer’s employment is terminated by the Company for convenience, a
non-renewal of the term by the Company, or a termination by the Named
Executive Officer for Good Reason as provided therein.
Each
of the tables below assume that such event occurred on December 31,
2021, and based on the closing market price of our Class A common stock
on that day.
The amounts shown do not include payments that would be payable to all salaried employees generally.
Potential Payments— Termination by Company for Convenience; Non-Renewal by Company; Good Reason
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Severance Payment ($)(1) | | Pro-Rated Target Bonus ($)(2) | | Unpaid Bonus ($)(3) | Vesting of Restricted Stock Units ($)(4) | | Total ($) |
Mr. Barajas | | | 250,000 | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | 203,088 | | | | | 453,088 | |
Mr. Konikowski | | | 350,000 | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | 116,129 | | | | | 466,129 | |
Ms. Clay | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | | -- | |
(1) Consists of twelve months’ 2021 base salary.
(2)
For purpose of this table, the pro-rated target bonus is equal to the
actual amount earned for the year ended December 31, 2021.
(3)
Under these circumstances, the employee would be entitled to any bonus
earned for the year ended December 31, 2020 that is unpaid as of the
date of termination. We have not included the value of a
post-termination bonus payment because no bonus was awarded with respect
to the year ended December 31, 2020 or, if awarded, has been paid.
(4)
Consists of full vesting of any outstanding unvested awards held by the
executive under our Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2021, and based
on the closing stock price of our Class A common stock of $11.43 as of
December 31, 2021.
Potential Payments— Termination Following Change in Control by Company for Convenience; Non-Renewal by Company; Good Reason
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Lump Sum ($)(1) | | Pro-Rated Target Bonus ($)(2) | | Unpaid Bonus ($)(3) | | Vesting of Restricted Stock Units ($)(4) | Total ($) | | |
Mr. Maxwell | | | | -- | | | | | -- | | | | | -- | | | | | -- | | -- | | |
Mr. Barajas | | | | 250,000 | | | | | -- | | | | | -- | | | | | 203,088 | | 453,088 | | |
Mr. Konikowski | | | | 350,000 | | | | | -- | | | | | -- | | | | | 116,129 | | 466,129 | | |
Ms. Clay | | | | -- | | | | | -- | | | | | -- | | | | | 171,279 | | 171,279 | | |
(1)
Consists of a lump sum payment equal to the sum of the Employee’s
annual 2021 base salary in effect and the full target annual bonus for
the year ended December 31, 2021.
(2)
For purpose of this table, the pro-rated target bonus is equal to the
actual amount earned for the year ended December 31, 2021.
(3)
Under these circumstances, the employee would be entitled to any bonus
earned for the year ended December 31, 2020 but which is unpaid as of
the date of termination. We have not included the value of a
post-termination bonus payment because no bonus was awarded with respect
to the year ended December 31, 2020 or, if awarded, has been paid.
(4)
Consists of full vesting of any outstanding unvested awards held by the
executive under our Incentive Plan as of the date of this Proxy
Statement and based on the closing stock price of our Class A common
stock of $11.43 as of December 31, 2021.
Severance Agreements
On
April 2, 2021, we entered into the McMinn Transition Agreement. Subject
to the terms and conditions of the McMinn Transition Agreement, Mr.
McMinn received total separation payments in the amount of $418,313.00,
less ordinary withholdings for federal income, Social Security, and
Medicare taxes (the “Separation Payment”). The Separation Payment will
be paid in twenty-six substantially equal bi-weekly installments, less
applicable withholdings. Additionally, Mr. McMinn received accelerated
vesting of 32,456 RSUs (less 12,772 shares of common stock withheld by
the Company to satisfy Mr. McMinn’s federal income tax obligations).
On
November 4, 2021, we entered into the Jones Transition Agreement.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Jones Transition Agreement,
Mr. Jones received total separation payments in the amount of
$300,000.00, less ordinary withholdings for federal income, Social
Security, and Medicare taxes (the “Separation Payment”). The Separation
Payment will be paid in twenty-six substantially equal bi-weekly
installments, less applicable withholdings. Additionally, Mr. Jones
received accelerated vesting of 107,971 RSUs (less 42,487 shares of
common stock withheld by the Company to satisfy Mr. Jones’s federal
income tax obligations).
Director Compensation Table
The following table shows information about non-employee director compensation for the year ended December 31, 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Director | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash | | Stock Awards(1) | | Total |
Mr. Maxwell III | | $ | 250,000 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | 250,000 | |
Mr. Evans | | $ | 160,000 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | 160,000 | |
Mr. Hartwick | | $ | 170,000 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | 170,000 | |
Ms. Bush | | $ | 85,000 | | | $ | 94,064 | | | $ | 179,064 | |
(1) The
amounts reflected in this column represent the grant date fair value of
restricted stock unit awards and dividend equivalent rights granted to
the directors pursuant to our Incentive Plan, computed in accordance
with ASC Topic 718. See “Note 11. Stock-Based Compensation” to our
consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 for additional detail
regarding assumptions underlying the value of these equity awards.
Narrative Disclosure to the Director Compensation Table
On
May 18, 2021, Ms. Bush received a grant of 7,829 RSUs, including
dividend equivalent rights. The RSUs and corresponding dividend
equivalent rights will vest in full on May 18, 2022. As of December 31,
2021, Ms. Bush held 8,226 RSUs scheduled to vest on May 18, 2022.
CEO Pay Ratio for 2021
Pay Ratio
As
required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, we are
providing the following information about the relationship of the annual
total compensation of our employees and the annual total compensation
of our CEO:
For the year ended December 31, 2021:
•The median of the annual total compensation of all employees of our Company (other than our CEO) was $75,782; and
•The
annual total compensation of our CEO, as reported in the Summary
Compensation Table included in this Proxy Statement, was $2,247,615.
Based
on this information, the ratio of our CEO’s annual total compensation
to the median of the annual total compensation of all employees was
29.7:1.
Methodology
To
identify the median of the annual total compensation of all our
employees, as well as to determine the annual total compensation of our
median employee and our CEO, we took the following steps:
•Selection of Determination Date.
We determined that, as of December 31, 2021, our employee population
consisted of approximately 243 employees globally. This population
included all of our full-time and part-time employees, and independent
contractors.
•Identification of Median Employee.
To identify the “median employee” from our employee population, we
reviewed the gross wages. We identified our median employee using this
compensation measure, which was consistently applied to all our
employees included in the calculation. We did not make any
cost-of-living adjustments in identifying the “median employee.”
•Calculation of Annual Total Compensation.
Once we identified our median employee, we combined all the elements of
such employee’s compensation for 2021 in accordance with the
requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K, resulting in annual
total compensation of $75,782.
For
our CEO’s annual total compensation, we used the amount reported in the
“Total” column (column (j)) of our 2021 Summary Compensation Table
included in this Proxy Statement for Mr. Maxwell, as he was serving as
of the determination date set forth above. We did not annualize his
compensation for purposes of the pay ratio.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The
information contained in this Audit Committee Report and references in
this Proxy Statement to the independence of the Audit Committee members
shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with
the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into
any future filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except
to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates such
information by reference in such filing.
The
Board of Directors has determined that all current Audit Committee
members are (i) independent, as defined in Section 10A of the Exchange
Act, (ii) independent under the standards set forth by NASDAQ and (iii)
financially literate. In addition, each of Ms. Bush and Mr. Hartwick
satisfies the definition of “audit committee financial expert” under the
applicable rules promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act. The Audit
Committee is a separately designated standing committee of the Board
established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act
and operates under a written charter, which is reviewed annually.
Management
is responsible for our system of internal controls and the financial
reporting process. Our independent registered public accountant is
responsible for performing an independent audit of our consolidated
financial statements in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America and issuing a report thereon.
The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring (i) the integrity of
our financial statements, (ii) our compliance with legal and regulatory
requirements, and (iii) the independence and performance of our
auditors.
The
Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with our management and the
independent accountants the audited consolidated financial statements in
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021,
including a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of
the accounting principles applied, the reasonableness of significant
judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. Management represented to the Audit Committee that our
consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. The Audit Committee discussed with the independent accountants
matters required to be discussed by Statement of Auditing Standards No.
16, Communications with Audit Committees.
Our
independent accountants also provided to the Audit Committee the
written disclosure required by applicable requirements of the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding independent accountant’s
communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence. The
Audit Committee discussed with the independent accountants that firm’s
independence.
Based
on the Audit Committee’s discussions with management and the
independent accountants, and the Audit Committee’s review of the
representations of management and the report of the independent
accountants to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended that
the Board include the audited consolidated financial statements in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed
with the SEC.
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
Amanda E. Bush
Nick W. Evans, Jr.
Kenneth M. Hartwick
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The
following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial
ownership of our Common Stock outstanding as of March 24, 2022 that is
owned by:
•each person or group known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of any class of our outstanding voting securities;
•each director, director nominee and Named Executive Officer; and
•all of our directors and executive officers as a group.
All
information with respect to beneficial ownership has been furnished by
the respective 5% or more shareholders, directors or executive officers,
as the case may be. Unless otherwise noted, the mailing address of each
listed beneficial owner is 12140 Wickchester Ln., Suite 100, Houston,
Texas 77079.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Class A common stock beneficially owned (1)(2) | Class B common stock beneficially owned (1) | Combined voting power (3) |
Name of beneficial owner | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage |
Five percent Shareholders: | | | | | |
W. Keith Maxwell III (4) | 3,555,002 | 22.5% | 20,000,000 | 100% | 65.8% |
Renaissance Technologies LLC(5) | 976,848 | 6.2% | — | — | 2.7% |
BlackRock, Inc. (6) | 867,729 | 5.5% | — | — | 2.4% |
The Vanguard Group, Inc. (7) | 762,803 | 4.8% | __ | __ | 2.1% |
Directors, director nominee and named executive officers: | | | | | |
W. Keith Maxwell, III (4) | 3,555,002 | 22.5% | 20,000,000 | 100% | 65.8% |
Kenneth M. Hartwick | 47,841 | *% | — | — | *% |
Nick W. Evans, Jr. | 37,117 | *% | — | — | *% |
Amanda E. Bush | 5,284 | *% | — | — | *% |
Mike Barajas | 1,513 | *% | — | — | *% |
Paul Konikowski | -- | *% | __ | __ | *% |
Barbara Clay | 987 | *% | __ | __ | *% |
James G. Jones II | -- | *% | __ | __ | *% |
Kevin McMinn | 11,682 | *% | __ | __ | *% |
Directors and current executive officers as a group (7 total)(2) | 3,647,744 | 23.0% | 20,000,000 | 100% | 66.0% |
* Less than one percent
(1) Each
holder of a common unit of Spark HoldCo, LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company (“Spark HoldCo”) has the right to exchange all or a
portion of its Spark HoldCo common units (together with a corresponding
number of shares of Class B common stock) for Class A common stock (or
cash at Via Renewables, Inc.’s or Spark HoldCo’s election) at an
exchange ratio of one share of Class A common stock for each Spark
HoldCo common unit (and corresponding share of Class B common stock)
exchanged. For additional information, please see “Certain Relationships
and Related Party Transactions—Spark HoldCo LLC Agreement.”
(2)
Excludes the following number of RSUs issued
under our Incentive Plan, which may be settled in cash or shares of
Class A Common stock or a combination of both at the Company’s election:
168,279 RSUs for Mr. Maxwell; 8,361 RSUs for Ms. Bush; 18,060 RSUs for
Mr. Barajas; 10,328 RSUs for Mr. Konikowski; and 15,232 RSUs for Ms.
Clay.
(3) Represents
the percentage of voting power of our Class A common stock and Class B
common stock voting together as a single class. Each share of Class B
common stock entitles its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted
on by shareholders generally.
(4) Reflects
(i) 3,551,002 shares of Class A common stock held directly by W. Keith
Maxwell III (representing 9.9% of the combined voting power), (ii)
19,725,000 shares of Class B common stock held directly by Retailco
(representing 55.1% of the combined voting power), and (iii) 275,000
shares of Class B common stock held directly by NuDevco Retail
(representing less than 1% of the combined voting power). W. Keith
Maxwell III is the sole member of TxEx Energy Investments, LLC, a Texas
limited liability company (“TxEx”), which is the sole member of Retailco
and Electric Holdco, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“Electric
Holdco”). Electric Holdco is the sole member of NuDevco Retail Holdings,
LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“NuDevco Retail Holdings”),
which is the sole member of NuDevco Retail. Accordingly, W. Keith
Maxwell III may therefore be deemed to beneficially own the shares of
Class A common
stock
and Class B common stock held by Retailco and NuDevco Retail reported
herein. Mr. Maxwell owns 7,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock,
representing less than one percent of the outstanding Series A Preferred
Stock, which is not included in his total amount of shares beneficially
owned. The Series A Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights
and are not entitled to vote on any matters at the Annual Meeting.
(5) Based on Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule
13G/A filed on February 11, 2022 by Renaissance Technologies LLC and
Renaissance Technologies Holdings Corporation with respect to the
Company’s Class A common stock held as of December 31, 2021. Based on
Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13G, (i) Renaissance Technologies LLC
has sole voting power over 976,848 shares of Class A common stock and
sole dispositive power over 976,848 shares of Class A common stock, and
(ii) Renaissance Technologies Holdings Corporation has sole voting power
over 976,848 shares of Class A common stock and sole dispositive power
over 976,848 shares of Class A common stock. The address of Renaissance
Technologies LLC and Renaissance Technologies Holdings Corporation is
800 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022.
(6) Based
on the Schedule 13G filed on February 3, 2022 by BlackRock, Inc. with
respect to the Company’s Class A common stock held as of December 31,
2021. Based on the Schedule 13G, BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting power
over 860,982 shares of Class A common stock and sole dispositive power
over 867,729 shares of Class A common stock. The address of BlackRock,
Inc. is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055.
(7) Based
on the Schedule 13G filed on February 10, 2021 by The Vanguard Group,
Inc. with respect to the Company’s Class A common stock held as of
December 31, 2020. Based on the Schedule 13G, The Vanguard Group, Inc.
has sole dispositive power over 735,177
shares of Class A common stock, shared voting power over 25,088 shares
of Class A common stock and shared dispositive power over 27,626 shares
of Class A common stock. The address of The Vanguard Group, Inc. is 100
Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355.
DELINQUENT SECTION 16(A) REPORTS
Our
executive officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of
our Common Stock are required to file reports with the SEC, disclosing
the amount and nature of their beneficial ownership of Common Stock, as
well as changes in that ownership. Based solely on our review of reports
and written representations that we have received, we believe that all
required reports were timely filed during 2021, except that:
•On
July 2, 2021, W. Keith Maxwell filed a Form 4 to report two purchases
of Class A common stock on June 29, 2021 and June 30, 2021 and a
conversion of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock
on July 1, 2021.
•On
August 18, 2021, W. Keith Maxwell III filed a Form 4 to report three
purchases of Class A common stock on August 11, 2021, August 12, 2021
and August 13, 2021.
•On
September 7, 2021, W. Keith Maxwell III filed a Form 4 to report two
purchases of Class A common stock on August 30. 2021 and August 31,
2021.
•On
September 17, 2021, W. Keith Maxwell III filed a Form 4 to report a
purchase of Class A common stock on September 14, 2021, and a grant of
RSUs as the result of a dividend equivalent payment on September 15,
2021.
•On
September 20, 2021, W. Keith Maxwell III filed a Form 4 to report two
purchases of Class A common stock on September 15, 2021 and September
16, 2021.
•On
October 8, 2021, W. Keith Maxwell III filed a Form 4 to report six
purchases of Class A common stock on August 16, 2021, August 17. 2021,
August 18, 2021, September 24, 2021, September 28, 2021 and September
29, 2021.
•On November 12, 2021, Mike Barajas filed a Form 4 to report a grant of RSUs issued on November 5, 2021.
•On November 17, 2021, Paul Konikowski filed a Form 4 to report a grant of RSUs on November 8, 2021.
•On
December 8, 2021, W. Keith Maxwell III filed a Form 4 to report two
purchases of Class A common stock on November 18, 2021 and November 22,
2021.
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS
Organizational Structure
W.
Keith Maxwell III is the Chairman of the Board and the owner of a
majority in voting power of our Common Stock through his ownership of
NuDevco Retail and Retailco. Retailco is a wholly owned subsidiary of
TxEx, which is wholly owned by Mr. Maxwell. NuDevco Retail is a wholly
owned subsidiary of NuDevco Retail Holdings, which is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Electric HoldCo, LLC, which is also a wholly owned
subsidiary of TxEx. In addition, Mr. Maxwell is also the indirect or
direct owner of RetailCo Services, LLC (“Retailco Services”), Associated
Energy Services, LP (“AES”), Retail Acquisition Co. LLC (“Acquisition
Co”) and NG&E, which are described in the following sections
addressing related party transactions since January 1, 2021.
Spark HoldCo, LLC Limited Liability Company Agreement
At
the closing of our initial public offering, we entered into the Second
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Spark HoldCo
by and among us, Spark HoldCo, NuDevco Retail and NuDevco Retail
Holdings. In connection with the issuance of our Series A Preferred
Stock in March 2017, we, Spark HoldCo, NuDevco Retail and Retailco (as
successor to NuDevco Retail Holdings) entered into the Third Amended and
Restated Spark HoldCo, LLC Limited Liability Company Agreement to amend
the prior agreement to provide for, among other things, the designation
and issuance of Spark HoldCo Series A preferred units, as another
equity security of Spark HoldCo to be issued concurrently with the
issuance of Series A Preferred Stock by us, including specific terms
relating to distributions by Spark HoldCo in connection with the payment
by us of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, the priority of
liquidating distributions by Spark HoldCo, the allocation of income and
loss to us in connection with distributions by Spark HoldCo on Series A
preferred units, and other terms relating to the redemption and
conversion by us of the Series A Preferred Stock. Amendment No. 1 to the
Third Amended and Restated Spark HoldCo, LLC Limited Liability Company
Agreement was entered into by us, Spark HoldCo, NuDevco Retail and
Retailco in connection with the issuance of additional Series A
Preferred Stock in February 2018, and Amendment No. 2 to the Third
Amended and Restated Spark HoldCo, LLC Limited Liability Company
Agreement (as amended, the “Spark HoldCo LLC Agreement”) was entered
into in March 2020.
In
accordance with the terms of the Spark HoldCo LLC Agreement, NuDevco
Retail and Retailco generally have the right to exchange their Spark
HoldCo common units (and a corresponding number of shares of our Class B
common stock) for shares of our Class A common stock at an exchange
ratio of one share of Class A common stock for each Spark HoldCo common
unit (and corresponding share of Class B common stock) exchanged,
subject to conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends
and reclassifications (an “Exchange Right”). At our or Spark HoldCo’s
option, Spark HoldCo may give NuDevco Retail and Retailco cash in an
amount equal to the Cash Election Amount of the shares of Class A common
stock instead. We are obligated to facilitate an exchange for shares of
Class A common stock through a contribution of shares of Class A common
stock to Spark HoldCo or, alternatively, we have the right to acquire
the subject Spark HoldCo common units and corresponding shares of Class B
common stock from NuDevco Retail or Retailco by paying, at our option,
either (x) the number of shares of Class A common stock NuDevco Retail
or Retailco would have received in the proposed exchange or (y) cash in
an amount equal to the Cash Election Amount of such shares of Class A
common stock. “Cash Election Amount” means, with respect to the shares
of Class A common stock to be delivered to NuDevco Retail or Retailco by
Spark HoldCo pursuant to the Spark HoldCo LLC Agreement, (i) if our
Class A common stock is then admitted to trading on a national
securities exchange, the amount that would be received if the number of
shares of Class A common stock to which NuDevco Retail or Retailco would
otherwise be entitled were sold at a per share price equal to the
trailing 30-day volume weighted average price of a share of Class A
common stock on such exchange, or (ii) in the event shares of Class A
common stock are not then admitted to trading on a national securities
exchange, the value that would be obtained in an arm’s length
transaction for cash between an informed and willing buyer and an
informed and willing seller, neither of whom is under any compulsion to
purchase or sell, respectively, and without regard to the particular
circumstances of the buyer and the seller, as determined by us. As
NuDevco Retail and Retailco exchange their Spark HoldCo common units,
our membership interest in Spark HoldCo will be correspondingly
increased, and the number of shares of Class B common stock held by
NuDevco Retail or Retailco will be correspondingly reduced.
Under
the Spark HoldCo LLC agreement, we have the right to determine when
distributions will be made to the holders of Spark HoldCo common units
and the amount of any such distributions. If we authorize a
distribution, such distribution will be made to the holders of Spark
HoldCo common units on a pro rata basis in accordance with their
respective percentage ownership of Spark HoldCo common units. The Spark
HoldCo LLC Agreement provides, to the extent Spark HoldCo has available
cash and is not prevented by restrictions in any of its credit
agreements, for distributions pro rata to the holders of Spark HoldCo
common units such that we receive an amount of cash sufficient to fund
the targeted quarterly dividend we intend to pay to holders of our Class
A common stock, and distributions to us in an amount equal to the
dividends to be paid by us on the Series A Preferred Stock.
The
holders of Spark HoldCo units, including us, will generally incur U.S.
federal, state and local income taxes on any taxable income of Spark
HoldCo allocated to them. Generally, items of gross income and gain are
first allocated to us until the cumulative amount of such items for
current and prior fiscal years (or other relevant periods) equals the
cumulative amount of distributions we receive to pay any special
estimated tax liability. Second, items of income and gain are generally
allocated to us until the cumulative amount of such items for current
and prior fiscal years (or other relevant periods) equals the cash
distributions we have received from Spark HoldCo to pay dividends on the
Series A Preferred Stock and the amount of accrued and unpaid dividends
on the Series A Preferred Stock. Third, items of gross income and gain
are allocated to us until the cumulative amount of such items allocated
to us for current and prior fiscal years (or other relevant periods)
equals the cumulative amount of distributions received by us for a
non-pro rata distribution to us from Spark HoldCo. Thereafter, net
profits and net losses of Spark HoldCo generally will be allocated to
members of Spark HoldCo to target capital account balances according to
the amount a member would receive upon a deemed liquidation. Certain
non-pro rata adjustments will be required to be made to reflect built-in
gains and losses and tax depletion, depreciation and amortization with
respect to such built-in gains and losses in allocating items of net
profits and losses. The Spark HoldCo LLC Agreement provides, to the
extent cash is available, for distributions pro rata to the holders of
Spark HoldCo units such that we receive an amount of cash sufficient to
cover the estimated taxes payable by us, and to us to cover any special
estimated tax liability.
In
addition, if the cumulative amount of U.S., federal, state or local
taxes payable by us exceeds the amount of the tax distribution to us,
Spark HoldCo will make advances to us in an amount necessary to enable
us to fully pay these tax liabilities. Such advances will be repayable,
without interest, solely from (i.e., by offset against) future
distributions by Spark HoldCo to us.
The
Spark HoldCo LLC Agreement provides that if we issue a new share of
Class A common stock, Series A Preferred Stock, or other equity security
(other than shares of Class B common stock, and excluding issuances of
Class A common stock upon an exchange of Class B common stock or Series A
Preferred Stock), Spark HoldCo will concurrently issue a corresponding
limited liability company unit either to the holder of the Class B
common stock, or to us in the case of the issuance of shares of Class A
common stock, Series A Preferred Stock or such other equity security. As
a result, the number of Spark HoldCo units held by us always equals the
number of shares of Class A common stock, Series A Preferred Stock or
such other equity securities we have outstanding.
Spark
HoldCo will be dissolved only upon the first to occur of (i) the sale
of substantially all of its assets or (ii) an election by us to dissolve
the company. Upon dissolution, Spark HoldCo will be liquidated and the
proceeds from any liquidation will be applied and distributed in the
following manner: (a) first, to creditors (including to the extent
permitted by law, creditors who are members) in satisfaction of the
liabilities of Spark HoldCo, (b) second, to establish cash reserves for
contingent or unforeseen liabilities, (c) third, to us in respect of
Spark HoldCo Series A preferred units in an amount equal to the total
amount that would be required to be distributed by us in respect of
Series A Preferred Stock, and (d) the balance thereafter to its members
holding Spark HoldCo common units in proportion to the number of Spark
HoldCo units owned by each of them.
The
Spark HoldCo LLC Agreement also provides that Spark HoldCo will pay
certain of our expenses attributable to our status as a public company.
Such expenses include, but are not limited to, accounting and legal
fees, independent director compensation, director and officer liability
insurance expense, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, transfer agent and
registrar fees, tax return preparation, investor relations expense, SEC
and NASDAQ compliance fees and the fees and expenses of other service
providers that provide services to us in connection with our obligations
as a publicly-traded company.
Registration Rights Agreement
On
August 1, 2014, we entered into a registration rights agreement with
NuDevco Retail and NuDevco Retail Holdings (a predecessor-in-interest to
Retailco) to register for sale under the Securities Act shares of our
Class A common stock delivered in exchange for Spark HoldCo common units
(together with an equal number of shares of our Class B common stock)
in the circumstances described below. Retailco became a party to this
agreement in December 2015. This agreement provides NuDevco Retail and
Retailco, as holders of registrable securities under the agreement, with
the right to require us, at our expense, to register shares of our
Class A common stock held by them from time to time that are issuable
upon exchange of Spark HoldCo units (together with an equal number of
shares of our Class B common stock) for shares of our Class A common
stock.
Demand Rights.
Subject to certain limitations, NuDevco Retail and Retailco have the
right, by delivering written notice to us, to require us to register the
number of shares of Class A common stock requested to be so registered
in accordance with the registration rights agreement. Within 30 days of
receipt of notice of a demand registration, we are required to give
written notice to all other holders of registrable shares of Class A
common stock. Subject to certain limitations as described below, we will
use our commercially reasonable efforts to effect, as soon as
commercially reasonable, the registration of all securities with respect
to which we receive a written request.
Piggyback Rights.
Subject to certain limitations, NuDevco Retail and Retailco are
entitled to request to participate in, or “piggyback” on, registrations
of any of our Class A common stock for sale by us in an underwritten
offering.
Conditions and Limitations.
The registration rights outlined above are subject to conditions and
limitations, including the right of the underwriters, as applicable, to
limit the number of shares to be included in a registration statement
and our right to delay, suspend or withdraw a registration statement
under specified circumstances. For example, our Board of Directors may
defer any filing for up to six months if our Board of Directors
determines that such disclosure would have a material adverse effect on
us.
If
requested by us or an underwriter, NuDevco Retail and Retailco will not
be able to make any sale of our equity securities, except securities
included in such registration, during a period commencing on the date
beginning fourteen (14) days prior to the expected date of “pricing” of
such offering and continuing for a period not to exceed 90 days
beginning on the date of such final prospectus (or prospectus supplement
if the offering is made pursuant to a shelf registration statement), or
such shorter period as may be requested by an underwriter.
Expenses and Indemnification.
In connection with any registration effected pursuant to the terms of
the registration rights agreement, we are required to pay for all of the
fees and expenses incurred in connection with such registration,
including, without limitation, registration fees, qualification and
filing fees and printing expenses. However, the underwriting discounts
and selling commissions payable in respect of registrable securities
included in any registration are to be paid by the persons including
such registrable securities in any such registration on a pro rata
basis. We have also agreed to indemnify the holders of registrable
securities and each of their respective officers, directors, partners
and agents, the underwriters, and each person who controls such holders
or underwriters, against all losses, claims, damages and liabilities
(joint or several) with respect to each registration effected pursuant
to the registration rights agreement.
On
September 20, 2019, we filed a registration statement under the
Securities Act on Form S-3 registering, among other things, the offer
and sale, from time to time, of the Class A common stock held by
Retailco and NuDevco (including Class A common stock that may be
obtained upon conversion of Class B common stock). The registration
statement was declared effective on October 18, 2019.
Indemnification Agreements
We
have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our current
executive officers and directors. These agreements require us to
indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under
Delaware law against liabilities that may arise by reason of their
service to us, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any
proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.
Subordinated Debt Facility
We
maintain a subordinated debt facility of up to $25.0 million with Spark
HoldCo and Retailco (the “Subordinated Debt Facility”). The
Subordinated Debt Facility allows us to draw advances in increments of
no less than $1.0 million per advance up to the maximum principal amount
of the Subordinated Debt Facility. Advances thereunder accrue interest
at 5% per annum from the date of the advance. We have the right to
capitalize interest payments under the Subordinated Debt Facility. The
Subordinated Debt Facility is subordinated in certain respects to our
Senior Credit Facility pursuant to a subordination agreement. We may pay
interest and prepay principal on the Subordinated Debt Facility so long
as we are in compliance with the covenants under our Senior Credit
Facility, are not in default under the Senior Credit Facility and have
minimum availability of $5.0 million under the borrowing base under the
Senior Credit Facility. Payment of principal and interest under the
Subordinated Debt Facility is accelerated upon the occurrence of certain
change of control or sale transactions. In October 2021, we amended the
Subordinated Debt Facility solely to extend the maturity date from
January 31, 2023 to January 31, 2025.
During
the year ended December 31, 2021, the largest aggregate amount
outstanding under the Subordinated Debt Facility was $10.0 million. As
of December 31, 2021, we did not have any borrowings under the
Subordinated Debt Facility. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we
paid interest of less than $0.1 million under the Subordinated Debt
Facility.
Historical Transactions with Affiliates
We
enter into transactions with and pay certain costs on behalf of
affiliates (specifically, TexEx Energy Operating, LLC, and NG&E)
that are commonly controlled in order to reduce risk, reduce
administrative expense, create economies of scale, create strategic
alliances and supply goods and services to these related parties. We
also sell natural gas to NG&E. Affiliated transactions include
certain services to the affiliated companies associated with employee
benefits provided through our benefit plans, insurance plans, leased
office space, administrative salaries,
due
diligence work, recurring management consulting, and accounting, tax,
legal, or technology services. Amounts billed are based on the services
provided, departmental usage, or headcount, which are considered
reasonable by management. Where costs incurred on behalf of the
affiliate or us cannot be determined by specific identification for
direct billing, the costs are allocated to the affiliated entities or us
based on estimates of percentage of departmental usage, wages or
headcount. As such, our financial statements include costs that have
been incurred by us and then directly billed or allocated to affiliates,
as well as costs that have been incurred by our affiliates and then
directly billed or allocated to us. The paragraphs below describe
transaction arising from historical relationships that existed between
us and other affiliates during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Cost allocations
The
total net amount direct billed and allocated (to)/from affiliates was
$(0.5) million, for the year ended December 31, 2021. These amounts
include the payments for administrative costs for information
technology, power and gas supply, employee benefits and other services
with NG&E, TxEx, Retailco and other affiliated entities. These
amounts also include the payments discussed in more detail below under
the heading “Office Lease and Facilities” and “Transactions with
NG&E.”
Office Lease and Facilities
We
share our corporate headquarters with certain of our affiliates.
NuDevco Midstream Development, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of TxEx, is
the lessee under the current lease agreement covering our corporate
headquarters. NuDevco Midstream Development, LLC pays the entire lease
payment and facilities charges on behalf of the affiliates of TxEx, and
we reimburse NuDevco Midstream Development, LLC for our share. During
the year ended December 31, 2021, we paid affiliates $1.9 million in
lease payments and facilities charges.
Transactions with NG&E
Retail
revenues-affiliates recorded in net asset optimization revenues in the
combined statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021
were $1.6 million. Cost of revenues-affiliates recorded in net asset
optimization revenues in the combined statements of operations for the
year ended December 31, 2021 were less than $0.1 million.
Policies and Procedures for Review of Related Party Transactions
Our
Board of Directors has adopted a written related party transactions
policy. Pursuant to this policy, our Audit Committee or a specially
designated committee consisting solely of independent directors reviews
all material facts of all Related Party Transactions (as defined below)
and either approves or disapproves entry into the Related Party
Transaction, subject to certain limited exceptions. A “Related Party
Transaction” is a transaction, arrangement or relationship in which we
or any of our subsidiaries was, is or will be a participant, the amount
of which involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any related person had,
has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. A “Related
Person” means:
•any
person who is, or at any time during the applicable period was, one of
our executive officers or one of our directors or director nominees;
•any person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5.0% of our Class A common stock;
•any
immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons, which means
any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling,
mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law,
brother-in-law or sister-in-law of a director, director nominee,
executive officer or a beneficial owner of more than 5.0% of our Class A
common stock, and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing
the household of such director, director nominee, executive officer or
beneficial owner of more than 5.0% of our Class A common stock; and
•an
entity that is owned or controlled by any of the foregoing persons, or
an entity in which any of the foregoing persons has a substantial
ownership interest or control of the entity.
In
determining whether to approve or disapprove entry into a Related Party
Transaction, our Audit Committee or other specially designated
committee takes into account, among other factors it deems appropriate,
the following: (i) whether the Related Party Transaction is on terms no
less favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated
third-party under the same or similar circumstances, (ii) the extent of
the Related Person’s interest in the transaction and (iii) whether the
Related Party Transaction is material to the Company. Further, the
policy requires that all Related Party Transactions required to be
disclosed in our filings with the SEC be so disclosed in accordance with
applicable
laws, rules and regulations. The policy also requires that all Related
Party Transactions of which management is aware should be disclosed to
the Audit Committee.
PROPOSAL TWO
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT
On
March 26, 2022, the Audit Committee of the Board determined not to
re-appoint Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”) as the Company’s independent
public accounting firm for the Company’s fiscal year ending December 31,
2022 and notified EY of such decision on March 28, 2022.
The
audit reports of EY on the Company’s consolidated financial statements
for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 did not contain an
adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or
modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. In
connection with the audits of the Company’s consolidated financial
statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and
through March 26, 2022, there were no disagreements with EY on any
matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement
disclosure, or auditing scope and procedures which, if not resolved to
the satisfaction of EY, would have caused EY to make reference to the
matter in their report. There were no “reportable events” (as that term
is described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K) during the two
fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and the interim period
through March 26, 2022.
On
March 26, 2022, the Committee approved the appointment of Grant
Thornton LLP (“Grant Thornton”) as the Company’s independent registered
public accounting firm commencing with the quarter ending March 31, 2022
and for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, to be effective upon
GT’s completion of its standard client acceptance process and execution
of an engagement letter. On March 31, 2022, GT advised the Audit
Committee that it had completed its standard client acceptance process,
and on April 1, 2022, GT and the Company finalized an engagement letter
relating to GT’s appointment.
During
the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and the interim
period through March 31, 2022, the Company has not consulted with GT on
any matter relating to 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
consolidated financial statements; or (ii) any matter that was the
subject of a “disagreement” (as that term is defined in Item
304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) or any
“reportable event” (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of
Regulation S-K).
The
Board of Directors is submitting the appointment of GT for ratification
at the Annual Meeting. The submission of this matter for approval by
shareholders is not legally required, but the Board of Directors and the
Audit Committee believe the submission provides an opportunity for
shareholders through their vote to communicate with the Board of
Directors and the Audit Committee about an important aspect of corporate
governance. If the shareholders do not ratify the appointment of GT,
the Audit Committee will reconsider the appointment of that firm as our
auditors.
The
Audit Committee has the sole authority and responsibility to retain,
evaluate and replace our auditors. The shareholders’ ratification of the
appointment of GT does not limit the authority of the Audit Committee
to change auditors at any time, including during the 2022 fiscal year.
Audit and Other Fees
The
table below sets forth the aggregate fees billed by EY, our previous
independent registered public accountant, for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| | | | | | | | |
| 2021 | 2020 |
Audit
Fees
(1)......................................................................................................................................... | $1,197,781 | $1,271,821 |
Audit-Related
Fees................................................................................................................................. | — | — |
Tax
Fees (2)
........................................................................................................................................... | 37,164 | 23,351 |
All
Other
Fees........................................................................................................................................ | — | — |
Total | $1,234,945 | $1,295,172 |
(1) Audit
fees represent fees for professional services provided in connection
with: (a) the annual audit of our consolidated financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020; (b) the review of our
quarterly consolidated financial statements; (c) assurance and related
services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or
review of our financial statements; and (d) review of our other filings
with the SEC, including review and preparation of registration
statements, comfort letters, consents and research necessary to comply
with generally accepted auditing standards for the year ended December
31, 2021 and 2020.
(2) Tax
fees represent fees for professional services provided in connection
with technical assistance for international, federal and state tax
matters provided for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
The
charter of the Audit Committee and its pre-approval policy require that
the Audit Committee review and pre-approve the plan and scope of audit,
audit-related, tax and other services. For the year ended December 31,
2021, the Audit Committee pre-approved 100% of the services described
above.
We
expect that representatives of GT will be present at the Annual Meeting
to respond to appropriate questions and to make a statement if they
desire to do so.
Required Vote
The
ratification of the appointment of the independent public accountant
proposal requires an affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of
the shares of Common Stock present, in person or by proxy, and entitled
to vote on the matter at the Annual Meeting
Recommendation
The
Board of Directors unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR
the ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the
independent registered public accountant of the Company for 2022.
PROPOSAL THREE
ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
In
accordance with Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, we are asking our shareholders to approve, on an
advisory basis, the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers,
as reported in this proxy statement.
This
proposal, commonly known as the “say-on-pay” proposal, is advisory,
which means that the vote on executive compensation is not binding on
the Company, the Board, or the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors. Nonetheless, the Board of Directors takes this vote and the
opinions of our shareholders seriously, and the Compensation Committee
will evaluate the outcome of this vote in making future compensation
decisions with respect to our Named Executive Officers. The vote on this
resolution is intended to address the Company’s overall compensation of
our Named Executive Officers and our compensation philosophy and
practices, as described in this proxy statement.
We
are asking our shareholders to indicate their support for the
compensation of our Named Executive Officers as described in this proxy
statement by voting in favor of the following resolution:
“RESOLVED,
That the shareholders of Via Renewables, Inc. approve, on an advisory
basis, the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, as
disclosed in the Company’s proxy statement for our 2022 annual meeting
of shareholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables, and narrative discussion
contained in this proxy statement.”
In
considering how to vote on this proposal, we urge you to review the
relevant disclosures in this proxy statement, particularly the section
titled “Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis,”
which contains detailed information about our executive compensation
program.
Required Vote
The
approval of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, on an
advisory basis, requires an affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the shares of Common Stock present, in person or by proxy,
and entitled to vote on the matter at the Annual Meeting.
Recommendation
The
Board of Directors unanimously recommends shareholders vote FOR the
approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our Named
Executive Officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS; IDENTIFICATION OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
Proxy Statement Proposals
Any
of our shareholders who desire to submit a proposal for action at the
2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and wishes to have such proposal (a
“Rule 14a-8 Proposal”) included in our proxy materials, must submit such
Rule 14a-8 Proposal to us at our principal executive offices no later
than December 7, 2022 unless we notify the shareholders otherwise. Only
those Rule 14a-8 Proposals that are timely received by us, proper for
shareholder action (and otherwise proper), and satisfy the SEC
requirements for inclusion will be included in our proxy materials.
Other Proposals
Any
of our shareholders who desire to submit a proposal for action at the
2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, but does not wish to have such
proposal (a “Non-Rule 14a-8 Proposal”) included in our proxy materials,
must submit such Non-Rule 14a-8 Proposal to us at our principal
executive offices so that it is received between January 18, 2023 and
February 17, 2023, unless we notify the shareholders otherwise. The
advance notice provisions contained in our bylaws are in addition to,
and separate from, the requirements that a shareholder must meet in
order to have a Rule 14a-8 Proposal included in our Proxy Statement
under the rules of the SEC. We reserve the right to reject, rule out of
order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal
that does not comply with our bylaws and the applicable rules of the
SEC.
If
a Non-Rule 14a-8 Proposal is properly presented at the meeting, we will
elect to exercise our discretionary voting authority with respect to
such Non-Rule 14a-8 Proposal. “Discretionary voting authority” is the
ability to vote proxies that shareholders have executed and submitted to
us, on matters not specifically reflected in our proxy materials, and
on which shareholders have not had an opportunity to vote by proxy. A
proxy granted by a shareholder will give discretionary authority to the
proxies to vote on any matters introduced pursuant to the above advance
notice bylaw provisions, subject to applicable SEC rules. The Board of
Directors knows of no matters, other than the proposals included in this
Proxy Statement, to be presented for consideration at the Annual
Meeting.
In addition to satisfying the foregoing requirements under our bylaws,
to comply with the universal proxy rules, shareholders who intend to
solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than our nominees
must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule
14a-19 under the Exchange Act no later than March 20, 2023. However, if
the date of the 2023 annual meeting is more than 30 days before or after
the date of the anniversary of the 2022 annual meeting, the notice must
be provided by the close of business on the later of the sixtieth day
prior to the 2023 annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on
which public announcement of the date of the 2023 annual meeting is
first made, as provided by Rule 14a-19. These deadlines assume that the
shareholder has not previously filed a proxy statement with the required
information.
Identification of Director Candidates
It
is the responsibility of the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee to identify, evaluate and recommend nominees for election at
the annual meeting of shareholders, as well as to fill vacancies or
additions on the Board of Directors that may occur between annual
meetings. Final approval of a candidate will be determined by the Board
of Directors.
The
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee endeavors to recommend
only director candidates who possess the highest personal values and
integrity; who have experience and have exhibited achievements in one or
more of the key professional, business, financial, legal and other
challenges that face an independent energy retail services company; who
exhibit sound judgment, intelligence, personal character, and the
ability to make independent analytical inquiries; who demonstrate a
willingness to devote adequate time to Board of Director duties; and who
are likely to be able to serve on the Board of Directors for a
sustained period.
Although
we do not have a formal policy regarding diversity, the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee considers the diversity of, and the
optimal enhancement of the current mix of talent and experience on the
Board, when selecting nominees. In that regard, the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee endeavors to achieve an overall balance
of diversity of experiences, skills, attributes and viewpoints among our
directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes
it has achieved that balance through the representation on the Board of
Directors of members having experience in the energy retail services
industry, accounting and investment analysis, among other areas. The
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not discriminate
based upon race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability,
citizenship or any other legally protected status.
In
identifying potential director candidates, the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee relies on any source available for the
identification and recommendation of candidates, including current
directors and officers. In addition, the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee may from time to time engage a third party search
firm to identify or evaluate, or assist in identifying or evaluating
potential candidates, for which the third party search firm will be paid
a fee.
The
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also consider any
nominee recommended by shareholders for election at the annual meeting
of shareholders to be held in 2023 if that nomination is submitted in
writing, between January 18, 2023 and February 17, 2023, to Via
Renewables, Inc., 12140 Wickchester Ln., Suite 100, Houston, Texas
77079, Attention: Legal. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee will evaluate director nominees proposed by shareholders on
the same basis as recommendations received from any other source. With
respect to each such nominee, the following information must be provided
to us with the written nomination:
•the nominee’s name, address and other personal information;
•the number of shares of each class and series of stock of the Company held by such nominee;
•the nominating shareholder’s name and address; and
•all other information required to be disclosed pursuant to our bylaws.
Each
submission must also include a written consent signed by the nominee
evidencing a willingness to serve as a director, if elected. We suggest
that any such proposal be sent by certified mail, return receipt
requested.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
Solicitation
of Proxies may be made via the Internet, by mail, personal interview or
telephone by our officers, directors and regular employees. We may also
request banking institutions, brokerage firms, custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries to forward solicitation material to the beneficial owners
of the Common Stock that those companies or persons hold of record, and
we will reimburse the forwarding expenses. In addition, we have retained
Broadridge Financial Solutions to provide various services relating to
the solicitation of proxies, including webhosting, printing, mailing and
tabulating votes, for a fee of approximately $32,000. We will bear all
costs of solicitation.
SHAREHOLDER LIST
In
accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law, we will maintain
at our corporate offices in Houston, Texas, a list of the shareholders
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The list will be open to the
examination of any shareholder, for purposes germane to the Annual
Meeting, during ordinary business hours for ten days before the Annual
Meeting.
SHAREHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS
We
will deliver only one set of proxy materials to multiple shareholders
sharing an address unless we have received contrary instructions from
one or more of the shareholders. We undertake to deliver promptly, upon
written or oral request, an additional copy of the proxy materials to a
shareholder at a shared address to which a single copy has been
delivered. A shareholder can notify us that the shareholder wishes to
receive a separate copy of the proxy materials by contacting us at the
following address or phone number: 12140 Wickchester Ln., Suite 100,
Houston, Texas 77079, Attention: Legal or (713) 600-2600. Conversely, if
multiple shareholders sharing an address receive multiple proxy
materials and wish to receive only one, such shareholders can notify us
at the address or phone number set forth above.
PROXY MATERIALS ANNUAL REPORT AND OTHER INFORMATION
Our
Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2021, is
being made available to shareholders concurrently with this Proxy
Statement and does not form part of the proxy solicitation material.
THIS PROXY CARD IS
VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE
OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: Signature (Joint Owners)Signature [PLEASE SIGN
WITHIN BOX] DateDate SCAN TO VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE To withhold
authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except”
and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 00 00 55 46 23 _1 R 1. 0. 0. 24 For Withhold
For All All All Except The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR
the following: 1. Election of one Class II Director Nominees 01)
Nick Wiley Evans Jr. VIA RENEWABLES, INC. 12140 WICKCHESTER LN., SUITE
100 HOUSTON, TX 77079 VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com or scan the
QR Barcode above Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions
and for electronic delivery of information. Vote by 11:59 p.m. Eastern
Time on May 17, 2022. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the
web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to
create an electronic voting instruction form. ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF
FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by
our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving
all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports
electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic
delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the
Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or
access proxy materials electronically in future years. VOTE BY PHONE -
1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting
instructions. Vote by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 17, 2022. Have your
proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE
BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the
postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing,
c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. The Board of
Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3. For Against Abstain
2. To ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Company's
independent registered public accountant for 2022. 3. To approve,
on an advisory basis, the compensation of our Named Executive Officers
as disclosed in the Proxy Statement. NOTE: If any other matters come
properly before the meeting, the persons named in the proxy will vote
in their discretion. Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s)
hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other
fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign
personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership,
please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.
00 00 55 46 23 _2
R 1. 0. 0. 24 Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy
Materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 18,
2022: The Annual Report including 10-K, Notice & Proxy Statement are
available at www.proxyvote.com VIA RENEWABLES, INC. Annual Meeting of
Shareholders May 18, 2022 10:00 AM This proxy is solicited by the Board
of Directors The shareholder(s) hereby appoint(s) Mike Barajas and Paul
Konikowski, or either of them, as proxies, each with the power to
appoint his substitute, and hereby authorize(s) them to represent and to
vote, as designated on the reverse side of this ballot, all of the
shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of VIA
RENEWABLES, INC. that the shareholder(s) is/are entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 10:00 AM, CDT on May 18,
2022, at 12140 Wickchester Ln., Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77079, and any
adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy, when properly
executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. On matters for
which you do not specify a choice, the shares will be voted in
accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors;
therefore, if no direction is given, this proxy will be voted FOR the
director nominees in proposal 1, and FOR proposals 2 and 3. Continued
and to be signed on reverse side