UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE
14A
(Rule
14a-101)
Information
Required In Proxy Statement
SCHEDULE
14A INFORMATION
Proxy
Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment
No. )
Filed
by the Registrant
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x
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Filed
by a Party other than the Registrant
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Check
the appropriate box:
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Preliminary
Proxy Statement
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¨
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Confidential,
For Use of the Commission Only (As Permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
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x
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Definitive
Proxy Statement
|
¨
|
Definitive
Additional Materials
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¨
|
Soliciting
Material Pursuant to Section
240.14a-12
|
SMITH-MIDLAND
CORPORATION
(Name
of
Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
__________________________________________________________
(Name
of
Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment
of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate
box):
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Fee
computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11.
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Title
of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2)
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Aggregate
number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3)
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Per
unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
to
Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
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Proposed
maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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Fee
paid previously with preliminary materials.
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Check
box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its
filing.
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Previously Paid:
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Form,
Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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SMITH-MIDLAND
CORPORATION
5119
Catlett Road
Midland,
Virginia 22728
NOTICE
OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To
be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2008
TO
THE
STOCKHOLDERS:
NOTICE
IS
HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of SMITH-MIDLAND
CORPORATION (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, will be held on Wednesday,
September 17, 2008 at 5:00 pm at the Company’s Corporate Headquarters, located
at 5119 Catlett Road, Midland, Virginia 22728 for the following
purposes:
|
1
|
To
elect four (4) members to the Board of
Directors;
|
|
2.
|
To
adopt the Smith-Midland Corporation 2008 Stock Option Plan;
and
|
|
3.
|
To
consider and act upon any matters incidental to the foregoing and
any
other matters that may properly come before the meeting or any and
all
adjournments thereof.
|
The
Board
of Directors has fixed the close of business on July 21, 2008 as the record
date
for the determination of Stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at
the
Annual Meeting and any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
We
hope
that all stockholders will be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person.
In
order to assure that a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting, please date,
sign and promptly return the enclosed proxy whether or not you expect to attend
the Annual Meeting. A postage-prepaid envelope has been enclosed for your
convenience. If you attend the Annual Meeting, your proxy will, at your request,
be returned to you and you may vote your shares in person.
By
Order of the Board of Directors
|
|
Rodney
I. Smith
|
President
|
|
Midland,
Virginia
|
July
31, 2008
|
SMITH-MIDLAND
CORPORATION
5119
Catlett Road
Midland,
Virginia 22728
PROXY
STATEMENT
For
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To
be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The
enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of SMITH-MIDLAND
CORPORATION (the “Company”) for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be
held on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 5:00 PM at the Company’s Corporate
Headquarters, located at 5119 Catlett Road, Midland, Virginia 22728 and at
any
adjournment or adjournments thereof.
Stockholders
of record at the close of business on July 21, 2008 will be entitled to vote
at
the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. On or about that date, 4,629,962
shares of the Company’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”),
were issued and outstanding. The Company has no other outstanding voting
securities.
Each
share of Common Stock entitles the holder to one vote with respect to all
matters submitted to Stockholders at the Annual Meeting. A quorum for the Annual
Meeting is a majority of the shares outstanding. Abstentions and broker
non-votes are each included in the determination of the number of shares present
and voting for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present Broker
non-votes occur when shares held by a broker for a beneficial owner are not
voted with respect to a particular proposal because (1) the broker does not
receive voting instructions from the beneficial owner and (2) the broker lacks
discretionary authority to vote the shares. Directors will be elected by
plurality vote. The proposal with respect to the adoption of the Smith-Midland
Corporation 2008 Stock Option Plan requires the affirmative vote of the majority
of the shares present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting. An abstention
will be counted as a vote against this proposal and broker non-votes will have
no effect on the vote.
Abstentions
or broker non-votes or failures to vote will have no effect in the election
of
directors, who will be elected by a plurality of the affirmative votes
cast.
An
Annual
Report, containing the Company’s audited financial statements for the years
ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, is being mailed to all
stockholders entitled to vote. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy
were first mailed to Stockholders on or about July 31, 2008.
Execution
of a proxy will not in any way affect a Stockholder’s right to attend the Annual
Meeting and vote in person. The proxy may be revoked at any time before it
is
exercised by written notice to the Secretary prior to the Annual Meeting, or
by
giving to the Secretary a duly executed proxy bearing a later date than the
proxy being revoked at any time before such proxy is voted, or by appearing
at
the Annual Meeting and voting in person. The shares represented by all properly
executed proxies received in time for the Annual Meeting will be voted as
specified therein. In the absence of a special choice, shares will be voted
in
favor of the election of Directors of those persons named in this Proxy
Statement and in favor of the adoption of the 2008 Stock Option
Plan.
The
Board
of Directors knows of no other matter to be presented at the Annual Meeting.
If
any other matter should be presented at the Annual Meeting upon which a vote
may
be taken, such shares represented by all proxies received by the Board of
Directors will be voted with respect thereto in accordance with the judgment
of
the persons named as attorneys in the proxies. The Board of Directors knows
of
no matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting that would give rise to
appraisal rights for dissenting stockholders.
Proposal
#1
ELECTION
OF DIRECTORS
Four
Directors, constituting the entire Board of Directors, are to be elected at
the
Annual Meeting. Each Director of the Company is elected at the Company’s Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and serves until his successor is elected and qualified.
Vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the
number of authorized Directors may be filled by a majority vote of Directors
then remaining in office. Officers are elected by and serve at the discretion
of
the Board of Directors.
Shares
represented by all proxies received by the Board of Directors and not so marked
as to withhold authority to vote for an individual Director, or for all
Directors, will be voted (unless one or more nominees are unable or unwilling
to
serve) for the election of the nominees named below. The Board of Directors
knows of no reason why any such nominee should be unwilling to serve, but if
such should be the case, proxies will be voted for the election of some other
person or for fixing the number of Directors at a lesser number.
The
Board unanimously recommends that Stockholders vote FOR election of the four
nominees for Director.
The
following table sets forth certain information concerning each nominee for
election as a Director of the Company:
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Director
Since
|
|
Position
|
Rodney
I. Smith
|
|
69
|
|
1970
|
|
Chief
Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board of
Directors
|
Ashley
B. Smith
|
|
46
|
|
1994
|
|
Vice
President of Sales and Marketing and Director
|
Wesley
A. Taylor
|
|
60
|
|
1994
|
|
Vice
President of Administration and Director
|
Andrew
G. Kavounis
|
|
83
|
|
1995
|
|
Director
|
Background
The
following is a brief summary of the background of each nominee for Director
of
the Company:
Rodney
I. Smith. Chairman
of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President.
Rodney
I.
Smith co-founded the Company in 1960 and became its President and Chief
Executive Officer in 1965. He has served on the Board of Directors and has
been
its Chairman since 1970. Mr. Smith is the principal developer and inventor
of
the Company’s proprietary and patented products. Mr. Smith is the past President
of the National Precast Concrete Association. Mr. Smith has served on the Board
of Trustees of Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Virginia since
1986.
Ashley
B. Smith. Vice
President of Sales and Marketing and Director.
Ashley
B. Smith has served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing of the Company
since 1990 and as a Director since December 1994. Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor
of
Science degree in Business Administration from Bridgewater College. Mr. Ashley
B. Smith is the son of Mr. Rodney I. Smith.
Wesley
A. Taylor. Vice
President of Administration and Director. Wesley
A.
Taylor has served as Vice President of Administration of the Company since
1989
and as a Director since December 1994, and previously held positions as
Controller and Director of Personnel and Administration. Mr. Taylor holds a
Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern State University.
Andrew
G. Kavounis. Director.
Andrew
Kavounis has served as a Director of the Company since December 1995. Mr.
Kavounis was President of Core Development Co., Inc., a privately held
construction and development concern, from 1991 until he retired in 1995. From
1989 to 1991, Mr. Kavounis was the Executive Vice President of the Leadership
Group, a Maryland based builder and developer. Prior to that time, Mr. Kavounis
spent 37 years as an executive at assorted construction and development
companies, which included a position as the National Vice President of Ryland
Homes, a privately held company, in which capacity he was directly responsible
for the construction of 17,000 homes annually, nationwide. Mr. Kavounis received
a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Presbyterian College,
a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Mechanical Engineering from Wofford
College, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of
South Carolina.
GENERAL
INFORMATION RELATING TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND
OFFICERS
Director
Independence
Andrew
G.
Kavounis is the only independent director of the Company as determined under
the
NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. The other Directors are not considered independent
in
view of their positions as executive officers of the Company.
Meetings
and Committees of the Board of Directors
The
Board
of Directors has a Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee consists
of Andrew Kavounis and Wesley A. Taylor. The Compensation Committee was
established to set and administer the policies that govern annual compensation
for the Company’s executives. Following review and approval by the Compensation
Committee of the compensation policies, all issues pertaining to executive
compensation are submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. The
Compensation Committee negotiates and approves compensation arrangements for
officers, employees, consultants and directors of the Company, including, but
not limited to, the grant of options to purchase the Common Stock pursuant
to
the Company’s 2004 Stock Option Plan or other plans which may be established.
The Compensation Committee did not meet during 2007. Instead, the Board of
Directors as a whole addressed these matters. The Company also does not have
a
Compensation Committee charter.
The
Company believes that a standing nominating committee is not necessary or cost
efficient for a company its size. All directors participate in the consideration
of director nominees, including Andrew Kavounis, who is the Company’s
independent director. The Company does not have a formal nominating committee
charter. For at least the past five years, the Board of Directors has not
received a recommendation from a stockholder as to a candidate for nomination
to
the Board of Directors and therefore has not previously formed a policy with
respect to consideration of such a candidate. However, it is the Board’s intent
to consider any stockholder nominees that may be put forth in the future. The
Board has not identified any specific minimum qualifications or skills that
it
believes must be met by a nominee for director. It is the intent of the Board
to
review from time to time the appropriate skills and characteristics of directors
in the context of the current make-up of the Board and the requirements and
needs of the Company at a given time. Given the current composition, stability
and size of the Board of Directors of the Company, the fact that all
director-nominees are standing for re-election and that the Board has received
no nominee candidates from stockholders, the Board has not considered other
candidates for election at the upcoming annual meeting of
stockholders.
The
Board
of Directors met formally four times during 2007 and met informally on a number
of occasions, voting on corporate actions, in some cases, by written consent.
All of the Company’s current directors attended all of the meetings of the Board
of Directors either in person or by telephone.
With
the
exception of Rodney I. Smith and Ashley B. Smith, who are father and son,
respectively, no Director or executive officer of the Company is related by
blood, marriage, or adoption to any of the Company’s other Directors or
executive officers.
Audit
Committee
The
Company does not have an audit committee, or a committee performing functions
similar to an audit committee. The entire Board of Directors acts as the audit
committee. The Company also does not have an audit committee charter. The Board
of Directors has determined that the Company does not have a person serving
on
its Board that qualifies as an "Audit Committee Financial Expert", as defined
by
Securities and Exchange Commission Rules.
The
Board
of Directors reviewed and discussed our audited financial statements as of
and
for the year ended December 31, 2007 with management.
The
Board
of Directors reviewed and discussed with representatives of BDO Seidman, LLP,
our independent registered public accounting firm, the matters required to
be
discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Codification of Statements
on Auditing Standards, AU §380), as amended. The Board of Directors has also
received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from BDO Seidman,
LLP required by Independence Standard No. 1, "Independence Discussions with
Audit Committees," as amended by the Independence Standards Board, and has
discussed with BDO Seidman, LLP their independence.
Communication
Between Stockholders and the Board of Directors
Stockholders
wishing to communicate with members of the Board of Directors should send a
letter to the Secretary of the Company with instructions as to which director(s)
is to receive the communication. The Secretary will forward the written
communication to each member of the Board of Directors identified by the
stockholder or, if no individual director is identified, to all members of
the
Board of Directors. The Company has not in the past required members of the
Board of Directors to attend each annual meeting of the stockholders because
the
formal meetings have been attended by very few stockholders, and have generally
been brief and procedural in nature. All of the Company’s directors, however,
attended the 2006 and 2007 annual meetings of stockholders. The Board will
continue to monitor stockholder interest and attendance at future meetings
and
re-evaluate this policy as appropriate.
Compensation
of Directors
All
non-employee Directors receive $1,000 per meeting attended as compensation
for
their services as Directors and are reimbursed for expenses incurred in
connection with the performance of their duties. All employee Directors, except
Rodney I Smith, receive $250 per meeting attended as compensation for their
services and are reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with the
performance of their duties. Rodney I. Smith receives no compensation as a
Director, but is reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with the
performance of his duties as a Director. For the twelve months ended December
31, 2007, total payments made to all Directors were $55,300.
Director
Compensation Table for 2007
Name
|
|
Fees
Earned or
Paid in
Cash ($)
|
|
Stock
Awards
($)
|
|
Option
Awards
($)(1)
|
|
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
|
|
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
|
|
All Other
Compensation
($)
|
|
Total ($)
|
|
Rodney
I. Smith (2)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
29,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
29,000
|
|
Andrew
G. Kavounis (3)
|
|
|
4,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,500
|
|
Ashley
B. Smith (4)
|
|
|
750
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
10,150
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
10,900
|
|
Wesley
A. Taylor (5)
|
|
|
750
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
10,150
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
10,900
|
|
|
(1)
|
Also
disclosed in the “Summary Compensation Table”
below.
|
|
(2)
|
240,000
options were outstanding as of December 31, 2007, of which 200,000
were
exercisable as of December 31,
2007.
|
|
(3)
|
4,000
options were outstanding as of December 31, 2007, of which 3,000
were
exercisable as of December 31,
2007.
|
|
(4)
|
65,800
options were outstanding as of December 31, 2007, of which 50,800
were
exercisable as of December 31,
2007.
|
|
(5)
|
30,667
options were outstanding as of December 31, 2007, of which 15,667
were
exercisable as of December 31,
2007.
|
EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS
The
executive officers and a key employee of the Company are:
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Officer
Since
|
|
Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rodney
I. Smith
|
|
69
|
|
1970
|
|
Chief
Executive Officer, President,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and
Chairman of the Board of Directors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ashley
B. Smith
|
|
46
|
|
1994
|
|
Vice
President of Sales and Marketing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wesley
A. Taylor
|
|
60
|
|
1994
|
|
Vice
President of Administration and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Secretary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steve
Ott
|
|
42
|
|
2005
|
|
Vice
President of Engineering
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Smith-Midland
Corp. (Virginia Operations)
|
Steve
Ott. Vice
President of Engineering, Smith Midland Corp.(Virginia).
Mr. Ott
joined the Company in October 2005. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Ott served
as Engineering Manager for the Shockey Precast Group in Fredericksburg, Virginia
from June 2001 to October 2005. Mr. Ott worked at Shockey Precast Group’s
Winchester plant from 1998 to 2001. From 1991 through 1997 Mr. Ott worked in
Belgium for a consulting structural engineering firm and for a precast concrete
manufacturer. From 1988 to 1991 Mr. Ott worked at Brandow and Johnston
Structural Engineers in Los Angeles California. Mr. Ott holds a Bachelor of
Science degree in Structural Engineering from the University of California
at
San Diego and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Mary
Washington.
For
the
biographies of Messrs. Rodney I. Smith, Ashley B. Smith, and Wesley A. Taylor,
please see “Proposal 1—Election of Directors”.
BENEFICIAL
OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
The
following table sets forth, as of June 30, 2008, certain information concerning
ownership of the Company’s Common Stock by (i) each person known by the Company,
based solely on filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, to own
of
record or be the beneficial owner of more than five percent (5%) of the
Company’s Common Stock, (ii) named executive officers and Directors, and (iii)
all Directors, and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated,
the stockholders listed in the table have sole voting and investment powers
with
respect to the shares indicated.
Name and Address of
Beneficial Owner(1)
|
|
Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned(2)
|
|
Percentage
of Class
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rodney
I. Smith (1)(3)(4)(5)
|
|
|
729,132
|
|
|
15.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ashley
B. Smith (1)(3)(4)(6)
|
|
|
153,084
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wesley
A. Taylor (1)(7)
|
|
|
45,417
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Andrew
G. Kavounis (1)(8)
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AL
Frank Asset Management, Inc. (9)
|
|
|
688,100
|
|
|
14.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All
directors and executive officers as a group (4
persons)(2)(10)
|
|
|
930,633
|
|
|
18.9
|
|
_______________________________
*
Less
than 1%
(1) |
The
address for each of Messrs. Rodney I. Smith, Ashley B. Smith, Wesley
A.Taylor, and Andrew G. Kavounis, is c/o Smith-Midland Corporation,
P.O.
Box 300, 5119 Catlett Road, Midland, Virginia 22728.
|
(2) |
Pursuant
to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
shares of Common Stock that an individual or group has a right to
acquire
within 60 days pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants are
deemed
to be outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership
of such individual or group, but are not deemed to be outstanding
for the
purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person
shown in
the table.
|
(3) |
Ashley
B. Smith is the son of Rodney I. Smith. Each of Rodney I. Smith and
Ashley
B. Smith disclaims beneficial ownership of the other’s shares of Common
Stock.
|
(4) |
Does
not include options to purchase 5,000 shares held by Matthew Smith
and an
aggregate of 86,489 shares of Common Stock held by Matthew Smith
and
Roderick Smith. Matthew Smith and Roderick Smith are sons of Rodney
I.
Smith and brothers of Ashley B. Smith. Also, does not include shares
held
by Merry Robin Bachetti, sister of Rodney I. Smith and aunt of Ashley
B.
Smith, for which each of Rodney I. Smith and Ashley B. Smith disclaims
beneficial ownership. Also, does not include 50,000 shares of Common
Stock
held by Hazel Smith, former wife of Rodney I. Smith, and mother of
Ashley
B. Smith. Mr. Rodney I. Smith and Ashley B. Smith each disclaim beneficial
ownership of the shares held by each related party listed in this
footnote.
|
(5) |
Includes
options to purchase 213,334 shares.
|
(6) |
Includes
options to purchase 55,467 shares.
|
(7) |
Includes
options to purchase 20,334 shares.
|
(8) |
Includes
options to purchase 3,000 shares.
|
(9) |
Address
of holder is 32392 Coast Highway, Suite 260, Laguna Beach, CA
92651.
|
(10) |
Includes
options to purchase 292,135 shares for all directors and executive
officers as a group.
|
as
of
June 30, 2008
|
|
Number
of
securities
to
be
issued
upon
exercise
of
outstanding
options,
warrants
and
rights
|
|
Weighted
average
exercise
price
of
outstanding
options,
warrants
and
rights
|
|
Number
of
securities
remaining
available
for
future
issuance
under
equity
compensation
plan
|
|
Equity
compensation plans approved by security holders
|
|
|
668,482
|
|
$
|
1.52
|
|
|
109,509
|
|
Equity
compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
|
|
0
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
0
|
|
Total
|
|
|
668,482
|
|
$
|
1.52
|
|
|
109,509
|
|
Compensation
of Executive Officers
The
following table sets forth the compensation paid by the Company for services
rendered for each of the last two completed fiscal years to the three highest
compensated executive officers of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “named
executive officers”), whose compensation also exceeded $100,000 during
2007:
Summary
Compensation Table
Name
and
Principal
Position
|
|
Year
|
|
Salary
($)(1)
|
|
Bonus
($)(2)
|
|
Stock
Awards
($)
|
|
Option
Awards
($)(3)
|
|
Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)
|
|
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
|
|
All
Other
Compensation
($)
|
|
Total
($)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rodney
I. Smith
President,
Chief
Executive
Officer
and
Chairman of the
Board.
(4)
|
|
|
2007
2006
|
|
|
99,000
99,750
|
|
|
—
16,000
|
|
|
—
—
|
|
|
29,000
30,400
|
|
|
—
—
|
|
|
—
—
|
|
|
104,400
347,563
|
(5)
(5)
|
|
232,400
493,713
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ashley
B. Smith
VP
of Sales and Marketing and Director
|
|
|
2007
2006
|
|
|
117,389
104,683
|
|
|
—
2,508
|
|
|
—
—
|
|
|
10,150
10,640
|
|
|
—
—
|
|
|
—
—
|
|
|
4,923
5,804
|
|
|
132,462
123,635
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wesley
A. Taylor
VP
of Administration, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director
|
|
|
2007
2006
|
|
|
95,200
100,630
|
|
|
—
3,320
|
|
|
—
—
|
|
|
10,150
10,640
|
|
|
—
—
|
|
|
—
—
|
|
|
4,970
5,390
|
|
|
110,320
119,980
|
|
(1)
Represents salaries and commissions paid or accrued in 2007 and 2006 for
services provided by each named Executive Officer serving in the capacity
listed.
(2)
Represents amounts paid and accrued in 2006 for annual performance-based bonuses
related to operations in 2006. No annual performance-based bonuses were approved
by the Board of Directors for payment in 2007.
(3)
The
Company used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value
of all option grants. All stock options vest on a prorated basis annually over
three years from the date of grant. The exercise price per share of the stock
options granted in 2007 were $2.15.
Stock
options granted in 2007 were granted on May 22, 2007, which the Company valued
based on the following assumptions:
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
Volatility
|
|
|
73
|
%
|
|
|
|
4.42
|
%
|
Expected
Life
|
|
|
6
years
|
|
Accordingly,
the fair value per option at the date of grant for the options granted in 2007
is $1.45.
(4)
For a
description of the employment agreement between Mr. Smith and the Company,
see
“Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment and Change in Control
Agreements.”
(5)
For
2006, $242,276 of the amount shown was for a non-cash (except for the portion
related to the payment of taxes) payment to Rodney Smith to pay down an officer
receivable due the Company, which includes a grossed up amount for income tax
consequences. The receivable originated in 1968 and 1969, prior to the Company
going public, and included two $30,000 loans to Rodney Smith, in lieu of salary,
during two less profitable years. See “Employment Contracts and Termination of
Employment and Change in Control Arrangements.”
In addition, in 2007 and 2006, $99,000 was paid to Mr. Smith for an annual
royalty fee paid under his employment agreement.
Outstanding
Equity Awards At Fiscal Year-End 2007
The
following table sets forth information for the named executive officers
regarding any common share purchase options, stock awards or equity incentive
plan awards that were outstanding as of December 31, 2007.
Name
|
|
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
|
|
Number of
Securities Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
|
|
Option Exercise
Price
($/Sh)
|
|
Option
Expiration Date
|
|
Rodney
I. Smith
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.00
|
|
7/30/08
|
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.00
|
|
8/3/08
|
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.5625
|
|
12/28/09
|
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.8000
|
|
4/22/11
|
|
|
|
|
80,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.8100
|
|
5/3/11
|
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.3900
|
|
12/25/11
|
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.8300
|
|
12/16/13
|
|
|
|
|
13,333
|
|
|
6,667
|
|
|
2.52
|
|
9/29/15
|
|
|
|
|
6,667
|
|
|
6,667
|
|
|
2.25
|
|
5/21/16
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
2.15
|
|
5/21/17
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ashley
B. Smith
|
|
|
4,800
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.00
|
|
8/3/08
|
|
|
|
|
7,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.5625
|
|
12/28/09
|
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.8000
|
|
4/22/11
|
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.3900
|
|
12/25/11
|
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.8300
|
|
12/16/13
|
|
|
|
|
6,667
|
|
|
3,333
|
|
|
2.52
|
|
9/29/15
|
|
|
|
|
2,333
|
|
|
4,667
|
|
|
2.25
|
|
5/21/16
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
7,000
|
|
|
2.15
|
|
5/21/17
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
|
50,800
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wesley
A. Taylor
|
|
|
6,667
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.8300
|
|
12/16/13
|
|
|
|
|
6,667
|
|
|
3,333
|
|
|
2.52
|
|
9/29/15
|
|
|
|
|
2,333
|
|
|
4,667
|
|
|
2.25
|
|
5/21/16
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
7,000
|
|
|
2.15
|
|
5/21/17
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
|
15,667
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
|
266,467
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All
stock
options vest on a prorated basis annually over three years from the date of
grant and generally expire ten years from the date of grant.
Employment
Contracts and Termination of Employment and Change in Control
Arrangements.
The
Company entered into a four-year Employment Agreement with Rodney I. Smith,
its
current President and Chief Executive Officer, effective as of September 30,
2002. The term of employment automatically renews commencing on the date one
year after the effective date, and on an annual basis thereafter, for an
additional one year, unless earlier terminated or not renewed as provided for
therein. The agreement provides for an annual base salary of $99,000 (“Base
Salary”), which will be reviewed at least annually and adjusted from time to
time at the determination of the Board of Directors. It also provides for an
annual royalty fee of $99,000 payable as consideration for Mr. Smith’s
assignment to the Company of all of his rights, title and interest in and to
the
Patents (as defined in the agreement). Payment of the royalty continues only
for
as long as the Company is using the inventions underlying the non-expired
Patents. Mr. Smith is also entitled to bonuses as follows (the “Bonus”): (i) a
performance-based bonus as determined by the Board each calendar year, and
(ii)
a $27,000 quarterly bonus equal to one-twentieth of the then outstanding
principal balance on the loan (the “Loan”) made by the Company to Mr. Smith in
the aggregate amount of $540,000, at the date of the employment agreement,
and
the unpaid interest accrued thereon during the quarter, and a cash amount which
reimburses Mr. Smith for certain taxes payable by him as a result of such
quarterly bonus. Payment of the Bonuses that are equal to one-twentieth of
the
Loan and the quarterly interest thereon are paid in the form of forgiveness
of
such principal and interest. Once the Loan has been fully repaid, no further
quarterly Bonus in respect of the Loan shall be payable.
With
respect to repayment of the Loan, the Board of Directors approved the
acceleration of the accrual of all bonuses and related expenses necessary to
pay
off the Loan as of December 31, 2006. All related and accrued amounts required
to fully payoff the Loan in the amount of $242,276, including a grossed up
amount for income taxes, were recognized as general and administration expense
for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Mr.
Smith’s employment agreement provides further that if Mr. Smith (i) voluntarily
leaves the employ of the Company within six months of his becoming aware of
a
Change of Control (as defined in the agreement) of the Company, then he shall
be
entitled to receive a lump sum amount equal to three times the five-year average
of his combined total annual compensation, which includes the Base Salary and
Bonus, less one dollar ($1.00), and certain other unpaid accrued amounts as
of
the date of his termination, or (ii) is terminated by the Company without Cause
(as defined in the agreement) or leaves the Company with Good Reason (as defined
in the agreement), Mr. Smith shall be entitled to a lump sum payment equal
to
three times the combined Base Salary and Bonus paid during the immediately
preceding calendar year, and such other unpaid accrued amounts. In any of such
cases, the Company will provide Mr. Smith with certain Company fringe benefits
for two years, subject to certain conditions as provided for in the agreement,
and all of Mr. Smith’s unvested options to purchase Company stock shall become
fully vested and exercisable on the date of termination. Mr. Smith will be
entitled to exercise all such options for three years from the date of
termination. The Company will have no further obligations to Mr. Smith, other
than with respect to the payment of royalties.
In
the
event Mr. Smith’s employment by the Company is terminated as a result of Mr.
Smith’s (i) death, his estate shall be entitled to a lump sum payment of one
times the combined Base Salary and Bonus, and certain other accrued and unpaid
amounts, or (ii) disability, Mr. Smith shall be entitled to Base Salary and
Bonus for a period of one year commencing with the date of termination, and
all
other unpaid accrued amounts.
In
the
event Mr. Smith’s employment is terminated for cause or Mr. Smith voluntarily
leaves the employ of the Company for no reason, Mr. Smith shall be entitled
to
accrued but unpaid Base Salary and Bonus up to the date of termination, and
all
other unpaid amounts. The Company shall have no further obligations to Mr.
Smith.
The
employment agreement also contains noncompetition and nonsolicitation covenants
for one year following Mr. Smith’s termination of employment for any reason.
Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions.
At
December 31, 2005, the Company owned an unsecured note receivable for
approximately $143,730 from Mr. Rodney I. Smith, the Company’s President,
accruing interest at a rate of 6% per annum. This note was extended by the
Board
of Directors at their July 22, 2002 meeting to mature on December 31, 2007.
The
Board also approved the use of bonuses to pay off the loan and any applicable
taxes. Principal received on the note was $143,730 for the year ended December
31, 2006, which included a one-time Board-approved cash bonus declared of
$24,094 to reimburses Mr. Smith for certain taxes payable by him as a result
of
repaying the loan in full in 2006. Total interest received on this note was
approximately $15,396 for the year ended December 31, 2006. The loan has been
paid in full.
Section
16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section
16(a) (“Section 16(a)”) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
“Exchange Act”), requires executive officers and Directors and persons who
beneficially own more than ten percent (10%) of the Company’s Common Stock to
file initial reports of ownership on Form 3 and reports of changes in ownership
on Form 4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and any
national securities exchange on which the Corporation’s securities are
registered.
Based
solely on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the Company and
written representations from the executive officers and Directors, the Company
believes that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its executive
officers, Directors and greater than ten per cent (10%) beneficial owners were
satisfied during 2007, except as follows: (i) the following persons each filed
one Form 4 to report the grant of stock options, which was one business day
late: Rodney I. Smith, Ashley B. Smith, Wesley A. Taylor and Lawrence R. Crews
(former executive officer) and (ii) Ashley B. Smith filed one Form 4 to report
the acquisition of shares pursuant to the exercise of stock options and the
sale
thereof, which was one business day late.
PROPOSAL
#2
PROPOSAL
TO ADOPT THE SMITH-MIDLAND CORPORATION 2008 STOCK OPTION
PLAN
GENERAL
INFORMATION RELATING TO THE SMITH-MIDLAND CORPORATION 2008 STOCK OPTION
PLAN
The
Smith-Midland Corporation 2008 Stock
Option Plan (the “Plan”) is intended to encourage and enable employees,
directors,` consultants, and advisors who are in a position to make
contributions to the success of the Company, to acquire a closer identification
of their interests with those of the Company by providing them with
opportunities to purchase stock pursuant to the options granted under the Plan.
As of July 18, 2008, the Company had 127 full time employees, 5 part-time
employees and one non-employee director.
The
aggregate number of shares for which options could be granted under the Plan
is
500,000, subject to adjustments because of changes in the Company’s capital
structure such as stock dividends, stock splits, recapitalizations, and other
capital adjustments. The options to be granted under the Plan will be designated
as incentive stock options or non-incentive stock options by the Board of
Directors or a committee thereof, which also shall have full and final authority
in its discretion as to the persons to be granted options and the terms of
the
option agreements. Only employees of the Company, including officers, may be
granted incentive stock options.
The
Plan
provides that all options there under shall be exercisable during a period
of no
more than ten years from the date of the grant (five years for incentive stock
options granted to holders of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock), depending on the specific stock option agreement, and the option
exercise price, in the case of incentive stock options, shall be at least equal
to 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock at the time of the grant
(at least 110% for incentive stock options granted to holders of 10% or more
of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock and at least 50% with regard to
non-incentive options). Pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, the aggregate
fair market value (determined at the time the options are granted) of the Common
Stock with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the
first time by an employee during any one calendar year shall not exceed
$100,000.
If
the
grantee shall cease to be an employee for any reason other than death, any
options granted to the grantee shall be exercisable only to the extent of the
vested purchase rights on that date, subject to the original term of the option
or three months from the date of termination (one year, in the event of
cessation of employment on account of disability) whichever is earlier. If
employment is terminated by death, the person or persons to whom the grantee’s
rights under the option are transferred by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution, subject to the purchase rights vested as of the date the grantee
ceased to be an employee, may exercise such options any time prior to one year
from the date of death; provided that such option or options shall expire in
any
event no later than the last day of the original term of such option. In the
case of a Participant who is not an employee, provisions relating to the
exercisability of an option following termination of service shall be specified
in the award. If not so specified, all options held by such Paticipant shall
terminate on termination of service to the Company. Options are not transferable
by the grantee otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution,
and such options may be exercised during the grantee’s lifetime only by the
grantee, or, in the event of the grantee’s legal incapacity, by his or her
guardian or legal representative acting in a fiduciary capacity on behalf of
the
grantee under state law. If an option under the Plan expires or terminates
unexecised as to the shares covered thereby, such shares shall thereafter be
available for the granting of other options under the Plan.. The Plan shall
continue until such time as it may be terminated by action of the Board or
the
Committee provided however, that no options may be granted under the Plan on
or
after the tenth anniversary of the effective date thereof.
On
July
21, 2008, the closing price of the Common Stock was $1.10 per
share.
If
shares
are issued to the holder of a non-incentive option under the Plan (1) no income
will be recognized by the holder at the time of the grant of the option; (2)
except as stated below, upon exercise of the option, the holder will recognize
taxable ordinary income in the amount equal to the excess of the fair market
value of the shares over the option price; (3) if the holder exercising the
option is restricted from selling the shares so acquired because the holder
is
an officer or director of the Company, and would be subject to liability under
Section 16(b) of he Securities Exchange Act of 1934, then, unless the holder
makes an election to be taxed under the rule of clause (2) above, the holder
will recognize taxable ordinary income at the time such Section 16(b)
restriction terminates, equal to the excess of the fair market value of the
shares at that time over the option price, and any dividends he or she received
n the shares before that time will be taxable to him or her as income; (4)
the
Company will be entitled to a deduction at the same time and in the same amount
as the holder has income under clause (2) or (3); and (5) upon a sale of shares
so acquired, the holder may have additional short-term or long-term capital
gain
or loss.
If
shares
are issued to the holder of an incentive stock option under the Plan (1) no
income will be recognized by such holder at the time of the grant of the option
or the transfer of shares to the holder pursuant to his or her exercise of
the
option; (2) the difference between the option price and the fair market value
of
the shares at the time of exercise will be treated as an item of tax preference
to the holder; (3) no deduction will be allowed to the Company for Federal
income tax purposes in connection with the grant or exercise of the option;
and
(4) upon a sale or exchange of the shares after the later of (a) one year from
the date of transfer of the shares to the original holder, or (b) two years
from
the date of grant of the option, any amount realized by the holder in excess
of
the option price will be taxed to the holder as a long-term capital gain and
any
loss sustained by the holder will be a long-term capital loss. If the shares
are
disposed of before the holding period requirements described in the preceding
sentence are satisfied then (1) the holder will recognize taxable ordinary
income in the year of disposition in an amount determined under the rules of
the
Code; (2) the Company will be entitled to a deduction for such year in the
amount of the ordinary income so recognized; (3) the holder may have additional
long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, and (4) the tax preference
provision may not be applicable.
The
Company has adopted the 2008 Stock Option Plan inasmuch as the Company’s 2004
Stock Option Plan provision was for 500,000 shares, of which options for 109,509
shares currently remain to be granted, and the new Plan will allow the Company
an uninterrupted ability to continue to grant stock options.
In
that
benefits under the Plan will depend on the actions of the Board of Directors
and
the value of our common stock, it is not possible to determine the benefits
that
will be received if stockholders approve the adoption of the plan.
The
Board of Directors recommends that Stockholders vote FOR the Adoption of the
Company’s 2008 Stock Option Plan.
AUDIT
AND RELATED FEES
The
aggregate fees billed for each of the past two fiscal years for professional
services rendered by BDO Seidman, LLP, the principal accountant for the audit
of
the Company; for assurance and related services related to the audit; for tax
compliance, tax advice, and tax planning; and for all other fees for products
and services are shown in the table below.
Audit
Fees: Fees charged as audit fees are for the of the Company’s annual financial
statements and review of financial statements included in the Company’s Forms
10-Q or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection
with
statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
Audit-Related
Fees: There were no audit related fees paid in either of the two most recent
fiscal years.
Tax
Fees:
Tax fees are for professional services rendered by BDO Seidman, LLP for tax
compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. These fees related to services for
preparation of taxes for 2006 and the estimated tax payments for both 2006
and
2007.
The
Company does not have an Audit Committee. The Board of Directors has the
responsibility normally assigned to the Audit Committee. The Board of Directors
has not adopted any blanket pre-approval policies and procedures. Instead,
the
Board will pre-approve the provision by BDO Seidman, LLP of all audit or
non-audit services.
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
Audit
Fees
|
|
$
|
141,578
|
|
$
|
114,886
|
|
Tax
Fees
|
|
|
25,840
|
|
|
26,425
|
|
Total
|
|
|
167,418
|
|
|
141,311
|
|
INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
BDO
Seidman, LLP acted as our independent registered public accounting firm for
the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. A representative of BDO Seidman, LLP plans
to be present at the Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement
if
he desires to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate
questions.
VOTING
AT MEETING
The
Board
of Directors has fixed July 21, 2008 as the record date for the determination
of
Stockholders entitled to vote at this meeting. On or about that date 4,629,962
shares of Common Stock were outstanding and entitled to vote.
SOLICITATION
OF PROXIES
The
cost
of solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. In addition to the
solicitation of proxies by mail, officers and employees of the Company may
solicit in person or by telephone. The Company may reimburse brokerage firms
and
other persons representing beneficial owners of shares for their expenses in
forwarding solicitation materials to beneficial owners.
REVOCATION
OF PROXY
Subject
to the terms and conditions set forth herein, all proxies received by the
Company will be effective, notwithstanding any transfer of the shares to which
such proxies relate, unless prior to the Annual Meeting, the Company receives
a
written notice of revocation signed by the person who, as of the record date,
was the registered holder of such shares. The Notice of Revocation must indicate
the certificate number or numbers of the shares to which such revocation relates
and the aggregate number of shares represented by such
certificate(s).
STOCKHOLDER
PROPOSALS
In
order
to be included in proxy material for next year’s annual meeting, Stockholders’
proposed resolutions must be received by the Company no later than April 5,
2009. In addition, the by-laws of the Company require that we be given advance
notice of stockholder nominations for election to the Board of Directors and
of
other matters which stockholders wish to present for action at an annual meeting
of stockholders. The required notice must be delivered to the Secretary of
the
Company at our principal offices not less than 60 days and not more than 90
days
prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of
stockholders. These requirements are separate from and in addition to the SEC
requirements that a stockholder must meet in order to have a stockholder
proposal included in the Company’s proxy statement.
Pursuant
to our by-laws, if notice of any stockholder proposal is received after July
20,
2009, then the notice will be considered untimely and we are not required to
present such proposal at the Annual Meeting to be held in 2009. If the Board
of
Directors chooses to present a proposal submitted after July 20, 2008 at next
year’s Annual Meeting, then the persons named in proxies solicited by the Board
of Directors for such Annual Meeting may exercise discretionary voting power
with respect to such proposal.
ANNUAL
REPORT ON FORM 10-K
An
Annual
Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC for the year ending December 31,
2007,
containing financial and other information about the Company, is being mailed
to
all stockholders of record as of the Record Date, at the Company's
cost.
MISCELLANEOUS
The
management does not know of any other matter that may come before the Annual
Meeting. However, if any other matters are properly presented to the Annual
Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy
to
vote, or otherwise act, in accordance with their judgment on such
matters.
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By
Order of the Board of Directors:
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/s/
Rodney I. Smith
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Rodney
I. Smith
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President
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Midland,
Virginia
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Dated:
July 31, 2008
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THE
MANAGEMENT HOPES THAT STOCKHOLDERS WILL ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. WHETHER
OR
NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, YOU ARE URGED TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN, AND RETURN THE
ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE. PROMPT RESPONSE WILL GREATLY
FACILITATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MEETING AND YOUR COOPERATION WILL BE
APPRECIATED. STOCKHOLDERS WHO ATTEND THE MEETING MAY VOTE THEIR STOCK PERSONALLY
EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE SENT IN THEIR PROXIES.
APPENDIX
A
SMITH-MIDLAND
CORPORATION
2008
STOCK OPTION PLAN
ARTICLE
1
PURPOSE
OF THE PLAN
The
purpose of this Plan is to encourage and enable employees, members of the Board,
consultants, and advisors who are in a position to make contributions to the
success of SMITH-MIDLAND CORPORATION and of its affiliated corporations upon
whose judgment, initiative and efforts the Corporation depends for the
successful conduct of its business, to acquire a closer identification of their
interests with those of the Corporation by providing them with opportunities
to
purchase stock in the Corporation pursuant to Options granted hereunder, thereby
stimulating their efforts on behalf of the Corporation and strengthening their
desire to remain involved with the Corporation.
ARTICLE
II
DEFINITIONS
2.1.
“Affiliated Corporation” means any stock corporation of which a majority of the
voting common or capital stock is owned directly or indirectly by the
Corporation.
2.2.
“Award” means an Option granted under Article V.
2.3.
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation or, if one or more has
been appointed, a Committee of the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
2.4.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
2.5.
“Committee” means a Committee of not less than two members of the Board
appointed to administer the Plan who are disinterested persons as defined in
Section 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
2.6.
“Corporation” means SMITH-MIDLAND CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, or its
successor.
2.7.
“Employee” means any person who is a regular full-time or part-time employee of
the Corporation or an Affiliated Corporation.
2.8.
“Incentive Stock Option” (“ISO”) means an option, which qualifies as an
incentive stock option as defined in Section 422 of the Code.
2.9.
“Non-Qualified Option” means any Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive
Stock Option.
2.10.
“Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or Non-Qualified Option granted by the
Board under Article V of this Plan in the form of a right to purchase Stock
evidenced by an instrument containing such provisions as the Board may
establish. Except as otherwise expressly provided with respect to an Option
grant, no Option granted pursuant to the Plan shall be an Incentive Stock
Option.
2.11.
“Participant” means a person selected by the Committee to receive an award under
the Plan.
2.12.
“Plan” means this 2008 Stock Option Plan.
2.13.
“Reporting Person” means a person subject to Section 16 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor provision.
2.14.
“Restricted Period” means the period of time selected by the Committee during
which an award may be forfeited by the person.
2.15.
“Stock” means the Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Corporation or
any successor, including any adjustments in the event of changes in capital
structure of the type described in Article XI.
ARTICLE
III
ADMINISTRATION
OF THE PLAN
3.1.
Administration by Board. This Plan shall be administered by the Board of
Directors of the Corporation. The Board may, from time to time, delegate any
of
its functions under this plan to one or more Committees. All references in
this
Plan to the Board shall also include the Committee or Committees, if one or
more
have been appointed by the Board. From time to time the Board may increase
the
size of the Committee or Committees and appoint additional members thereto,
remove members (with or without cause) and appoint new members in substitution
therefore, fill vacancies however caused, or remove all members of the Committee
or Committees and thereafter directly administer the Plan. No member of the
Board or a Committee shall be liable for any action or determination made in
good faith with respect to the Plan or any Options granted hereunder.
3.2.
If a
Committee is appointed by the Board, a majority of the members of the Committee
shall constitute a quorum, and all determinations of the Committee under the
Plan may be made without notice or meeting of the Committee by a writing signed
by all members of the Committee. The Board may delegate the power to select
directors and officers to receive Awards under the Plan, and the timing, pricing
and amount of such Awards to a Committee, all members of which shall be
“disinterested persons” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under that Act.
3.3.
Powers. The Board of Directors and/or any Committee shall have full and final
authority to operate, manage and administer the Plan on behalf of the
Corporation. This authority includes, but is not limited to:
3.3.a.
The power to grant Awards conditionally or unconditionally,
3.3.b.
The power to prescribe the form or forms of any instruments evidencing Awards
granted under this Plan,
3.3.c.
The power to interpret the Plan,
3.3.d.
The power to provide regulations for the operation of the incentive features
of
the Plan, and otherwise to prescribe and rescind regulations for interpretation,
management and administration of the Plan,
3.3.e.
The power to delegate responsibility for Plan operation, management, and
administration on such terms, consistent with the Plan, as the Board may
establish,
3.3.f.
The power to delegate to other persons the responsibility of performing
ministerial acts in furtherance of the Plan’s purpose, and
3.3.g.
The power to engage the services of persons, companies, or organizations in
furtherance of the Plan’s purpose, including but not limited to, banks,
insurance companies, brokerage firms and consultants.
3.4.
Additional Powers. In addition, as to each Option to buy Stock of the
Corporation, the Board shall have full and final authority in its discretion:
(a) to determine the number of shares of Stock subject to each Option; (b)
to
determine the time or times at which Options will be granted; (c) to determine
the Option price of the shares of Stock subject to each Option, which price
shall be not less than the minimum price specified in Article V of this Plan;
(d) to determine the time or times when each Option shall become exercisable
and
the duration of the exercise period (including the acceleration of any exercise
period), which shall not exceed the maximum period specified in Article V;
(e)
to determine whether each Option granted shall be an Incentive Stock Option
or a
Non-qualified Option; and (f) to waive compliance by a Participant with any
obligation to be performed by him under an Option, to waive any condition or
provision of an Option, and to amend or cancel any Option (and if an Option
is
cancelled, to grant a new Option on such terms as the Board may specify), except
that the Board may not take any action with respect to an outstanding Option
that would adversely affect the rights of the Participant under such Option
without such Participant’s consent. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall be
construed as limiting the power of the Board to make adjustments required by
Article XI.
3.5.
In
no event may the Corporation grant an Employee any Incentive Stock Option that
is first exercisable during any one calendar year to the extent the aggregate
fair market value of the Stock (determined at the time the Options are granted)
exceed $100,000 (under all stock Option plans of the Corporation and any
Affiliated Corporation); provided, however, that this paragraph shall have
no
force and effect if its inclusion in the Plan is not necessary for Incentive
Stock Options issued under the Plan to qualify as such pursuant to Section
422(d)(1) of the Code.
ARTICLE
IV
ELIGIBILITY
4.1.
Eligible Employees. All Employees (including members of the Board who are
Employees) are eligible to be granted Incentive Stock Option and Non-Qualified
Option Awards under this Plan.
4.2.
Consultants, Directors and other Non-Employees. Any consultant, member of the
Board (who is not an Employee) and any other Non-Employee is eligible to be
granted Non-qualified Option Awards under the Plan, provided the person has
not
irrevocably elected to be ineligible to participate in the Plan.
4.3.
Relevant Factors. In selecting individual Employees, consultants, directors
and
non-Employees to who Awards shall be granted, the Board shall weigh such factors
as are relevant to accomplish the purpose of the Plan as stated in Article
I.
ARTICLE
V
STOCK
OPTION AWARDS
5.1.
Number of Shares. Subject to the provisions of Article XI of this Plan, the
aggregate number of shares of Stock for which Options may be granted under
this
Plan shall not exceed 500,000 shares. The shares to be delivered upon exercise
of Options under this Plan shall be made available, at the discretion of the
Board, either from authorized but unissued shares or from previously issued
as
reacquired shares of Stock held by the Corporation as treasury shares, including
shares purchased in the open market.
5.2.
Stock issuable upon exercise of an Option granted under the Plan may be subject
to such restrictions on transfer, repurchase rights or other restrictions as
shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
5.3.
Effect of Expiration, Termination or Surrender. If an Option under this Plan
shall expire or terminate unexercised as to any shares covered thereby, or
shall
cease for any reason to be exercisable in whole or in part, or if the
Corporation shall reacquire any unvested shares issued pursuant to Options
under
the Plan, such shares shall thereafter be available for the granting of other
Options under this Plan.
5.4.
Term
of Options. The full term of each Option granted hereunder shall be for such
period as the Board shall determine. In the case of Incentive Stock Options
granted hereunder, the term shall not exceed ten (10) years from the date of
granting thereof. Each Option shall be subject to earlier termination as
provided in Article VI. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options intended to
qualify as “Incentive Stock Options” may not be granted to any Employee who at
the time such Option is granted, directly or indirectly, owns more than ten
percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of
the
Corporation unless such Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five
(5) years from the date such Option is granted.
5.5.
Option Price. The Option price shall be determined by the Board at the time
any
Option is granted. In the case of Incentive Stock Options, the exercise price
shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares covered
thereby at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted (but in no event
less
than par value), provided that no Incentive Stock Option shall be granted
hereunder to any Employee if at the time of grant the Employee, directly or
indirectly, owns Stock possessing more than 10% of the combined voting power
of
all classes of stock, of the Corporation and its Affiliated Corporations unless
the Incentive Stock Option price equals not less than 110% of the fair market
value of the shares covered thereby at the time the Incentive Stock Option
is
granted. In the case of Non-Qualified Stock Options, the exercise price shall
not be less than 50% of fair market value.
5.6.
Fair
Market Value. If, at the time an Option is granted under the Plan, the
Corporation’s Stock is publicly traded, “fair market value” shall be determined
as of the last business day for which the prices or quotes discussed in this
sentence are available prior to the date such Option is granted and shall mean
(i) the closing price (on that date) of the Stock on the principal national
securities exchange (including NASDAQ) on which the Stock is traded, if the
Stock is then traded on a national securities exchange (including NASDAQ);
or
(ii) the closing bid price (or average of bid prices) last quoted (on that
date)
by an established quotation service for over-the- counter securities, if the
Stock is not traded on a national securities exchange (including NASDAQ).
However, if the Stock is not publicly traded at the time an Option is granted
under the Plan, “fair market value” shall be deemed to be the fair value of the
Stock as determined by the Board after taking into consideration all factors
which it deems appropriate, including, without limitation, recent sale and
offer
prices of the Stock in private transactions negotiated at arm’s length.
5.7.
Non-Transferability of Options. No Option granted under this Plan shall be
transferable by the grantee otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, and such Option may be exercised during the grantee’s lifetime
only by the grantee, or in the event of the grantee’s incapacity, by his or her
guardian or legal representative acting in a fiduciary capacity on behalf of
the
grantee under state law.
5.8.
Foreign Nationals. Awards may be granted to Participants who are foreign
nationals or employed outside the United States on such terms and conditions
different from those specified.
ARTICLE
VI
EXERCISE
OF OPTION
6.1.
Exercise. Each Option granted under this Plan shall be exercisable on such
date
or dates and during such period and for such number of shares as shall be
determined pursuant to the provisions of the instrument evidencing such Option.
The Board shall have the right to accelerate the exercise date of any Incentive
Stock Option granted if such acceleration would not violate the annual vesting
limitation contained Section 422(d)(1) of the Code.
6.2.
Notice of Exercise. A person electing to exercise an Option shall give written
notice to the Corporation of such election and of the number of shares he or
she
has elected to purchase and shall at the time of exercise tender the full
purchase price of the shares he or she has elected to purchase. The purchase
price can be paid partly or completely in the shares of the Corporation’s stock
valued at Fair Market Value as defined in Section 5.6 hereof, or by any such
other lawful consideration as the Board may determine. Until such person has
been issued a certificate or certificates for the shares so purchased and has
fully paid the purchase price for such shares, he or she shall possess no rights
of a record holder with respect to any of such shares. The Corporation may
elect
to receive payment for such shares by means of a promissory note, provided
that
no officer, director or holders of 5% or more of the Corporation’s outstanding
Common Stock may exercise any stock Option and make payment for such shares
by
means of a promissory note.
6.3.
Option Unaffected by Change in Duties. No Incentive Stock Option (and, unless
otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, no Non-Qualified Option granted
to a person who is, on the date of the grant, an Employee of the Corporation
or
an Affiliated Corporation) shall be affected by any change of duties or position
of the grantee (including transfer to or from an Affiliated Corporation), so
long as he or she continues to be an Employee. Employment shall be considered
as
continuing uninterrupted during any bona fide leave of absence (such as those
attributable to illness, military obligations or governmental service) provided
that the period of such leave does not exceed 90 days or, if longer, any period
during which such grantee’s right to reemployment is guaranteed by statute. A
bona fide leave of absence with the written approval of the Board shall not
be
considered an interruption of employment under the Plan, provided that such
written approval contractually obligates the corporation or any Affiliated
Corporation to continue the employment of the grantee after the approved period
of absence.
6.4.
If
the grantee shall cease to be an Employee for any reason other than death,
such
Option shall thereafter be exercisable only to the extent of the purchase
rights, if any, which have accrued as of the date of such cessation, provided
that (i) the Board may provide in the instrument evidencing any Option that
the
Board may in its absolute discretion, upon any such cessation of employment,
determine (but be under no obligation to determine) that such accrued purchase
rights shall be deemed to include additional shares covered by such Option;
and
(ii) unless the Board shall otherwise provide in the instrument evidencing
any
Option, upon any such cessation of employment, such remaining rights to purchase
shall in any event terminate upon the earlier of (A) the expiration of the
original term of the Option; or (B) where such cessation of employment is on
account of disability, the expiration of one year from the date of such
cessation of employment and, otherwise, the expiration of three months from
such
date. For purposes of the Plan, the term “disability” shall mean “permanent and
total disability” as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.
6.5.
In
the case of a Participant who is not an employee, provisions relating to the
exercisability of an Option following termination of service shall be specified
in the award. If not so specified, all Options held by such Participant shall
terminate on termination of service to the Corporation.
6.6.
Death of Grantee. Should an grantee die while in possession of the legal right
to exercise an Option or Options under this Plan, such persons as shall have
acquired, by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, the right to
exercise any Options theretofore granted, may, unless otherwise provided by
the
Board in any instrument evidencing any Option, exercise such Options at any
time
prior to one year from the date of death; provided, that such Option or Options
shall expire in all events no later than the last day of the original term
of
such Option; provided, further, that any such exercise shall be limited to
the
purchase rights which have accrued as of the date when the grantee ceased to
be
an Employee, whether by death or otherwise, unless the Board provides in the
instrument evidencing such Option that, in the discretion of the Board,
additional shares covered by such Option may become subject to purchase
immediately upon the death of the grantee.
ARTICLE
VII
REPORTING
PERSON LIMITATIONS
To
the
extent required to qualify for the exemption provided by Rule 16b-3 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor provision, at
least six months must elapse from the date of acquisition of an Option by a
Reporting person to the date of disposition of such Option (other than upon
exercise) or its underlying Common Stock.
ARTICLE
VIII
TERMS
AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS
Options
shall be evidenced by instruments (which need not be identical) in such forms
as
the Board may from time to time approve. Such instruments shall conform the
terms and conditions set forth in Articles V and VI hereof and may contain
such
other provisions as the Board deems advisable which are not inconsistent with
the Plan, including restrictions applicable to shares of Stock issuable upon
exercise of Options. In granting any Non-Qualified Option, the Board may specify
that such Non-Qualified Option shall be subject to the restrictions set forth
herein with respect to Incentive Stock Options, or to such other termination
and
cancellation provisions as the Board may determine. The Board may from time
to
time confer authority and responsibility on one or more of its own members
and/or one or more officers of the Corporation to execute and deliver such
instruments. The proper officers of the Corporation are authorized and directed
to take any and all action necessary or advisable from time to time to carry
out
the terms of such instruments.
ARTICLE
IX
BENEFIT
PLANS
Awards
under the Plan are discretionary and are not a part of regular salary. Neither
the Plan, an Option, or any instrument evidencing an Option confers upon any
Participant any right to continue as an employee of, or consultant or advisor
to, the Corporation or an Affiliated Corporation or affect the right of the
Corporation or any Affiliated Corporation to terminate them at any time. Except
as specifically provided by the Board in any particular case, the loss of
existing or potential profits granted under this Plan shall not constitute
an
element of damages in the event of termination of the relationship of a
Participant even if the termination is in violation of an obligation of the
Corporation to the Participant by contract or otherwise.
ARTICLE
X
AMENDMENT,
SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF PLAN
10.1.
The
Board may suspend the Plan or any part thereof at any time or may terminate
the
Plan in its entirety. Awards shall not be granted after Plan termination. The
Board may also amend the Plan from time to time, except that amendments which
affect the following subjects must be approved by stockholders of the
Corporation:
10.1.a.
Except as provided in Article XI relative to capital changes, the number of
shares as to which Options may be granted pursuant to Article V;
10.1.b.
The maximum term of Options granted;
10.1.c.
The minimum price at which Options may be granted;
10.1.d.
The term of the Plan; and
10.1.e.
The requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan.
10.2.
Awards granted prior to suspension or termination of the Plan may not be
cancelled solely because of such suspension or termination, except with the
consent of the grantee of the Award.
ARTICLE
XI
CHANGES
IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE
11.1.
The
instruments evidencing Options granted hereunder shall be subject to adjustment
in the event of changes in the outstanding Stock of the Corporation by reason
of
Stock dividends, Stock splits, recapitalizations, reorganizations, merger,
consolidations, combinations, exchanges or other relevant changes in
capitalization occurring after the date of an Award to the same extent as would
affect an actual share of Stock issued and outstanding on the effective date
of
such change, as determined by the Board. Such adjustment to outstanding Options
shall be made without change in the total price applicable to the unexercised
portion of such Options, and a corresponding adjustment in the applicable Option
price per share shall be made. In the event of any such change, the aggregate
number and classes of shares for which Options may thereafter be granted under
Section 5.1 of this Plan may be appropriately adjusted as determined by the
Board so as to reflect such change.
11.2.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any adjustments made pursuant to this Article
XI
with respect to Incentive Stock Options shall be made only after the Board,
after consulting with counsel for the Corporation, determines whether such
adjustments would cause any adverse tax consequences for the holders of such
Incentive Stock Options. If the Board determines that such adjustments made
with
respect to Incentive Stock Options would constitute a modification of such
Incentive Stock Options, it may refrain from making such
adjustments.
11.3.
In
the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation, each
Option will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed
action or at such other time and subject to such other conditions as the Board
shall determine. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the
Corporation of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into
shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof
shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares subject to Options.
No adjustments shall be made for dividends paid in cash or in property other
than securities of the Corporation.
11.4.
No
fractional shares shall be issued under the Plan and the grantee shall receive
from the Corporation cash in lieu of such fractional shares.
ARTICLE
XII
EFFECTIVE
DATE AND TERM OF THE PLAN
The
Plan
shall become effective on September 17, 2008. The Plan shall continue until
such
time as it may be terminated by action of the Board or the Committee; provided,
however, that no Options may be granted under this Plan on or after the tenth
anniversary of the effective date hereof.
ARTICLE
XIII
CONVERSION
OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS INTO NON-QUALIFIED OPTIONS; INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION
TERMINATION
The
Board, at the written request of any grantee, may in its discretion take such
actions as may be necessary to convert such grantee’s Incentive Stock Options,
that have not been exercised on the date of conversion, into Non-Qualified
Options at any time prior to the expiration of such Incentive Stock Options,
regardless of whether the grantee is an employee of the Corporation or an
Affiliated Corporation at the time of such conversion. Such actions may include,
but not be limited to, extending the exercise period or reducing the exercise
price of such Options. At the time of such conversion, the Board or the
Committee (with the consent of the grantee) may impose such conditions on the
exercise of the resulting Non-Qualified Options as the Board or the Committee
in
its discretion may determine, provided that such conditions shall not be
inconsistent with the Plan. Nothing in the Plan shall be deemed to give any
grantee the right to have such grantee’s Incentive Stock Options converted into
Non-Qualified Options, and no such conversion shall occur until and unless
the
Board or the Committee takes appropriate action. The Board, with the grantee’s
consent, may also terminate any portion of any Incentive Stock Option that
has
not been exercised at the time of such termination.
ARTICLE
XIV
APPLICATION
OF FUNDS
The
proceeds received by the Corporation from the sale of shares pursuant to Options
granted under the Plan shall be used for general corporate purposes or such
other purposes as determined by the Board or the management of the
Corporation.
ARTICLE
XV
GOVERNMENTAL
REGULATION
The
Corporation’s obligation to sell and deliver shares of Stock under this Plan is
subject to the approval of any governmental authority required in connection
with the authorization, issuance or sale of such shares.
ARTICLE
XVI
WITHHOLDING
OF ADDITIONAL INCOME TAXES
Upon
the
exercise of a Non-Qualified Option or the making of a Disqualifying Disposition
(as defined in Article XVII) the Corporation, in accordance with the Code,
may
require the grantee to pay additional withholding taxes in respect of the amount
that is considered compensation includible in such person’s gross income. The
Board in its discretion may condition the exercise of an Option on the payment
of such additional withholding.
ARTICLE
XVII
NOTICE
TO COMPANY OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION
Each
employee who receives an Incentive Stock Option must agree to notify the
Corporation in writing immediately after the employee makes a Disqualifying
Disposition of any Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive
Stock
Option. A Disqualifying Disposition is any disposition (including any sale)
of
such Stock before the later of (a) two years after the date the employee was
granted the Incentive Stock Option or (b) one year after the date the employee
acquired Stock by exercising the Incentive Stock Option. If the employee has
died before such stock is sold, these holding period requirements ro not apply
and no Disqualifying Disposition can occur thereafter.
ARTICLE
XVIII
GOVERNING
LAW; CONSTRUCTION
The
validity and construction of the Plan and the instruments evidencing Options
shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware (without regard to the
conflict of law principles thereof). In construing this Plan, the singular
shall
include the plural and the masculine gender shall include the feminine and
neuter, unless the context otherwise requires.