DEF 14A

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Schedule 14A Information

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.     )

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Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

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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

POWER SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

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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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POWER SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

201 Mittel Drive

Wood Dale, Illinois 60191

(630) 350-9400

July 17, 2015

Dear Stockholder:

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Power Solutions International, Inc., I cordially invite you to attend the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Power Solutions International, Inc., which will be held on August 13, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., Central Time, at the offices of Power Solutions International, Inc., 101 Mittel Drive, Wood Dale, Illinois 60191.

The accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement describe matters that we expect will be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on July 2, 2015 may vote at the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

It is important that your views be represented, whether or not you are able to be present at the Annual Meeting. Please complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and promptly return it via mail, telephone or through the internet according to the instructions on the proxy card, whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. If you sign and return your proxy card without specifying your choices, it will be understood that you wish to have your shares voted in accordance with the recommendations of our Board of Directors contained in the Proxy Statement.

We are gratified by your continued interest in Power Solutions International, Inc. and urge you to vote your shares as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Gary S. Winemaster

Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board

Wood Dale, Illinois

July 17, 2015


POWER SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

201 Mittel Drive

Wood Dale, Illinois 60191

(630) 350-9400

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 13, 2015

To the Stockholders of

Power Solutions International, Inc.:

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Power Solutions International, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held on August 13, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., Central Time, at the offices of the Company, 101 Mittel Drive, Wood Dale, Illinois 60191, for the following purposes, as more fully described in the accompanying Proxy Statement:

(1) To re-elect Gary S. Winemaster, Kenneth W. Landini, Jay J. Hansen and Mary E. Vogt to the Company’s Board of Directors, each for a one-year term expiring at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified;

(2) To approve, in a non-binding advisory vote, the compensation paid to our named executive officers as set forth herein;

(3) To ratify the appointment by the Board of Directors of independent registered public accounting firm McGladrey LLP as the independent auditors of the Company’s financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2015; and

(4) To act upon any other matters properly brought before the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Your vote is important. All stockholders are urged to attend the meeting in person or by proxy. Whether or not you expect to be present at the meeting, please complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly via mail, telephone or through the internet according to the instructions on the proxy card. Stockholders attending the meeting may vote in person even if they have previously returned proxy cards.

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on July 2, 2015 as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Gary S. Winemaster

Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board

Wood Dale, Illinois

July 17, 2015


POWER SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

201 Mittel Drive

Wood Dale, Illinois 60191

(630) 350-9400

PROXY STATEMENT

The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Power Solutions International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, for use at its Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at 10:00 a.m., Central Time, on August 13, 2015, at the offices of the Company, 101 Mittel Drive, Wood Dale, Illinois 60191, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof. You may obtain directions to the meeting location from our website www.psiengines.com in the “Contact Us” section, or by calling (630) 350-9400. This Proxy Statement and accompanying form of proxy are being mailed to stockholders on or about July 17, 2015. As used in this Proxy Statement, the terms “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Power Solutions International, Inc.

Our Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (“fiscal 2014”), consisting of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, containing financial and other information pertaining to the Company, is being furnished to stockholders simultaneously with this Proxy Statement.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 13, 2015

The Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders

to be held on August 13, 2015 is available, free of charge, at:

http://www.psiengines.com/proxy

ABOUT THE MEETING

What proposals may I vote on at the Annual Meeting and how does the Board recommend I vote?

 

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Proposal

   Board Recommendation

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   To consider and vote upon a proposal to re-elect each of Gary S. Winemaster, Kenneth W. Landini, Jay J. Hansen and Mary E. Vogt to the Company’s Board of Directors, each for a one-year term expiring at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified.    FOR

2

   To consider and vote upon, in a non-binding advisory vote, a proposal to approve the compensation paid to our named executive officers as set forth in this Proxy Statement.    FOR

3

   To consider and vote upon a proposal to ratify the appointment by the Board of Directors of independent registered public accounting firm McGladrey LLP as the independent auditors of the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015.    FOR

Who is entitled to vote?

Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on July 2, 2015 (the “record date”) are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. As of the record date for the Annual Meeting, we had 10,747,864 shares of our common stock outstanding, and there were no other outstanding classes of stock that are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. A record holder of

 

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outstanding shares of our common stock on the record date is entitled to one vote per share held on each matter to be considered. As a result, the total number of votes that may be cast by holders of our common stock for the proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting is 10,747,864 votes.

Shares held as of the record date include shares that are held directly in your name as the registered stockholder of record on the record date and those shares of which you are the beneficial owner on the record date and which are held through a broker, bank or other institution, as nominee, on your behalf, that is considered the stockholder of record of those shares.

What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?

Stockholders of Record

If shares of our common stock are registered directly in your name with the transfer agent for our common stock, Wells Fargo Shareholder Services, you are considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares of our common stock.

Beneficial Owners

If shares of our common stock are held in a stock brokerage account, by a broker, bank or other institution, serving as nominee, on your behalf, you are considered the beneficial owner of those shares (sometimes referred to as being held in “street name”). If you are a beneficial owner, your broker or other nominee that is considered the stockholder of record of those shares is making these proxy materials available to you with a request for your voting instructions. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other nominee on how to vote your shares using the voting methods which the broker or other nominee offers as options. For a discussion of the rules regarding the voting of shares held by beneficial owners, please see the question titled “How do I vote if I am a beneficial owner of shares and my broker, bank or other institution holds my shares in ‘street name’?”

How do I vote if I am a stockholder of record?

Stockholders of record can vote their shares by either voting in person at the Annual Meeting or by proxy according to the instructions on the enclosed proxy card.

Proxies must be received by Wells Fargo Shareholder Services, the transfer agent for our common stock, no later than 3:00 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 via one of the following methods:

 

   

Using the enclosed envelope, mail to P.O. Box 64945, St. Paul, MN 55164-0945

 

   

Internet at www.proxypush.com/psix

 

   

Scan the code on the front of the enclosed proxy card for mobile voting

 

   

Phone at 1-866-883-3382

A stockholder should complete and return the enclosed proxy card promptly via one of the above methods. Signing and returning the proxy card does not affect the right to vote in person at the Annual Meeting. Each executed and returned proxy will be voted in accordance with the directions indicated thereon, or if no direction is indicated, such proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board contained in this Proxy Statement and on the proxy card.

Gary S. Winemaster and Catherine V. Andrews, the persons named as proxies on the proxy card accompanying this Proxy Statement, were selected by the Board to serve in such capacity. Mr. Winemaster is Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, and Ms. Andrews is Secretary and General Counsel of the Company.

 

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How do I vote if I am a beneficial owner of shares and my broker, bank or other institution holds my shares in “street name”?

If your shares are held in “street name,” your broker or other institution serving as nominee will send you a request for directions for voting those shares. Many brokers, banks and other institutions serving as nominees (but not all) participate in a program that offers internet voting options and may provide you with a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. Follow the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to access our proxy materials online or to request a paper or email copy of our proxy materials. If you received these proxy materials in paper form, the materials included a voting instruction card so you can instruct your broker or other nominee how to vote your shares.

For a discussion of the rules regarding the voting of shares held by beneficial owners, please see the question titled “What are ‘broker non-votes’?

Can I revoke my proxy?

Yes. You can revoke your proxy and change your vote prior to the Annual Meeting by:

 

   

Sending a written notice of revocation to our Secretary, Catherine V. Andrews, at the address shown on the Notice of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the notification must be received by the close of business on Wednesday, August 12, 2015);

 

   

Voting in person at the Annual Meeting (but attendance at the Annual Meeting will not by itself revoke a proxy); or

 

   

Submitting a new, properly signed and dated proxy card with a later date (your proxy card must be received by Wells Fargo Shareholder Services no later than 3:00 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, August 12, 2015).

Who will count the votes?

A representative from Wells Fargo Shareholder Services, the transfer agent for our common stock, will act as the inspector of election who will count the votes at the Annual Meeting.

Is my vote confidential?

Your vote will not be disclosed except (1) as needed to permit the inspector of election to tabulate and certify the vote and (2) as required by law.

What quorum requirement applies?

There must be a quorum for the meeting to be held. The presence at the Annual Meeting, by person or by proxy, of stockholders representing a majority of the votes that could be cast by the holders of the shares entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Accordingly, the presence of shares of our common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be considered part of the quorum. If you submit a properly executed proxy card, even if you abstain from voting, you will be considered part of the quorum.

What vote is required to approve each proposal?

Proposal No. 1: Election of Directors. Assuming a quorum is present, to be elected, each of the director nominees, Gary S. Winemaster, Kenneth W. Landini, Jay J. Hansen and Mary E. Vogt, must receive a plurality of the votes of shares cast at the Annual Meeting. This means that the four nominees receiving the highest number of “FOR” votes will be elected. In other words, assuming there are no other candidates for election as directors other than the persons named in the enclosed proxy card and each of those persons receives at least one vote, all of them will be elected to our Board.

 

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Proposal No. 2: Approval, in a non-binding advisory vote, of the compensation paid to our named executive officers as set forth herein. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes of the shares present, in person or represented by proxy, and entitled to vote is required to approve, in a non-binding advisory vote, the compensation paid to our named executive officers as set forth in this Proxy Statement. Although the advisory vote on compensation paid to our named executive officers is non-binding, our Board will review the result of the vote and will take it into account in making a determination concerning executive compensation in the future.

Proposal No. 3: Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes of the shares present, in person or represented by proxy, and entitled to vote is required to ratify the appointment of McGladrey LLP as the independent auditors of our financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015.

What other matters might arise at the meeting?

At the date of this proxy statement, the Board does not know of any matters to be raised at the Annual Meeting other than those referred to in this proxy statement. The Proxies named in the proxy card are authorized to vote in their discretion upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

What if I mark abstain on my proxy card for a proposal?

Abstentions marked on a proxy card will be treated as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present and for purposes of voting on Proposal No. 2 and Proposal No. 3. Accordingly, abstentions marked on a proxy card with respect to Proposal No. 2 and Proposal No. 3, will have the same effect as votes against Proposal No. 2 and Proposal No. 3.

What are “broker non-votes”?

Under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), member brokers who hold shares in street name for their customers that are the beneficial owners of those shares have the authority to only vote on certain “routine” items in the event that they have not received instructions from beneficial owners. Under NYSE rules, when a proposal is not a “routine” matter and a member broker has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares with respect to that proposal, the brokerage firm may not vote the shares on that proposal because it does not have discretionary authority to vote those shares on that matter. A “broker non-vote” is submitted when a broker returns a proxy card and indicates that, with respect to particular matters, it is not voting a specified number of shares on those matters, as it has not received voting instructions with respect to those shares from the beneficial owners and does not have discretionary authority to vote those shares on such matters. “Broker non-votes” are not entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting with respect to the matters to which they apply; however, “broker non-votes” will be included for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting.

Proposal No. 1 and Proposal No. 2 are considered “non-routine” matters. As a result, brokers that do not receive instructions with respect to Proposal No. 1 and Proposal No. 2 from their customers will not be entitled to vote on such proposals, and any such “broker non-votes” will have no effect on the voting on such proposals. Proposal No. 3: Ratification of Auditors is considered a “routine” matter, and accordingly, brokers and other nominees will have discretionary authority to vote on that proposal.

The Board strongly encourages you to vote your shares and exercise your right to vote as a stockholder on each of the proposals.

Who can attend the Annual Meeting?

All stockholders of record as of July 2, 2015, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend. A list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, showing the address of and

 

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number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder, will be available for review starting no later than August 3, 2015, and continuing until the Annual Meeting, at our offices located at 101 Mittel Drive, Wood Dale, Illinois 60191. Please note that, if you hold shares in “street name” (that is, through a broker or other nominee), you will need to bring valid picture identification and evidence of your share ownership as of the record date, such as a copy of a brokerage statement. If you come to the Annual Meeting, you may, of course, vote in person. If you are a “street name” holder and wish to vote at the meeting, you must first obtain a proxy from your bank, broker or other holder of record authorizing you to vote.

How will the results of voting be published?

We will disclose voting results by filing a current report on Form 8-K with the SEC within four business days following the date of the Annual Meeting. If, on the date of filing that current report on Form 8-K, the inspector of elections for the Annual Meeting has not certified the voting results as final, we will indicate in the filing that the results are preliminary and publish the final results in a subsequent current report on Form 8-K, which we will file within four business days after the final voting results are known.

GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY

What principles has the Board established with respect to corporate governance?

The Board has carefully reviewed the corporate governance rules adopted by the Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and The NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) and other corporate governance recommendations. The Board adopted the corporate governance documents described below.

 

   

Corporate Governance Guidelines. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines address, among other things, our Board’s composition, qualifications and responsibilities, independence of directors, stock ownership guidelines, director compensation and communications between stockholders and our directors.

 

   

Audit Committee Charter. The charter for our Audit Committee addresses, among other things, the purpose, organization and responsibilities of our Audit Committee.

 

   

Compensation Committee Charter. The charter for our Compensation Committee addresses, among other things, the purpose, organization and responsibilities of our Compensation Committee.

 

   

Code of Ethics for Principal and Senior Financial Officers. Our Code of Ethics for Principal and Senior Financial Officers articulates standards of business and professional ethics applicable to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance and all other senior financial officers of our company. This Code functions as our “code of ethics for senior financial officers” under Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and our “code of ethics” within the meaning of Item 406 of Regulation S-K.

 

   

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to all of the members of our Board, our officers and our employees and strives to ensure that all such individuals observe the highest standards of ethics in the conduct of our business, avoiding even the appearance of impropriety, and conduct themselves with the highest regard and respect for others.

 

   

Related Party Transaction Policy. Our Related Party Transaction Policy provides policies and procedures by which all transactions are required to be reviewed, approved and reported pursuant to and in accordance with Item 404 of Regulation S-K.

The full text of the Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board Committee charters, our Code of Ethics for Principal and Senior Financial Officers, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our Related Party Transaction Policy are available on our website at www.psiengines.com in the “Corporate Governance” section. Our website also provides information on how to contact us and other items of interest to investors. We make available on our website, free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to these reports, as soon as practical after we file these reports with the SEC. In addition, we will describe on our website any amendments to, or waivers from, the provisions of our Code of Ethics for Principal and Senior Financial Officers.

 

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What is the composition of the Board?

The Board currently consists of five director seats, with each director serving until the next annual meeting of our stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

On March 25, 2015, H. Samuel Greenawalt passed away. Mr. Greenawalt was a valued member of our Board and our Audit Committee. Since Mr. Greenawalt’s passing, the Board has been actively seeking a candidate to fill the open Board and Audit Committee seat. The Board is committed to finding a candidate that not only meets the applicable NASDAQ director and audit committee independence requirements, but has the necessary background and business acumen to provide a substantive contribution to our Board, the Company and its stockholders. Please refer to “How are nominees for the Board selected?” for further information.

The Board has nominated Gary S. Winemaster, Kenneth W. Landini, Jay J. Hansen and Mary E. Vogt for re-election to the Board at the Annual Meeting and is recommending that you elect each of Messrs. Winemaster, Landini and Hansen and Ms. Vogt for a one-year term (and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, or until the earlier resignation or removal of such director) at the Annual Meeting.

Which directors are independent and how does the Board make that determination?

As we are listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market, we are subject to the applicable independence requirements for directors of The NASDAQ Stock Market, and the corporate governance rules of NASDAQ require our Board to be composed of a majority of independent directors. Our Board has determined that Mr. Hansen and Ms. Vogt (and Mr. Greenawalt until his passing) meet the applicable independence requirements for directors of The NASDAQ Stock Market, and that Mr. Winemaster and Mr. Landini do not meet such standards. The Company has until September 21, 2015 to elect a new director who meets NASDAQ’s independence requirements.

We do not currently have a separately designated nominating committee. Therefore, in accordance with NASDAQ rules, a majority of our independent directors recommend each nominee for the Board’s consideration. Our board has determined that Mr. Hansen and Ms. Vogt meet the applicable independence requirements of The NASDAQ Stock Market for nominating committee members and compensation committee members, and has determined that Mr. Winemaster and Mr. Landini do not meet such standards.

In addition to the NASDAQ independence requirements, we also apply the independence guidelines set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are available on our website at www.psiengines.com in the “Corporate Governance” section and are substantially similar to the NASDAQ director independence requirements.

Do independent directors meet separately in regularly scheduled executive sessions?

Yes. The independent directors meet, without the presence of any director who is not independent, for a session at each regularly scheduled Board meeting and at various other times throughout the year if deemed necessary.

How can I communicate with directors?

As set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, stockholders or other interested parties may communicate with the Board, or any individual member or members of the Board, by sending a letter to Power Solutions International, Inc. Board, c/o the General Counsel, Power Solutions International, Inc., 201 Mittel Drive, Wood Dale, IL 60191. The General Counsel will receive the correspondence and forward it to the Board or specified Board member or members to whom the communication is addressed.

How often did the Board meet in fiscal 2014?

During fiscal 2014, the Board met two times. During fiscal 2014, each director who served on the Board during fiscal 2014 attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (1) the total number of meetings held by the Board during the period in which such individual was a director, and (2) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which he served during the period in which such individual served on such committees.

 

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What is the Company’s policy regarding Board members’ attendance at the Annual Meeting?

The Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that directors are expected to attend the Annual Meeting. The full text of the Corporate Governance Guidelines is available on our website at www.psiengines.com in the “Corporate Governance” section. All of our Board members who served on the Board at the time of our 2014 annual meeting of stockholders attended that meeting.

What is the Board’s leadership structure, and why is it the best structure for the Company at this time?

Gary S. Winemaster currently serves as both our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Chairman of the Board (“Chairman”). Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board has the flexibility to determine whether or not to separate the roles based on circumstances which exist from time to time. Although separation of the roles is not required, the Board may determine it is appropriate under certain circumstances. At this time, the Board believes that having one individual serve as both Chairman and CEO is the best governance model for the Company. Due to the varied and complex nature of the Company’s business, the Board believes the CEO is in the best position to lead most effectively and to serve in the critical role of Chairman. Having a Chairman who also serves as CEO facilitates timely communication with other directors on critical business matters. The Board believes that leadership of both the Board and the Company by Mr. Winemaster is the optimal structure to guide the Company and maintain the focus needed to achieve our business goals. The Board also believes there is an effective balance between strong Company leadership and appropriate oversight by independent directors.

Because Mr. Winemaster serves as both our Chairman and as our CEO, the non-management directors have designated Kenneth W. Landini, who is neither an officer nor an employee of the Company, to serve as “Lead Outside Director.” Although the Board has determined that Mr. Landini does not meet the applicable independence requirements of NASDAQ, the Board believes that, given his long history with, and deep knowledge of, the Company and its management, and in light of the Company’s, relatively recent listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market, Mr. Landini continues to be the best candidate to serve as the Company’s Lead Outside Director at this time. As Lead Outside Director, Mr. Landini is responsible for (i) presiding at all meetings of the Board at which the Chairman of the Board is not present, including executive sessions of non-management directors, (ii) serving as a liaison between the Chairman of the Board and the non-management directors, (iii) approving information sent to the Board as a whole, (iv) calling meetings of non-management directors, (v) approving meeting agendas for the Board, (vi) approving meeting schedules for the Board and, (vii) if requested by significant stockholders of the Company, being available for consultation and direct communication with such stockholders (subject to compliance with applicable Company policies).

What is the Board’s role in risk oversight?

From time to time, we are exposed to risks, including strategic, operational, financial, legal, regulatory and compliance risks. The Board as a whole, as well as the committees thereof, are responsible for overseeing our risk management process and evaluating whether this process, as designed, is adequate to effectively manage the risks that we face. Our management is responsible for developing and implementing the Company’s plans and processes for risk management and is responsible for preparing and delivering reports directly to the Audit Committee and the Board with respect to risk management.

Throughout the year, the Board and the committees to which it has delegated responsibility will conduct risk assessments and discuss identified risk and how to eliminate or mitigate such risks, within such areas as operational, financial performance, financial reporting, legal, regulatory and strategic. The Board will review with management its plans and processes for managing risk. In addition, while our Board is ultimately responsible for overseeing our risk management, the committees of our Board will assist the Board in fulfilling this responsibility by evaluating and assessing risks within their respective areas of responsibility and advising the Board of any significant risks.

 

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For example, the Audit Committee focuses on assessing and mitigating financial reporting risks, including risks related to internal control over financial reporting. The Compensation Committee considers risks relating to the Company’s compensation programs and policies, and evaluates whether our compensation programs are designed so employees are incentivized to make decisions that lead to long-term value for our stockholders, without encouraging excessive risk-taking.

What are the committees of the Board and what are their functions?

The Board has established two standing committees: an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee. Each of these committees consists of only non-employee directors. The current members of the committees are identified in the table below.

 

Name

   Audit
Committee(1)
    Compensation
Committee
 

Jay J. Hansen

     X (2)      X   

Mary E. Vogt

     X        X (2) 

 

X Committee Member
(1) H. Samuel Greenawalt was a member of our Audit Committee until the date of his passing, March 25, 2015.
(2) Committee Chairperson

Audit Committee

The current members of our Audit Committee are Mr. Hansen and Ms. Vogt, each of whom is “financially literate” as required by NASDAQ rules. Both Mr. Hansen and Ms. Vogt qualify as “audit committee financial experts” as defined in SEC rules under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Our Board has determined that each of Mr. Hansen and Ms. Vogt meets the independence requirements of NASDAQ for audit committee members. The Audit Committee exercises oversight responsibility regarding the quality and integrity of our accounting and financial reporting processes and the auditing of our financial statements. In fulfilling this responsibility, the Audit Committee, among other things, selects the independent auditors, pre-approves any audit or non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors, reviews the results and scope of the annual audit performed by the auditors and assesses processes related to risks and the control environment. The Audit Committee reports to the full Board regarding all of the foregoing. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a written charter that is posted on our website at www.psiengines.com in the “Corporate Governance” section. The Audit Committee held seven meetings in fiscal 2014.

Compensation Committee

The current members of our Compensation Committee are Mr. Hansen and Ms. Vogt, each of whom meets the director independence requirements of NASDAQ. In affirmatively determining the independence of the Compensation Committee members, the Board considered certain specified factors set forth in NASDAQ’s rule on independence of compensation committee members. As further described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis below, the Compensation Committee has the primary responsibility for reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to executive compensation, evaluating executive performance, reviewing our executive policies and reporting and making recommendations to the full Board regarding executive compensation. The full Board makes all final determinations (other than with respect to equity awards) regarding executive compensation based upon the recommendations of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee also has responsibility for administering the Power Solutions International, Inc. 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended on July 31, 2013 (the “2012 Plan”), determining the number of equity-based awards to be granted to our executive officers, non-employee directors and employees pursuant to the 2012 Plan, and reporting to the full Board regarding the foregoing matters. The Compensation Committee operates pursuant to a written charter that is posted on our website at www.psiengines.com in the “Corporate Governance” section. The Compensation Committee held three meetings in fiscal 2014.

 

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Pursuant to its charter, the Compensation Committee has the authority to retain, as needed, any independent counsel, compensation and benefits consultants and other outside experts or advisors as the Compensation Committee believes to be necessary or appropriate. The Compensation Committee has not historically used compensation consultants in determining executive compensation; however, in 2013 and 2014, the Compensation Committee engaged the firm of The Delves Group, which was subsequently acquired by Towers Watson & Co. (the “Compensation Consultant”), as an independent compensation consultant to report and advise on certain matters related to executive compensation, including matters relating to the 2012 Plan and equity awards under the 2012 Plan. The Compensation Committee assessed the independence of the Compensation Consultant pursuant to the SEC’s and NASDAQ’s rules and concluded that the work the Compensation Consultant has performed, and will perform, does not raise any conflict of interest. The Compensation Committee anticipates regularly calling upon the Compensation Consultant, as appropriate, to attend Compensation Committee meetings, meet with the Compensation Committee without management present and provide third-party data, advice and expertise on proposed executive compensation levels, programs and plan designs.

How are nominees for the Board selected?

We do not have a standing nominating committee. The Board does not believe that it is necessary for us to have a standing nominating committee because we have a relatively small Board and our independent directors serve in the capacity of a nominating committee when necessary. Because we do not currently have a standing nominating committee, our full Board participates in the consideration of director nominees. However, consistent with applicable NASDAQ corporate governance rules, each director nominee will be recommended for the Board’s selection by a majority of the independent directors of the Board after consultation with our Chief Executive Officer.

The Board considers many factors when evaluating candidates for election to the Board, including that the proper skills, experiences and competencies are represented on the Board and its committees and that the composition of the Board and each such committee satisfies applicable legal requirements. Among other criteria, the Board considers a candidate’s independence; ability to exercise business judgment; applicable industry knowledge and experience, other relevant business or professional experience and the ability to offer our management meaningful advice and guidance based on that experience; as well as core competencies or technical expertise necessary for our committees. Additionally, while the Board does not have a formal policy mandating the consideration of diversity in identifying or evaluating director nominees, directors or the Board as a whole, under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board considers factors such as diversity when evaluating directors, director candidates and the overall composition of the Board, with diversity being broadly understood by the Board to mean a variety of opinions, perspectives, personal and professional experiences and backgrounds, including gender, race and ethnicity differences, as well as other differentiating characteristics. The director qualification standards that the Board uses when considering candidates are included in the Corporate Governance Guidelines available on our website at www.psiengines.com in the “Corporate Governance” section. The Board considers the entirety of each candidate’s credentials and does not have any specific minimum qualifications that must be met by a nominee. However, the Board does believe that all members of the Board should have the highest personal and professional ethics, a commitment to representing the long-term interests of the stockholders and sufficient time to devote to Board matters.

The Board considers candidates for the Board from any reasonable source, including stockholder recommendations and recommendations from current directors and executive officers. The Board does not evaluate candidates differently based on who has proposed the candidate. After considering candidates and assessing any material relationships with the Company or third parties that might adversely impact independence and objectivity, as well as such other criteria as the Board determines to be relevant at the time, the Board determines which candidates to nominate.

 

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How can a stockholder recommend a candidate for nomination as a director of Power Solutions International, Inc.?

Stockholders who wish to nominate a qualified director candidate should write to us at our principal executive offices. The procedures to submit stockholder proposals and candidates for nomination for director to the Board for the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders are described under the section entitled “Miscellaneous and Other matters – Deadlines for Submission of Proxy Proposals of Stockholders and Stockholders Nominations of Directors.”

 

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PROPOSAL NO. 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The Board currently consists of four (4) directors. Article Fifth of our Certificate of Incorporation provides that the business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by, or under the direction of, a board of directors consisting of no less than five (5) and no more than eleven (11) directors. The size of the Board is currently set at five members. Each director holds office for a one-year term until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor shall be elected and qualified, subject, however, to prior death, resignation, retirement or removal from office.

On March 25, 2015, H. Samuel Greenawalt, a director and member of the Audit Committee, passed away. Mr. Greenawalt provided many years of service through his financial background and general business expertise. The Board recognizes the loss of Mr. Greenawalt’s knowledge and leadership. As a result of Mr. Greenawalt’s death, our current Board is comprised of four (4) members. We are in the process of searching and identifying appropriate candidates to fill the vacancy. In addition, in compliance with NASDAQ Listing Requirements, any candidate must have the necessary credentials to serve on the Audit Committee and such candidate must be independent under applicable NASDAQ requirements. We have until September 21, 2015 to comply with such NASDAQ Listing Requirements.

At the Annual Meeting, each of Messrs, Winemaster, Landini and Hansen and Ms. Vogt is nominated to be elected for a term of one year expiring at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES NAMED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT TO SERVE AS A DIRECTOR FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM.

If at the time of the Annual Meeting a nominee should be unable or declines to serve, the person named in the proxy will vote for such substitute nominee as the Board recommends, or vote to allow the vacancy created thereby to remain open until filled by the Board, as the Board recommends. The Board has no reason to believe that any nominee for election at the Annual Meeting will be unable or will decline to serve as a director if elected.

The following table lists the nominees for election to the Board, their ages, their positions with the Company, the year each was first elected as a director and the expiration of their current terms.

 

Name

  

Position

  

Age

    

Director
Since

   

Term
Expires

 

Gary Winemaster

   Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President      57         2001 (1)      2015   

Kenneth Landini

   Director      58         2001 (1)      2015   

Jay Hansen

   Director      52         2011        2015   

Mary Vogt

   Director      58         2011        2015   

 

(1) Includes service as a member of the board of directors of The W Group, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary through the consummation of the reverse recapitalization in which Power Solutions International, Inc. succeeded to the business of The W Group, and service as a member of the board of directors of Power Solutions International, Inc., a Nevada corporation, from the consummation of the reverse recapitalization through the consummation of the migratory merger.

Below are the biographies for our director nominees, including information concerning their specific experiences, qualifications, attributes and skills that led the Board to conclude that the nominee should serve on the Board:

Nominees

Gary Winemaster has served as our Chief Executive Officer and President and as a director since 2001, and served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Power Great Lakes (which, prior to the incorporation

 

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of our company in 2001, was the parent operating company of our business, and is currently a wholly-owned subsidiary) from 1992 until our incorporation in 2001. In connection with the reverse recapitalization, Mr. Winemaster was also appointed as the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Winemaster is a co-founder of our Company and has played a significant role in developing and expanding our presence as a distributor of alternative fuel spark-ignited and diesel power systems. Prior to serving in his role as Chief Executive Officer and President of our company and of Power Great Lakes, Mr. Winemaster served as the Vice President of Sales for Power Great Lakes. Prior to founding our company, Mr. Winemaster worked in sales management for the European operations, with territory responsibility for the German, Scandinavian and Benelux markets, of Guardian Industries, a United States glass manufacturer. Mr. Winemaster holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Our Board believes that Mr. Winemaster, as our Chief Executive Officer and President and as a co-founder of our Company, should serve as a director because of Mr. Winemaster’s unique understanding of the opportunities and challenges that we face and his in-depth knowledge about our business, including our customers, products, operations and key business drivers, and our long-term growth strategies, derived from his long service as our Chief Executive Officer and President.

Kenneth Landini has served as a director since 2001 and assisted in the development and growth of the business of our company since 1985. Mr. Landini previously served as the Vice President of Finance for our subsidiary, Power Great Lakes, Inc., from December 1985 to March 1988, and assisted us in establishing distributor relationships and expanding the territories into which we provide our power systems. Mr. Landini is a partner and co-founder of Landini, Reed & Dawson, P.C., a certified public accounting and consulting firm in southeastern Michigan, which was established in 1988. Mr. Landini has served as a certified public accountant for Landini, Reed & Dawson, P.C. since its inception. Mr. Landini holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Albion College and is a licensed certified public accountant in the state of Michigan.

Our Board believes that Mr. Landini should serve as a director because of his significant knowledge of our industry, his prior experience with our business and his financial expertise.

Jay Hansen has served as a director since 2011. Mr. Hansen is the co-founder of O2 Investment Partners, LLC, a private equity investment group focusing on small and middle market manufacturing, niche distribution, select service and technology businesses, and has served as the President and Managing Partner of O2 Investment Partners, LLC since 2010. Prior to forming O2 Investment Partners, LLC, Mr. Hansen provided consulting services in the financial and manufacturing industries. From May 2003 through February 2006, Mr. Hansen served as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and in 2006 he served as the Chief Operating Officer, of Noble International, Ltd., a publicly traded supplier of automotive parts, component assemblies and value-added services to the automotive industry. Mr. Hansen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Since 2005, Mr. Hansen has served as a member of the board of directors, and as the chairman of the audit committee, and as a member of the Compliance and Risk Committee of Flagstar Bancorp, a publicly held savings and loan holding company.

Our Board believes that Mr. Hansen should serve as a director because of his experience on the board of directors of another public company, which our Board believes is beneficial to us as we continue to move forward as a public company, as well as Mr. Hansen’s significant knowledge of our industry and relevant business and financial expertise, which is important as our Board exercises its oversight responsibility regarding the quality and integrity of our accounting and financial reporting processes and the auditing of our financial statements.

Mary Vogt has served as a director since 2011. Ms. Vogt has served as the President of Home Access Health Corporation, a medical device manufacturer and specialty laboratory serving the disease management, wellness, managed care and consumer markets with its suite of laboratory self-testing products, since 2008, and served as the Chief Financial Officer of Home Access from 2003 to 2008. From 1999 to 2003, Ms. Vogt served

 

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as an independent consultant assisting businesses in the manufacturing and e-commerce industries. Ms. Vogt also served, from 1995 to 1998, as the worldwide director of internal audit for the Leo Burnett Company, a full-service, multi-national advertising and marketing firm, and, from 1992 to 1995, as the Treasurer for Harley-Davidson Financial Services, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc. and provider of wholesale and retail financing and insurance and insurance-related programs primarily to Harley-Davidson dealers and their retail customers. Ms. Vogt holds a degree in Economics and Management from Albion College.

Our Board believes that Ms. Vogt should serve as a director because of her relevant business experience and knowledge of our industry, as well as her financial expertise, which is important as our Board exercises its oversight responsibility regarding the quality and integrity of our accounting and financial reporting processes and the auditing of our financial statements.

 

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following sets forth certain information regarding executive officers of the Company. Information pertaining to Mr. Winemaster, who is both a director and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, may be found in the “Nominees” section of Proposal No. 1 above.

The Board appoints officers annually. Subject to the terms of their respective employment agreements, Messrs. Cohen and Gorey serve at the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and the Board. Mr. Kenneth Winemaster serves at the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and the Board.

The following table lists the current executive officers of the Company, their age, their position with the Company and the year each was first serving as an officer.

 

Name

  

Position

   Age      Executive
Officer Since
 

Gary Winemaster

   Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President      57         2001 (1) 

Kenneth Winemaster

   Senior Vice President      51         2001 (1) 

Eric Cohen

   Chief Operating Officer      46         2012   

Daniel Gorey

   Chief Financial Officer      63         2012   

 

(1) Includes service as an executive officer of The W Group, our wholly-owned subsidiary, through the consummation of the reverse recapitalization, and service as an executive officer of Power Solutions International, Inc., a Nevada corporation, from the consummation of the reverse recapitalization through the consummation of the migratory merger.

Kenneth Winemaster has served as our Senior Vice President since 2001 and served as Secretary from 2001 to July 23, 2013. In addition, Mr. Winemaster served as a director from 2001 through November 21, 2011. Mr. Winemaster has primary responsibility for our relationships and operations with Caterpillar and Perkins. Mr. Winemaster has expertise in raw material procurement, assembly and shipping.

Eric Cohen has served as our Chief Operating Officer since April 2012. From January 2011 through March 2012, Mr. Cohen served as the President of Power Plant Services, a manufacturer of standard and custom aftermarket parts for turbines, generators, valves and coal handling equipment. From 2004 through 2010, Mr. Cohen was a managing partner of WHI Capital Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm that invests in mid-size companies. Mr. Cohen earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Daniel Gorey has served as our Chief Financial Officer since April, 2012, and served as our Senior Vice President of Finance from July 2011 to March 2012. From March 2010 until he joined the company, Mr. Gorey was an independent financial consultant. Prior to that, Mr. Gorey served as the Chief Financial Officer and was on the board of directors of Quixote Corporation, a publicly-traded provider of highway crash safety systems. Mr. Gorey joined Quixote Corporation in 1985, and served as its chief financial officer from 1995 until February 2010. Mr. Gorey also serves on the board of directors of American Roller Company, a privately-held manufacturer of industrial rollers. Mr. Gorey earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois and is a certified public accountant.

Family Relationships

Gary Winemaster, our Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President, and Kenneth Winemaster, our Senior Vice President, are brothers. There are no other family relationships among the members of our board of directors or our executive officers.

 

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) explains the Company’s executive compensation program for its named executive officers consisting of: Gary Winemaster, our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”); Eric Cohen, our Chief Operating Office (“COO”), Daniel Gorey, our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”); and Kenneth Winemaster, the Company’s only other executive officer (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”). This CD&A describes the Company’s compensation philosophy and objectives, how the Compensation Committee establishes executive compensation for the Named Executive Officers and the objectives of the various compensation elements.

2013 Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

At the 2013 Annual Meeting, in a non-binding advisory vote, a substantial majority of the stockholders approved the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers. The Compensation Committee believes that this affirms stockholders’ support of the Company’s approach to executive compensation. Based on the stockholders’ support of the Company’s executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee did not change its approach to the compensation of its Named Executive Officers. The Compensation Committee remains open to any concerns expressed by the Company’s stockholders and will continue to consider the outcome of future “say-on-pay” votes when making compensation decisions for the Company’s Named Executive Officers.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

Our compensation program is intended to meet three principal objectives: (1) attract, reward and retain officers and other key employees; (2) motivate these individuals to achieve short-term and long-term corporate goals and enhance stockholder value; and (3) support our core values and culture. To meet these objectives, we have adopted the following overriding policies:

 

   

Pay compensation that will attract, motivate and retain talented and qualified officers and other employees who are critical to our long term success; and

 

   

Pay compensation that rewards performance by, in appropriate circumstances, (i) paying bonuses upon achievement of Company and individual performance and (ii) providing long-term incentives in the form of stock incentives, in order to reward increasing long-term stockholder value, while aligning the interests of our officers and other key employees with those of our stockholders.

The above policies guide the Compensation Committee in assessing the proper allocation between long-term compensation, current cash compensation and short-term bonus compensation. Other considerations include our business objectives, our fiduciary and corporate responsibilities (including affordability and accounting and tax implications) and regulatory requirements.

Role of the Compensation Committee and Management

Our executive compensation program is overseen and administered by the Compensation Committee, which is comprised entirely of independent directors as determined in accordance with applicable SEC and NASDAQ rules, including the special factors applicable to compensation committee members. The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Compensation Committee and ratified by the Board. A copy of the charter is publicly available in the “Corporate Governance” section of our website at www.psiengines.com.

In determining the appropriate compensation packages for our executives, the Compensation Committee considers each executive’s historical compensation, including equity and non-equity based compensation, and equity holdings. In addition, the CEO reviews the performance of each of the executives. The conclusions

 

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reached, and recommendations made, by the CEO based on these reviews for base salary levels and discretionary bonus amounts are presented to the Compensation Committee. As part of this process, the CEO takes into account his general knowledge of industry pay levels, using this information for general reference and for perspective on market compensation practices. However, neither the CEO nor the Compensation Committee has engaged in any specific compensation benchmarking or reviewed or relied upon any formal surveys of compensation practices within the Company’s industry or more broadly.

The Compensation Committee relies to a large extent on the CEO’s conclusions and recommendations on each executive’s performance and compensation. However, it is the Compensation Committee which makes the final executive officer compensation determinations, subject (except in the case of equity awards) to the final approval by the full Board. Ultimately, the Compensation Committee makes these determinations on a discretionary basis, applying the compensation philosophy discussed above. Also, in the case of Mr. Cohen, the Compensation Committee is bound by the terms of his employment agreement with the Company, as applicable. As the Company continues to evolve and grow as a public company, the Compensation Committee may further formalize its compensation practices, which may include benchmarking against industry/peer group compensation, engaging compensation consultants to advise on specific compensation elements and/or tying cash and other incentive awards to the achievement of pre-established financial performance targets.

Role of Compensation Consultant

The Company has not historically used compensation consultants in determining compensation for our Named Executive Officers. Although the Company previously utilized a Compensation Consultant for informal analyses of compensation in similar-sized organizations in like industries and to report and advise on certain matters related to executive compensation, including matters relating to the 2012 Plan and equity awards under the 2012 Plan.

Elements of Executive Compensation

As described in more detail below, the principal elements of our executive compensation program include a mix of the following, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee:

 

   

base salary;

 

   

annual, cash-based discretionary bonus;

 

   

long-term equity incentive awards;

 

   

retirement plans; and

 

   

perquisites and other personal benefits.

The Compensation Committee uses its discretion to create a mix of compensation elements for each Named Executive Officer that emphasizes both long-term strategic value for stockholders and shorter-term strategic and operational goals.

Base Salary

We provide Named Executive Officers and other employees with a base salary to compensate them for services rendered during the fiscal year. For executives, the amount of base salary is meant to reflect the primary responsibilities of the executive’s position, experience level, management skills and the executive’s contribution to the performance of the Company. In adjusting base salary levels, the Compensation Committee considers the Company’s overall performance (including as to financial results and creation of stockholder value) and, with respect to executives other than the CEO, relies to a large degree upon the recommendations from the CEO

 

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following his review of the performance of the executive officers. The Compensation Committee does not apply any formulas or assign any criteria specific mathematical weight; instead, the Compensation Committee exercises its judgment and discretion.

Salaries for executive officers are reviewed annually or when there is a change in position or responsibilities, such as a promotion. The Compensation Committee typically approves the base salary increases in January for that fiscal year. In January 2014, the Compensation Committee determined, considering the recommendation of the CEO, that base salaries for fiscal 2014 be as follows: Gary Winemaster, $540,000, Eric Cohen $500,000, Daniel Gorey $285,000 and Kenneth Winemaster $272,500, attempting to align the salary of each Named Executive Officer with his respective responsibilities. The base salaries of all of the aforementioned Named Executive Officers in fiscal 2014 remained the same as in fiscal 2013. Eric Cohen’s base salary was increased from $350,000 on an annualized basis in fiscal 2012 to $500,064 in fiscal 2013 in order to set the COO’s base salary at a level more reflective of his responsibilities with the Company. Daniel Gorey’s base salary was increased from $275,000 in fiscal 2012 to $285,000 in fiscal 2013 as a result of him serving for a full year as the Company’s CFO.

Discretionary Bonus

The Compensation Committee utilizes discretionary bonuses to provide additional compensation to the Named Executive Officers, and to award them for their performance. The Compensation Committee believes that the immediacy of these bonuses provides an incentive to the Named Executive Officers to raise their individual level of performance, and thus the Company’s overall level of performance. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee believes the bonuses are an important motivating factor for the Named Executive Officers.

The Company has not adopted any formal, or informal, performance or other financial performance or other targets or objectives for the calculation or payment of these discretionary bonuses. Instead, in determining discretionary bonuses awarded, the Compensation Committee considers factors such as the Company’s overall performance for the previous year and stockholder value creation, discretionary bonuses awarded in previous years and the individual performance of the Named Executive Officer, including his particular contributions to the success of the Company (taking into account his particular roles and responsibilities for the Company). As part of its determination, the Compensation Committee relies to a large degree upon the recommendations and conclusions of the CEO with respect to the performance of each of the Named Executive Officers other than the CEO.

In determining discretionary bonus payments for the Named Executive Officers for fiscal 2014, the Compensation Committee took into account the strong performance by the Company and each Named Executive Officer’s individual contribution to that strong performance. The Compensation Committee approved an initial bonus to Gary Winemaster of $100,000 and approved $750,000 of additional total bonus compensation. Our Chief Executive Officer recommended and the Compensation Committee approved the allocation of the $750,000 of additional bonus compensation as follows: $280,000 to Gary Winemaster, $100,000 to Eric Cohen, $200,000 to Daniel Gorey and $170,000 to Kenneth Winemaster.

Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards

The Compensation Committee has the authority to grant stock options, restricted stock and other awards under the 2012 Plan to the Named Executive Officers and other employees, consultants and directors. The purpose of granting such awards is to provide equity compensation that provides value to these employees when value is also created for the stockholders, and applicable vesting periods are designed to motivate award recipients to remain employees of the Company. For Company executives, the equity compensation is intended to motivate them to make stronger business decisions, improve financial performance and focus on both short-term and long-term objectives and to encourage behavior that protects and enhances the long-term interests of the Company’s stockholders. The Compensation Committee also believes that equity incentive awards are an important retention tool.

 

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The Compensation Committee determines grants of long-term equity incentive awards based on factors such as overall Company and individual performance, job positions and responsibilities within the Company, growth potential and level of responsibility. The Compensation Committee also considers, for each individual, prior grants and equity holdings, length of time in current position and any change in responsibility, as well as the financial statement expense associated with the grants. As part of its determination, the Compensation Committee relies to a large degree upon the recommendations and conclusions of the CEO, based upon his review of the performance of each of the Named Executive Officers.

To date, the Compensation Committee has only granted two equity awards to Named Executive Officers: (i) the Compensation Committee granted a stock appreciation right to Eric Cohen in 2012 as contemplated by his employment agreement executed when he joined the Company in June of 2012 and (ii) the Compensation Committee granted Daniel Gorey restricted stock in 2013. The grant to Eric Cohen was designed to incentivize him over a long-term horizon, so the Compensation Committee did not consider that any additional award to him was necessary or appropriate for 2014. Mr. Cohen’s Stock Appreciation Rights Award Agreement was amended on June 5, 2015 and again on July 6, 2015. For more information on these amendments, please refer to “Securities Authorized for Issuance under Compensation Plans” beginning on page 24. The grant to Daniel Gorey of restricted stock was made to enhance his retention and reward him for the advancement of the Company’s progress as a public company, taking into account that he had not previously received any equity awards from the Company. The Compensation Committee did not consider that any additional award to him was necessary or appropriate for 2014. Gary Winemaster and Kenneth Winemaster have not yet received any awards under the 2012 Plan in light of their significant equity holdings, but the Compensation Committee may make awards to these Named Executive Officers in the future to reward outstanding performance and creation of stockholder value.

Retirement Benefits under the 401(k) Plan, Executive Perquisites and Generally Available Benefit Programs

We also provide the Named Executive Officers with benefits under a 401(k) retirement plan, perquisites and other personal benefits that the Compensation Committee believes are reasonable and consistent with our overall executive compensation program and the Compensation Committee’s executive compensation philosophy, as well as the Compensation Committee’s objective to better enable us to attract and retain the most talented and dedicated executives possible. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites and other personal benefits provided to the Named Executive Officers.

Other Matters

Tax-Deductible Performance-Based Compensation

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits to $1,000,000 the annual tax deduction for compensation paid to a Named Executive Officer (other than the Chief Financial Officer), unless such compensation qualifies as performance-based compensation and is paid pursuant to a stockholder approved plan. While base salary, discretionary bonuses and time-based restricted stock do not qualify as performance-based, the stock appreciation rights granted under the 2012 Plan are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation and thus fully deductible under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m). The Company maintains the flexibility to pay non-deductible compensation if it determines it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

Compensation Risk Assessment

During fiscal 2014, Company management, along with the Compensation Committee, considered whether any of the Company’s compensation policies and practices had the potential to create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Management considered the risk profile of the Company’s business and the design and structure of its compensation policies and practices. The Company concluded that the risks arising from its compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company based on the following:

 

   

The Company’s base salary, retirement benefits, executive perquisites and generally available benefit programs create little, if any, risk to the Company.

 

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Management does not believe that the structure of its bonus plans, as described above under the subheading “Annual Incentive Bonus,” encourages employees to take risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. In particular, management noted that the awards are discretionary, so there are no goals or targets which might encourage excessive-risk taking.

 

   

The Company also awarded stock appreciation rights and restricted stock as long-term incentive compensation. Management does not believe that either the award or structure of these grants encourages employees to take risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the registrant. In particular, the emphasis on granting awards of long-term incentive compensation that vest over a number of years focuses on long-term stock appreciation, does not incentivize short-term risk taking and aligns with the overall Company objective of providing value to these employees when value is also created for the Company’s stockholders.

 

   

The Company believes that its mix of fixed compensation and “at risk” compensation, including annual incentive bonuses and stock awards, does not encourage inappropriate risk-taking by employees.

These factors were discussed with the Compensation Committee during the preparation of this Proxy Statement, and it was concluded that the risks arising from the Company’s compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

The Compensation Committee oversees the Company’s executive compensation program on behalf of the Board. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Compensation Committee reviewed and discussed with Company management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth in this Proxy Statement. Based on such review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors the inclusion of the Compensation and Discussion Analysis in this Proxy Statement.

The Compensation Committee

Mary E. Vogt, Chairperson

Jay J. Hansen

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The table below summarizes the compensation earned for the fiscal years indicated for services rendered to our company, in all capacities, by our Named Executive Officers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Summary Compensation Table

 

Name and Principal Position

   Year      Salary      Bonus     Stock
Awards
    All Other
Compensation
    Total  

Gary Winemaster

     2014      $ 540,000      $ 380,000 (7)   $ —       $ 50,950 (1)   $ 970,950 (7)

Chairman of the Board,

     2013        540,000        400,000       —         49,058       989,058   

Chief Executive Officer and President

     2012        540,000        —         —         54,805       594,805  

Eric Cohen

     2014        500,000        100,000 (7)     —         13,517 (3)     613,517 (7)

Chief Operating Officer

     2013        500,064        200,000       —         —         700,064  
     2012        254,648        262,500       1,800,000 (2)     —         2,317,148 (4)

Daniel Gorey

     2014        285,000        200,000 (7)     —         —         485,000 (7)

Chief Financial Officer

     2013        285,000        100,000       119,988 (5)     —         504,988  
     2012        275,000        75,000       —         —         350,000 (6) 

Kenneth Winemaster

     2014        272,500        170,000 (7)     —         33,367 (1)     475,867 (7)

Senior Vice President

     2013        272,500        200,000       —         33,680       506,180  
     2012        272,500        —         —         35,233       307,733  

 

(1) The amount reported includes, with respect to Gary Winemaster, $13,200 for automobile payments, $8,457 for automobile insurance payments, $6,917 for gasoline, $1,344 for parking, $16,920 for sporting event tickets, and $1,715 for gross up payment of taxes; with respect to Kenneth Winemaster, $9,606 for automobile payments, $1,850 for automobile insurance payments, $16,920 for sporting event tickets and $516 for gross up payment of taxes.
(2) On June 6, 2012, the Compensation Committee approved, and we granted, a stock appreciation right (“SAR”) to Mr. Cohen pursuant to our 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan and a Stock Appreciation Rights Award Agreement. The SAR granted to Mr. Cohen covers an aggregate of 543,872 shares of our common stock and is exercisable only in whole shares at a price per share of $22.07. The SAR granted to Mr. Cohen vests and becomes exercisable ratably on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. Mr. Cohen’s Stock Appreciation Rights Award Agreement was amended on June 5, 2015 and again on July 6, 2015 to extend the vesting date of the remaining SAR shares. Please see “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Compensation Plans” for more information as to the amendments. The SAR did not become exercisable until the date that was the last of any seven valuation dates (as defined within the SAR award agreement) within any period of ten of fewer consecutive valuation dates that commenced after the grant date and prior to the expiration date on each of which the market value per share of our common stock was at least $22.07, which market condition has been satisfied. Please see the disclosure of assumptions made in the valuation of the SAR included in Note 10 of the Notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, which accompanies this Proxy Statement.
(3) The amount reported includes amounts for automobile payments, automobile insurance payments, gasoline, and parking.
(4) Eric Cohen was appointed to the position of Chief Operating Officer by the Board on April 9, 2012. His compensation for 2012 reflects compensation from April 9, 2012 until December 31, 2012.
(5)

Grant of 3,333 shares of restricted stock on June 17, 2013 that vests in three equal installments on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date (with vesting accelerated on death or disability) or upon an involuntary termination of employment following a change in control where the awards are not

 

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  assumed by the acquiror). The grant date fair value of the award is based on the closing price of our common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Capital Market on June 17, 2013, the grant date of the award.
(6) Daniel Gorey was appointed to the position of Chief Financial Officer by the Board on April 9, 2012. His compensation for 2012 reflects compensation for his service as Chief Financial Officer from April 9, 2012 until December 31, 2012 and compensation for his service as the Senior Vice President of Finance from January 1, 2012 until April 8, 2012.
(7) In addition to the $100,000 paid to Gary Winemaster in 2014, the Compensation Committee approved the following bonus compensation for the Named Executive Officers: $280,000 to Gary Winemaster, $100,000 to Eric Cohen, $200,000 to Daniel Gorey, and $170,000 to Kenneth Winemaster.

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2014 Fiscal Year-End

The table below presents information relating to the awards granted under our 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan, our only equity incentive plan as of December 31, 2014.

 

    OPTION AWARDS     STOCK AWARDS  

Name

  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercised
    Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Numbers  of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options

(#)
    Option
Exercise
Price
($)
    Option
Expiration
Date
    Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have  Not
Vested
    Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have  Not
Vested

($)
    Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or  Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested

(#)
    Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or Payout
Value  of
Unearned
Shares, Units or
Rights That
Have Not Vested
($)
 

Gary Winemaster

    —         —         —       $ —         —         —         —         —         —    

Eric Cohen

    —         242,581 (1)     —         22.07       06/06/22       —         —         —         —    

Daniel Gorey

    —         —         —         —         —         2,222 (2)   $ 114,677 (3)     —         —    

Kenneth Winemaster

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

 

(1) See note 2 to the Summary Compensation Table above for information relating to the SAR granted to Mr. Cohen in 2012.
(2) See note 5 to the Summary Compensation Table above for information relating to the restricted stock granted to Mr. Gorey in 2013.
(3) Computed using the closing price of our common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Capital Market on December 31, 2014.

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

 

      Option Awards     Stock Awards  

Name (a)

   Number of Shares
Acquired on  Exercise
(#) (b)
    Value Realized
on Exercise
($) (c)
    Number of Shares
Acquired on  Vesting
(#) (d)
    Value Realized
on Vesting
($) (e)
 

Gary Winemaster

     —          —          —          —     

Eric Cohen

     120,000 (1)    $ 9,359,400 (3)      —          —     

Daniel Gorey

     —          —          1,111 (2)    $ 85,791 (4) 

Kenneth Winemaster

     —          —          —          —     

 

(1) See note 2 to the Summary Compensation Table above.
(2) See note 5 to the Summary Compensation Table above.
(3) Amount reflects the total value realized on a pre-tax basis on June 6, 2014 and June 11, 2014 based on the difference between the closing price of common stock on such dates and the exercise price of $22.07.
(4) Amount reflects value realized on a pre-tax basis June 17, 2014 based on the closing price of our common stock on such date.

 

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Employment Agreements

Mr. Cohen entered into an employment agreement with us dated June 6, 2012. The employment agreement expires on April 1, 2016; however, it automatically renews for an additional one-year period unless either we or Mr. Cohen notifies the other party in writing of the intention not to renew the employment agreement by no later than January 2, 2016. The employment agreement provides for an annual base salary of $350,000, subject to increase from time to time, and a discretionary annual bonus of up to 100% of the annual salary, to be paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors. In addition, as contemplated by the employment agreement Mr. Cohen was granted a stock appreciation right pursuant to the 2012 Plan as described in note 2 to the Summary Compensation Table.

In the event that Mr. Cohen’s employment is terminated by us without Cause (as defined in the employment agreement) during the employment term, he will be entitled to receive, among other things, (i) continued payments of his base salary for 12 months and (ii) an amount equal to the annual bonus earned by Mr. Cohen in the prior period, pro-rated for the number of calendar days of the current period during which Mr. Cohen was employed by us or our subsidiaries and paid on the next payroll date following termination. The employment agreement also restricts Mr. Cohen from competing with us during the term of the agreement and for 18 months after termination of his employment with us, and restricts Mr. Cohen from soliciting our customers or employees during the term of the agreement and for 24 months after termination of his employment with us.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control

Pursuant to our employment agreement with Eric Cohen entered into on June 6, 2012, Mr. Cohen is entitled to certain payments upon termination of his employment. See “— Employment Agreements” above for a description of the payments to which Mr. Cohen is entitled pursuant to his employment agreement. Other than these arrangements, and accelerated vesting of equity awards under the 2012 Plan, we currently do not have any compensatory plans or arrangements that provide for any payments or benefits upon the resignation, retirement or any other termination of any of our current executive officers, as the result of a change in control, or from a change in any executive officer’s responsibilities following a change in control.

The table below provides a quantitative analysis of the amount of compensation payable to Mr. Cohen and Mr. Gorey in each situation involving a termination of employment, assuming that each had occurred as of December 31, 2014.

Fiscal 2014 Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

 

Name

   Termination w/o Cause (1)      Termination with Cause (2)      Change of Control (3)  

Gary Winemaster

   $  —         $  —         $ —     

Eric Cohen

     700,000         —          12,519,605 (3) 

Daniel Gorey

     —           —          114,677 (4) 

Kenneth Winemaster

     —           —          —     

 

(1) Amount presented was determined in accordance with the employment agreement of Mr. Cohen and assumes that Mr. Cohen executed and delivered a general release in favor of us. The amount includes base salary of $500,000 and a bonus payment of $200,000.
(2) In the event Mr. Cohen’s employment was terminated for “Cause,” or if he terminates his employment for any reason we would have no further obligations with respect to Mr. Cohen’s employment (except for the payment of any base salary accrued through the date on which Mr. Cohen’s employment was terminated).
(3) In accordance with Mr. Cohen’s Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement, in the event of a change in control, the SAR will become fully vested and exercisable. This amount assumes exercise of 242,581 shares of common stock underlying the SAR computed using a closing price of our common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Capital Market on December 31, 2014.

 

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(4) Pursuant to the 2012 Plan, Mr. Gorey’s restricted stock vests upon an involuntary termination of service within two years following a change in control (unless the award is assumed by the acquiring entity). This amount assumes 2,222 shares of restricted stock vest, based on the closing price of our common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Capital Market on December 31, 2014.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During 2014, there were no interlocks between members of our Compensation Committee and our Named Executive Officers.

 

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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

In 2012, we adopted a program for director compensation which entitles each non-employee director to receive an annual retainer of $30,000 for their service on the board of directors. In addition, pursuant to our 2012 Plan, equity awards may be granted to our non-employee directors under such plan, but no such awards have yet been granted. Pursuant to these compensation policies, we will not pay additional compensation to our executive officers for their services as directors. The table below summarizes the compensation earned by each non-employee director for service on our board of directors for the last fiscal year.

 

Name

  Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash
    Stock
Awards
    Options
Awards
    Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan compensation
    Change in Pension
Value and Nonqualified
Deferred  Compensation
Earnings
    All Other
Compensation
    Total  

H. Samuel Greenawalt

  $ 30,000       —         —         —         —         —       $ 30,000  

Kenneth Landini

  $ 30,000       —         —         —         —         —       $ 30,000  

Jay Hansen

  $ 30,000       —         —         —         —         —       $ 30,000  

Mary Vogt

  $ 30,000       —         —         —         —         —       $ 30,000  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of July 10, 2015, by the following individuals or groups: (1) each person known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, (2) each of our directors, (3) each of the Named Executive Officers, and (4) all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

Unless otherwise indicated, to our knowledge, each person listed below has sole dispositive and voting power with respect to the shares of our common stock shown below as beneficially owned by such person, except to the extent authority is shared by spouses under applicable law and except for the shares of our common stock set forth next to our directors and executive officers listed as a group. Beneficial ownership and percentage have been determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. The information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose.

As of July 10, 2015, 10,747,864 shares of our common stock were outstanding.

 

Name and Address of

Beneficial Owner (1)

   Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership of
Common Stock
    Percent of
Class
 

Gary Winemaster

     3,872,696       36.03

Eric Cohen(2)

     —         —    

Daniel Gorey

     2,629 (3)      *  

Kenneth Winemaster

     2,180,545       20.29

Kenneth Landini

     19,000       *   

H. Samuel Greenawalt

     7,800       *   

Jay Hansen

     —         —    

Mary Vogt

     —         —    

All directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons)

     6,082,670        56.59

 

* Denotes beneficial ownership of less than one percent.
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each person or entity is c/o Power Solutions International, Inc., 201 Mittel Drive, Wood Dale, IL 60191.
(2) Excludes shares Mr. Cohen has the right to acquire upon exercise of a vested portion of the SAR granted to him pursuant to the 2012 Plan, because the number of shares that will be received upon exercise of the SAR is not determinable until the date of exercise.
(3) Includes 1,111 unvested shares of restricted stock granted under the 2012 Plan. 1,111 shares of restricted stock vested on June 17, 2015.

 

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Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Compensation Plans

On May 30, 2012, our Board of Directors approved and adopted the 2012 Plan, which was then approved by our stockholders at the annual meeting held on August 29, 2012. The 2012 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which consists only of independent, non-employee directors.

The 2012 Plan is a broad-based plan which allows for a variety of different types of awards, including (but not limited to) non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, SAR, restricted stock, deferred stock and performance units, to be made to our executive officers, employees, consultants and directors. The 2012 Plan is intended to assist us in attracting and retaining exceptionally qualified employees, consultants and directors to support the sustained progress, growth and profitability of the Company.

Under the 2012 Plan, 830,925 shares of common stock were initially made available for awards pursuant to the 2012 Plan. On July 31, 2013, the Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, adopted an amendment to the 2012 Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2012 Plan by 700,000 shares. This amendment was approved by our stockholders at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders held on August 28, 2013. Of the 1,530,925 shares reserved for awards under the 2012 Plan, 543,872 shares were originally underlying a SAR award granted to our Chief Operating Officer on June 6, 2012 and 185,993 shares of restricted stock have been granted to eligible employees as of December 31, 2014.

As of December 31, 2014, 801,060 shares of our common stock were available for awards pursuant to the 2012 Plan.

 

Plan Category

   Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
    Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
     Number of securities
remaining  available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a))
 
      (a)     (b)      (c)  

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

     242,581 (1)    $ 22.07         801,060   

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

     N/A        N/A         N/A   

Total

     242,581      $ 22.07         801,060   

 

(1) This amount relates to the underlying shares of common stock to be issued upon the exercise of the remaining SAR from the grant to Eric Cohen on June 6, 2012.

On June 5, 2015, Mr. Cohen’s Stock Appreciation Rights Award Agreement was amendment to extend the vesting date of the remaining common shares underlying his SAR award to July 6, 2015. On July 6, 2015, Mr. Cohen’s Stock Appreciation Rights Award Agreement was again amended to extend the vesting date and amount of shares as follows: 100,000 shares underlying the SAR award vest on June 6, 2017 and 81,290 shares underlying the SAR award on vest June 6, 2019. In consideration for extending the vesting dates, the Company will pay Mr. Cohen $250,000 for each of the calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 so long as he remains employed by the Company. The amendment also requires the Company to implement a stock retention and holding policy which will require directors and executive officers to hold common stock acquired pursuant to awards made under the 2012 Plan for a specified period of time, and will prohibit sales in excess of a certain amount without the prior approval of the Compensation Committee. Once the policy is implemented, pursuant to the amendment, Mr. Cohen will not be permitted to sell more than $750,000 of any vested common stock

 

25


underlying his SAR award within a six-month period without the written consent of the Compensation Committee.

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

Transactions with Our Company and/or The W Group

The W Group, our wholly-owned subsidiary, engaged (and continues to engage) Landini, Reed & Dawson, a certified public accounting and consulting firm, to provide tax advice and consultation services, including in respect of the reverse recapitalization, the private placement and related transactions. Kenneth Landini, who is a member of our board of directors, is a partner and co-founder of Landini, Reed & Dawson, P.C. During our fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (“fiscal 2014”), Landini, Reed & Dawson, P.C. charged $62,385, for its services provided to our company during such period. It is expected that Landini, Reed & Dawson, P.C. will continue to provide such services going forward, and that the amounts paid in our fiscal year ending December 31, 2015 (“fiscal 2015”) will be consistent with the amounts paid in fiscal 2014.

For fiscal 2014, William Winemaster (the father of Gary Winemaster and Kenneth Winemaster, our Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President and our Senior Vice President, respectively), served as an employee performing consulting and advisory type services for The W Group and its subsidiaries, received (1) annual salaries of $153,709, (2) payments for automobiles and related auto insurance premiums equal to $10,101, and (3) payments related to mobile telephone service equal to $992. In addition, Mr. William Winemaster was given a performance based bonus of $2,500 in fiscal 2014. It is anticipated that William Winemaster will continue to serve as an employee of The W Group performing consulting and advisory type services going forward, and that Mr. Winemaster’s compensation for fiscal 2015 will be consistent with his compensation for such services in fiscal 2014.

Related Party Transaction Policy

On December 20, 2013, the board of directors adopted a formal Related Party Transaction Policy (the “Policy”) whereby all transactions required to be reported pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K are reviewed and approved. The Policy calls for the general counsel or the Audit Committee, as applicable and in accordance with the Policy, to review each related person transaction (as defined below) and determine whether it will approve or ratify that transaction. Any Audit Committee member who has any interest (actual or perceived) will not be involved in the consideration of the Audit Committee. The full text of our Related Party Transaction Policy is available on our website at www.psiengines.com in the “Corporate Governance” section.

For purposes of the policy, a “related party transaction” is, subject to certain limited exceptions, any transaction, arrangement or relationship in which we are a participant, the related person (defined below) had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. “Related person” includes (a) any person who is or was (at any time during the last fiscal year) an executive officer, director or nominee for election as a director; (b) any person or group who is a beneficial owner of more than 5% of our voting securities; (c) any immediate family member of a person described in provisions (a) or (b) of this sentence; or (d) any entity in which any of the foregoing persons is employed, is a partner or is in a similar position, or in which such person, together with all other “related persons,” have in the aggregate 10% or greater beneficial ownership interest.

Any related party transaction where the amount involved is less than $5,000 may be approved by our general counsel. Any related party where the amount involved is in excess of $5,000 shall be submitted to the Audit Committee for consideration. In determining whether a related person transaction will be approved or ratified, the general counsel or the Audit Committee, as applicable in accordance with the Policy, will consider a multitude of factors including (a) the extent of the related person’s interest in the transaction; (b) the availability of other sources of comparable products or services; (c) whether the terms are competitive with terms generally

 

26


available in similar transactions with persons that are not related persons; (d) the benefit to the Company; and (e) the aggregate value of the transaction.

Composition of the Board of Directors and Director Independence

We are subject to the corporate governance rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, which require that a majority of our board of directors consists of “independent directors” as defined in such corporate governance rules. Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Jay Hansen and Ms. Mary Vogt are each a non-employee director who meets the applicable independence requirements for directors of The NASDAQ Stock Market.

The current members of our Audit Committee are Jay Hansen and Mary Vogt. Mr. Hansen is the Chairman of our Audit Committee and qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in SEC rules under the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. Ms. Vogt also qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in SEC rules under the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. Our board of directors has determined that both Mr. Hansen and Ms. Vogt meet the independence requirements for audit committee members of The NASDAQ Stock Market.

The current members of our Compensation Committee are Jay Hansen and Mary Vogt. Ms. Vogt is the chairman of our Compensation Committee. Our board of directors has determined that each of Mr. Hansen and Ms. Vogt meet the independence requirements for compensation committee members of the NASDAQ Stock Market.

We do not currently have a separately designated nominating committee. Therefore, in accordance with NASDAQ rules, a majority of our independent directors recommend each nominee for the Board’s consideration. Our board has determined that each of H. Samuel Greenawalt, Jay Hansen and Mary Vogt meet the applicable independence requirements of The NASDAQ Stock Market for nominating committee members and compensation committee members, and has determined that Gary Winemaster and Kenneth Landini do not meet such standards.

In addition to the NASDAQ independence requirements, we also apply the independence guidelines set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are available on our website at www.psiengines.com in the “Corporate Governance” Section and are substantially similar to the NASDAQ director independence requirements.

In evaluating the composition of our board of directors, we may consider such factors as diversity of backgrounds, experience and competencies that our board of directors desires to have represented. These competencies may include independence; adherence to ethical standards; the ability to exercise business judgment, industry knowledge and experience and/or other relevant business or professional experience and the ability to offer our management meaningful advice and guidance based on that experience; and ability to devote sufficient time and effort to serve as a director. We believe that each of the members of our board of directors possesses these qualities and has demonstrated business acumen and an ability to exercise sound judgment, as well as a commitment of service to our company and to our board of directors.

 

27


PROPOSAL NO. 2

APPROVAL, IN A NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE, OF THE COMPENSATION PAID TO OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act requires that we provide our stockholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation paid to our named executive officers. This non-binding advisory vote, commonly referred to as “Say-on-Pay,” is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but instead relates to the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement.

The Compensation Committee believes an effective compensation program should be one that is designed to recruit and keep top quality executive leadership focused on attaining long-term corporate goals and increasing stockholder value. We believe that our executive compensation program is designed to reasonably and fairly recruit, motivate, retain and reward our executives for achieving our objectives and goals.

As an advisory vote, the Say-on-Pay resolution is not binding on the Company. The approval or disapproval of this proposal by stockholders will not require the Board or the Compensation, Committee to take any action regarding our executive compensation practices. The final decision on the compensation and benefits of our executive officers and on whether, and if so, how, to address any stockholder approval or disapproval remains with the Board and the Compensation Committee. The Board, however, values the opinions of our stockholders as expressed through their votes and other communications. Accordingly, the Board as well as the Compensation Committee will review and consider the results of the “Say-on-Pay” vote, the opinions of our stockholders, and other relevant factors in making future decisions regarding our executive compensation program.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL, IN A NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE, OF THE COMPENSATION PAID TO OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, is hereby APPROVED.”

 

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PROPOSAL NO. 3

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC

ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee appointed McGladrey LLP (“McGladrey”), an independent registered public accounting firm, as auditors of our financial statements for fiscal 2015. McGladrey has served as auditors for us since June 12, 2012, when they replaced Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”). It is expected that representatives of McGladrey will be present at the meeting and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. They will be given an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so.

The Audit Committee has determined to afford stockholders the opportunity to express their opinions on the matter of auditors and, accordingly, is submitting to the stockholders at the Annual Meeting a proposal to ratify the Audit Committee’s appointment of McGladrey. If a majority of the shares voted at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, are not voted in favor of the ratification of the appointment of McGladrey, the Board will interpret this as an instruction to seek other auditors.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL NO. 3 TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF MCGLADREY LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2015.

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FEES

On June 12, 2012, the board of directors replaced Deloitte & Touche LLP and their respective affiliates (collectively “Deloitte”) with McGladrey LLP (“McGladrey”) as its independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2012. As a result, certain accounting related fees were incurred by both Deloitte and McGladrey for their services during 2014 and 2013 as provided below. The following table sets forth the aggregate fees incurred for professional services rendered by both Deloitte and McGladrey for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (“fiscal 2014”) and 2013 (“fiscal 2013”), respectively:

 

Description of Fees

   December 31, 2014      December 31, 2013  

Audit Fees

   $ 449,914      $ 253,050  

Audit-Related Fees

     63,283        254,960  

Tax Fees

     —          —    

All Other Fees

     2,000        2,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 515,197      $ 510,010  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Audit Fees. Consists of fees incurred for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements and review of the interim consolidated financial statements included in our quarterly reports.

Audit-Related Fees. Consists of fees incurred for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial statements that are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These fees for fiscal 2014 were incurred for professional services rendered in conjunction with the issuance of a consent for registration statements we filed on Form S-3 and for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of the financial statements of the Company’s defined contribution plan for the year ended December 31, 2013. These fees for fiscal 2013 were incurred for professional services rendered in conjunction with the issuance of a consent for registration statements we filed on Form S-1, Form S-3 and Form S-8 and other work related to an offering.

 

29


Tax Fees. Consists of fees incurred for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. These services include tax planning, assistance with the preparation of various U.S. federal and state tax returns, and advice on other tax-related matters.

All Other Fees. Represents fees incurred for services provided to us other than those included in the categories above, which could include, but are not limited to, non-audit related fees.

In accordance with its charter, the Audit Committee approves in advance all audit and non-audit services to be provided by our independent auditors. In certain cases, the Chairman of the Audit Committee is delegated the authority by the Audit Committee to pre-approve certain additional services, and such pre-approvals are communicated to the full Audit Committee at its next meeting.

AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS

Audit Committee Charter – The Audit Committee has adopted a written charter, which is available on our website at www.psiengines.com in the “Corporate Governance” section and is available in print upon request. Our Audit Committee reviews corporate governance developments and will modify its charter and practices as warranted.

Audit Committee Members – The current members of our Audit Committee are Mr. Jay J. Hansen and Ms. Mary E. Vogt. Mr. Hansen is the Chairman of our Audit Committee, is financially literate and qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in SEC rules under the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. Ms. Vogt is also financially literate. Ms. Vogt qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in SEC rules under the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. Our Board has determined that both Mr. Hansen and Ms. Vogt meet the independence requirements of NASDAQ for audit committee members.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT – In connection with the filing and preparation of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2014, the Audit Committee:

 

  1) reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with our management and our independent auditors, including meetings where our management was not present;

 

  2) Discussed with our independent registered public accountants the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standards No. 16, Communications with Audit Committees;

 

  3) reviewed the selection, application and disclosure of our critical accounting policies pursuant to SEC Financial Release No. 60, “Cautionary Advice Regarding Disclosure of Critical Accounting Policies;” and

 

  4) received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from our independent registered public accountants required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountants’ communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent accountants the independent accountants’ independence.

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2014.

 

  Audit Committee  
    Jay J. Hansen, Chairman    
  H. Samuel Greenawalt  
  Mary E. Vogt  

 

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MISCELLANEOUS AND OTHER MATTERS

Solicitation

The cost of this proxy solicitation will be borne by the Company. We may request banks, brokers, fiduciaries, custodians, nominees and certain other record holders to send proxies, proxy statements and other materials to their principals. The Company will reimburse such banks, brokers, fiduciaries, custodians, nominees and other record holders for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of solicitation.

Deadlines for Submission of Proxy Proposals of Stockholders and Stockholder Nominations of Directors

Under Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, proposals of stockholders for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will not be included in the proxy statement for that annual meeting unless the proposal is proper for inclusion in the proxy statement and is received by the Secretary of the Company at our principal executive offices not later than March 18, 2016.

Pursuant to Rule 14a-4(c)(1) under the Exchange Act, if stockholders desiring to bring business before the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, including proposals with respect to stockholder nominations of persons for election to the Board, other than business to be included in the Company’s proxy materials pursuant to Regulation 14a-8, fail to provide notice to the Secretary of the Company at our principal executive offices by June 1, 2016, the proxy for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will confer discretionary authority to vote on such business.

Other Business

The Board is not aware of any other matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting other than those mentioned in our Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders enclosed herewith. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, however, it is intended that the persons named in the proxy will vote as the Board directs.

Additional Information

We are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You can request copies of these documents, for a copying fee, by writing to the SEC. These reports, proxy statements and other information are also available on the Internet website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov and on our corporate website at www.psiengines.com. We will furnish without charge copies of our Audit Committee charter and our Compensation Committee charter, as filed with the SEC, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2014, as filed with the SEC, including the financial statements and attached schedules, upon the written request of any person who is a stockholder as of the Record Date. We will provide copies of the exhibits to the Annual Report upon payment of a reasonable fee, which will not exceed our reasonable expenses incurred. Requests for such materials should be directed to Power Solutions International, Inc. – Investor Relations, 201 Mittel Drive, Wood Dale, Illinois 60191, Attention: Catherine V. Andrews. Our committee charters and other corporate governance documents are also available on our website at www.psiengines.com in the “Corporate Governance” section.

You may read, without charge, and copy, at prescribed rates, all or any portion of any reports, statements or other information in the files at the public reference room at the SEC’s principal office at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C., 20549. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of its public reference room.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Gary S. Winemaster

Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board

Wood Dale, Illinois

July 17, 2015

 

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Power Solutions

International, Inc.

  

Shareowner Services

P.O. Box 64945

St. Paul, MN 55164-0945

     
        
          
 

 

Address Change? Mark box, sign, and indicate changes below:  ¨

     
   

TO VOTE BY INTERNET OR

TELEPHONE, SEE REVERSE SIDE

OF THIS PROXY CARD.

 
 

The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR each of the nominees in Items 1 through 4

and FOR Items 5 and 6.

 

 

To re-elect as directors of the Company, each for a one-year term expiring at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, the nominees listed below:

LOGO     Please fold here – Do not separate     LOGO

 

             FOR    WITHHELD    ABSTAIN                   FOR    WITHHELD    ABSTAIN     
     1.     Gary S. Winemaster    ¨    ¨    ¨      

3.

  

Jay J. Hansen

   ¨    ¨    ¨   
     2.     Kenneth W. Landini    ¨    ¨    ¨      

4.

  

Mary E. Vogt

   ¨    ¨    ¨   
 

    5.

  To approve, in a non-binding advisory vote, the compensation paid to our named executive officers as set forth in the Proxy Statement    ¨  For             ¨  Withheld             ¨  Abstain
 

    6.

  To ratify the appointment by Board of Directors of the independent public accounting firm McGladrey LLP as the independent auditors of the Company’s financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2015    ¨  For             ¨  Withheld             ¨  Abstain
 

 

THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTED AS THE BOARD RECOMMENDS AND IN THE PROXIES’ DISCRETION ON ANY OTHER MATTERS PROPERLY COMING BEFORE THE MEETING. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD.

 

            

Signature(s) in Box

 

   
       Please sign exactly as your name(s) appears on Proxy. If held in joint tenancy, all persons should sign. Trustees, administrators, etc., should include title and authority. Corporations should provide full name of corporation and title of authorized officer signing the Proxy. Partnerships should provide full name of Partnership and title of authorized person signing the proxy. Limited liability companies should provide full company name and title of authorized person signing the Proxy.  
  Date                                         , 2015       
        
        
        
          
            
       
           
           


POWER SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Thursday, August 13, 2015

10:00 a.m. (CT)

Power Solutions International, Inc.

Offices of the Company

101 Mittel Drive

Wood Dale, Illinois, 60191

 

Power Solutions International, Inc.
201 Mittel Drive
Wood Dale, Ilinois 60191   proxy   

 

This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on August 13, 2015.

The shares of stock you hold in your account will be voted as you specify on the reverse side.

If no choice is specified, the proxy will be voted “FOR” each of the nominees in Item 1 through 4 and FOR Items 5 and 6.

By signing the proxy, you revoke all prior proxies and appoint Gary S. Winemaster and Catherine V. Andrews, and each of them as proxies, each with full power of substitution, and authorize each of them to vote your shares of common stock of Power Solutions International, Inc. held of record by you at the close of business on July 2, 2015, the record date for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, as designated by you on the matters shown on the reverse side and in such proxies’ discretion on any other matters which may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 13, 2015.

The Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on August 13, 2015 is available, free of charge, at the Company’s website: http://www.psiengines.com

Vote by Internet, Telephone or Mail

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Your phone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in

the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.

 

LOGO LOGO LOGO

 

INTERNET/MOBILE

 

PHONE

 

MAIL

www.proxypush.com/psix 1-866-883-3382

 

Use the Internet to vote your proxy

until 11:59 p.m. (CT) on

August 12, 2015.

Scan code on front for mobile voting.

 

Use a touch-tone telephone to

vote your proxy until 11:59 p.m.

(CT) on August 12, 2015.

Mark, sign and date your proxy

card and return it in the

postage-paid envelope provided.

If you vote your proxy by Internet or by Telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your Proxy Card.