Apyx Medical Corp PRE 14A, filed Jun 13, 2025
Apyx Medical Corp (APYX)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
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Filed by the Registrant ☒ |
Filed by a party other than the Registrant ☐ |
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Check the appropriate box: |
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a–6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12 |
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
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N/A |
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) |
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Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box): |
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
PRELIMINARY PROXY MATERIALS – SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JUNE 13, 2025
APYX MEDICAL CORPORATION
5115 Ulmerton Road
Clearwater, Florida 33760
NOTICE OF 2025 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Dear Stockholders:
On behalf of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Apyx Medical Corporation (the “Company”), you are cordially invited to attend the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held on August 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time at the offices of Ruskin Moscou, Faltischek, P.C. located at 1425 RXR Plaza, East Tower, 15th Floor, Uniondale, New York 11556, Telephone No. (516) 663-6600.
Information Concerning Solicitation and Voting
The Board is soliciting proxies for the Annual Meeting to be held on August 7, 2025. This Proxy Statement contains information for you to consider when deciding how to vote on the matters brought before the Annual Meeting.
A notice of internet availability of proxy materials is being mailed to stockholders on or about June 27, 2025. The executive office of our Company is located at 5115 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, Florida 33760, telephone number (727) 384-2323.
At the Annual Meeting, the Company’s stockholders will be asked to:
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Elect five (5) directors to the Board to serve until the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Director Proposal”); |
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Ratify RSM US LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025 (the “Auditor Proposal”); and |
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Approve a non-binding advisory resolution supporting the compensation of our named executive officers (the “Say-on-Pay Proposal”); | |
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Approve a non-binding advisory resolution regarding the frequency of future non-binding advisory resolutions relating to the compensation of our named executive officers (the “Frequency Proposal”); | |
| 5. | Approve a resolution to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation (the “Creditor Compromise Amendment”); and | |
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Transact such other business that may properly come before the meeting. |
Stockholders are referred to the Proxy Statement accompanying this notice for more detailed information with respect to the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting. After careful consideration, the Board unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the Board’s nominees for the Director Proposal (Proposal 1); “FOR” the Auditor Proposal (Proposal 2); “FOR” the Say-on-Pay Proposal (Proposal 3); “THREE YEARS” for the Frequency Proposal (Proposal 4); “FOR” the Creditor Compromise Amendment (Proposal 5); and, in the proxy holder’s best judgment, as to any other matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
All stockholders are invited to attend the Annual Meeting. The close of business on June 17, 2025 is the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. Consequently, only stockholders whose names appear on our books as owning our common stock at the close of business on June 17, 2025 will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.
YOUR VOTE AND PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPANY’S AFFAIRS ARE IMPORTANT.
If your shares are registered in your name, even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting in person, we request that you vote by telephone, over the Internet, or complete, sign and mail your proxy card to ensure that your shares will be represented at the Annual Meeting.
If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee, and you receive notice of the Annual Meeting through your broker, bank or other nominee, please vote or complete and return the materials in accordance with the instructions provided to you by such broker, bank or other nominee or contact your broker, bank or other nominee directly in order to obtain a proxy issued to you by your nominee holder to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person. Failure to do so may result in your shares not being eligible to be voted by proxy at the Annual Meeting.
The accompanying Proxy Statement contains important information concerning the Annual Meeting, including information as to how to cast your vote. We encourage you to read the accompanying Proxy Statement and other annexes to the Proxy Statement carefully and in their entirety.
Your vote is important to us. Please complete, sign, date and promptly return the proxy card, vote online or vote by phone, so that your shares will be represented whether or not you attend the Annual Meeting. Returning a proxy card will not deprive you of your right to attend the Annual Meeting and vote your shares in person.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD AUGUST 7, 2025: |
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THIS NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING, PROXY STATEMENT, PROXY CARD AND ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2024 ARE AVAILABLE IN THE INVESTOR RELATIONS SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.APYXMEDICAL.COM. |
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By order of the Board of Directors |
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Dated: [•], 2025 |
/s/ Stavros Vizirgianakis |
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Stavros Vizirgianakis |
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Chairperson of the Board of Directors |
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities regulatory agency has passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of the accompanying Proxy Statement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The accompanying Proxy Statement is dated [•], 2025 and a notice of availability is being mailed to stockholders on or about [•], 2025.
PRELIMINARY PROXY MATERIALS – SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JUNE 13, 2025
APYX MEDICAL CORPORATION
5115 Ulmerton Road
Clearwater, Florida 33760
PROXY STATEMENT
2025 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Apyx Medical Corporation (the “Company”) is soliciting proxies for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on August 7, 2025 at the offices of Ruskin, Moscou, Faltischek, P.C., located at 1425 RXR Plaza, East Tower, 15th Floor, Uniondale, New York 11556, Telephone No. (516) 663-6600.
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy materials are being made available or distributed to you on or about June 27, 2025. A Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials is being mailed to stockholders on or about [•], 2025. Our executive office is located at 5115 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, Florida 33760.
We will bear the expense of soliciting proxies. These expenses will include the preparation and mailing of proxy materials for the Annual Meeting. We will reimburse banks, brokers and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable charges and expenses incurred in forwarding soliciting materials to their clients. We may conduct further solicitation personally or telephonically through our directors, officers, and employees, none of whom will receive additional compensation for assisting with the solicitation.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING
The following questions and answers are intended to briefly address commonly asked questions as they pertain to the Annual Meeting. These questions and answers may not address all questions that may be important to you as a stockholder. Please refer to the more detailed information contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement and the annexes to this Proxy Statement, each of which you should read carefully.
WHAT IS A PROXY?
A proxy is another person that you legally designate to vote your stock. If you designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that document is also called a “proxy” or a “proxy card.” If you are a street name holder, you must obtain a proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee in order to vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting.
WHAT IS A PROXY STATEMENT?
A proxy statement is a document that regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) require that we give to you when we ask you to sign a proxy card to vote your stock at the Annual Meeting.
WHO IS SOLICITING YOUR VOTE?
The Board is soliciting your vote for the 2025 Annual Meeting being held at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on August 7, 2025, at the offices of Ruskin, Moscou, Faltischek, P.C., located at 1425 RXR Plaza, East Tower, 15th Floor, Uniondale, New York 11556.
WHAT WILL YOU BE VOTING ON?
(1) Election of five (5) directors to the Board (the “Director Proposal”); (2) Ratification of RSM US LLP, as the Company’s auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024 (the “Auditor Proposal”); (3) Approval of a non-binding advisory resolution supporting the compensation of our named executive officers (the “Say-on-Pay Proposal”); (4) Approval of a non-binding advisory resolution regarding the frequency of future non-binding advisory resolutions relating to the compensation of our named executive officers (the “Frequency Proposal”); (5) Approval of a resolution amending the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to delete Article EIGHTH contained therein (the “Creditor Compromise Amendment”); and (6) any other matters which may properly come before the meeting.
WHAT IS THE RECORD DATE AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
The record date to determine the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting is the close of business on June 17, 2025 (the “Record Date”). The Record Date was established by the Board as required by Delaware law. On the Record Date, [•] shares of common stock were issued and outstanding.
HOW MANY VOTES DO STOCKHOLDERS HAVE?
Holders of common stock at the close of business on the Record Date may vote at the Annual Meeting. You will have one vote for every share of common stock you owned of record on the Record Date.
There is no cumulative voting.
HOW MANY VOTES MUST BE PRESENT TO HOLD THE MEETING?
A majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting constitute a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will count for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists, but not for voting purposes.
HOW MAY I VOTE MY SHARES?
You can vote either in person at the Annual Meeting or by proxy without attending the Annual Meeting. We urge you to vote by proxy even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting so that we will know as soon as possible that enough votes will be present for us to hold the meeting.
(a) How may I vote my shares in person at the meeting?
If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., on the Record Date, you are considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record, and a notice of availability is being sent directly to you by the Company. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to vote in person at the Annual Meeting. If your shares are held in a brokerage account or by another nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name, and the proxy materials are being forwarded to you together with a voting instruction card. As the beneficial owner, you are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. Since you are a beneficial owner and not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you obtain a “legal proxy” from the broker, trustee or nominee that holds your shares in its name, giving you the right to vote the shares at the Annual Meeting.
(b) How can I vote my shares without attending the meeting?
Whether you hold shares directly as a registered stockholder of record or beneficially in street name, you may vote without attending the Annual Meeting. You may vote by granting a proxy or, for shares held in street name, by submitting voting instructions to your broker or nominee. In most cases, you will be able to do this by telephone, by using the Internet or by mail. Please refer to the summary instructions included with proxy materials and on your proxy card. For shares held in street name, the voting instruction card will be included in the materials forwarded by the broker or nominee. If you have telephone or Internet access, you may submit your proxy by following the instructions with your proxy materials and on your proxy card. You may submit your proxy by mail by signing your proxy card or, for shares held in street name, by following the voting instructions with your proxy materials and on your proxy card. You may submit your proxy by mail by signing your proxy card or, for shares held in street name, by following the voting instruction card included in the materials forwarded by your stockbroker or nominee and mailing it in the enclosed, postage paid envelope. If you provide specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted as you have instructed.
WHAT ARE THE BOARD’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW I SHOULD VOTE MY SHARES?
The Board unanimously recommends that you vote your shares as follows:
| • | Proposal 1 - FOR each of the Board's nominees for directors; | |
| • | Proposal 2 - FOR the Auditor Proposal; | |
| • | Proposal 3 - FOR the Say-on-Pay Proposal; | |
| • | Proposal 4 - "THREE YEARS" for the Frequency Proposal; and | |
| • | Proposal 5 - FOR the Creditor Compromise Amendment. |
WHAT IF I DO NOT SPECIFY HOW I WANT MY SHARES VOTED?
If you are a record holder who returns a completed proxy card that does not specify how you want to vote your shares on one or more proposals, the designated proxies will vote your shares for each proposal as to which you provide no voting instructions, and such shares will be voted in the following manner:
| • | Proposal 1 - FOR each of the Board's nominees for directors; | |
| • | Proposal 2 - FOR the Auditor Proposal; | |
| • | Proposal 3 - FOR the Say-on-Pay Proposal; | |
| • | Proposal 4 - "THREE YEARS" for the Frequency Proposal; and | |
| • | Proposal 5 - FOR the Creditor Compromise Amendment. |
What are Broker Non-Votes?
WHAT ARE “BROKER NON-VOTES”?
Broker non-votes occur when a beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” does not give instructions to the broker or nominee holding the shares as to how to vote on matters deemed “non-routine.” Generally, if shares are held in street name, the beneficial owner of the shares is entitled to give voting instructions to the broker or nominee holding the shares. If the beneficial owner does not provide voting instructions, the broker or nominee can still vote the shares with respect to matters that are considered to be “routine,” but not with respect to “non-routine” matters. Under the rules and interpretations of the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”), “non-routine” matters are matters that may substantially affect the rights or privileges of stockholders, such as mergers, stockholder proposals, election of directors (even if not consented) and executive compensation. The Director Proposal is considered a “non-routine” matter. Therefore, if you do not provide voting instructions to your broker regarding the Director Proposal, your broker will not be permitted to exercise voting authority to vote your shares on such proposals and will result in a broker non-vote.
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For Proposal 1, each of the five (5) nominees for director receiving a majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be elected (a majority of votes cast means that the number of votes cast “for” a director must exceed the number of votes cast “against” that director). A proxy marked “abstain” with respect to the election of a director will have no effect on the proposal, but will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum. Broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of the vote on this matter. |
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For Proposal 2, the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast by stockholders at the Annual Meeting by the holders of shares entitled to vote thereon is required to approve the ratification of the appointment of RSM US LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. A proxy marked “abstain” with respect to the ratification and appointment of RSM US LLP will have no impact on the proposal, but will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum. There will be no broker non-votes with respect to this proposal, as it is a routine matter. |
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For Proposal 3, the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting is required to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as described in this Proxy Statement. In the case of Proposal 3, the advisory votes with respect to executive compensation will neither be binding on the Company or the Board, nor will they create or imply any change in the fiduciary duties of or impose any additional fiduciary duties on, the Company or the Board. However, the Board values the opinions expressed by the stockholders in this advisory vote and will consider the outcome of this vote in determining its compensation policies. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted to determine whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting but are not counted as a vote in favor of or against a particular matter. |
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For Proposal 4, the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting is required to approve, on an advisory basis, the frequency of future non-binding advisory votes relating to future named executive officer compensation. In the case of Proposal 4, the advisory votes with respect to the frequency of future non-binding advisory votes relating to future named executive officer compensation will neither be binding on the Company or the Board, nor will they create or imply any change in the fiduciary duties of or impose any additional fiduciary duties on, the Company or the Board. However, the Board values the opinions expressed by the stockholders in this advisory vote and will consider the outcome of this vote in determining its compensation policies. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted to determine whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting but are not counted as a vote in favor of or against a particular matter. |
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For Proposal 5, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock is required to approve the proposed amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation. Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes will have the same effect as votes against the proposed amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation. |
WHAT IS THE QUORUM REQUIREMENT?
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present if stockholders holding at least a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote are present at the Annual Meeting in person or represented by proxy. On the Record Date, there were [•] shares of common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote. Thus, the holders of [•] shares of common stock must be present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting to have a quorum.
Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank or other nominee) or if you vote in person at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the quorum requirement. If there is no quorum, the holders of a majority of shares of common stock present at the Annual Meeting in person or represented by proxy may adjourn the Annual Meeting to another date.
CAN YOU CHANGE YOUR VOTE?
(a) Can a stockholder change his or her vote?
Yes. Any registered stockholder who voted by proxy or in person may change his or her vote at any time before recording the votes on the date of the Annual Meeting.
(b) How can I change my vote after I return my proxy card?
Provided you are the stockholder of record or have a legal proxy from your nominee, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the final vote at the Annual Meeting. You may do this by signing and submitting a new proxy card bearing a later date, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Attending the Annual Meeting will not revoke your proxy unless you specifically request it.
WHAT IF YOU VOTE “ABSTAIN”?
A vote to “abstain” on Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 4 indicates that your shares will not be voted for such matter and will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
A vote to “abstain” on Proposal 5 indicates that your shares will have the same effect as votes against the proposal.
Abstentions are considered as being present for quorum purposes.
CAN YOUR SHARES BE VOTED IF YOU DO NOT RETURN YOUR PROXY AND DO NOT ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING?
A broker non-vote occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power for that particular item, and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner. Broker non-votes count for quorum purposes but not for voting purposes.
If you do not attend and vote your shares which are registered in your name or if you do not otherwise fill out the proxy card and vote by proxy, or vote by telephone or by using the Internet, your shares will not be voted.
HOW CAN I ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING?
Only stockholders as of the Record Date (or their proxy holders) may attend the Annual Meeting. All stockholders seeking admission to the Annual Meeting must present photo identification. If you hold your shares in street name, to gain admission to the Annual Meeting you also must provide proof of ownership of your shares as of the record date. Proof of ownership may be a letter or account statement from your broker, bank or other holder of record.
Stockholders who wish to attend the Annual Meeting in person will need to register in advance by notifying the Company’s Secretary no later than 10:00 a.m. on August 1, 2025, at the following address, telephone number or email address: 5115 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, Florida 33760, telephone number (727) 384-2323, email address investor.relations@apyxmedical.com, of their intention to attend the Annual Meeting. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Only stockholders as of the Record Date who have registered in advance and have a valid confirmation of registration will be admitted to the Annual Meeting. Please note that due to space constraints, we will not be able to provide access to the Annual Meeting to any stockholders who have not registered in advance.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE MEETING IS POSTPONED OR ADJOURNED?
Your proxy will still be valid and may be voted at the postponed or adjourned meeting. You will still be able to change or revoke your proxy until it is actually voted.
WHAT IS HOUSEHOLDING OF ANNUAL MEETING MATERIALS?
Some banks, brokers and other nominee record holders may be participating in the practice of “householding” proxy statement and annual reports. This means that only one copy of our Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Stockholders may have been sent to multiple stockholders in your household. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of either document to you if you contact the Secretary at the following address, telephone number or email: 5115 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, Florida 33760, telephone number (727) 384-2323, email address investor.relations@apyxmedical.com. If you want to receive separate copies of this Proxy Statement or the Annual Report in the future, or if you are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy per household, you should contact your bank, broker or other nominee record holder, or you may contact the Company at the above address or telephone number.
DO STOCKHOLDERS HAVE DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS?
Stockholders do not have dissenters’ rights of appraisal with respect to any of the proposals being voted on.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE SET OF VOTING MATERIALS?
You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of the Notice of Annual Meeting or this Proxy Statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. Similarly, if you are a stockholder of record and hold shares in a brokerage account, you will receive a notice for shares held in your name and a notice or voting instruction card for shares held in street name. Please follow the directions provided in the notice and each additional notice or voting instruction card you receive to ensure that all your shares are voted.
WHAT ARE THE SOLICITATION EXPENSES AND WHO PAYS THE COST OF THIS PROXY SOLICITATION?
Our Board is asking for your proxy and we will pay all of the costs of asking for stockholder proxies. We will reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding solicitation material to the beneficial owners of common stock and collecting voting instructions. We may use our officers and employees to ask for proxies, as described below.
WHERE CAN I FIND VOTING RESULTS?
We expect to publish the voting results in a Current Report on Form 8-K, which we expect to file with the SEC within four business days following the Annual Meeting.
WHO CAN HELP ANSWER MY QUESTIONS?
The information provided above in this “Question and Answer” format is for your convenience only and is merely a summary of the information contained in this Proxy Statement. We urge you to carefully read this entire Proxy Statement, including the documents we refer to herein. If you have any questions, need additional material, or require assistance in voting your shares, please feel free to contact us at (727) 384-2323.
PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
The Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board has unanimously recommended to the Board, and the Board has unanimously nominated five (5) persons consisting of Stavros Vizirgianakis, Charles D. Goodwin, Lawrence J. Waldman, Minnie Baylor-Henry and Wendy Levine, each a current director, for re-election to the Board.
Each director serves from the date of election until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until a successor is duly elected and qualified. The accompanying proxy card will be voted in favor of the persons named above to serve as directors, unless the stockholder indicates to the contrary on the proxy card. See “Information Regarding Executive Officers, Directors and Director Nominees” for biographical information as to each nominee.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL 1 TO ELECT AS DIRECTORS THE FIVE NOMINEES PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD.
Information Regarding our Board
Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide for our Company to be managed by or under the direction of the Board. Under our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, the number of directors is fixed from time to time by the Board. The maximum number of directors permitted pursuant to our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws is nine. Currently, the number of Board seats constituting the entire Board is currently set at five, and the number of directors currently serving is five, leaving no vacancies on the Board. The Board currently has four members who have been determined to be “independent” as defined by the applicable rules of Nasdaq and the Securities and Exchange Commission. These “independent” directors are Stavros Vizirgianakis, Lawrence J. Waldman, Minnie Baylor-Henry, and Wendy Levine. Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “APYX”.
The primary responsibilities of our Board are to provide oversight, strategic guidance, counseling and direction to our management. Our Board meets on a regular basis and additionally as required. Written or electronic materials are distributed in advance of meetings as a general rule and our Board schedules meetings with, and presentations from, members of our senior management on a regular basis and as required.
Directors are elected at the Annual Meeting and hold office until our next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. Officers are appointed by the Board and serve at the pleasure of the Board.
The Board held ten (10) meetings during the 2024 fiscal year. Throughout the year and from time-to-time the Board will hold informal meetings on an as needed basis. All of the directors attended 100% of the meetings of the Board and of the committees on which they served. While we encourage all members of the Board to attend Annual Meetings of Stockholders, there is no formal policy as to their attendance.
Legal Proceedings Involving Directors
There were no legal proceedings involving the nominees to the Board in the past ten years.
Board Leadership
On May 7, 2024, the Board appointed Stavros Vizirgianakis to serve as a director and non-executive Chairman of the Board. The Board has no formal policy with respect to separation of the positions of Chairperson and CEO or with respect to whether the Chairperson should be a member of management or an independent director, and believes that these are matters that should be discussed and determined by the Board from time to time. We believe Mr. Vizirgianakis is best suited for leading discussions, at the Board level, regarding performance relative to our corporate strategy and these discussions account for a significant portion of the time devoted at our Board meetings.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Charles D. Goodwin, is tasked with the responsibility of implementing our corporate strategy.
The independent directors appointed Lawrence J. Waldman as the Lead Independent Director. The Lead Independent Director is appointed by the Board and is responsible for coordinating the activities of the independent directors and coordinating with the Chairperson and CEO of the Company to set agendas for Board meetings and chair executive sessions of the independent directors. The Lead Independent Director is also responsible for meeting, from time to time, with the Company’s Compensation Committee to discuss the CEO’s performance.
The Company’s Corporate Governance Policies also contain several features which the Company believes will ensure that the Board maintains effective and independent oversight of management, including the following:
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Executive sessions without management and non-independent directors present are a standing Board agenda item. Executive sessions of the independent directors are held at any time requested by an independent director and, in any event, are held in connection with all regularly scheduled Board meetings. |
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The Board regularly meets in executive session with the CEO without other members of management present and without the CEO present. |
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All Board committee members are independent directors. The committee chairs have authority to hold executive sessions without management and non-independent directors present. |
Board Evaluations
The Board has adopted a policy to evaluate its performance and effectiveness as well as that of the four standing committees on an annual basis. The purpose of the evaluation is to track progress in certain areas targeted for improvement from year to year and to identify ways to enhance the Board’s effectiveness. As part of the evaluation, each director may complete a written questionnaire developed by the Governance and Nominating Committee to provide anonymous feedback on the effectiveness of the Board, the Committees, as well as each individual director’s own contributions. The collective ratings and comments of the directors are compiled and then presented to the Governance and Nominating Committee and to the full Board for discussion and action as necessary.
Risk Management
The Board believes that risk management is an important component of the Company’s corporate strategy. While we assess specific risks at our committee levels, the Board, as a whole, oversees our risk management process, and discusses and reviews with management major policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management. The Board is regularly informed through its interactions with management and committee reports about risks we face in the course of our business. Our Audit Committee also takes an active role in risk assessment and risk management.
INFORMATION REGARDING EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND DIRECTOR NOMINEES
The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions within the Company of each of our directors, director nominees, executive officers and key employees.
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Name |
Age |
Position |
Director Since |
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Stavros Vizirgianakis |
54 |
Chairperson of the Board |
May 2024 |
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Charles D. Goodwin |
59 |
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
December 2017 |
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Matthew Hill |
56 |
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary |
N/A |
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Moshe Citronowicz |
72 |
Senior Vice President |
N/A |
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Shawn Roman |
54 |
Chief Operating Officer |
N/A |
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Lawrence J. Waldman |
78 |
Lead Independent Director |
March 2011 |
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Minnie Baylor-Henry |
77 |
Director |
August 2019 |
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Wendy Levine |
52 |
Director |
August 2021 |
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Matrix
The matrix below summarizes certain of the key experiences, qualifications, skills, and attributes that our directors bring to the Board to enable effective oversight. This matrix is intended only to provide a summary of our directors’ qualifications and is not a complete listing of each director’s strengths and contributions to the Board. Additional information on each director is set forth in their respective biography.
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Knowledge, Skills and Experience Matrix |
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|
Vizirgianakis |
Goodwin |
Waldman |
Baylor- Henry |
Levine |
|
|
Public Company Board Experience |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
Financial |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
Risk Management |
X |
X |
X |
||
|
Accounting |
X |
||||
|
Corporate Governance/Ethics |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
Legal/Regulatory |
X |
X |
X |
||
|
HR/Compensation |
X |
X |
X |
||
|
Executive Experience |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Operations |
X |
X |
|||
|
Strategic Planning/Oversight |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Sales and Marketing |
X |
X |
X |
||
|
Technology |
X |
X |
|||
|
Medical Device Industry |
X |
X |
X |
||
Stavros Vizirgianakis, age 54, Chairperson of the Board of Directors since May 2024, is an investor and strategic advisor to companies in the medical device field. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at the following healthcare companies: Tally Surgical, Inc.; Theragenics Corporation; Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: XTNT); and Medinotec, Inc. (OTCQX: MDNC). Mr. Vizirgianakis previously served on the Board of Directors at Bioventus Inc. (Nasdaq: BVS) and Tenaxis Medical.
Mr. Vizirgianakis is the former Chief Executive Officer of medical device company, Misonix, Inc., which he led from 2016 through the company’s acquisition by Bioventus Inc. in 2021. He previously served as Managing Director of the Medical Devices business at Ascendis Health Limited (JSE: ASC) from 2014 to 2016. Mr. Vizirgianakis co-founded Surgical Innovations, one of the largest privately-owned medical device distributors in the African region, which later became part of Ascendis Health Limited. His career in the medical device industry also includes experience serving as Director of Sales for sub-Saharan Africa at United States Surgical Corporation and as General Manager of South Africa at Tyco Healthcare. Mr. Vizirgianakis holds a degree in Commerce from the University of South Africa. The Company believes Mr. Vizirgianakis is qualified to serve as the Chairperson of the Board and as a Director given his extensive experience in the medical device industry.
Charles D. Goodwin, age 59, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Apyx Medical since December 2017, is an accomplished senior executive with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Before joining Apyx Medical in December 2017, Mr. Goodwin was the Chief Executive Officer of MIS Implants Technologies, Inc., a privately held company specializing in dental implants. Prior to this position, Mr. Goodwin spent more than 11 years with Olympus/Gyrus ACMI in a variety of commercial and leadership roles of increasing responsibility. Mr. Goodwin began as a regional sales director for Gyrus in 2002 and was later promoted to Vice President of Sales, overseeing the Company’s strong commercial ramp and assisting Gyrus’ executive leadership team in the successful acquisition of American Cytoscope Makers, or “ACMI”, for $500 million in 2005. As President of Gyrus ACMI’s surgical division, Mr. Goodwin developed the company’s global distribution network and achieved average annual sales growth of 35% for three consecutive years, resulting in a promotion to President of Worldwide Sales in 2007. As President of Worldwide Sales for Gyrus ACMI, Mr. Goodwin was responsible for a global business with approximately 700 employees and was a key contributor to the successful sale of Gyrus ACMI to Olympus for $2.2 billion in 2008. Mr. Goodwin served as Group Vice President of Olympus Corporation’s global surgical energy group, where he was responsible for commercial strategy, R&D and operations for a business with more than 500 employees worldwide. Mr. Goodwin held this position for five years before joining MIS Implants Technologies, Inc. in 2014. In March, 2022 Mr. Goodwin joined the Board of ZSX Medical, LLC, a clinical stage medical device company improving minimally-invasive surgery. Mr. Goodwin holds a B.A. in Finance and Economics from Eastern Washington University. The Company believes Mr. Goodwin is qualified to serve as a Director given his over 30 years of experience in the medical device industry.
Matthew Hill, age 56, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary since December 2023. Prior to joining Apyx Medical, Mr. Hill served as the Chief Financial Officer of PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB) (“PDS Biotech”), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company, where he led all aspects of the company’s budgeting, forecasting, financial management and reporting. Prior to joining PDS Biotech, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Strata Skin Sciences (Nasdaq: SSKN), a medical technology company developing, commercializing and marketing products for the treatment of dermatologic conditions, from 2018 to 2021. Prior to joining Strata Skin Sciences, Mr. Hill served as Chief Financial Officer at several companies, including Velcera, Inc., which developed pet medication for the companion animal health industry, and EP MedSystems, which developed and marketed cardiac electrophysiology products. He was also a Senior Manager at the international accounting and consulting firm, Grant Thornton LLP. Mr. Hill holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Lehigh University.
Moshe Citronowicz, age 72, Senior Vice President since 2012, came to the United States in 1978 and has worked in a variety of manufacturing and high technology industries. In October 1993, Mr. Citronowicz joined the Company as Vice President of Operations and served as our Chief Operating Officer until November 2011. Currently, he is serving as the Senior Vice President. Mr. Citronowicz’s employment contract extends to December 31, 2024.
Shawn Roman, age 54, Chief Operating Officer since November 2024, joined the Company in October 2014 and has served as Vice President of Research and Development since June 2015. In this role, he has been responsible for new product and technology development as well as the clinical research supporting the safety and efficacy of the Company’s Renuvion product portfolio. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Roman served as Engineering Manager and then General Manager of the Co-Innovation Florida location of Coorstek Medical, a privately held company specializing in providing product development and manufacturing services to orthopedic medical device companies. Prior to joining Coorstek, Mr. Roman spent more than 14 years with the craniomaxillofacial division of what is now Zimmer Biomet in a variety of product development roles of increasing responsibility including Vice President of Research and Development. Mr. Roman holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Physics from Jacksonville University.
Lawrence J. Waldman, CPA, age 78, Director since March 2011, Lead Independent Director, and Audit Committee Chairperson. Mr. Waldman has over 40 years of experience in public accounting. Mr. Waldman currently serves as a senior advisor to First Long Island Investors, LLC, an investment and wealth management firm since May 2016. Prior to that Mr. Waldman served as an advisor to the accounting firm of EisnerAmper LLP, where he was previously the Partner-in-Charge of Commercial Audit Practice Development for Long Island since September 2011. Prior to joining EisnerAmper LLP, Mr. Waldman was the Partner-in-Charge of Commercial Audit Practice Development for Holtz Rubenstein Reminick, LLP from July 2006 to August 2011. Mr. Waldman was the Managing Partner of the Long Island office of KPMG LLP from 1994 through 2006, the accounting firm where he began his career in 1972. Mr. Waldman was elected to the Board of Directors of Comtech Telecommunications Corp. in August of 2015 and since December 2015, serves as Chair of its Audit Committee, and since December 17, 2021 serves as its Lead Independent Director. In October 2016, Mr. Waldman was appointed and subsequently in December 2016 elected to the Board of Directors of CVD Equipment Corporation, and serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee and as Lead Independent Director. In January 2021, Mr. Waldman was appointed to serve as non-Executive Chairman of the Board of CVD Equipment Corporation. Mr. Waldman also served through October 2018 as a member of the Board of Directors of Northstar/ RXR Metro Income Fund, a non-traded Real Estate Investment Trust, where he also had served as a member of its Audit Committee starting in 2014. Mr. Waldman also served as a member of the State University of New York’s Board of Trustees and as Chair of its Audit Committee. He previously served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Long Island Power Authority and as Chair and a member of the Finance and Audit Committee of its Board of Trustees. Mr. Waldman meets the definition of a financial expert as defined by the SEC and Nasdaq. The Company believes Mr. Waldman is qualified to serve as Director, Audit Committee Chairperson and Lead Independent Director because of his over 40 years of experience in public accounting and his positions on various boards, and broad business experience.
Minnie Baylor-Henry, age 77, Director and Regulatory Compliance Committee Chairperson since August 2019. Ms. Baylor-Henry has over 25 years of regulatory affairs experience. She is the President of B-Henry & Associates, LLC, a consulting firm that she founded to provide regulatory strategic support to life sciences companies. Prior to starting her consulting company, she held various executive level positions over a 15-year period at Johnson & Johnson (J&J). Before retiring from J&J in 2015, she was the Worldwide Vice President of Regulatory Affairs-Medical Devices. During her time at J&J, she also had served as the Vice President-Medical & Regulatory Affairs in the Over-the Counter Group, as well as Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs- Pharmaceuticals. Ms. Baylor-Henry also worked for Deloitte & Touche (2008-2010) as the National Director Regulatory Affairs- Life Sciences. Prior to joining the private sector, she worked for the US Food & Drug Administration (1991-1999) in many roles, including serving as the Director of the Division of Drug, Marketing, Advertising & Communications and the FDA’s National Health Fraud Coordinator.
In 2018, Ms. Baylor-Henry joined the Board of Directors of scPharmaceuticals, a publicly-held company focused on developing technologies that enable subcutaneous administration of therapies and in 2021 she stepped down from the Board of Directors of PolarityTE, a publicly- held regenerative medicine company. She joined the Board of Directors of Paratek Pharmaceuticals, a publicly-held company focused on solutions for patients with infectious diseases, which was acquired by private equity in 2023. In March, 2022, she joined the Board of Directors of Lantheus Holdings, LLC, an innovative diagnostics and targeted therapeutics company. Ms. Baylor-Henry received her pharmacy degree from Howard University’s College of Pharmacy and a law degree from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law. The Company believes Ms. Baylor-Henry is qualified to serve as Director and Regulatory and Compliance Committee Chairperson because of her extensive experience in global and regulatory management and compliance.
Wendy Levine, age 52, Director, has over 25 years of healthcare marketing and advertising experience across the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and vaccine sectors. She is currently President at Fifth Element, a healthcare advertising company. Most recently prior to this, she was Group President and head of the advertising business at 21GRAMS, part of Real Chemistry, a global health innovation company. From 2003 to 2007, Ms. Levine worked at Johnson & Johnson, where she served as Group Product Director in the Specialty Pharmaceuticals Business Unit and then as Director, Stakeholder Marketing in the Medical Device Business Unit. From 2007 to 2009, Ms. Levine held the position of Senior Director of Marketing for the influenza portfolio at Novartis Vaccines. From 2009 to 2014, a love for advertising brought her to the agency world, where she rose through the ranks within account management at The Bloc. From 2014 to 2015, Ms. Levine held the role of EVP, Managing Director at McCann Health. From 2015 to 2017, she worked as Director of Client Services at GSW. Ms. Levine received her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies (economics and Western European culture) from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in education from Beaver College (Arcadia University). The Company believes Ms. Levine is qualified to serve as Director because of her extensive experience in marketing and advertising.
During November 2024, the Board added John Featherstone as a Board observer. Mr. Featherstone is an accomplished commercial executive with over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in the aesthetic and medical device industry. He has held senior leadership positions at several leading medical aesthetics companies, including Cytrellis Biosystems, Inc., Curtera, Inc., and Cynosure Inc., where he led strategic initiatives that drove revenue and built high-performance teams. We believe that Mr. Featherstone will bolster our commercial efforts and align our interests more closely with shareholders.
During November 2024, the Board added John Featherstone as a Board observer. Mr. Featherstone is an accomplished commercial executive with over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in the aesthetic and medical device industry. He has held senior leadership positions at several leading medical aesthetics companies, including Cytrellis Biosystems, Inc., Curtera, Inc., and Cynosure Inc., where he led strategic initiatives that drove revenue and built high-performance teams. We believe that Mr. Featherstone will bolster our commercial efforts and align our interests more closely with shareholders.
COMMITTEES OF OUR BOARD
We have a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Governance and Nominating Committee and Regulatory Compliance Committee.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee assists the Board in its general oversight of our financial reporting, internal controls, and audit functions, and is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee reviews and discusses with management and our independent accountants the annual audited and quarterly financial statements (including the disclosures under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB), reviews the integrity of the financial reporting processes, both internal and external, reviews the qualifications, performance and independence of our independent accountants, and prepares the Audit Committee Report included in its Annual Report in accordance with rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee has the power to investigate any matter brought to its attention within the scope of its duties. It also has the authority to retain counsel and advisors to fulfill its responsibilities and duties. The Audit Committee also acts as a qualified legal compliance committee.
The meetings of the Committee are designed to facilitate and encourage communication among the Committee, the Company and the Company’s independent auditor. The Committee discussed with the Company’s Independent Auditor the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Committee meets with the independent auditor, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations; their evaluations of the Company’s internal controls; and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.
At December 31, 2024, the Audit Committee consisted of four independent members of the Board of Directors, Lawrence J. Waldman, Stavros Vizirgianakis, Minnie Baylor-Henry, and Wendy Levine. As a smaller reporting company, we are required to have at least two independent members comprising our Audit Committee in accordance with Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of Nasdaq. During 2024, Mr. Waldman served as the Audit Committee Chairperson and financial expert. The Audit Committee meets as often as it determines necessary but not less frequently than once every fiscal quarter.
A copy of the Audit Committee Charter will be provided to any person without charge upon written request to the Company’s address to the attention of the Secretary. A copy of the Audit Committee Charter is available in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.apyxmedical.com.
Governance and Nominating Committee
The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for matters relating to the corporate governance of our company and the nomination of members of the board and committees thereof. The Governance and Nominating Committee also provides oversight to the Company over its Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) initiatives. At December 31, 2024, our Governance and Nominating Committee consisted of four independent members of the Board of Directors: Stavros Vizirgianakis who serves as Chairperson, Lawrence J. Waldman, Wendy Levine and Minnie Baylor-Henry. The Governance and Nominating Committee meets as often as it determines necessary, but not less than once a year.
When considering whether directors and nominees have the experience, qualifications, attributes or skills, taken as a whole, to enable the Board to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of the Company’s business and structure, the Governance and Nominating Committee focused primarily on each person’s background and experience as reflected in the information discussed in each of the directors’ individual biographies set forth above. We believe that our directors provide an appropriate mix of experience and skills relevant to the size and nature of our business. As more specifically described in such person’s individual biographies set forth above, our directors possess relevant and industry-specific experience and knowledge in the medical, engineering and business fields, as the case may be, which we believe enhances the Board’s ability to oversee, evaluate and direct our overall corporate strategy. The Governance and Nominating Committee annually reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the composition and size of the Board so that the Board consists of members with the proper expertise, skills, attributes, and personal and professional backgrounds needed by the Board, consistent with applicable regulatory requirements.
The Governance and Nominating Committee believes that all directors, including nominees, should possess the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity, and values, and be committed to representing the long-term interests of our stockholders. The Governance and Nominating Committee will consider criteria including the nominee’s current or recent experience as a senior executive officer, whether the nominee is independent, as that term is defined in existing independence requirements of Nasdaq and the Securities and Exchange Commission, the business, scientific or engineering experience currently desired on the Board, geography, the nominee’s industry experience, and the nominee’s general ability to enhance the overall composition of the Board.
The Governance and Nominating Committee does not have a formal policy on diversity; however, in recommending directors, the Board and the Committee consider the specific background and experience of the Board members and other personal attributes in an effort to provide a diverse mix of capabilities, contributions and viewpoints which the Board believes enables it to function effectively as the Board of a company with our size and nature of business.
If a Stockholder wishes to nominate a candidate to be considered for election as a director at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, he or she must submit nominations in accordance with the procedures set forth in “Stockholder Proposals For Next Annual Meeting.” If a Stockholder wishes simply to propose a candidate for consideration as a nominee by the Governance and Nominating Committee, he or she should submit any pertinent information regarding the candidate to the members of the Governance and Nominating Committee of Apyx Medical Corporation, c/o Secretary, 5115 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, Florida 33760.
A copy of the Governance and Nominating Committee Charter will be provided to any person without charge upon written request to the Company’s address to the attention of the Secretary. A copy of the Governance and Nominating Committee Charter is available in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.apyxmedical.com.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing our compensation and employee benefit plans (including those involving the issuance of our equity securities) and practices, including formulating, evaluating and approving the compensation of our executive officers and reviewing and recommending to the full Board of Directors the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer. At December 31, 2024, our Compensation Committee consisted of four independent members of the Board of Directors: Wendy Levine who serves as Chairperson, Stavros Vizirgianakis, Lawrence J. Waldman and Minnie Baylor-Henry. The Compensation Committee meets as often as it determines necessary, but not less than once a year.
A copy of the Compensation Committee Charter will be provided to any person without charge upon written request to the Company’s address to the attention of the Secretary. A copy of the Compensation Committee Charter is available in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.apyxmedical.com.
Regulatory Compliance Committee
The Regulatory Compliance Committee is responsible for matters relating to the Company’s overall non-financial regulatory and compliance strategies and systems. Specifically, the Committee provides oversight of management’s efforts to comply with the requirements for a medical device company operating in a highly regulated environment with respect to healthcare compliance, product quality and safety, and other areas as directed by the Board. At December 31, 2024, our Regulatory Compliance Committee consisted of four independent members of the Board of Directors: Minnie Baylor-Henry who serves as Chairperson, Stavros Vizirgianakis, Lawrence J. Waldman and Wendy Levine. The Regulatory Compliance Committee meets as often as it determines necessary, but not less than once a year.
In carrying out its responsibilities, the Committee reviews and discusses with management the implementation and enforcement of policies, procedures, risk management and compliance programs related to the Company’s adherence with applicable laws and regulations in the areas of healthcare compliance, product quality and safety and regulatory affairs.
A copy of the Regulatory Compliance Committee Charter will be provided to any person without charge upon written request to the Company’s address to the attention of the Secretary. A copy of the Regulatory Compliance Committee Charter is available in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.apyxmedical.com.
The table below indicates the current membership of each committee and how many times the Board and each committee met and/or acted by written consent in 2024:
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Governance and |
Regulatory |
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|
Board |
Audit |
Nominating |
Compensation |
Compliance |
||||||
|
Stavros Vizirgianakis |
Chair |
Member |
Chair |
Member |
Member |
|||||
|
Charles D. Goodwin |
Member |
|||||||||
|
Lawrence J. Waldman |
Member |
Chair** |
Member |
Member |
Member |
|||||
|
Minnie Baylor-Henry |
Member |
Member |
Member |
Member |
Chair |
|||||
|
Wendy Levine |
Member |
Member |
Member |
Chair |
Member |
|||||
|
Number of Meetings* |
10 |
6 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
* |
Includes formal meetings and actions by written consent |
|
** |
Mr. Waldman has also been designated the Audit Committee’s financial expert as well as the Board’s Lead Independent Director. |
Stockholder Communications
The Board provides a process by which stockholders may communicate with the Board, including our independent directors. Stockholders who wish to communicate with the Board may do so by sending written communications addressed to any director or the entire Board of Directors of Apyx Medical Corporation, c/o Secretary, 5115 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, Florida 33760. All mail received at the above address that is addressed to the Board or any individual director will be relayed by the Company to the Board or such individual director. On a periodic basis, all such communications will be compiled by the Secretary and submitted to the Board or the individual director to whom the communications are addressed.
Code of Ethics
A copy of our Code of Ethics (the “Code”), which expressly includes the fiduciary responsibilities of the CEO and CFO, is available on our website at https://apyxmedical.com/code-of-ethics-and-conduct/ and is reviewed on an annual basis. We also have made available a whistleblower hotline that provides a mechanism for reporting breaches of the Code in an anonymous manner.
Review and acknowledgement of the Code is required of all new employees as part of the on-boarding process, and of all existing employees on an annual basis.
Insider Trading Policy
The Company has
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This Compensation Discussion & Analysis (“CD&A”) explains our executive compensation program for our named executive officers (“NEOs”) listed below. This CD&A also describes the Compensation Committee’s process for making pay decisions, as well as its rationale for specific decisions related to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
Although we qualify as a “smaller reporting company” as defined by the SEC, which allows us to take advantage of scaled-back disclosure requirements, we are including more extensive narrative about our executive compensation program in an effort to be more transparent. We are also committed to keeping an open dialogue with our stockholders to help ensure that we have a regular pulse on investor perspectives and, as we continue to grow, we intend to further enhance our outreach efforts during 2025 and into the future.
|
Name |
Position |
|
Charles D. Goodwin |
President, CEO and Director |
|
Moshe Citronowicz |
Senior Vice President |
|
Todd Hornsby |
Executive Vice President(1) |
|
Matthew Hill |
Chief Financial Officer |
| Shawn Roman |
Chief Operating Officer(2) |
(1) Departed role as Executive Vice President on November 4, 2024.
(2) Assumed role as Chief Operating Officer on November 6, 2024.
2024 Business Overview and Recent Operating Highlights
We are an advanced energy technology company with a passion for elevating people’s lives through innovative products, including our Helium Plasma Technology products marketed and sold as Renuvion in the cosmetic surgery market and J-Plasma in the hospital surgical market. Renuvion and J-Plasma offer surgeons a unique ability to provide controlled heat to tissue to achieve their desired results. We also leverage our deep expertise and decades of experience in unique waveforms through OEM agreements with other medical device manufacturers. Below are key financial and operational highlights:
|
• |
Total revenue of $48.1 million, representing a decrease of 8.1% year-over-year |
|
• |
Advanced Energy revenue of $38.6 million, representing a decrease of 11.0% year-over-year |
|
• |
Loss from operations of $18.8 million, vs. $17.3 million in 2023 |
In November 2024, we undertook a cost saving restructuring which included an organizational reduction in force to better focus, optimize and streamline operations. As a result of the organizational changes, we reduced our U.S. workforce by nearly 25%. We estimate the annualized future cost savings from the reduction in force to be approximately $4.3 million which we expect to contribute to our goal of decreasing loss and achieving cash-flow breakeven. We incurred pre-tax charges of approximately $0.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 representing, for the most part, one-time cash expenditures for severance and other employee termination benefits. In addition to the reduction in force, we have eliminated bonuses in 2024, reduced the size of the board of directors from eight to five members and reduced aggregate board cash compensation from $0.5 million annually to $0.1 million, while increasing board stock-based compensation.
In addition to the organizational changes, we have identified other direct cost savings we anticipate achieving in 2025. The identified cost savings include reductions in professional fees, lower research and development costs as we complete the development of AYON, credit card fees and stock-based compensation. We foresee, in totality, these cost savings will reduce our annual operating expenses below $40 million in 2025.
On November 7, 2024, we entered into an amendment to the Perceptive Credit Agreement. The amendment reduced the financial covenant trailing twelve-month revenue targets relating to its Advanced Energy segment (tested quarterly), with amended year-end targets of $34.4 million, $37.0 million, $52.4 million and $60.3 million for 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027, respectively, and a target of $38.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The amendment also introduced a maximum operating expense financial covenant, with full year targets of $40.0 million and $45.0 million for 2025 and 2026, respectively. The Perceptive Credit Agreement, as amended, continues to contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants limiting the ability of us and our subsidiaries, among other things, to incur debt, grant liens, make distributions, enter certain restrictive agreements, pay or modify subordinated debt, dispose of assets, make investments and acquisitions, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, and undergo certain fundamental changes, in each case, subject to limitations and exceptions set forth in the Perceptive Credit Agreement. Additionally, we must maintain a balance of $3.0 million in cash and cash equivalents during the term of the Perceptive Credit Agreement.
On November 7, 2024, we closed a $7.0 million registered direct offering with a healthcare-focused fund and issued 3,000,000 shares of common stock and 2,934,690 of pre-funded warrants to purchase common stock with an exercise price of $.001 per share.
On May 13, 2025, the Company announced it had received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) for the AYON Body Contouring System™ (“AYON”). The Company is actively preparing for a commercial launch of AYON with key surgeons in critical geographies starting in the second half of 2025.
AYON is a groundbreaking, surgeon-designed body contouring system that combines precision, versatility, and innovation in an all-in-one platform. It seamlessly integrates fat removal, closed loop contouring, tissue contraction, and electrosurgical capabilities, empowering surgeons to deliver the most comprehensive body contouring treatments for patients. With advanced features like LIFT Technology for real-time adjustments and Renuvion for enhanced tissue contraction, AYON sets a new standard in surgical care, streamlining procedures and maximizing patient outcomes. Backed by Apyx Medical’s expertise and evidence-based design, AYON delivers consistent, reliable performance and an unmatched return on investment. As the first of its kind, AYON is revolutionizing body contouring and shaping the future of aesthetic surgery.
This initial 510(k) clearance for AYON covers a wide variety of aesthetic treatments, including Renuvion to address loose and lax skin, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, electrocoagulation to support procedures requiring removal of excess tissue, along with several others. The Company plans to expand the cleared indications for AYON, to include power liposuction, with an additional 510(k) submission later this year.
WHAT GUIDES OUR COMPENSATION PROGRAM
General Compensation Philosophy
The primary objective of our compensation program for employees, including our compensation program for executive officers, is to attract, retain and motivate qualified individuals and reward them in a manner that is fair to all stockholders. We strive to provide incentives for every employee that reward them for their contribution to the Company.
|
Performance-Driven and Stockholder-Aligned |
A portion of a NEO’s total compensation should be variable (“at-risk”) and linked to the achievement of specific short- and long-term performance objectives and designed to drive stockholder value creation. |
|
|
Competitively-Positioned |
Target compensation should be competitive with that being offered to individuals in comparable roles at other companies with which we compete for talent to ensure that we employ the best people to lead our success. |
|
|
Responsibly-Governed |
Decisions about compensation should be guided by best-practice governance standards and rigorous processes that encourage prudent decision-making. |
Elements of Pay
With these objectives in mind, our Board has built executive and non-executive compensation programs that consist of three principal elements - base salary, performance bonuses and grants of stock options.
|
Pay Element |
How It’s Paid |
Purpose |
||
|
Base Salary |
Cash (Fixed) |
Provide a competitive base salary rate relative to similar positions in the market and enable the Company to attract and retain critical executive talent. |
||
|
Performance Bonuses (Annual Incentives) |
Cash (Variable) |
Reward executive officers for delivering on annual financial and/or strategic objectives that contribute to the creation of stockholder value. |
||
|
Long-Term Incentives |
Equity (Variable) |
Provide incentives for executive officers to execute on longer-term financial goals that drive the creation of stockholder value, support the Company’s retention strategy, and provide alignment with the interests of our stockholders. |
The Decision-Making Process
The Role of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee oversees the executive compensation program for our NEOs. The Compensation Committee is comprised of independent, non-employee members of the Board. The Compensation Committee works very closely with its independent consultant and management to examine the effectiveness of the Company’s executive compensation program throughout the year. Details of the Compensation Committee’s authority and responsibilities are specified in its charter, which may be accessed at apyxmedical.com. The Compensation Committee makes all final compensation and equity award decisions regarding our NEOs, except for the CEO, whose compensation is determined by the independent members of the full Board, based upon recommendations of the Compensation Committee.
The Role of Management. Members of our management team attend regular meetings where executive compensation, Company and individual performance, and competitive compensation levels and practices are discussed and evaluated. Only the Compensation Committee members are allowed to vote on decisions regarding NEO compensation. The CEO reviews his recommendations pertaining to other executives (non-NEO) pay with the Compensation Committee providing transparency and oversight. Decisions on non-NEO pay are made by the CEO. The CEO does not participate in the deliberations of the Compensation Committee regarding his own compensation. Independent members of the Board make all final determinations regarding CEO compensation.
The Role of the Independent Consultant. The Compensation Committee, in prior years has engaged an independent compensation consultant to provide expertise on competitive pay practices, program design, and an objective assessment of any inherent risks of any programs.
The Role of Peer Group Companies. The Compensation Committee strives to set a competitive level of total compensation for each NEO as compared with executive officers in similar positions at comparable companies, which we define as our compensation peer group. The Compensation Committee has looked to its independent compensation consultant and performed an independent review by its Chairperson to provide and analyze competitive market data for each NEO, comparing each of their individual components of compensation and total compensation to market.
|
BIOLASE, Inc. |
Pulmonx Corporation |
|
CVRx, Inc. |
Sensus Healthcare, Inc. |
|
CytoSorbents Corporation |
TELA Bio, Inc. |
|
Electromed, Inc. |
Utah Medical Products, Inc. |
| Neuronetics, Inc. | Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc. |
| NeuroPace, Inc. |
The results of the survey and independent review confirmed that, consistent with our desired philosophy, our compensation arrangements were competitive with the marketplace, with some variation by individual.
2024 Executive Compensation Program
Base Salary
We pay base salaries to our Executive Officers in order to provide a consistent level of pay that sustained individual performance warrants. We also believe that a competitive annual base salary is important to attract and retain an appropriate caliber of talent for each position over time.
The annual base salaries of our Executive Officers are determined by our Compensation Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. All salary decisions are based on each Executive Officer’s level of responsibility, experience and recent and past performance, as determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee benchmarks base salaries using a major independent consulting firm and using their recommendations and other information the Committee evaluates and establishes the base compensation for our executives.
|
Name |
2024 |
2023 |
% Change |
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|
Charles D. Goodwin |
$ | 501,800 | $ | 482,500 | — | % | ||||||
|
Matthew Hill |
$ | 425,000 | $ | 425,000 | — | % | ||||||
|
Moshe Citronowicz |
$ | 323,960 | $ | 311,500 | — | % | ||||||
|
Shawn Roman |
$ | 305,760 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||
|
Todd Hornsby |
$ | 404,800 | $ | 368,000 | — | % | ||||||
Performance Bonus
The performance-based cash incentive bonus is designed to provide an opportunity for our senior executives, including our NEOs, to earn an annual incentive, paid in cash, based on the achievement of certain financial targets and/or strategic priorities. An executive’s incentive target is a percentage of their base salary. The Compensation Committee assessed our performance against certain financial metrics during 2024 with payouts measured on a scale of zero to 125% of target. The table below discloses the annual incentive targets for each NEO for 2024:
|
2024 Base Salary |
Bonus Target |
Bonus at Target |
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|
Name |
($) |
(% of Base Salary) |
($) |
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|
Charles D. Goodwin |
$ | 501,800 | 85 | % | $ | 426,530 | ||||||
|
Matthew Hill |
$ | 425,000 | 50 | % | $ | 212,500 | ||||||
|
Moshe Citronowicz |
$ | 323,960 | 30 | % | $ | 97,188 | ||||||
|
Shawn Roman |
$ | 305,760 | 30 | % | $ | 91,728 | ||||||
|
Todd Hornsby(1) |
$ | 342,694 | 55 | % | $ | 188,482 | ||||||
(1) Prorated based on time employed by the Company.
In 2024, we used total revenue, operating income (loss) and cash and cash equivalents as the financial performance metrics for determining annual performance bonuses because we believe it is important to focus on driving our top line revenue growth, while focusing on continued improvements to our gross product margins and efficiently investing in our operations to drive towards longer-term, bottom-line profitability. This ultimately results in our ability to maintain acceptable levels of cash burn, setting a path to generating positive cash flow through our overall business performance.
2024 Annual Incentive Plan Payouts. Due to economic uncertainty for capital equipment purchases in the aesthetics space, the funding for performance bonuses was set at 0% of each NEO’s applicable target. The Committee retains discretion to further adjust the award upward or downward based on its assessment of individual performance. The following table lists the actual awards earned by the NEOs in 2024:
|
Bonus Target |
Bonus Target |
Actual Award Payout |
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|
Name |
(% of Base Salary) |
($) |
($) |
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|
Charles D. Goodwin |
85 | % | $ | 426,530 | $ | — | ||||||
|
Matthew Hill |
50 | % | $ | 212,500 | $ | — | ||||||
|
Moshe Citronowicz |
30 | % | $ | 97,188 | $ | — | ||||||
|
Shawn Roman |
30 | % | $ | 91,728 | $ | — | ||||||
|
Todd Hornsby |
55 | % | $ | 188,482 | $ | — | ||||||
Equity Compensation
We believe that equity ownership in our Company is important to provide our Executive Officers and key employees with long-term incentives to better align interests of executives with the interests of stockholders and build value for our stockholders. In addition, equity compensation is designed to attract and retain the executive management team and other key employees throughout the organization.
The Compensation Committee has an established practice of approving equity awards for issuance in January of each year. This allows the Compensation Committee to consider the Company's performance over the prior year and business environment in determining the size of the equity award to approve. The exercise price of equity awards is the closing price on the grant date. The grant date of the awards is at least two trading days following the Company's preliminary revenue release, allowing time for this information to disseminate and become public. In addition to its annual grant process, the Compensation Committee may also approve equity awards at other times at other times during the year when it believes such awards are appropriate to recruit, retain, or incentivize employees. The Compensation Committee may grant equity awards at times when it is in possession of material non-public information.
In January 2024, the Board approved equity awards to the NEOs. These equity awards were granted using incentive stock options to the extent permitted by the IRS. Stock options are intended to align the interests of award recipients with those of stockholders, since options deliver value only if Apyx’s stock price appreciates after they are granted. This characteristic ensures that the Executive Officers and key employees have a meaningful portion of their compensation tied to future stock price increases and rewards management for long-term strategic planning through the resulting enhancement of the stock price. The 2024 awards for each NEO were as follows:
|
Stock Options |
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|
Name |
(# of options) |
|||
|
Charles D. Goodwin |
243,000 | |||
|
Matthew Hill(1) |
150,000 | |||
|
Moshe Citronowicz |
72,000 | |||
|
Shawn Roman |
50,000 | |||
|
Todd Hornsby |
100,000 | |||
|
(1) |
Executive's employment agreement provides for 150,000 stock options to be granted in January 2024 with 50% vesting on December 4, 2024 and 50% vesting on December 4, 2025. |
The stock options vest one-third per year on the anniversary date of the grant over a 3-year period, expire on the 10th anniversary of the grant date, and have an exercise price of $2.42 per share. Stock options are subject to the award recipient’s continued employment through each vesting date.
Stock option awards to executive officers and key employees are entirely discretionary. The CEO recommends to the Compensation Committee awards for individuals other than himself. The Compensation Committee considers this recommendation along with the prior contribution of these individuals and their expected future contributions to our growth. The Committee formulates and presents its recommended allocation of stock option awards to the Board of Directors for approval. The Compensation Committee then would make an independent determination on CEO stock option awards, again formulating and presenting its recommendation for the allocation of stock option awards to the independent members of the Board of Directors for approval. The Board of Directors approves, rejects, or, if necessary, modifies the Committee’s recommendations.
Perquisites and Other Benefits
Our Executive Officers are eligible for the same health and welfare programs and benefits as the rest of our employees in their respective locations.
Our Executive Officers are entitled to participate in and receive employer contributions to Apyx’s 401(k) Savings Plan. For more information on employer contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan see the Summary Compensation Table and its footnotes.
Tax and Accounting Considerations
We regularly consider the various tax and accounting implications of our compensation plans. Section 162(m) of the Code generally prohibits any publicly held corporation from taking a federal income tax deduction for compensation paid in excess of $1 million in any taxable year to the CEO and the other “covered employees” as defined in the rule. Under the tax laws in effect before 2018, compensation that qualified as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code was deductible without regard to this limitation. Effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 generally eliminated the performance-based exemption, subject to a special rule that grandfathers certain awards and agreements that were in effect on November 2, 2017. While considering tax deductibility as only one of several considerations in determining compensation, the Committee believes that the tax deduction limitation should not compromise its ability to structure compensation programs that provide benefits to the Company that outweigh the potential benefit of a tax deduction and, therefore, may approve compensation that is not deductible for tax purposes.
Accounting considerations also play an important role in the design of our executive compensation program. Accounting rules, such as FASB ASC Topic 718-10-10, Share-Based Payment, require us to expense the cost of our stock option grants which reduces the amount of our reported profits. Because of option expensing and the impact of dilution on our stockholders, we pay close attention to the number and value of the shares underlying stock options we grant.
Compensation of Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the compensation paid to each of our Executive Officers for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 for services to our Company in all capacities:
|
Bonus |
Stock Awards |
Option Awards |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation Earnings |
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings |
All Other Compensation |
Total |
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|
Name and Principal Position |
Year |
Salary |
($) |
($) |
($) (1) |
($) |
($) |
($) (3) |
($) |
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|
Charles D. Goodwin |
2024 |
$ | 501,800 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 453,273 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 20,898 | $ | 975,971 | ||||||||||||||||
|
CEO and Director |
2023 |
$ | 482,500 | $ | 306,363 | $ | — | $ | 448,335 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 24,272 | $ | 1,261,470 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Mathew Hill |
2024 |
$ | 425,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 279,798 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 75,436 | $ | 780,234 | ||||||||||||||||
|
CFO, Treasurer and Secretary |
2023 |
$ | 32,646 | $ | 12,211 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 44,857 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Moshe Citronowicz |
2024 |
$ | 323,960 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 134,303 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 25,215 | $ | 483,478 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Senior Vice President |
2023 |
$ | 311,500 | $ | 69,807 | $ | — | $ | 132,840 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 24,162 | $ | 538,309 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Shawn Roman(2) |
2024 |
$ | 305,760 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 93,266 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 26,568 | $ | 425,594 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Chief Operating Officer |
2023 |
$ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||
|
Todd Hornsby |
2024 |
$ | 342,694 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 186,532 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 483,096 | $ | 1,012,322 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Executive Vice President |
2023 |
$ | 368,000 | $ | 151,193 | $ | — | $ | 184,500 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 42,576 | $ | 746,269 | ||||||||||||||||
|
(1) |
These columns represent the grant date fair value of the awards as calculated in accordance with FASB ASC 718 (Stock Compensation). |
|
(2) |
Mr. Roman was promoted to Chief Operating Officer on November 6, 2024. |
|
(3) |
The amounts for 2024 include compensation under the following plans and programs: |
|
C. |
M. |
M. |
S. |
T. |
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|
Goodwin |
Hill |
Citronowicz |
Roman |
Hornsby |
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|
Life insurance premiums |
198 | 183 | 99 | 198 | 168 | |||||||||||||||
|
Short-term disability premiums |
186 | 172 | 186 | 186 | 157 | |||||||||||||||
|
Health insurance premiums |
10,164 | 25,081 | 15,218 | 15,218 | 20,312 | |||||||||||||||
|
Employer 401(k) contribution |
10,350 | — | 9,712 | 9,166 | 10,350 | |||||||||||||||
|
Automobile allowance |
— | — | — | — | 8,123 | |||||||||||||||
|
Cell phone allowance |
— | — | — | 1,800 | 2,031 | |||||||||||||||
|
Sign-on bonus |
— | 50,000 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
|
Severance |
— | — | — | — | 441,955 | |||||||||||||||
|
Total |
$ | 20,898 | $ | 75,436 | $ | 25,215 | $ | 26,568 | $ | 483,096 | ||||||||||
Amounts in the table above are pro-rated where applicable.
Executive Compensation Clawback Policy
The Board has adopted a Compensation Recovery Policy (the “Clawback Policy”), effective October 2, 2023, in compliance with Nasdaq listing standards and Section 10D of the Exchange Act. The Clawback Policy applies to current and former executive officers as defined under the Exchange Act and only in the event that the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under securities laws. Pursuant to the Clawback Policy, the Compensation Committee is authorized to recoup incentive-based compensation (as that term is defined in the Clawback Policy) erroneously received within the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date on which we are required to prepare a restatement in accordance with the Clawback Policy.
Pay vs Performance
This section is included to comply with the provisions of Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K. For a more comprehensive analysis of our compensation philosophy please see the General Compensation Philosophy section of this filing. In the table and footnotes below, “PEO” refers to our principal executive officer,
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Pay versus performance table |
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|
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
(d) |
(e) |
(f) |
(h) |
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|
Year |
Summary compensation table total for PEO |
Compensation actually paid to PEO (2) |
Average summary compensation table total for non-PEO NEOs (1) |
Average compensation actually paid to non-PEO NEOs (1)(2) |
Value of initial fixed $100 investment based on Total stockholder return |
Net income (loss) (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||
|
2023 |
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||
|
2022 |
$ | $ | ( |
) | $ | $ | ( |
) | $ | $ | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
|
(1) |
|
|
(2) |
The following table summarizes the adjustments from summary table total compensation to compensation actually paid: |
|
PEO |
Non-PEO NEOs |
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|
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
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|
Summary compensation table total compensation |
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Grant date fair value of awards granted during the year |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
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Fair value of awards granted during the year that are outstanding and unvested as of year-end |
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Change in fair value from prior year-end to current year-end of awards granted in prior years that were outstanding and unvested as of year-end |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||
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Change in fair value from prior year-end to vesting date of awards granted in prior years that vested during the year |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||
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Fair value of awards granted during the year that vested during the year |
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Prior year-end fair value of awards granted in prior years that were forfeited during the year |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Compensation actually paid |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
) | $ | $ | $ | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
Stock option grant date fair values are calculated based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model as of the grant date. Adjustments have been made using stock option fair values as of each measurement date using the stock price as of the measurement date and updated assumptions (i.e., term, volatility, risk free rates) as of the measurement date. The change in stock price was the primary driver for the adjustments in the table above.
The following table presents a comparison of our actual compensation paid to NEOs versus our total stockholder return, net losses:
|
(in thousands except per share data) |
2024 |
2023 |
2024 vs 2023 Change |
2022 |
2023 vs 2022 Change |
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|
Total stockholder return (change in stock price) |
$ | $ | ( |
)% | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|
Net loss attributable to stockholders |
$ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | ( |
)% | $ | ( |
) | % | ||||||||
|
Actual compensation paid to NEOs |
$ | $ | ( |
)% | $ | ( |
) | % | ||||||||||||
Employment Agreements and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
At December 31, 2024, we were obligated under three employment agreements.
|
Name |
Contract Expiration Date |
|
|
Charles D. Goodwin |
N/A(1) |
|
|
Matthew Hill |
N/A(1) |
|
|
Moshe Citronowicz |
12/31/2025 |
|
(1) |
Employment contracts provide for the Executives to remain employed by the Company until such time as their employment is terminated pursuant to the terms of their Employment Agreement. |
Charles D. Goodwin Employment Agreement
On September 17, 2020, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of September 17, 2020, with Charles D. Goodwin II, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (the “Goodwin Agreement”). The Goodwin Agreement amends and restates Mr. Goodwin’s original employment agreement, dated as of December 15, 2017, in its entirety. The term of Mr. Goodwin’s employment under the Goodwin Agreement commenced as of the effective date thereof and shall continue until terminated in accordance with the terms of the Goodwin Agreement. Under the Goodwin Agreement, Mr. Goodwin will receive an initial annual base salary of $450,000, which shall be reviewed from time to time and may be increased, but not decreased, by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) in its sole and exclusive discretion. Mr. Goodwin shall be entitled to participate in (i) any bonus or incentive plan available to the Company’s executives generally, on such terms as the Committee may determine in its discretion, and (ii) the equity-based incentive plans of the Company, pursuant to which he may receive awards thereunder, as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors in its sole discretion from time to time and subject to the terms and conditions of such plans and any applicable award agreement.
In the event Mr. Goodwin’s employment is terminated as a result of death or disability, Mr. Goodwin or his estate shall be entitled to receive (i) any unpaid base salary earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, (ii) reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the date of termination, (iii) a pro rata bonus for the year of termination, and, (iv) if Mr. Goodwin is eligible for and elects continuation benefits under COBRA, the Company will pay the employer portion of the COBRA coverage premium for the shorter of (x) the 12-month period following the date of termination, or (y) the time at which Mr. Goodwin becomes eligible for medical and dental benefits through another employer. In addition, Mr. Goodwin’s outstanding option grants shall continue to be treated in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan and award agreement, provided that the portion of Mr. Goodwin’s options (i) that were exercisable as of the effective date of the termination and (ii) that would have become exercisable on the next anniversary of the effective date following the date of termination shall become and remain exercisable for a period of 12 months following the date of termination.
In the event Mr. Goodwin’s employment is terminated by the Company for cause or by Mr. Goodwin without good reason, Mr. Goodwin shall be entitled to receive any unpaid base salary earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, and reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the date of termination. In addition, in the event Mr. Goodwin’s employment is terminated by Mr. Goodwin without good reason, Mr. Goodwin’s stock option grants shall continue to be treated in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan and award agreement, provided that the portion of Mr. Goodwin’s options which were exercisable as of the date of termination shall remain exercisable for a period of 3 months following the date of termination.
In the event Mr. Goodwin’s employment is terminated by Mr. Goodwin for good reason, by the Company without cause, or in connection with a change of control (as defined in the Goodwin Agreement), Mr. Goodwin shall be entitled to receive (i) any unpaid base salary and other benefits earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, (ii) reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the date of termination, (iii) a pro rata bonus for the year of termination, (iv) continued payment of his base salary for the twelve (12) month period following the date of termination, and (v) if Mr. Goodwin is eligible for and elects continuation benefits under COBRA, the Company will pay the employer portion of the COBRA coverage premium for the shorter of (x) the 12-month period following the date of termination, or (y) the time at which Mr. Goodwin becomes eligible for medical and dental benefits through another employer. In addition, Mr. Goodwin’s outstanding option grants shall continue to be treated in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan and award agreement, provided that the portion of Mr. Goodwin’s options that (i) were exercisable as of the date of termination and (ii) would have become exercisable on the next anniversary of the effective date following the date of termination, shall become and remain exercisable for a period of 12 months following the date of termination.
The Goodwin Agreement contains customary non-competition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality provisions in favor of the Company.
Matthew Hill Employment Agreement
On November 21, 2023, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement, effective as of December 4, 2023, with Matthew Hill, to appoint Mr. Hill as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer (the “Hill Agreement”). The term of Mr. Hill’s employment under the Hill Agreement commenced as of the effective date thereof and shall continue until terminated in accordance with the terms of the Hill Agreement. Under the Hill Agreement, Mr. Hill will receive an initial annual base salary of $425,000, which shall be reviewed from time to time and may be increased, but not decreased, by the Committee in its sole and exclusive discretion. Mr. Hill will also be entitled to receive a sign on bonus of $50,000 within 30 days of the Effective Date, subject to the recoupment of any unearned portion if Mr. Hill is terminated for Cause (as defined therein) or Mr. Hill terminates the Employment Agreement without Good Reason (as defined therein) prior to the one-year anniversary of the Effective Date. Pursuant to an option award agreement between Mr. Hill and the Company that will be delivered to Mr. Hill on or about January 2024, Mr. Hill will also be entitled to receive a non-qualified stock option to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on its principal exchange on the date of such grant, subject to the applicable vesting requirements. Mr. Hill shall be entitled to participate in (i) any bonus or incentive plan available to the Company’s executives generally, on such terms as the Committee may determine in its discretion, and (ii) the equity-based incentive plans of the Company, pursuant to which he may receive awards thereunder, as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors in its sole discretion from time to time and subject to the terms and conditions of such plans and any applicable award agreement.
In the event Mr. Hill’s employment is terminated as a result of death or disability, Mr. Hill or his estate shall be entitled to receive (i) any unpaid base salary earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, (ii) reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the date of termination, (iii) a pro rata bonus for the year of termination, and, (iv) if Mr. Hill is eligible for and elects continuation benefits under COBRA, the Company will pay the employer portion of the COBRA coverage premium for the shorter of (x) the 12-month period following the date of termination, or (y) the time at which Mr. Hill becomes eligible for medical and dental benefits through another employer. In addition, Mr. Hill’s outstanding option grants shall continue to be treated in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan and award agreement, provided that the portion of Mr. Hill’s options (i) that were exercisable as of the effective date of the termination and (ii) that would have become exercisable on the next anniversary of the effective date following the date of termination shall become and remain exercisable for a period of 12 months following the date of termination.
In the event Mr. Hill’s employment is terminated for by the Company for cause or by Mr. Hill without good reason, Mr. Hill shall be entitled to receive any unpaid base salary earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, and reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the date of termination. In addition, in the event Mr. Hill’s employment is terminated by Mr. Hill without good reason, Mr. Hill’s stock option grants shall continue to be treated in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan and award agreement, provided that the portion of Mr. Hill’s options which were exercisable as of the date of termination shall remain exercisable for a period of 3 months following the date of termination.
In the event Mr. Hill’s employment is terminated by Mr. Hill for good reason, by the Company without cause, or in connection with a change of control (as defined in the Hill Agreement), Mr. Hill shall be entitled to receive (i) any unpaid base salary and other benefits earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, (ii) reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the date of termination, (iii) a pro rata bonus for the year of termination, (iv) continued payment of his base salary for the twelve (12) month period following the date of termination, and (v) if Mr. Hill is eligible for and elects continuation benefits under COBRA, the Company will pay the employer portion of the COBRA coverage premium for the shorter of (x) the 12-month period following the date of termination, or (y) the time at which Mr. Hill becomes eligible for medical and dental benefits through another employer. In addition, Mr. Hill’s outstanding option grants shall continue to be treated in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan and award agreement, provided that the portion of Mr. Hill’s options that (i) were exercisable as of the date of termination and (ii) would have become exercisable on the next anniversary of the effective date following the date of termination, shall become and remain exercisable for a period of 12 months following the date of termination.
The Hill Agreement contains customary non-competition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality provisions in favor of the Company.
Moshe Citronowicz Employment Agreement
Mr. Citronowicz employment agreement contains an automatic extension for a period of one year after the initial term unless we provide Mr. Citronowicz with appropriate 60 days written notice pursuant to his contract. Mr. Citronowicz’s employment agreement provides, among other things, that the Mr. Citronowicz may be terminated as follows:
|
a. |
Upon the death of the Mr. Citronowicz, in which case Mr. Citronowicz’s estate shall be paid the basic annual compensation due to Mr. Citronowicz pro-rated through the date of death. |
|
b. |
By the resignation of Mr. Citronowicz at any time upon at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to Apyx in which case Apyx shall be obligated to pay Mr. Citronowicz the basic annual compensation due him pro-rated to the effective date of termination. |
|
c. |
By Apyx, “for cause” if during the term of the employment agreement Mr. Citronowicz violates the non-competition provisions of his employment agreement, or is found guilty in a court of law of any crime of moral turpitude in which case the contract would be terminated and provisions for future compensation forfeited. |
|
d. |
By Apyx, without cause, with the majority approval of the Board of Directors, for Mr. Citronowicz at any time upon at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to Mr. Citronowicz. In this case Apyx shall be obligated to pay Mr. Citronowicz compensation in effect at such time, including all bonuses, accrued or prorated and expenses up to the date of termination. Thereafter, Apyx shall pay Mr. Citronowicz three times the salary in effect at the time of termination payable in one lump sum. |
|
e. |
If Apyx fails to meet its obligations to Mr. Citronowicz on a timely basis, or if there is a change in the control of Apyx, the executive may elect to terminate Mr. Citronowicz’s employment agreement. Upon any such termination or breach of any of its obligations under the employment agreement, Apyx shall pay Mr. Citronowicz a lump sum severance equal to three times the annual salary and bonus in effect the month preceding such termination or breach as well as any other sums which may be due under the terms of the employment agreement up to the date of termination. |
Todd Hornsby Employment Agreement
On September 17, 2020, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of September 17, 2020, with Todd Hornsby, the Company’s Executive Vice President (the “Hornsby Agreement”). The Hornsby Agreement amends and restates Mr. Hornsby’s original employment agreement, dated as of January 1, 2018, in its entirety. The term of Mr. Hornsby’s employment under the Hornsby Agreement commenced as of the effective date thereof and shall continue until terminated in accordance with the terms of the Hornsby Agreement. Under the Hornsby Agreement, Mr. Hornsby will receive an initial annual base salary of $347,000, which shall be reviewed from time to time and may be increased, but not decreased, by the Committee in its sole and exclusive discretion. Mr. Hornsby shall be entitled to participate in (i) any bonus or incentive plan available to the Company’s executives generally, on such terms as the Committee may determine in its discretion, and (ii) the equity-based incentive plans of the Company, pursuant to which he may receive awards thereunder, as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors in its sole discretion from time to time and subject to the terms and conditions of such plans and any applicable award agreement.
In the event Mr. Hornsby’s employment is terminated as a result of death or disability, Mr. Hornsby or his estate shall be entitled to receive (i) any unpaid base salary earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, (ii) reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the date of termination, (iii) a pro rata bonus for the year of termination, and, (iv) if Mr. Hornsby is eligible for and elects continuation benefits under COBRA, the Company will pay the employer portion of the COBRA coverage premium for the shorter of (x) the 12-month period following the date of termination, or (y) the time at which Mr. Hornsby becomes eligible for medical and dental benefits through another employer. In addition, Mr. Hornsby’s outstanding option grants shall continue to be treated in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan and award agreement, provided that the portion of Mr. Hornsby’s options (i) that were exercisable as of the effective date of the termination and (ii) that would have become exercisable on the next anniversary of the effective date following the date of termination shall become and remain exercisable for a period of 12 months following the date of termination.
In the event Mr. Hornsby’s employment is terminated by the Company for cause or by Mr. Hornsby without good reason, Mr. Hornsby shall be entitled to receive any unpaid base salary earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, and reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the date of termination. In addition, in the event Mr. Hornsby’s employment is terminated by Mr. Hornsby without good reason, Mr. Hornsby’s stock option grants shall continue to be treated in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan and award agreement, provided that the portion of Mr. Hornsby’s options which were exercisable as of the date of termination shall remain exercisable for a period of 3 months following the date of termination.
In the event Mr. Hornsby’s employment is terminated by Mr. Hornsby for good reason, by the Company without cause, or in connection with a change of control (as defined in the Hornsby Agreement), Mr. Hornsby shall be entitled to receive (i) any unpaid base salary and other benefits earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, (ii) reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the date of termination, (iii) a pro rata bonus for the year of termination, (iv) continued payment of his base salary for the twelve (12) month period following the date of termination, and (v) if Mr. Hornsby is eligible for and elects continuation benefits under COBRA, the Company will pay the employer portion of the COBRA coverage premium for the shorter of (x) the 12-month period following the date of termination, or (y) the time at which Mr. Hornsby becomes eligible for medical and dental benefits through another employer. In addition, Mr. Hornsby’s outstanding option grants shall continue to be treated in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan and award agreement, provided that the portion of Mr. Hornsby’s options that (i) were exercisable as of the date of termination and (ii) would have become exercisable on the next anniversary of the effective date following the date of termination, shall become and remain exercisable for a period of 12 months following the date of termination.
The Hornsby Agreement contains customary non-competition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality provisions in favor of the Company.
The Hornsby Agreement was terminated on November 4, 2024.
Shawn Roman Employment Agreement
On January 31, 2025, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement, effective as of January 28, 2025, with Shawn Roman, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer (the “Roman Agreement”). The term of Mr. Roman’s employment under the Roman Agreement commenced as of the effective date thereof and shall continue until terminated in accordance with the terms of the Roman Agreement. Under the Roman Agreement, Mr. Roman will receive an initial annual base salary of $305,760, which shall be reviewed from time to time and be modified by the Committee in its sole and exclusive discretion. Mr. Roman shall be entitled to participate in (i) any bonus or incentive plan available to the Company’s executives generally, on such terms as the Committee may determine in its discretion, and (ii) the equity-based incentive plans of the Company, pursuant to which he may receive awards thereunder, as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors in its sole discretion from time to time and subject to the terms and conditions of such plans and any applicable award agreement.
In the event Mr. Roman’s employment is terminated as a result of death or disability, Mr. Roman or his estate shall be entitled to receive (i) any unpaid base salary earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, (ii) reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the date of termination, (iii) a pro rata bonus for the year of termination, and, (iv) if Mr. Roman is eligible for and elects continuation benefits under COBRA, the Company will pay the employer portion of the COBRA coverage premium for the shorter of (x) the 12-month period following the date of termination, or (y) the time at which Mr. Roman becomes eligible for medical and dental benefits through another employer. In addition, Mr. Roman’s outstanding option grants shall continue to be treated in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan and award agreement, provided that the portion of Mr. Roman’s options (i) that were exercisable as of the effective date of the termination and (ii) that would have become exercisable on the next anniversary of the effective date following the date of termination shall become and remain exercisable for a period of 12 months following the date of termination.
In the event Mr. Roman’s employment is terminated for by the Company for cause or by Mr. Roman without good reason, Mr. Roman shall be entitled to receive any unpaid base salary earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, and reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the date of termination. In addition, in the event Mr. Roman’s employment is terminated by Mr. Roman without good reason, Mr. Roman’s stock option grants shall continue to be treated in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan and award agreement, provided that the portion of Mr. Roman’s options which were exercisable as of the date of termination shall remain exercisable for a period of 3 months following the date of termination.
In the event Mr. Roman’s employment is terminated by Mr. Roman for good reason, by the Company without cause, or in connection with a change of control (as defined in the Roman Agreement), Mr. Roman shall be entitled to receive (i) any unpaid base salary and other benefits earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, (ii) reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the date of termination, (iii) a pro rata bonus for the year of termination, (iv) continued payment of his base salary for the twelve (12) month period following the date of termination, and (v) if Mr. Roman is eligible for and elects continuation benefits under COBRA, the Company will pay the employer portion of the COBRA coverage premium for the shorter of (x) the 12-month period following the date of termination, or (y) the time at which Mr. Roman becomes eligible for medical and dental benefits through another employer. In addition, Mr. Roman’s outstanding option grants shall continue to be treated in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan and award agreement, provided that the portion of Mr. Roman’s options that (i) were exercisable as of the date of termination and (ii) would have become exercisable on the next anniversary of the effective date following the date of termination, shall become and remain exercisable for a period of 12 months following the date of termination.
The Roman Agreement contains customary non-competition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality provisions in favor of the Company.
There are no other employment contracts that have non-cancelable terms in excess of one year.
Outstanding Equity Awards
The following table presents information with respect to each unexercised stock option held by our Executive Officers as of December 31, 2024:
|
# of Securities |
|||||||||||||
|
Underlying |
|||||||||||||
|
Unexercised |
# of Securities Underlying |
Weighted Average Option |
|||||||||||
|
Options |
Unexercised Options |
Exercise Price |
Option Expiration |
||||||||||
|
Name |
(# Exercisable) |
(# Unexercisable) |
($/Sh) |
Range After Grant Date |
|||||||||
|
Charles D. Goodwin |
1,843,500 | 486,000 | $ | 5.08 |
12/15/2027 – 1/10/2034 |
||||||||
|
Matthew Hill |
75,000 | 75,000 | $ | 2.42 |
1/10/2034 |
||||||||
|
Moshe Citronowicz |
359,000 | 144,000 | $ | 5.82 |
3/16/2026 – 1/10/2034 |
||||||||
|
Shawn Roman |
202,001 | 99,999 | $ | 6.29 |
3/16/2026 – 1/10/2034 |
||||||||
|
Todd Hornsby |
561,001 | 0 | $ | 6.43 |
11/4/2025 |
||||||||
The following table summarizes the stockholder approved plans pursuant to which equity awards are granted together with the number of shares authorized for the issuance and the approximate number of shares available for further grants at December 31, 2024:
|
# Available |
||||||||
|
# Approved by |
December 31, |
|||||||
|
Stockholder approved plan |
Stockholders |
2024 |
||||||
|
2012 Share Incentive Plan |
750,000 | — | ||||||
|
2015 Executive and Employee Stock Option Plan |
2,000,000 | 260,000 | ||||||
|
2017 Executive and Employee Stock Option Plan |
3,000,000 | 290,000 | ||||||
|
2019 Share Incentive Plan |
2,000,000 | 270,000 | ||||||
|
2021 Share Incentive Plan |
1,375,000 | 180,000 | ||||||
|
2023 Share Incentive Plan |
1,600,000 | 880,000 | ||||||
There have been no changes in the pricing of any options previously or currently awarded.
Compensation of Non-Employee Directors
The following is a table showing the director compensation for the year ended December 31, 2024:
|
Name (a) |
Fees Earned Or Paid in Cash ($) (b) |
Stock Awards ($) (c) |
Option Awards * ($) (d) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) (e) |
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) |
All Other Compensation ($) (g) |
Total ($) (h) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stavros Vizirgianakis |
$ | 27,116 | $ | — | $ | 13,581 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 40,697 | ||||||||||||||
|
Lawrence J. Waldman |
99,750 | — | 13,581 | — | — | — | 113,331 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Minnie Baylor-Henry |
51,875 | — | 13,581 | — | — | — | 65,456 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Wendy Levine |
40,000 | — | 13,581 | — | — | — | 53,581 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Andrew Makrides |
25,385 | — | — | — | — | — | 25,385 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Michael Geraghty |
45,000 | — | 13,581 | — | — | — | 58,581 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
John Andres |
67,500 | — | 13,581 | — | — | — | 81,081 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Craig Swandal |
39,375 | — | 13,581 | — | — | — | 52,956 | |||||||||||||||||||||
* This column represents the grant date fair value of the awards as calculated in accordance with FASB ASC 718 (Stock Compensation).
On March 15, 2022, the Board approved the following compensation arrangement for the Corporation’s non-employee directors:
Base Annual Director Fee
|
• |
the base annual cash compensation to be paid to each of the non-employee members of the Board shall be $40,000 per year. |
Non-Executive Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
|
• |
in addition to the foregoing, the additional cash compensation to be paid to the Non-executive Chairperson of the Board shall be $30,000. |
|
• |
in addition to the foregoing, the additional cash compensation to be paid to the Vice Chairperson of the Board shall be $27,500. |
Lead Independent Director
|
• |
in addition to the foregoing, the additional cash compensation to be paid to the Lead Independent Director of the Board shall be $15,000. |
Audit Committee
|
• |
in addition to the foregoing, the annual cash compensation to be paid to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee of the Board shall be $46,000 per year. |
|
• |
in addition to the foregoing, the annual cash compensation to be paid to each of the members of the Audit Committee of the Board (other than Chairperson of the Audit Committee) shall be $7,500. |
Compensation Committee
|
• |
in addition to the foregoing, the annual cash compensation to be paid to the Chairperson of the Compensation Committee of the Board shall be $10,000. |
|
• |
in addition to the foregoing, the annual cash compensation to be paid to each of the members of the Compensation Committee of the Board (other than the Chairperson of the Compensation Committee) shall be $5,000. |
Governance and Nominating Committee
|
• |
in addition to the foregoing, the annual cash compensation to be paid to the Chairperson of the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board shall be $5,000. |
|
• |
in addition to the foregoing, the annual cash compensation to be paid to each of the members of the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board (other than the Chairperson of the Governance and Nominating Committee) shall be $2,500. |
Regulatory Compliance Committee
|
• |
in addition to the foregoing, the annual cash compensation to be paid to the Chairperson of the Regulatory Compliance Committee of the Board shall be $20,000. |
|
• |
in addition to the foregoing, the annual cash compensation to be paid to each of the members of the Regulatory Compliance Committee of the Board (other than the Chairperson of the Regulatory Compliance Committee) shall be $5,000. |
Annual Stock Option Grant
|
• |
each non-employee member of the Board shall be granted, on the date of the Corporation’s annual meeting of stockholders, an option to purchase 17,000 shares of the Corporation’s common stock at an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Corporation’s common stock on its principal exchange, which vests ratably over a one (1) year period, and upon such other terms as the Board may resolve. |
There have been no changes in the pricing of any options previously or currently awarded.
On December 17, 2024, the Board modified the compensation arrangement, effective October 1, 2024, and approved the following compensation arrangement with the goal of preserving cash while providing adequate compensation to incentivize the Board and align their interest with stockholders:
|
• |
Annual cash compensation to be paid to the Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board shall be $46,000 per year. |
|
|
• |
Annual cash compensation to be paid to the Lead Independent Director of the Board shall be $27,500 per year. |
|
|
• |
Annual cash compensation to be paid to the Chair of the Regulatory Compliance Committee of the Board shall be $20,000 per year. |
|
|
• |
Annual cash compensation to be paid to the Chair of the Compensation Committee of the Board shall be $10,000 per year. |
|
|
• |
Non-employee members of the Board shall be granted an option to purchase 50,000 shares of the Corporation's common stock at an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Corporation's common stock on its principal exchange on the grant date, which vests ratably over a one (1) year period. |
There have been no changes in the pricing of any options previously or currently awarded.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for determining the compensation of executive officers of the Company, as well as compensation awarded pursuant to the Company’s equity incentive plans.
At December 31, 2024, our Compensation Committee consisted of four independent members of the Board of Directors, Wendy Levine, who served as Chairperson, Stavros Vizirgianakis, Lawrence J. Waldman and Minnie Baylor-Henry.
No member of the Compensation Committee is or has been an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. In addition, no member of the Compensation Committee had any relationships with the Company or any other entity that require disclosure under the proxy rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Our Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Proxy Statement with management. Based on our Compensation Committee’s review of and the discussions with management with respect to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, our Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 for filing with the SEC.
The foregoing Compensation Committee Report shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under these acts, except to the extent we specifically incorporate by reference into such filings.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
|
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 |
7,638,458 | $ | 5.50 | 1,882,320 | ||||||||
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
— | $ | — | — | ||||||||
|
Total |
7,638,458 | $ | 5.50 | 1,882,320 | ||||||||
The following table reconciles our shares authorized to those available to issue at December 31, 2024:
|
Shares authorized |
75,000,000 | |||
|
Shares issued and outstanding |
(37,793,886 | ) | ||
|
Shares reserved pursuant to 2012 Share Incentive Plan |
(155,500 | ) | ||
|
Shares reserved pursuant to 2015 Executive and Employee Stock Option Plan |
(1,500,263 | ) | ||
|
Shares reserved pursuant to 2017 Executive and Employee Stock Option Plan |
(2,890,053 | ) | ||
|
Shares reserved pursuant to 2019 Share Incentive Plan |
(2,000,000 | ) | ||
|
Shares reserved pursuant to 2021 Share Incentive Plan |
(1,374,962 | ) | ||
|
Shares reserved pursuant to 2023 Share Incentive Plan |
(1,600,000 | ) | ||
|
Shares reserved pursuant to MidCap Warrant Agreement |
(250,000 | ) | ||
|
Shares reserved pursuant to Perceptive Warrant Agreement |
(1,250,000 | ) | ||
|
Shares reserved pursuant to pre-funded warrant agreements |
(2,934,690 | ) | ||
|
Shares available to issue |
23,250,646 |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
The following table sets forth certain information as of June 11, 2025, with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock by its executive officers, directors, all persons known by the Company to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of its outstanding shares and by all officers and directors as a group.
|
Number of Shares |
||||||||||||
|
Name and Address |
Title |
Owned (i) |
Nature of Ownership |
Percentage of Ownership (i) | ||||||||
|
Nantahala Capital Management, LLC |
Common |
3,493,235 |
Beneficial |
9.2 | % | |||||||
|
130 Main St. 2nd Floor |
||||||||||||
|
New Canaan, CT 06840 |
||||||||||||
|
William Weeks Vanderfelt |
Common |
3,158,414 |
Beneficial |
8.4 | % | |||||||
|
Coralis 44, Azzuri Village 44 |
||||||||||||
|
Roches Noires, 31201 Mauritius |
||||||||||||
|
Archon Capital Management, LLC |
Common |
3,115,281 |
Beneficial |
8.2 | % | |||||||
|
1100 19th Avenue E |
||||||||||||
|
Seattle, WA 98122 |
||||||||||||
|
Royce & Associates, LP |
Common |
2,582,490 |
Beneficial |
6.8 | % | |||||||
|
745 Fifth Avenue |
||||||||||||
|
New York, NY 10151 |
||||||||||||
|
Charles D. Goodwin II |
Common |
2,176,500 |
(ii) |
Beneficial |
5.5 | % | ||||||
|
5115 Ulmerton Rd. |
||||||||||||
|
Clearwater, FL 33760 |
||||||||||||
|
Stavros Vizirgianakis |
||||||||||||
|
99 Boulevard du Jardin |
Common |
1,822,057 |
(iii) |
Beneficial |
4.8 | % | ||||||
|
Exotique, Monaco, 98000 |
||||||||||||
|
Moshe Citronowicz |
Common |
863,504 |
(iv) |
Beneficial |
2.3 | % | ||||||
|
5115 Ulmerton Rd. |
||||||||||||
|
Clearwater, FL 33760 |
||||||||||||
|
Shawn Roman |
Common |
252,001 |
(v) |
Beneficial |
0.7 | % | ||||||
|
5115 Ulmerton Rd. |
||||||||||||
|
Clearwater, FL 33760 |
||||||||||||
|
Lawrence Waldman |
Common |
240,908 |
(vi) |
Beneficial |
0.6 | % | ||||||
|
5115 Ulmerton Rd. |
||||||||||||
|
Clearwater, FL 33760 |
||||||||||||
|
Minnie Baylor-Henry |
Common |
164,419 |
(vii) |
Beneficial |
0.4 | % | ||||||
|
5115 Ulmerton Rd. |
||||||||||||
|
Clearwater, FL 33760 |
||||||||||||
|
Wendy Levine |
Common |
111,611 |
(viii) |
Beneficial |
0.3 | % | ||||||
|
5115 Ulmerton Rd. |
||||||||||||
|
Clearwater, FL 33760 |
||||||||||||
|
Matthew Hill |
Common |
83,500 |
(ix) |
Beneficial |
0.2 | % | ||||||
|
5115 Ulmerton Rd. |
||||||||||||
|
Clearwater, FL 33760 |
||||||||||||
|
Officers and Directors as a group (8 persons) |
5,714,500 | 15.1 | % | |||||||||
(i) Based on 37,793,886 outstanding shares of Common Stock as of June 11, 2025, of which officers and directors owned a total of 2,344,096 shares at June 11, 2025. We have calculated the percentage ownership in the table above on the basis of the number of outstanding securities plus, for each person or group, any securities that person or group has current or future right to acquire pursuant to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights based on the 13G and 13D SEC filings at June 11, 2025 (and exercisable within 60 days thereafter).
(ii) Includes 90,000 shares and 2,086,500 vested options (and exercisable within 60 days thereafter).
(iii) Includes 1,746,191 shares and 75,866 vested options (and exercisable within 60 days thereafter).
(iv) Includes 456,504 shares and 407,000 vested options (and exercisable within 60 days thereafter).
(v) Includes 0 shares and 252,001 vested options (and exercisable within 60 days thereafter).
(vi) Includes 42,901 shares and 198,007 vested options (and exercisable within 60 days thereafter). 5,338 of the shares and all of the vested options are held in a spousal lifetime access trust.
(vii) Includes 0 shares and 164,419 vested options (and exercisable within 60 days thereafter).
(viii) Includes 0 shares and 111,611 vested options (and exercisable within 60 days thereafter).
(ix) Includes 8,500 shares and 75,000 vested options (and exercisable within 60 days thereafter).
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our officers and directors and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Officers, directors and greater than ten-percent shareholders (the “Reporting Persons”) are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
To the Company’s knowledge, based solely on its review of the copies of such reports received or written representations from certain Reporting Persons that no other reports were required, the Company believes that during its fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 all filing requirements applicable to the Reporting Persons were timely met, with the exception of one delinquent filing for Mr. Roman who inadvertently failed to file the initial Form 3 within the required period.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Our policy is that employees, non-employees and third parties must obtain authorization from the appropriate department executive manager, for any business relationship or proposed business transaction in which they or an immediate family member has a direct or indirect interest, or from which they or an immediate family member may derive a personal benefit (a “related party transaction”). The maximum dollar amount of related party transactions that may be approved as described above in this paragraph in any calendar year is $120,000. Any related party transactions that would bring the total value of such transactions to greater than $120,000 must be referred to the Audit Committee to determine the procedure for approval and then have the recommendations presented to the Board for approval.
Certain relatives of Nikolay Shilev, Apyx Bulgaria’s Managing Director, are considered related parties. Teodora Shileva, Mr. Shilev’s spouse, is an employee of the Company working in the accounting department. Svetoslav Shilev, Mr. Shilev’s son, is a quality manager in the quality assurance department.
Independent Board Members
The Board currently has four independent members, Stavros Vizirgianakis, Lawrence J. Waldman, Minnie Baylor-Henry and Wendy Levine who the Board determined meet the existing independence requirements of Nasdaq and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
PROPOSAL TWO
RATIFICATION OF AUDITORS
RSM US LLP (“RSM”) has acted as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm since 2020. Representatives of RSM are expected to be available at the meeting to respond to appropriate questions and will be given the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so. Neither the Company’s bylaws nor the governing documents or law require stockholder ratification of the selection of RSM as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. However, this proposal is being submitted to the stockholders as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders do not ratify RSM, the appointment of another firm of independent certified public accountants may be considered by the Audit Committee. Even if RSM is ratified, the Audit Committee may, in its discretion, direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if they determine that doing so is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF RSM US LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025.
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed to us and expected to be billed to us by RSM US LLP, our principal accountant for 2024 and 2023:
|
Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
|
(In thousands) |
2024 | 2023 | ||||||
|
Audit fees (1) |
$ | 636 | $ | 613 | ||||
|
Audit related fees (2) |
— | 10 | ||||||
|
Tax fees (3) |
25 | 45 | ||||||
|
All other fees (4) |
— | — | ||||||
|
Total fees billed |
$ | 661 | $ | 668 | ||||
|
(1) |
Audit fees consist of billed and unbilled fees for professional services rendered for the audit of Apyx’s annual financial statements and reviews of its interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports and other services related to statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. |
|
(2) |
Audit related fees consist of billed and unbilled fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or reviews of Apyx’s consolidated financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees”. |
|
(3) |
Tax fees consist of billed and unbilled fees for professional services rendered for tax compliance (domestic and international). These services include assistance regarding federal and international tax compliance and planning associated with transfer pricing activities. |
|
(4) |
All other fees consist of fees for products and services other than the services reported above. |
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Our Audit Committee has furnished the following report.
The information contained in the “Audit Committee Report” is not to be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor is such information to be incorporated by reference into any future filings under these acts, as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filings.
The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities by overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of Apyx, the audits of Apyx’s consolidated financial statements, the qualifications and performance of the independent registered public accounting firm engaged as Apyx’s independent auditor, and the performance of Apyx’s internal auditors. Management is responsible for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the system of internal controls. RSM US LLP (“RSM”), Apyx’s independent registered public accounting firm, is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of the audited financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
In 2024, the Audit Committee, in fulfilling its responsibilities, among other things:
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reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 with Apyx’s management and with RSM; |
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discussed with RSM the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 1301, Communication with Audit Committees, as amended and adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; and |
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received written disclosures and the letter from RSM required by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526, Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence, and discussed with RSM its independence from Apyx and its management. |
In reliance on the reviews and discussion noted above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors has approved, that the audited financial statements be included in Apyx’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, for filing with the SEC.
The Audit Committee
Lawrence J. Waldman, Audit Committee Chairperson
Stavros Vizirgianakis, Audit Committee Member
Minnie Baylor-Henry, Audit Committee Member
Wendy Levine, Audit Committee Member
March 11, 2025
PROPOSAL THREE
APPROVAL OF ADVISORY RESOLUTION
SUPPORTING THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
General
Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), and Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Company is asking its stockholders to vote, on an advisory basis, to approve the compensation of its named executive officers as described in this Proxy Statement. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives the Company’s stockholders the opportunity to express their views on the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers. For purposes of this Proxy Statement, the following Company executives are referred to collectively as the “Named Executive Officers”: Charles D. Goodwin, Matthew Hill, Shawn Roman, and Moshe Citronowicz. We are required to hold a vote regarding the frequency of future non-binding advisory votes relating to future named executive officer compensation once every six years. Our Stockholders last voted on the frequency of future non-binding advisory votes relating to future named executive officer compensation at our 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, in which our Stockholders voted to hold a non-binding advisory vote on named executive officers compensation once every three years.
Compensation Program and Philosophy
Our executive compensation program is designed to attract, reward and retain key employees, including our Named Executive Officers, who are critical to the Company’s long-term success. Stockholders are urged to read the “Executive Compensation” section of this Proxy Statement for greater detail about the Company’s executive compensation programs, including information about the fiscal year 2024 compensation of the Named Executive Officers.
The Company is asking the stockholders to indicate their support for the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers as described in this Proxy Statement by voting in favor of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the stockholders ratify and approve the compensation of the Named Executive Officers of Apyx Medical Corporation, as disclosed in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, the Summary Compensation Table and the related compensation tables, notes and narrative in the Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Even though this Say-on-Pay vote is advisory and therefore will not be binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee and the Board value the opinions of the Company’s stockholders. Accordingly, to the extent there is a significant vote against the compensation of the Named Executive Officers, the Board will consider stockholder concerns and the Compensation Committee will evaluate what actions, if any, may be necessary or appropriate to address those concerns. You may vote “For,” “Against,” or “Abstain” from the proposal to approve on an advisory basis the compensation of our Named Executive Officers.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” SUPPORTING THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.
PROPOSAL FOUR
ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF
AN ADVISORY VOTE ON NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
General
Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, and Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Company is also asking its stockholders to provide their input with regard to the frequency of future stockholder advisory “say on pay” votes on the compensation of future named executive officers, such as the proposal contained in Proposal 3 above. In particular, we seek your input on whether the advisory vote on executive compensation should occur once every year, every two years or every three years.
After considering this agenda item, the Board has determined that an advisory vote on executive compensation every three years is the appropriate interval for conducting and responding to a “say on pay” vote. By providing an advisory vote on executive compensation every three years, stockholders will be able to provide the Company with direct input on its compensation philosophy, policies and practices after having enough time to view its impact on the Company’s business.
Vote Required
Pursuant to this non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of future non-binding advisory votes on Named Executive Officer compensation, stockholders will be able to specify one of four choices for this proposal on the proxy card or voting instruction: one year, two years, three years or abstain.
Even though your vote is advisory and therefore will not be binding on the Company, the Board and the Compensation Committee value the opinions of our stockholders and will consider the stockholder vote on the frequency of the vote on the future compensation of our future Named Executive Officers. Nevertheless, the Board may decide to hold a non-binding advisory vote on future compensation of future Named Executive Officers more or less frequently than the option voted by the stockholders.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR “THREE YEARS”AS THE PREFERRED FREQUENCY FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE NON-BINDING ADVISORY RESOLUTION OF THE FUTURE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S FUTURE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.
PROPOSAL FIVE
APPROVE AND ADOPT THE CREDITOR COMPROMISE AMENDMENT
To approve and adopt an amendment of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, which will remove the creditor compromise provision that is set forth in Article EIGHTH of the Certificate of Incorporation.
Overview
The fourth proposal on the agenda for the Meeting is the approval and adoption of an amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to remove the text of Article EIGHTH from the Certificate of Incorporation and to replace such text with “Intentionally Omitted” (the “Creditor Compromise Amendment”). Article EIGHTH is known as a “creditor compromise provision” and currently reads in its entirety as follows:
“Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between this corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between this corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware, may, on the application in a summary way of this corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this corporation under the provisions of Section 291 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for this corporation under the provisions of Section 279 Title 8 of the Delaware Code order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs. If a majority in number representing three-fourths (3/4) in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of this corporation as consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of this corporation, as the case may be, and also on this corporation.”
This creditor compromise provision has been in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation since 1982.
Section 102(b)(2) of the of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) permits a Delaware corporation such as the Company to include in its certificate of incorporation a creditor compromise provision like the one contained in Article EIGHTH of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation. This provision allows for a proposed compromise or arrangement between the Company and its creditors (or any class thereof), or between the Company and its stockholders (or any class thereof), to be submitted to a court of competent equitable jurisdiction in the State of Delaware (such as the Delaware Court of Chancery). If the court orders a meeting of the affected creditors or stockholders, and the proposed compromise or arrangement is approved by the requisite parties and sanctioned by the court, it becomes binding on all affected parties, including the Company.
Proposed Action and Reasons
At the Meeting, we are asking our stockholders to approve and adopt the Creditor Compromise Amendment. In light of the legal remedies that have become available to creditors and debtors under federal bankruptcy laws over the last 43 years, a creditor compromise provision is not generally considered an effective tool to obtain relief. Additionally, Article EIGHTH of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation has never been used by, nor is it expected to be useful to the Company. Further, as per the terms of the Company’s Credit Agreement with Perceptive Credit Holdings IV, LP (the “Credit Agreement”), the Company is required to arrange for and support a vote of its stockholders to approve the Creditor Compromise Amendment. Failure to do so would result in the Company defaulting under the Credit Agreement. For these reasons, the Board of Directors believes that it is in the Company’s best interests to approve and adopt the Creditor Compromise Amendment.
On November 6, 2024, our Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve and adopt the Creditor Compromise Amendment and recommend to the Company’s stockholders that they approve and adopt the Creditor Compromise Amendment. Under the DGCL and our Certificate of Incorporation, we are required to obtain approval from our stockholders to amend the Certificate of Incorporation.
Accordingly, we are asking our stockholders to vote on the following resolutions:
“RESOLVED, that the Company’s stockholders approve and adopt an amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to delete the text of Article EIGHTH and insert the following in lieu thereof:
“Intentionally Omitted.”
RESOLVED FURTHER, hat the Company’s Board of Directors may abandon the aforesaid amendment before or after stockholder approval thereof, without further action by the stockholders, at any time prior to the effectiveness of the aforesaid amendment.”
If approved and adopted by our stockholders, unless abandoned by the Board of Directors, the Creditor Compromise Amendment would become effective as soon as reasonably practicable after the Meeting by the Company’s filing a Certificate of Amendment setting forth the Creditor Compromise Amendment with the Delaware Secretary of State.
Board Recommendation and Required Stockholder Vote
THE BOARD BELIEVES APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CREDITOR COMPROMISE AMENDMENT IS IN THE COMPANY’S BEST INTERESTS AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF OUR STOCKHOLDERS AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE CREDITOR COMPROMISE AMENDMENT.
The affirmative vote of the majority of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock is required to approve and adopt the Creditor Compromise Amendment. Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes will have the same effect as votes against the Creditor Compromise Amendment.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
Stockholder proposals intended to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement for presentation at the Company’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received in writing at the Company’s offices at 5115 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, Florida 33760, Attn: Corporate Secretary, no later than [•], 2026, for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement and proxy card relating to such meeting. Such proposals must comply with applicable SEC rules and regulations.
In order for any proposal that is not submitted for inclusion in next year’s proxy statement (as described in the preceding paragraph) to be presented directly at next year’s annual meeting, we must receive written notice of the proposal in a timely manner, but in any event no later than [•], 2026. If such notice is received, proxies may be voted at the discretion of management if we advise stockholders in next year’s proxy statement about the nature of the matter and how management intends to vote on such matter.
In addition, to comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Company’s nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 no later than [•], 2026.
HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS
The Securities and Exchange Commission permits companies and intermediaries such as brokers to satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy materials with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single set of proxy materials addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding”, potentially provides extra conveniences for stockholders and cost savings for companies.
Although we do not intend to household for our stockholders of record, some brokers household our proxy materials, delivering a single set of proxy materials to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be householding materials to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate set of proxy materials, or if you are receiving multiple sets of proxy materials and wish to receive only one, please notify your broker. Stockholders who currently receive multiple sets of the proxy materials at their address and would like to request “householding” of their communications should contact their broker.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board is not aware of any other matter other than those set forth in this Proxy Statement that will be presented for action at the Annual Meeting. If other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons appointed as proxies intend to vote the shares they represent in accordance with their best judgment in the interest of the Company.
DOCUMENTS INCLUDED WITH THIS PROXY STATEMENT
WE ARE PROVIDING HEREWITH, A COPY OF THE COMPANY’S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K, WITHOUT EXHIBITS, FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024, INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES FILED THEREWITH. IF ANY PERSON RECEIVES THIS PROXY MATERIALS WITHOUT THE FOREGOING DOCUMENTS, THE COMPANY UNDERTAKES TO PROVIDE, WITHOUT CHARGE, UPON A WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON AND BY FIRST CLASS MAIL OR OTHER EQUALLY PROMPT MEANS WITHIN ONE BUSINESS DAY OF RECEIPT OF SUCH REQUEST, A COPY OF THE COMPANY’S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024, INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES FILED THEREWITH. WRITTEN REQUESTS FOR SUCH REPORTS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, APYX MEDICAL CORPORATION, 5115 ULMERTON ROAD, CLEARWATER, FLORIDA 33760. THE COMPANY’S TELEPHONE NUMBER AT SUCH OFFICE IS (727) 384-2323.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU INTEND TO BE PRESENT AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and in accordance with that act, we file periodic reports, documents and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to our business, financial statements and other matters. These reports and other information may be inspected and are available for copying at the offices of the Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F. Street NE, Washington, DC 20549 or may be accessed at www.sec.gov.
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By order of the Board of Directors |
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Dated: [•], 2025 |
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/s/ Stavros Vizirgianakis |
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Stavros Vizirgianakis |
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Chairperson of the Board of Directors |
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APYX MEDICAL CORPORATION
PROXY
