DEF 14A 1 ea121170-def14a_arcimotoinc.htm DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(A) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

 

Filed by the Registrant ☒             Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement.
   
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)).
   
Definitive Proxy Statement.
   
Definitive Additional Materials.
   
Soliciting Material under § 240.14a-12.

 

ARCIMOTO, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

N/A

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

No fee required.
   
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  (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
     
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
 
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
   
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Notice of

 

June 20, 2020 Annual Meeting and

 

2020 Proxy Statement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2034 West 2nd Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97402

 

 

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD JUNE 20, 2020

 

 

 

To the Shareholders of Arcimoto, Inc.:

 

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Arcimoto, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held on June 20, 2020 at our principal executive offices located at 2034 West 2nd Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97402 at 9:00 AM PDT. The meeting is called for the following purposes:

 

  1. To elect the five directors named in the Proxy Statement for a one-year term expiring in 2021 or until their successors have been elected and qualified;

 

  2. To approve an amendment to the Arcimoto, Inc. 2018 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder by 2,000,000 shares; and

 

  3. To consider and take action upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

These matters are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice.

 

If you were a shareholder of record of the Company as of the close of business on April 22, 2020, you are entitled to receive this Notice and vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof, provided that our board of directors may fix a new record date for an adjourned meeting. A list of the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting may be examined at our principal executive office in Eugene, Oregon during ordinary business hours during the period beginning two business days after this notice of the meeting is mailed through the meeting date for any purposes related to the meeting.

 

We are pleased to take advantage of the Securities and Exchange Commission rules that allow us to furnish these proxy materials (including an electronic Proxy Card for the meeting) and our 2019 Annual Report to Shareholders (which includes our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K) to shareholders via the Internet. On or about April 29, 2020, we mailed to our shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access our Proxy Statement and 2019 Annual Report to Shareholders and how to vote. We believe that posting these materials on the Internet enables us to provide shareholders with the information they need to vote more quickly, while lowering the cost and reducing the environmental impact of printing and delivering annual meeting materials.

 

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person. Whether or not you expect to attend, our board of directors respectfully requests that you vote your stock in the manner described in the Proxy Statement. You may revoke your proxy in the manner described in the Proxy Statement at any time before it has been voted at the meeting.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors of Arcimoto, Inc.,  
   
/s/ Mark D. Frohnmayer  
Mark D. Frohnmayer  
Chairman of the Board  
   
Eugene, Oregon  
Dated: April 29, 2020  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ARCIMOTO, INC.

 

Proxy Statement
for the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
To Be Held June 20, 2020

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
Information Concerning Solicitation and Voting 1
Questions and Answers About the 2019 Annual Meeting 2
Proposal One — Election of Directors 4
Proposal Two — Approval of an Amendment to the Arcimoto, Inc. 2018 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan 6
Corporate Governance Matters 14
Director Compensation 17
Audit Committee Report 17
Fees Paid to Auditors 18
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 18
Executive Compensation 19
Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions 22
Householding Matters 23
Shareholder Proposals 23
Annual Report on Form 10-K 23
Other Matters 24
Directions to the Annual Meeting 25

 

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ARCIMOTO, INC.

 

 

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

 

 

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD JUNE 20, 2020
Information Concerning Solicitation and Voting

 

This Proxy Statement is furnished to the holders of our common stock in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of our board of directors for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held on June 20, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. PDT at our principal executive offices located at 2034 West 2nd Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97402, or for use at any adjournment or postponement thereof, for the purposes set forth herein and in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on April 22, 2020 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.

 

In accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), instead of mailing a printed copy of our proxy materials to each shareholder of record, we are furnishing proxy materials, including the Notice, this Proxy Statement, our 2019 Annual Report to Shareholders, including financial statements, and a Proxy Card for the Annual Meeting, by providing access to them on the Internet to save printing costs and benefit the environment. These materials were first available on the Internet on April 29, 2020. We mailed a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials on or about April 29, 2020 to our shareholders of record and beneficial owners as of April 22, 2020, the record date for the Annual Meeting. This Proxy Statement and the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials contain instructions for accessing and reviewing our proxy materials on the Internet and for voting by proxy over the Internet. You will need to obtain your own Internet access if you choose to access the proxy materials and/or vote over the Internet. If you prefer to receive printed copies of our proxy materials, the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials contains instructions on how to request the materials by mail. You will not receive printed copies of the proxy materials unless you request them. If you elect to receive the materials by mail, you may also vote by proxy on the Proxy Card or Voter Instruction Card that you will receive in response to your request.

 

Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held as of the record date with respect to all matters that may be considered at the Annual Meeting. As of April 22, 2020, there were 24,469,138 shares of our common stock and no shares of our Class C Preferred Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting. Shareholder votes will be tabulated by persons appointed by our board of directors to act as inspectors of election for the meeting.

 

We bear the expense of soliciting proxies. Our directors, officers, or employees may also solicit proxies personally or by telephone, telegram, facsimile, or other means of communication. We do not intend to pay additional compensation for our directors, officers or employees doing so. In addition, we might reimburse banks, brokerage firms, and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries representing beneficial owners of our common stock, for their expenses in forwarding soliciting materials to those beneficial owners.

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 2020 ANNUAL MEETING

 

  Q: Who may attend the Annual Meeting?

 

  A: Attendance at the Annual Meeting will be limited to those persons who were shareholders, or held Arcimoto stock through a broker, bank or other nominee, at the close of business on April 22, 2020, the record date for the Annual Meeting. To attend the Annual Meeting, you will need to pre-register as instructed on your Notice of Internet Availability, Proxy Card or Voter Instruction Card and print out the attendance ticket. You will be required to show the attendance ticket as well as photo identification to enter the Annual Meeting.

 

  Q: Who may vote at the Annual Meeting?

 

  A: Our board of directors set April 22, 2020 as the record date for the Annual Meeting. If you owned shares of our common stock at the close of business on April 22, 2020, you may attend and vote at the Annual Meeting. Each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held on all matters to be voted on. As of April 22, 2020, there were 24,469,138 shares of our common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

 

  Q: How do I vote my shares if I hold my shares through a broker rather than directly?

 

  A: If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Broadridge Financial Solutions, you are considered, with respect to those shares, a shareholder of record. As a shareholder of record, you have the right to vote in person at the Annual Meeting.

 

If your shares are held in a brokerage account, bank or by another nominee or trustee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in “street” name. In that case, the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or proxy materials have been forwarded to you by your broker, bank or other holder of record who is considered, with respect to those shares, the shareholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other holder of record on how to vote your shares by using the voting instructions included in the Notice of Internet Availability or proxy materials. As the beneficial owner, you are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting, but because the beneficial owner is not the shareholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you obtain a “legal proxy” from the broker, bank, nominee, or trustee that holds your shares, giving you the right to vote the shares at the Annual Meeting.

 

As indicated above, if your shares are held in “street” name by a broker, bank, or other nominee, they should send you instructions that you must follow in order to have your shares voted at the Annual Meeting. If you hold shares in your own name, you may vote by proxy in any one of the following ways:

 

  Via the Internet by accessing the proxy materials on the secured website www.proxyvote.com and following the voting instructions on that website;
     
  Via telephone by calling toll free 1-800-690-6903 and following the recorded instructions; or
     
  By requesting that printed copies of the proxy materials be mailed to you pursuant to the instructions provided in the Notice of Internet Availability and completing, dating, signing and returning the Proxy Card that you receive in response to your request.

 

The Internet and telephone voting procedures are designed to authenticate shareholders’ identities by use of a control number to allow shareholders to vote their shares and to confirm that shareholders’ instructions have been properly recorded. Voting via the Internet or telephone must be completed by 11:59 PM EDT on June 19, 2020. Of course, you can always come to the meeting and vote your shares in person. If you submit or return a Proxy Card without giving specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted as recommended by our board of directors, as permitted by law.

 

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  Q: What is the quorum requirement for the Annual Meeting?

 

  A: A majority of our outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote, as of the record date, must be present at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy in order for us legally to hold the Annual Meeting and conduct business. This is called a quorum. Your shares will be counted as present at the Annual Meeting if you:

 

  Are present and entitled to vote in person at the Annual Meeting; or

 

  Properly submitted a Proxy Card or Voter Instruction Card.

 

If you are present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting, but withhold your vote or abstain from voting on any or all proposals, your shares are still counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of establishing a quorum. Broker non-votes are not counted for determining whether a quorum exists. Broker non-votes occur when a person holding shares in street name, such as through a brokerage firm, does not provide instructions as to how to vote those shares, but the broker submits that person’s proxy nonetheless. The proposals listed in this Proxy Statement state the votes needed to approve the proposed actions.

 

  Q: What proposals will be voted on at the Annual Meeting?

 

  A: The following two proposals will be voted on at the Annual Meeting:

 

  1. The election of each of the five director nominees named in the Proxy Statement for a one-year term expiring in 2021 or until their respective successors have been elected and qualified; and

 

  2. The approval of an amendment to the Arcimoto, Inc. 2018 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder by 2,000,000 shares.

 

We will also consider any other business that properly comes before the meeting. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, we are not aware of any other matters to be submitted for consideration at the meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the meeting, the proxy named in the Proxy Card or Voter Instruction Card will vote the shares it represents using its best judgment.

 

  Q: Can I access these proxy materials on the Internet? How long will they be available?

 

  A: Yes. The Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, and 2019 Annual Report to Shareholders (which includes the 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K), are available for viewing, printing, and downloading at www.proxyvote.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 is also available under the Investor—SEC Documents section of our website at www.arcimoto.com and through the SEC’s EDGAR system at www.sec.gov. All materials will remain posted on www.proxyvote.com at least until the conclusion of the meeting.

 

  Q: How can I revoke or change my vote after submitting it?

 

  A: If you are a shareholder of record, you can revoke your proxy before your shares are voted at the Annual Meeting by:

 

  Filing a written notice of revocation bearing a later date than the proxy with our Corporate Secretary at 2034 West 2nd Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97402 at or before the taking of the vote at the Annual Meeting;
     
  Duly executing a later-dated proxy relating to the same shares and delivering it to our Corporate Secretary at 2034 West 2nd Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97402 at or before the taking of the vote at the Annual Meeting;
     
  Attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person (although attendance at the Annual Meeting will not in and of itself constitute a revocation of a proxy); or
     
  If you voted by telephone or via the Internet, voting again by the same means prior to 11:59 PM EDT on June 19, 2020 (your latest telephone or Internet vote, as applicable, will be counted and all earlier votes will be disregarded).

 

If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you may submit new voting instructions by contacting your bank, broker, or other holder of record. You may also vote in person at the Annual Meeting if you obtain a legal proxy from them and register to attend the Annual Meeting as described in the answers to previous questions.

 

  Q: Where can I find the voting results of the Annual Meeting?

 

  A: We plan to announce the preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting. We will publish the results in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting.

 

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PROPOSAL ONE

 
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Nominees

 

Our board of directors currently consists of five members and each serves for a one-year term or until a successor has been elected and qualified.

 

If you are a shareholder of record, unless you mark your proxy card to withhold authority to vote, the proxy holder will vote the proxies received by it for the five nominees named below, each of whom is currently a director and each of whom has consented to be named in this Proxy Statement and to serve if elected. In the event that any nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the meeting, your proxy will be voted for any nominee designated by our board of directors to fill the vacancy. We do not expect that any nominee will be unable or will decline to serve as a director. If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name and you do not provide your broker with voting instructions, your broker may not vote your shares on the election of directors. Therefore, it is important that you vote.

 

The name of and certain information regarding each nominee as of April 22, 2020 is set forth below. This information is based on data furnished to us by the nominees. There is no family relationship between any director, executive officer or person nominated to become a director or executive officer. The business address for each nominee for matters regarding the Company is 2034 West 2nd Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97402.

 

Director Nominees for Terms Expiring in 2021
 
Name   Age   Position(s) with Arcimoto   Director Since
             
Mark D. Frohnmayer   45   President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board   November 2007
             
Terry L. Becker   59   Director, Chief Operating Officer   May 2015
             
Nancy E. Calderon   61   Director   April 2020
             
Joshua S. Scherer   48   Director   September 2018
             
Jesse G. Eisler   54   Director   September 2018

 

Director Nominees

 

Mark D. Frohnmayer — President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

 

Mark Frohnmayer has been our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our board of directors since our founding in November 2007. Previously, he was one of the founders of GarageGames.com, Inc., a software development company successfully sold to IAC, Inc. in 2007. Mr. Frohnmayer holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from UC Berkeley.

 

Among other experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, we believe Mr. Frohnmayer’s perspective as one of our founders, his extensive leadership and experience as our President and Chief Executive Officer since our founding, and his knowledge of our operations, brings to our board of directors critical strategic planning and operational leadership that qualify him to serve as one of our directors.

 

Terry L. Becker — Director, Chief Operating Officer

 

Terry Becker has been a director since May 2015 and Chief Operating Officer since September 2017. From February 2014 to September 2017, Mr. Becker was Director of Engineering and Global Product Support at Peterson Pacific Corporation. Prior to that, from October 2012 to February 2014, Mr. Becker worked at the Company as its Engineering, Manufacturing and Operations Manager. From December 2008 to September 2012, Mr. Becker was the Deputy Director of Operations for an AeroTech segment of John Bean Technologies Corporation. Mr. Becker holds an A.S. degree in engineering physics from Loma Linda University and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Walla Walla University.

 

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We believe Mr. Becker’s engineering and process oversight experience and his experience with expansion-stage growth companies, brings to our board of directors critical skills related to manufacturing oversight of growing organizations, strategic planning and corporate governance and qualify him to serve as one of our directors.

 

Nancy E. Calderon —Director

 

Nancy Calderon has served on our board of directors since April 2020. Ms. Calderon is a certified public accountant with over 30 years of experience in public accounting. Prior to her retirement in September 2019, Ms. Calderon had served in various roles at KPMG, LLP, a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services (“KPMG”), since 1986. From July 2012 until September 2019, Ms. Calderon served as the Global Lead Partner for a Fortune 40 account, managing a global team of over 500 professionals in more than 50 countries. In addition to her role as Global Lead Partner, during the same period, Ms. Calderon served as a senior partner of KPMG’s Board Leadership Center and a board member of KPMG’s Global Delivery Center in India. From June 2008 until June 2012, Ms. Calderon served as KPMG’s U.S. National Partner in Charge of Operations and its Americas Region Chief Administrative Officer. Prior to June 2008, Ms. Calderon held various positions at KPMG, including National Director of Trust and Estate Tax Services; National Director, Tax Outsourcing; and Senior Manager, Corporate Tax Services. Ms. Calderon currently serves on the board of directors of Northern Technologies International Corporate (NASDAQ:NTIC) and is a member of the audit committee. Ms. Calderon holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of California, Berkeley and an M.S. in Taxation from Golden Gate University.

 

We believe Ms. Calderon’s public accounting experience brings to our board of directors important skills related to corporate finance, among other matters, and qualifies her to serve as one of our directors.

 

Joshua S. Scherer — Director

 

Joshua Scherer has been a member of our board of directors since September 2018. He is a Founding Partner of Ducera Partners, an independent investment bank relied upon by decision makers to provide critical advice on complex and transformative transactions. Prior to the launch of Ducera Partners in June 2016, he spent eight years with Perella Weinberg Partners, an investment banking firm, most recently as a Partner. Mr. Scherer has over 20 years of investment banking experience, starting his career with Merrill Lynch in New York and Hong Kong, and thereafter with Houlihan Lokey where he focused on financial restructuring engagements.

 

Mr. Scherer has been actively involved in dozens of financial transactions, including M&A (buyside, sellside, distressed, etc.), financings (IPOs, other public equity, public and private debt, etc.), and financial restructurings (representing companies and investors). In addition, Mr. Scherer has advised on numerous fairness opinions and also provided testimony over a dozen times, including as a financial expert witness. He has advised companies in many of the most high profile and transformative transactions, including the restructuring and sale of Hostess Brands as well as in the financial restructurings of Caesar’s Entertainment, Hawker Beechcraft and Spectrum Brands, among others. Further, Mr. Scherer is leading the investment banking renewables practice for Ducera Partners LLC, which in part focuses on the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry.

 

Mr. Scherer received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Middlebury College, where he graduated Summa cum Laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

 

We believe Mr. Scherer’s capital market experience and familiarity with investments in early-stage companies brings to our board of directors important skills related to corporate finance, among other matters, and qualifies him to serve as one of our directors.

 

Jesse G. Eisler — Director

 

Jesse Eisler has been a member of our board of directors since September 2018. He is an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, Sole Proprietor of the Connecticut Back Center, LLC and Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery University of Connecticut, with attending privileges at: Manchester Memorial Hospital, Rockville General Hospital, Saint Francis Medical Center and Hartford Hospital. Dr. Eisler has extensive research experience, numerous publications, honors and awards. He holds a B.S. and M.S. with honors from Stanford University, a Ph.D. and M.D. from Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

 

We believe Dr. Eisler’s extensive research experience brings to our board of directors important skills related to scientific methodology, among other matters, and qualifies him to serve as one of our directors.

 

Required Vote

 

Provided there is a quorum for the meeting, the five director nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes of our common stock present or represented and entitled to be voted for them shall be elected as directors. Votes withheld will have no legal effect on the election of directors. Under applicable Nasdaq Stock Market listing rules, brokers are not permitted to vote shares held for a customer on “non-routine” matters (including election of directors) without specific instructions from the customer. As such, broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.

 

The board of directors unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the five director nominees listed above.

 

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PROPOSAL TWO

 

APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE ARCIMOTO, INC. 2018 OMNIBUS STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Background. Our 2018 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”), allows us to grant equity awards (including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and dividend equivalent rights) to our employees, officers and directors.

 

We believe our success is due to our highly talented employee base and that future success depends on the ability to attract and retain high caliber personnel. The ability to grant equity awards is a necessary and powerful recruiting and retention tool for us to obtain the quality personnel we need to move our business forward.

 

The 2018 Plan originally allowed the issuance of up to 1,000,000 shares of our common stock (the “Plan Limit”). In 2019, the Company’s shareholders approved an increase of the plan limit to 2,000,000 shares. As of April 22, 2020, 2,203,974 shares have been issued or reserved for issuance under the 2018 Plan and 316,603 issuances of shares have been forfeited, leaving 112,629 shares available for issuance. At the current utilization rate, the number of shares remaining for issuance under the 2018 Plan will provide shares for issuance for less than one year. We believe that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to be able to issue additional shares once the current available amount is exhausted; accordingly, we are proposing that an additional 2,000,000 shares be added to the 2018 Plan. We expect that the additional 2,000,000 shares plus those presently available would be sufficient for our needs for approximately one to two more years.

 

Summary of the Proposal. Our Board of Directors has approved an amendment to the 2018 Plan, subject to approval by our shareholders at our 2020 annual meeting. We are seeking stockholder approval of an amendment to the 2018 Plan that increases the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder by 2,000,000 shares.

 

Summary of the 2018 Plan. Following is a summary of the principal features of the 2018 Plan. The summary is qualified by the full text of the 2018 Plan, which was attached to our Proxy Statement sent in connection with the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders.

 

Key Provisions. Following are the key provisions of the 2018 Plan:

 

Provision of Plan   Description
Eligible Participants:   Employees, directors, and consultants of our Company, any related entity, and any successor entity that adopts the 2018 Plan. Approximately 109 employees, directors, and consultants of our Company are eligible to receive awards under the 2018 Plan as of April 22, 2020.
     
Share Reserve:   ● Currently, 112,629 shares of our Company’s common stock are available for issuance; we are seeking approval to increase this by 2,000,000 shares.
     
    ● The reserved shares will be reduced (i) by one share for each share granted pursuant to stock rights awarded under the 2018 Plan, and (ii) to the extent cash is delivered in lieu of shares of common stock upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right, our Company will be deemed to have issued the number of shares of common stock which it was entitled to issue upon such exercise.
     
Award Types:   ● Incentive stock options
     
    ● Nonstatutory stock options
     
    ● Stock appreciation rights (“SARs”)
     
    ● Restricted stock awards
     
    ● Restricted stock unit awards
     
    ● Dividend equivalent rights
     

 

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Vesting:   Determined by our board of directors or a committee designated by our board.
     
Award Limits:   No grantee may be granted an award of stock options or SARs in any calendar year with respect to more than 100,000 shares of our Company’s common stock, or an award of restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent rights, or other awards that are valued with reference to shares covering more than 100,000 shares.
     
Repricings:   Repricing of outstanding stock awards is not permitted without the approval of our Company’s shareholders, except for certain proportionate capitalization adjustments as set forth in the 2018 Plan.
     
Plan Termination Date:   June 9, 2028.

 

Administration. The 2018 Plan is administered by our compensation committee. With respect to grants of awards to our officers or directors, the 2018 Plan is administered by our compensation committee in a manner that permits such grants and related transactions to be exempt from Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. The plan administrator has the full authority to select recipients of the grants, determine the extent of the grants, establish additional terms, conditions, rules or procedures to accommodate rules or laws of applicable non-U.S. jurisdictions, adjust awards and to take any other action deemed appropriate; however, no action may be taken that is inconsistent with the terms of the 2018 Plan.

 

Available Shares. Subject to adjustment upon certain corporate transactions or events, a maximum of 4,000,000 shares of our common stock may be issued under the 2018 Plan if the proposed amendment is approved. In addition, subject to adjustment upon certain corporate transactions or events, a participant in the 2018 Plan may not receive options or SARs with respect to more than 100,000 shares of common stock in any calendar year or an award of restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent rights or other awards that are valued with reference to shares covering more than 100,000 shares of common stock. Any shares covered by an award that is forfeited, canceled, or expires shall be deemed to have not been issued for purposes of determining the maximum aggregate number of shares which may be issued under the 2018 Plan. Shares that actually have been issued under the 2018 Plan pursuant to an award shall not be returned to the 2018 Plan and shall not become available for future issuance under the 2018 Plan, other than unvested shares that are forfeited or repurchased by our Company. In the event any option or other award granted under the 2018 Plan is exercised through the tendering of shares (either actually or through withholding), or in the event tax withholding obligations are satisfied by tendering or withholding shares, any shares so tendered or withheld are not again available for awards under the 2018 Plan. To the extent that cash is delivered in lieu of shares of common stock upon the exercise of an SAR, then we shall be deemed, for purposes of applying the limitation on the number of shares, to have issued the number of shares of common stock which we were entitled to issue upon such exercise. Shares of common stock we reacquire on the open market or otherwise using cash proceeds from the exercise of options shall not be available for awards under the 2018 Plan.

 

Eligibility and Types of Awards. The 2018 Plan permits us to grant stock awards, including stock options, SARs, restricted stock, restricted stock units and dividend equivalent rights to our employees, directors, and consultants.

 

Stock Options

 

A stock option may be an incentive stock option within the meaning of, and qualifying under, Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or a nonstatutory stock option. However, only our employees (or employees of our parent or subsidiaries, if any) may be granted incentive stock options. Incentive and nonstatutory stock options are granted pursuant to option agreements adopted by the plan administrator. The plan administrator determines the exercise price for a stock option, within the terms and conditions of the 2018 Plan, provided that the exercise price of a stock option cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the 2018 Plan will become exercisable at the rate specified by the plan administrator.

 

The plan administrator determines the term of the stock options granted under the 2018 Plan, up to a maximum of 10 years, except in the case of certain incentive stock options, as described below. Unless the terms of an optionholder’s stock option agreement provide otherwise, if an optionholder’s relationship with us, or any of our affiliates, ceases for any reason other than disability or death, the optionholder may exercise any options otherwise exercisable as of the date of termination, but only during the post-termination exercise period designated in the optionholder’s stock option award agreement. The optionholder’s stock option award agreement may provide that upon the termination of the optionholder’s relationship with us for cause, the optionholder’s right to exercise his or her options shall terminate concurrently with the termination of the relationship. If an optionholder’s service relationship with us, or any of our affiliates, ceases due to disability or death, or an optionholder dies within a certain period following cessation of service, the optionholder or his or her estate or person who acquired the right to exercise the award by bequest or inheritance may exercise any vested options for a period of 12 months. The option term may be extended in the event that exercise of the option within the applicable time periods is prohibited by applicable securities laws or such longer period as specified in the stock option award agreement but in no event beyond the expiration of its term.

 

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Acceptable consideration for the purchase of common stock issued upon the exercise of a stock option will be determined by the plan administrator and may include (a) cash or check, (b) delivery of a promissory note acceptable to the plan administrator (subject to minimum interest provisions set forth in the 2018 Plan), (c) a broker-assisted cashless exercise, (d) the tender of common stock previously owned by the optionholder, (e) a net exercise of the option, (f) past or future services rendered, (g) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment, and (h) any other legal consideration approved by the plan administrator.

 

Unless the plan administrator provides otherwise, awards generally are not transferable, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

 

Incentive stock options may be granted only to our employees (or to employees of our parent company and subsidiaries, if any). To the extent that the aggregate fair market value, determined at the time of grant, of shares of our common stock with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by an optionholder during any calendar year under any of our equity plans exceeds $100,000, such options will not qualify as incentive stock options. A stock option granted to any employee who, at the time of the grant, owns or is deemed to own stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock (or any of our affiliates) may not be an incentive stock option unless (a) the option exercise price is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option on the date of grant, and (b) the term of the incentive stock option does not exceed five years from the date of grant.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights

 

SARs may be granted under the 2018 Plan either concurrently with the grant of an option or alone, without reference to any related stock option. The plan administrator determines both the number of shares of common stock related to each SAR and the exercise price for an SAR, within the terms and conditions of the 2018 Plan, provided that the exercise price of an SAR cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock subject thereto on the date of grant. In the case of an SAR granted concurrently with a stock option, the number of shares of common stock to which the SAR relates will be reduced in the same proportion that the holder of the stock option exercises the related option.

 

The plan administrator determines whether to deliver cash in lieu of shares of common stock upon the exercise of an SAR. If common stock is issued, the number of shares of common stock that will be issued upon the exercise of an SAR is determined by dividing (a) the number of shares of common stock as to which the SAR is exercised multiplied by the amount of the appreciation in such shares, by (b) the fair market value of a share of common stock on the exercise date.

 

If the plan administrator elects to pay the holder of the SAR cash in lieu of shares of common stock, the holder of the SAR will receive cash equal to the fair market value on the exercise date of any or all of the shares that would otherwise be issuable.

 

The exercise of an SAR related to a stock option is permissible only to the extent that the stock option is exercisable under the terms of the 2018 Plan on the date of surrender. Any incentive stock option surrendered will be deemed to have been converted into a nonstatutory stock option immediately prior to such surrender.

 

Restricted Stock

 

Restricted stock awards are awards of shares of our common stock that are subject to established terms and conditions. The plan administrator sets the terms of the restricted stock awards, including the size of the restricted stock award, the price (if any) to be paid by the recipient and the vesting schedule and criteria (which may include continued service to us for a period of time or the achievement of performance criteria). If a participant’s service terminates before the restricted stock is fully vested, all of the unvested shares generally will be forfeited to, or repurchased by, us.

 

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Restricted Stock Units

 

A restricted stock unit is a right to receive stock, cash equal to the value of a share of stock or other securities or a combination of the three at the end of a set period or the attainment of performance criteria. No stock is issued at the time of grant. The plan administrator sets the terms of the restricted stock unit award, including the size of the restricted stock unit award, the consideration (if any) to be paid by the recipient, the vesting schedule and criteria and the form (stock or cash) in which the award will be settled. If a participant’s service terminates before the restricted stock is fully vested, the unvested portion of the restricted stock unit award generally will be forfeited to us.

 

Dividend Equivalent Rights

 

Dividend equivalent rights entitle the recipient to compensation measured by dividends paid with respect to a specified number of shares of common stock.

 

Performance-Based Compensation. The 2018 Plan establishes procedures for our Company to grant performance-based awards, meaning awards structured so that they will vest only upon the achievement of performance criteria established by the plan administrator for a specified performance period. The plan administrator will establish the performance goals before the 90th day of the applicable performance period (or, if the performance period is less than a year, no later than the number of days which is equal to 25% of the performance period).

 

The business measures that may be used to establish the performance criteria may include one of, or combination of, the following:

 

A. Net earnings or net income (before or after taxes);

 

B. Earnings per share;

 

C. Net sales growth;

 

D. Net operating profit;

 

E. Return measures (including, but not limited to, return on assets, capital, equity, or sales);

 

F. Cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow, and cash flow return on capital);

 

G. Cash flow per share;

 

H. Earnings before or after taxes, interest, depreciation, and/or amortization;

 

I. Gross or operating margins;

 

J. Productivity ratios;

 

K. Share price (including, but not limited to, growth measures and total shareholder return);

 

L. Expense targets or ratios;

 

M. Charge-off levels;

 

N. Improvement in or attainment of revenue levels;

 

O. Deposit growth;

 

P. Margins;

 

Q. Operating efficiency;

 

R. Operating expenses;

 

S. Economic value added;

 

T. Improvement in or attainment of expense levels;

  

U. Improvement in or attainment of working capital levels;

 

V. Debt reduction;

 

W. Capital targets; and

 

X. Consummation of acquisitions, dispositions, projects or other specific events or transactions.

 

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Corporate Transactions. Effective upon the consummation of a corporate transaction, all outstanding awards under the 2018 Plan will terminate unless they are assumed in connection with the corporate transaction.

 

The plan administrator has the authority, exercisable either in advance of any actual or anticipated corporate transaction or at the time of an actual corporate transaction, and exercisable at the time of the grant of an award under the 2018 Plan or any time while an award remains outstanding, to provide for the full or partial automatic vesting and exercisability of one or more outstanding unvested awards under the 2018 Plan and the release from restrictions on transfer and repurchase or forfeiture rights of such awards in connection with a corporate transaction on such terms and conditions as the plan administrator may specify. The plan administrator may also condition any such award’s vesting and exercisability or release from such limitations upon the subsequent termination of the continuous service of the holder of the award within a specified period following the effective date of the corporate transaction. The plan administrator may provide that any awards so vested or released from such limitations in connection with a corporate transaction shall remain fully exercisable until the expiration or sooner termination of the award.

 

Amendment and Termination. Our board of directors generally may amend, suspend, or terminate the 2018 Plan, but it may not amend, suspend, or terminate the 2018 Plan without shareholder approval for certain actions, such as an increase in the number of shares reserved under the 2018 Plan, modifications to the terms and conditions of awards, modifications to exercise prices at which shares may be offered pursuant to options, extension of the 2018 Plan’s expiration date and certain modifications to awards, such as reducing the exercise price per share, canceling and regranting new awards with lower prices per share than the original prices per share of the cancelled awards, or canceling any awards in exchange for cash or the grant of replacement awards with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original awards.

 

Tax Withholding. Our board of directors may require a participant to satisfy any federal, state, local, or foreign tax withholding obligation relating to a stock award by (a) causing the participant to tender a cash payment, (b) withholding shares of common stock from the shares of common stock issued or otherwise issuable to the participant in connection with the award, (c) delivering to our Company already-owned shares of common stock, (d) selling shares of common stock from the shares of common stock issued or otherwise issuable to the participant in connection with the award, (e) withholding cash from an award settled in cash or other amounts payable to the participant, and/or (f) any other means that the plan administrator determines both to comply with applicable laws and be consistent with the purposes of the 2018 Plan.

 

Summary of Federal Income Tax Consequences of the 2018 Plan. The following summary is intended only as a general guide to certain U.S. federal income tax consequences under current law of participation in the 2018 Plan and does not attempt to describe all possible federal, state or local, foreign, or other tax consequences of such participation or tax consequences based on any participant’s particular circumstances. Furthermore, the tax consequences are complex and subject to change, and a participant’s particular situation may be such that some variation of the described rules is applicable. Recipients of awards under the 2018 Plan should consult their own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences to them as a result of their particular circumstances.

 

Incentive Stock Options

 

A participant recognizes no taxable income for regular income tax purposes as a result of the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option qualifying under Section 422 of the Code.

 

If a participant holds stock acquired through exercise of an incentive stock option for more than two years from the date on which the option was granted and more than one year after the date the option was exercised for those shares, any gain or loss on a disposition of those shares (a “qualifying disposition”) will be a long-term capital gain or loss. Upon such a qualifying disposition, we will not be entitled to any income tax deduction.

 

If a participant disposes of shares within two years after the date of grant of the option or within one year after the date of exercise of the option (a “disqualifying disposition”), the difference between the fair market value of the shares on the option exercise date and the exercise price (not to exceed the gain realized on the sale if the disposition is a transaction with respect to which a loss, if sustained, would be recognized) will be taxed to the participant as ordinary income at the time of disposition. Any gain in excess of that amount will be a capital gain. If a loss is recognized, there will be no ordinary income, and such loss will be a capital loss. To the extent the participant recognizes ordinary income by reason of a disqualifying disposition, generally our Company will be entitled (subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) and other provisions of the Code limiting the deduction of compensation, and the satisfaction of a tax-reporting obligation) to a corresponding income tax deduction in the tax year in which the disqualifying disposition occurs. The difference between the option exercise price and the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date of an incentive stock option is treated as an adjustment in computing the participant’s alternative minimum taxable income and may subject the participant to alternative minimum tax liability for the year of exercise. Special rules may apply after exercise for (a) sales of the shares in a disqualifying disposition, (b) basis adjustments for computing alternative minimum taxable income on a subsequent sale of the shares, and (c) tax credits that may be available to participants subject to the alternative minimum tax.

 

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Nonstatutory Stock Options

 

Options not designated or qualifying as incentive stock options will be nonstatutory stock options having no special tax status. A participant generally recognizes no taxable income upon the grant of such an option so long as (a) the exercise price is no less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and (b) our option (and not the underlying stock) at such time does not have a readily ascertainable fair market value (as defined in Treasury Regulations under the Code). Upon exercise of a nonstatutory stock option, the participant normally recognizes ordinary income in the amount of the difference between the option exercise price and the then-fair market value of the shares purchased, and withholding of income and employment taxes will apply if the participant is or was an employee. Generally, the Company will be entitled (subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) and other provisions of the Code limiting the deduction of compensation, and the satisfaction of a tax-reporting obligation) to an income tax deduction in the tax year in which such ordinary income is recognized by the participant.

 

Upon the disposition of stock acquired by the exercise of a nonstatutory stock option, any recognized gain or loss, based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market value on the exercise date, will be taxed as capital gain or loss, which will be short-term or long-term gain or loss, depending on the holding period of the stock.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights

 

A participant recognizes no taxable income upon the receipt of an SAR. Upon the exercise of an SAR, the participant will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the underlying shares of common stock on the exercise date over the exercise price. If the participant is an employee, such ordinary income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. The Company generally should be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the participant in connection with the exercise of the SAR, except to the extent such deduction is limited by applicable provisions of the Code.

 

Restricted Stock

 

A participant acquiring restricted stock generally will recognize ordinary income equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares on the “determination date” (as defined below) and their purchase price, if any. If the participant is an employee, such ordinary income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. The “determination date” is the date on which the participant acquires the shares unless they are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture and are not transferable, in which case the determination date is the earliest of (a) the date the shares become transferable, (b) the date the shares are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, or (c) the date the shares are acquired if the participant makes a timely election under Code Section 83(b). If the shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture and not transferable when issued, the participant may elect, pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code, to have the date of acquisition be the determination date by filing an election with the Internal Revenue Service, and other provisions, no later than 30 days after the date the shares are acquired. Upon the taxable disposition of shares acquired pursuant to a restricted stock award, any gain or loss, based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market value on the determination date, will generally be taxed as capital gain or loss; however, for any shares returned to our Company pursuant to a forfeiture provision, a participant’s loss may be computed based only on the purchase price (if any) of the shares and may not take into account any income recognized by reason of a Section 83(b) election. Such gain or loss will be long-term or short-term depending on whether the stock was held for more than one year. Our Company generally will be entitled (subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) and other provisions of the Code limiting the deduction of compensation, and the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation) to a corresponding income tax deduction in the year in which the ordinary income from restricted stock is recognized by the participant.

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

No taxable income is recognized upon receipt of a restricted stock unit award. In general, the participant will recognize ordinary income in the year in which the units vest and are settled in an amount equal to any cash received and the fair market value of any nonrestricted shares received. If the participant is an employee, such ordinary income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. Our Company generally will be entitled (subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) and other provisions of the Code limiting the deduction of compensation, and the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation) to an income tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the participant. In general, the deduction will be allowed for the taxable year in which such ordinary income is recognized by the participant.

 

Dividend Equivalent Rights

 

A recipient of dividend equivalent rights generally will recognize ordinary income at the time the dividend equivalent right is paid. If required, income and employment tax must be withheld on the income recognized by the participant. Our Company will generally be entitled (subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) and other provisions of the Code limiting the deduction of compensation, and the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation) to an income tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the participant.

 

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Other Awards

 

Our Company generally will be entitled to an income tax deduction in connection with an award under the 2018 Plan in an amount equal to the ordinary income realized by the participant at the time the participant recognizes such income (subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) and other provisions of the Code limiting the deduction of compensation, and the satisfaction of a tax-reporting obligation). Participants typically are subject to income (and employment) tax and recognize such tax at the time that an award is granted, exercised, vests or becomes nonforfeitable, unless the award provides for a further deferral.

 

Section 409A

 

Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”) imposes certain requirements on nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements. These include requirements on an individual’s election to defer compensation and the individual’s selection of the timing and form of distribution of the deferred compensation. Section 409A also generally provides that adverse tax consequences will apply unless distributions must be made on or following the occurrence of certain events (e.g., the individual’s separation from service, a predetermined date, or the individual’s death). Section 409A imposes restrictions on an individual’s ability to change his or her distribution timing or form after the compensation has been deferred.

 

Certain awards under the 2018 Plan may be subject to the requirements of Section 409A in form and in operation, but designed to meet the conditions under Section 409A for avoiding its adverse tax consequences. For example, restricted stock units that provide for a settlement date following the vesting date may be subject to Section 409A. If an award under the 2018 Plan is subject to Section 409A and fails to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A, the recipient of that award may recognize ordinary income on the amounts deferred under the award, to the extent vested, which may be before the compensation is actually or constructively received. Also, if an award that is subject to Section 409A fails to comply with the requirements of Section 409A, Section 409A imposes an additional 20% federal penalty tax on the participant’s compensation recognized as ordinary income, as well as interest on such deferred compensation.

 

The foregoing is only a summary, based on the current Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury thereunder, of the U.S. federal income tax consequences to the participant and our Company with respect to the grant and exercise of options and other awards under the 2018 Plan. The summary does not purport to be complete and does not address all income tax laws that may be relevant to any particular participant. It does not address the tax consequences of the participant’s death, any tax laws of any municipality, state or foreign country in which a participant might reside, or any other laws other than U.S. federal income tax laws.

 

New Plan Benefits. The 2018 Plan administrator, in its discretion, selects the person(s) to whom awards may be granted and the number of shares subject to each such grant. For this reason, it is not possible to determine the benefits or amounts that will be received by any particular individual(s) in the future.

 

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Equity Incentive Plans. As of April 22, 2020, our equity compensation plans consisted of the Second Amended and Restated 2012 Employee Stock Benefit Plan, the Amended and Restated 2015 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2018 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, each of which were approved by our shareholders. We do not have any equity compensation plans or arrangements that have not been approved by our shareholders. The following table sets forth the indicated information as of April 22, 2020, with respect to our equity compensation plans:

 

Plan Category  Number of
securities to
be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
   Weighted-
average
exercise price
of outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
   Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders            
Arcimoto, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2012 Employee Stock Benefit Plan   658,316   $0.57    1 
Arcimoto, Inc. Amended and Restated 2015 Stock Incentive Plan   801,342   $2.88    13,377 
Arcimoto, Inc. 2018 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan   1,793,670   $3.00    112,629 
Total   3,253,328   $2.48    126,007 

 

Vote Required. The approval of the amendment to the 2018 Plan requires that a quorum exist and that the number of votes in favor of approval of the 2018 Plan amendment must exceed the votes cast against adoption of the amendment. Abstentions are not considered votes cast and will therefore have no effect on this proposal. Under applicable Nasdaq Stock Market listing rules, brokers are not permitted to vote shares held for a customer on “non-routine” matters (such as the proposal to approve the amendment to the 2018 Plan) without specific instructions from the customer. Therefore, broker non-votes are not considered votes cast and will also have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.

 

The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote “FOR” approval of the foregoing Amendment to the Arcimoto, Inc. 2018 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan.

 

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS

 

Information about our Board

 

Our board of directors is currently comprised of five members, Mr. Frohnmayer, Mr. Becker, Ms. Calderon, Mr. Scherer and Mr. Eisler, each serving for a term of one year and each will serve until a successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors or any vacancy may be filled by the directors then in office or the shareholders (as provided in our bylaws).

 

Our board of directors does not have a policy on whether or not the role of the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board should be separate or, if it is to be separate, whether the Chairman should be selected from the non-employee directors or be an employee. Our board has determined that the role of Mr. Frohnmayer as Chairman of the board need not be separated from his role of Chief Executive Officer at this time. Our board believes that this structure currently provides the most efficient and effective leadership model for our Company, given the size of our board and Mr. Frohnmayer’s role in founding our Company, his extensive knowledge of our business and industry, his ability to formulate and implement strategic initiatives and his extensive contact with and knowledge of our vendors and customers. As Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Frohnmayer is intimately involved in our day-to-day operations and is therefore able to elevate the most critical business issues for consideration by our board.

 

Director Independence

 

Currently, our board of directors consists of five directors. Our board has undertaken a review of the independence of our directors and has determined that Ms. Calderon, Mr. Scherer and Mr. Eisler are independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq Stock Market Listing Rule 5605(a)(2). Pursuant to Nasdaq Stock Market Listing Rule 5615(b)(1), a majority of our board members were required to be independent within one year after the listing date. Information on additional independence requirements with respect to board committee members is set forth below under “Board Committees.”

 

Due to the size of our board of directors, Ms. Calderon, Mr. Scherer and Mr. Eisler, the three independent directors, are able to closely monitor the activities of our Company and they intend to meet regularly in executive sessions without management to discuss the development and strategy of our Company. These executive sessions will allow the independent directors to review key decisions and discuss matters in a manner that is independent of our Chief Executive Officer. Therefore, our board has determined that a lead independent director is not necessary at this time. To the extent the composition of our board changes in the future, our board may reevaluate the need for a lead independent director.

 

Family Relationships

 

There is no family relationship between any director, executive officer or person nominated to become a director or executive officer of our Company.

 

Executive Sessions of Non-Employee Directors

 

In order to promote open discussion among non-employee directors, our board of directors intends to conduct executive sessions of non-employee directors at scheduled meetings and at such other times requested by a non-employee director.

 

Selection of Nominees for our Board of Directors

 

The nominating and governance committee of our board of directors is responsible for establishing the criteria for recommending which directors should stand for re-election to our board and the selection of new directors to serve on our board. Although we have no formal policy regarding shareholder nominees, our board believes that shareholder nominees should be viewed in substantially the same manner as other nominees. The committee has not formulated any specific minimum qualifications for director candidates, but has determined certain desirable characteristics, including strength of character, mature judgment, career specialization, relevant technical skills, diversity and independence. The nominating and governance committee does not currently maintain a separate diversity policy regarding nominees for director. Instead the nominating and governance committee relies on diversity as one of the many desirable characteristics in the consideration of potential director nominees.

 

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Board Committees

 

Committees of our Board of Directors

 

In March 2016, our board of directors adopted a written charter for the audit committee and in September 2017, our board adopted written charters for the compensation committee and nominating and governance committee, all of which are available under Investor—SEC Documents section of our website at www.arcimoto.com. Set forth below is information about each of these committees of our board as of April 22, 2020.

 

Audit Committee

 

Our audit committee consists of Ms. Calderon (Chair), Mr. Scherer and Mr. Eisler. Jeff Curl served on our audit committee until his resignation on January 22, 2020. In addition to meeting the independence requirements generally applicable to directors, the Board has determined that each of Ms. Calderon, Mr. Scherer and Mr. Eisler also satisfy the independence requirements of Rule 5605(c)(2) of the Nasdaq Stock Market listing rules and SEC Rule 10A-3. Our board further has affirmatively determined that Mr. Curl is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and Ms. Calderon is an “audit committee financial expert” beginning on April 16, 2020. Our audit committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

  appointing, terminating, compensating, and overseeing the work of any accounting firm engaged to prepare or issue an audit report or other audit, review or attest services;

 

  reviewing and approving, in advance, all audit and non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditor, taking into consideration whether the independent auditor’s provision of non-audit services to us is compatible with maintaining the independent auditor’s independence;

 

  reviewing and discussing the adequacy and effectiveness of our accounting and financial reporting processes and controls and the audits of our financial statements;

 

  establishing and overseeing procedures for the receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, including procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters;

 

  investigating any matter brought to its attention within the scope of its duties and engaging independent counsel and other advisors as the audit committee deems necessary;

 

  determining compensation of the independent auditors and of advisors hired by the audit committee and ordinary administrative expenses;

 

  reviewing and discussing with management and the independent auditor the annual and quarterly financial statements prior to their release;

 

  monitoring and evaluating the independent auditor’s qualifications, performance, and independence on an ongoing basis;

 

  reviewing reports to management prepared by the internal audit function, as well as management’s response;

 

  reviewing and assessing the adequacy of the formal written charter on an annual basis;

 

  reviewing and approving related-party transactions for potential conflict of interest situations on an ongoing basis; and

 

  handling such other matters that are specifically delegated to the audit committee by our board from time to time.

 

Compensation Committee

 

Our compensation committee consists of Mr. Scherer (Chair), Mr. Eisler and Ms. Calderon. Mr. Curl served on our compensation committee until his resignation on January 22, 2020. In addition to meeting the independence requirements generally applicable to directors, the Board has determined that each of Mr. Scherer, Mr. Eisler and Ms. Calderon also satisfy the independence requirements of Rule 5605(d)(2) of the Nasdaq Stock Market listing rules. Our compensation committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

  reviewing and approving the compensation, employment agreements and severance arrangements, and other benefits of all of our executive officers and key employees;

 

  reviewing and approving, on an annual basis, the corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the executive officers, and evaluating their performance in light thereof;

 

  reviewing and making recommendations, on an annual basis, to the board with respect to director compensation;

 

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  reviewing any analysis or report on executive compensation required to be included in the annual proxy statement and periodic reports pursuant to applicable federal securities rules and regulations, and recommending the inclusion of such analysis or report in our proxy statement and period reports;

 

  reviewing and assessing, periodically, the adequacy of the formal written charter; and

 

  such other matters that are specifically delegated to the compensation committee by our board from time to time.

 

Pursuant to its written charter, our compensation committee has the authority to engage the services of outside advisors as it deems appropriate to assist it in the evaluation of the compensation of our directors, principal executive officer or other executive and non-executive officers, and in the fulfillment of its other duties. Additionally, our compensation committee has the authority to review and approve the compensation of our other officers and employees and may delegate its authority to review and approve the compensation of other non-executive officer employees to specified executive officers.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee

 

Our nominating and governance committee consists of Mr. Scherer (Chair), Mr. Eisler and Ms. Calderon, each of whom satisfy the independence requirements generally applicable to directors, as required by Nasdaq Stock Market listing rules. Mr. Curl served on our nominating and corporate governance committee until his resignation on January 22, 2020. Our nominating and governance committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

  identifying and screening candidates for our board, and recommending nominees for election as directors;

 

  establishing procedures to exercise oversight of the evaluation of the board and management;

 

  developing and recommending to the board a set of corporate governance guidelines, as well as reviewing these guidelines and recommending any changes to the board;

 

  reviewing the structure of the board’s committees and recommending to the board for its approval directors to serve as members of each committee, and where appropriate, making recommendations regarding the removal of any member of any committee;

 

  developing and reviewing our code of conduct, evaluating management’s communication of the importance of our code of conduct, and monitoring compliance with our code of conduct;

 

  reviewing and assessing the adequacy of the formal written charter on an annual basis; and

 

  generally advising the board on corporate governance and related matters.

 

Information Regarding Meetings of our Board and its Committees

 

During 2019, our board of directors held 15 meetings. During 2019, our board’s audit committee held four meetings. During 2019, our board’s nominating and governance committee did not hold any meetings. During 2019, our board’s compensation committee held one meeting. Mr. Curl missed three meetings, Mr. Scherer missed two meetings, Mr. Eisler and Mr. Becker each missed one meeting of our board and Mr. Scherer missed one of the audit committee meetings.

 

We do not have a formal written policy with respect to directors’ attendance at our annual meetings of shareholders.

 

Risk Oversight

 

While our Company’s senior management has responsibility for the management of risk, our board of directors plays an important role in overseeing this function. Our board regularly reviews our market and business risks during its formal and informal meetings and, since its formation, each of its committees has begun to oversee risks associated with its respective area of responsibility. In particular, our audit committee oversees risk related to our accounting, tax, financial and public disclosure processes. It also assesses risks associated with our financial assets. Our compensation committee oversees risks related to our compensation and benefit plans and policies to ensure sound pay practices that do not cause risks to arise that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our Company. Our nominating and governance committee seeks to minimize risks related to our governance structure by implementing sound corporate governance principles and practices. Each of our committees reports to the full board as appropriate on its efforts at risk oversight and on any matter that rises to the level of a material or enterprise level of risk.

 

Code of Conduct

 

We have adopted a code of ethics relating to the conduct of our business by all of our employees, officers, and directors and it is available under Investor—SEC Documents on our website at www.arcimoto.com.

 

16

 

 

Communications with our Board of Directors

 

Shareholders who wish to communicate with members of our board of directors, including the independent directors individually or as a group, may send correspondence to them in care of our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices at 2034 West 2nd Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97402. Such communication will be forwarded to the intended recipient(s). We currently do not intend to have our Corporate Secretary screen this correspondence, but we may change this policy if directed by our board due to the nature or volume of the correspondence.

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

The members of our board of directors did not receive compensation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

 

The Audit Committee is responsible for providing independent, objective oversight and review of the Company’s accounting functions and internal controls and has primary oversight responsibility for the Company’s risk management program. The Audit Committee’s functions are described in greater detail on page 17 of this proxy statement. Among other things, the Audit Committee recommends to the Board of Directors that the Company’s audited financial statements be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The Audit Committee is comprised of three directors, all of whom are independent as determined in accordance with Nasdaq’s listing standards. Each member of the Audit Committee is also independent within the meaning of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.

 

Our Audit Committee has (1) reviewed and discussed with management the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, (2) discussed with dbbmckennon, our independent registered public accounting firm, the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standards No. 1301, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), and (3) received the written disclosures and the letter from dbbmckennon concerning applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding dbbmckennon’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and has discussed with dbbmckennon its independence. Based upon these discussions and reviews, the Audit Committee recommended to our board of directors that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, which is filed with the SEC.

 

Our audit committee operates under a written charter adopted by our board of directors, a copy of which is available under Investor—SEC Documents on our website at www.arcimoto.com. In order to ensure that the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is engaged only to provide audit and non-audit services that are compatible with maintaining independence as defined by applicable laws and regulations, the audit committee has adopted a policy for the pre-approval of all audit and permitted non-audit services that may be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm. Under this policy, each year, at the time it engages an independent registered public accounting firm, the audit committee pre-approves the engagement terms and fees and may also pre-approve detailed types of audit-related and permitted tax services, subject to certain dollar limits, to be performed during the year. All other permitted non-audit services are required to be pre-approved by the audit committee on an engagement-by-engagement basis. All of the services described below under the caption “FEES PAID TO AUDITORS” were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

 

This report has been submitted by the members of the Audit Committee:

 

  THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
   
  Joshua Scherer
  Jesse Eisler

 

This Audit Committee report does not constitute soliciting material and shall not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other filing made by the Company under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this information by reference therein.

 

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FEES PAID TO AUDITORS

 

The following table summarizes the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered to us by dbbmckennon in 2018 and 2019.

 

   2018   2019 
Audit Fees (1)  $88,459   $109,308 
Audit-Related Fees  $   $ 
Tax Fees  $4,000   $ 
All Other Fees  $   $ 

 

(1) Represents the aggregate fees billed to us by dbbmckennon in connection with the annual audit of our financial statements, for the review of our financial statements included in our public company filings, if any, and for other services normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 22, 2020, unless otherwise noted below, for the following:

 

  each person or entity known to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding common stock as of the date indicated in the corresponding footnote;

 

  each of the named executive officers named in the Summary Compensation table;

 

  each director; and

 

  all current directors and executive officers as a group.

 

Applicable percentage ownership is based on 24,469,138 shares of our common stock outstanding as of April 22, 2020, unless otherwise noted below, together with applicable options and warrants for each shareholder. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, based on factors including voting and investment power with respect to shares. Common stock subject to options currently exercisable, or exercisable within 60 days after April 22, 2020, and warrants currently vested, or vesting within 60 days after April 22, 2020, are deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of the person holding those securities, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each listed shareholder is c/o Arcimoto, Inc., 2034 West 2nd Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97402.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner  Shares Beneficially Owned   Percentage Beneficially Owned 
Mark D. Frohnmayer(1)   7,562,636    30.9%
Nancy E. Calderon   0    * 
Jesse G. Eisler   552,480    2.3%
Terry L. Becker(2)   186,080    * 
Joshua S. Scherer   66,418    * 
Douglas M. Campoli(3)   124,182    * 
All directors and executive officers as a group (6 individuals)   8,491,795    34.7%

 

* Less than 1.0%.
(1) Includes 40,000 shares that Mr. Frohnmayer has the right to acquire from us within 60 days of April 22, 2020, pursuant to the exercise of stock options, 76,940 shares issuable on conversion of a note at $4.25 per share, 12,035 shares of deferred compensation and 300,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants.
(2) Includes 21,292 shares that Mr. Becker has the right to acquire from us within 60 days of April 22, 2020, pursuant to the exercise of stock options.
(3) Includes 96,725 shares that Mr. Campoli has the right to acquire from us within 60 days of April 22, 2020, pursuant to the exercise of stock options and 6,957 shares pursuant to the conversion of a note at $4.25 per share.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

As an emerging growth company, we have opted to comply with the executive compensation disclosure rules applicable to “smaller reporting companies,” as such term is defined in the rules promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which require compensation disclosure for our principal executive officer and the two most highly compensated executive officers other than our principal executive officer. Our named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2019 are: Mark D. Frohnmayer, our Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board, Douglas M. Campoli, our Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer, and Terry L. Becker, our Chief Operating Officer and a director.

 

The primary objective of our compensation policies and programs with respect to executive compensation is to serve our shareholders by attracting, retaining and motivating talented and qualified executives. We focus on providing a competitive compensation package that provides, at the discretion of our board of directors, incentives for the achievement of corporate and individual performance objectives. Decisions regarding executive compensation are the primary responsibility of our compensation committee. Our board regularly assesses our compensation policies for any practices that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our Company. As of December 31, 2019, our board concluded that our compensation policies did not present any such risks to the Company.

 

In 2019, we compensated our named executive officers through a mix of base salary and equity compensation at levels that we believed were comparable to those of executives at companies of similar size and stage of development, and that rewarded our named executive officers for their contributions. We have not yet established a formal policy with respect to our allocations between long-term equity compensation and short-term incentive compensation.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table shows information regarding the compensation earned during the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 by our named executive officers. There were no bonuses, stock awards, non-equity incentive plan compensation or any other compensation during these years; accordingly, those columns were omitted from the Summary Compensation Table.

 

Name and Principal Position  Year   Salary
($)
   Option Awards
($)(1)
   All Other Compensation
($)(2)
   Total
($)
 
                     
Mark D. Frohnmayer   2019    36,468        19,376    55,844 
Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board   2018    59,584            59,584 
                          
Douglas M. Campoli   2019    100,000    39,628        139,628 
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer   2018    100,000    34,453        134,453 
                          
Terry L. Becker   2019    135,000    37,308        172,308 
Chief Operating Officer and Director   2018    135,000    34,453        169,453 

 

(1) The amounts in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of stock-based compensation awarded during the year computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 8 to our financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for the assumptions underlying the valuation of equity awards.
(2) Includes nonqualified deferred compensation.

 

Narrative to Summary Compensation Table

 

We are continually evaluating various compensation programs to implement as our business evolves. The disclosures below describe our historical compensation practices.

 

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Annual Salary

 

We review compensation annually for our named executive officers. In setting base salaries and bonuses and granting equity incentive awards, we consider compensation for comparable positions in the market, the historical compensation levels of our executives, individual performance as compared to our expectations and objectives, our desire to motivate our employees to achieve short- and long-term results that are in the best interests of our shareholders, and a long-term commitment to our Company. We do not target a specific competitive position or a specific mix of compensation among base salary, bonus or long-term incentives.

 

Our board of directors has historically determined the compensation for our executive officers and more recently delegated this authority to the compensation committee, other than with respect to our chief executive officer. Our compensation committee typically reviews and discusses management’s proposed compensation with the chief executive officer for all executive officers other than the chief executive officer. Based on those discussions and its discretion, the compensation committee then approves the compensation for our executive officers. Our board, without members of management present, discusses the compensation committee’s report on these matters and approves the compensation of our chief executive officer. To date, our compensation committee has not engaged a compensation consultant.

 

Named Executive Officer Employment Agreements

 

We have not entered into employment agreements with any of our employees, including our named executive officers.

 

Long-Term Incentives

 

Our board of directors approved the 2012 Employee Stock Benefit Plan, as amended, or the 2012 Plan, on July 1, 2012, as approved by the Company shareholders on December 6, 2012, and amended it on March 29, 2013 and July 21, 2017. Among the types of equity awards that may be granted under the 2012 Plan are warrants and stock awards. As of December 31, 2019, the aggregate number of shares of our voting common stock that may be issued pursuant to the 2012 Plan was 658,317 shares. As of December 31, 2019, there were a total of 658,316 shares of our voting common stock reserved for issuance in connection with outstanding awards under the 2012 Plan. We have granted 500,000 awards to our named executive officers under the 2012 Plan.

 

Our board of directors approved the Amended and Restated 2015 Stock Incentive Plan, or 2015 Plan, on May 8, 2015, as approved by Company shareholders on May 8, 2015, and amended it on July 21, 2017. Among the types of equity awards that may be granted under the 2015 Plan are incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options, stock bonuses and restricted stock. As of December 31, 2019, the aggregate number of shares of our voting common stock that may be issued pursuant to the 2015 Plan is 814,719 shares. As of December 31, 2019, there were a total of 814,631 shares of our voting common stock reserved for issuance in connection with outstanding awards under the 2015 Plan. We have granted 170,200 options to our named executive officers under the 2015 Plan.

 

On April 6, 2018, our board of directors adopted the Arcimoto, Inc. 2018 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, or the 2018 Plan, as approved by Company shareholders on June 9, 2018. Pursuant to the 2018 Plan, we may grant up to 2,000,000 shares of our common stock as long-term equity incentives in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent rights, or other stock awards, or collectively, stock rights, to employees, consultants, and directors of our Company, or collectively, participants. As of December 31, 2019, the aggregate number of shares of our voting common stock that may be issued pursuant to the 2018 Plan is 1,939,048 shares. As of December 31, 2019, there were a total of 1,820,188 shares of our voting common stock reserved for issuance in connection with outstanding awards under the 2018 Plan. We have granted 92,035 options and deferred stock units to our named executive officers under the 2018 Plan.

 

We grant stock options to our named executive officers and our other employees. To date, we have maintained a practice of granting additional equity twice a year approximately every six months, and we have retained discretion to provide additional targeted grants in certain circumstances.

 

We award our equity grants on the date our board of directors approves the grant. We set the option exercise price and grant date fair value based on our per-share valuation on the date of grant. Time vested stock option grants to our executives and most employees typically vest one-third on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and the remaining options vest in equal installments over the following 24 months.

 

Pension Benefits

 

We do not have any qualified or non-qualified defined benefit pension plans.

 

Employee Benefit Plans

 

As of January 1, 2019, we started offering health, dental and vision insurance benefits to employees, including our named executive officers. Prior to this, we did not offer benefits to our employees, including our named executive officers, except for a monthly $400 contribution to each employee’s health reimbursement arrangement account.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2019

 

The following table lists the outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2019:

 

   Option Awards   Warrant Awards 
Name  Number of shares underlying unexercised options exercisable (#)   Number of shares underlying unexercised options unexercisable (#)   Option Exercise Price
($)
   Option Expiration Date 

Number of shares underlying unexercised warrants exercisable

(#)

  

Number of shares underlying unexercised warrants

unexercisable (#)

   Warrant Exercise Price
($)
   Warrant Expiration Date 
Mark D. Frohnmayer
   20,000(1)      $2.0605   10/2/2025   300,000       $0.50    3/9/2027 
Chief Executive Officer, President and   18,333    1,667(2)  $2.75   3/1/2027                    
Chairman of the Board                                      
                                       
Douglas M. Campoli   4,800(1)      $2.0605   10/2/2025                
Chief Financial Officer,   42,167    3,833(2)  $2.50   3/1/2027                    
Secretary and Treasurer   23,333    11,667(3)  $3.10   12/1/2027                    
    8,275    11,725(4)  $4.33   9/1/2028                    
        13,200(5)  $4.52   4/5/2029                    
        20,000(6)  $1.71   12/23/2029                    
                                       
Terry L. Becker   5,000       $2.0605   10/2/2025                
Chief Operating Officer and   8,275    11,725(4)  $4.33   9/1/2028               
Director       12,000(5)  $4.52   4/5/2029                    
        20,000(6)  $1.71   12/23/2029                    

 

(1) The options subject to this grant vest one-third on the first anniversary of the date of grant, October 2, 2016. The remaining options vest in equal monthly installments for 24 months on the second day of each month, commencing on November 2, 2016.
(2) The options subject to this grant vest one-third on the first anniversary of the date of grant, March 1, 2018. The remaining options vest in equal monthly installments for 24 months on the first day of each month, commencing on April 1, 2018.
(3) The options subject to this grant vest one-third on the first anniversary of the date of grant, December 1, 2018. The remaining options vest in equal monthly installments for 24 months on the first day of each month, commencing on January 1, 2019.
(4) The options subject to this grant vest one-third on the first anniversary of the date of grant, September 1, 2019. The remaining options vest in equal monthly installments for 24 months on the first day of each month, commencing on October 1, 2019.
(5) The options subject to this grant vest one-third on the first anniversary of the date of grant, April 5, 2020.  The remaining options vest in equal monthly installments for 24 months on the fifth day of each month, commencing on May 5, 2020.
(6) The options subject to this grant vest one-third on the first anniversary of the date of grant, December 23, 2020.  The remaining options vest in equal monthly installments for 24 months on the twenty third day of each month, commencing on January 23, 2021.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Since January 1, 2019, except as set forth below, there were no transactions to which we were or are a party in which the amount involved exceeded or exceeds $120,000 and any of our directors or executive officers, any holder of 5% of our capital stock or any member of their immediate family had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

 

Between July 11, 2019 and July 15, 2019, we entered into subscription agreements, pursuant to which we issued notes in original principal amount of $600,000 (each a “Note” and, collectively, the “Notes”), of which, $325,000 was issued to related parties. The principal amount due under each Note was due and payable on the two-month anniversary of the date of each Note (the “Maturity Date”): in (a) cash, (b) our common stock (valued at a price of $4.25 per share) or (c) in the event we issue convertible promissory notes to third parties before the Maturity Date, in a convertible promissory note on the same terms as purchased by such third parties; in each case at the election of the holder of the Note. Each Note also bore interest, payable at the Maturity Date, equal to $100,000 multiplied by the remainder of (i) the amount of the Note divided by (ii) $600,000. Interest was payable on each Note in: (a) our common stock (valued at $4.25 per share) or (b) in the event we issued convertible promissory notes to third parties before the Maturity Date, in a convertible promissory note on the same terms as purchased by the third parties; in each case at the election of the holder. On August 14, 2019, the $600,000 in principal and accrued interest of $48,972 on the Notes were exchanged into $648,972 in principal amount of convertible promissory notes (“New Notes”). The principal amount of the New Notes is due and payable on the one-year anniversary of the date of the New Notes in (a) cash or (b) our common stock at a price of $4.25 per share, at the election of the holder of the New Notes. Interest on the New Notes accrues at an annual rate of 10%, compounded monthly. Between August 14, 2019 and September 27, 2019, we issued additional notes with the same terms as the New Notes in the original principal amount of $850,000, of which $800,000 was issued to related parties. We may prepay the indebtedness at any time.

 

Mr. Eisler, a member of our board of directors, holds New Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $453,198. Mr. Frohnmayer, our chief executive officer, holds New Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $303,056. Mr. Frohnmayer’s mother holds New Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $259,241. As of March 31, 2020, there was principal and accrued interest of $481,008, $321,596 and $274,516 outstanding under the New Notes held by Mr. Eisler, Mr. Frohnmayer and Ms. Frohnmayer, respectively.

 

Procedures for Approval of Related-Party Transactions

 

Our audit committee, pursuant to its written charter, is responsible for reviewing and approving or ratifying any related-party transaction reaching a certain threshold of significance. In the course of its review and approval or ratification of a related-party transaction, the committee, among other things, considers, consistent with Item 404 of Regulation S-K, the following:

 

  the nature and amount of the related person’s interest in the transaction;

 

  the material terms of the transaction, including, without limitation, the amount and type of transaction; and

 

  any other matters the audit committee deems appropriate.

 

Any member of the audit committee who is a related person with respect to a transaction under review will not be permitted to participate in the deliberations or vote regarding approval or ratification of the transaction. However, such director may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the committee that considers the transaction.

 

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HOUSEHOLDING MATTERS

 

The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies to deliver a single Notice of Internet Availability or a single copy of proxy materials to multiple shareholders sharing an address unless a company has received contrary instructions from one or more of the shareholders at that address. This means that only one copy of the Notice of Internet Availability, Proxy Statement and Annual Report may have been sent to multiple shareholders in your household. If you would prefer to receive separate copies of the Notice of Internet Availability, Proxy Statement and/or Annual Report either now or in the future, please contact our Corporate Secretary either by calling (541) 683-6293 or by mailing a request to Attn: Corporate Secretary, 2034 West 2nd Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97402. Upon written or oral request to the Corporate Secretary, the Company will provide a separate copy of the Notice of Internet Availability, Proxy Statement and Annual Report. In addition, shareholders at a shared address who receive multiple Notices of Internet Availability or multiple copies of proxy materials may request to receive a single Notice of Internet Availability or a single copy of proxy materials in the future in the same manner as described above.

 

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

 

Shareholders may present proposals for action at meetings of shareholders only if they comply with the proxy rules established by the SEC, applicable Oregon law and our bylaws. We have not received any shareholder proposals for consideration at the Annual Meeting.

 

Under SEC Rule 14a-8, in order for a shareholder proposal to be included in our proxy solicitation materials for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, it must be delivered to our principal executive office located at 2034 West 2nd Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97402 by January 5, 2021; provided, however, that if the date of the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is more than 30 days before or after June 20, 2021, notice by the shareholder must be delivered a reasonable time before the Company begins to print and send its proxy materials.

 

Management’s proxy holders for the next annual meeting of shareholders will have discretion to vote proxies given to them on any shareholder proposal of which our Company does not have notice prior to March 21, 2021.

 

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

 

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the SEC is accessible free of charge on our website at www.arcimoto.com under Investor—SEC Documents. The Annual Report on Form 10-K contains audited balance sheets of our Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related statements of operations, shareholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019. You can request a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K free of charge by calling (541) 683-6293 or sending an email to investor@arcimoto.com. Please include your contact information with the request.

 

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OTHER MATTERS

 

The audit committee of our board of directors has selected the independent registered public accounting firm of dbbmckennon, to audit our financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. dbbmckennon has audited our financial statements annually since 2016. A representative of dbbmckennon is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so and to respond to appropriate questions. dbbmckennon has advised us that it does not have, and has not had, any direct or indirect financial interest in our Company that impairs its independence under SEC rules. Notwithstanding the selection of dbbmckennon, our audit committee, in its discretion, may appoint a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time, if it believes doing so would be in the best interests of our Company and our shareholders.

 

Other than those matters set forth in this Proxy Statement, we do not know of any additional matters to be submitted at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the person(s) named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote the shares they represent as our board of directors recommends.

 

  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Dated: April 29, 2020

 

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DIRECTIONS TO THE ANNUAL MEETING

 

Arcimoto, Inc.
2034 West 2nd Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97402

 

From the Portland Airport/North of Eugene

 

Take the I-205 S ramp to Interstate 84/Portland/Salem. Merge onto I-205 S. Take exit 21B to merge onto I-84 W/US-30 W toward Portland. Use the left 2 lanes to take the exit toward Salem and merge onto I-5 S. Keep right at the fork to stay on I-5 S, follow signs for Interstate 5 S/Salem. Take exit 194B to merge onto I-105 W/OR-126 W toward Eugene. Exit onto OR-126 W/OR-99 N/W 6th Ave toward Florence. Turn right onto Garfield St. Turn left at the first cross street onto West 2nd Ave. Arcimoto, Inc. will be on the left.

 

From the Eugene Airport

 

Take Airport Rd to OR-99 S in Eugene. Turn right onto OR-99 S (signs for State Hwy 99N/Eugene/Springfield). Turn left onto Bethel Dr. Turn left onto Roosevelt Blvd. Turn right onto N Garfield St. Turn right onto West 2nd Ave. Arcimoto, Inc. will be on the left.

 

From East of Eugene

 

Take US-20 W. Turn left onto OR-126 E. Continue onto I-105 W/OR-126 W. Exit onto OR-126 W/OR-99 N/W 6th Ave toward Florence. Turn right onto Garfield St. Turn left at the first cross street onto West 2nd Ave. Arcimoto, Inc. will be on the left.

 

From West of Eugene

 

Take OR-126 E. Turn left onto Randy Pape Beltline. Turn right onto Roosevelt Blvd, then turn right onto N Garfield St. Turn right onto West 2nd Ave. Arcimoto, Inc. will be on the left.

 

From South of Eugene

 

Get on I-5 N/OR-99 N. Take exit 194B to merge onto OR-126 W toward Eugene/I-105 W. Exit onto OR-126 W/OR-99 N/W 6th Ave toward Florence. Turn right onto Garfield St. Turn left at the first cross street onto West 2nd Ave. Arcimoto, Inc. will be on the left.

 

25