DEF 14A 1 proxy08072013a.htm NPS 08/07/2013 Notice & Proxy Statement

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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                    UQM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.                    

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UQM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

4120 Specialty Place

Longmont , Colorado 80504

 

 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 7, 2013

 

 The annual meeting of shareholders of UQM Technologies, Inc. will be held on August 7, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., Denver Time at the Golden Hotel, 800 Eleventh Street, Golden, CO 80401 for the following purposes:

  1. To elect a Board of six directors to serve for the ensuing year and thereafter until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

  2. To consider and vote upon a proposal to ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP to act as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014.

  3. To approve the amendment of the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares available for grant under stock option awards by 1,000,000 shares.

  4. To approve the amendment of the Stock Bonus Plan to increase the number of shares available for grant by 100,000 shares.

  5. To approve on an advisory basis the compensation for our named executive officers.

  6. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

The record date for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders has been fixed at June 11, 2013. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on that date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.                                                                                     

 

 June 12, 2013      By order of the Board of Directors

/s/ DAVID I. ROSENTHAL         

    David I. Rosenthal, Secretary                 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.   Please vote, whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, as soon as possible.   You may vote by using the internet or by telephone or by signing and returning the paper proxy card by mail. Your vote is being solicited by the Board of Directors.   If you attend the meeting, you may vote in person even though you have submitted a proxy.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE 

SHAREHOLDERS MEETING TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 7, 2013

 

Our Proxy Statement and Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K are available online at www.envisionreports.com/UQM.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Information on Voting

Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Compensation and Benefits Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Report of the Audit Committee

Management

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Executive Compensation

Employment Agreements

Payments and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

Director Compensation

Compensation and Benefits Committee Report

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Security Ownership of Certain Owners and Management

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Proposal 2:   Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditors

Proposal 3:   Vote Upon a Proposal to Approve the Amendment of the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares available for grant under stock option awards by 1,000,000 shares

Proposal 4:   Vote Upon a Proposal to Approve the Amendment of the Stock Bonus Plan to increase the number of shares available for grant by 100,000 shares

Proposal 5:   Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of our Named Executive Officers

Proposals by Shareholders

 

 


 

PROXY STATEMENT

 ____________________________

 UQM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

4120 Specialty Place

Longmont , Colorado 80504

 ____________________________

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 7, 2013

____________________________

 

This proxy statement and proxy card are furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies to be voted at our annual meeting of shareholders, which will be held at the Golden Hotel, 800 Eleventh Street, Golden, CO  80401, on August 7, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. Denver time.  On June 21, 2013, we began mailing to shareholders of record either a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials ("Notice") or this proxy statement and proxy card.

  TOC

Why am I receiving this proxy statement and proxy card?  

You have received these proxy materials because our Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares at the annual meeting. This proxy statement describes issues on which we would like you to vote at our annual meeting of shareholders. It also gives you information on these issues so that you can make an informed decision.  

The expense of this solicitation is being borne by the Company.   Further solicitation of proxies may be made by telephone or oral communication by regular employees of the Company, who will not be additionally compensated for this work or by Alliance Advisors, a proxy solicitation firm, which is being paid $8,250 for its services. 

Our Board of Directors has made this proxy statement and proxy card available to you on the Internet because you own shares of UQM Technologies, Inc. common stock, in addition to delivering printed versions of this proxy statement and proxy card by mail to certain shareholders who have requested this form of delivery.  

When you vote by using the Internet, by telephone or (if you received your proxy card by mail) by signing and returning the proxy card, you appoint David I. Rosenthal and Eric R. Ridenour as your representatives at the annual meeting. They will vote your shares at the annual meeting as you have instructed them or, if an issue that is not on the proxy card comes up for vote, in accordance with their best judgment. This way, your shares will be voted whether or not you attend the annual meeting. Even if you plan to attend the annual meeting, we encourage you to vote in advance by using the Internet, by telephone or (if you received your proxy card by mail) by signing and returning your proxy card.

 

Why did I receive a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials in the mail instead of a printed set of proxy materials?  

Pursuant to rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we are permitted to furnish our proxy materials over the Internet to our shareholders by delivering a Notice in the mail. We are sending the Notice to most shareholders. If you received a Notice by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials in the mail. Instead, the Notice instructs you on how to access and review the proxy statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K over the Internet.   The Notice also instructs you on how you may submit your proxy over the Internet.   If you received a Notice by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting these materials contained in the Notice. 

Shareholders who receive a printed set of proxy materials will not receive the Notice, but may still access our proxy materials and submit their proxies over the Internet at www.envisionreports.com/UQM.

 

Who is entitled to vote?  

Holders of our common stock at the close of business on June 11, 2013 are entitled to vote.   As of that date there were 37,028,364 shares of our $0.01 par value common stock outstanding, each share being entitled to one vote.   There are no other classes of voting securities.

  

How do I vote?  

Shareholders of record may vote by using the Internet, by telephone or (if you received a proxy card by mail) by mail as described below. Shareholders also may attend the meeting and vote in person.   If you own common shares through a bank or broker, please refer to your proxy card, Notice or other information forwarded by your bank or broker to see which voting options are available to you. 

 

You may vote by using the Internet.   The address of the website for Internet voting is www.envisionreports.com/UQM.  Internet voting is available 24 hours a day and will be accessible until 1:00 a.m. Eastern Time on August 7, 2013. Easy-to-follow instructions allow you to vote your shares and confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded.

 

 

 

 

You may vote by telephone.   The toll-free telephone number is noted on your proxy card. Telephone voting is available 24 hours a day and will be accessible until 1:00 a.m. Eastern Time on August 7, 2013. Easy-to-follow voice prompts allow you to vote your shares and confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded.

 

 

 

 

You may vote by mail.   If you received a proxy card by mail and choose to vote by mail, simply mark your proxy card, date and sign it, and return it in the postage-paid envelope.

The method you use to vote will not limit your right to vote at the annual meeting if you decide to attend in person. Written ballots will be passed out to anyone who wants to vote at the annual meeting. If you hold your shares in "street name," you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from the holder of record to be able to vote in person at the annual meeting.

 

What if I change my mind after I return my proxy?  

You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the polls close at the annual meeting. You may do this by:  

 

submitting a subsequent proxy by using the Internet, by telephone or by mail with a later date;

 

 

 

 

sending written notice of revocation to our Corporate Secretary at: 4120 Specialty Place, Longmont , CO 80504; or

 

 

 

 

voting in person at the annual meeting.

Attendance at the meeting will not by itself revoke a proxy.

   

How many votes do you need to hold the annual meeting and what is the required vote on each proposal?  

The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of one-third of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote will constitute a quorum. If a quorum is present, we can hold the annual meeting and conduct business.   If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented at the annual meeting and entitled to vote for each of the proposals is required for passage.   Cumulative voting is not allowed on any proposal.  

Shares that either abstain from voting on a proposal presented or which lack authority to vote will have no effect in the tabulation of votes on such proposal although they will be counted toward the presence of a quorum.  

No cumulative voting rights are authorized, and dissenters' rights are not applicable to these matters.  

 

On what items am I voting?  

You are being asked to vote on five items:  

 

to elect six directors nominated by the Board of Directors and named in the proxy statement to serve until our 2014 annual meeting of shareholders;

 

 

 

 

to ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accountants for the year ending March 31, 2014.

 

 

 

 

To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the amendment of the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares available for grant under stock option awards by 1,000,000 shares.

 

 

 

 

To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the amendment of the Stock Bonus Plan to increase the number of shares available for grant by 100,000 shares.

 

 

 

 

to approve, on an advisory basis, the executive compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement;

 

 

 

  

How may I vote in the election of directors, and how many votes must the nominees receive to be elected?  

With respect to the election of directors, for each of the six (6) director nominees you may:  

 

vote FOR the nominee for director; or

 

 

 

 

WITHHOLD approval of the nominee for director

 

 

 

At the annual meeting, a nominee will only be elected if the number of votes cast "for" the nominee's election is greater than the number of "withhold" votes cast with respect to that nominee.    

 

What happens if a nominee is unable to stand for election?  

If a nominee is unable to stand for election, the Board may either:  

 

reduce the number of directors that serve on the Board, or

 

 

 

 

designate a substitute nominee.

 

 

 

If the Board designates a substitute nominee, shares represented by proxies voted for the nominee who is unable to stand for election will be voted for the substitute nominee.  

   

How may I vote for the proposal to ratify the appointment of our independent registered public accountants, and how many votes must this proposal receive to pass?

With respect to this proposal, you may:  

 

vote FOR the ratification of the accountants;

 

 

 

 

vote AGAINST the ratification of the accountants; or

 

 

 

 

ABSTAIN from voting on the proposal.

 

 

 

In order to pass, the proposal must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented at the annual meeting and entitled to vote. If you abstain from voting on the proposal, it will have no effect in the tabulation of votes.

 

How may I vote for the proposal to approve the amendment of the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares available for grant under stock option awards by 1,000,000 shares and how many votes must this proposal receive to pass?  

With respect to this proposal, you may:  

 

vote FOR the approval of   the amendment of the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan;

 

 

 

 

vote AGAINST the approval of   the amendment of the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan; or

 

 

 

 

ABSTAIN from voting on the proposal.

 

 

 

In order to pass, the proposal must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes that could be cast at the annual meeting by the holders who are present in person or by proxy. If you abstain from voting on the proposal, it will have no effect in the tabulation of votes.

   

How may I vote for the proposal to approve the amendment of the Stock Bonus Plan to increase the number of shares available for grant by 100,000   shares and how many votes must this proposal receive to pass?  

With respect to this proposal, you may:  

 

vote FOR the approval of the amendment of the Stock Bonus Plan;

 

 

 

 

vote AGAINST the approval of the amendment of the Stock Bonus Plan; or

 

 

 

 

ABSTAIN from voting on the proposal.

In order to pass, the proposal must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes that could be cast at the annual meeting by the holders who are present in person or by proxy. If you abstain from voting on the proposal, it will have no effect in the tabulation of votes.

 

How may I vote on the proposal to approve, on an advisory basis, the executive compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement, and how many votes must this proposal receive to pass?  

With respect to this proposal, you may:  

 

vote FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of executive compensation;

 

 

 

 

vote AGAINST the approval, on an advisory basis, of executive compensation; or

 

 

 

 

ABSTAIN from voting on the proposal.

 

 

 

In order to pass, the proposal must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented at the annual meeting and entitled to vote. If you abstain from voting on the proposal, it will have no effect in the tabulation of votes.

 

How does the Board of Directors recommend that I vote?  

The Board recommends that you vote as follows:  

 

FOR all six director nominees;

 

 

 

 

FOR the ratification of the accountants;

 

 

 

 

FOR the approval of the amendment of the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan;

 

 

 

 

FOR the approval of the amendment of the Stock Bonus Plan; and

 

 

 

 

FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of executive compensation.

 

 

 

 

What happens if I sign and return my proxy card but do not provide voting instructions?

If you return a signed card but do not provide voting instructions, your shares will be voted as follows:

 

 

FOR all six director nominees;

 

 

 

 

FOR the ratification of the accountants;

 

 

 

 

FOR the approval of the amendment of the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan;

 

 

 

 

FOR the approval of the amendment of the Stock Bonus Plan; and

 

 

 

 

FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of executive compensation.

 

 

 

 

Will my shares be voted if I do not vote by using the Internet, by telephone or by signing and returning my proxy card?

If your shares are held in street name through a bank or broker, your bank or broker may only vote your shares under certain limited circumstances if you do not provide voting instructions before the annual meeting, in accordance with New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") rules that govern the banks and brokers. These circumstances include voting your shares on "routine matters," such as the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accountants described in this proxy statement (Proposal Number 2). With respect to Proposal Number 2, therefore, if you do not vote your shares, your bank or broker may vote your shares on your behalf or leave your shares unvoted.

The remaining proposals are not considered routine matters under NYSE rules relating to voting by banks and brokers. When a proposal is not a routine matter and the brokerage firm has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares with respect to that proposal, the brokerage firm cannot vote the shares on that proposal. This is called a "broker non-vote." Broker non-votes that are represented at the annual meeting will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum, but not for determining the number of shares voted for or against any non-routine matter, and therefore will have no effect on the outcome of the vote with respect to any non-routine matter.

IN ORDER TO HAVE YOUR VOTING PREFERENCES ON PROPOSAL NUMBER 1, 3, 4, AND 5 REFLECTED IN THE VOTING TABULATION YOU MUST PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS DIRECTLY TO YOUR BANK OR BROKERAGE FIRM VIA TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET OR BY VOTING AND MAILING THE PAPER PROXY CARD MAILED TO YOU.

 

What do I need to show to attend the annual meeting in person?

If your shares are held in street name through a bank or broker, you will need proof of your share ownership (such as a recent brokerage statement or letter from your broker showing that you owned shares of UQM Technologies, Inc. common stock as of June 11, 2013) and a form of photo identification. If you do not have proof of ownership and valid photo identification, you may not be admitted to the annual meeting.

Can I receive future proxy materials and annual reports electronically?

Yes. This proxy statement and the Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K are available on our website located at www.uqm.com. Instead of receiving paper copies in the mail, shareholders can elect to receive future annual reports and proxy materials over the internet. Opting to receive your proxy materials electronically will save us the cost of producing and mailing documents to you, will reduce the environmental impact of our annual meetings and will give you an automatic link to the proxy voting site.

To request electronic delivery of future materials please contact our transfer agent Computershare Trust Company, N.A. by telephone free of charge at 1-866-641-4276 or by e-mail at investorvote@computershare.com.

   

Will the voting results be announced by the Company?

Yes. We will report the voting results on Form 8-K within four business days following the conclusion of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.   The Form 8-K will be available through our website at www.uqm.com or at www.sec.gov.

 

Householding of Annual Meeting Materials

We, along with some banks, brokers and other nominee record holders may be participating in the practice of "Householding" proxy statements and annual reports.   This means that only one copy of the Company's Notice of Internet Availability Proxy Statement or Annual Report on Form 10-K may have been sent to multiple shareholders sharing a household.   The Company will promptly deliver a separate copy of either document to any shareholder upon written or oral request to the Secretary of the Company, UQM Technologies, Inc., 4120 Specialty Place, Longmont, Colorado 80504, telephone: (303) 682-4900.   Any Shareholder who wants to receive separate copies of the Proxy Statement or Annual Report on Form 10-K in the future, or any shareholder who is receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one per household, should contact the shareholder's bank, broker, or other nominee record holder, or the shareholder may contact the Company at the above address and phone number.

  TOC

  PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Pursuant to the bylaws of the Company, the Board of Directors sets the number of directors.   The Board of Directors currently consists of six members. The Board of Directors has nominated six candidates to stand for re-election to the Board of Directors, four of whom (Messrs. Roy, Vanlandingham, Sellinger and Sztykiel) are independent directors, as defined in the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the NYSE MKT Stock Exchange ("NYSE MKT") (the new name of the NYSE Amex Exchange).   The other two members are the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the Company's former Chief Executive Officer.   Proxies may not be voted for more than six persons.   The Board of Directors is not classified, and each director serves for a term of one year and thereafter until his successor is duly elected and qualified.  

At the Annual Meeting, the shareholders will elect six members to the Board of Directors.   In the absence of instructions to the contrary, the proxy holders will vote the shares represented by proxy in favor of the nominees listed below.   The Company expects each of the nominees listed below to be able to serve as a director.   If any nominee should become unavailable, however, it is intended that the proxy holders will vote for a substitute designated by management.  



           Name

Age

Position with the Company

Officer or

Director

Since

Business Experience
 

 

 

 

 
William G. Rankin

69

Chairman of the Board, Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee

1994

Chairman of the Board of Directors since February 2000; Chief Executive Officer from August 1999 through November 2010; President and Chief Operating Officer from January 1996 through August 2010.
 

 

 

 

 
Eric R. Ridenour

54

President and Chief Executive Officer

2010

Chief Executive Officer since December 2010.   President and Chief Operating Officer since September 2010. Consultant from September, 2007 to August 2010.   Chief Operating Officer, the Chrysler Group and member of the Board of Management, DaimlerChrysler AG from September 2005 to August 2007.
 

 

 

 

 
Stephen J. Roy

 

 

63

Director, Member of the Audit Committee and Compensation and Benefits Committee

2000

Principal, STL Capital Partners, LLC since 2002.   Managing Director- Investment Banking     for A. G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. from 1989 through 2002.
 

 

 

 

 
Donald W. Vanlandingham

73

Director, Member of the Compensation and Benefits Committee and Governance and Nominating Committee

2003

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ball Corporation from 2002 to 2003; President and Chief Executive Officer of Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corporation from 1996 to 2002.
 

 

 

 

 
Joseph P. Sellinger

67

Director, Member of the Audit Committee and Compensation and Benefits Committee

2008

Vice President Anheuser Busch Companies and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Anheuser Busch Packaging Group from 2000 to 2006.
 

 

 

 

 
John E. Sztykiel

56

Director, Member of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the   Governance and Nominating Committee

2012

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Spartan Motors, Inc. since June 2002.
 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

We have provided below information about each nominee's specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led our Board of Directors to conclude that the nominee should serve as a director of the Company at the time we are filing this proxy statement, in light of our business and corporate strategy.

Mr. Rankin, our Chairman, has been a member of our Board for over a decade and, until his retirement in November 2010, served as our Chief Executive Officer.   In that position and others, he served as an executive officer of the Company for a total eighteen years.   Mr. Rankin brings to the Board a deep understanding of the Company, its technologies, customers, competitors and the industry in which we operate.   We believe his historical knowledge of our research and product development efforts as well as his industry relationships cultivated over the last decade and a half provide valuable insight and guidance for our current management.   The Board benefits from this continuity of knowledge and experience.  

Mr. Ridenour, our Chief Executive Officer, was appointed to the Board in September 2010. The Board believes it is critical that Mr. Ridenour be a member of the Board to align the leadership and operation of the Company with the Board's oversight and direction.   Mr. Ridenour, with nearly three decades of experience in the automotive industry, brings deep and valuable industry knowledge and relationships to the Company.   Mr. Ridenour's experience as Chief Operating Officer of the Chrysler Group and member of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG, along with several other prior senior level appointments, brings significant expertise and insight to the Company.   From his experience with other companies, he brings an outside perspective and new ideas to the management of the Company.  

Mr. Roy has been an independent director of the Company for over a decade.   With 30 years of investment banking experience and eight years' experience as a principal and co-founder of a private equity business, Mr. Roy brings valuable insight to the Company in finance and accounting, capital markets and business analysis.   Mr. Roy has the financial background and skills to serve as an "audit committee financial expert."  

Mr. Vanlandingham has been an independent director of the Company for nine years.   He brings several years of leadership and management experience with a major technology and manufacturing company to his role on the Board.   With experience in overseeing development of technology and complex equipment with attention to development schedules and budgets, he brings valuable insight to the Board as it oversees the Company's operations and strategy.  

Mr. Sellinger has been an independent director of the Company since 2008.   He brings extensive senior management experience with a major manufacturing company to his role on the Board.   From his experience running a high volume manufacturing business with annual sales in excess of $1 billion, he provides valuable insight to the Board on operations, planning and implementation of strategy, risk management and other issues as the Company launches volume production of its products.  

Mr. Sztykiel has been an independent director of the Company since 2012.   Mr. Sztykiel has been the chief executive officer of a manufacturer of trucks and truck components for the last eleven years.   In this capacity, Mr. Sztykiel has extensive senior management and marketing experience in the North American truck market. Mr. Sztykiel's extensive management experience in a manufacturing company servicing the truck market provides valuable insight to the Board on strategy, marketing and manufacturing of the Company's products.  

No family relationship exists between any director, executive officer, significant employee or person nominated or chosen by the Company to become a director or executive officer.   There are no arrangements or understandings between any director and any other person pursuant to which any director was nominated as a director.  

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" EACH OF THE NOMINEES PRESENTED.



During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, the Board of Directors held meetings on ten occasions.   Each incumbent director attended or participated in more than 75 percent of the meetings of the Board of Directors and Board committees on which he served during the period he was a director.   The Company encourages directors to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders each year.   At the last Annual Meeting of Shareholders held August 8, 2012, all members of the Board of Directors attended. Participation at meetings was sometimes by telephone, which is authorized under Colorado law.   The non-management directors serving on the Board of Directors periodically meet as a group without management present.   None of the directors listed above have been involved during the last ten years in any legal proceedings that are material to an evaluation of the ability or integrity of that person to serve as a director of the Company.

Selecting Nominees for Director  

The Board has delegated to the Governance and Nominating Committee the responsibility for reviewing and recommending to the Board nominees for director.   The Governance and Nominating Committee in evaluating director candidates, considers factors such as professional background and skills, age and business experience, personal character and values, ethical standards, diversity, existing outside commitments and planned future commitments, among other things.   However, the Governance and Nominating Committee has not established any specific minimum criteria or qualifications that a nominee must possess.

The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for recommending nominees for election at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and for identifying one or more candidates to fill any vacancies that may occur on the Board.   The Governance and Nominating Committee may use a variety of sources to identify new candidates such as recommendations from independent directors or members of management, search firms, discussions with business associates and other persons who may know of suitable candidates to serve on the Board and shareholder recommendations.   Evaluation of candidates typically includes a review of the candidate's qualifications by the Governance and Nominating Committee based upon the factors described above, interviews with one or more members of the committee and interviews with one or more members of the Board.   The Governance and Nominating Committee then recommends suitable candidates to the full Board who then approves or rejects the nominee.  

The Governance and Nominating Committee will consider director candidates proposed by shareholders using the same evaluation criteria as for candidates recommended from other sources.   Any shareholder interested in submitting a prospective nominee for consideration by the Board of Directors should submit the candidate's name and qualifications addressed to: Corporate Secretary at 4120 Specialty Place , Longmont , Colorado 80504.  

Board Diversity  

Our Board is comprised of accomplished professionals who represent diverse and key areas of expertise including, national and international business, operations, marketing, manufacturing, finance and investing, management, entrepreneurship, government and science, research and technology.   While we do not have a formal diversity policy with respect to director nominations, we believe that the diversity of skills, knowledge, opinions and fields of expertise represented on our Board is one of the Board's core strengths.   When identifying and selecting director nominees, the Governance and Nominating Committee considers the impact a nominee would have in terms of increasing the diversity of the Board with respect to professional experience, background, viewpoints, skills and areas of expertise together with considering diversity of race, gender and national origin of potential director candidates.   We believe that the resulting diversity of directors allows the Board to engage in honest and challenging discussions, in service of the best decisions for the Company and its shareholders.   The diversity of our directors' skills allows each director an opportunity to provide specific leadership in his or her respective areas of expertise.    

Board Leadership Structure  

We have a Board leadership structure whereby the positions of Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer are separate.   We believe this structure provides the Board with independent leadership and oversight of management and allows the Chief Executive Officer to concentrate on the Company's business operations.  

Our Board of Directors is comprised of six directors, five of whom are non-management directors and four of whom are independent directors.   All of our independent and non-management directors are highly accomplished and experienced business people in their respective fields, who have demonstrated leadership in significant enterprises and are familiar with board processes.   For additional information about the backgrounds and qualifications of our directors, see "Election of Directors" in this proxy statement.    

Our Board has three committees - Audit, Compensation and Benefits, and Governance and Nominating.   Each of the Audit and Compensation and Benefits committees is comprised entirely of independent directors and is led by a Committee Chair.   A majority of the members and the Committee Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee are independent directors.   For additional information on the responsibilities of each of these Board committees see "Committees of the Board" in this proxy statement.     

Mr. Roy serves as the committee chair and audit committee financial expert on the Audit Committee and in this role exercises substantial influence and judgment over the Company's financial affairs and financial reporting.   All of our non-management directors are encouraged to, and do, actively participate in the development of the Company's business strategy in collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer and in the general oversight of the Company's operations and financial affairs.  

Mr. Vanlandingham serves as the committee chair of the Compensation and Benefits Committee.   In this role, he exercises substantial influence and judgment over the Company's compensation practices, particularly as it relates to the structure and competitiveness of the Company's executive compensation.  

Mr. Sztykiel serves as the committee chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee. In this role, he exercises substantial influence and judgment over the Company's governance policies and the identification and evaluation of candidates for our Board of Directors.  

We believe the current Board leadership structure facilitates effective communication, oversight and governance of the Company consistent with the best interests of the Company's shareholders and other stakeholders.    

Board Risk Oversight  

Our Company faces a number of risks including financial, operational, reputational, credit and liquidity, governance and regulatory.   The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are primarily responsible for identifying, assessing and managing these risks.   The Board of Directors provides additional risk oversight in several ways, including: 1) discussing internal controls and financial reporting annually through review and approval of the Company's annual budget, including a review of potential risks that could negatively impact the proposed budget and plan; 2) performing regular reviews with management regarding the Company's liquidity and capital requirements; and 3) engaging in periodic discussions regarding operational, regulatory and other risks with our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other Company officers, as it deems appropriate.    

Committees of the Board  

The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, a Compensation and Benefits Committee, and a Governance and Nominating Committee. The Audit Committee has a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors that specifies its duties including assisting the Board of Directors in its general oversight of the Company's financial reporting, internal controls and audit functions, and its direct responsibility for the appointment, retention, compensation and oversight of the independent auditors.   A copy of the Company's Audit Committee charter is available on our website at www.uqm.com "Who We Are - Corporate Governance links".   The Audit Committee consists of three directors, Messrs. Roy, Sellinger and Sztykiel and met four times during Fiscal Year 2013.   All members of the Audit Committee are independent directors as defined in applicable rules of the NYSE MKT and the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").   The Board has determined that Mr. Roy meets the qualifications of an "audit committee financial expert" in accordance with SEC rules. See also "Report of the Audit Committee" below.    

The Compensation and Benefits Committee reviews the performance and compensation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and administers the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan and Stock Bonus Plan.   The Compensation and Benefits Committee consists of three directors. Messrs. Roy, Vanlandingham and Sellinger, and met twelve times during Fiscal Year 2013.   Mr. Vanlandingham serves as chair of this committee. All members of the Compensation and Benefits Committee are independent directors as defined in applicable rules of the NYSE MKT and the SEC.   The Compensation and Benefits Committee has a written charter specifying its responsibilities which is available on our website at www.uqm.com  "Who We Are - Corporate Governance links."  

The Governance and Nominating Committee considers such matters as whether the size and composition of the Board is appropriate in the context of the Company's business operations, monitors and addresses issues related to corporate governance and suggests changes when it deems appropriate.   The Governance and Nominating Committee has a written charter specifying its responsibilities.   See also "Selecting Nominees for Director" above. The Governance and Nominating Committee consists of three directors, Messrs. Sztykiel, Rankin and Vanlandingham.   Messrs. Sztykiel and Vanlandingham are independent directors as defined in applicable rules of the NYSE MKT and the SEC. The Governance and Nominating Committee met eight times during Fiscal Year 2013.  

TOC

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

The Company's Compensation and Benefits Committee currently consists of three independent directors, Messrs. Roy, Vanlandingham and Sellinger. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, Messrs. Roy, Vanlandingham and Sellinger were not officers or employees of the Company or its subsidiaries, were not former officers or employees of the Company or its subsidiaries and did not have any relationship with the Company or its subsidiaries or any interlocking relationships with other entities requiring disclosure.  

Communications from Shareholders to the Board of Directors  

The Board of Directors recommends that any communications from shareholders be in writing and addressed to the Board in care of the Corporate Secretary, 4120 Specialty Place, Longmont, Colorado 80504.   The name of any specific intended Board members should be noted in the communication.   The Board has instructed the Corporate Secretary to forward such correspondence only to the intended recipients; however, the Board has also authorized the Corporate Secretary, prior to forwarding any correspondence, to review the correspondence, and in his discretion, not to forward certain items if they are deemed frivolous, of inconsequential commercial value or otherwise inappropriate for Board consideration.  

Code of Ethics  

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct that applies to all directors, officers, employees, consultants, representatives and agents. The Code of Ethics and Business Conduct which is available on our website at www.uqm.com "Who We Are - Corporate Governance links."   If the Company makes any substantive amendments to the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct or grants any waiver from a provision of the Code to any executive officer or director, the Company will promptly disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on its website.  

  TOC

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE1

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has furnished the following report on its activities:  

The Committee appointed the independent auditors Grant Thornton LLP to serve for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 and this selection was ratified by the Company's shareholders on August 8, 2012.   The Committee reviewed and discussed the financial statements included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the audited financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 with Grant Thornton LLP.   The meetings and discussions included the matters required to be discussed by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61.   The Committee also reviewed with management and the independent auditors the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity and quality of disclosures in the financial statements, not just the acceptability of the Company's accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Committee under generally accepted auditing standards.   The independent auditors also provided to the Committee the written disclosures and the letter required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB").   The Committee discussed with the independent auditors their independence from management and the Company, including the matters in the written disclosures required by the PCAOB, and considered whether the independent auditors' provision of non-audit services is compatible with the auditors' independence.    

In accordance with the Audit Committee policy and applicable law, the Audit Committee pre-approves all auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for the Company by our independent auditor, Grant Thornton LLP (subject to de minimis exceptions for non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act which are approved by the Audit Committee prior to completion of the audit).   Non-audit services, such as tax return preparation, are provided by service providers other than Grant Thornton LLP.  

The Committee discussed with the Company's independent auditors the overall scope and plans for their audit and met with the auditors, to discuss the results of their examinations, their consideration and testing of the Company's internal controls as part of their audit, and the overall quality of the Company's financial reporting.   The Committee also reviewed the Company's disclosure controls.   Four Audit Committee meetings were held during the fiscal year.  

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2013 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.   

 

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors:  

Stephen J. Roy

Joseph P. Sellinger

John E. Sztykiel

 

May 21, 2013

 


[1] The material in this report is not "soliciting material," is not deemed "filed" with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation contained in such filing.

 

TOC

MANAGEMENT

The executive officers of the Company are:  

Name

Age

                             Position

 

Eric R. Ridenour 

54

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

David I. Rosenthal

58

Treasurer, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer

 

Jon Lutz

43

Vice President of Engineering
 

 

 
Adrian P. Schaffer

50

Vice President of Sales and Business Development
 

 

 
Joseph R. Mitchell

51

Vice President of Operations

Eric R. Ridenour joined the Company in September, 2010 as President and Chief Operating Officer and was appointed to the Board of Directors.   In December 2010, Mr. Ridenour assumed the additional responsibility of Chief Executive Officer.   Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Ridenour was a consultant from September 2007 to August 2010.   From September 2005 to August 2007, Mr. Ridenour Served as Chief Operating Officer of the Chrysler Group and was a member of the Board of Management, DaimlerChrysler AG.  

David I. Rosenthal joined the Company as Treasurer, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer on May 1, 2013.   From March 2011 until joining the Company, Mr. Rosenthal was a Financial Consultant for start-up and turnaround companies. From February 2010 until February 2011, Mr. Rosenthal was a director and served as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Cyanotech Corporation, a publicly-traded manufacturer of nutritional supplement products. From May 2008 until March 2009, Mr. Rosenthal served as Chief Financial Officer for Hickory Farms and from June 2007 until November 2007 served as Chief Financial Officer of Sanz, Inc., both portfolio companies of the private-equity firm Sun Capital Partners.  

Jon Lutz was appointed Vice President of Engineering on April 1, 2011.   Mr. Lutz served as Vice President of Technology from September 2007 to March 2011.   From 2000 to 2007, Mr. Lutz served as Director of Engineering and prior to that as Motor Group Manager and Motor Magnetics Design Engineer.  Mr. Lutz joined the Company in February 1993.  

Adrian P. Schaffer joined the Company on December 1, 2011 as Vice President of Sales and Business Development.   From February 2006 until joining the Company, Mr. Schaffer served as Vice President of Sales for the Industrial, Commercial and Energy Group of Linamar Corporation, a leading supplier to the global vehicle and mobile industrial markets. Mr. Schaffer also spent thirteen years with Motorola Corporation where he held positions in sales, business development and account management in Motorola's Telematics, Powertrain, Autobody and Heavy Vehicle Electronics Groups, including most recently as Director of Global Marketing for the global automotive group.  

Joseph R. Mitchell joined the Company on June 1, 2012 as Vice President of Operations.   From March 2012 until joining the Company, Mr. Mitchell was Director of Quality, North America , for A123 Systems, Inc. Mr. Mitchell served as Director, Operations and Quality - North American Hybrid Electric Drives for Continental Automotive from January 2008 through March 2012. From January 2007 through January 2008, Mr. Mitchell served as Director of Operations and Hybrid Drive Segment Manager for Siemens VDO. Prior to that, Mr. Mitchell held a series of manufacturing and quality positions at Ford Motor Company.  

There are no arrangements or understandings between any executive officer and any other person pursuant to which any executive officer was selected as an executive officer.  

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance  

Under the securities laws of the United States, the Company's directors, its executive (and certain other) officers, and any persons holding more than ten percent of the Company's common stock are required to report their ownership of the Company's common stock and any changes in that ownership to the Securities and Exchange Commission.   The Company is required to report in this statement any failure to file timely reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission during Fiscal Year 2013.   Based solely on its review of Form 3, Form 4 and Form 5 filings, the Company believes that all required reports were filed timely during Fiscal Year 2013 with the exception of filings by Messrs. Rankin, Sellinger, Granrud and Vanlandingham, each of whom had one delinquent filing relating to the expiration of out-of-the-money stock options and two delinquent filings by Mr. Lutz reporting the expiration of out-of-the-money stock options. All required filings have subsequently been made by each of the foregoing individuals.   We are taking steps to improve our filing process.  

TOC  

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives  

Our executive compensation programs are designed with the objectives of attracting, motivating and retaining highly qualified executives, providing performance-based incentives for the attainment of strategic business objectives, rewarding superior performance and aligning the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders.  

Our management compensation program has three primary components:  

Base pay

Provides an annual salary level consistent with market conditions, the individuals' position, responsibility and contributions.

 

 

Bonus

Provides variable cash compensation based on the achievement of Company, organizational and individual performance objectives.

 

 

Long-term equity-based incentive pay

Aligns a portion of each executive's annual compensation to the long-term success of the Company and encourages an ownership mindset that aligns the interests of management with those of the Company's other shareholders.

The base pay component of executive compensation is specified in employment agreements with our executive officers.   It may be increased, but not decreased without the consent of the executive, by the Board at any time and is payable semi-monthly in cash.   Bonus payments are performance-based payments that are payable annually in cash. Long-term equity-based incentive awards consist of shares of the Company's common stock, stock options to acquire shares of the Company's common stock or a combination of both.   Cash bonus payments and long-term incentive grants are determined by the Compensation and Benefits Committee based principally on objective criteria consisting of each executive officer's achievement of personal and Company-wide goals.   Payments of bonus awards each fiscal year are based on a retrospective review of the prior fiscal year's performance.   The Compensation and Benefits Committee is scheduled to review in July 2013 to what extent the executive officers achieved these personal and Company-wide goals during the past fiscal year and will determine bonus amounts for performance of those Fiscal Year 2013 goals at that time.   Accordingly, the bonus amounts in the tables below represent compensation paid or awarded early in Fiscal Year 2013 for performance against Fiscal Year 2012 goals.   The amount of the cash bonus payment and long-term incentive grant for each executive were determined based on the Committee's deliberations regarding attainment of individual and Company-wide goals by Company executives.   The Committee's determination of the degree of attainment of individual and Company-wide goals by each executive was subjective and based on the Committee's deliberations.   The principal Company-wide goals for Fiscal Year 2012 included the following:  

* Successfully merge UQM Power Products into UQM Technologies to streamline operations

* Recruit a Vice President of Business Development and Sales with an automotive industry background

* Develop a China market penetration strategy and identify potential partners

* Successfully complete the development of the PowerPhase HD 220 system

* Launch development of the next generation motor and controller products

* Obtain funding from the Department of Energy to support the development of a motor design that does not utilize rare earth magnets

* Successfully launch production for CODA Automotive

   

The principal Company-wide goals for Fiscal Year 2013 used in determining bonus payments for the executive officers include the following:  

* Grow top line revenue

* Develop and launch new high quality product

* Improve new product cost position

* Improve operations

* Improve support systems  

The Compensation and Benefits Committee also considered a number of other macro and principally subjective factors in setting bonus compensation and long-term incentive compensation for each executive officer including each executive officer's contribution to a variety of   subjective Company-wide goals such as new customer and market development activities, supply chain optimization and improvement, technology base enhancements, new product development and launch activities, enhancement to the liquidity and visibility of the Company's common stock in the public trading markets and financing and capital raising activities, among other things.    

The Compensation and Benefits Committee is composed of three members of our Board of Directors.   Each of the Committee members are independent directors as defined in applicable rules of the NYSE MKT and the SEC.   The Compensation and Benefits Committee does not delegate its authority to establish executive compensation to any other persons.   The Compensation and Benefits Committee approved the total compensation (and each of the individual elements of compensation) for Eric R. Ridenour, President and Chief Executive Officer.   The Committee also approved the compensation of the other executive officers with input from the Chief Executive Officer.    

While the Compensation and Benefits Committee does not set benchmark percentile targets for executive compensation, the compensation levels for the three primary elements of executive compensation are generally set to establish pay levels that are competitive with those of the identified peer group of companies.   The amount of compensation allocated to each of the elements of compensation varies by individual and is based on the responsibility level of the individual and the attainment of Company-wide and individual goals.  

The Compensation and Benefits Committee uses the compensation and benefit consulting firm Towers Watson to assist it in establishing appropriate compensation for the Company's executives.   The Committee reviews compensation data from a peer group of alternative energy companies that it believes compete with the Company in the marketplace for executive talent.   The peer group companies are:   Mechanical Technology Inc., Enova Systems Inc., Active Power Inc., Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc., Valence Technology Inc., Capstone Turbine Corporation, Altair Nanotechnologies Inc., Maxwell Technologies Inc., Plug Power Inc., Verenium Corporation, ECOtality, Inc. and Electrovaya Inc. The Company anticipates that it may engage a compensation consultant at an interval of every three to five years to assist it in evaluating the competitiveness of its executive compensation program.  

We have entered into multi-year employment agreements with all of our executive officers that contain voluntary and involuntary severance payment provisions, including change in control severance payments, post-retirement medical insurance and provide a modest program of executive perquisites and personal benefits as are further described in the section "Employment Agreements" below.  

2012 Say-on-Pay Advisory Vote  

At our 2012 annual meeting of the Company's shareholders, over 76% of the Company's shareholders approved, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers.   While the Compensation and Benefits Committee considered the results of the advisory vote on executive compensation, it did not make any changes to our executive compensation program.  

Elements of Compensation  

Base Salary.   Base salaries for our executives are established based on the scope of their responsibilities, taking into account competitive market compensation for similar positions in the peer group of companies, as well as the experience and performance of the individual, our ability to replace the individual and other primarily judgmental factors deemed relevant by the Compensation and Benefits Committee.   Base salaries are reviewed annually by the Compensation and Benefits Committee and the Board of Directors and may be adjusted (upward only, in accordance with the terms of executive employment agreements) from time to time coincident with our annual review.    

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, the approximate increase in annual base salary for each executive is as follows:   Mr. Ridenour 2.6%, Mr. French 2.7%, Mr. Schaffer 1.5% and Mr. Lutz 2.5%. Mr. Mitchell, who joined the Company in the 2013 Fiscal Year, did not receive an increase in base salary. Increases in base salary for Messrs. Ridenour, French, Schaffer and Lutz during Fiscal Year 2013 consisted of cost of living and merit based adjustments.  

Benefit Plans. The Company's executive officers may participate in benefit plans generally available to all employees including health, dental and life insurance, long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) retirement plan and employee stock purchase plan. Each executive also receives health and life insurance and certain other benefits more fully described below under the heading "Employment Agreements - Health and Life Insurance and Other Benefits.  

Cash Bonus Compensation. The Compensation and Benefits Committee annually considers the award of performance-based cash bonuses to compensate executives for achieving financial, operational and strategic goals and for individual performance.   The amount of cash bonuses, if any, is established during deliberations by the Committee using its judgment after considering the objective and subjective factors discussed above and the individual's performance. As a result, bonuses may vary greatly from one year to the next.  

The Compensation and Benefits Committee has established target cash bonus levels for each executive officer based on the level of responsibility for each executive position and by reference to the level of target cash bonus payments by the peer group of companies. The target cash bonus levels for each of the Company's executive officers as a percentage of each officer's base salary is as follows:  

Name of Executive Officer

Target Bonus

Percentage

Eric R. Ridenour

100%

Donald A. French(1)

45%

David I. Rosenthal(2)

40%

Jon Lutz

25%

Adrian P. Schaffer

25%

Joseph R. Mitchell(3)

25%

(1)   Mr. French retired from the Company on May 31, 2013.

(2)   Mr. Rosenthal joined the Company on May 1, 2013.

(3)   Mr. Mitchell joined the Company on June 1, 2012.

Actual cash bonus payments may either exceed or be less than the target level based on the Compensation and Benefit Committee's judgment as to whether individual and Company-wide goals were met, exceeded or partially-met.    

Our fiscal year ends on March 31.   Cash bonuses paid to executive officers in early Fiscal Year 2013 for their performance against Fiscal Year 2012 goals, as a percentage of their base salary, were as follows:  


Name of Executive Officer

Bonus Percentage

      Paid      

Eric R. Ridenour

80%

Donald A. French(1)

36%

David I. Rosenthal(2)

n/a 

Jon Lutz

20%

Adrian P. Schaffer(3)

10%

Joseph R. Mitchell(4)

n/a

(1)     Mr. French retired from the Company on May 31, 2013.

(2)     Mr. Rosenthal joined the Company on May 1, 2013.

(3)     Mr. Schaffer joined the Company on December 1, 2011.

(4)     Mr. Mitchell joined the Company on June 1, 2012.

Bonuses earned by executive officers for Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2013 have not yet been determined.   These bonuses will be awarded and paid in July, 2013 as determined by the Compensation and Benefits Committee.    

Long-Term Incentive Compensation  

The Compensation and Benefits Committee annually considers the award of long-term incentive compensation to compensate executive officers for their efforts in positioning the Company for long-term growth. The Compensation and Benefits Committee considers a number of subjective factors in setting the long-term incentive compensation for each executive officer, including the specific goals listed above as well as each executive officer's contribution to a variety of   other Company-wide goals such as new customer and market development activities, supply chain optimization and improvement, technology base enhancements, new product development and launch activities, enhancement to the liquidity and visibility of the Company's common stock in the public trading markets and financing and capital raising activities, among other things.   Subjective criteria are generally used to establish goals and objectives that the Board believes add value to the Company and enhance its prospects for long-term growth and success.   The Compensation and Benefits Committee has established target levels for long-term incentive compensation for each executive officer based on the level of responsibility for each executive position and by reference to the level of target cash bonus payments (on a percentage of base salary basis) by the peer group of companies. The target long-term incentive compensation level for each of the Company's executive officers as a percentage of each officer's base salary is as follows:                                                               

Name of Executive Officer

Target Long-Term Incentive

Compensation Percentage

Eric R. Ridenour

100%

Donald A. French(1)

75%

David I. Rosenthal(2)

65%

Jon Lutz

50%

Adrian P. Schaffer(3)

50%

Joseph R. Mitchell(4)

50%

(1)    Mr. French retired from the Company on May 31, 2013.

(2)    Mr. Rosenthal joined the Company on May 1, 2013.

(3)    Mr. Schaffer joined the Company on December 1, 2011.

(4)    Mr. Mitchell joined the Company on June 1, 2012.

The Compensation and Benefits Committee has not established quantitative formulas or other calculations to determine the amount of long-term incentive compensation, nor has it established a ceiling level or amount.   The amount of long-term incentive compensation, if any, is established during deliberations by the Committee using its judgment after considering the subjective factors discussed above, individual performance and future potential and the long-term incentive compensation for similar positions in our peer group of companies.   As a result, long-term incentive compensation may vary greatly from one year to the next.    

Long-term incentive compensation may be paid in the form of Company common stock, or in the form of a grant of stock options or any combination of the foregoing.   The Committee believes that equity-based compensation awards may aid in the retention of the executive and serve to align the interests of the executive with those of the Company's other shareholders. Equity-based compensation awards to Mr. French vested immediately due to his length of service with the Company.   Equity-based compensation awards to the other executive officers have a future service requirement (vesting period) of three years.  

The fair value of long-term incentive compensation awards granted to executive officers in Fiscal Year 2013 for their performance against Fiscal Year 2012 goals, as a percentage of their base salary were as follows:  

Name of Executive Officer

Actual Long-Term

  Incentive Compensation

     Percentage Awarded      

Stock Options

# of Shares

Stock Awards

# of Shares

Eric R. Ridenour

100%

411,290     

190,989    

Donald A. French

75%

185,080     

85,945    

David I. Rosenthal

n/a

-

-

Jon Lutz

50%

96,290     

44,714    

Adrian P. Schaffer

37%

71,854     

33,367    

Joseph R. Mitchell

13%

24,193     

11,234    

Mr. Mitchell received a grant of stock options upon joining the Company as a signing bonus.  

Awards of Equity-Based Compensation  

We may pay long-term incentive compensation to executives in the form of stock bonus awards or stock options as discussed above.   To the extent we grant equity-based compensation to executives in connection with our Compensation and Benefits Committee's review of annual executive compensation, the grants will ordinarily be made in early July, in connection with commencement of employment or other times designated by the Committee.   We grant stock options to executives with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company's common stock on the NYSE MKT Stock Exchange on the date of grant.   The date of grant for all stock option grants is the date the Compensation and Benefits Committee formally authorizes and approves the grant or commencement of employment, if later.   The grant date is documented by minutes of a meeting of the Compensation and Benefits Committee.  

The Compensation and Benefits Committee may also grant equity-based compensation throughout the year to key employees or executives depending on the circumstances.   These grants may result from a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the hiring of a new employee, the desire to retain an existing employee, the reward of extraordinary individual performance, as an incentive for an executive to renew an employment agreement or as a reward for Company performance or individual accomplishments of exceptional value to the Company and its shareholders.    

Employment Agreements  

Each executive officer has an employment agreement with the Company.   The agreements provide for compensation in the form of annual base salary, which cannot be decreased during the term of the agreement without the consent of the executive, a monthly automobile allowance, the opportunity for cash bonuses, stock awards and stock options and employee benefits available to other Company employees.   The agreements also provide for potential payments upon termination, voluntary retirement, voluntary or involuntary severance and termination upon a change in control.    

  The purpose of the employment agreements is to provide financial security for the executive, to aid in retention and to encourage loyalty to and long-term employment with the Company.   For additional information, see the section "Employment Agreements" below.  

Tax and Accounting Considerations  

All elements of our employee and executive compensation program generate charges to earnings under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.   Our allocations of the elements of total compensation are generally not influenced by the accounting treatment of each element.   We do, however, consider the tax treatment of compensation elements as one factor in the allocation of each element.  

We do not have a policy addressing recovery of variable pay in the event financial results underlying any such compensation are restated.   If such an event does occur, our Compensation and Benefits Committee would determine the appropriate action under the circumstances or in accordance with then applicable law.

TOC

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following tables and narrative discuss the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other highly compensated officers determined under the Securities and Exchange Commission rules for compensation earned or paid in Fiscal Years ended on March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.   These persons are referred to as our named executive officers.  

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2013(1)

        Name and      

 

 

 

 

 

All other

 

         Principal     

Fiscal

 

 

Stock

Option

compen-

 

         Position       

year ended

Salary

Bonus

awards(4)

awards(4)

sation(7)

Total

 

 

($)

($)

($)

($)

($)

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eric R. Ridenour

2013  

434,625   

340,000

170,000 

255,000    

20,144    

1,219,769   

  President and Chief

2012  

420,629   

390,000

212,500 

212,500    

17,732    

1,253,361   

  Executive Officer

2011(2)      

227,509   

150,000

150,000 

200,000    

44,765    

772,274   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Donald A. French

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Treasurer, Secretary

2013(3)      

261,125   

91,800    

76,500    

117,917    

20,751    

568,093   

  and Chief Financial

2012   

253,803   

110,000    

95,623    

97,169    

19,957    

576,552   

  Officer

2011   

238,765   

100,000    

91,000    

78,000    

19,235    

527,000   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Jon Lutz

2013   

203,375   

39,800    

39,800    

61,027    

15,931    

359,933   

  Vice President of

2012    

198,003   

38,000    

49,750    

50,982    

15,849    

352,584   

   Engineering

2011    

188,413   

50,000    

45,000    

48,000    

15,683    

347,096   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adrian P. Schaffer

2013   

202,625   

19,800    

29,700    

44,550    

35,765    

332,440   

  Vice President of Sales

2012 (5)     

66,674   

77,300    

-

28,000    

21,927    

193,901   

  and Business Development

2011    

-

-

-

-

-

 -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph   Mitchell

2013 (6)     

166,667   

-

10,000    

32,750    

88,773    

298,190   

Vice President of

2012    

-

-

-

-

-

 -

Operations

2011    

-

-

-

-

-

 -

(1)    Bonus payments, if any, represent payments related to Fiscal Year 2012 performance against goals, because such compensation has not been determined for Fiscal Year 2013. 

(2)   Mr. Ridenour was hired on September 1, 2010 as President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Ridenour became Chief Executive Officer on December 1, 2010. The 2011 bonus, stock and option award compensation represent amounts for Mr. Ridenour as a signing bonus and were not a part of his annual performance-based compensation. 

(3)   Mr. French retired from the Company on May 31, 2013. Pursuant to the terms of Mr. French's employment agreement he will receive a severance retirement payment on July 1, 2013 of $524,000. Please see "Payments and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control" below for additional information. 

(4)   The amounts reported in the stock and option awards' columns represent the aggregate grant date fair value computed pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718 in the Company's financial statements, not reduced by the estimated forfeiture rate. The assumptions used in determining the fair value are contained in footnote 2 to the Company's consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. 

(5)   Mr. Schaffer was hired on December 1, 2011 as Vice President of Sales and Business Development. The 2012 stock option award and other compensation represent amounts paid to Mr. Schaffer as a signing bonus and were not a part of his annual performance-based compensation. 

(6)   Mr. Mitchell was hired on June 1, 2012 as Vice President of Operations. The 2013 stock option award and other compensation represent amounts paid to Mr. Mitchell as a signing bonus and were not a part of his annual performance-based compensation. 

(7)   Amounts reported in the all other compensation column above are comprised of the following items:

 

All Other Compensation  

 

 

 

Moving,

 

 

 

professional

 Fiscal 

401(k) plan

Employer

dues,

 

Year  

matching

Automobile

paid life

education

 

Name 

 ended 

 contributions

 allowance 

   insurance(1)

  & other  

Total   

 

 

($)

($)

($)

($)

($)    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Eric R. Ridenour

2013

-

9,720

  3,770       

   6,654(2)

20,144

  President and Chief

2012

-

9,720

  3,626       

   4,386(3)

17,732

  Executive Officer

2011

-

5,670

  1,178       

 37,917(4)

44,765

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Donald A. French

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Treasurer, Secretary

2013

  7,534

9,720

  3,043      

   454

   20,751

  and Chief Financial

2012

  7,368

9,720

  2,429      

   440

   19,957

  Officer

2011

  7,326

9,720

  2,049      

   140

   19,235

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Jon Lutz

2013

  5,703

9,720

  272      

   236

   15,931

  Vice President of

2012

  5,536

9,720

    266      

   327

   15,849

  Engineering

2011

  5,495

9,720

    254      

   214

   15,683

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Adrian P. Schaffer

2013

  2,222

9,720

   1,356      

  22,467(5) 

   35,765

  Vice President of Sales

2012

739      

3,240

    121      

  17,827(6) 

   21,927

  and Business Development

2011

-

-

-           

-

-      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph Mitchell

2013

  5,757

8,100

   388      

  74,528(7) 

   88,773

 Vice President of

2012

-

-

-           

-

-      

 Operations

2011

-

-

-           

-

-      

 (1)  Premiums paid by the Company on Company-owned insurance policies to insure the salary continuation provisions contained in executive employment agreements which provide for the payment of three years annual base salary to the estate of the executive in the event of his death during the term of the employment agreement.   

 (2)  Includes moving expense reimbursements of $4,586 and income tax gross-ups on moving expenses of $2,068.

 (3)  Includes moving expense reimbursements of $3,557 and income tax gross-ups on moving expenses of $829.

 (4)   Includes moving and temporary living expense reimbursements of $20,741, income tax gross-ups on moving and temporary living expenses of $10,046 and legal fees of $7,130. 

 (5)   Includes moving and temporary living expense reimbursements of $15,484 and income tax gross-ups on moving expenses of $6,983. 

 (6)   Includes moving and temporary living expense reimbursements of $16,575 and income tax gross-ups on moving and temporary living expenses of $1,252. 

 (7)   Includes moving and temporary living expense reimbursements of $51,326 and income tax gross-ups on moving and temporary living expenses of $23,202. 

 

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2013

     

All other

   
 

 

 

option

 

Grant    

 

 

All other

awards:

 

date fair  

 

 

stock

Number of

Exercise

value of  

 

 

awards:

securities

price of

stock and 

     Grant

Number of

underlying

option

option   

Name

    date 

   shares of stock(1)

  options  

awards

   awards(3)

 

 

(#)

(#)

($/Sh)

($)      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Eric R. Ridenour 07/12/12    

190,989          

 

 

170,000   

  07/12/12(2)

          

411,290    

0.89

255,000   

   

          

 

 

 

Donald A. French 04/02/12(6)

 

5,225    

1.22

1,463   

  07/02/12(6)

 

8,972    

0.73

1,704   

  07/12/12    

85,945          

 

 

76,500   

  07/12/12(2)

          

185,080    

0.89

114,750   

   

          

 

 

 

 Jon Lutz 07/02/12(6)

 

6,986    

0.73

1,327   

  07/12/12    

44,714          

 

 

39,800   

  07/12/12(2)

          

96,290    

0.89

59,700   

   

          

 

 

 

Adrian P. Schaffer 07/12/12    

33,367          

 

 

29,700   

  07/12/12(2)

          

71,854    

0.89

44,550   

   

          

 

 

 

 Joseph Mitchell 06/01/12(5)

          

    25,000    

1.03

17,750   

  07/12/12    

11,234          

    

 

10,000   

  07/12/12(2)

          

24,193    

0.89

15,000   

 (1)  Represents awards granted under the UQM Technologies, Inc. Stock Bonus Plan. The fair value of the shares granted is calculated using the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.

 (2)  Represents stock option awards granted under the UQM Technologies, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.

 (3)  The grant date fair value is the amount computed under FASB ASC Topic 718. The fair value of stock options is computed utilizing the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model.   The assumptions used in determining the fair value are contained in footnote 2 to the Company's consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.  

 (4)  Represents an award under the UQM Technologies, Inc. Stock Bonus Plan as a signing bonus.

 (5)  Represents a stock option award under the UQM Technologies, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, as a signing bonus.

 (6)  Represents a stock option award under the terms of our Employee Stock Purchase Plan.   

Stock Awards  

We granted stock awards under the Company's Stock Bonus Plan.   The shares of common stock granted to Mr. French vested immediately due to his length of service with the Company and the shares granted to the other executive officers vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date.  

Option Awards

We granted option awards under the Company's 2012 Equity Incentive Plan.   The options granted to Mr. French vested immediately due to his length of service with the Company and the options granted to the other executive officers vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date.   The options granted consisted of incentive and non-qualified stock options and are exercisable for a term of ten years from the date of grant.   The exercise price of the options is equal to the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE MKT Stock Exchange on the date of grant.

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT MARCH 31, 2013  

                                        Option awards                                 

          Stock awards        

 

Number

Number

 

 

 

 

 

of securities

of securities

 

 

Number

Market value

 

underlying

underlying

 

 

of shares

of shares

 

unexercised

unexercised

Option

Option

of stock

of stock

 

options

options

exercise

expiration

that have

that have

Name

exercisable

unexercisable

  price  

    date    

not vested

not vested(11)

 

(#)

(#)

($)

 

(#)

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 Eric R. Ridenour     

-         

411,290(8)

0.89

07/11/22

190,989(7)

141,332     

 

41,667   

83,333(2)

2.40

06/30/21

59,028(4)

43,681     

 

87,146   

43,573(5)

2.21

08/31/20

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 Donald A. French(10) 

185,080   

-         

0.89

07/11/22

 

     

 

56,250   

-         

2.40

06/30/21

 

     

 

70,270   

-         

2.63

08/12/14

 

     

 

68,484   

-         

2.18

07/22/13

       

 

75,000   

-         

3.84

11/29/15

       

 

25,000   

-         

2.53

01/03/15

       

 

75,000   

-         

2.21

11/15/14

       

 

100,000   

-         

2.41

02/26/14

       

 

 

 

 

 

       
Jon Lutz          

-         

96,290(8)

0.89

07/11/22

44,714(7)

33,088     

 

9,755   

19,509(2)

2.40

06/30/21

13,819(4)

10,226     

 

24,060   

12,030(1)

2.63

08/12/14

5,703(3)

4,220     

 

18,838   

-         

4.73

11/02/13

 

     
 

16,818   

-         

2.18

07/22/13

 

     
 

11,364   

-         

3.57

08/21/17

 

     
 

5,000   

-         

3.20

08/01/16

       
 

35,000   

-         

3.84

11/29/15

       
 

20,000   

-         

2.41

02/26/14

       
 

 

 

 

 

       
Adrian P. Schaffer

-         

71,854(8)

0.89

07/11/22

33,367(7)

24,692     

 

8,333   

16,667(6)

2.10

11/01/21

       
   

 

 

 

   
Joseph Mitchell

-         

24,193(8)   

0.89

07/11/22

11,234(7)

8,313     

 

-         

25,000(9)   

1.03

05/31/22

 

     

(1)    These unexercisable options were granted on August 13, 2010.   Two-thirds of the options have vested, an additional one-third is scheduled to vest on August 13, 2013.

(2)    These unexercisable options were granted on July 1, 2011.   One-third of the options have vested, an additional one-third is scheduled to vest on July 1, 2013 and July 1, 2014.

(3)    The restricted shares were granted on August 13, 2010.   Two-thirds of the shares have vested; an additional one-third will vest on August 13, 2013.

(4)    The restricted shares were granted on July 1, 2011. One-third of the share shave vested, an additional one-third will vest on July 1, 2013 and July 1, 2014.  

(5)    These unexercisable options were granted on September 1, 2010. Two-thirds of the options have vested; an additional one third will vest on September 1, 2013.

(6)    These unexercisable options were granted on November 2, 2011. One-third of the options have vested, an additional one-third will vest on November 2, 2013 and November 2, 2014.  

(7)    The restricted shares were granted on July 12, 2012. One-third of the shares are scheduled to vest on each of the next three anniversary dates starting July 12, 2013.

(8)    These unexercisable options were granted on July 12, 2012. One-third of the options are scheduled to vest on each of the next three anniversary dates starting July 12, 2013.

(9)    These unexercisable options were granted on June 1, 2012. One-third of the options are scheduled to vest on each of the next three anniversary dates starting June 1, 2013.

(10)  Mr. French has transferred the non-qualified stock option portion of each grant to a limited partnership of which Mr. French is the general partner.

(11)  The market value has been determined based on the closing price of Company common stock on March 31, 2013 of $0.74 per share.

 

 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2013

         Option awards         

          Stock awards         

 

Number

 

Number

 

 

of shares

Value

of shares

Value

 

acquired

realized on

acquired

realized

Name

on exercise

  exercise  

on vesting

on vesting

 

(#)

($)

(#)

($)

 

 

 

 

 

Eric R. Ridenour

-        

-        

29,513   

25,381   

 

 

 

 

 

Donald A. French

8,972(1) 

987   

85,945   

76,500   

 

 

 

 

 

Jon Lutz

6,986(1) 

768   

12,612   

10,447   

 

 

 

 

 

Adrian P. Schaffer

-         

-         

-        

-        

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph Mitchell

-         

-         

-        

-        

 

 

 

 

 

(1)      Represents shares acquired under the terms of our Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

 

Pension Benefits  

None of our named executive officers participate in or have account balances in qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plans sponsored by us.  

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation  

None of our named executive officers participate in or have account balances in non-qualified deferred compensation plans sponsored by us.

TOC 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

We have entered into employment agreements with our Chief Executive Officer, Eric R. Ridenour, our Chief Financial Officer, Donald A. French, our Vice President of Operations, Joseph R. Mitchell, our Vice President of Engineering, Jon Lutz and our Vice President of Sales and Business Development, Adrian P. Schaffer.   Mr. French retired from the Company on May 31, 2013.  David I. Rosenthal joined the Company as its Treasurer, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer on May 1, 2013.  The Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Rosenthal at that time and also agreed to amend its employment agreements with each of Messers. Ridenour, Lutz, Schaffer and Mitchell, to, among other things, conform the provisions dealing with termination upon disability or change of control with those in Mr. Rosenthal's agreement. The other economic terms and provisions of the employment agreements with these other officers remained substantially the same as before.    

Mr. Ridenour and Mr. French  

The term of employment covered by the employment agreement for Mr. Ridenour continues through August 31, 2015.   The term of Mr. French's employment agreement expired on August 21, 2012, however, under the continuation terms of the agreement, the agreement remained in force through his retirement date of May 31, 2013.   The agreements for Mr. Ridenour and Mr. French contain voluntary and involuntary severance provisions, including severance provisions arising from a change in control of the Company.   The agreements also provide for the availability of post-retirement health insurance and for payments due to voluntary retirement after attaining retirement age of 60 in the case of Mr. Ridenour and, in the case of Mr. French, twenty years of service with the Company which he has satisfied.    

The agreement for Mr. Ridenour provides for a voluntary severance payment of two month's base salary if he resigns without satisfying the notice requirement and a voluntary severance payment of six month's salary if he provides the required notice stated in the agreement.   In the event Mr. Ridenour's employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company without cause (including certain relocations and constructive terminations), other than upon a change in control event, the Mr. Ridenour will receive a lump sum payment equal to the greater of two month's salary for each completed full year as an officer of the Company or one year's salary.   In the event of a voluntary retirement by Mr. Ridenour after age 60 and after satisfying the notice requirement, Mr. Ridenour will receive a lump sum payment equal to the greater of two month's salary for each completed full year as an officer of the Company up to a maximum of 24 month's salary.   In the event Mr. Ridenour's employment is involuntarily terminated as a result of a change in control, he shall receive a severance payment equal to four month's salary for each completed full year of service as an officer of the Company, or two years' salary, whichever is greater, and a cash bonus (equal to two times the average of the annual cash bonus paid for the preceding three fiscal years) .  

On January 31, 2013, Mr. French gave the required notice of his voluntary retirement pursuant to the terms of the agreement.   He officially retired from the Company on May 31, 2013.   As a result of his voluntary retirement, Mr. French will receive a lump sum payment on July 1, 2013 of $524,000 which is equal to 24 month's salary.  

Generally the payments will be made in a lump sum within 30 days following separation from service, except to the extent a delay in payment is required to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.       

Messrs. Mitchell, Lutz, Schaffer and Rosenthal  

The term of employment covered by the employment agreements for Messrs. Mitchell, Lutz, Schaffer and Rosenthal continues through August 31, 2015. The agreements for Messrs. Mitchell, Lutz, Schaffer and Rosenthal contain voluntary and involuntary severance provisions, including severance provisions arising from a change in control of the Company's Board of Directors.   The agreements also provide for the availability of post-retirement health insurance and payments due to voluntary retirement after attaining retirement age (age 62-½).  

A voluntary severance payment of six month's salary will be paid if the executive voluntarily resigns prior to age 62-½ after providing the required notice stated in the agreement.   If the executive has a voluntary severance, but does not provide the required notice, he will receive a payment equal to two month's salary.   In the event the executive's employment is involuntarily terminated without cause, other than upon a change in control event, the executive will be paid one month of salary for each complete year of service as an officer of the Company up to a maximum of 24 months or six month's pay, whichever is greater.   In the event the executive's employment is involuntarily terminated as a result of a change in control event, the executive will receive a severance payment equal to two month's salary for each completed full year of service as an officer of the Company up to a maximum payment of 48 months base salary, or one years' salary, whichever is greater, and a cash bonus (equal to two times the average of the annual cash bonus paid for the preceding three fiscal years). Generally the payments will be made in a lump sum within 30 days following separation from service, except to the extent a delay in payment is required to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.      

Health and Life Insurance and Other Benefits  

All of the executive employment agreements provide that upon termination from the Company, except for termination for cause (after attaining age 62-½ or twenty years of service as an officer of the Company in the case of Messrs. French, Mitchell, Lutz, Schaffer and Rosenthal), the executive and his qualified family members may continue to purchase health insurance through the Company's group health insurance plan at the same cost as other employees from the date employment is terminated until the executive attains 65 years of age.   Each executive of the Company also receives a monthly automobile allowance.  

All of the employment agreements provide that the Company shall maintain at its expense, life insurance coverage on the executive payable to the executive's designees in an amount equal to three times the annual salary payable to the executive.  

Treatment of Equity Awards  

Retirement.   When an executive retires, all stock options and bonus stock awards become fully vested.   Incentive stock options may be exercised for a period of three months following retirement and non-qualified stock options may be exercised at any time until the expiration of their original term.   Incentive stock options not exercised within the three month period following retirement may be converted to non-qualified stock options, in which case they may be exercised at any time until the expiration of their original term.  

Change in Control.   In the event of a change in control, all stock options and bonus stock awards held by executive officers become immediately vested.   For purposes of the agreements, a change in control generally means any merger, reorganization, sale of substantially all Company assets, liquidation, a change in the composition of the Company's Board of Directors as defined in the employment agreement and any other transaction that the Board of Directors determines by resolution to be a corporate transaction.

Other Provisions  

Under the employment agreements, each executive has agreed not to disclose any confidential information relating to the business affairs of the Company for any purpose other than the conduct of the Company's business and each has agreed to assign to the Company all right, title and interest in any inventions and patents developed in whole or in part by the executive, individually or with others, at any time during the term of his employment agreement which relates to the business of the Company.  

The employment agreements further provide that the executive officer, for a period of one year after the term of his respective employment agreement, will not become affiliated with any person, firm or corporation whose business is similar to or in competition with the Company and for a period of one year after termination of the executive's employment agreement, to not induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company to leave the employ of the Company; nor will the executive induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier or licensee to cease doing business with the Company.

 TOC

PAYMENTS AND POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

Our executive employment agreements provide compensation to Messrs. Ridenour, French, Schaffer, Lutz, Mitchell and Rosenthal in the event of a termination of employment or a change in control.   The agreements include restrictions on non-disclosure of confidential information and restrictive covenants relating to non-competition and non-solicitation.   See "Employment Agreements" above.  

The tables below show the potential payments or benefits upon a termination or change in control for each of the Company's executive officers assuming the triggering event took place on March 31, 2013.   The closing price per share of our common stock on the last trading day prior to March 31, 2013 was $0.74.   Actual amounts can only be determined at the date of the triggering event.  

 

 

 

 

Life

 

 

 

 

insurance

 

 

Voluntary

 

Termination

proceeds

Termination

 

Termination

Termination

by us

upon

due to a

 

with

by us for

without

termination

change in

         Eric R. Ridenour       

 Notice (2)

  cause  

  cause  

 by death 

  control  

 

($) 

($)

($)

($)

($)

Compensation:

 

 

        Base Salary/Severance

218,000    

-

436,000    

1,308,000  

872,000      

       Acceleration of unvested

 

 

 

 

 

            equity awards(1)

-          

-

185,013    

60,814  

185,013      

Benefits:

 

 

 

 

 

       Health Insurance Premiums

     -           

      -       

      -       

        -         

        -            

 

Total

218,000     

      -       

621,013    

1,368,814  

1,057,013     

(1)   Represents the intrinsic value of in-the-money non-vested stock options and non-vested stock awards as of March 31, 2013 that would vest upon termination or change in control.  

(2)    In the event Mr. Ridenour does not provide six months notice of a voluntary termination, the amount payable to Mr. Ridenour would be reduced to $72,667.

Retirement

Life

 

after age 62-½

insurance

 

 

Voluntary

 

Termination

or upon

proceeds

Termination

 

Termination

Termination

by us

attaining

upon

due to a

 

With

by us for

without

20 years

termination

change in

      Donald A. French(1)      

 Notice

  cause  

  cause  

 of service 

 by death 

  control  

 

($) 

($)

($)

($)

($)

 ($)

Compensation:

 

 

       Base Salary/Severance

524,000   

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

 n/a

       Acceleration of unvested

 

 

 

 

 

 

            equity awards

-         

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

 n/a

Benefits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

       Health Insurance Premiums (2)

140,300    

    n/a     

    n/a     

    n/a     

    n/a     

    n/a     

 

Total

664,300    

    n/a     

    n/a     

    n/a     

    n/a     

    n/a     

 

(1)    Mr. French announced his retirement on January 31, 2013 and officially retired from the Company on May 31, 2013. Pursuant to the terms of Mr. French's employment agreement, he will receive a severance retirement payment on July 1, 2013 of $524,000, based upon 26 years of service as of March 31, 2013.

(2)    Amount determined based on Mr. French's age as of March 31, 2013 and current Company cost of premiums multiplied by the number of years until Mr. French attains age 65.  

 

 

 

Life

 

 

 

 

insurance

 

 

Voluntary

 

Termination

proceeds

Termination

 

Termination

Termination

by us

upon

due to a

 

With

by us for

without

termination

change in

         Jon Lutz          

  Notice(2)

  cause  

  cause  

 by death 

  control  

 

($) 

($)

($)

($)

 ($)

Compensation:

       Base Salary/Severance

102,000

-

102,000  

612,000  

204,000

       Acceleration of unvested

 

 

 

 

 

            equity awards(1)

-

-

-        

14,921  

47,535   

Benefits:

 

 

 

 

 

       Health Insurance Premiums

      -      

      -     

      -       

     -       

      -     

 

Total

102,000

      -     

102,000 

626,921

251,535

 

(1)    Represents the intrinsic value of in-the-money non-vested stock options and non-vested stock awards as of March 31, 2013 that would vest upon termination or change in control.

(2)    In the event Mr. Lutz does not provide six months notice of a voluntary termination, the amount payable to Mr. Lutz would be reduced to $34,000.

 

 

 

 

Life

 

 

 

 

 

insurance

 

 

 

 Voluntary

 

Termination

proceeds

Termination

 

 

Termination

Termination

by us

upon

due to a

 

 

  With

by us for

without

termination

change in

 

         Adrian P. Schaffer         

  Notice(2)

  cause  

  cause  

 by death 

  control  

 

 

     ($) 

($)

($)

($)

 ($)

 

Compensation:

 

 

 

       Base Salary/Severance

101,500

-

101,500

609,000

203,000

 

       Acceleration of unvested

 

 

 

 

 

 

            equity awards(1)

-

-

-

   6,173

  24,692

 

Benefits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

       Health Insurance Premiums

      -      

      -       

      -       

     -       

      -       

 

 

 

Total

101,500 

      -       

101,500 

615,173

227,692 

 

 

 

(1)    Represents the intrinsic value of in-the-money non-vested stock options and non-vested stock awards as of March 31, 2013 that would vest upon termination or change in control.

(2)    In the event Mr. Schaffer does not provide six months notice of a voluntary termination, the amount payable to Mr. Schaffer would be reduced to $33,833.

 

 

 

Life

 

 

 

 

 

insurance

 

 

 

 Voluntary

 

Termination

proceeds

Termination

 

 

Termination

Termination

by us

upon

due to a

 

 

  With

by us for

without

termination

change in

 

         Joseph Mitchell         

  Notice(2)  

  cause  

  cause  

 by death 

  control  

 

 

($)    

($)

($)

($)

 ($)

 

Compensation:

 

 

       Base Salary/Severance

100,000

-

100,000

600,000

200,000

 

       Acceleration of unvested

 

 

 

 

 

 

            equity awards(1)

-

-

-

2,078  

    8,313

 

Benefits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

       Health Insurance Premiums

      -      

      -       

      -     

     -      

      -     

 

 

 

Total

100,000

      -       

100,000

602,078

208,313

 

 

(1)    Represents the intrinsic value of in-the-money non-vested stock options and non-vested stock awards as of March 31, 2013 that would vest upon termination or change in control.

(2)    In the event Mr. Mitchell does not provide six months notice of a voluntary termination, the amount payable to Mr. Schaffer would be reduced to $33,333.

TOC

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION  

The Compensation and Benefits Committee has retained the consulting firm Towers Watson to assist it in establishing appropriate compensation for the Company's directors.   Towers Watson evaluated the board compensation practices of the peer group of alternative energy companies listed under "Compensation Philosophy and Objectives" above in Fiscal Year 2011 which the consulting firm selected based on its belief that the listed companies competed with the Company in the marketplace for executive talent.   After considering the recommendations of the compensation consultant, the Board of Directors adopted a director compensation policy consisting of an annual cash retainer and equity-based compensation that it believes appropriately aligns the interests of directors with those of the Company's shareholders.    

  For Fiscal Year 2013, directors of the Company who are not employees may elect to receive an annual retainer of $35,000 in cash or the grant of options to acquire that number of shares of the Company's common stock that is equivalent to $35,000 as determined by utilizing the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model on the date of grant or a combination of cash and options that together have a fair value of $35,000.   Directors electing option grants in lieu of cash compensation may elect option exercise periods ranging from three years to ten years in accordance with the terms of the UQM Technologies, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors.   Options granted under the plan vest immediately. In addition, the Chairman of the Board of Directors receives an additional annual cash retainer of $9,000 and the chairman of the Compensation and Benefits Committee, the Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committee each receive an additional annual cash retainer of $5,000 each.  

Non-employee directors also receive each year shares with a fair value of $14,000 on the date of grant.   These shares vest immediately.   In addition each non-employee director receives a stock option for that number of shares of the Company's common stock that is equivalent to $21,000 as determined by utilizing the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model on the date of grant. Directors may elect option exercise periods ranging from three years to ten years.   Options granted under this component of director compensation vest immediately.  

Non-employee directors are also reimbursed for ordinary and necessary expenses of attending meetings.   In addition, each non-employee director upon his initial election to the Board is awarded 2,000 shares of the Company's common stock at a purchase price of $0.01 per share.   Directors who are full-time officers of the Company are not entitled to additional compensation for their service as directors.   Accordingly, Mr. Ridenour and Mr. French do not receive additional compensation for their service as a director.    

The following table sets forth information concerning remuneration paid to directors of the Company during Fiscal Year 2013:

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2013  

 

Fees earned

 

 

All

 

 

or paid in

Stock     

Option

other

 

 

cash

awards (2)

awards (2)

compensation

Total

          Name(1)

($)

($)

($)

($)

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

William G. Rankin

44,000     

17,000    

26,000     

-            

87,000   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen J. Roy

40,000     

14,000    

21,000     

-            

75,000   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jerome H. Granrud(3)

32,083     

-  

-

-            

32,083   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donald W. Vanlandingham

26,666     

14,000    

21,000     

-            

61,666   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph P. Sellinger

35,000     

14,000    

21,000     

-            

70,000   

 

 

 

 

 

 

John E. Sztykiel

16,583     

12,260    

15,799     

-            

44,642   

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)    Does not include information for Messrs. Ridenour and French, who as officers of the Company serve on the Board without additional compensation.

(2)    The amount reported is the aggregate grant date fair value computed under FASB ASC Topic 718.   The fair value of stock options is computed utilizing the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model.   The assumptions used in determining the fair value are contained in footnote 2 to the Company's consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. Stock and option awards vest in full on the date of grant.

(3)    Mr. Granrud retired from the board on October 31, 2012.

The table below shows the aggregate number of shares of common stock granted under the Stock Bonus Plan held by each non-employee director as of March 31, 2013 and does not include shares acquired by Mr. Rankin while an employee of the Company:

 

Number of

 

common shares

William G. Rankin

37,755              

 

 

Stephen J. Roy

42,561              

 

 

Donald W. Vanlandingham

42,561              

 

 

Joseph P. Sellinger

38,204              

 

 

John E. Sztykiel

13,932              

 

 

The table below shows the aggregate number of options held by each non-employee director as of March 31, 2013:

 

 

 

Number of

Option

Option

 

 

options

exercise

expiration

 

Grant date

outstanding

  price  

   date   

 

 

 

 

 

William G. Rankin

08/08/2012

96,296       

$  0.79

08/07/2015

 

08/03/2011

29,213       

$  2.04

08/02/2015

 

12/01/2010

19,697       

$  1.92

11/30/2015

 

08/13/2010

139,640       

$  2.63

08/12/2014

 

11/03/2009

70,492       

$  4.73

11/02/2014

 

07/22/2008

139,818       

$  2.18

07/22/2013

 

11/30/2005

100,000       

$  3.84

11/29/2015

 

01/04/2005

45,000       

$  2.53

01/03/2015

 

11/16/2004

100,000       

$  2.21

11/15/2014

 

02/27/2004

103,500       

$  2.41

02/26/2014

 

 

843,656       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen J. Roy

08/08/2012

51,220       

$  0.79

08/07/2019

 

08/03/2011

25,926       

$  2.04

08/02/2014

 

08/13/2010

14,789       

$  2.63

08/12/2018

 

11/03/2009

11,574       

$  4.73

11/02/2014

 

07/23/2008

  17,647       

$  2.18

07/22/2013

 

 

121,156       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donald W. Vanlandingham

08/08/2012

77,778       

$  0.79

08/07/2015

 

08/03/2011

58,095       

$  2.04

08/02/2018

 

08/13/2010

48,413       

$  2.63

08/12/2016

 

11/03/2009

  17,413       

$  4.73

11/02/2013

 

 

201,699       

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph P. Sellinger

08/08/2012

56,757       

$  0.79

08/07/2017

 

08/03/2011

17,073       

$  2.04

08/02/2021

 

08/13/2010

17,500       

$  2.63

08/12/2015

 

11/03/2009

12,111       

$  4.73

11/02/2019

 

07/23/2008

  17,647       

$  2.18

07/22/2013

 

 

121,088       

 

 

 

 

 

 

John E. Sztykiel

11/01/2012

36,741       

$  0.88

10/31/2017

 

 

36,741       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Board of Directors determines the total amount of the annual retainer, bonus share award and stock option award payable to non-employee members of the Board of Directors.

 TOC

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE REPORT1  

The Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and, based on this review and discussion, recommends that it be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 and Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held August 7, 2013.

 

Compensation and Benefits Committee

Stephen J. Roy

Donald W. Vanlandingham

Joseph P. Sellinger

 

June 11, 2013

 


1 The material in this report is not deemed "filed" with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation contained in such filing.

   TOC

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with all members of the Board of Directors and with all of its officers. Such agreements provide, among other things, that the Company will indemnify such officer or director, under the circumstances and to the extent provided for therein, for expenses, damages, judgments, fines and settlements he or she may be required to pay in actions or proceedings which he or she is or may be made a party by reason of his or her position as a director, officer or other agent of the Company, and otherwise to the fullest extent permitted under Colorado law and the Company's Bylaws.  

The Company has not adopted a written related person transactions policy that sets forth the Company's policies and procedures regarding the identification, review, consideration and approval or ratification of "related person's transactions."   The Audit Committee approves any transaction between the Company and a related person.   A related person is any executive officer, director, or more than five percent shareholder of the Company's stock, including any of their immediate family members, and any entity owned or controlled by such persons.

TOC   

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT  

The following table shows the ownership of the Company's $0.01 par value common stock by (i) beneficial owners of five percent or more of the Company's common stock, (ii) each director and nominee director, (iii) each of the named executive officers and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group, as of June 11, 2013.   Unless otherwise noted, each shareholder's address is the address of the Company and exercises sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned.

 

Number of Common Shares

Name of Beneficial Owner

    Beneficially Owned    

Percent of Class (1)

William G. Rankin(2)

1,046,615                 

2.69%                     

Eric R. Ridenour

654,979                 

1.69%                     

David I. Rosenthal

11,000                 

0.03%                     

Jon Lutz

289,425                 

0.74%                     

Adrian P. Schaffer

41,700                 

0.11%                     

Joseph R. Mitchell

27,632                 

0.07%                     

Stephen J. Roy

168,717                 

0.43%                     

John E. Sztykiel

50,673                 

0.13%                     

Donald W. Vanlandingham

266,260                 

0.69%                     

Joseph P. Sellinger

159,292                 

0.41%                     

Director and Executive Officers as a Group (eleven persons)

2,716,293                 

6.99%                     

(1)   Calculated separately for each holder on the basis of the actual number of outstanding shares as of June 7, 2013.   Assumes that shares issuable upon exercise of options and warrants held by such person (but not by anyone else) and exercisable within 60 days have been issued as of such date.

(2)   Mr. Rankin disclaims beneficial ownership of 4,000 shares which are held in a custodial account for the benefit of his grandchildren under the Uniform Gift to Minors Act.

 

TOC

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION  

 

Number of securities

 

remaining available for

 

future issuance under

Number of securities to be

Weighted-average

equity compensation

issued upon exercise of

exercise price of

plans (excluding

outstanding options,

outstanding options,

securities reflected in

warrants and rights

warrants and rights

column (a))

Plan category

(a)

(b)

(c)

Equity compensation plans approved by

 

 

 

    security holders:

 

 

 

     2012 Equity Incentive Plan

3,569,118          

$ 2.21           

14,354           

     Non-Employee Director Stock

          Option Plan

682,577          

$ 1.76           

217,900           

     Stock Bonus Plan

358,855          

$ 1.22           

495,504           

Equity compensation plans not approved

     by security holders

          -                 

  -                

       -                 

Total

4,610,550          

$ 2.07           

727,758           

 

TOC

PROPOSAL 2

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected Grant Thornton LLP, a registered public accounting firm, as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, and has further directed that management submit the selection of independent auditors for ratification by the shareholders at the annual meeting. Grant Thornton LLP was engaged as the Company's auditors in September 2004. Representatives of Grant Thornton LLP are expected to be present at the annual meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Neither the Company's governing documents, nor law, require shareholder ratification of the selection of Grant Thornton LLP as the Company's independent auditors. However, the Audit Committee of the Board is submitting the selection of Grant Thornton LLP to the shareholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the shareholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee of the Board will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee of the Board in its discretion may direct the appointment of different independent auditors at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.  

To be ratified, the proposal must be approved by the affirmative vote of a greater number of votes cast for the proposal than are cast against the proposal. If a ballot is called for, proxies in the accompanying form appointing the persons whose names are printed therein to act (unless the proxy form has been marked against or authority to vote is withheld) will be voted in favor of the proposal.

Independent Auditor's Fees

The following table represents aggregate fees billed to the Company by Grant Thornton LLP for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

      2013

     2012

Audit Fees (1)

$ 252,966

$ 240,320

Audit - Related Fees (2)

$   26,250

$   26,250

Tax Fees

$        -    

$        -    

All Other Fees

$        -    

$        -    

 

 

 

(1)    Audit Fees consist of fees for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements and effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, review of the interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and professional services rendered related to comfort letter procedures for stock offering and providing consent to include the Auditor's opinion in registration statements.

(2)   Audit-Related Fees consist of fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial statements and are not reported in Audit Fees and for a compliance audit required under the Company's Grant with the U.S. Department of Energy.

All fees described above incurred in connection with services performed by Grant Thornton LLP were approved by the Audit Committee.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures  

The Audit Committee pre-approves all auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for the Company by our independent auditor, Grant Thornton LLP (subject to de minimis exceptions for non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act which are approved by the Audit Committee prior to completion of the audit). The Audit Committee may form and delegate authority to subcommittees consisting of one or more members when appropriate, including the authority to grant pre-approvals of audit and permitted non-audit services, provided that decisions of such subcommittee to grant pre-approvals shall be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

Disagreements with Auditors

There have been no disagreements with Grant Thornton LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.

  TOC

PROPOSAL 3

VOTE UPON A PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT OF THE 2012 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES AVAILABLE FOR GRANT BY 1,000,000 SHARES

 

The Board is seeking the approval of shareholders to an amendment to the company's 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2012 Plan" to increase the number of shares of Company common stock available for award by 1,000,000 shares. This amount is approximately 2.7 percent of the Company's currently outstanding shares of common stock. The amendment to increase the number of shares under the 2012 Plan is included in this proxy statement as Appendix A.  

Purpose and Background of the 2012 Plan

The 2012 Plan provides for the grant of non-qualified stock options and incentive stock options to our employees and consultants.   The purpose of our 2012 Plan is to attract and retain the best available employees and consultants for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentives to continue in our long-term service and to optimize the future success of our operations through incentives that are consistent with the Company's goals and that link the personal interests of participants in the 2012 Plan to those of our shareholders. On April 11, 2012, our Board adopted the 2012 Plan to replace the previous equity incentive, which expired by its terms in 2012.   Our shareholders approved adoption of the 2012 Plan on August 8, 2012.   On June 10, 2013, our Board approved an amendment to the 2012 Plan to increase the number of shares by an additional 1,000,000 shares, subject to the approval of the Company's shareholders.  

The number of shares of the Company's Common Stock initially reserved for issuance under the 2012 Plan was 1,100,000. As of June 10, 2013, the Company granted awards for an aggregate of 1,099,646 shares of common stock under the 2012 Plan, leaving 354 shares available for future grant. If the amendment is approved, the number of shares available for future grants under the 2012 Plan will increase by 1,000,000 shares. If shareholder approval is not obtained, then the amendment to the 2012 Plan will not be implemented, and the 2012 Plan will continue in effect pursuant to its current terms. Approval of the amendment will ensure that the Company is able to continue recruiting and retaining talented employees and consultants and award, as a portion of their compensation package, equity awards that further align the employees' and consultants' interests with the Company's shareholders.  

Our compensation structure for executives consists of base pay, payable in cash, and performance-based variable compensation to reward our executives for achieving financial, operational, and strategic goals as well as for individual performance.   The Board has established grants of stock options under the 2012 Plan as a significant component of our equity-based compensation program.   The grant of equity-based compensation is generally linked to the attainment of performance objectives established by the Board.   Performance-based variable compensation may be paid either in cash or in the form of Common Stock under the Stock Bonus Plan, stock options under the 2012 Plan, or a combination of both.   Over the last several years, equity-based compensation (common stock and stock options) have been a significant component of each executive officer's total compensation, typically representing more than 25% of total annual compensation.   This significant equity-based compensation component of executive compensation is designed to encourage an ownership mindset that aligns the interests of management with those of our shareholders.    

Management believes that the grant of options to acquire common stock under the 2012 Plan is critically important to attracting and retaining highly qualified employees.   Many large companies have substantially greater financial resources that permit them to offer highly competitive compensation packages.   Grants of equity-based compensation to existing and potential employees under the 2012 Plan is a significant tool that we can use in competing for and retaining highly qualified employees in a competitive job market where we routinely compete with large companies for personnel.   Equity-based compensation awards with multiple-year vesting periods can also serve as a powerful retention tool by requiring employees to remain with us over a number of years to earn the full amount of the compensation.  

In the event that the shareholders do not approve the amendment of the 2012 Plan, the Compensation and Benefits Committee expects to pay in cash the fair value of each executive's annual compensation typically paid through the grant of stock options.   Consequently, a vote against the amendment of the 2012 Plan will not have the effect of reducing the total amount of executive compensation, but rather will convert a noncash compensation cost to a compensation cost payable in cash.    

Summary of the 2012 Plan

The following paragraphs provide a summary of the principal features of the 2012 Plan and do not purport to be complete and are subject to and qualified in its entirety by the actual terms of the plan.  

Shares Subject to the 2012 Plan.   The number of shares of the Company's Common Stock initially reserved for issuance under the 2012 Plan was 1,100,000.   The Plan provides that all 1,100,000 shares of Common Stock reserved can be granted with respect to incentive options.   Shares of Common Stock covered by unexercised options that expire, terminate, or are canceled, together with shares of Common Stock that are used to pay withholding taxes or the option exercise price, will again be available for option under the 2012 Plan.   On June 11, 2013, the closing price of a share of Common Stock on the NYSE MKT was $1.33.    

Per-Person Limit.   In order to qualify the options as "performance-based compensation" not subject to the limit on deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the Plan limits the maximum number of shares subject to one or more options that can be granted during any calendar year to any employee or consultant to 500,000 shares of Common Stock.  

Adjustment of Shares.   The number of shares eligible for option grants under the 2012 Plan, the number of shares subject to outstanding options, the number of shares that may be granted to any individual, the number of shares available for grant pursuant to incentive options, and the number of shares subject to a delegation of authority are subject to adjustment on account of stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations and other dilutive changes in the Common Stock.  

Eligibility.   The 2012 Plan provides that options may be granted to those key employees and consultants who are selected by the Committee in its sole discretion.   We currently consider certain of our employees and consultants to be eligible for the grant of options under the 2012 Plan.   As of June 11, 2013, there were approximately 66 eligible individuals.  

Administration of the 2012 Plan.   The 2012 Plan is administered by the members of the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board (the "Committee").   The Committee may, when necessary, appoint one or more subcommittees to (1) consist solely of individuals who satisfy the requirements of any exchange or market on which the Common Stock is traded, (2) consist solely of persons who qualify as an "outside director" under Code section 162(m), or (3) consist solely of individuals who qualify as "non-employee" directors under Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").   The Committee has the sole discretion to determine the employees and consultants to whom options may be granted under the 2012 Plan and the manner in which such options will vest.   Options are granted by the Committee to employees and consultants in such numbers and at such times during the term of the 2012 Plan as the Committee shall determine.   In granting options the Committee intends to take into account such factors as it may deem relevant in order to accomplish the 2012 Plan's purposes, including one or more of the following:   the extent to which performance goals have been met, the duties of the respective employees and consultants, and their present and potential contributions to our success.

The 2012 Plan provides that the Committee may delegate authority to grant options to specified officers of the Company; provided no grants of options may be made by such specified officers to any employee or consultant who is covered by Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.   At this time, the Committee has not made such a delegation.  

Grant of Options.   The Committee may grant stock options, including incentive stock options ("ISOs"), which may be eligible for favorable tax treatment for the option holder, or non-qualified options ("NQOs").   ISOs may only be granted to employees.

Exercise Price.   The Committee determines the exercise price for each option, which must be equal to or greater than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.   An ISO that is granted to an employee who owns Common Stock having more than 10% of the voting power must have an exercise price that is at least equal to 110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date the ISO is granted.  

No Repricing.   The 2012 Plan provides that, without prior shareholder approval, we will not (1) amend the terms of any outstanding option to reduce the option price, (2) cancel any outstanding option and replace it with a new option with a lower exercise price where the economic effect would be the same as reducing the option price of the cancelled option, (3) cancel any outstanding option in exchange for cash, or (4) take any other action with respect to an option that would be treated as a "repricing" under the accounting rules or under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  

Vesting.   The Committee determines the vesting schedule for options in its sole discretion.  

Exercise of Options.   An option holder may exercise an option by written notice and payment of the exercise price (1) in cash or certified funds, (2) by the surrender of a number of shares of Common Stock already owned by the option holder for at least 6 months and having a fair market value equal to the exercise price, or (3) through a broker's transaction by directing the broker to sell all or a portion of the Common Stock to pay the exercise price or make a loan to the option holder to permit the option holder to pay the exercise price.   Option holders who are subject to tax withholding may pay the withholding in cash.   Otherwise, we will withhold the number of shares necessary to satisfy the minimum required tax withholding obligation.  

Option Term.   The Committee determines the term of each option, which shall be no longer than 10 years (5 years in the case of an ISO granted to an employee who owns Common Stock having more than 10% of the voting power).  

Termination of Employment or Services.   Unless the Committee provides otherwise, the following provisions apply in the event of an employee option holder's termination of employment.   If the option holder's employment is terminated for cause, the option terminates immediately.   If the option holder becomes disabled, the option may be exercised for one year after the option holder's employment terminates on account of disability.   If the option holder dies during employment or in the one-year period referred to in the preceding sentence, or in the 3-month (ISOs) or 12-month (NQOs) period following termination of employment other than on account of cause, disability or retirement, the option may be exercised for one year after the option holder's death.   If the option holder's employment terminates for any reason other than cause, disability, death, or retirement, an ISO may be exercised for 3 months after termination of employment, and a NQO may be exercised for 12 months after termination of employment.   If the option holder's employment terminates on account of retirement, an ISO may be exercised for 3 months after retirement and an NQO can be exercised for the rest of the option term.   For this purpose, retirement means termination of employment after the option holder's 65th birthday, termination pursuant to an early retirement provision in the option holder's employment agreement, or voluntary termination of employment by a UQM officer who has served as a UQM officer for 20 or more years.   In all cases, the option can be exercised only to the extent that it is vested at the time of termination of employment and only during the term of the option.  

The following provisions shall apply in the event of a consultant option holder's termination of services.   If the option holder's services are terminated other than on account of cause or the option holder's death, the option may be exercised during the remainder of the option term.   If the option holder's services are terminated for cause, as determined by the Company, the option terminates immediately; however, if the agreement between the Company and the consultant provides for termination of the agreement for cause, cause will have the meaning set forth in the agreement.   If the option holder dies during the option period, the option may be exercised for 15 months after the option holder's death.   In all cases, the option can be exercised only to the extent that it is vested at the time of termination and only during the term of the option.  

Nontransferability.   Generally, NQOs granted under the 2012 Plan are not transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.   The Committee may, however, permit a transfer of NQOs to certain members of the option holder's family or to a trust or partnership of which certain members of the option holder's family are the only beneficiaries or partners.   ISOs may not be transferred under any circumstances other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.  

Change in Control.   Upon the occurrence of a "corporate transaction" (as defined in the 2012 Plan), all outstanding options will become fully vested.   The successor to the Company may assume the options or substitute new options.   The 2012 Plan provides that all assumptions or substitutions shall be made in compliance with Code Sections 409A and 424.  

Amendment and Termination.   Our Board may amend the 2012 Plan in any respect at any time provided shareholder approval is obtained when necessary or desirable, but no amendment may impair any option, or other award previously granted or deprive an option holder, without his or her consent, of any Common Stock previously acquired.   The 2012 Plan will terminate on April 10, 2022, unless sooner terminated by the Board.  

Federal Income Tax Consequences  

The following is a summary of the principal United States federal income tax consequences to the option holders and to the Company as of the date of this proxy statement.   The discussion does not address state, local, or foreign tax consequences nor does it address any estate or gift tax consequences.    

The grant of an ISO or an NQO has no federal income tax consequences for the option holder or the Company.  

An option holder will have no federal income tax consequences upon exercise of an ISO, except that the alternative minimum tax may apply.   If the option holder disposes of the Common Stock before the end of the ISO holding period, the option holder recognizes ordinary income equal to the excess of (1) the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date the ISO was exercised or, if less, the amount received on the disposition over (2) the exercise price.   Generally, the Company will receive a tax deduction if the shares are disposed of before the holding periods are met.   If the option holder disposes of the Common Stock after the end of the ISO holding period, the option holder will have a capital gain.   The Company does not have a tax deduction for any capital gain income of the option holder.  

When an NQO is exercised, the option holder will have ordinary income equal to the excess of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price.   Generally, the Company will have a tax deduction.  

Under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Company may be limited as to federal income tax deductions to the extent that total annual compensation in excess of $1 million is paid to the Company's Chief Executive Officer or any one of the four highest paid executive officers (other than the chief executive officer) who were employed by the Company on the last day of the taxable year.   However, certain "performance-based compensation," the material terms of which are disclosed to and approved by the Company's shareholders, is not subject to this limitation on deductibility.   We have designed the 2012 Plan with the intention that compensation resulting from options granted under the plan would be deductible without regard to the limitations otherwise imposed by Code Section 162(m) of the Code.  

Shareholder Approval

The affirmative vote of the majority of the votes that could be cast at the Annual Meeting by the holders who are present in person or by proxy is required to approve the Amendment to the 2012 Plan.   The Board believes the Amendment to the 2012 Plan is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and is important in order to help assure the ability of the Company to continue to recruit and retain highly qualified employees and consultants.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS VOTING "FOR" THE ADOPTION OF PROPOSAL 3.  

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PROPOSAL 4

VOTE UPON A PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT OF THE STOCK BONUS PLAN TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES AVAILABLE FOR GRANT BY 100,000 SHARES

The Board is seeking the approval of shareholders to an amendment to the Company's Stock Bonus Plan (the "Stock Bonus Plan") to increase the number of shares of Company common stock available for award by 100,000 shares. This amount is approximately 0.3 percent of the Company's currently outstanding shares of common stock. The amendment to increase the number of shares under the Stock Bonus Plan is included in this proxy statement as Appendix B.  

Purpose and Background of the Stock Bonus Plan  

Our Board approved a Stock Bonus Plan (the "Stock Bonus Plan") in 1985 to permit the grant of shares of Common Stock to employees and key consultants to the Company as additional compensation for services rendered.   As of March 31, 2013, there were 495,504 shares available for grant under the Stock Bonus Plan, that have previously been approved by the Company's shareholders.   On June 10, 2013, our Board approved an amendment to the Stock Bonus Plan to increase the number of shares by an additional 100,000 shares, subject to the approval of the Company's shareholders.  

Our compensation structure for executives consists of base pay, payable in cash, and performance-based variable compensation to reward our executives for achieving financial, operational, and strategic goals as well as for individual performance.   Common Stock issued under the Stock Bonus Plan is an important component of our compensation structure.   Over the last several years, equity-based compensation (Common Stock and stock options) have been a significant component of each executive officer's total compensation, typically representing more than 20% of total annual compensation.   The equity-based compensation component of executive compensation is designed to encourage an ownership mindset that aligns the interests of management with those of our shareholders.    

Management believes that the grant of Common Stock under the Stock Bonus Plan is critically important to attracting and retaining highly qualified employees.   Many large companies have substantially greater financial resources that permit them to offer highly competitive compensation packages.   Grants of equity-based compensation to existing and potential employees under the Stock Bonus Plan is a significant tool that we can use in competing for and retaining highly qualified employees in a competitive job market where we routinely compete with large companies for personnel.   Equity-based compensation awards with multiple-year vesting periods can also serve as a powerful retention tool by requiring employees to remain with us over a number of years to earn the full amount of the compensation.  

Shares granted under the Stock Bonus Plan, unlike stock options granted under the Equity Incentive Plan, have a measurable market value on the date of grant.    

Because a substantial portion of the total compensation paid to our executives is equity-based compensation paid through grants of Common Stock under the Stock Bonus Plan, the Board has determined that it is in our best interests to further increase the number of shares of Common Stock available for grant under the Stock Bonus Plan.   In the event that the shareholders do not approve this amendment to the Stock Bonus Plan, the Board expects to, upon exhausting the shares in the Stock Bonus Plan previously approved by the Company's shareholders, to pay in cash the fair value of each executive's annual compensation typically paid through the grant of common stock under the Stock Bonus Plan.   Consequently, a vote against this amendment will not have the effect of reducing the total amount of executive compensation, but rather will convert a noncash compensation cost to a compensation cost payable in cash.  

Summary of the Stock Bonus Plan  

The following paragraphs provide a summary of the principal features of the Stock Bonus Plan and do not purport to be complete and are subject to and qualified in its entirety by the actual terms of the plan.  

Shares Subject to the Plan.  The number of shares of the Company's Common Stock initially reserved for issuance under the Stock Bonus Plan was 1,954,994.   As of June 10, 2013, there were 484,504 shares available for grant under the Stock Bonus Plan.   If this amendment to add 100,000 shares of Common Stock to the Stock Bonus Plan is approved by shareholders, the number of shares reserved and available for grant under the Stock Bonus Plan will be increased to 584,504 shares.   On June 11, 2013, the closing price of a share of Common Stock on the NYSE MKT was $1.33.  

Adjustment of Shares.   The number of shares eligible for grant under the Stock Bonus Plan, the number of shares that may be granted to any individual, and the number of shares subject to a delegation of authority are subject to adjustment on account of stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations and other dilutive changes in Common Stock.   Shares of Common Stock that terminate or are canceled, are reacquired in accordance with plan provisions, together with shares of Common Stock that are used to pay withholding taxes, will again be available for option under the Stock Bonus Plan.  

Participation.   The Stock Bonus Plan provides that shares of Common Stock may be granted to those employees and key consultants who are selected by the Committee in its sole discretion and to non-employee directors who are selected by the Board in its sole discretion.   The Company currently considers certain of its employees and consultants to be eligible for the grant of shares of Common Stock under the Stock Bonus Plan.   As of June 11, 2013, there were approximately 71 eligible individuals.   The Stock Bonus Plan is a discretionary plan and, accordingly, it is not possible at present to determine the number of shares that may be granted to any individual during the term of the Stock Bonus Plan.   There is no minimum or maximum number of shares that may be issued to any eligible participant.  

Administration.  The Stock Bonus Plan is administered as to grants to employees and key consultants by the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board (the "Committee") and as to grants to non-employee directors by the Board.   The Stock Bonus Plan may be terminated at any time by resolution of the Board.   To the extent applicable, the Committee must be structured at all times so it satisfies the "non-employee director" requirement of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").   In addition, to the extent that vesting of a grant is performance-based, we intend that the Committee be structured so that it satisfies the "outside director" requirement of Section 162(m) of the Code.   The Committee has the sole discretion to determine the employees and key consultants to whom Common Stock may be granted under the Stock Bonus Plan and the manner in which such shares will vest.   The Board has the sole discretion to determine to whom Common Stock may be granted and the manner in which it will vest.   Shares of Common Stock are granted by the Committee to employees and key consultants in such numbers and at such times during the term of the Stock Bonus Plan as the Committee and the Board, respectively, determine.   In making grants, the Committee and the Board will take into account such factors as they may deem relevant in order to accomplish the Stock Bonus Plan's purposes, including one or more of the following:   the extent to which performance goals have been met, the duties of the respective employees and consultants, and their present and potential contributions to the Company's success.  

The Stock Bonus Plan provides that the Committee may delegate authority to specified officers of the Company to grant shares of Common Stock to our employees and key consultants; provided no grants of shares may be made by such specified officers to any employee or key consultant who is covered by Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or to any employee who is, or who may become, subject to section 162(m) of the Code.   At this time, the Committee has not made such a delegation.  

Restrictions; Vesting.   The Committee and the Board, respectively, determine the restrictions, if any, applicable to each grant of Common Stock under the Stock Bonus Plan.   The restrictions may include the performance of services for a specified continuous period of time or the attainment of specified performance goals and objectives as determined by the Committee or the Board, respectively.   The restrictions may vary among awards and grantees.  

Change in Control.  All restrictions with respect to stock granted under the Plan lapse upon a "change in control" of the Company, unless the Committee or the Board, as applicable, has provided otherwise when the Common Stock is granted.   A "change in control" occurs if (1) we are merged or consolidated with another company or reorganized (other than a bankruptcy reorganization) unless we are the surviving or continuing company and there is no change in the Common Stock, (2) substantially all of our business or assets are sold or transferred (unless we continue as the holding company of the entity or entities that continue our business) or a sale of more than 50% of our outstanding voting stock, (3) we are liquidated or dissolved, (4) at any time during a period of two consecutive years, persons who constituted the Board at the beginning of the period (including any new directors whose election by the Board or whose nomination was approved by a vote of more than two-thirds of the directors who were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination was previously so approved) cease for any reason to be a majority of the Board, or (5) there is any other transaction that the Board determines to be a change in control.  

Termination of Services.   If a grantee dies or becomes disabled, Common Stock that is subject to restrictions will become fully vested as to a pro rata portion of each grant based on the ratio of the number of months of employment or service completed at termination of service from the date of the grant to the total number of months of service required for each grant to become fully vested.   The remaining portion of the restricted stock will be forfeited.   If the grantee terminates service after attaining age 65 (or if an employee terminates service under the retirement provisions of his employment agreement), the unvested shares will become fully vested. If a grantee terminates services for any other reason, all unvested shares will be forfeited.  

Termination and Amendment of the Plan.   Our Board may amend the Stock Bonus Plan provided that shareholder approval is obtained where necessary or desirable, but no amendment may impair any award previously granted without the award holder's consent.   The Plan will continue until it is terminated by a resolution of our Board.  

Federal Income Tax Consequences  

In general, the grant of Common Stock that is subject to restrictions on transfer and is subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture does not have tax consequences for the grantee.   The grantee will have ordinary compensation income in the taxable year in which the restrictions lapse and the Common Stock vests.   The compensation is generally equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock when it vests, unless the grantee has made the Section 83(b) election described below.   If the Common Stock is vested on the date of grant, then the recipient has ordinary compensation income equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.   The grantee's basis, for purposes of determining gain or loss, on a later taxable disposition of the Common Stock is generally equal to the compensation recognized when the Common Stock vests, or, if the Common Stock is vested upon grant, when the Common Stock is granted.   In general, the gain or loss will be short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on how long the grantee holds the shares after they vest.   In general, the Company is entitled to a deduction equal to the compensation recognized by the grantee, assuming that the compensation amounts satisfy the ordinary and necessary and reasonable compensation requirements for deductibility and that the deduction is not limited by Section 162(m) of the Code.

The grantee of Common Stock that is subject to restrictions can make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code to recognize ordinary compensation income at the time the Common Stock is granted in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock at the date of grant, without taking into account any restrictions.   The grantee's basis for purposes of determining gain or loss on a later taxable disposition of the Common Stock is equal to the compensation recognized.   Generally, the gain or loss will be short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on how long the grantee holds the shares after they are granted.  

Shareholder Approval

The affirmative vote of the majority of the votes that could be cast at the Annual Meeting by the holders who are present in person or by proxy is required to approve the Amendment to the Stock Bonus Plan.   The Board believes the Amendment to the Stock Bonus Plan is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and is important in order to help assure the ability of the Company to continue to recruit and retain highly qualified employees, consultants, and non-employee directors.  

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS VOTING "FOR" THE ADOPTION OF PROPOSAL 4.

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PROPOSAL 5

ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE COMPENSATION

FOR OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS  

Shareholders have the opportunity to vote, on an advisory basis, on the compensation of our named executive officers. This advisory vote offers shareholders the opportunity to endorse or not endorse the Company's executive compensation policies and practices described in this proxy statement .   Last year, over 76 percent of the advisory votes cast by the Company's shareholders approved of our executive compensation policies and practices.   Following our 2011 annual meeting, at which our shareholders supported an annual frequency for the advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers, our Board has determined to hold the advisory vote on executive compensation each year.    

Our executive compensation programs are designed with the objectives of attracting, motivating and retaining highly qualified executives, providing performance-based incentives for the attainment of strategic business objectives, rewarding superior performance and aligning the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders.   Accordingly, we are submitting the following resolution for shareholder vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders:  

"RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company's named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion, is hereby APPROVED."  

For a more complete discussion of our compensation policies and practices please see the " Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section and the accompanying compensation tables and narrative disclosures in this proxy.    

Your vote on this matter is advisory and non-binding, and therefore cannot overrule any decisions made by the Board of Directors of the Company.   However, the Compensation and Benefits Committee will consider the outcome of this shareholder vote in its future deliberations on executive compensation.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.

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PROPOSALS BY SHAREHOLDERS  

To be considered for inclusion in next year's proxy materials, your proposal must be submitted in writing by February 21, 2014 to UQM Technologies, Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 4120 Specialty Place, Longmont, Colorado 80504 .  Such proposals must also meet the other requirements of the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to shareholders' proposals and the provisions of our Bylaws.  

Our Bylaws provide that any proposals by shareholders for the next Annual Meeting will not be acted on at the meeting unless notice thereof is received at our principal executive offices not less than 60 days or more than 90 days before the meeting.  Our Bylaws also provide that nominations to the Board of Directors for the 2014 Annual Meeting may not be made by shareholders unless written notice is received by the Secretary of the Company before March 25, 2014.  You should review our bylaws, which contain additional requirements about advance notice of shareholder proposals and director nominations.  

If we are not notified of intent to present a proposal at our 2014 Annual Meeting by 60 calendar days before the 2014 meeting date, which we expect will be within 30 calendar days of August 1, 2014, we will have the right to exercise discretionary voting authority with respect to any proposal, if presented at the meeting, without including information regarding such proposal in our proxy materials.  

 

OTHER MATTERS

As of the date of this proxy statement, the Board of Directors is not aware of any other matters to be presented for action at the meeting, nor has it been advised that others will present any other matters.   If any other matters do properly come before the meeting, the proxy holders intend to vote the proxies held by them in accordance with their best judgment on such matters.

 

ANNUAL REPORT

Upon the receipt of a written request from any shareholder, the Company will mail, at no charge to the shareholder, a copy of the Company's Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the financial statements and schedules required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 13a-1 under the Exchange Act.   Written requests for such Report should be directed to:  

Secretary

UQM Technologies, Inc.

4120 Specialty Place

Longmont , Colorado 80504

Phone (303) 682-4900

 

The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K is also available on the Company's web site at www.uqm.com or at the web site that the Securities and Exchange Commission maintains at www.sec.gov .

 

APPROVAL OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors of the Company has approved the contents of this proxy statement and its mailing to the shareholders.  

/s/ DAVID I. ROSENTHAL         

   David I. Rosenthal, Secretary