UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
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¨ | Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12 | |||
RENTRAK CORPORATION | ||||
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RENTRAK CORPORATION
One Airport Center
7700 N.E. Ambassador Place
Portland, Oregon 97220
July 10, 2013
To Our Shareholders:
Our 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2013, at 9:00 a.m., Pacific Daylight Time, at our executive offices, located at One Airport Center, 7700 N.E. Ambassador Place, Portland, Oregon, 97220. You will find details of the business to be conducted at the annual meeting provided in the attached formal Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement. Our 2013 Annual Report is also enclosed.
Among the matters to be acted on at the meeting are the election of directors, ratification of the appointment of our independent auditors, and the advisory vote on named executive compensation.
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting in person, it is important that your shares be represented and voted at the meeting. ACCORDINGLY, PLEASE FILL OUT, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD PROMPTLY. If you attend the meeting, you may revoke your proxy and vote in person, if you prefer.
Sincerely yours,
BRENT D. ROSENTHAL | WILLIAM P. LIVEK | |||
Non-Executive Chairman of the Board | Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 15, 2013:
The proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and 2013 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at http://investor.rentrak.com/annuals.cfm
RENTRAK CORPORATION
One Airport Center
7700 N.E. Ambassador Place
Portland, Oregon 97220
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held August 15, 2013
To the Shareholders of Rentrak Corporation:
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Rentrak Corporation will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2013, at 9:00 a.m., Pacific Daylight Time, at Rentraks executive offices, located at One Airport Center, 7700 N.E. Ambassador Place, Portland, Oregon, 97220, for the following purposes:
1. | To elect a board of directors consisting of seven members, each to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified; |
2. | To ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014; |
3. | To approve, as an advisory vote, compensation of Rentraks named executive officers; |
4. | To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof. |
The board of directors has fixed the close of business on June 18, 2013 as the record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. The proxy statement, which includes more information about the proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting, proxy card and 2013 Annual Report to Shareholders accompany this Notice.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please fill out, sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy in the enclosed postage paid envelope. You may revoke your proxy in writing or at the Annual Meeting, if you wish to vote in person.
By Order of the Board of Directors: | ||||
David I. Chemerow | ||||
Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
Portland, Oregon
July 10, 2013
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RENTRAK CORPORATION
One Airport Center
7700 N.E. Ambassador Place
Portland, Oregon 97220
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held August 15, 2013
MEETING AND VOTING INFORMATION
Date, Time and Place of Meeting
The board of directors of Rentrak Corporation is furnishing this notice of annual meeting and proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card in connection with the boards solicitation of proxies for use at Rentraks 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time, at Rentraks executive offices, located at One Airport Center, 7700 N.E. Ambassador Place, Portland, Oregon, 97220.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 15, 2013:
The proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and 2013 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at http://investor.rentrak.com/annuals.cfm.
Purposes of the Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting has been called for the following purposes:
| To elect a board of directors consisting of seven members, each to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified; |
| To ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as Rentraks independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014; |
| To approve, as an advisory vote, the compensation of Rentraks named executive officers; |
| To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof. |
Section 2.12 of Rentraks 1995 Restated Bylaws, as amended through July 11, 2011, sets forth procedures to be followed for introducing business at a shareholders meeting. Rentrak has no knowledge of any other matters that may be properly presented at the Annual Meeting. If other matters do properly come before the Annual Meeting in accordance with the Bylaws, the persons named in the proxy card will vote your proxy in accordance with their judgment on such matters in the exercise of their sole discretion.
Solicitation and Revocation of Proxies
Shares represented by a proxy card that is properly dated, executed and returned will be voted as directed on the proxy. If no direction is given, proxies will be voted FOR each of the director nominees selected by the board of directors, FOR ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm, and FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers. If other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote in accordance with their best judgment with respect to such matters. Any proxy given by a shareholder may be revoked at any time prior to its use by execution of a later-dated proxy delivered to Rentraks Secretary, by vote in person at the Annual Meeting, or by written notice of revocation delivered to Rentraks Secretary.
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Rentraks board of directors has selected the two persons named on the enclosed proxy card to serve as proxies in connection with the Annual Meeting. These proxy materials and the accompanying 2013 Annual Report to Shareholders, which includes Rentraks audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, and the other portions of Rentraks 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, are being mailed on or about July 10, 2013, to shareholders of record on June 18, 2013, which is the record date set by the board of directors for determining the shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements.
Record Date and Shares Outstanding
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on June 18, 2013, which is the Record Date set by the board of directors, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements. At the close of business on the Record Date, 11,891,638 shares of Rentrak common stock were outstanding. For information regarding the ownership of Rentrak common stock by holders of more than five percent of the outstanding shares and by Rentraks directors and executive officers, see Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management on page 15 below.
Voting; Quorum; Vote Required
Each share of common stock outstanding on the Record Date is entitled to one vote per share at the Annual Meeting. Shareholders are not entitled to cumulate their votes. The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of Rentraks outstanding shares of common stock is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting.
The votes required to approve the proposals to be considered at the Annual Meeting are as follows:
Proposal 1Election of Directors. The seven nominees for the board of directors receiving the highest number of affirmative votes cast at the meeting, in person or by proxy, will be elected as directors. You may vote FOR the nominees for election as directors, or you may WITHHOLD your vote with respect to one or more nominees. For purposes of determining whether a quorum exists for the meeting, if you return a proxy card and withhold your vote from the election of all directors, your shares will be counted as present.
Proposal 2Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 requires the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting and that the votes cast in favor of this proposal exceed the votes cast opposing this proposal. You may vote FOR, AGAINST, or ABSTAIN on the proposal to ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014.
Proposal 3Advisory Approval of Compensation of Named Executive Officers. Approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of Rentraks named executive officers requires the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting and that the votes cast in favor of this proposal exceed the votes cast opposing this proposal. The board of directors will consider the outcome of the vote when making future decisions regarding the compensation of Rentraks named executive officers. You may vote FOR, AGAINST, or ABSTAIN on the proposal to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of Rentraks named executive officers.
Effect of Broker Non-Votes and Abstentions
If a broker holds your shares in street name, you should instruct your broker how to vote. A broker non-vote occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner returns a duly executed proxy that does not include any vote with respect to a particular proposal because the nominee did not have discretionary voting power with respect to the matter being considered and did not receive voting instructions from the beneficial owner. Only Proposal 2, the ratification of the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm, is considered a discretionary matter.
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Broker non-votes and abstentions are deemed present at the Annual Meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present, but will have no effect on the outcome of any of the proposals on the ballot. Broker non-votes and abstentions will have no effect on Proposal 1, the election of directors, because directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast. Broker non-votes will have no effect on Proposal 2, ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm, because brokers or nominees have discretionary authority to vote on this proposal, and abstentions have no effect on this proposal because abstentions will not be included in tabulations of votes cast for purposes of determining whether the proposal has been approved. Broker non-votes and abstentions also will have no effect on Proposal 3, the advisory approval of Rentraks named executive officer compensation, because broker non-votes and abstentions will not be included in tabulations of votes cast for purposes of determining whether this proposal has been approved.
We urge you to provide voting instructions to your broker on all voting items.
Costs of Solicitation
Rentrak will bear all costs and expenses associated with this solicitation. In addition to solicitation by mail, directors, officers, and employees of Rentrak may solicit proxies from shareholders, personally or by telephone, facsimile, or e-mail transmission, without receiving any additional remuneration. Rentrak has asked brokerage houses, nominees and other agents and fiduciaries to forward soliciting materials to beneficial owners of Rentrak common stock and will reimburse all such persons for their expenses.
Householding
In accordance with applicable regulations, Rentrak delivers a single annual report and proxy statement to certain persons who share an address, unless we have been notified that such persons prefer to receive individual copies of those documents. This practice is referred to as householding. If you reside at an address that received only one copy of proxy materials as a result of householding, we will deliver additional copies upon oral or written request. If you wish to receive separate copies in the future, please contact us at Rentrak Corporation, P.O. Box 18888, Portland, Oregon 97218-0888, Attn: Corporate Secretary, or by phone at (503) 284-7581 extension 264. If you and others living at your address received multiple copies of proxy materials and prefer to receive a single copy, you may request that a single copy be sent in the future by contacting us as described above.
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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
All of our current directors, William E. Engel, Richard Hochhauser, William P. Livek, Anne MacDonald, Martin OConnor II, Brent Rosenthal and Ralph Shaw, have been nominated by the board of directors to stand for re-election as directors.
Rentraks Bylaws currently in effect provide for not less than six and not more than ten positions on the board of directors. The board of directors has set the size of the board at seven positions and nominated the individuals named above to serve on the board until the next annual meeting. If for any reason any of these nominees should become unavailable for election (an event the board does not anticipate), proxies will be voted for the election of such substitute nominee as the board in its discretion may recommend. Proxies cannot be voted for more than seven nominees. Directors are re-elected annually to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. If a vacancy occurs after the Annual Meeting, the board of directors may elect a replacement to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.
The board of directors has determined that each of the nominees for director, other than Messrs. Engel and Livek, is or will be an independent director under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq listing standards.
The board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the election of each of the following nominees for director:
WILLIAM E. ENGEL (age 65). Mr. Engel has over 40 years of experience in the media and marketing information industries and is considered an expert on consumer-based marketing information and transactions-based data. He co-holds a patent for the integration of disparate datasets making it possible to join multiple data sets of non-personally identifiable data. Since January 2009, Mr. Engel has served as Chairman and is now a minority owner of Consumer Orbit L.L.C., a marketing information aggregator with a focus on the relationship between existing consumer databases and consumer generated transactions-based data. Mr. Engel served as Senior Vice President of Innovation for the Marketing Services Group of Experian, Inc., a provider of information, analytical and marketing services worldwide, from February 2007 until December 2008, and was co-President of Experians subsidiary Experian Research Services from October 2004 until February 2007. From 1998 until 2004, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Simmons Market Research Bureau following its acquisition by Symmetrical Resources, co-founded by Mr. Engel in 1992. Mr. Engel has served at the executive level of a number of consumer research companies since the early 1970s. His experience includes: President of Research and Operations for VNU (now the Nielsen Company), Executive Vice President of Operations for Birch Scarborough Research and various executive positions with the Arbitron Company, until 1978. Mr. Engel was elected as a director of Rentrak in August 2010. The board has nominated Mr. Engel for election as a director because of his extensive expertise in, and significant contributions to, the media research industry, including the creation and marketing of new information products. In addition, his experience in building large-scale information companies and participation in senior management of various public companies enable Mr. Engel to assist Rentrak in the assessment of operating risks.
RICHARD HOCHHAUSER (age 68). Mr. Hochhauser is an adjunct professor teaching in a Masters Degree program in (1) integrated marketing at New York University and (2) public affairs at Baruch College-CUNY. He retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of Harte-Hanks, Inc. in 2008, a position in which he served since 2002. He served in various other capacities with Harte-Hanks, Inc., a global direct and targeted marketing solutions provider, during his 33-year tenure, including as a member of its board for the last 12 years of his tenure with the company. He previously served as chair of the board of directors of the Direct Marketing Association, as chair of the board of directors of the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation, and as a director of John Wiley & Sons, Inc., a global publisher of print and electronic products. Mr. Hochhauser was elected as a director of Rentrak in August 2009, and is chair of Rentraks Nominating and Governance Committee. The board has nominated Mr. Hochhauser to serve as a director because of his expertise in the direct marketing industry, experience with board service and experience as a CEO of a public company.
WILLIAM P. LIVEK (age 59). Mr. Livek has been Chief Executive Officer and a director of Rentrak since June 15, 2009. From December 2008 until June 2009, Mr. Livek was founder and Chief Executive Officer of Symmetrical Capital, an investment and consulting firm focused on the marketing/media measurement industry.
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From February 2007 until December 2008, he was Senior Vice President, Strategic Alliances and International Expansion, of Experian Information Solutions, Inc., a provider of information, analytical and marketing services worldwide, and was co-President of Experians subsidiary Experian Research Services from October 2004 to February 2007. For more than 10 years prior to October 2004, Mr. Livek was President and co-founder of Symmetrical Resources Inc. (which owned Simmons Market Research, in addition to owning shares in other information companies). At Simmons Market Research Bureau, he directed the growth and evolution of the company into a media-neutral, consumer centric research and information business prior to its sale to Experian in 2004. The board has nominated Mr. Livek for election as a director based on his extensive background in media measurement, which also includes serving as President/CEO of Scarborough Research and Vice President of Sales and Marketing with the Arbitron Company. The board has nominated Mr. Livek for election as director, and selected him to continue to serve as Vice Chairman of the board effective upon his re-election, because of his insight and experience regarding Rentraks industry and his ability to serve as an effective liaison between the board and management.
ANNE MACDONALD (age 57). Ms. MacDonald is a senior marketing executive with over 30 years experience in Fortune 100 companies. Ms. MacDonald currently provides consulting and advisory services to public companies and private equity firms. Previously, Ms. MacDonald was Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for The Travelers Companies until 2011, a partner of The Rockefeller Consulting Group until 2009, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Macys until 2007, Chief Marketing Officer for the Consumer Division of Citigroup until 2006, held various executive marketing positions in Citigroup until 2004, and Vice President of Marketing for Pizza Hut until 1997. Ms. MacDonald began her career in marketing in 1980 at Grey Advertising, moving to the NW Ayer agency in 1983 until 1993, where she was a Managing Director and member of their board until 1993. Ms. MacDonald served on the board of Catalina Marketing from 2003 until 2006, and the Advisory Board of SS+K Advertising Agency from 2007 until 2009. She also serves on the non-profit boards of Orion Magazine, Schumacher Center for New Economics and ZanaAfrica. Ms. MacDonald was elected as a director of Rentrak in August 2009. The board has nominated Ms. MacDonald for election as a director based on her years of marketing leadership experience in the media industry with knowledge of both the agency and client side of the business. Ms. MacDonald is Chair of the Compensation Committee.
MARTIN B. OCONNOR, II (age 54). Mr. OConnor is the managing partner of the law firm OConnor, Morss & OConnor, P.C. in Union, New Jersey. His practice focuses on advising his clients and their business interests and family offices, regarding strategic planning, ownership and wealth management issues, with clients in the financial, real estate, entertainment, sport and agricultural sectors in the United States and abroad. Mr. OConnor has been a director of Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp., a pioneer in transforming movie theaters into digital and networked entertainment centers, since 2010. Mr. OConnor is also a director of Digital Cinema Destinations Corp., a fast growing motion picture exhibitor dedicated to transforming movie theaters into digital entertainment centers, since 2010. He also serves as a director of various closely-held companies, charitable organizations, foundations and professional boards. Mr. OConnor was elected as a director of Rentrak in August 2010. The board has nominated Mr. OConnor for election as a director in light of his extensive professional connections with prominent executives in the media and entertainment industries worldwide.
BRENT D. ROSENTHAL (age 41). Mr. Rosenthal has been a Research Analyst for WRH Partners II, L.L.C. and its affiliates (WRH) since 2002. William R. Huff, a principal of WRH, is the beneficial owner of 8.7% of Rentraks outstanding stock. Mr. Rosenthal also serves on the board of directors of various private companies. Prior to 2002, Mr. Rosenthal served as Director of Mergers & Acquisitions for RSL Communications Ltd. Prior to joining RSL, Mr. Rosenthal served emerging media companies for Deloitte & Touche LLP. Mr. Rosenthal is a Certified Public Accountant. He was elected as a director of Rentrak in August 2008 and became Vice Chairman of the board of directors in September 2010. Mr. Rosenthal was selected to serve as non-executive Chairman of the board of directors upon his re-election in 2011. Mr. Rosenthal is also Chairman of the Audit Committee. The board has nominated Mr. Rosenthal to serve as a director and selected him to serve as non-executive Chairman of the board of directors upon his re-election in light of his financial expertise and experience in the media industry.
RALPH R. SHAW (age 74). Mr. Shaw has been president of Shaw Management Company, an investment counseling firm located in Portland, Oregon, since 1980, and general partner of a succession of three venture capital funds beginning in 1983. Mr. Shaw is a trustee of the Tax-Free Trust of Oregon. From 1993 to 2011, Mr. Shaw served on the board of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. and was a member of its audit, compensation and governance committees. Mr. Shaw served as an outside director of one of Rentraks subsidiaries from 2000 through 2003.
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He also served as an adviser to the Rentrak board from 2001 until his election as a director of Rentrak in 2004. The board has nominated Mr. Shaw for election as a director because he brings to the board financial expertise and experience working with small companies.
Transaction with Director Nominee
In February 2010, Mr. Engel began providing services as an independent consultant to assist Rentrak in combining its sources of data for its TV EssentialsTM product under a three-year agreement with Consumer Orbit L.L.C., of which Mr. Engel is Chairman. The consulting fee under the agreement was $10,000 per month, which was reduced to $6,000 per month (or $72,000 per year) upon Mr. Engels election as a director of Rentrak in August 2010. The consulting arrangement was approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to the procedures described under Committees and Meetings of the Board beginning on page 9 below. In addition, on June 8, 2011 and June 17, 2011, we granted to Mr. Engel stock options to purchase 5,000 and 15,000 shares of our common stock, respectively, with a grant date fair market value of $60,126 and $141,599, respectively, as part of his consulting arrangement. After considering these compensation arrangements, the board has concluded that Mr. Engel is not an independent director under applicable Nasdaq listing standards.
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RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has selected Grant Thornton LLP as Rentraks independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014. See Matters Relating to Our Auditors beginning on page 33 below. Although the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as Rentraks independent registered public accounting firm is not required to be submitted to a vote of the shareholders by Rentraks charter documents or applicable law, the board has decided to ask the shareholders to ratify the appointment. If the shareholders do not ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP, the board will ask the Audit Committee to reconsider this selection.
For more information regarding Rentraks independent registered public accounting firm, see Matters Related to Our Auditors on page 33 below.
The board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2014.
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ADVISORY VOTE ON NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
We are asking shareholders to cast an advisory vote to approve Rentraks named executive officer compensation as disclosed in this proxy statement. As described below in the Executive CompensationCompensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement starting on page 19 below, our Compensation Committee has structured our executive compensation program to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified employees, to align our executives interests with those of our shareholders and to provide our executives with opportunities to earn additional compensation when superior financial results are achieved. Our Compensation Committee and board of directors believe that the compensation policies and procedures articulated in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement are effective in achieving our goals.
We urge shareholders to read the Executive Compensation section of this proxy statement beginning on page 19 below, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis starting on page 19 below that discusses our named executive compensation for fiscal 2013 in more detail, as well as the Summary Compensation Table and other related compensation tables, notes and narrative, appearing on pages 21 through 31 of this proxy statement, which provide detailed information on the compensation of our named executive officers.
In accordance with Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), and as a matter of good corporate governance, we are asking for shareholder approval of the compensation of Rentraks named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement, including the disclosure made under Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables, footnotes and narrative discussion following the compensation tables. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the policies and practices described in this proxy statement.
Although this proposal, commonly referred to as a say-on-pay vote, is an advisory vote that will not be binding on our board of directors or Compensation Committee, the board of directors and Compensation Committee will consider the results of this advisory vote when making future decisions regarding our named executive officer compensation programs.
The board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of Rentraks named executive officers.
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COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
The board of directors has established several standing committees, including an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Nominating and Governance Committee. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, the board of directors held eight meetings. Each director attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings held by the board of directors and the board committees on which he or she served during fiscal 2013.
The board of directors has adopted corporate governance guidelines, which state that directors are expected to attend all meetings of the board of directors and our annual meetings of shareholders. All directors attended our annual meeting of shareholders held in August 2012.
Audit Committee
Rentrak has a standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committees activities are governed by a formal written charter, a copy of which is available on Rentraks website under Investor Relations / Corporate Governance / Committee / Audit at www.rentrak.com. The Audit Committee held five meetings during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.
Mr. Rosenthal (Chair), Mr. OConnor and Mr. Shaw, each of whom meets the financial literacy and independence requirements for audit committee membership specified in the Nasdaq listing standards and rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), are the current members of the Audit Committee. The board of directors has determined that Messrs. Rosenthal and Shaw are each qualified to be an audit committee financial expert as defined in the SECs rules.
The Audit Committee makes decisions regarding the engagement or discharge of Rentraks independent registered public accounting firm, reviews and pre-approves audit and legally-permitted non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm, and oversees the integrity of Rentraks financial statements and other financial information, its systems of internal accounting and financial controls, and the independence and performance of Rentraks independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has established procedures for the receipt and handling of complaints about accounting and auditing matters and reports of ethical violations regarding Rentraks directors, officers and employees.
The Audit Committees charter makes it responsible for reviewing all potential conflicts of interest transactions between Rentrak and a director, officer or shareholder (including transactions with family members or associates of such persons) that would be required to be reported as a transaction with a related person in this proxy statement under the SECs disclosure rules, and determining whether or not to approve any such transactions. Under the charter, the Audit Committee also reviews, interprets and administers Rentraks Code of Business Conduct and reviews requests for waivers and reports of violations. Under the Code of Business Conduct as revised in May 2010, executive officers and directors must obtain the prior written approval of the Audit Committee before participating in any business arrangement with Rentrak. Directors must disclose any personal interest they may have in any transaction with Rentrak or being considered by the board, and may not participate in any decision in which there is a conflict between their personal interests and Rentraks interests. Upon notification of a potential conflict of interest, the Audit Committee initiates its ratification process by requesting all available information regarding the proposed transaction. The Audit Committee then reviews, discusses, and evaluates the transaction, including the potential risks and benefits to Rentrak. The Audit Committee independently determines if there is a conflict of interest and votes either to approve or reject the transaction in question. See also Code of Ethics on page 12 below.
Compensation Committee
The members of the Compensation Committee are Ms. MacDonald (Chair), and Messrs. Hochhauser and Shaw, each of whom is an independent director as defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq listing standards. The Compensation Committee is responsible for approving and evaluating Rentraks director and officer compensation plans, policies and programs, evaluating the performance of Rentraks management, and making compensation decisions regarding Rentraks executive employees. The Compensation Committee is governed by a written charter, most recently amended on May 23, 2013, a copy of which is available on Rentraks website under Investor Relations / Corporate Governance / Committee / Compensation at www.rentrak.com. The Compensation Committee held twelve meetings during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.
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Responsibilities and Processes of Compensation Committee. The board of directors has delegated responsibility for considering and approving the compensation programs for, and awards to, all of Rentraks executive officers, including the named executive officers identified in the Summary Compensation Table on page 21 below, to the Compensation Committee, which consists entirely of independent, non-employee directors. The Compensation Committee also establishes the executive compensation principles that guide the design of Rentraks executive compensation programs.
Engagement of Independent Consultant. For assistance in designing Rentraks compensation programs for executive officers to meet our goals and objectives, the Compensation Committee is authorized to engage the services of an outside consultant to conduct surveys and provide reports, updates and related advice to the committee regarding compensation paid to executive officers at peer companies who hold positions similar to those of our named executive officers. The Compensation Committee last engaged an outside consultant in April 2009 and did not retain an outside consultant during fiscal 2013.
Role of Executive Officers. The base salaries paid to executive officers for fiscal 2013, other than our Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Chemerow, were recommended to the Compensation Committee by Mr. Livek in March 2012 and approved by the Compensation Committee. The recommendations were reviewed with the Compensation Committee chair in advance of deliberations and action was taken by the Compensation Committee as a whole. Each of Mr. Livek and Mr. Chemerow was present during the Compensation Committees deliberations and approval process regarding compensation of executive officers other than themselves.
Nominating and Governance Committee
The Nominating and Governance Committee is chaired by Mr. Hochhauser. Mr. OConnor and Mr. Rosenthal are its two other members. The board of directors has determined that each of these directors is independent as defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq listing standards. The Nominating and Governance Committee is governed by a written charter, a copy of which is available on Rentraks website under Investor Relations / Corporate Governance / Committee / Nominating & Governance at www.rentrak.com. The Nominating and Governance Committee held one meeting during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.
The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for identifying individuals qualified to become directors of Rentrak, recommending to the board of directors candidates for election and recommending individuals to serve on each board committee. It is also responsible for developing for board approval a set of corporate governance guidelines addressing board organizational issues, committee structure and membership, and succession planning for Rentraks chief executive officer position.
The Nominating and Governance Committee has not adopted any specific, minimum qualifications for director candidates. In evaluating potential director nominees, the Nominating and Governance Committee takes into account all factors that it considers appropriate, including strength of character, maturity of judgment, career specialization, relevant technical skills or financial acumen, diversity of viewpoints, industry knowledge, and the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and sound business judgment.
In determining whether to recommend nomination of current directors for re-election, the Nominating and Governance Committee performs periodic evaluations of individual directors. Non-employee directors are generally expected to retire upon reaching age 75 or completing ten years of service, whichever is later. Directors who are also employees will generally be expected to resign upon termination of employment, although the board of directors may make an exception to this policy for a former chief executive officer if it believes it to be in the best interests of Rentrak.
Whenever the Nominating and Governance Committee is required to identify new director candidates because of a vacancy or a desire to expand the board, the Nominating and Governance Committee will poll current directors for suggested candidates. The Nominating and Governance Committee has the authority to hire a third party search firm if it deems such action to be appropriate, but has not done so since 2005. Once potential candidates are identified, the Nominating and Governance Committee will conduct interviews with the candidates and perform such investigations into the candidates background as the Nominating and Governance Committee deems appropriate.
- 10 -
The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider director candidates suggested by shareholders for nomination by the board of directors. Shareholders wishing to suggest a candidate to the Nominating and Governance Committee should do so by sending the candidates name, biographical information, and qualifications to: Chair of Nominating and Governance Committee, in care of David Chemerow, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, Rentrak Corporation, P.O. Box 18888, Portland, Oregon 97218-0888. Candidates suggested by shareholders will be evaluated by the same criteria and process as candidates from other sources.
Board Committee Membership at July 10, 2013
Name | Audit Committee |
Compensation Committee |
Nominating & Governance Committee | |||
Richard Hochhauser
|
- |
Member |
Chair | |||
Anne MacDonald
|
- |
Chair |
- | |||
Martin OConnor
|
Member |
- |
Member | |||
Brent Rosenthal
|
Chair |
- |
Member | |||
Ralph Shaw
|
Member |
Member |
- |
Rentrak has developed and maintains processes to manage risk in its operations. The boards role in risk management is primarily one of oversight, with day-to-day responsibility for risk management implemented by the management team. The board executes its oversight role directly and through its various committees. The Audit Committee has the responsibility for implementing the boards risk management oversight role over financial statements reporting. The Audit Committee is also responsible for reviewing conflict of interest transactions and handling complaints about accounting and auditing matters and violations of Rentraks Code of Business Conduct. The Audit Committee monitors certain key risk areas, such as internal control over financial reporting, at each of its regularly scheduled meetings. The full board of directors monitors liquidity risk and risks associated with potential or completed business acquisitions, in addition to assessing the risks in proposed financing or investments of the company. The Nominating and Governance Committee assists in risk management by overseeing Rentraks compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relating to corporate governance. The Compensation Committee assesses risks created by the incentives inherent in Rentraks compensation policies. Finally, the full board of directors reviews strategic and operational risks in the context of reports from the management team and the board committees.
Since the hiring of Mr. Livek as Chief Executive Officer in June 2009, the positions of Chairman of the Board and CEO have been held by different people. The board has determined that Mr. Rosenthal, who became Chairman of the Board in 2011 upon his re-election at the 2011 annual meeting, is independent under Nasdaq listing standards. The board believes that Mr. Livek brings a wealth of industry experience and operational skills to Rentrak as it seeks to transform itself into a leading provider of media measurement services, while Mr. Rosenthal will continue to provide valuable insights in the role of non-executive Chairman in light of his financial expertise and experience in the media industry, as well as his substantial record of service to the board and the considerable amount of time he has devoted to the company.
Each of Rentraks board committees is made up solely of independent directors and sets its own agenda. The independent directors also meet in executive session at each meeting without management present. As a result, it is the Nominating and Governance Committees view that there is no current need for an independent lead director. The Nominating and Governance Committee reevaluates the boards leadership structure periodically. In Fiscal 2012, the board of directors unanimously elected Mr. Rosenthal to the position of Chairman in recognition of his financial expertise, experience in the media industry, his substantial record of service to the board and the considerable amount of time he has devoted to the company.
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Rentrak has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers that focuses on honest and ethical conduct, the adequacy of disclosure in Rentraks financial reports, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Code of Ethics is included as part of our Code of Business Conduct approved by the board of directors, which is generally applicable to all directors, officers, and employees of Rentrak. The Code of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics are available on Rentraks website under Corporate Information / Investor Relations / Corporate Governance / Committees / Code of Business Conduct at www.rentrak.com and are administered by the Audit Committee.
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD
Communications by shareholders to the board of directors should be sent to the attention of the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, in care of David Chemerow, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, Rentrak Corporation, P.O. Box 18888, Portland, Oregon 97218-0888. Such communications will be forwarded unopened to the individual serving as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, who will be responsible for responding to or forwarding such communications as appropriate, including communications directed to individual directors or board committees. Communications will not be forwarded if the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee determines that they do not appear to be within the scope of the boards (or such other intended recipients) responsibilities or are otherwise inappropriate or frivolous.
- 12 -
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR FISCAL 2013
2013 Director Compensation Table
The following table summarizes compensation paid to non-employee directors for services during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.
Name |
Fees Earned or Paid in
|
Option (2)
|
Stock Awards (2) |
Total |
||||||||||||
William Engel
|
|
$36,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ 100,001
|
|
|
$136,001
|
| ||||
Richard Hochhauser
|
|
$40,800
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ 100,001
|
|
|
$140,801
|
| ||||
Anne MacDonald
|
|
$39,600
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ 100,001
|
|
|
$139,601
|
| ||||
Martin OConnor
|
|
$38,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ 100,001
|
|
|
$138,501
|
| ||||
Brent Rosenthal
|
|
$41,000
|
|
|
$ 99,999
|
|
|
$ 100,001
|
|
|
$241,000
|
| ||||
Ralph Shaw
|
|
$40,900
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ 100,001
|
|
|
$140,901
|
|
(1) | During fiscal 2013, each non-employee director of Rentrak received an annual cash retainer of $30,000. In addition, the chair of the Compensation Committee received a $3,000 annual retainer, the chair of the Audit Committee received a $5,000 annual retainer, the chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee received a $3,000 retainer, and each other non-employee director who served on the Audit Committee received a $2,500 annual retainer. A fee of $1,200 is paid for each board meeting attended in person. After a non-employee director has attended four committee meetings that were not held at the same time as a board meeting, the director will be paid $600 for each subsequent committee meeting attended in person or by telephone. Rentrak also reimburses directors for their travel expenses for each meeting attended in person; reimbursement amounts are not included in the totals above. |
(2) | The dollar amounts reflect the grant date fair value of deferred stock unit (DSU) awards and stock options granted in fiscal 2013, calculated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 718 promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), but excluding the effect of any estimated forfeitures. The DSU valuation is equal to the number of DSUs granted multiplied by the closing stock price on the grant date. The assumptions made in determining the grant date fair values of DSUs and stock options under FASB ASC Topic 718 are disclosed in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2013. |
Each non-employee director is granted $100,000 of DSUs at or about the time of each annual meeting of shareholders. The number of DSUs is determined by dividing $100,000 by the stock trading price on the date of grant and rounding to the nearest whole number. The DSUs vest in equal monthly installments over the ensuing 11 calendar months, as long as the recipient continues serving as a director at the end of the applicable month. Unvested DSUs will also fully vest upon termination of the recipients service on the board as a result of death, disability, after reaching age 75, or upon a change in control of Rentrak during the vesting period. Each vested DSU entitles the holder to receive a share of Rentrak common stock following the end of their service as a director of Rentrak.
Beginning in August 2011, the non-employee director serving as chairman of the board receives an additional annual grant of stock options, which will be granted at or about the time of each annual meeting of shareholders in future years. In August 2012, the stock option grant was approximately $100,000. The number of shares subject to these stock options is determined by dividing $100,000 by the grant date fair value of the options and rounded to the nearest whole number, and the exercise price per share is equal to the closing market price on the grant date. The stock options have a ten-year term and vest in equal monthly installments over the ensuing 11 calendar months, as long as the recipient continues serving as a director at the end of the applicable month. The options become exercisable one year after the grant date.
The table below shows the total DSUs and stock options granted to each non-employee director during fiscal 2013 and the total DSUs and stock options held by each non-employee director at March 31, 2013.
- 13 -
Name |
Number of |
Number of |
Grant Date |
Grant Date |
Total Number March 31, |
Total |
||||||||||||||||||
William Engel
|
|
5,669 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
8/23/12 |
|
|
$100,001 |
|
|
17,256 |
|
|
20,000 |
| ||||||
Richard Hochhauser
|
|
5,669
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
8/23/12
|
|
|
$100,001
|
|
|
26,256
|
|
|
0
|
| ||||||
Anne MacDonald
|
|
5,669
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
8/23/12
|
|
|
$100,001
|
|
|
26,256
|
|
|
0
|
| ||||||
Martin OConnor
|
|
5,669
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
8/23/12
|
|
|
$100,001
|
|
|
17,256
|
|
|
0
|
| ||||||
Brent Rosenthal |
|
5,669
|
|
|
15,174
|
|
|
8/23/12 8/23/12
|
|
|
$100,001 $ 99,999
|
|
|
35,256
|
|
|
58,739 |
| ||||||
Ralph Shaw
|
|
5,669
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
8/23/12
|
|
|
$100,001
|
|
|
57,006
|
|
|
17,500
|
|
In establishing compensation for non-employee directors for service during fiscal 2013, the Compensation Committee and the board of directors considered information regarding compensation paid to directors of similar marketing services companies collected by a non-employee director, along with director compensation information derived from other sources.
- 14 -
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth as of June 18, 2013, certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of Rentrak common stock by (i) each person known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of Rentraks outstanding shares of common stock, (ii) each current director and nominee for election as a director of Rentrak, (iii) the current executive officers of Rentrak named in the Summary Compensation Table below (named executive officers), and (iv) all current directors and executive officers of Rentrak as a group.
Name and Address | Shares Beneficially Owned | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total (1) | Percent of
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Greater than 5% Owners |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
William R. Huff |
1,037,042 (2) | 8.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
67 Park Place, 9th Floor |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Morristown, NJ 07960
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mark Cuban |
972,900 (3) | 8.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
5424 Deloache Avenue |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dallas, TX 75220 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
DISH Network L.L.C. |
700,000 (4) | 5.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9601 S. Meridian Blvd. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Englewood, CO 80112 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Exercisable | Total Beneficial | Percent of |
Shares Subject to Unvested |
||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Owned (5) | Options (5) | Ownership (1) | Class (1) | DSUs | RSUs | ||||||||||||||||||
Directors and Nominees |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
William Engel |
15,000 | 10,000 | 25,000 | * | 17,256 | -- | ||||||||||||||||||
Richard Hochhauser |
460 | 0 | 460 | * | 26,256 | -- | ||||||||||||||||||
William Livek ** |
135,028 | 381,666 | 516,694 | 4.2% | -- | 103,500 | ||||||||||||||||||
Anne MacDonald |
1,000 | 0 | 1,000 | * | 26,256 | -- | ||||||||||||||||||
Martin OConnor |
1,000 | 0 | 1,000 | * | 17,256 | -- | ||||||||||||||||||
Brent Rosenthal |
10,750 | 46,239 | 56,989 | * | 35,256 | -- | ||||||||||||||||||
Ralph Shaw |
1,000 | 17,500 | 18,500 | * | 57,006 | -- | ||||||||||||||||||
Named Executive Officers |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
David Chemerow |
56,778 | 91,312 | 148,090 | 1.2% | -- | 63,516 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amir Yazdani |
157,316 | 46,500 | 203,816 | 1.7% | -- | 71,800 | ||||||||||||||||||
Ron Giambra |
1,456 | 36,500 | 37,956 | * | -- | -- | ||||||||||||||||||
Cathy Hetzel |
2,173 | 86,500 | 88,673 | * | -- | -- | ||||||||||||||||||
All Current Executive Officers and Directors as a group (14 persons) |
398,390 | 845,717 | 1,244,107 | 9.8% | 179,286 | 238,816 |
* Less than one percent
** Is also a named executive officer
- 15 -
(1) | Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares listed opposite his or her name. All percentages have been calculated based on 11,891,638 shares of Rentraks common stock issued and outstanding as of June 18, 2013. |
(2) | William R. Huff, the general partner of certain limited partnerships affiliated with WRH, filed Amendment No. 2 to Schedule 13D reporting, as of November 19, 2009, sole voting power and dispositive power as to 1,032,042 shares of Rentrak common stock. Subsequently, W.R. Huff Asset Management Co. L.L.C., filed Schedule 13F reporting holdings of 1,037,042 shares of Rentrak stock as of September 30, 2012. |
(3) | Mark Cuban filed Schedule 13D reporting, as of September 22, 2011, sole voting power and dispositive power as to 972,900 shares. |
(4) | DISH Network L.L.C. filed Schedule 13G reporting, as of August 8, 2012, sole voting power and dispositive power as to 700,000 shares of Rentrak common stock. |
(5) | In accordance with SEC regulations, the number of shares and percentage calculation with respect to each shareholder assumes the exercise of all outstanding options such shareholder holds that are exercisable within 60 days after record date June 18, 2013. |
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires Rentraks directors and officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the outstanding shares of Rentraks common stock (10% shareholders) to file with the SEC initial reports of beneficial ownership (Forms 3) and reports of changes in beneficial ownership (Forms 4 and 5) of such shares. To Rentraks knowledge, based solely upon a review of the copies of Forms 3, 4, and 5 (and amendments thereto) furnished to Rentrak or otherwise in its files or publicly available, all of Rentraks officers, directors, and 10% shareholders complied in a timely manner with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements since July 1, 2012.
- 16 -
The names, ages, positions and backgrounds of Rentraks current executive officers in addition to Mr. Livek are as follows:
Name |
Age |
Position Held Since |
Current Position(s) with Rentrak and Background | |||
David Chemerow |
61 | 2009 | Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. Mr. Chemerow joined Rentrak in October 2009 in his current position. From 2005 through September 2009, Mr. Chemerow was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Olympus Media, LLC, which specializes in the sale of outdoor advertising. From 2003 to 2004, Mr. Chemerow was the Chief Operating Officer for TravelCLICK, Inc., which helps hotels maximize profit from electronic channels. From 2002 to 2003, he was the Chief Operating Officer of ADcom Information Services, Inc., which provided ratings for viewership of TV programs to cable operators. From 1990 to 2000 Mr. Chemerow served in senior executive roles in several media companies, including as Executive Vice President, Finance and Operations and Chief Financial Officer of Playboy Enterprises, Inc., a global media and lifestyle company, President and Chief Operating Officer of GT Interactive Software Corp, a publisher of computer games, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Soldout.com, Inc., which specializes in sold-out and hard-to-obtain tickets and personalized entertainment packages for sports, theater, cultural and other events. Mr. Chemerow previously served as the non-executive Chairman of the Board of Playboy Enterprises, Inc. until March 2011 and is a member of the board of directors of Dunhams Athleisure Corporation, a sporting goods retailer. | |||
Timothy Erwin |
44 | 2007 | Senior Vice President, Sales and Customer Relations. Mr. Erwin has been with Rentrak for 21 years and, prior to his promotion in January 2007, held positions including Vice President of Customer Relations, Senior Director of Customer Relations, and Manager of Customer Services and Key Accounts. Prior to joining Rentrak, Mr. Erwin was a District Manager for National Video. | |||
Ron Giambra |
51 | 2011 | President, Theatrical Worldwide. Mr. Giambra served as Executive Vice President Theatrical Worldwide from 2008 until he was promoted to his current position in April 2011. Mr. Giambra joined Rentrak in 2001 as Vice President, Theatrical and served as Senior Vice President, Theatrical from early 2003 until his promotion in early 2008. Prior to joining Rentrak, Mr. Giambra held various management positions with motion picture distribution companies, including Tribune Media from 2000 to 2001, Destination Films in 1999 and 2000, Polygram Film Entertainment from 1997 to 1999, and Orion Films from 1983 to 1997. Mr. Giambra currently serves as a member of the board of directors and sits on the Audit Committee of the widely-respected Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, and is active in many charitable events and programs within the motion picture industry. |
- 17 -
Name |
Age |
Position Held Since |
Current Position(s) with Rentrak and Background | |||
Marty Graham |
55 | 2005 | President, Home Entertainment Division (formerly the PPT Division). Mr. Graham served as Chief Operating Officer, PPT Division from January 2005 until he was promoted to his current position in October 2005. Mr. Graham served as Senior Vice President, Studio Relations from May 2002 through December 2004. Previously, he served Rentrak as Vice President, Product Development beginning in 1991. Mr. Graham joined Rentrak in October 1988 as Director of Product Development. Prior to joining Rentrak, Mr. Graham served as general manager and secretary/treasurer of Pacific Western Video Corporation. | |||
Cathy Hetzel |
62 | 2011 | Corporate President. Ms. Hetzel was promoted to Corporate President in April 2011. Ms. Hetzel joined Rentrak in March 2004, following a one-year consulting relationship with Rentrak, and served as Senior Vice President, OnDemand Essentials until her appointment to President, AMI Division in April 2007. Previously, she was senior vice president, business development at Concero, an interactive television, video on demand (VOD) and electronic commerce services company, beginning in March 2000. Prior to that, she was senior vice president of Digital Cable Radio Associates, a partnership of several music recording companies and cable operators. | |||
Chris Wilson |
46 | 2011 | President of National Linear Television. Mr. Wilson was hired as Rentraks President of National Linear Television in February 2011. Prior to that, Mr. Wilson was CEO and President of LogicLab from March 2009 until February 2011. A division of Merkle LLC, LogicLab focused on delivering customer data-driven targeting of direct marketing tools to the mass media buying and planning markets. Prior to LogicLab, Mr. Wilson was President at Experian Research Services from February 2007 until March 2009 as well as President of Simmons Market Research Bureau from October 2000 until February 2007. Earlier in his career, he held numerous senior-level positions during his tenure at Scarborough Research Company where he played a critical role in growing the TV station subscription base and helped the company market the value of targeted television campaigns to advertisers. | |||
Amir Yazdani |
53 | 2001 | Executive Vice President, Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. Mr. Yazdani was promoted to his present position in July 2001. Previously, Mr. Yazdani was Vice President, Management Information Systems of Rentraks former subsidiary 3PF.COM, Inc., from 1999 to June 2001, and Vice President, Management Information Systems of Rentrak from 1993 to 1999. |
- 18 -
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Compensation Principles. In general, our compensation programs for our executive officers named in the 2013 Summary Compensation Table below are designed to reward the achievement of individual and company goals and objectives. Rentrak follows a practice of linking executive compensation to individual levels of performance, as well as the performance of the company as a whole. The compensation of our executive officers for fiscal 2013 included cash incentive bonuses and equity-based awards (stock options) that reward the achievement of goals and objectives relating to both individual performance and company performance.
Rentraks overall executive compensation levels in place for fiscal 2013 were designed to attract and retain the talent needed to enable us to achieve and maintain a leadership position in the businesses and industries in which Rentrak competes, as well as to increase the long-term value of the companys stock for shareholders.
Our new hire executive compensation packages structured for Messrs. Livek and Chemerow in fiscal 2010 placed a greater emphasis on equity-based compensation, as well as compensation conditioned on the achievement of corporate and individual performance goals. This shift in focus was carried through the rest of our executive team later in fiscal 2010 through revamping our compensation program for other executive officers.
The goals and objectives of our executive compensation program for named executive officers established in fiscal 2010, and reflected in the employment agreements that we entered into with each of our named executive officers, are to attract, retain, motivate and reward highly qualified executives to achieve Rentraks strategic goals and increase shareholder value.
Elements of Compensation in Fiscal 2013. The executive compensation program and its various elements are designed to reward a combination of individual, division, department and/or company-wide performance. The primary elements of our compensation program for named executive officers are base salary, cash incentive bonus, stock options and other equity-based incentive compensation, severance arrangements, other benefits and perquisites, and an employment agreement. Important aspects of each element of the compensation program for named executive officers are explained in more detail below.
Base Salaries. The Compensation Committee annually reviews and considers adjustments to the base salary of executive officers based on company performance, individual executive performance, increased responsibilities, comparative market compensation for the position, retention considerations and CEO recommendations. Base salaries for Messrs. Livek and Chemerow were increased 10% in fiscal 2013 as provided by the terms of their respective employment agreements. For fiscal 2013, the base salaries for Messrs. Yazdani and Giambra and Ms. Hetzel were increased 3% to keep their salaries in line with the routine annual base salary increases for employees.
Cash Incentive Bonuses. The employment agreements for Messrs. Livek and Chemerow include provisions for an annual cash bonus of up to $100,000 based on the achievement of performance criteria to be established each year by the Compensation Committee. The performance criteria established for Mr. Livek and Mr. Chemerow for fiscal 2013 related to restructuring certain lines of business to improve operations, identify and pursue potential acquisitions, and develop a new organization/business plan for a particular line of business in order to expand service and reach new customers. The performance criteria for Messrs. Livek and Chemerow were each weighted equally and the Compensation Committee expected that the performance goals would be difficult to achieve. After fiscal 2013 year end, the Compensation Committee reviewed the status of the performance goals and concluded that both Mr. Livek and Mr. Chemerow had achieved these performance goals in full. The Compensation Committee further determined that both Mr. Livek and Mr. Chemerow would receive additional discretionary cash bonus amounts in recognition of their exceptional performance during fiscal 2013.
The amount of the target bonus opportunity for each of Messrs. Yazdani and Giambra and Ms. Hetzel was approved by the Committee in connection with their employment agreements entered into in fiscal 2010. For fiscal 2013 the Committee established performance goals for named executives other than Messrs. Livek and Chemerow based 1/5 on the achievement of budgeted operating income for Rentrak as a whole and 4/5 on the achievement of
- 19 -
budgeted operating income for the executives particular line of business. Mr. Giambra had a 20% company operating income goal and 80% Theatrical line of business operating income goal. Ms. Hetzel had a 20% company operating income goal and 80% combined OnDemand Everywhere operating goal and StationView Essentials revenue goal. Due to Mr. Yazdanis role as Chief Information Officer, he had a 20% company operating goal with the remaining 80% spread evenly between Theatrical, OnDemand Everywhere, TV Essentials, and Home Entertainment operating goals. The Compensation Committee expected that the performance goals related to the line of business results would be difficult to achieve. The Theatrical and Home Entertainment lines of business operating income exceeded the budgeted performance by 20%. OnDemand Everywhere was slightly below budget, while the TV Essentials lines of business fell short of the budgeted performance. The Compensation Committee determined that the performance goal related to budgeted operating income for Rentrak as a whole was achieved, as adjusted to exclude the one-time charges associated with the renewal of the DISH agreement, acquisitions, and reorganizations.
The Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Yazdani a discretionary cash bonus in lieu of a retroactive salary adjustment to reflect their determination that Mr. Yazdanis salary should have been increased 10% per year for 2012 and 2013, consistent with Messrs. Livek and Chemerows agreements. Ms. Hetzel received a discretionary cash bonus in recognition of her efforts to bring on new operators during the fiscal year.
Equity Incentive Compensation. During fiscal 2013, the Compensation Committee granted annual nonqualified stock options to Mr. Yazdani, Mr. Giambra, and Ms. Hetzel to encourage their retention and provide an additional operational incentive. The Compensation Committee also approved an amendment to modify the performance-vesting goals and extend the term of Amir Yazdanis outstanding restricted stock unit awards until June 15, 2015 to provide additional time for achievement of the performance-vesting goals with respect to these awards, primarily to ensure that these awards continue to provide an effective retention and incentive tool. This modification was consistent with the modifications to Messrs. Liveks and Chemerows restricted stock awards in fiscal 2012. Please see Note 2 under the Summary Compensation Table for additional details.
Personal Benefits. The Compensation Committee awards personal benefits for Rentraks named executive officers based on the business judgment of its members, an assessment of competitive market factors, and a determination of what is needed to attract and retain superior talent. The primary benefits received by our named executive officers are generally the same as for all employees of Rentrak on a non-discriminatory basis and include participation in our disability and life insurance plans and 401(k) retirement plan. In addition to these benefits, the Compensation Committee determined to reimburse Mr. Livek for certain out-of-town housing expenses in recognition of the fact that Mr. Liveks use of this secondary residence greatly reduced his travel expenses. The Committee further awarded a car allowance for each of Messrs. Livek, Chemerow and Giambra based on its subjective assessment that this would be an appropriate additional benefit.
Employment Agreements and Termination and Severance Benefits. We believe that it is valuable to establish employment agreements with our executive officers. The employment agreements are consistent with the goals and objectives of our compensation program to attract, retain, motivate and reward highly qualified executives. The Compensation Committee has established guidelines to standardize most of the terms and conditions in our executive employment agreements. Payments of termination and severance benefits are intended to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of the named executive officers to their assigned duties without distraction in circumstances arising from the possibility of a termination of employment without cause or a change in control of Rentrak.
Deductibility of Compensation. In considering Rentraks compensation structure, the Compensation Committee takes into consideration Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the Code). This provision limits the deductibility of compensation in excess of $1 million paid to certain of a companys most highly-paid executive officers in a single tax year. Compensation that is performance-based or qualifies under certain other exceptions is excluded from the calculation. For example, stock options are structured to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m). Although deductibility is only one factor considered by the Compensation Committee in structuring executive compensation consistent with Rentraks executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee views it as a significant factor.
- 20 -
2013 Summary Compensation Table
The following table summarizes information regarding compensation for the three fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, earned by individuals who served as chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and the three other most highly compensated executive officers of Rentrak during fiscal 2013.
Name and Principal Position (1)
|
Year | Salary | Bonus | Stock
|
Option (3)
|
Non-Equity
|
All
Other
|
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
William P. |
2013 | $199,650 | $125,000 | $0 | $0 | $100,000 | $82,409 | $507,059 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Livek |
2012 | 181,500 | 100,000 | 304,986 | 1,448,939 | 100,000 | 82,018 | 2,217,443 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Executive |
2011 | 165,000 | 75,000 | 0 | 1,854,588 | 100,000 | 65,527 | 2,260,115 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Officer
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
David |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chemerow |
2013 | $199,650 | $125,000 | $0 | $0 | $100,000 | $24,618 | $449,268 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Operating |
2012 | 181,500 | 100,000 | 233,945 | 748,222 | 100,000 | 18,454 | 1,382,121 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Officer and |
2011 | 165,000 | 75,000 | 0 | 2,781,882 | 100,000 | 11,890 | 3,133,772 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Officer |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amir Yazdani |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exec. Vice |
2013 | $157,590 | $36,000 | $381,899 | $935,990 | $89,884 | $10,089 | $1,611,452 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
President & Chief |
2012 | 153,000 | 0 | 0 | 164,814 | 52,500 | 9,776 | 380,090 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Information |
2011 | 150,000 | 5,200 | 0 | 0 | 70,000 | 7,761 | 232,961 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Officer |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ron Giambra |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
President, |
2013 | $267,825 | $0 | $0 | $935,990 | $237,141 | $6,006 | $1,446,962 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Theatrical |
2012 | 260,024 | 0 | 0 | 164,814 | 180,000 | 3,790 | 608,628 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Worldwide
|
|
2011
|
|
|
254,925
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
138,963
|
|
|
416
|
|
|
394,305
|
| ||||||||
Cathy Hetzel |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate |
2013 | $272,950 | $100,000 | $0 | $935,990 | $104,378 | $7,926 | $1,421,244 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
President |
2012 | 265,000 | 75,000 | 0 | 164,814 | 0 | 8,191 | 513,005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2011
|
|
|
215,270
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
6,887
|
|
|
287,157
|
|
(1) | Reflects principal position as of March 31, 2013. |
(2) | Reflects the grant date fair value of restricted stock units (RSUs), determined using the Monte Carlo simulation, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures. The assumptions made in determining the grant date fair values of RSUs under FASB ASC Topic 718 are disclosed in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2013. Vesting of the RSUs is conditioned upon the attainment of performance conditions; the awards would terminate with a zero value in the absence of achievement of one or more of the conditions. The amounts shown for Fiscal 2013 and 2012 represent the incremental increase in fair value resulting from modifications to the RSU awards discussed in Compensation Discussion and Analysis above and Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table below. If the maximum level of performance conditions were achieved, the RSU awards would have the following values, based on the closing sale price of Rentraks common stock on the date of grant and the additional fair value of the modifications: Mr. Livek, $3,404,361; Mr. Chemerow, $2,492,744; and Mr. Yazdani, $3,122,102. See the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table on page 23 below for additional information. |
(3) | Reflects the grant date fair value of stock options granted during the years shown based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures. The assumptions made in determining the grant date fair values of options under FASB ASC Topic 718 are disclosed in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2013. |
- 21 -
(4) | Amounts disclosed for fiscal 2013 include the following: |
A. | Mr. Livek received a long-term disability insurance plan with annual premiums of $2,750 and reimbursement for the cost of an automobile of $6,000 and housing of $66,000, as well as $7,659 in annual matching contributions under Rentraks 401(k) plan. |
B. | Mr. Chemerow received reimbursement for the cost of an automobile of $10,800 as well as $13,497 in annual matching contributions under Rentraks 401(k) plan and a supplemental long-term disability plan with annual premiums totaling $321. |
C. | Mr. Yazdani received the benefit of a supplemental life insurance and long-term disability plan with annual premiums totaling $2,707, as well as $7,383 in annual matching contributions under Rentraks 401(k) plan. |
D. | Mr. Giambra received reimbursement for the cost of an automobile of $5,649 as well as the benefit of a supplemental long-term disability plan with annual premiums totaling $357. |
E. | Ms. Hetzel received the benefit of a supplemental long-term disability plan with annual premiums totaling $357 as well as $7,570 in annual matching contributions under Rentraks 401(k) plan. |
- 22 -
2013 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table
The following table sets forth certain information regarding plan-based awards granted to the named executive officers during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.
Name |
Type of Award |
Grant Date |
Approval Date |
Estimated Future Payouts under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
Estimated Future Payouts under Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
All Other Option |
Exercise or Base |
Grant Date Fair Value |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Threshold | Target | Maximum | Threshold | Target | Maxi-mum |
Awards:
|
Price of Option Awards and SARs ($/Sh) |
of
Stock (3) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
William |
Cash |
- | $100,000 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Livek |
Incentive Award
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
David |
Cash | - | $100,000 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chemerow |
Incentive Award
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amir |
Stock | 4/4/12 (1) | 4/4/12 | 100,000 | $20.18 | $935,990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Yazdani |
Option | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted |
10/24/12 (2) | 10/24/12 | - | 71,800 | 71,800 | $381,099 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Incentive Award
|
$80,000 | $100,000 | $120,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ron |
Stock | 4/4/12 (1) | 4/4/12 | 100,000 | $20.18 | $935,990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Giambra |
Option
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Incentive Award
|
$160,000 | $200,000 | $240,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cathy |
Stock |
4/4/12 (1) | 4/4/12 | 100,000 | $20.18 | $935,990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hetzel |
Option | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Incentive Award
|
$80,000 | $100,000 | $120,000 |
(1) | Reflects a nonqualified stock option grant that will vest and become exercisable in five equal annual installments beginning one year after the grant date. |
(2) | Reflects Mr. Yazdanis restricted stock unit award that was modified in recognition of his service to the company and as a retention and incentive tool. |
(3) | The grant date fair values of stock options based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures. The incremental fair value of the modified restricted stock unit awards, which vest based on the achievement of performance goals, is based on a Monte Carlo simulation, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures. The assumptions made in determining the grant date fair values under FASB ASC Topic 718 have been calculated based on the assumptions described in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2013. |
- 23 -
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table
Amounts in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table represent the annual cash incentive award earned by each named executive officer pursuant to his respective employment agreement and the achievement of the performance goals established by the Compensation Committee. Amounts in the Bonus column of the Summary Compensation Table represent additional discretionary cash bonus payments awarded by the Compensation Committee to Messrs. Livek, Chemerow, Yazdani and Ms. Hetzel.
Messrs. Livek and Chemerow entered into an amended employment agreement on November 6, 2011 that will expire on June 30, 2015 for Mr. Livek and September 30, 2015 for Mr. Chemerow, pursuant to which their respective outstanding performance-vesting restricted stock unit awards were amended to extend the period for achieving the share price performance goals until March 31, 2015 for Mr. Livek and June 15, 2015 for Mr. Chemerow. Mr. Yazdanis outstanding performance-vesting restricted stock unit awards were amended to extend the period for achieving the share price performance goals until June 15, 2015.
- 24 -
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2013 Fiscal Year End Table
The following table provides information about equity-based awards held by the named executive officers at March 31, 2013.
Option Awards
|
||||||||||||||||
Name |
Grant Date |
Number of Securities Underlying Options (#) Exercisable |
Number of Securities (#) Unexercisable (1) |
Equity Number of Options
|
Option Exercise ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
||||||||||
William Livek |
6/15/09 6/15/09 12/23/10 11/06/11
|
150,000 56,250
|
50,000 18,750 (2) 160,000 (3) 244,000 (4)
|
$14.50 14.50 29.73 13.29
|
|
6/15/19 6/15/19 12/23/20 11/06/21
|
| |||||||||
David Chemerow |
10/01/09 12/23/10 11/06/11
|
91,312 |
30,438 240,000 (5) 126,000 (4)
|
$17.22 29.73 13.29
|
|
10/1/19 12/23/20 11/06/21
|
| |||||||||
Amir Yazdani |
8/20/03 | 10,000 | $6.89 | 8/20/13 | ||||||||||||
3/24/10 4/07/11 4/04/12
|
9,000 3,750 |
3,000 11,250 100,000 (6)
|
20.89 26.70 20.18
|
|
3/24/20 4/7/21 4/4/22
|
| ||||||||||
Ron Giambra |
3/24/10 4/07/11 4/4/12
|
9,000 3,750
|
3,000 11,250 100,000 (6)
|
$20.89 26.70 20.18
|
|
3/24/20 4/07/21 4/04/22
|
| |||||||||
Cathy Hetzel |
3/17/04 | 20,000 | $10.05 | 3/17/14 | ||||||||||||
2/07/08 | 30,000 | 11.15 | 2/7/18 | |||||||||||||
3/24/10 | 9,000 | 3,000 | 20.89 | 3/24/20 | ||||||||||||
3/24/10 | 25,000 (7) | 20.89 | 12/31/13 | |||||||||||||
4/07/11 | 3,750 | 11,250 | 26.70 | 4/7/21 | ||||||||||||
4/04/12
|
100,000 (6)
|
20.18
|
4/04/22 |
(1) | Vests in four equal annual installments beginning one year after the grant date. |
(2) | Represents stock-settled SARs. |
(3) | Vests and becomes exercisable with respect to 106,667 shares on June 30, 2013 (approximately 2.5 years from grant date) and with respect to the remaining 53,333 shares on 12/23/2014 (4 years from grant date). |
(4) | Vests in three equal annual installments beginning two years after the grant date. |
(5) | Vests and becomes exercisable with respect to 160,000 shares on September 30, 2013 (approximately 2.75 years from grant date) and with respect to the remaining 80,000 shares on 12/23/2014 (4 years from grant date). |
- 25 -
(6) | Vests in five equal annual installments beginning one year after the grant date. |
(7) | Reflects a nonqualified stock option granted under the 2005 Plan. The option will vest and become exercisable in three equal installments on the 15th day of June each year beginning in 2011, subject to the attainment of performance goals based 25% on target total operating income in the operating budget for Rentrak approved by the board of directors for the preceding fiscal year and 75% on target operating income included in the budget for the AMI Division or such other business units as to which Ms. Hetzel may have supervisory responsibility in the future. If the performance criteria for a given fiscal year are not met, the shares covered by that installment of the option are forfeited. The stock option will expire on December 31, 2013 to the extent not previously exercised or terminated. See Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control below for additional information regarding vesting. |
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control
Rentrak has entered into employment agreements with each of its current executive officers. Messrs. Livek and Chemerow entered into amended employment agreements effective November 6, 2011 that will expire on June 30, 2015 for Mr. Livek and September 30, 2015 for Mr. Chemerow. Mr. Giambras agreement had a three year term through March 31, 2013, and automatically renews for successive one-year periods unless Rentrak gives notice of non-renewal by a specified date. The employment agreement for each of Mr. Yazdani and Ms. Hetzel automatically renews on March 31 of each year for successive one-year periods unless Rentrak gives notice of non-renewal by a specified date. The severance and other benefits payable to the named executive officers following termination of employment or a change in control of Rentrak (a CIC) are described in more detail below.
A CIC, as defined in the current award agreements with executive officers, includes (a) the acquisition by a person or group of beneficial ownership of 50% or more of the combined voting power of Rentraks then outstanding capital stock, (b) the election of directors a majority of whom are not individuals nominated by Rentraks then incumbent directors, or (c) the approval by Rentraks shareholders of a plan of complete liquidation, a sale of substantially all of Rentraks assets, or a merger or similar transaction other than a transaction in which Rentraks shareholders continue to hold at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving entity immediately following the transaction.
Severance payments are conditioned on execution of a general release of claims against Rentrak. To the extent that severance benefits that become payable in connection with a CIC, including the acceleration of vesting of equity-based awards, are subject to an excise tax pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code, such benefits will be reduced to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to provide a larger after-tax benefit to the executive.
- 26 -
William P. Livek, Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Livek will be entitled to severance and other benefits under his amended employment agreement and equity-based grants as shown in the table below. Good reason is defined as Rentraks failure to comply with the material terms of the agreement or an act or failure to act by Rentrak that constitutes a substantial adverse change in Mr. Liveks position or responsibilities, a material reduction in his base salary or failure to continue to provide employee benefits. Cause is defined as a material breach of the agreement by Mr. Livek, his failure to comply with Rentraks material policies or standards or to perform any material job duties, a felony conviction or plea of no contest to a felony, or any act by Mr. Livek constituting fraud, dishonesty involving Rentrak, or in competition with or materially detrimental to Rentrak.
The following table sets forth certain information concerning severance and other benefits that would have been payable to Mr. Livek as of March 28, 2013, if his employment had been terminated or a CIC had occurred on that date under the circumstances described.
Voluntary Termination |
Involuntary Termination (Other Death and Disability) |
Death | Disability | CIC Without Termination |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
For Good Reason Without CIC |
For Good Reason with CIC |
Without Cause and |
Without Cause and with CIC |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash Severance (1) |
$ 674,213 | $ 674,213 | $ 674,213 | $ 674,213 | $150,000 | $150,000 | $ 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted Stock Vesting (2) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock Option/SAR Vesting (3) |
2,634,610 | 2,634,610 | 2,634,610 | 2,634,610 | 0 | 0 | 2,634,610 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total
|
|
$3,308,823
|
|
|
$3,308,823
|
|
|
$3,308,823
|
|
|
$3,308,823
|
|
|
$150,000
|
|
|
$150,000
|
|
|
$2,634,610
|
|
(1) | Represents a lump sum cash severance payment of $100,000 cash bonus for each fiscal year ending during the term after the date of termination plus a prorated portion of such amount for any portion of a fiscal year immediately preceding the end of the term, plus the executives current base salary through the end of the term, plus any cash bonus earned through the date of termination but not yet paid (the amount shown in the table assumes the measures were achieved in full and the bonus was for Fiscal 2013 was paid before severance date of March 28, 2013). |
(2) | The RSUs granted to Mr. Livek on June 15, 2009 were modified on November 6, 2011. Due to the amended agreement, the outstanding 103,500 RSUs are not forfeited at termination, but are still eligible to vest according to their terms based on the extent Rentrak achieves the share price goals until the term ending March 31, 2015. The full amount of the award after termination is not determinable due to the uncertainty of achieving the stock price goals before the term ending date. Vesting of a portion or all remaining unvested RSUs will also occur for a CIC without termination at price levels ranging from $20 to $40 per share of Rentrak stock, based on the per share price of the common stock as valued for the Change in Control Transaction. The amount shown in the table is zero, as the tranche representing the Fiscal Year-End Price (as defined below) has already vested. |
(3) | Upon termination without cause or for good reason or due to a change in control, any unvested stock options and SSARs held by Mr. Livek immediately vest and become exercisable in full. Amount represents 454,000 options less 160,000 out of the money options for a total of 294,000 options and 18,750 SSARs based on the Fiscal Year-End Spread, which is the difference between the Fiscal Year-End Price (the closing price of the Rentraks common stock on March 28, 2013, the last stock market trading day of the fiscal year) and the per share exercise price. |
- 27 -
David Chemerow, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Chemerow will be entitled to severance and other benefits under his employment agreement and equity-based grants as shown in the table below. Good reason and cause have the same definitions as in Mr. Liveks employment agreement. The following table sets forth certain information concerning severance and other benefits that would have been payable to Mr. Chemerow as of March 28, 2013, if his employment had been terminated or a CIC had occurred on that date under the circumstances described.
Voluntary Termination | Involuntary Termination (Other Than Death and Disability) |
Death | Disability | CIC Without Termination |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
For Good Reason Without CIC |
For Good Reason with CIC |
Without Cause and Without CIC |
Without Cause and with CIC |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash Severance (1) |
$749,125 | $749,125 | $749,125 | $749,125 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $ 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted Stock Vesting (2) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock Option Vesting (3) |
1,239,825 | 1,239,825 | 1,239,825 | 1,239,825 | 0 | 0 | 1,239,825 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Health and Other Benefits (4) |
10,018 | 10,018 | 10,018 | 10,018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total
|
$1,998,968 | $1,998,968 | $1,998,968 | $1,998,968 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $1,239,825 |
(1) | Represents a lump sum cash severance payment of $100,000 cash bonus for each fiscal year ending during the term after the date of termination plus a prorated portion of such amount for any portion of a fiscal year immediately preceding the end of the term, plus the executives current base salary through the end of the term, plus any cash bonus earned through the date of termination but not yet paid (the amount shown in the table assumes the measures were achieved in full and the bonus was for Fiscal 2013 was paid before severance date of March 28, 2013). |
(2) | The RSUs granted to Mr. Chemerow on October 1, 2009 were modified on November 6, 2011. Due to the amended agreement, the outstanding 63,516 RSUs are not forfeited at termination, but are still eligible to vest according to their terms based on the extent Rentrak achieves the share price goals until the term ending June 15, 2015. The full amount of the award after termination is not determinable due to the uncertainty of achieving the stock price goals before the term ending date. Vesting of a portion or all remaining unvested RSUs will also occur for a CIC without termination at price levels ranging from $20 to $40 per share of Rentrak stock, based on the per share price of the common stock as valued for the Change in Control Transaction. The amount shown in the table is zero, as the tranche representing the Fiscal Year-End Price has already vested. |
(3) | Upon termination without cause or for good reason or due to a change in control, any unvested stock options held by Mr. Chemerow immediately vest and become exercisable in full. Amount represents 396,438 options less 240,000 out of money options for a total of 156,438 options based on the difference between the Fiscal Year-End Price and the Fiscal Year-End Spread. |
(4) | Represents the estimated current cost of continuation of 12 months of medical and dental insurance coverage. |
- 28 -
Severance Arrangements with Other Current Named Executive Officers
Mr. Yazdani, Mr. Giambra, and Ms. Hetzel entered into amended and restated employment agreements with Rentrak effective March 30, 2010, that currently renew automatically for successive one-year terms effective March 31. The employment agreements provide, among other things, for severance payments in certain circumstances following termination of employment, as described in more detail below. Continuation of severance payments generally is subject to compliance with an agreement not to compete with Rentrak and execution by the executive of a general release of claims against Rentrak.
Good reason is defined in the amended and restated employment agreements as Rentraks failure to comply with the material terms of the agreement, an act or failure to act by Rentrak that constitutes a substantial adverse change in the officers position or responsibilities, a material reduction in his or her base salary or failure to continue to provide employee benefits, or specified changes in the location of the officers workplace. Cause is defined as willful material misconduct in the performance of the officers duties, a material breach of the agreement by the officer, the officers willful commission of a material act of malfeasance, dishonesty or breach of trust that materially harms Rentrak or is materially detrimental to its reputation, or the officers conviction of or plea of no contest to a felony involving moral turpitude.
Severance Following Termination During Term of Employment Agreement. No severance benefits are payable if employment is terminated by Rentrak for cause or voluntarily by the executive other than for good reason. If an executive officer dies or becomes disabled during the term of the agreement, the officer or his or her estate will be entitled to accrued base salary and other employee benefits through the date of termination of employment. If an executive officer is terminated during the term of the agreement and before a CIC occurs, by Rentrak without cause or by the officer for good reason, in addition to accrued base salary and other benefits, the officer is entitled to receive severance payments in the amount of his or her monthly base salary during a severance period of (a) three months for each four full years of continuous service or (b) the number of monthly installments specified in the agreement (nine months for Mr. Giambra and six months for Mr. Yazdani and Ms. Hetzel), whichever is longest. Medical and dental insurance benefits will also be continued during this period unless provided by a subsequent employer.
Severance upon Termination After Expiration of Agreement. The amended and restated employment agreements also provide for continuation of medical and dental insurance benefits and for severance payments in the event employment is terminated by Rentrak without cause, or by the executive officer with good reason, after expiration of the term, provided that he or she has had five or more continuous years of employment with Rentrak. The total amount of the severance payments will equal the officers monthly base salary then in effect times (a) three months for each four full years of continuous service or (b) the number of monthly installments specified in the agreement, whichever is longer.
- 29 -
Amir Yazdani, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Voluntary Termination |
Involuntary Termination (Other Than
|
CIC Without Termination |
||||||||||||||||||
For
Good |
For Good Reason with CIC |
Without Cause and Without CIC |
Without Cause and with CIC |
|||||||||||||||||
Cash Severance (1) | $326,385 | $326,385 | $326,385 | $326,385 | $ 0 | |||||||||||||||
Stock Option/SAR Vesting (2) | 0 | 183,270 | 0 | 183,270 | 183,270 | |||||||||||||||
Health and Other Benefits (3) | 22,584 | 22,584 | 22,584 | 22,584 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
Total
|
$348,969 | $532,239 | $348,969 | $532,239 | $183,270 |
(1) | Represents 18 months base salary and accrued bonus for fiscal 2013 payable in equal monthly installments until the later of (a) the 15th day of the third calendar month of the calendar year immediately following the date of termination, or (b) the 15th day of the third calendar month of the fiscal year immediately following the date of termination, at which time the remainder would be paid in a lump sum. |
(2) | Represents the value of (a) unvested stock options for a total of 103,000 shares that will vest in full upon termination without cause following a CIC. Note that unvested stock options for a total of 11,250 shares at an exercise price of $26.70 per share are out of the money based on Fiscal Year-End Price and are not included in the total. |
(3) | Represents the estimated current cost of continuation of 18 months of medical and dental insurance coverage. |
Ron Giambra, President Theatrical Worldwide
Voluntary Termination | Involuntary Termination (Other Than Death and Disability) |
CIC Without Termination |
||||||||||||||||||
For Good Reason Without CIC |
For Good Reason with CIC |
Without Cause and Without CIC |
Without Cause and with CIC |
|||||||||||||||||
Cash Severance (1) | $440,869 | $440,869 | $440,869 | $440,869 | $ 0 | |||||||||||||||
Stock Option/SAR Vesting (2) | 0 | 183,270 | 0 | 183,270 | 183,270 | |||||||||||||||
Health and Other Benefits (3) | 3,763 | 3,763 | 3,763 | 3,763 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
Total
|
$444,632 | $627,902 | $444,632 | $627,902 | $183,270 |
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(1) | Represents 9 months base salary and accrued bonus for fiscal 2013 payable in equal monthly installments until the later of (a) the 15th day of the third calendar month of the calendar year immediately following the date of termination, or (b) the 15th day of the third calendar month of the fiscal year immediately following the date of termination, at which time the remainder would be paid in a lump sum. |
(2) | Represents the value of (a) unvested stock options for a total of 103,000 shares that will vest in full upon termination without cause following a CIC. Note that unvested stock options for a total of 11,250 shares at an exercise price of $26.70 per share are out of the money based on Fiscal Year-End Price and are not included in the total. |
(3) | Represents the estimated current cost of continuation of 9 months of medical and dental insurance coverage. |
Cathy Hetzel, Corporate President
Voluntary Termination | Involuntary Termination (Other Than Death and Disability) |
CIC Without Termination |
||||||||||||||||||
For Good Reason Without CIC |
For Good Reason with CIC |
Without Cause and Without CIC |
Without Cause and with CIC |
|||||||||||||||||
Cash Severance (1) | $240,664 | $240,664 | $240,664 | $240,664 | $ 0 | |||||||||||||||
Stock Option/SAR Vesting (2) | 0 | 183,270 | 0 | 183,270 | 183,270 | |||||||||||||||
Health and Other Benefits (3) | 5,009 | 5,009 | 5,009 | 5,009 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
Total
|
$245,673 | $428,943 | $245,673 | $428,943 | $183,270 |
(1) | Represents 6 months base salary and accrued bonus for fiscal 2013 payable in equal monthly installments until the later of (a) the 15th day of the third calendar month of the calendar year immediately following the date of termination, or (b) the 15th day of the third calendar month of the fiscal year immediately following the date of termination, at which time the remainder would be paid in a lump sum. |
(2) | Represents the value of (a) unvested stock options for a total of 103,000 shares that will vest in full upon termination without cause following a CIC. Note that unvested stock options for a total of 11,250 shares at an exercise price of $26.70 per share are out of the money based on the Fiscal Year-End Price and are not included in the total. |
(3) | Represents the estimated current cost of continuation of 6 months of medical and dental insurance coverage. |
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REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this proxy statement and based upon such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the board of directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement and Rentraks annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, through its incorporation by reference from this proxy statement.
Submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors:
Anne MacDonald (Committee Chair) Richard Hochhauser Ralph Shaw
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The Report of the Audit Committee shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating this proxy statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that Rentrak specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
In discharging its responsibilities, the Audit Committee and its individual members have met with management and Rentraks independent auditors, Grant Thornton LLP, to review Rentraks accounting functions and the audit processes for Rentraks financial statements and system of internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with Rentraks independent auditors and management the audited financial statements for fiscal 2013. It also discussed with the independent auditors all other matters that the independent auditors were required to communicate and discuss with the Audit Committee under applicable auditing standards, including those described in Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T, regarding communications with audit committees. Audit Committee members also discussed and reviewed the results of the independent auditors examination of Rentraks financial statements, managements assessment of Rentraks system of disclosure controls and procedures, external financial reporting and internal control over financial reporting, and issues relating to auditor independence. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent auditors communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and has discussed with the independent auditors their independence.
Based on its review and discussions with management and the independent auditors, the Audit Committee recommended to the board of directors that the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, be included in Rentraks Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Submitted by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors:
Brent Rosenthal (Committee Chair) Ralph Shaw Martin OConnor
MATTERS RELATING TO OUR AUDITORS
Selection of Independent Auditors
The Audit Committee has appointed and engaged Grant Thornton LLP to be Rentraks independent auditors for Rentraks fiscal year ending March 31, 2014. Grant Thornton LLP audited Rentraks financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. A representative of Grant Thornton LLP is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so. Such representative is also expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions. As described under Proposal 2: Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors above, the shareholders are being asked to ratify the selection of Grant Thornton LLP.
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Fees Paid to Principal Independent Auditors
The following fees were billed by Grant Thornton LLP for professional services rendered to Rentrak for fiscal 2013 and 2012:
2013
|
2012
|
|||||||
Audit Fees (1)
|
$446,315 | $507,779 | ||||||
Audit Related Fees (2)
|
$0 | $0 | ||||||
Tax Fees (3)
|
$3,862 | $43,011 | ||||||
All Other Fees (4)
|
$0 | $8,745 |
(1) | Consists of fees for audit services involving the audit of Rentraks consolidated financial statements, review of interim quarterly statements, and provision of an attestation report on Rentraks internal control over financial reporting as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The reduction in audit fees in 2013 was due to timing of statutory international audits in 2012 and lower negotiated fees for domestic audits. |
(2) | Refers to fees for assurance and related services that are traditionally performed by the independent auditor and are not reported as audit fees. These audit-related services may include due diligence services relating to mergers and acquisitions, accounting consultation and audits relating to acquisitions, attest services related to financial reporting not required by statute or regulation, consultation concerning financial accounting and reporting standards not classified as audit fees, and financial audits of employee benefit plans. |
(3) | Relates to the preparation and review of U.S. federal, state and Canadian tax returns for fiscal 2013 and 2012. The decrease in tax fees in Fiscal 2013 from Fiscal 2012 resulted from Rentraks use of a different firm for tax preparation. |
(4) | Consists of consulting services performed by our auditors not included in the other categories. |
The Audit Committee has adopted a policy requiring pre-approval of all fees and services of Rentraks independent auditors, including all audit, audit-related, tax, and other legally-permitted services. Under the policy, a detailed description of each proposed service is submitted to the Audit Committee, together with a statement by the independent auditors and Rentraks chief financial officer or controller that such services are consistent with applicable rules on auditor independence. The policy permits the Audit Committee to pre-approve lists of audit, audit-related, tax, and other legally-permitted services after reviewing detailed back-up documentation regarding the specific services to be provided. The term of any pre-approval is 12 months, unless the Audit Committee specifically provides for a shorter period. Additional pre-approval is required for services not included in the pre-approved lists and for services exceeding pre-approved fee levels. The policy allows the Audit Committee to delegate its pre-approval authority to one or more of its members provided that a full report of any pre-approval decision is provided to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. All audit and permissible non-audit services provided by Grant Thornton LLP during fiscal 2013 and 2012 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
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SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2014
The deadline for shareholders to submit proposals to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement for the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders is March 20, 2014. To be considered at the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders, Section 2.12 of Rentraks Bylaws requires shareholders to deliver notice of all proposals, nominations for director and other business to Rentraks principal executive office no later than 90 calendar days (or by May 17, 2014) and no earlier than 120 calendar days (or April 17, 2014) prior to the first anniversary of the date of the 2013 Annual Meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
David I. Chemerow |
Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
Portland, Oregon
July 10, 2013
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RENTRAK CORPORATION
IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION 000004
ENDORSEMENT LINE SACKPACK
MR A SAMPLE
DESIGNATION (IF ANY)
ADD 1
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C123456789
000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext
000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext
000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext
Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. X
Annual Meeting Proxy Card
PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
A Proposals The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR each of the nominees named below and FOR Proposals 2 and 3.
1. Election of Directors:
+
01 - William Engel 02 - Richard Hochhauser 03 - William Livek
04 - Anne MacDonald 05 - Martin OConnor 06 - Brent Rosenthal
07 - Ralph Shaw
For Against Abstain
Mark here to vote FOR all nominees
2. Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as Rentraks independent registered public accounting firm.
Mark here to WITHHOLD vote from all nominees
For All EXCEPT - To withhold authority to vote for one or more nominees, mark the box to the left and the corresponding numbered box(es) below.
3. Advisory Vote on Named Executive Officer Compensation
Approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of Rentraks named executive officers.
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
B Non-Voting Items
Change of Address Please print new address below.
C Authorized Signatures This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. Date and Sign Below
Please date and sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held as joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Please print date below. Signature 1 Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 Please keep signature within the box.
C 1234567890 J N T
1UPX 1667981
MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE
140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND
MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND
MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND
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01O2SA
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to be Held on August 15, 2013: The Proxy Statement and the 2013 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at http://investor.rentrak.com/annuals.cfm
PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
Proxy - RENTRAK CORPORATION
2013 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
This proxy is solicited on behalf of the board of directors of Rentrak Corporation (Rentrak).
The undersigned hereby appoints each of William Livek and David Chemerow as proxies, with full power of substitution, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote as designated on the reverse side, all the shares of Rentrak common stock held of record by the undersigned on June 18, 2013, at the annual meeting of the shareholders to be held at Rentrak Corporations executive offices, located at One Airport Center, 7700 N.E. Ambassador Place, Portland, OR, 97220 on August 15, 2013, at 9:00 a.m., Pacific Daylight Time, or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is provided, the proxies named above will vote FOR each director nominee named in Proposal 1 and FOR Proposal 2 and FOR Proposal 3. If for any reason any of these nominees should become unavailable for election (an event the board does not anticipate), proxies will be voted for the election of such substitute nominee as the board in its discretion may recommend.
In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Please mark, sign, date, and return the proxy using the enclosed envelope.