telkonet_pre14a.htm
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE
14A
(Rule
14a-101)
INFORMATION
REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE
14A INFORMATION
Proxy
Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.)
Filed by
the Registrant x
Filed by
a Party other than the Registrant ¨
Check the
appropriate box:
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Preliminary
Proxy Statement
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Definitive
Proxy Statement
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Definitive
Additional Materials
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Soliciting
Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
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Confidential,
For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
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TELKONET,
INC.
(Name of
Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy
Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment
of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
x
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fee required.
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Fee
computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11.
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previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
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Telkonet,
Inc.
20374
Seneca Meadows Parkway
Germantown,
Maryland 20876-7004
NOTICE
OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To the
Stockholders:
The 2009
Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Telkonet, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held at
The Union League of Philadelphia, located at 140 South Broad Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19012, on Thursday, May 28, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., local time,
for the following purposes:
1. To
elect five (5) directors, each to serve until the next annual meeting of
stockholders and until his successor has been elected and
qualified;
2.
To approve an amendment to Telkonet’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the
number of authorized shares from 130,000,000 shares to 155,000,000
shares;
3. To
approve the potential issuance of shares of our common stock equal to
20% or more of
Telkonet’s outstanding common stock to YA Global Investments, L.P.;
4. To
ratify the appointment of independent accountants for 2009; and
5. To
transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournment or postponement thereof.
Only
stockholders of record at the close of business on March 30, 2009 are entitled
to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting or any adjournment or postponement
thereof.
All
stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. However, to
assure your representation at the meeting, we urge you to complete, sign, date
and return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed envelope as promptly as
possible.
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By
order of the Board of Directors,
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/s/ JASON
L. TIENOR
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Jason
L. Tienor
Chief
Executive Officer
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Dated:
April _, 2009
YOUR VOTE
IS IMPORTANT.
PLEASE
SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD
IMMEDIATELY,
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING.
Telkonet,
Inc.
20374
Seneca Meadows Parkway
Germantown,
Maryland 20876-7004
PROXY
STATEMENT
Date,
Time and Place of Meeting
This
proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by
and on behalf of the Board of Directors of Telkonet, Inc. for use at Telkonet’s
2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held at The Union League of
Philadelphia, located at 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19012, on
Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. local time, and at any adjournment or
postponement of the annual meeting. This proxy statement, the accompanying proxy
card and Telkonet’s Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2008 are first being sent to stockholders on or about
____________, 2009.
Solicitation
and Voting
The
solicitation of proxies is made by and on behalf of Telkonet’s Board of
Directors. The cost of the solicitation of proxies will be borne by Telkonet. In
addition to solicitation of proxies by mail, employees of Telkonet or its
affiliates may solicit proxies by telephone or facsimile.
The Board
of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 30, 2009 as the record
date for determining the holders of shares of common stock who are entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting. At the close of business on March
30, 2009, Telkonet had outstanding 93,058,566 shares of common stock, par value
$0.001 per share. Each stockholder is entitled to one vote per share of
Telkonet’s common stock registered in such stockholder’s name on Telkonet’s
books as of the close of business on March 30, 2009.
Shares of common stock represented by
properly executed proxies received at or prior to the annual meeting that have
not been revoked will be voted at the annual meeting in accordance with the
instructions indicated on the proxies. Stockholders are requested to complete,
sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed
postage-prepaid envelope to ensure that their shares are voted. If
the enclosed proxy is signed and returned, the shares represented thereby will
be voted in accordance with any specification made therein by the stockholder.
In the absence of any such specification, the shares will be voted to elect each
of the director nominees set forth under “Election of Directors” below, for
the proposals set forth under “Approval of the Amendment to Telkonet's Articles
of Incorporation,” “Approval of Share Issuance,” and “Ratification of
Appointment of Independent Public Accountants,” and in the discretion of
management on any other matter which may properly come before the annual
meeting.
Revocability
of Proxy
Any proxy
given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving it at
any time before it is voted. Attendance at the annual meeting will not, in and
of itself, revoke a proxy. Proxies may be revoked by:
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Filing
with the Secretary of Telkonet, at or before the taking of the vote at the
annual meeting, a written notice of revocation dated later than the
proxy;
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Executing
a later dated proxy relating to the same shares of common stock and
delivering it to the Secretary of Telkonet, including by facsimile, before
the taking of the vote at the annual meeting; or
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Attending
the annual meeting and voting in
person.
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Any
written revocation or subsequent proxy should be sent so as to be delivered to
Telkonet, Inc., 20374 Seneca Meadows Parkway, Germantown, Maryland 20876,
Attention: Corporate Secretary, or hand delivered to the Secretary of Telkonet
or his representative at or before the taking of the vote at the annual
meeting.
If the
annual meeting is postponed or adjourned, proxies given pursuant to this
solicitation will be utilized at any subsequent reconvening of the annual
meeting, except for any proxies that previously have been revoked or withdrawn
effectively, and notwithstanding that proxies may have been effectively voted on
the same or any other matter previously.
Quorum
Telkonet’s
bylaws provide that the holders of a majority of the outstanding Telkonet
shares, present in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum, and that the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented at the annual meeting
and constituting a quorum is required for approval of any proposal brought
before the annual meeting, unless a greater proportion or number of votes is
required by law or by Telkonet’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws. The
election of directors, approval of the amendment to the Company’s Articles of
Incorporation, approval of the issuance of shares of common stock to YA Global
Investments, L.P. and ratification of the appointment of the Company’s
independent accountants for 2009 will require the affirmative vote of a majority
of the shares present at the annual meeting and constituting a quorum.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will be deemed present for purposes of
constituting a quorum and will have the same legal effect as a vote “against”
each nominee for the Board of Directors and all proposals presented at the
annual meeting.
PROPOSAL 1.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Telkonet’s
bylaws establish the number of directors at not less than three members.
Pursuant to the bylaws, the Board of Directors may increase or decrease the
number of members of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has
established the number of directors at five. At the annual meeting, the shares
represented by properly executed proxies, unless otherwise specified, will be
voted for the election of the five nominees named herein, each to serve until
the next annual meeting and until his successor is duly elected and qualified.
Proxies cannot be voted for more than five nominees.
If for
any reason any nominee is not a candidate when the election occurs (which is not
expected), the Board of Directors expects that proxies will be voted for the
election of a substitute nominee designated by the Board of Directors. The
following information is furnished concerning each nominee for election as a
director.
The
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Telkonet’s common stock
represented at the annual meeting, either in person or by proxy, is required to
elect the following nominees as Telkonet directors.
THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT
STOCKHOLDERS
VOTE FOR THE
ELECTION OF EACH NOMINEE
Nominees
for Election at the Annual Meeting
Director
Name
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Age
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Position
With Telkonet
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Director Since
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Warren
V. Musser
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82
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Chairman
of the Board
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2003
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Anthony
J. Paoni
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64
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Director
(1) (2)
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2007
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Thomas
C. Lynch
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67
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Director
(1) (2)
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2003
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Thomas
M. Hall
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57
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Director
(1) (2)
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2004
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Seth
D. Blumenfeld
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68
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Director
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2005
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(1)
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Member
of the Audit Committee
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(2)
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Member
of the Compensation Committee
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WARREN V. MUSSER, Chairman of
the Board of Directors, has taken over 50 companies public during his
distinguished and successful career as an entrepreneur. He is the founder and
Chairman Emeritus of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (a high-tech venture capital
company, formerly Safeguard Industries, Inc.). Mr. Musser is
currently the President and CEO of The Musser Group (a business
consulting firm). In addition, Mr. Musser is Chairman of InfoLogix,
Inc. (a provider of enterprise mobility solutions for the healthcare and
commercial industries), a Director of Internet Capital Group, Inc. (a
business-to-business venture capital company), NutriSystem, Inc. (a weight
management company), Health Benefits Direct Corp. (a direct marketing/sales
company of health/life insurance) and MSTI Holdings, Inc. (“MSTI”) (the
majority-owned subsidiary of the Company). Mr. Musser serves on a variety
of civic, educational and charitable boards of directors, and serves
as Chairman of the Eastern Technology Council, Economics PA, and
Vice President of Development of Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts
of America.
ANTHONY J. PAONI, Director,
has been a faculty member at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of
Management since 1996. Previously, he spent 28 years in the information
technology industry with market leading organizations that provided computer
hardware, software and consulting services. For the first 15 years of
his career, Professor Paoni managed sales and marketing organizations and in the
later stages of his career he moved into general management positions starting
with PANSOPHIC Systems Incorporated. This Lisle, Illinois based firm was the
world’s fifth largest international software company prior to its acquisition by
Computer Associates, Incorporated. Subsequently, he became chief operating
officer of Cross Access, a venture capital funded software firm that provided
industry-leading solutions to the heterogeneous database connectivity market
segment. In addition, he has been president of two wholly-owned U.S.
subsidiaries of Ricardo Consulting, a U.K.-based international engineering
consulting firm focused on computer based automotive powertrain design. Prior to
joining the Kellogg faculty, Professor Paoni was chief executive officer of
Eolas, an Internet software company with patent pending Web technology that was
one of the key technology drivers responsible for the rapid adoption of the
Internet platform.
THOMAS C. LYNCH, Director, is
Senior Vice President and Director of The Staubach Company’s Federal Sector (a
real estate management and advisory services firm) in the Washington, D.C. area.
Mr. Lynch joined The Staubach Company in November 2002 after six years as
Senior Vice President at Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (NYSE: SFE) (a high-tech
venture capital company). While at Safeguard, he served nearly two years as
President and Chief Operating Officer at CompuCom Systems, a Safeguard
subsidiary. After a 31-year career of naval service, Mr. Lynch retired in
the rank of Rear Admiral. Mr. Lynch’s naval service included Chief, Navy
Legislative Affairs, command of the Eisenhower Battle Group during Operation
Desert Shield, Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy from 1991 to
1994 and Director of the Navy Staff in the Pentagon from 1994 to 1995.
Mr. Lynch presently serves as a Director of Armed Forces Benefit
Association, Mikros Systems, Buckeye Insurance Company, MSTI Holdings,
Inc., and Epitome Systems.
THOMAS M. HALL, M.D.,
Director, is the Managing Member of Marrell Enterprises LLC (a company that
specializes in international business development). Dr. Hall serves on the
board of directors of Coris International SA (a Paris-based insurance services
company with subsidiaries in 36 countries). For 12 years (until 2002),
Dr. Hall was the Chief Executive Officer of Medical Advisory Systems, Inc.
(a company providing international medical services and pharmaceutical
distribution). Dr. Hall holds a bachelor of science and a medical degree
from the George Washington University and a master of international management
degree from the University of Maryland.
SETH D. BLUMENFELD, Director,
served as President of International Services for MCI International (a provider
of telecommunication services) from 1998 until his retirement in January of
2005. Mr. Blumenfeld was President and Chief Operating Officer of several
of MCI’s international subsidiaries from 1984 to 1998. Mr. Blumenfeld earned his
Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Fordham University Law School in 1965. He
practiced law on Wall Street prior to serving as infantry captain for the U.S.
Army in Vietnam. From 1976 through 1978, Mr. Blumenfeld lived in Japan. Mr.
Blumenfeld’s involvement on professional boards and community associations have
included Executive Committee member of the United States Council for
International Business, Member of the Board of Directors of the United States
Telecommunications Training Institute, Member of the State Department Advisory
Council on International Communications and Information Policy, Member of the
University of Colorado Institute for International Business Board of Advisors,
Member of the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird)
Board of Advisors, Member of the Advisory Board of Visitors to Fordham
University School of Law, and honorary Chairman of the Connecticut Association
of Children with Learning Disabilities.
Meetings
of the Board and Committees
The Board
of Directors held twelve meetings in 2008. Each member of the Board of Directors
attended at least 75 percent of the meetings of the Board of Directors and the
committees of which such director was a member. The Company has not established
a formal policy requiring director attendance at all Board meetings, but the
Company expects each director to attend such meetings, absent unusual
circumstances. The Company also expects its directors to attend the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders (which is usually held the same day as a meeting of the
Board of Directors). Four of the Company’s directors attended the 2008 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders.
Code
of Ethics
The Board
has approved, and the Company has adopted, a Code of Ethics that applies to all
directors, officers and employees of the Company. This Code of Ethics was
included as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2004.
Director
Independence
The Board
of Directors has determined that Dr. Hall and Messrs. Lynch and Paoni are
“independent” under the listing standards of the NYSE AMEX (formerly, the
American Stock Exchange) (NYSE AMEX). Each of Dr. Hall and Messrs. Lynch and Mr.
Paoni serve on, and are the only members of, the Company’s Audit and
Compensation Committees.
Communications
with the Board of Directors
Stockholders
can communicate directly with the Board, with any Committee of the Board, or
specified directors by writing to: The Board of Directors of the Company, at the
Company’s principal business address or by calling at (240) 912-1800. All
communications will be reviewed by management and then forwarded to the
appropriate director, directors, committee, or to the full Board of
Directors.
Committees
of the Board of Directors
The Board
has an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee, but the Board does not
presently have a Nominating Committee because the Board has concluded that a
Nominating Committee is unnecessary due to the nomination procedures in effect
as described below.
Director
Nominations
Although
the Company does not maintain a standing Nominating Committee, nominees for
election as directors are considered and nominated by a majority of the
Company’s independent directors in accordance with the NYSE AMEX listing
standards. “Independence” for these purposes is determined in accordance with
Section 121(A) of the NYSE AMEX Rules and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. Since the Company does not maintain a standing
Nominating Committee, it has not adopted a formal Nominating Committee
charter.
When
considering potential candidates for election to the Company’s Board of
Directors, the independent directors evaluate various criteria, including, but
not limited to, each candidate’s business and professional skills, experience
serving as management or on the board of directors of companies such as the
Company, financial literacy and personal integrity in judgment. Candidates for
vacant board seats will be considered if they are able to read and understand
fundamental financial statements; have no identified conflicts of interest; have
not been convicted in a criminal proceeding other than traffic violations during
the five years before the date of selection; and are willing to comply with the
Company’s Code of Ethics. One or more directors must have requisite financial
expertise to qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by
Item 401 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. The independent directors reserve the right to modify these minimum
qualifications from time to time. Exceptional candidates who do not meet all of
these criteria may still be considered.
The
independent directors review the qualifications and backgrounds of the
directors, as well as the overall composition of the Board from time to time. In
the case of any candidate for a vacant Board seat, the independent directors
will consider whether such candidate meets the applicable independence standards
and the level of the candidate’s financial expertise. Any new candidates will be
interviewed by the independent directors, and the full Board will approve the
final nominations. The Chairman of the Board, acting on behalf of the full
Board, will extend the formal invitation to become a nominee of the Board of
Directors.
Stockholders
may nominate director candidates for consideration by the Board of Directors by
writing to the Chairman and providing to the Chairman the candidate’s name,
biographical data and qualifications, including five-year employment history
with employer names and a description of the employer’s business; whether such
individual can read and understand fundamental financial statements; other board
memberships (if any); and such other information as is reasonably available and
sufficient to enable the Board to evaluate the minimum qualifications described
above. The submission must be accompanied by the written consent of the
individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board of Directors and to
serve if elected by the stockholders. If a stockholder nominee is eligible, and
if the nomination is proper, the independent directors then will deliberate and
make a decision as to whether the candidate will be submitted to the Company’s
stockholders for a vote. The Board will not change the manner in which it
evaluates candidates, including the applicable minimum criteria set forth above,
based on whether the candidate was recommended by a stockholder.
Audit
Committee
The Audit
Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Lynch and Paoni and Dr. Hall.
The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that each of Dr. Hall and
Messrs. Lynch and Paoni is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by
Item 401 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. The Board of Directors also has determined that each of Dr. Hall and
Messrs. Lynch and Paoni are “independent” as such term is defined in
Section 121(A) of the NYSE AMEX Rules and Rule 10A-3 promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The Audit
Committee recommends annually to the Board of Directors the selection of
independent auditors for each fiscal year, confirms and assures their
independence and approves the fees and other compensation to be paid to the
auditors. The Audit Committee recommends to the Board the advisability of having
the independent auditors make specified studies and reports as to auditing
matters, accounting procedures, tax or other matters. The Audit Committee also
reviews, prior to its filing with the SEC, the Company’s Form 10-K and annual
report to stockholders. The Audit Committee provides an open avenue of
communication among the independent auditors, management and the Board of
Directors and will review any significant disagreement among management and the
independent auditors in connection with the preparation of any of the Company’s
financial statements. The Audit Committee reviews, with the Company’s legal
counsel, legal and regulatory matters that may have a significant impact on the
Company’s financial statements. The Audit Committee held six meetings in 2008
and all of members of the Audit Committee attended each of these
meetings.
The Board
of Directors has adopted an Audit Committee Charter, which was ratified by the
stockholders at the 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. A copy of the Audit
Committee Charter was attached as Appendix A to the proxy statement for the 2007
Annual Meeting.
REPORT
OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company’s previous filings
under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that
might incorporate future filings or this proxy statement, the following report
shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any such filings. In
addition, the following report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material”
or “filed” with the SEC.
The Audit
Committee for the year ended December 31, 2008, whose members are
identified below, has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements as
of and for the year ended December 31, 2008 with the Company’s management
and has discussed the matters required to be discussed by SAS 61 with the
Company’s independent auditors. The Audit Committee has also received the
written disclosures and the letter from the Company’s independent auditors
required by applicable requirements of the Public Accounting Oversight Board
regarding the independent auditors’ communications with the Audit Committee
concerning independence and has discussed with the independent auditors the
independent auditors’ independence. Based upon its review of the foregoing
materials and its discussions with the Company’s management and independent
auditors, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the
audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The Audit Committee also
considered whether the provision of other non-audit services by the independent
auditor to the Company is compatible with maintaining the independence of the
independent auditor and concluded that the independence of the independent
auditor is not compromised by the provision of such services.
The Audit
Committee has a written charter which was adopted by the Board of Directors on
October 3, 2003, a copy of which is filed as Appendix A to the proxy
statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Audit Committee has
established procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of any
complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting
controls or auditing matters and the confidential, anonymous submission by the
Company’s employees of any concerns regarding questionable accounting or
auditing matters.
By the
Audit Committee.
Thomas M.
Hall
Thomas C.
Lynch
Anthony
J. Paoni
Compensation
Committee
Dr. Hall
and Messrs. Lynch and Paoni serve on the Company’s Compensation
Committee. The Compensation Committee oversees the Company’s
compensation programs, which are designed specifically for the Company’s most
senior executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Financial Officer and the other executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table. Additionally, the Compensation Committee is charged with the
review and approval of all annual compensation decisions relating to named
executive officers. The Board of Directors has adopted a Compensation
Committee charter. A copy of the Compensation Committee charter was
attached as Appendix B to the proxy statement for the 2007 annual
meeting.
The
Compensation Committee met two times in 2008, and all members of the
Compensation Committee attended the meetings.
REPORT
OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company’s previous filings
under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act that might incorporate
future filings or this proxy statement, the following report shall not be deemed
to be incorporated by reference into any such filings. In addition, the
following report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” with
the SEC.
The base
salary, bonus, benefits and other compensation payable to the Company’s
executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2008 were fixed under
written employment agreements (except for Mr. Leimbach, who does not have a
written employment agreement) described below under the heading “Employment
Contracts and Termination of Employment Arrangements.”
Prior to
establishing Mr. Tienor’s compensation pursuant to his employment agreement (as
well as the compensation of the other executive officers), the Board of
Directors reviewed compensation recommendations prepared by the Company’s
compensation committee, which recommendations provide information regarding
compensation levels at peer companies.
The
Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion
and Analysis contained in this proxy statement with management and, based upon
this review and these discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the
Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be include in
this proxy statement.
By,
Thomas M.
Hall
Thomas C.
Lynch
Anthony
J. Paoni
Compensation
Discussion and Analysis
Oversight of Executive
Compensation Program
The
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors oversees the Company’s
compensation programs, which are designed specifically for the Company’s most
senior executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Financial Officer and the other executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table (collectively, the “named executive officers”). Additionally,
the Compensation Committee is charged with the review and approval of all annual
compensation decisions relating to named executive officers.
The
Compensation Committee is composed of 3 independent, non-management members of
the Board of Directors. Each year the Company reviews any and all relationships
that each director has with the Company and the Board of Directors subsequently
reviews these findings.
The
responsibilities of the Compensation Committee, as stated in its charter,
include the following:
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annually
review and approve for the CEO and the executive officers of the Company
the annual base salary, the annual incentive bonus, including the specific
goals and amount, equity compensation, employment agreements, severance
arrangements, and change in control agreements/provisions, and any other
benefits, compensation or
arrangements.
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make
recommendations to the Board with respect to incentive compensation plans,
including reservation of shares for issuance under employee benefit
plans.
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annually
review and recommend to the Board of Directors for its approval the
compensation, including cash, equity or other compensation, for members of
the Board of Directors for their service as a member of the Board of
Directors, a member of any committee of the Board of Directors, a Chair of
any committee of the Board of Directors, and the Chairman of the Board of
Directors.
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annually
review the performance of the Company’s Chief Executive
Officer.
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make
recommendations to the Board of Directors on the Company’s executive
compensation practices and policies, including the evaluation of
performance by the Company’s executive officers and issues of management
succession.
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review
the Company’s compliance with employee benefit
plans.
|
|
·
|
make
regular reports to the Board.
|
|
·
|
annually
review and reassess the adequacy of the Compensation Committee charter and
recommend any proposed changes to the Board for
approval.
|
The
Compensation Committee is also responsible for completing an annual report on
executive compensation for inclusion in the Company's proxy statement. In
addition to such annual report, the Compensation Committee maintains written
minutes of its meetings, which minutes are filed with the minutes of the
meetings of the Board.
Overview of Compensation
Program
In order
to recruit and retain the most qualified and competent individuals as senior
executives, the Company strives to maintain a compensation program that is
competitive in the global labor market. The purpose of the Company’s
compensation program is to reward exceptional organizational and individual
performance.
The
following compensation objectives are considered in setting the compensation
programs for our named executive officers:
|
·
|
drive
and reward performance which supports the Company’s core
values;
|
|
·
|
provide
a percentage of total compensation that is “at-risk,” or variable, based
on predetermined performance
criteria;
|
|
·
|
design
competitive total compensation and rewards programs to enhance the
Company’s ability to attract and retain knowledgeable and experienced
senior executives; and
|
|
·
|
set
compensation and incentive levels that reflect competitive market
practices.
|
Compensation Elements and
Rationale
Compensation
for Named Executive Officers Other than the CEO
Compensation
for the named executive officers, other than the CEO, is made in the CEO’s sole
and exclusive discretion. While the Compensation Committee provides its
recommendations with respect to compensation for the named executive officers
(other than the CEO) as described in greater detail below, the CEO is only
required to consider the Compensation Committee’s recommendations, but is not
bound by its findings.
Compensation
for the Company’s CEO
To reward
both short and long-term performance in the compensation program and in
furtherance of the Company’s compensation objectives noted above, the Company’s
compensation program for the CEO is based on the following
objectives:
The
Compensation Committee believes that a significant portion of the CEO’s
compensation should be tied not only to individual performance, but also to the
Company’s performance as a whole measured against both financial and
non-financial goals and objectives. During periods when performance meets or
exceeds these established objectives, the CEO should be paid at or more than
expected levels. When the Company’s performance does not meet key objectives,
incentive award payments, if any, should be less than such levels.
|
(ii)
|
Incentive
Compensation
|
A large
portion of compensation should be paid in the form of short-term and long-term
incentives, which are calculated and paid based primarily on financial measures
of profitability and stockholder value creation. The CEO has the incentive of
increasing Company profitability and stockholder return in order to earn a major
portion of his compensation package.
|
(iii)
|
Competitive Compensation
Program
|
The
Compensation Committee reviews the compensation of chief executive officers at
peer companies to ensure that the compensation program for the CEO is
competitive. The Company believes that a competitive compensation program will
enhance its ability to retain a capable CEO.
Financial Metrics Used in
Compensation Programs
Several
financial metrics are commonly referenced in defining Company performance for
the CEO’s executive compensation. These metrics include quarterly metrics to
target cash flow break even and specific revenue goals to define Company
performance for purposes of setting the CEO’s compensation.
Compensation Benchmarking
Relative to Market
The
Company sets the CEO’s compensation by evaluating peer group companies. Peer
group companies are chosen based on size, industry, annual revenue and whether
they are publicly or privately held. Based on these criteria, the Compensation
Committee has identified 29 companies in the Company’s peer group. These peer
group companies include Catapult Communications Corp., Endwave Corp., Carrier
Access Corp., Crystal Technology, Echelon Corp. and FiberTower Corp. The
Compensation Committee has concluded that the CEO’s compensation falls within
the 50th
percentile of compensation for chief executive officers within the peer group
companies.
Review of Senior Executive
Performance
The
Compensation Committee reviews, on an annual basis, each compensation package
for the named executive officers. In each case, the Compensation Committee takes
into account the scope of responsibilities and experience and balances these
against competitive salary levels. The Compensation Committee has the
opportunity to meet with the named executive officers at least once per year,
which allows the Compensation Committee to form its own assessment of each
individual’s performance. As indicated above, with the exception of the CEO,
recommendations with respect to compensation packages for the named executive
officers must be considered by the CEO in connection with establishing
compensation for those named executive officers. However, the recommendations of
the Compensation Committee with respect to the compensation paid to the named
executive officers (other than the CEO) will not be binding on the
CEO.
Components of the Executive
Compensation Program
The
Compensation Committee believes the total compensation and benefits program for
named executive officers should consist of the following:
|
·
|
base
salary;
|
|
·
|
stock
incentive plan;
|
|
·
|
retirement,
health and welfare benefits;
|
|
·
|
perquisites
and perquisite allowance payments; and
|
|
·
|
termination
benefits.
|
Base Salaries
With the
exception of the CEO, whose compensation is set by the Compensation Committee
and approved by the Board of Directors, base salaries and merit increases for
the named executive officers are determined by the CEO in his discretion after
consideration of a competitive analysis recommendation provided by the
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee’s recommendation is
formulated through the evaluation of the compensation of similar executives
employed by companies in the Company’s peer group.
Stock Incentive
Plan
Under the
Company’s Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) incentive stock options and
non-qualified options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock may be
granted to key employees. An important objective of the long-term incentive
program is to strengthen the relationship between the long-term value of the
Company’s stock price and the potential financial gain for employees as well as
the retention of senior management and key personnel. Stock options provide
named executive officers with the opportunity to purchase the Company’s common
stock at a price fixed on the grant date regardless of future market price.
Stock options generally vest ratably on a quarterly basis and become exercisable
over a five-year vesting period. A stock option becomes valuable only if the
Company’s common stock price increases above the option exercise price (at which
point the option will be deemed “in-the-money”) and the holder of the option
remains employed during the period required for the option to “vest,” thus
providing an incentive for an option holder to remain employed by the Company.
In addition, stock options link a portion of an employee’s compensation to the
stockholders’ interests by providing an incentive to increase the market price
of the Company stock.
The
Company practice is that the exercise price for each stock option is equal to
the fair market value on the date of grant. Under the terms of the Plan, the
option price will not be less than the fair market value of the shares on the
date of grant or, in the case of a beneficial owner of more than 5.0% of the
Company’s outstanding common stock on the date of grant, the option price will
not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the shares on the date of
grant.
There is
a limited term in which Plan participants can exercise stock options, known as
the “option term.” The option term is generally ten years from the date of
grant. At the end of the option term, the right to exercise any unexercised
options expires. Option holders generally forfeit any unvested options if their
employment with the Company terminates.
Certain key executives may be a party
to option agreements containing clauses that cause their options to become
immediately and fully vested and exercisable upon a Change of Control, as
defined in the Plan. Additionally, death or disability of the executive during
his or her employment period may cause certain stock options to immediately vest
and become exercisable per the terms outlined in the stock option award
agreement.
The
Compensation Committee awards options to named executive officers upon
commencement of their employment with the Company and for successfully achieving
or exceeding predetermined individual and Company performance goals. In
determining whether to award stock options and the number of stock options
granted to a named executive officer, the Compensation Committee reviews the
compensation of executives at peer group companies to ensure that the
compensation program is competitive.
Retirement, Health and
Welfare Benefits
The
Company offers a variety of health and welfare and retirement programs to all
eligible employees. The named executive officers generally are eligible for the
same benefit programs on the same basis as the rest of the broad-based
employees. The Company’s health and welfare programs include medical, dental,
vision, life, accidental death and disability, and short and long-term
disability insurance. In addition to the foregoing, the named executive officers
are eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) Retirement Savings
Plan.
401(k) Retirement
Savings Plan
The
Company maintains a tax-deferred savings plan for employees (the “Telkonet
401(k)”) that is administered by a committee of trustees appointed by the
Company. All Company employees are eligible to participate upon the completion
of six months of employment, subject to minimum age requirements.
Contributions by employees under the Telkonet 401(k) are immediately vested and
each employee is eligible for distributions upon retirement, death or disability
or termination of employment. Depending upon the circumstances, these payments
may be made in installments or in a single lump sum.
MSTI
maintains a defined contribution profit sharing plan for employees (the “MSTI
401(k)”) that is administered by a committee of trustees appointed by MSTI. All
MSTI employees are eligible to participate upon the completion of
three months of employment, subject to minimum age requirements. Each year
MSTI makes a contribution to the MSTI 401(k) without regard to MSTI’s
current or accumulated net profits. These contributions are allocated to
participants in amounts of 100% of the participants’ contributions up to 1% of
each participant’s gross pay, then 10% of the next 5% of each participant’s
gross pay (a higher contribution percentage may be determined at the Company’s
discretion). In addition, MSTI makes a one-time, annual contribution of 3% of
each participant’s gross pay to each participant’s contribution account in
the MSTI 401(k) plan. Participants become vested in equal portions of their
contribution account for each year of service until full vesting occurs upon the
completion of six years of service. Distributions are made upon retirement,
death or disability in a lump sum or in installments.
Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During
the year ended December 31, 2008, Dr. Hall and Messrs. Lynch and Paoni served as
members of the Company’s Compensation Committee. No member of the Compensation
Committee is, or was during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, an officer
or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or a person having a
relationship requiring disclosure by the Company pursuant to Item 404 of
Regulation S-K. During 2008, no executive officer of the Company
served as a member of (i) the compensation committee of another entity of which
one of the executive officers of such entity served on the Compensation
Committee or Board of Directors; or (ii) the board of directors of another
entity of which one of the executive officers of such entity served on the
Company’s Compensation Committee.
Directors’
Compensation
The
Company reimburses non-management directors for costs and expenses in connection
with their attendance and participation at Board of Directors meetings and for
other travel expenses incurred on the Company’s behalf. The Company
compensates each non-management director $4,000 per month, 10,000 vested stock
options per quarter and $1,000 for each committee meeting of the Board of
Directors such director attends.
Mr. Musser,
as Chairman of the Board of Directors, is compensated $8,333 per month
(consisting of monthly payments in the amount of $4,000, which payments are
consistent with the monthly payments made to the other non-management directors,
and $4,333 per month, which payments are in lieu of the 10,000 vested stock
options per quarter and $1,000 for each committee meeting that the other
non-management directors receive). Payments to Mr. Musser for Board
services are made to The Musser Group pursuant to a September 2003 consulting
agreement. Mr. Musser is the sole principal and owner of The Musser
Group.
The
following table summarizes all compensation paid to the Company’s directors in
the year ended December 31, 2008.
Name
|
|
Fees
Earned
or
Paid
in
Cash
($)
|
|
|
Stock
Awards
($)
|
|
|
Option
Awards
($)
|
|
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation
($)
|
|
|
Change
in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Earnings
|
|
|
All
Other Compensation
($)
|
|
Total
($)
|
|
Warren
V. Musser
|
|
$
|
48,000
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
52,000
|
(1)
|
|
$
|
100,000
|
|
Thomas
M. Hall
|
|
|
48,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
12,196
|
(2)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
60,196
|
|
Thomas
C. Lynch
|
|
|
48,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
12,196
|
(2)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
60,196
|
|
James
L. Peeler
|
|
|
12,000
|
(3)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
12,000
|
|
Seth
D. Blumenfeld
|
|
|
48,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
12,196
|
(2)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
60,196
|
|
Anthony
J. Paoni
|
|
|
48,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
12,156
|
(2)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
60,196
|
|
(1) Fees
for director services performed by Mr. Musser and paid to the Musser Group
pursuant to a September 2003 consulting agreement.
(2) Stock
options granted pursuant to the 2008 non-management director compensation
plan. The following assumptions were used to determine the fair value
of stock option awards: historical volatility of 81%, expected option life of
5.0 years and a risk-free interest rate of 3.5%.
(3) Mr.
Peeler resigned from the Board of Directors on April 7, 2008.
Executive
Officers
The
following table provides the information concerning the Company’s executive
officers as of March 30, 2009.
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Title
|
Jason
L. Tienor
|
|
34
|
|
President
& Chief Executive Officer
|
Richard
J. Leimbach
|
|
40
|
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
Jeffrey
J. Sobieski
|
|
33
|
|
Chief
Operating Officer
|
Jason
L. Tienor—President and Chief Executive Officer
Mr.
Tienor has served as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer since
December 2007 and, from August 2007 until December 2007, he served as the
Company’s Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Tienor has also served as
Chief Executive Officer of EthoStream, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company, since March 2007. From 2002 until his employment with the
Company, Mr. Tienor served as Chief Executive Officer of Ethostream, LLC, the
company that he co-founded. Mr. Tienor received a bachelor of business
administration in management information systems and marketing from the
University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and a masters of business administration with
an emphasis on computer science from Marquette University.
Richard
J. Leimbach—Chief Financial Officer
Mr.
Leimbach has served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since December 2007
and, from June 2006 until December 2007, he served as the Vice President of
Finance. He also served as the Company’s Controller from January 2004 until June
2006. Mr. Leimbach is a certified public accountant with over fifteen
years of public accounting and private industry experience. Prior to joining the
Company, Mr. Leimbach was the Controller with Ultrabridge, Inc., an applications
solution provider. Mr. Leimbach also served as Corporate Accounting Manager for
Snyder Communications, Inc., a global provider of integrated marketing
solutions.
Jeffrey
J. Sobieski—Chief Operating Officer
Mr.
Sobieski was named the Company's Chief Operating Officer in June
2008. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Sobieski served as the Company’s
Executive Vice President, Energy Management since December 2007 and from March
2007 until December 2007, he served as Chief Information Officer of Ethostream,
LLC, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. From 2002 until his
employment with the Company, Mr. Sobieski served as Chief Information Officer of
Ethostream, LLC, the company he co-founded. Mr. Sobieski is also the
co-founder of Interactive Solutions, a consulting firm providing support to the
Insurance and Telecommunications Industries.
Executive
Compensation
The
following table sets forth certain information with respect to compensation for
services in all capacities for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and
2006 paid to our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and the
two other most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as such as
of December 31, 2008.
Summary
Compensation Table
Name
and Principal Position
|
Year
|
Salary
($)
|
Bonus
($)
|
Stock
Awards
($)
|
Option
Awards
($)
(1)(2)
|
Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)
|
Change
in
Pension
Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
|
All
Other
Compen-sation
($)
|
Total
($)
|
Jason
L. Tienor
|
2008
|
$194,421
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$7,431
|
$201,852
|
President
and Chief
|
2007
|
$133,022
|
$0
|
$0
|
$111,230
|
$0
|
$0
|
$6,139
|
$250,391
|
Executive
Officer
|
2006
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard
J. Leimbach
|
2008
|
$180,039
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$180,039
|
Chief
Financial
|
2007
|
$133,491
|
$25,000
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$158,491
|
Officer
|
2006
|
$111,231
|
$5,000
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$116,231
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey
J. Sobieski
|
2008
|
$186,421
|
$0
|
$0
|
$31,180
|
$0
|
$0
|
$7,431
|
$225,032
|
Chief
Operating
|
2007
|
$122,003
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$6,139
|
$128,142
|
Officer
|
2006
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
In
2007 the following assumptions were used to determine the fair value of
stock option awards granted: historical volatility of 70%, expected option
life of 5.0 years and a risk-free interest rate of
4.8%.
|
(2)
|
In
2008 the following assumptions were used to determine the fair value of
stock option awards granted: historical volatility of 74%, expected option
life of 5.0 years and a risk-free interest rate of
3.0%.
|
Employment
Agreements
Jason L.
Tienor, President and Chief Executive Officer, is employed pursuant to an
employment agreement dated March 15, 2007. Mr. Tienor’s employment
agreement has a term of three years, which may be extended by mutual agreement
of the parties thereto, and provides for an annual base salary of $148,000 per
year and bonuses and benefits based on the Company’s internal
policies. On August 20, 2007, Mr. Tienor’s annual salary was
increased to $200,000 and he remains eligible to participate in the incentive
and benefit plans pursuant to his existing employment agreement and the
Company’s internal policies.
Richard
J. Leimbach, Chief Financial Officer, has been employed by the Company since
January 26, 2004. Mr. Leimbach’s annual salary was increased from
$130,000 to $190,000 in December 2007 in connection with his appointment as
Chief Financial Officer. He is also eligible to receive bonuses and
benefits based upon the Company’s internal policies. Mr. Leimbach
does not have a written employment agreement.
Jeffrey
J. Sobieski, Chief Operating Officer, is employed pursuant to an employment
agreement, dated March 15, 2007. Mr. Sobieski’s employment agreement has a term
of three years, which may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties
thereto, and provides for a base salary of $148,000 per year and bonuses and
benefits based upon the Company’s internal policies. On December 11,
2007, Mr. Sobieski’s salary was increased to $190,000 and he remains eligible to
participate in the incentive and benefit plans pursuant to his existing
employment agreement and the Company’s internal policies.
In
addition, to the foregoing, stock options are periodically granted to employees
under the Company’s Plan at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors. Executives of the Company are eligible to receive stock
option grants, based upon individual performance and the performance of the
Company as a whole.
Grant
of Plan Based Awards
The
following table sets forth information concerning stock options granted in the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, to the persons listed on the Summary
Compensation Table.
Name
|
Grant
Date
|
All
Other
Option
Awards:
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Options
Granted
(#)
|
Exercise
Price or
Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/sh)
|
Grant
Date
Fair
Value of Stock
and
Option Awards
|
Jason
L. Tienor
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
Richard
J. Leimbach
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
Jeffrey
J. Sobieski
|
02/19/2008
|
50,000
|
$1.00
|
$31,180
|
Outstanding
Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table
The
following table shows outstanding stock option awards classified as exercisable
and unexercisable as of December 31, 2008 for the named executive
officers.
|
Option
Awards
|
Stock
Awards
|
Name
|
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exerciseable
|
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexerciseable
|
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)
|
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
|
Option
Expiration
Date
|
Number
of
Shares
or
Units
of
Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
(#)
|
Market
Value
of
Shares
or
Units
of
Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
($)
|
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or
Other
Rights
That
Have
Not
Vested
(#)
|
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market
or Payout
Value
of Unearned Shares, Units
or
Other
Rights
That
Have
Not
Vested
($)
|
Jason
L. Tienor
|
30,000
|
70,000
|
-
|
$1.80
|
4/24/2012
(2)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Richard
J. Leimbach
|
77,500
|
10,000
|
-
|
(1)
|
4/24/2012
(2)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Jeffrey
J. Sobieski
|
7,500
|
42,500
|
-
|
$1.00
|
4/24/2012
(2)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1)
|
Includes
35,000 and 2,500 vested and unvested options, respectively, exerciseable
at $2.59, and 42,500 and 7,500 vested and unvested options, respectively,
exerciseable at $5.08 per share.
|
(2)
|
All
options granted in accordance with the Company’s Plan have an outstanding
term equal to the shorter of ten years, or the expiration of the
Plan. The Plan expires on April 24,
2012.
|
Option
Exercises and Vesting of Stock Awards
There
were no options exercised by, or stock awards vested for the account of, the
named executive officers during 2008.
Potential
Payments upon Termination or Change in Control
Each of
Mr. Tienor’s and Mr. Sobieski’s Employment Agreements obligate the Company to
continue to pay each executive’s base salary and provide continued participation
in employee benefit plans for the duration of the term of their employment
agreements in the event such executive is terminated without “cause” by the
Company or if the executive terminates his employment for “good reason.” “Cause”
is defined as the occurrence of any of the following: (i) theft, fraud,
embezzlement, or any other act of dishonesty by the executive; (ii) any material
breach by the executive of any provision of the employment agreement which
breach is not cured within a reasonable time (but not to exceed thirty (30) days
after written notification thereof to the executive by the Company); (iii) any
habitual neglect of duty or misconduct of the executive in discharging any of
his duties and responsibilities under the employment agreement after a written
demand for performance was delivered to the executive that specifically
identified the manner in which the board believed the executive had failed to
discharge his duties and responsibilities, and the executive failed to resume
substantial performance of such duties and responsibilities on a continuous
basis immediately following such demand; (iv) commission by the executive of a
felony or any offense involving moral turpitude; or (v) any default of the
executive’s obligations under the employment agreement, or any failure or
refusal of the executive to comply with the policies, rules and regulations of
the Company generally applicable to the Company’s employees, which default,
failure or refusal is not cured within a reasonable time (but not to exceed
thirty (30) days) after written notification thereof to the executive by the
Company. If cause exists for termination, the executive shall be entitled to no
further compensation, except for accrued leave and vacation and except as may be
required by applicable law. “Good reason” is defined as the occurrence of any of
the following: (i) any material adverse reduction in the scope of the
executive’s authority or responsibilities; (ii) any reduction in the amount of
the executive’s compensation or participation in any employee benefits; or (iii)
the executive’s principal place of employment is actually or constructively
moved to any office or other location 50 miles or more outside of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin.
In the
event the Company fails to renew the employment agreements upon expiration of
the term, then the Company shall continue to pay the executive's base salary and
provide the executive with continued participation in each employee benefit plan
in which the executive participated immediately prior to expiration of the term
for a period of three months following expiration of the term. Each of Messrs.
Tienor and Sobieski have agreed not to compete with the Company or solicit
any Company employees for a period of one year following expiration or earlier
termination of the employment agreements. Assuming Mr. Tienor’s and
Mr. Sobieski’s employment agreements were terminated as of December 31, 2008,
the total estimated compensation that would have been paid under these
agreements would be $468,000 in the aggregate.
Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The
following table sets forth, as of March 30, 2009, the number of shares of the
Company’s common stock beneficially owned by each director and executive officer
of the Company, by all directors and executive officers as a group, and by each
person known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5.0% of the Company’s
outstanding common stock. As of March 1, 2009, there were no issued and
outstanding shares of any other class of the Company’s equity
securities.
Name
and Address of Beneficial Owner
|
Amount
and Nature of Beneficial Ownership
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Officers
and Directors
|
|
|
Jason
Tienor, President and Chief Executive Officer
20374
Seneca Meadows Parkway
Germantown,
MD 20876
|
736,803(1)
|
0.8%
|
Richard
Leimbach, Chief Financial Officer
20374
Seneca Meadows Parkway
Germantown,
MD 20876
|
431,000(2)
|
0.5%
|
Jeffrey
Sobieski, Executive Vice President
20374
Seneca Meadows Parkway
Germantown,
MD 20876
|
714,303(3)
|
0.8%
|
Warren
V. Musser, Chairman
20374
Seneca Meadows Parkway
Germantown,
MD 20876
|
2,000,000(4)
|
2.1%
|
Thomas
C. Lynch, Director
20374
Seneca Meadows Parkway
Germantown,
MD 20876
|
210,000(5)
|
0.2%
|
Dr.
Thomas M. Hall, Director
20374
Seneca Meadows Parkway
Germantown,
MD 20876
|
747,790(6)
|
0.8%
|
Seth
D. Blumenfeld, Director
20374
Seneca Meadows Parkway
Germantown,
MD 20876
|
130,000(7)
|
0.1%
|
Anthony
J. Paoni, Director
20374
Seneca Meadows Parkway
Germantown,
MD 20876
|
80,000(8)
|
0.1%
|
All
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
|
5,049,896
|
5.3%
|
______________
(1)
|
Includes
701,803 shares of the Company’s common stock and options exercisable
within 60 days to purchase 35,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at
$1.80 per share.
|
(2)
|
Includes
351,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and options exercisable
within 60 days to purchase 37,500 and 42,500 shares of the Company’s
common stock at $2.59 and $5.08 per share,
respectively.
|
(3)
|
Includes
701,803 shares of the Company’s common stock and options exercisable
within 60 days to purchase 12,500 shares of the Company’s common stock at
$1.00 per share.
|
(4)
|
Includes
options exercisable within 60 days to purchase 2,000,000 shares of the
Company’s common stock at $1.00 per share.
|
(5)
|
Includes
options exercisable within 60 days to purchase 40,000, 20,000, 70,000 and
80,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $1.00, $2.00, $2.66 and
$3.45 per share, respectively.
|
(6)
|
Includes
557,790 shares of the Company’s common stock and options exercisable
within 60 days to purchase 40,000, 70,000 and 80,000 shares of the
Company’s common stock at $1.00, $2.66 and $3.45 per share,
respectively.
|
(7)
|
Includes
50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and options exercisable within
60 days to purchase 40,000 and 40,000 shares of the Company’s common stock
at $1.00 and $2.66 per share, respectively.
|
(8)
|
Includes
options exercisable within 60 days to purchase 40,000 and 40,000 shares of
the Company’s common stock at $1.00 and $2.30 per share,
respectively.
|
Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions
Description
of Related Party Transactions
In
February 2006, the Company entered into a professional services agreement with
Global Transport Logistics, Inc. (“GTI”), for the provision of consulting
services for which GTI is paid a fee of $10,000 per month. GTI is 100% owned
by Eileen Matarazzo, the sister-in-law of MSTI’s Chief Executive
Officer. This agreement expired in February 2009.
The Chief
Administrative Officer at MSTI, Laura Matarazzo, is the sister of MSTI’s
Chief Executive Officer and receives an annual base salary of approximately
$134,000 with bonuses and benefits based upon the Company’s internal
policies.
Company’s
Policies on Related Party Transactions
Under the
Company’s policies and procedures, related-party transactions that must be
publicly disclosed under the federal securities laws require prior approval
of the Company’s independent directors without the participation of
any director who may have a direct or indirect interest in the transaction in
question. Related parties include directors, nominees for director, principal
shareholders, executive officers and members of their immediate families. For
these purposes, a “transaction” includes all financial transactions,
arrangements or relationships, ranging from extending credit to the provision of
goods and services for value and includes any transaction with a company in
which a director, executive officer immediate family member of a director or
executive officer, or principal shareholder (that is, any person who
beneficially owns five percent or more of any class of the Company’s voting
securities) has an interest by virtue of a 10-percent-or-greater equity
interest. The Company’s policies and procedures regarding related-party
transactions are not a part of a formal written policy, but rather, represent
the Company’s historical course of practice with respect to approval of
related-party transactions.
Director
Independence
The Board
of Directors has determined that Dr. Hall and Messrs. Lynch and Paoni are
“independent” under the listing standards of the NYSE AMEX. Each of
Dr. Hall and Messrs. Lynch and Paoni serve on, and are the only members of, the
Company’s Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. Although the
Company does not maintain a standing Nominating Committee, nominees for election
as directors are considered and nominated by a majority of the Company’s
independent directors in accordance with the NYSE AMEX listing standards.
“Independence” for these purposes is determined in accordance with
Section 121(A) of the NYSE AMEX Rules and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
Section 16(a)
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section
16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors and certain
of our officers to file reports of holdings and transactions in shares of the
Company common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Based on our
records and other information, we believe that in 2008 our directors and our
officers who are subject to Section 16 met all applicable filing
requirements.
Independent
Public Accountants
The
following table sets forth fees billed to the Company by our auditors during the
fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
|
|
December
31, 2008
|
|
|
December
31, 2007
|
|
1.
Audit Fees
|
|
$
|
309,755
|
|
|
$
|
379,828
|
|
2.
Audit Related Fees
|
|
|
46,262
|
|
|
|
136,525
|
|
3.
Tax Fees
|
|
|
--
|
|
|
|
--
|
|
4.
All Other Fees
|
|
|
--
|
|
|
|
--
|
|
Total
Fees
|
|
$
|
356,017
|
|
|
$
|
516,353
|
|
Audit
fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of
the Company’s consolidated financial statements and review of the interim
consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports and services
that are normally provided by RBSM LLP in connection with statutory and
regulatory filings or engagements.
Audit-related
fees consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are
reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s
consolidated financial statements, which are not reported under “Audit
Fees.”
Tax fees
consist of fees billed for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice
and tax planning. The tax fees relate to federal and state income tax reporting
requirements.
All other
fees consist of fees for products and services other than the services reported
above.
Prior to
the Company’s engagement of its independent auditor, such engagement is approved
by the Company’s audit committee. The services provided under this engagement
may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other
services. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year and any
pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services
and is generally subject to a specific budget. Pursuant to the Company’s Audit
Committee Charter, the independent auditors and management are required to
report to the Company’s audit committee at least quarterly regarding the extent
of services provided by the independent auditors in accordance with this
pre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date. The audit
committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis. All
audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees and other fees incurred by the Company
for the year ended December 31, 2008, were approved by the Company’s audit
committee.
PROPOSAL
2. TO AMEND TELKONET’S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO
INCREASE
THE AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK
On April 7, 2009, the Board of
Directors unanimously adopted a resolution, subject to stockholder approval, to
amend the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the aggregate number
of shares of common stock that the Company is authorized to issue from
130,000,000 shares to 155,000,000 shares.
The Board of Directors has determined
that this proposed amendment is advisable and in the best interest of the
Company and its stockholders.
Reason
for the Amendment
The
Company’s Articles of Incorporation currently authorize the issuance of
130,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $0.001 per share. As
of March 30, 2009, 93,058,566 shares were issued and outstanding, and another
11,260,878 shares were subject to unexercised options granted pursuant to the
Company’s Plan, or reserved for issuance in connection with future grants under
the Plan. In addition, up to 25,200,646 shares of the Company’s
common stock are potentially subject to issuance pursuant to warrants to
purchase common stock and convertible debentures held by YA Global Investments,
L.P. (assuming such issuance took place on April 6, 2009). While the
Company is not permitted to issue more than 2,725,205 additional shares of
common stock to YA Global Investments, L.P. under these warrants and debentures
unless and until the stockholders approve the proposal set forth under “Approval
of Share Issuance,” in the event that proposal is approved, the number of
authorized shares under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation will be
insufficient to satisfy the aggregate amount of common stock potentially
issuable to YA Global Investments, L.P. under the warrants and
debentures.
Adoption
of this proposal would permit the Board of Directors, without further approval
of the stockholders (except as may be required by applicable law), to issue
additional shares of common stock from time to time as the Board of Directors
may determine, for such consideration as the Board of Directors establishes. In
addition to providing the Company with the ability to issue shares under its
stock-based compensation plan and to YA Global Investments, L.P.(if approved by
the stockholders as described below), the availability of additional shares of
common stock would provide flexibility in structuring possible acquisitions of
other businesses and enable the Company to raise additional equity capital if
and when needed. The Company has no present plans, arrangements, or
understandings with respect to possible acquisitions or financings requiring the
availability of additional authorized common stock.
The
proposed Amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation will increase the
total number of authorized shares of common stock by an amount that is
necessary to achieve currently contemplated corporate objectives. The Amendment
may be viewed as having the possible effect of diluting the stock ownership of
current stockholders, as well as discouraging, under certain circumstances, an
unsolicited attempt by another person or entity to acquire control of the
Company. Although the Board of Directors has no present intention of doing so,
the Company’s authorized but unissued common stock could be issued in one or
more transactions which would make a takeover of the Company more difficult or
costly. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the proposed Amendment will ensure that
the Company continues to have additional shares available for future issuance
from time to time as approved by the Board of Directors for any proper corporate
purpose, including those described above.
Effective
Date of the Amendment
If the Amendment is adopted by the
required vote of stockholders, the Amendment will become effective when the
appropriate Articles of Amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation are
filed with the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations. The
Company anticipates that this filing will be made promptly following the Annual
Meeting, or as soon as practicable thereafter.
THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS
VOTE
FOR THIS
PROPOSAL
PROPOSAL
3. APPROVAL OF SHARE ISSUANCE
On May
30, 2008, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with YA
Global Investments, L.P. pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell
to YA Global Investments, L.P. up to $3,500,000 of secured convertible
debentures and warrants to purchase up to 2,500,000 shares of the Company’s
common stock. The sale of the debentures and warrants was effectuated
in three separate closings, the first of which occurred on May 30, 2008, and the
remainder of which occurred in July 2008. At the May 30, 2008
closing, the Company sold debentures having an aggregate principal value of
$1,500,000 and warrants to purchase 2,100,000 shares of common
stock. In July 2008, the Company sold the remaining debentures having
an aggregate principal value of $2,000,000 and warrants to purchase 400,000
shares of common stock.
The
debentures accrue interest at a rate of 13% per annum and mature on May 29,
2011. The debentures may be redeemed at any time, in whole or in
part, by the Company upon payment by the Company of a redemption premium equal
to 15% of the principal amount of debentures being redeemed, provided that an
Equity Conditions Failure (as defined in the debentures) is not occurring at the
time of such redemption. YA Global Investments, L.P. may also convert
all or a portion of the debentures into the Company’s common stock at any time
at a price equal to the lesser of (i) $0.58, or (ii) ninety percent (90%) of the
lowest volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock during the
ten (10) trading days immediately preceding the conversion date. The
warrants expire five years from the date of issuance and entitle YA Global
Investments, L.P. to purchase shares of common stock at a price per share of
$0.61.
The
holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as and if
declared by the board of directors and paid by us out of funds legally available
therefore and to share ratably in our assets available for distribution after
the payment of all prior claims in the event we liquidate, dissolve or wind-up
our business, and after payment to any holders of any of our preferred stock.
Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters
requiring a vote of stockholders. Our common stock does not have cumulative
voting rights. The rights of the holders of our common stock will be subject to
any preferential rights of any class or series of our preferred stock that we
might issue. As of the date of this proxy statement, we had no shares of
preferred stock issued or outstanding. Holders of our common stock have no
preemptive or other subscription rights, and there are no conversion, redemption
or sinking fund provisions applicable thereto.
The
securities purchase agreement pursuant to which the debentures and warrants were
sold expressly prohibits YA Global Investments, L.P. from acquiring in excess of
19.99% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, as of May 30,
2008, pursuant to the debentures and/or the warrants. As of April 7,
2009, the Company has issued an aggregate of 12,773,795 shares of common stock
to YA Global Investments, L.P. in connection with conversion of debentures,
which amount represented 16.4% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common
stock measured as of May 30, 2008, the date the listing application with respect
to those shares was approved by NYSE AMEX.
Our
common stock is listed for trading on the NYSE AMEX (formerly, the American
Stock Exchange). Pursuant to Section 713 of the NYSE AMEX Company
Guide, which defines the Company’s obligations with respect to the continued
listing of its common stock on the NYSE AMEX, the Company is obligated to seek
stockholder approval as a prerequisite to approval of an application to list
additional shares when the additional shares will be issued in connection with a
transaction involving the issuance, or potential issuance, by the issuer of 20%
or more of the issuer’s outstanding common stock at a price less than the
greater of book or market value. Since the maximum aggregate amount
of the Company’s common stock issuable to YA Global Investments, L.P. under the
debenture and warrants would result in YA Global Investments, L.P. owning 20% or
more of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock, the Company is
obligated to obtain stockholder approval of any and all issuances that cause the
aggregate amount of common stock issued to YA Global Investments, L.P. to meet
or exceed this 20% threshold. YA Global Investments, L.P. has
requested that the Company waive the ownership limitation outlined in the
securities purchase agreement, which the Company has agreed to do provided that
the issuance of shares of common stock representing 20% or more of the Company’s
issued and outstanding common stock is approved by the stockholders at the
annual meeting.
THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS
VOTE
FOR THIS
PROPOSAL
PROPOSAL 4.
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
RBSM, LLP
served as the Company’s independent public accountants in 2008 and are expected
to be retained to do so in 2009. The Board of Directors has directed that
management submit the selection of RBSM, LLP for ratification by the
stockholders at the annual meeting. A representative of RBSM, LLP is expected to
be present at the annual meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement,
should the representative desire to do so, and will be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
Stockholder
ratification of the selection of RBSM, LLP as the Company’s independent public
accountants is not required. However, the Board of Directors is submitting the
selection of RBSM, LLP to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good
corporate practice. If the stockholders do not ratify the selection, the Audit
Committee will reconsider whether to retain the firm. In such event, the Audit
Committee may retain RBSM, LLP, notwithstanding the fact that the stockholders
did not ratify the selection, or select another accounting firm without
re-submitting the matter to the stockholders. Even if the selection is ratified,
the Audit Committee reserves the right in its discretion to select a different
accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change
would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS
VOTE
FOR THIS
PROPOSAL
OTHER
MATTERS
The Board
of Directors is not aware of any other matter that may be presented for action
at the annual meeting. If any other matter comes before the annual meeting, the
persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote the proxy with respect thereto in
accordance with their best judgment, pursuant to the discretionary authority
granted by the proxy.
STOCKHOLDERS
SHARING AN ADDRESS
Stockholders
sharing an address with another stockholder may receive only one set of proxy
materials at that address unless they have provided contrary instructions. Any
such stockholder who wishes to receive a separate set of proxy materials now or
in the future may write or call the Company at the following address and
telephone number to request a separate copy of these materials:
Telkonet,
Inc.
20374
Seneca Meadows Parkway
Germantown,
Maryland 20876-7004
240-912-1800
Similarly,
stockholders sharing an address with another stockholder who have received
multiple copies of the Company’s proxy materials may write or call the Company
to request delivery of a single copy of these materials.
STOCKHOLDER
PROPOSALS
The
Company intends to hold its 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders in June of
2010. Stockholders may submit written proposals to be considered for stockholder
action at the Company’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. To be eligible for
inclusion in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting,
stockholder proposals must be received by the Company by __, 2010 and must
otherwise comply with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission regulations
and the Company’s Bylaws. Stockholder proposals should be addressed to the
Company at 20374 Seneca Meadows Parkway, Germantown, Maryland 20876-7004,
Attention: Corporate Secretary. In addition, if a stockholder intends to present
a proposal at the Company’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders without the
inclusion of the proposal in the Company’s proxy materials and written notice of
the proposal is not received by the Company on or before __, 2010, proxies
solicited by the Board of Directors for the 2010 annual meeting will confer
discretionary authority to vote on the proposal if presented at the meeting. The
Company reserves the right to reject, rule out of order or take other
appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these
and other applicable requirements.
Brokers
and other persons holding the Company’s common stock in their names, or in the
names of a nominee, will be requested to forward this proxy statement and the
accompanying materials to the beneficial owners of the common stock and to
obtain proxies, and the Company will defray reasonable expenses incurred in
forwarding such material.
The
Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders, including audited financial statements
and schedules, accompanies this proxy statement. Upon the written request of a
holder of shares as of the record date, the Company will, without charge,
provide a copy of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2008. Such written requests should be sent to 20374 Seneca Meadows Parkway,
Germantown, Maryland 20876-7004. Attn: Corporate Secretary.
INCORPORATION
BY REFERENCE
The SEC
allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this proxy statement.
The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this proxy
statement. We are incorporating by reference the following portion of our annual
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, a copy of which
accompanies this proxy statement:
• Part
II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations”
• Part
II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk”
• Part
II, Item 8, “Financial Statements”
• Part
II, Item 9, “Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure”
|
By
order of the Board of Directors,
|
|
|
|
/s/ JASON
L. TIENOR
|
|
Jason
L. Tienor
Chief
Executive Officer
|
TELKONET,
INC.
The
Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of Telkonet, Inc. will be held on Thursday,
May 28, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. local time, at The Union League of Philadelphia,
located at 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19012.
1.
|
ELECTION
OF DIRECTORS - Nominees:
|
01-Seth
D. Blumenfeld
|
|
02-Thomas
M. Hall
|
|
03-Thomas
C. Lynch
|
|
|
|
04-Warren
V. Musser
|
|
05-Anthony
J. Paoni
|
|
|
¨ FOR all
nominees
¨ WITHHELD as
to all nominees
¨ FOR all
nominees except vote withheld from the following
nominee(s):____________________________________________________
|
2.
|
TO
APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO TELKONET’S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE
THE AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK.
|
¨ FOR
|
|
¨ AGAINST
|
|
¨ ABSTAIN
|
3.
|
TO
APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK TO YA GLOBAL INVESTMENTS,
L.P.
|
¨ FOR
|
|
¨ AGAINST
|
|
¨ ABSTAIN
|
4.
|
TO
RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC
ACCOUNTANTS.
|
¨ FOR
|
|
¨ AGAINST
|
|
¨ ABSTAIN
|
5.
|
IN
THEIR DISCRETION, TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME
BEFORE THE MEETING.
|
¨ FOR
|
|
¨ AGAINST
|
|
¨ ABSTAIN
|
cut
here
SEE
REVERSE SIDE
|
SEE
REVERSE SIDE
|
(CONTINUED
AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE)
THIS
PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TELKONET, INC. FOR USE
ONLY AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2009,
AND ANY ADJOURNMENT OR POSTPONEMENT THEREOF.
The
undersigned, being a stockholder of TELKONET, INC. (“Telkonet”), hereby
authorizes Richard J. Leimbach and Jason L. Tienor, and each of them, with the
full power of substitution, to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting
of Stockholders of Telkonet to be held at The Union League of Philadelphia,
located at 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19012, on Thursday, May 28,
2009 at 10:00 a.m., local time, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof,
with respect to all votes that the undersigned would be entitled to cast, if
then personally present, as appears on the reverse side of this
proxy.
In their
discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote with respect to matters incident
to the conduct of the meeting and upon such other matters as may properly come
before the meeting. This proxy may be revoked at any time before it is
exercised.
Shares of
the Common Stock of Telkonet will be voted as specified. If no specification is made, shares
will be voted FOR the nominees for director named on the reverse side, FOR
approval of the amendment to Telkonet's Articles of Incorporation, FOR the
issuance of shares of common stock to YA Global Investments, L.P., FOR
ratification of the appointment of the independent accountants and IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES as to any other matter which may properly
come before the annual meeting.
|
The
undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of a Notice of Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of Telkonet, Inc. called for Thursday, May 28, 2009, and a
Proxy Statement for the Meeting prior to the signing of this
proxy.
____________________________
Dated: ___________, 2009
____________________________
Dated: ___________, 2009
Please
sign exactly as your name(s) appears(s) on this proxy. When signing in a
representative capacity, please give
title.
|
PLEASE
MARK, SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN THIS PROXY CARD USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
cut
here
YOUR
VOTE IS IMPORTANT
VOTE
TODAY IN ONE OF TWO WAYS:
1.
|
VOTE
BY INTERNET:
Log-on
to www.votestock.com
Enter
your control number printed below
Vote
your proxy by checking the appropriate boxes
Click
on “Accept Vote”
OR
|
2.
|
VOTE BY MAIL: If you do
not wish to vote by Internet, please complete, sign, date and return the
above proxy card in the pre-paid envelope
provided.
|
YOUR
CONTROL NUMBER IS:
You may
vote by Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Your
Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote in the same
manner as
if you
marked,
signed and returned your proxy card.