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
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
BIOMERICA, INC.
---------------
(Name of Registrant as specified in Its Charter)
------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee Computed on Table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0- 11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transactions applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount previously paid:
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(2) Form, schedule or registration statement no.:
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(3) Filing party:
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(4) Date filed:
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BIOMERICA, INC.
1533 MONROVIA AVENUE
NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA 92663
-------------------
NOTICE OF 2006 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 29, 2006
-------------------
To Our Stockholders:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual meeting of the stockholders of
BIOMERICA, INC., a Delaware corporation (herein called the "Company"), will be
held at the offices of the Company, 1533 Monrovia Avenue, Newport Beach,
California 92663 on November 29, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.
At the meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon the
following matters:
1. The election of four directors, each to serve until the next
annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor
has been elected and qualified or until his or her earlier
resignation, death or removal. The Proxy Statement which
accompanies this Notice includes the names of the nominees to
be presented by the Board of Directors for election and
2. Transaction of such other business which may properly come
before the annual meeting and any adjournment thereof.
In accordance with the provisions of the Company's Bylaws, the Board of
Directors has fixed the close of business on October 13, 2006, as the record
date for the determination of the holders of the Company's common stock, $0.08
par value entitled to notice of and to vote at said Annual Meeting. To assure
that your shares will be represented at the Annual Meeting, please complete,
sign, date and promptly return the accompanying proxy card in the enclosed
envelope. You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/S/ Zackary S. Irani
-----------------------------------
ZACKARY S. IRANI, Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer
Newport Beach, California
September 28, 2006
BIOMERICA, INC.
1533 Monrovia Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92663
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
-------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION
This Proxy Statement is furnished by the Board of Directors of
BIOMERICA, INC., a Delaware corporation (together with its subsidiaries, the
"Company"), in connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at the
Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on November 29, 2006, at the
offices of the Company, 1533 Monrovia Avenue, Newport Beach, California 92663 at
10:00 a.m., and at any and all adjournments thereof (the "Annual Meeting"). The
Annual Meeting has been called for the purposes set forth in the accompanying
Notice of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Notice"). This Proxy
Statement, and the Annual Report of the Company for the year ended May 31, 2006,
will be mailed on or about October 20, 2006, to each stockholder of record as of
the close of business on October 13, 2006.
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
The close of business on October 13, 2006, has been set as the record
date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at
the Annual Meeting (the "Record Date"). As of September 5, 2006, there was
outstanding and entitled to vote an aggregate of approximately 5,922,681 shares
of the Company's common stock, $0.08 par value per share (the "Common Stock"),
held of record by approximately 924 stockholders. However, brokers and other
institutions hold many shares on behalf of the Company's stockholders.
QUORUM
The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock held of record
on the Record Date is necessary to constitute a quorum for the purposes of
electing directors and each other items of business. The holder of each share of
Common Stock held of record on the Record Date is entitled to vote on each
matter to be considered at the Annual Meeting.
VOTES REQUIRED
Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the affirmative votes cast
at the meeting of stockholders.
VOTING RIGHTS
Holders of our Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share
held as of the Record Date.
EFFECT OF ABSTENTIONS AND BROKER NON-VOTES
If the stockholder or his, her or its broker marks "Abstain" on a duly
submitted proxy card representing such stockholder's shares, or if the
stockholders attend the Annual Meeting in person, but elect not to vote on a
particular proposal or proposals, then such shares will be considered present at
the meeting for purposes of determining the required quorums and will not be
taken into account in determining the outcome of the election of directors.
Brokers holding shares of record for customers generally are not
entitled to vote on some matters unless they receive voting instructions from
their customers. "Broker non-votes" are votes that could have been cast on the
matter in question if the brokers had received their customers' instructions,
and as to which the broker has notified the Company on a proxy form in
accordance with industry practice or has otherwise advised us that it lacks
voting authority. Shares represented by brokers' non-votes (i) will be
considered present at the meeting for purposes of determining the required
quorums and (ii) will not be taken into account in determining the outcome of
the election of directors.
All votes will be tabulated by the inspector of elections appointed for
the meeting, who will separately tabulate, for the proposal, affirmative and
negative votes, abstentions and broker non-votes.
-1-
APPRAISAL RIGHTS
Under Delaware law, stockholders are not entitled to any appraisal
rights with respect to the approval of any of the proposals described in this
Proxy Statement.
PERSONS MAKING THE SOLICITATION
The Proxy accompanying this Proxy Statement is solicited on behalf of
the Board of Directors of the Company for use at the Annual Meeting. The
solicitation of proxies is being made only by use of the mails and the cost of
preparing, assembling and mailing these proxy materials will be paid by the
Company. Following the mailing of this Proxy Statement, directors, officers and
regular employees of the Company may solicit proxies by mail, telephone,
telegraph or personal interview. Such persons will receive no additional
compensation for such services. Brokerage houses and other nominees, fiduciaries
and custodians nominally holding shares of the Company's common stock, $0.08 par
value (the "Common Stock"), of record will be requested to forward proxy
soliciting material to the beneficial owners of such shares. The Company will,
upon request, reimburse such parties for their reasonable expenses in forwarding
proxy materials to the beneficial owners.
TERMS OF THE PROXY
The enclosed Proxy indicates the matters to be acted upon at the Annual
Meeting and provides boxes to be marked to indicate the manner in which the
stockholder's shares are to be voted with respect to such matters. By
appropriately marking the boxes, a stockholder may specify whether the proxy
shall vote for or against or shall be without authority to vote the shares
represented by the Proxy. The Proxy also confers upon the proxy discretionary
voting authority with respect to such other business as may properly come before
the Annual Meeting.
If the Proxy is executed properly and is received by the proxy prior to
the Annual Meeting, the shares represented by the Proxy will be voted. Where a
stockholder specifies a choice with respect to the matter to be acted upon, the
shares will be voted in accordance with such specification. Any proxy which is
executed in such a manner as not to withhold authority to vote for the election
of the specified nominees as directors shall be deemed to confer such authority.
A Proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise by giving written
notice of the revocation thereof to Ms. Janet Moore, Secretary, Biomerica, Inc.,
1533 Monrovia Avenue, Newport Beach, California 92663, by attending the meeting
and electing to vote in person, or by a duly executed Proxy bearing a later
date.
COMMON STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of September 28, 2006 certain
information as to shares of Common Stock owned by (i) each person known to
beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock, (ii) each
director, including nominees for director, and each named executive officer of
the Company, and (iii) all executive officers and directors of the Company as a
group. Unless otherwise indicated, each person listed has sole voting and
investment power over the shares beneficially owned by him or her. Unless
otherwise indicated, the address of each named beneficial owner is the same as
that of the Company's principal executive offices located at 1533 Monrovia
Avenue, Newport Beach, California 92663.
SHARES PERCENTAGE
NAME OF BENEFICIALLY BENEFICIALLY
BENEFICIAL OWNER (1) OWNED OWNED
-------------------- ----- -----
Janet Moore (2) 812,652 13.5%
Zackary Irani (3) 760,859 12.0%
Francis Capitanio (4) 122,079 2.0%
Allen Barbieri (5) 94,889 1.6%
Francis R. Cano, Ph.D. (6) 67,000 1.1%
Joseph L. Rink (7) 511,581 8.4%
Keith A. Cannon (8) 455,042 7.6%
All executive officers and directors
as a group (five persons) (9) 1,857,479 27.6%
--------------
-2-
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Any shares of Common Stock that each
named person and group has the right to acquire within 60 days pursuant
to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights, are deemed
outstanding for purposes of computing shares beneficially owned by and
the percentage ownership of each such person and group. However, such
shares are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the shares
beneficially owned by or percentage ownership of any other person or
group. Percentage ownership for each named beneficial owner, and the
ownership of the directors and executive officers as a group, is based on
5,922,681 shares outstanding as of the date of the Proxy plus the shares
the named person and group has a right to acquire within 60 days
thereafter pursuant to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other
rights and privileges.
(2) Includes 65,000 shares underlying options exercisable by Ms. Moore at or
within 60 days after the date of the Proxy; 58,000 shares underlying
warrants exercisable by The Janet Moore Trust of which Janet Moore is the
sole trustee, at or within 60 days after the date of the Proxy;
607,527 shares owned by The Janet Moore Trust of which Janet Moore is the
sole trustee and 4,125 shares owned by Ms. Moore's minor children.
(3) Includes 437,333 shares underlying options/warrants exercisable by Mr.
Irani at or within 60 days after the date of the Proxy.
(4) Includes 115,500 shares underlying options exercisable by Mr. Capitanio
at or within 60 days after the date of the Proxy.
(5) Includes 67,000 shares underlying options/warrants exercisable by Mr.
Barbieri at or within 60 days after the date of the Proxy.
(6) Includes 67,000 shares underlying options exercisable by Dr. Cano at or
within 60 days after the date of the Proxy.
(7) Includes 148,125 shares underlying options/warrants exercisable by Mr.
Rink at or within 60 days after the date of the Proxy.
(8) Includes 52,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable by Mr. Cannon at
or within 60 days after the date of the Proxy. Mr. Cannon's address is
3333 Tripoli Way, Oceanside, CA 92056.
(9) Includes all information set forth in footnotes (2) through (8), above.
-3-
PROPOSAL NO. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS
The Company's Bylaws give the Board of Directors ("the Board") the
power to set the number of directors at no less than three (3) or more than nine
(9). The size of the Company's Board is currently set at four (4) and four (4)
directors are to be elected at the Annual Meeting to be held on November 29,
2006. The directors so elected will serve until replaced by a vote of the
stockholders. In the event that any of them should become unavailable prior to
the Annual Meeting, the Proxy will be voted for a substitute nominee or nominees
designated by the Board or the number of directors may be reduced accordingly.
The following table sets forth the name and current age of each nominee
for director, the year he or she was first elected a director and his or her
position(s) with the Company. The Company does not pay a fee to any third party
to identify potential nominees. The Board has not received during the 120-day
period between the end of the fiscal year and the date of the proxy, any
recommended nominees from a stockholder owning more than 5% of the Company's
stock for at least one year.
Director
Name Age Since Positions Held
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zackary Irani 40 1997 Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Janet Moore 55 1997 Secretary, Chief Financial
Officer, and Director
Allen Barbieri 48 1999 Director
Francis R. Cano, Ph.D. 59 1999 Director
Mr. Zackary Irani has been a Director of the Company, and has been
serving as the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since
April 29, 1997. Prior to that time, Mr. Irani served as the Company's Vice
President of Business Development since July 1994. He has been an employee of
the Company since 1986. Mr. Irani also serves as Chairman of the Board of Lancer
Orthodontics, Inc. and served as Lancer's Chief Executive Officer from April
1997 until April 2004.
Ms. Janet Moore has been a Director of the Company since April 29,
1997, and has been serving as the Company's Secretary and Treasurer since 1985.
She has served as the Company's Chief Financial Officer since 1999. She has been
an employee of the Company since 1976. Ms. Moore also serves as a director and
Secretary of Lancer Orthodontics, Inc.
Francis R. Cano, Ph.D. has served as a Director of the Company since
June 1999. Dr. Cano is currently working as a consultant through Cano
Biotechnology Corp. From 2003 until 2005 Dr. Cano served as the Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman of the Board of Vaxin, Inc. from where he retired. From
1996 to 1997, Dr. Cano served as Senior Vice President - Biotechnology of BDM,
an information technology company. In 1996, Dr. Cano started the Cano
Biotechnology Corp., where he worked with vaccine leaders (Aventis), small
private and public biotechnology companies, venture groups and universities.
From 1992 to 1996, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Aviron,
a public biotechnology company focused on developing viral vaccines for disease
prevention. Dr. Cano was also involved in developing a vaccine business at a
division of American Cynamid Corporation. Dr. Cano also serves on the board of
Lancer Orthodontics, Inc., Avant Immunotherapeutics and Arbor Vita Corporation.
Mr. Allen Barbieri has served as a Director of the Company since
October 1999. Since April 2004 Mr. Barbieri has served as part-time, Chief
Executive Officer of Lancer Orthodontics, Inc. From 1999 until the present time,
Mr. Barbieri has also worked as a private investor. From 1998 to 1999, he served
as President and Chief Financial Officer of Buy.com. From 1994 until 1998 Mr.
Barbieri was President and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific National Bank.
The Board recommends a vote for the election of each of the nominated
directors.
-4-
The Board of Directors regularly assesses the appropriate size of the
Board of Directors and whether any vacancies on the Board of Directors are
expected due to retirement or otherwise. In the event that vacancies are
anticipated or otherwise arise, the Board utilizes a variety of methods for
identifying and evaluating director candidates. Candidates may come to the
attention of the Committee through current directors, professional search firms,
stockholders or other persons.
Once the Board has identified a prospective nominee, the Board will
evaluate the prospective nominee in the context of the then current composition
of the Board of Directors and will consider a variety of other factors,
including the prospective nominee's business, technology and industry, finance
and financial reporting experience, and other attributes that would be expected
to contribute to an effective Board of Directors. The Board seeks to identify
nominees who possess a diligent range of experience, skills, areas of expertise,
industry knowledge and business judgment. Successful nominees should have a
history of superior performance or accomplishments in their professional
undertakings and should have the highest personal and professional ethics and
values. The Board does not evaluate stockholder nominees differently than any
other nominee.
Our Board will consider stockholder nominations for directors if we
receive timely written notice, in proper form, of the intent to make a
nomination at a meeting of stockholders. To be timely, the notice must be
received within the time frame discussed below in this Proxy Statement under the
heading "Stockholder Proposals." To be in proper form, the notice must, among
other matters, include each nominee's written consent to serve as a director if
elected, a description of all arrangements or understandings between the
nominating stockholder and each nominee and information about the nominating
stockholder and each nominee.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Mr. Francis Capitanio, age 62, has served as the President of the
diagnostics division of Biomerica since July 10, 2000. Mr. Capitanio was
President and Chief Executive Officer of Kalisto Biologicals, Inc. from 1997
until 2000. From 1980 until 1996, he was President and Chief Executive Officer
of Diatech Diagnostics.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors has a standing Audit and Compensation Committee.
The Board of Directors held five meetings during the year ended May 31, 2006.
All directors attended 75% or more of the aggregate of all meetings of the Board
of Directors and the committees, if any, upon which the directors served during
the year ended May 31, 2006.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Compensation Committee is responsible for assisting the Board of
Directors in discharging its responsibilities regarding the compensation of our
employees and directors. The specific duties of the Compensation Committee
include, among other matters: reviewing and approving executive compensation;
evaluating our executive officers' performance; setting the compensation levels
of our executive officers; setting our incentive compensation plans, including
our equity-based incentive plans; and making recommendations to our Board of
Directors regarding our overall compensation structure, policies and programs.
During fiscal 2006 the compensation committee was comprised of Mr. Allen
Barbieri and Dr. Francis Cano. One compensation committee meeting was held
during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2006.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing our accounting and
financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements. In
addition, the Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in its oversight of
our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The specific duties of
the Audit Committee include, among others: monitoring the integrity of our
financial process and systems of internal controls regarding finance, accounting
and legal compliance; selecting our independent auditor; monitoring the
independence and performance of our independent auditor; and providing an avenue
of communication among the independent auditor, our management and our Board of
Directors. The Audit Committee has the authority to conduct any investigation
appropriate to fulfilling its responsibilities, and it has direct access to all
of our employees and to the independent auditor. The Audit Committee also has
the ability to retain, at our expense and without further approval of the Board
of Directors, special legal, accounting or other consultants or experts that it
deems necessary in the performance of its duties.
The Audit Committee met four times during fiscal 2006. The members of
the Audit Committee are Mr. Barbieri and Dr. Cano. The Board of Directors
determined that Mr. Barbieri qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert"
and that each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate.
-5-
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee oversees the Company's financial reporting process
on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility
for the financial statements and the reporting process including the systems of
internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Committee
reviewed the audited financial statements in the Annual Report with management
including a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the
accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the
clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.
The Committee reviewed with the independent auditors, who are
responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited
financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles, their
judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Company's
accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed
with the Committee. The Committee has discussed with the independent auditors
the auditors' independence from management and the Company including the matters
in the written disclosures required by the Independence Standards Board and
considered the compatibility of non-audit services with the auditors'
independence.
The Committee discussed with the Company's independent auditors the
overall scope and plans for their audit. The Committee meets with the
independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the
results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Company's internal
controls, and the overall quality of the Company's financial reporting.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the
Committee recommended to the Board of Directors (and the Board has approved)
that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form
10-KSB for the year ended May 31, 2006 for filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The Committee and the Board have also recommended the
selection of the Company's independent auditors.
/s/ Francis R. Cano /s/ Allen Barbieri
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth the total compensation earned by the
Chief Executive Officer and all other executive officers who earned in excess of
$100,000 per annum during the fiscal years ended May 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG TERM COMPENSATION
------------------------------- --------------------------------
AWARDS PAYOUTS
---------------------- -------
RESTRICTED SECURITIES ALL
OTHER ANNUAL STOCK UNDERLYING LTIP OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION AWARD(S) OPTIONS/ PAYOUTS COMPENSATION
POSITION YEAR ($) ($) ($) ($) SARS (#) ($) $
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zackary Irani,(1) 2006 105,000 3,653 -0- -0- 250,000 -0- -0-
Chairman and Chief 2005 83,000 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Executive Officer 2004 62,500 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Francis Capitanio, (2) 2006 108,025 3,653 -0- -0- 108,000 -0- -0-
President, Diagnostics 2005 79,101 -0- -0- -0- 25,000 -0- -0-
Division 2004 85,245 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
(1) During the fiscal year 2006, for the period of June 2005 through
November 30, 2005, Mr. Irani also accrued salary of $11,250 at Lancer
Orthodontics. The bonus of $3,653 for fiscal 2006 was accrued, but not
paid, as of fiscal year-end. Of the salary for fiscal 2005, $68,125 was
accrued and $14,875 was paid in cash. In fiscal 2005 Mr. Irani also
received $31,154 in compensation from Lancer and $18,350 in the form of
Lancer common stock. Of the salary for fiscal 2004, $56,667 was accrued
and $5,833 was paid in cash. For fiscal 2004, Mr. Irani also received
$45,000 in compensation from Lancer. During the fiscal years 2004-2006
Mr. Irani worked part-time at Lancer Orthodontics and part-time at
Biomerica, but primarily at Biomerica.
-6-
(2) During fiscal years 2004 through part of 2006 Mr. Capitanio has worked
part-time. The bonus of $3,653 for fiscal 2006 was accrued, but not
paid, as of fiscal year-end.
STOCK OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth information concerning stock options
granted in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2006, to the Company's Chief Executive
Officer and President of Diagnostics.
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS (1)
Percent of
Total
Number of Options/SARs
Securities Granted to Exercise or
Underlying Options/ Employees Base Price
Name SARs Granted (#) in Fiscal Year ($/Sh) Expiration Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zackary Irani 50,000 .53 6/3/10
200,000 .40 5/31/11
-------
Total 250,000 39.9
Francis Capitanio 36,000 .53 6/3/10
72,000 .40 5/31/11
------
Total 108,000 17.2
OPTION EXERCISES AND FISCAL YEAR-END VALUES
The following table presents information for the named executive
officers in the Summary Compensation Table with respect to options exercised
during fiscal 2006 and unexercised options held as of the end of the fiscal
year.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
Number of Unexercised
Securities Value of
Underlying Unexercised
Shares Unexercised Options In-The-Money
Acquired Value at Fiscal Year End (#) at Fiscal Year End ($)
Name On Exercise(#) Realized ($) Exercisable/Unexercisable Exercisable/Unexercisable
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zackary Irani (1) -0- -0- 320,000/100,000 $9,000/$0
Francis Capitanio (1) -0- -0- 115,500/48,500 $3,000/$0
(1) Based on the closing price of $0.40 as of the last day of the fiscal year
ended May 31, 2006.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Although not prohibited by the Company's Bylaws, directors receive no
direct payment for their services as directors, but they have been, and may in
the future be, granted options to purchase the Company's securities. The
compensation of directors is subject to review and adjustment from time to time
by the Board of Directors.
-7-
SECTION 16(a) - BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the
Company's executive officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more
than 10% of the Company's stock, to file initial reports of ownership and
reports of changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners are
required by applicable regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely upon a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the
Company and information involving securities transactions of which the Company
is aware, the Company believes that during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2006,
all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its executive officers,
directors and greater than 10% beneficial stockholders were complied with.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
NOTES PAYABLE -SHAREHOLDER
Biomerica's shareholder's line of credit expired on September 13, 2003
and was not renewed. The unpaid principal and interest was converted into a note
payable bearing interest at 8% and payable September 1, 2004. The due date on
this note was extended until September 1, 2005 and subsequently extended until
September 1, 2006 at the same terms. Minimum payments are $4,000 per month plus
an additional $3,500 per month, depending on quarterly results of the Company.
Although the Company is currently out of compliance with the terms of the loan
agreement, the holder of the note payable agreed to extend the due date on the
note until September 1, 2007. The terms of the note are the same except that
additional payments of $3,500 per month, depending on quarterly results of the
Company, have been reduced to $2,000 per month. Of the additional payments of
$10,500 per quarter due for the quarters ended August 31, 2005, November 30,
2005 and February 28, 2006, and May 31, 2006 only $5,250 has been paid.
During 2006 and 2005, the Company incurred $22,355 and $25,017,
respectively, in interest expense related to the shareholder note payable. As of
May 31, 2006, $0 in accrued interest was due on the promissory note.
During 2005 and 2004, a shareholder/director advanced the Company $0
and $4,000, respectively. Interest for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2006 and
2005 was $0 and $320. At May 31, 2006 and 2005, $1,659 and $1,979, respectively,
were owed in interest payable on this loan and a previous loan of $10,000.
During fiscal 2006, $320 of interest due on the $4,000 was forgiven by the
shareholder/director.
RENT EXPENSE
Biomerica leases its primary facility under a non-cancelable operating
lease, which expired October 31, 2005, and had an initial monthly lease rate of
$15,000 with a 3% increase effective September 1, 2003. The Company is currently
operating on a month-to-month agreement while it explores various leasing
options. The facilities are owned and operated by four of the Company's
shareholders, one of whom is an officer and director. During fiscal 2004 through
2006 the Company consolidated some of its operations and the landlords agreed to
take back the space no longer needed by the Company and to reduce the rent
accordingly. The landlords also agreed not to institute the 3% increase as
required in the lease. Effective May 1, 2006, the monthly rent was set at
$14,000 per month. Management believes there would be no significant difference
in the terms of the property rental if the Company was renting from a third
party. Total gross rent expense for this facility was approximately $158,000 and
$148,000 during the years ended May 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Biomerica subleased a portion of its facility under a non-cancelable
operating lease, which expired May 16, 2003 and was month-to-month until April
1, 2006, at which time the Company returned that space to the landlord. The
Company recorded base rental income of $15,478 and $28,104 during the years
ended May 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
The facilities are leased from Mrs. Ilse Sultanian and JSJ Management.
Ms. Janet Moore, an officer, director and shareholder of our Company, is a
partner in JSJ Management. Mrs. Ilse Sultanian and the other partners of JSJ
Management, Susan Irani and Jennifer Irani, are also shareholders of the
Company. Gross rent expense of approximately $158,000 and $148,000 was incurred
during 2006 and 2005, respectively, for this lease. A further expense of
approximately $4,765 is been included in accounts payable representing late
fees, insurance and interest payable on outstanding rent. Rent payable at May
31, 2006 was approximately $94,860. The total of rent, late fees, insurance and
interest payable of $99,625 is included in accounts payable in the consolidated
balance sheet.
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As of May 31, 2006, we believe that our facilities and equipment are in
suitable condition and are adequate to satisfy the current requirements of our
Company. However, management is exploring alternative leasing space, which may
be more beneficial to the needs of the Company and allow for a more efficient
operation at a cost effective rate.
ACCRUED COMPENSATION
During fiscal 2002-2005, two officers, who are also shareholders of the
Company, agreed to defer payment of a all or a portion of their salaries. At May
31, 2006 approximately $264,548 of deferred officer's salary is included in
accrued compensation in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
During fiscal 2006 one of the officers agreed to participate in the Company's
private placement in part by reducing his accrued compensation by approximately
$20,000 in exchange for restricted common stock.
Included in accrued compensation as of May 31, 2006 is vacation accrual
of $166,863. Of this, approximately $121,000 is due to the former chief
executive officer's estate. The Company is disputing the validity of this claim.
PRIVATE PLACEMENT
During fiscal 2006 the Chief Executive Officer purchased 52,000 shares
of restricted common stock with 17,333 warrants at a purchase price of $0.48 per
one share and one-third of a warrant. The shares were paid for with $5,000 cash
and approximately $20,000 reduction in accrued salary.
INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
It is expected that a representative of the independent registered
public accounting firm of PKF, Certified Public Accountants, a Professional
Corporation, the Company's auditor for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2006 and
2005, and for the current fiscal year, will be present at the Annual Meeting to
respond to appropriate questions or to make a statement if he or she so desires.
AUDIT FEES
The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for audit
and audit related fees of the Company's and subsidiaries' annual and quarterly
financial statements for the year ended May 31, 2006 was $48,725.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION FEES
There were no fees billed by the principal accountants for professional
services with respect to financial information systems design and implementation
for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2006.
ALL OTHER FEES
The aggregate fees billed for services rendered during the fiscal year
ended May 31, 2006, for all other services was $2,711 for general consulting
services and review of the 2005 proxy statement and $5,219 for income tax return
preparation.
The audit committee has considered that the provision of the above
services has not impaired the principal accountant's ability to maintain
independence.
OTHER BUSINESS
Management is not aware of any matters to come before the Annual
Meeting other than those stated in this Proxy Statement. However, inasmuch as
matters of which management is not now aware may come before the meeting or any
adjournment thereof, the Proxy confers discretionary authority with respect to
acting thereon, and the persons named in such Proxy intend to vote, act, and
consent in accordance with their best judgment with respect thereto.
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DIRECTOR ATTENDANCE AT ANNUAL MEETINGS
Our Board of Directors has adopted a policy that encourages our
directors to attend our annual stockholder meetings. The annual meeting of
stockholders held on November 22, 2005 was attended by all of our incumbent
directors.
ANNUAL REPORT
The Annual Report to Stockholders and Form 10-KSB covering the
Company's fiscal year ended May 31, 2006 are being mailed to stockholders with
this Proxy Statement. The Annual Report does not form any part of the material
for the solicitation of the Proxy.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our stockholders may communicate with our Board of Directors, a
committee of our Board of Directors or a director by sending a letter addressed
to the Board, a committee or a director c/o Corporate Secretary, Biomerica Inc.,
1533 Monrovia Ave, Newport Beach, California 92663. All communications will be
compiled by our corporate Secretary and forwarded to the Board of Directors, the
committee or the director accordingly.
-10-
DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
Any eligible stockholder who desires to have a proposal considered for
inclusion in our 2007 proxy solicitation materials, including director
nominations, must cause their proposals to be received in writing by our
Secretary at 1533 Monrovia Ave, Newport Beach, California 92663 no later than
January 3, 2007. The Board of Directors will review new proposals from eligible
stockholders if they are received in writing by January 3, 2007. Proposals must
be submitted in accordance with our bylaws and must comply with Securities and
Exchange Commission regulations promulgated under Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended.
Any notice to the Secretary must include as to each matter the
stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting: (a) a brief description of the
business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reason for conducting
the business at the Annual Meeting, (b) the stockholder's name and address, as
they appear on our records, (c) the class and number of shares which the
stockholder beneficially owns, (d) any material interest of the stockholder in
the business requested to be brought before the meeting and (e) any other
information that is required to be provided by the stockholder pursuant to
Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in his or her capacity
as a proponent of the stockholder proposal.
A stockholder's notice to the Secretary regarding a nomination for the
election of directors must set forth: (a) as to each person whom the stockholder
proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director, (i) the person's
name, age, business address and residence address, (ii) the person's principal
occupation or employment, (iii) the class and number of shares of capital stock
beneficially owned by the person, and (iv) any other information relating to the
person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations for proxies for
election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934; and (b) as to the stockholder giving the notice (i) the name and
address of the stockholder, as they appear on our records, and (ii) the class
and number of shares of stock that are beneficially owned by the stockholder on
the date of the stockholder notice. If the Board of Directors so requests, any
person nominated for election to the Board shall furnish to our Secretary the
information required to be set forth in the notice of nomination pertaining to
the nominee.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to require us to include in our
proxy solicitation materials relating to any annual meeting any stockholder
proposal or nomination that does not meet all of the requirements for inclusion
established by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/S/ ZACKARY S. IRANI,
------------------------------------
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Newport Beach, California
September 28, 2006
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REVOCABLE PROXY
BIOMERICA, INC. ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
November 29, 2006
The undersigned stockholder(s) of Biomerica, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company") hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints Janet
Moore, his, her or its true and lawful agent and proxy, with full power of
substitution, to vote all the shares of stock of the Company which the
undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of the Company to be held
at the offices of the Company, 1533 Monrovia Avenue, Newport Beach, California
92663 at 10:00 a.m., and any and all adjournments thereof, with respect to the
matters described in the accompanying Proxy Statement, and, in her discretion,
on such other matters which properly come before the Annual Meeting, as fully
and with the same force and effect as the undersigned might or could do if
personally present thereat, as follows:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 1.
1. _________ FOR all nominees _________ WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE
(Except as listed below) (As to all nominees)
Nominees: Dr. Francis R. Cano; Zackary Irani; Allen Barbieri; Janet
Moore.
Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee,
write the nominee's name in the space provided below.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_____For ____Against ____Abstain
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND
MAY BE REVOKED PRIOR TO ITS EXERCISE.
PLEASE SIGN AND DATE ON REVERSE SIDE.
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THE PROXY CONFERS AUTHORITY TO VOTE AND UNLESS SPECIFIED OTHERWISE
SHALL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSAL 1 AND WILL BE VOTED BY THE PROXY HOLDER AT HIS, HER
OR ITS DISCRETION AS TO ANY OTHER MATTERS PROPERLY TRANSACTED AT THE MEETING.
Dated: ______________
--------------------------------------------
(Please Print Name)
--------------------------------------------
(Signature of Stockholder)
--------------------------------------------
(Please Print Name)
--------------------------------------------
(Signature of Stockholder)
(Please date this Proxy and sign your name as it appears on your stock
certificate(s). Executors, administrators, trustees, etc., should give their
full titles. All joint owners should sign.)
I (We) do do not
--------- ------
expect to attend the meeting.
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