LightPath Seeks Shareholder Approval for Director Elections, Compensation, and 2.5M Share Increase

Ticker: LPTH · Form: DEF 14A · Filed: Oct 28, 2025 · CIK: 889971

Lightpath Technologies INC DEF 14A Filing Summary
FieldDetail
CompanyLightpath Technologies INC (LPTH)
Form TypeDEF 14A
Filed DateOct 28, 2025
Risk Levelmedium
Pages16
Reading Time19 min
Sentimentmixed

Sentiment: mixed

Topics: Proxy Statement, Executive Compensation, Stock Plan Amendment, Director Elections, Shareholder Meeting, Corporate Governance, Dilution Risk

Related Tickers: LPTH

TL;DR

**LPTH is asking shareholders to greenlight more stock for execs and directors, which could dilute your holdings but might also keep key talent.**

AI Summary

LightPath Technologies, Inc. (LPTH) is holding its Annual Meeting of Stockholders on December 17, 2025, to vote on several key proposals. Shareholders will elect three Class I Directors, hold an advisory 'say-on-pay' vote on executive compensation, and consider an amendment to the 2018 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (SICP) to increase available shares by 2,500,000. Additionally, the appointment of BDO USA, P.C. as the independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2026 will be ratified. The company had 45,426,924 shares of Class A Common Stock and 24,955.9 shares of Series G Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding as of the October 24, 2025 record date. The virtual meeting format aims to enhance stockholder participation, allowing voting and question submission online. The proposed increase in the 2018 SICP shares suggests a strategic move to bolster future equity-based incentives for employees and executives, potentially impacting dilution.

Why It Matters

This DEF 14A filing is crucial for LPTH investors as it outlines significant governance and compensation decisions. The election of Class I Directors will shape the company's strategic direction for the next four years, directly impacting long-term performance. The 'say-on-pay' vote provides a direct channel for investors to express their views on executive compensation, influencing future incentive structures. Most importantly, the proposal to increase the 2018 SICP by 2,500,000 shares could lead to significant stock dilution, affecting existing shareholder value, but also provides critical incentives for talent retention and acquisition in a competitive market. This move could signal the company's growth ambitions or a need to sweeten compensation packages.

Risk Assessment

Risk Level: medium — The proposal to increase the 2018 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan by 2,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock presents a medium risk of dilution for existing shareholders. While necessary for employee incentives, this significant increase could depress per-share earnings and stock value if not managed effectively. The 'say-on-pay' vote, while advisory, also highlights potential investor dissatisfaction if executive compensation is perceived as excessive.

Analyst Insight

Investors should carefully review Proposal 3 regarding the 2,500,000 share increase for the 2018 SICP and consider its potential dilutive impact on their holdings. Vote 'FOR' or 'AGAINST' based on your assessment of the company's need for additional equity incentives versus the risk of dilution. Participate in the 'say-on-pay' vote to signal your stance on executive compensation.

Key Numbers

Key Players & Entities

FAQ

What are the key proposals for LightPath Technologies' (LPTH) Annual Meeting on December 17, 2025?

The key proposals for LightPath Technologies' Annual Meeting on December 17, 2025, include the election of three Class I Directors, an advisory 'say-on-pay' vote on executive compensation, approval of an amendment to increase the 2018 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan by 2,500,000 shares, and the ratification of BDO USA, P.C. as the independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2026.

How many shares will be added to LightPath Technologies' (LPTH) 2018 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan?

LightPath Technologies is proposing to add 2,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock to its 2018 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (SICP) through Amendment No. 2. This increase is subject to stockholder approval at the December 17, 2025 Annual Meeting.

Who are the current President and CEO and Chair of the Board for LightPath Technologies (LPTH)?

Shmuel Rubin is the President & Chief Executive Officer and a Director of LightPath Technologies. M. Scott Faris serves as the Chair of the Board for LightPath Technologies, as indicated in the October 28, 2025 DEF 14A filing.

What is the record date for voting at LightPath Technologies' (LPTH) Annual Meeting?

The record date for voting at LightPath Technologies' Annual Meeting is October 24, 2025. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on this date are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting on December 17, 2025.

What is the potential impact of the 2,500,000 share increase on LightPath Technologies (LPTH) stockholders?

The potential impact of the 2,500,000 share increase for LightPath Technologies' 2018 SICP is dilution for existing stockholders. While intended to incentivize employees and executives, issuing more shares could reduce the ownership percentage and potentially the value of existing shares.

How can LightPath Technologies (LPTH) stockholders participate in the virtual Annual Meeting?

LightPath Technologies stockholders can participate in the virtual Annual Meeting by registering at https://web.viewproxy.com/lightpath/2025 using their virtual control number. Registration is requested by 11:59 p.m. ET on December 16, 2025. Beneficial owners need a legal proxy from their bank or broker to vote.

What is a 'broker non-vote' and how does it affect LightPath Technologies' (LPTH) proposals?

A 'broker non-vote' occurs when a broker cannot vote on 'non-discretionary' matters (like director elections, say-on-pay, and the Plan Amendment) without client instructions. For LightPath Technologies, broker non-votes will have no effect on Proposals 1, 2, and 3, but brokers have discretion to vote on Proposal 4 (auditor ratification).

What is the purpose of the 'say-on-pay' vote for LightPath Technologies (LPTH)?

The 'say-on-pay' vote for LightPath Technologies is an advisory, non-binding stockholder vote on the compensation of its named executive officers. It allows stockholders to express their approval or disapproval of the executive compensation disclosed in the proxy statement, influencing future compensation practices.

Who is the independent registered public accounting firm for LightPath Technologies (LPTH) for fiscal year 2026?

BDO USA, P.C. has been appointed as the independent registered public accounting firm for LightPath Technologies for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Stockholders will vote on the ratification of this appointment at the Annual Meeting.

Where can LightPath Technologies (LPTH) stockholders find the proxy materials and Annual Report?

LightPath Technologies stockholders can find the proxy statement and Annual Report online at https://web.viewproxy.com/lightpath/2025. Printed copies can be requested by contacting Albert Miranda at 1-800-472-3486 ext. 362 or amiranda@lightpath.com.

Industry Context

LightPath Technologies operates in the photonics industry, which is characterized by innovation in areas like optical components, lasers, and fiber optics. This sector is crucial for advancements in telecommunications, defense, medical devices, and industrial applications. The industry is competitive, with companies focusing on technological differentiation, manufacturing efficiency, and supply chain reliability.

Regulatory Implications

As a publicly traded company, LightPath Technologies is subject to SEC regulations, including timely and accurate filing of proxy statements and other disclosures. The proposals presented, such as the amendment to the stock incentive plan and the ratification of the auditor, are subject to shareholder approval and regulatory oversight, ensuring corporate governance standards are met.

What Investors Should Do

  1. Review the proposals carefully before the Annual Meeting on December 17, 2025.
  2. Vote your shares, either by proxy or during the virtual meeting.
  3. Consider the potential dilution from the proposed 2,500,000 share increase to the 2018 SICP.

Key Dates

Glossary

DEF 14A
A proxy statement filed by a public company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) when seeking shareholder approval for certain corporate actions. (This document contains the information shareholders need to make informed voting decisions at the Annual Meeting.)
2018 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (SICP)
A plan established by the company to grant equity-based incentives, such as stock options or restricted stock, to employees and executives. (Shareholders are voting on an amendment to increase the number of shares available under this plan, which could impact future equity compensation and dilution.)
Class I Directors
Directors elected for a specific term, typically one of three classes in a classified board structure, serving to ensure staggered board elections. (Shareholders will vote to elect three Class I Directors, influencing the composition and governance of the Board.)
Say-on-Pay
A non-binding shareholder vote on the compensation of the company's named executive officers. (This advisory vote allows shareholders to express their views on the company's executive compensation practices.)
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
An external audit firm that is independent of the company and is responsible for auditing the company's financial statements. (Shareholders will ratify the appointment of BDO USA, P.C. as the auditor for fiscal year 2026, a key governance decision.)
Class A Common Stock
The primary class of common stock issued by the company, typically carrying voting rights. (The number of outstanding Class A Common Stock shares is relevant for calculating voting power and potential dilution.)
Series G Convertible Preferred Stock
A class of preferred stock that can be converted into a specified number of shares of common stock. (The outstanding Series G Preferred Stock represents potential future dilution of Class A Common Stock upon conversion.)

Year-Over-Year Comparison

This filing is for the 2025 Annual Meeting. Specific comparative financial data from a previous DEF 14A filing is not directly available within this document. However, the key focus areas for this year's meeting include director elections, executive compensation, a significant proposed increase in equity incentive shares (2,500,000), and auditor ratification, indicating a focus on governance and future incentive structures.

Filing Stats: 4,835 words · 19 min read · ~16 pages · Grade level 11.8 · Accepted 2025-10-28 16:08:42

Filing Documents

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 17

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 19 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION 28 PROPOSAL 2 – ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 36 PROPOSAL 3 - APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE 2018 SICP INCREASING THE NUMBER OF SHARES AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE GRANTS THEREUNDER BY 2,500,000 SHARES 37 PROPOSAL 4 – RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 42 AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT 43 OTHER BUSINESS 44 2025 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K 44 APPENDIX A 45 v LIGHTPATH TECHNOLOGIES, INC. PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD AT 11:00 A.M. ET ON DECEMBER 17, 2025 This Proxy Statement, and the enclosed proxy card, is solicited by the Board of Directors (the "Board") of LightPath Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation, for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") to be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. ET, or at any adjournments or postponements thereof, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Annual Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting of stockholders conducted via live audio webcast to enable our stockholders to participate from anywhere. You will be able to virtually attend the Annual Meeting by registering at https://web.viewproxy.com/lightpath/2025 . We request that registrations be completed by 11:59 p.m. ET on December 16, 2025. References in this Proxy Statement to "LightPath," "we," "us," "our," or the "Company" refers to LightPath Technologies, Inc. IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025 . This Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy card are all available on our website at www.lightpath.com . With respect to the Annual Meeting and all of our future stockholder meetings, please contact Albert Miranda at 1-800-472-3486 ext. 362, or amiranda@lightpath.com , to request a copy of the proxy statement or proxy card,

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