SEC Form PRE 14A filed by Friedman Industries Inc.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.     )

Filed by the Registrant  ☒                              Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ☐

Check the appropriate box:

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

(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 all boxes that apply):

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

To the Shareholders of Friedman Industries, Incorporated:

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”) will be held in the offices of Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, 1550 Lamar, Suite 2000, Houston, Texas 77010, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. (Central Time), for the following purposes:

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on July 25, 2024, as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive this notice and to vote at the meeting.

All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting.

This notice and the accompanying proxy materials have been sent to you by order of the Board of Directors.

July [ ], 2024

Longview, Texas

IMPORTANT

Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, please sign and date the enclosed white proxy card and mail it in the enclosed envelope to assure representation of your shares. If you attend the meeting, you may vote either in person or by your proxy.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE

SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

The accompanying proxy statement, a form of proxy card and a copy of our 2024 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at http://www.friedmanindustries.com/investors/proxy/. This website is not a forum for voting and presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials. Shareholders are encouraged to access and review the proxy materials before voting. 

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

PROXY STATEMENT

For Annual Meeting of Shareholders

To Be Held on September 18, 2024

This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”), 1121 Judson Road, Suite 124, Longview, Texas 75601 (telephone number 903-758-3431) to be used at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 9:00 a.m. (Central Time) on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 (the “Annual Meeting”), in the offices of Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, 1550 Lamar, Suite 2000, Houston, Texas 77010, for the purposes set forth in the foregoing notice of the meeting. Properly executed proxies received in time for the meeting will be voted as directed therein, unless revoked in the manner provided hereinafter. As to any matter for which no choice has been specified in a proxy, other than as specifically set forth herein, the shares represented thereby will be voted by the persons named in the proxy (i) for the election as director of all of the nominees listed herein, (ii) for the non-binding, advisory resolution regarding the compensation of Named Executive Officers, (iii) for the ratification of the selection of Moss Adams LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, (iv) for the amendment of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to enable shareholders to amend the Company’s Bylaws and (v) in the discretion of such persons in connection with any other business that may properly come before the meeting. If the enclosed form of proxy is executed and returned, it may nevertheless be revoked by the shareholder at any time before it is exercised pursuant to either the shareholder’s execution and return of a subsequent proxy or the shareholder’s voting in person at the Annual Meeting.

At the close of business on July 25, 2024, there were 6,969,695 shares of our common stock, $1.00 par value (“Common Stock”), entitled to vote. Holders of record of Common Stock on such date will be entitled to one vote per share on all matters to come before the shareholders at the Annual Meeting.

The holders of a majority of the total shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on the record date that are present in person or represented by proxy will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. In addition to any shares represented by shareholders who attend the meeting in person, the shares held by each shareholder who signs and returns the enclosed form of proxy will be counted for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting.

Our Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, including financial statements, is enclosed with this proxy statement. This proxy statement is being mailed on or about August 5, 2024, to shareholders of record as of July 25, 2024.

PROPOSAL 1:

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The persons who are elected directors will hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are elected and shall qualify. The Board of Directors consists of seven members.

It is intended that the persons appointed as proxies to act on behalf of shareholders in the enclosed proxy will vote for the election of the seven nominees named below. The management of the Company does not contemplate that any of such nominees will become unavailable to serve as a director. However, should any nominee be unable to serve as a director or become unavailable for any reason, proxies which do not withhold authority to vote for that nominee may be voted for another nominee to be selected by the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors.

The enclosed form of proxy provides a means for shareholders to vote for all of the nominees for director listed therein, to withhold authority to vote for one or more of such nominees or to withhold authority to vote for all of such nominees. If you hold shares of our Common Stock through a broker-dealer, bank nominee, custodian or other securities intermediary, the intermediary will not vote those shares for the election of any nominee for director unless you give the intermediary specific voting instructions on a timely basis directing the intermediary to vote for such nominee.

Each director nominee receiving a plurality of votes cast for will be elected as a director. Broker non-votes and withheld votes will have no effect on the plurality vote regarding election of directors.

The following table sets forth the names of the nominees for election to the Board of Directors, the principal occupation or employment of each of the nominees, the period during which each nominee has served as a director of the Company and the age of each nominee:

The Board of Directors recommends voting “FOR” the election of each of the nominees named above.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors.

Director Qualifications

As set forth in the Charter of the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors, a majority of the members of the Board of Directors must qualify as independent directors in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the rules promulgated thereunder and the applicable rules of the NYSE – American. In addition, the Nominating Committee considers the following qualifications in assessing director candidates: (a) an understanding of business and financial affairs and the complexities of a business organization; (b) a record of competence and accomplishments through leadership in industry, education, the professions or government; (c) a genuine interest in representing all of the shareholders and the interest of the Company overall; (d) a willingness to maintain a committed relationship with the Company as a director; (e) a willingness and ability to spend the necessary time required to function effectively as a director; (f) a reputation for honesty and integrity; and (g) such other additional qualifications as the Nominating Committee may establish from time to time, taking into account the composition and expertise of the entire Board of Directors.

In addition, the following experience, qualifications, attributes and skills were considered in determining the current nominees for director:

Mr. Taylor is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and has past experience as President of Cargill Metals Supply Chain, a large steel processing and distribution business. His executive experience and his extensive knowledge of the steel industry qualify him to serve as a member of our Board of Directors.

Mr. Agrawal has past and current experience as an executive officer and is currently the President of Piping Technology & Products Inc. in Houston, Texas. His independence, his executive experience and broad operational and business experience qualify him to serve as a member of our Board of Directors.

Mr. Reichenthal has past and current experience as an executive officer and is currently the President of Texas Iron and Metal in Houston, Texas. He is thoroughly familiar with the steel and pipe business. His independence, his business experience and his experience as an executive officer qualify him to serve as a member of our Board of Directors.

Ms. Scott has past experience as an executive officer and director experience with companies in a variety of industries. Her independence, executive experience and director experience qualify her to serve as a member of our Board of Directors.

Mr. Stevenson is the founding partner of Metal Edge Partners, a risk management and advisory firm that focuses its services in the metals industry, located in Plymouth, Minnesota. Mr. Stevenson is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) as well as a Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA). Mr. Stevenson’s prior experience includes working for a large steel service center where he traded steel derivatives and was on the mergers and acquisitions team. He also was an analyst and portfolio manager at several hedge funds and a mutual fund company. His unique combination of steel industry, risk management and finance experience qualify him to serve as a member of our Board of Directors.

Ms. Taylor has past and current experience in management level finance and investor relations positions. Ms. Taylor qualifies as a “financial expert” as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Ms. Taylor is not related to Mike Taylor, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Taylor’s executive experience in finance and investor relations qualify her to serve as a member of our Board of Directors.

Mr. Williams has a broad range of experience in insurance and risk management. He has served as an executive officer in several large insurance businesses and is currently a partner of Pozmantier, Williams & Stone Insurance Consultants, LLC in Houston, Texas. His independence, insight into business operations and executive experience qualify him to serve as a member of our Board of Directors.

Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Directors

The Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors utilizes a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating nominees for director. The Nominating Committee assesses the appropriate size of the Board and whether any vacancies on the Board are expected due to retirement or otherwise. In the event that vacancies are anticipated, or otherwise arise, the Nominating Committee will consider various potential candidates for director. Candidates may come to the attention of the Nominating Committee through current Board members, professional search firms, shareholders or other persons. Shareholders may recommend nominees by contacting the Nominating Committee at P.O. Box 2192, Longview, Texas 75606. With respect to appropriately qualified nominees recommended by shareholders, our Nominating Committee will consider such nominees in the same manner as it evaluates other potential director nominees. In evaluating director nominations, the Nominating Committee seeks to achieve a diverse range of perspectives based on each Board member’s knowledge, life experiences, capabilities and background. While the Nominating Committee does not have a formal policy with respect to diversity, it does attempt to identify director nominees who can provide a diverse perspective to the Board of Directors.

Board of Directors Independence

The Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that all nominees, with the exception of Mr. Taylor, are independent and have no material relationship with the Company that would interfere with their exercise of independent judgment.

Board Executive Session

In addition to regular Board meetings, the Board of Directors has established a program for the independent directors to meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management present as often as necessary, but not less than once in each fiscal year. Mr. Williams serves as the presiding director for each executive session.

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

Mr. Taylor serves as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Taylor leads the meetings of the Board of Directors and in consultation with Mr. Alex LaRue, Chief Financial Officer — Secretary & Treasurer of the Company, prepares the agenda for Board meetings.

The Board does not have a policy on whether or not the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer should be separate or combined and, if they are to be separate, whether the Chairman of the Board should be selected from the non-employee directors or be an employee. The directors serving on the Board possess considerable professional and industry experience and a unique knowledge of the challenges and opportunities that the Company faces. As such, the Board believes that it is in the best position to evaluate the needs of the Company and to determine how best to organize the Company’s leadership structure to meet those needs. The Board believes that the most effective leadership structure for the Company at the present time is for Mr. Taylor to serve as both Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.

This structure enables our Chief Executive Officer to act as a bridge between management and the Board, helping both to act together in pursuing the best interests of shareholders.

There is no specific lead independent director. The Board believes that there is already substantial independent oversight of the Company’s management and a strong counterbalancing governance structure in place, as demonstrated by the following:

With respect to the oversight of the Company’s risk, the Company’s executive officers supervise the day-to-day risk management responsibilities and in turn report, when necessary, to the Audit Committee with respect to financial and operational risk and to the full Board with respect to risks associated with the Company’s overall strategy.

Attendance at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders

The Board of Directors holds a regular meeting in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Directors are encouraged to and generally attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders was attended by all of the directors in place at that time.

Communications with the Board

Shareholders may contact our directors individually, a committee of the Board of Directors, the independent directors of the Board of Directors as a group or the Board of Directors generally by mailing the communication to Friedman Industries, Incorporated, Shareholder Communications, P.O. Box 2192, Longview, Texas 75606, to the attention of the Corporate Secretary. Communications that are intended specifically for the independent directors should be sent to the same address, to the attention of the Presiding Director of the Executive Sessions.

Proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in our annual proxy statement will not be considered shareholder communications under this policy and shall be handled in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated from time to time by the SEC and the procedures described below in this proxy statement.

Investor Information

To obtain a printed copy of our Code of Conduct and Ethics or the charter for the Audit Committee or the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors or to obtain directions to our Annual Meeting, send a request to us in care of Investor Relations, P.O. Box 2192, Longview, Texas 75606.

Clawback Policy

We have adopted a Clawback Policy that is designed to comply with Section 10D of the Exchange Act and the requirements of NYSE – American. This policy applies to our current and former executive officers. In the event we are required to prepare an accounting restatement of our financial statements due to our material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, the Board of Directors will require us to seek reimbursement or forfeiture reasonably promptly of any erroneously awarded incentive compensation received by any covered executive during the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date on which we are required to prepare an accounting restatement and during an applicable transition period.

Director Compensation

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, directors were paid $9,000 per quarter. In addition, the Chairman and members of the Audit Committee received $3,000 and $2,250, respectively, per quarter. Mr. Taylor did not receive any compensation for serving as a director.

Except for Mr. Taylor, who is a Named Executive Officer (as defined in “Executive Compensation” below), the following table summarizes compensation paid to each director during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.

Director Compensation Table for Fiscal Year 2024

Related Party Transactions

During fiscal year 2024, the Company purchased approximately $22.8 million of steel inventory from Metal One Corporation (“Metal One”). Metal One was classified as a related party due to their ownership of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock until falling below 5% ownership in December 2023 when the Company repurchased 400,041 shares of the Company’s common stock from Metal One for an aggregate repurchase price of approximately $5.1 million. The steel purchases from Metal One were made pursuant to a supply arrangement that is common within the Company’s industry and includes a market-based pricing structure. During fiscal year 2024, the Company recorded sales of approximately $294,000 to Piping Technology & Products where Mr. Agrawal serves as President. The Company has concluded Mr. Agrawal still qualifies as independent director. There were no other transactions in fiscal year 2024 with related persons which required disclosure pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR Part 229).

Policies and Procedures with Respect to Approval of Related Party Transactions

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has adopted a written policy with respect to related party transactions to document procedures pursuant to which such transactions are reviewed, approved or ratified. The policy applies to any transaction between us and any related party other than transactions (i) available to all employees generally or (ii) involving less than $5,000 when aggregated with all similar transactions. The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing, approving and ratifying any related party transaction. In general, the policy prohibits all related party transactions although the Audit Committee may approve related party transactions (A) in exceptional circumstances where the situation is urgent and no reasonable alternatives exist, (B) when the benefit is unique and significant or (C) the economic value to us is highly compelling over an extended period.

Committees of the Board of Directors and Meeting Attendance

During fiscal year 2024, the Board of Directors met four times.

The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee which currently consists of Ms. Taylor (Chair) and Messrs. Reichenthal, Spira and Stevenson. The Audit Committee discusses with the independent accountants and management our financial statements and the scope of the audit examinations, reviews with the independent accountants the audit budget, receives and reviews the audit report submitted by the independent accountants, reviews with the independent accountants internal accounting and control procedures and engages our independent auditor. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities to the Board of Directors are further detailed in the Second Amended and Restated Charter of the Audit Committee, as amended, which is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement. The Audit Committee met five times in fiscal year 2024.

The Board of Directors has a Compensation Committee currently composed of Ms. Scott and Messrs. Agrawal, Reichenthal (Chair), Stevenson and Williams. The Compensation Committee considers and recommends for approval by the Board of Directors adjustments to the compensation of our executive officers and the implementation of any compensation program. In addition, the Compensation Committee administers any stock option or stock plan of the Company pursuant to the terms of such plan. As permitted by the rules of the NYSE – American, the Compensation Committee does not currently operate under a charter. The Compensation Committee met three times in fiscal year 2024.

The Board of Directors has a Nominating Committee currently composed of Mses. Scott (Chair) and Taylor and Messrs. Reichenthal, Stevenson and Williams, each of whom is independent in accordance with the applicable rules of the NYSE – American. Nominees to the Board of Directors are proposed by the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee’s responsibilities are further detailed in the Charter of the Nominating Committee which is attached as Appendix B to this proxy statement. The Nominating Committee will consider appropriately qualified nominees timely recommended by shareholders in the same manner as it evaluates other potential director nominees. The Nominating Committee met one time in fiscal year 2024.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, no director attended fewer than 75% of the combined meetings of the Board of Directors and of any committee of which such director was a member.

Audit Committee Qualifications

The Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that all members of the Audit Committee are independent in accordance with the applicable rules of the NYSE – American and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) of the Exchange Act. The Board also has determined that each of the members of the Audit Committee is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements. In addition, the Board has determined that Ms. Taylor meets the financial sophistication requirements set forth in the applicable rules of the NYSE – American and qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as that term is defined in the rules promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended.

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed with our management and Moss Adams LLP (“Moss Adams”), our independent auditor, the audits of the Company’s financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. The Audit Committee has also discussed with our independent auditor the matters required to be discussed pursuant to AS 1301: Communications with Audit Committees.

The Audit Committee received and has discussed the written disclosures and letters from Moss Adams required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence and has discussed with Moss Adams its independence in connection with its audits of our most recent financial statements as of fiscal year-end. The Audit Committee has also considered whether the provision of non-audit services to the Company by Moss Adams is compatible with maintaining that firm’s independence.

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended the inclusion of the audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.

The information in the foregoing three paragraphs shall not be deemed to be soliciting material, or to be filed with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Exchange Act or to liabilities under Section 18 of the Exchange Act nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate these paragraphs by reference.

Procedures and Processes for Determining Executive and Director Compensation

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and recommending to the full Board of Directors the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and our other Named Executive Officers. The Committee also reviews and discusses with the Chief Executive Officer, and recommends to the full Board of Directors, the compensation for all other officers of the Company. The Committee may retain compensation consultants or other advisers it deems appropriate. Based on the Committee’s analysis of relevant data, the Committee determines its recommendation regarding the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer during an executive session of the Committee at which the Chief Executive Officer is not present. Our Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations regarding the compensation of our other executive officers and other officers to the Committee. The Committee considers the recommendations, discusses the recommendations with our Chief Executive Officer, may discuss the matter in executive session and then makes recommendations to the full Board of Directors. The final determination as to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and all other officers of the Company is made by the full Board of Directors based on the recommendations of the Committee.

The Board of Directors, or an authorized committee thereof, may from time-to-time review and determine the form and amount of director compensation, including cash, equity-based awards and other director compensation to maintain a transparent and readily understandable compensation program which ensures that the directors continue to receive fair and appropriate compensation for the time commitment required to discharge their duties as directors for a company of our size.

PROPOSAL 2:

ADVISORY (NON-BINDING) VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

At the meeting, the shareholders will vote on a non-binding, advisory resolution regarding the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers.

We believe that our compensation policies and procedures are competitive, focused on pay-for-performance and strongly aligned with the long-term interests of our shareholders. This advisory shareholder vote, commonly known as “Say-on-Pay”, gives you as a shareholder the opportunity to endorse or not endorse the compensation we pay our Named Executive Officers through voting for or against the following resolution:

“Resolved, that the shareholders approve the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers as disclosed in the Company’s 2024 proxy statement pursuant to the disclosure rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (which disclosure includes the Summary Compensation Table and related discussion).”

Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Company or the Board of Directors. However, the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements. Additionally, your advisory vote will not be construed (i) as overruling a decision by the Company or the Board of Directors, (ii) to create or imply any change to the fiduciary duties of the Company or the Board of Directors, (iii) to create or imply any additional fiduciary duties for the Company or the Board of Directors or (iv) to restrict or limit the ability of shareholders to make proposals for inclusion in proxy materials related to executive compensation.

Vote Required for Approval

In order to be approved, Proposal No. 2 must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes represented at the meeting, by person or proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting. Abstentions with respect to the approval of this proposal will have the effect of a vote against this proposal. Broker non-votes will not be treated as shares that are represented at the meeting for the purposes of this proposal and will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on this proposal.

The Board of Directors recommends voting “FOR” this proposal.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth certain information regarding compensation paid for services rendered during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, to each of our executive officers, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”):

Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal Year 2024

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 2024

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The table below sets forth the following information as of March 31, 2024 for all equity compensation plans, including those previously approved by our shareholders.

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control

The Named Executive Officers will receive the same benefits as our other employees upon termination of their employment. We maintain the Friedman Industries, Inc. Employees’ Retirement and 401(k) Plan (the “Plan”), a defined contribution and 401(k) plan. The Plan covers substantially all employees, including officers, and employees fully vest in the Plan upon six years of service. The Company maintains a life insurance policy on Mr. LaRue but does not currently have a policy in place on Mr. Taylor. From time to time and in its discretion, the Board has approved the transfer of the applicable policy to an officer upon their retirement. At March 31, 2024, the cash surrender value of the life insurance policy held by the Company on Mr. LaRue was approximately $10,000. None of the Named Executive Officers has a change-in-control agreement with us.

Pay Versus Performance

In accordance with the SEC’s disclosure requirements, we are providing the following information about the relationship between executive compensation, our total shareholder return and net income for the most recent three years.

Pay Versus Performance Table

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our named executive officers for each of the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, and our financial performance for each such fiscal year. The amounts shown for “Compensation Actually Paid” reflects the Summary Compensation Table total with certain adjustments as described below, but does not reflect compensation actually earned, realized, or received by our NEOs.

(1)      For each fiscal year shown, our principal executive officers, or PEOs and our remaining NEOs or Non-PEO NEOs, represent the following individuals:

(2)     Amounts represent compensation actually paid to our PEO and the average compensation actually paid to our Non-PEO NEOs for the relevant fiscal year as determined under Item 402(v)(2)(iii) of Regulation S-K to calculate “compensation actually paid”, which include the following adjustments:

Relationship Between Pay and Financial Performance Measures

The graph below compares the compensation actually paid to our PEO and the average of the compensation actually paid to our Non-PEO NEOs, with our cumulative total shareholder return, or TSR, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. TSR amounts reported in the graph assume an initial fixed investment of $100.

The graph below compares the compensation actually paid to our PEOs and the average of the compensation actually paid to our Non-PEO NEOs, with our net income, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS

Under the Exchange Act, our directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders must report to the SEC certain transactions involving Common Stock. Based solely on a review of the copies of the reports required pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act that have been furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that these filing requirements have been satisfied for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the beneficial ownership of Common Stock by directors, nominees for director, Named Executive Officers, executive officers and directors as a group and persons who owned of record more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock as of July 25, 2024:

PROPOSAL 3:

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee has approved the appointment of Moss Adams LLP (“Moss Adams”) as independent auditor for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. The Audit Committee and the Board seek to have the shareholders ratify the Audit Committee's appointment of Moss Adams. In recommending ratification by the shareholders of such engagement, the Board is acting upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, which has satisfied itself as to Moss Adams’ independence, professional competence and standing. As a matter of good corporate governance, we are asking shareholders to ratify this appointment. Our Audit Committee continually monitors the services and fees of the independent registered public accounting firm and even if the appointment is ratified by our shareholders, the Audit Committee in its discretion may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of our Company and our shareholders. One or more representatives of Moss Adams are expected to attend the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement at the Annual Meeting if they wish to do so and be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.

Audit Fees

In fiscal years 2024 and 2023, we retained Moss Adams to provide services and incurred fees therefor as indicated in the following table:

The Audit Committee has implemented pre-approval policies and procedures for all audit and non-audit services to be provided by our independent public accountants to us. With regard to all permissible non-audit services, the Audit Committee has designated the Chairman of the Audit Committee to approve in advance the provision by the independent public accountants of such services.

There were no services approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception in paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X (17 CFR Part 210) during fiscal year 2024.

Vote Required for Approval

In order to be approved, Proposal No. 3 must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes represented at the meeting, by person or proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting. Abstentions with respect to the approval of this proposal will have the effect of a vote against this proposal. Broker non-votes will not be treated as shares that are represented at the meeting for the purposes of this proposal and will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on this proposal. If the selection of Moss Adams is not ratified, the Audit Committee will consider whether we should select another independent registered public accounting firm.

The Board of Directors recommends voting “FOR” this proposal.

PROPOSAL 4:

AMENDMENT OF THE COMPANY’S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO ALLOW SHAREHOLDERS TO AMEND THE COMPANY’S BYLAWS

The Board of Directors has approved and voted to recommend that the shareholders of the Company approve the amendment of our Articles of Incorporation, as amended (the “Amendment”) to enable the shareholders to amend the Company’s bylaws by adding the following new article:

“ARTICLE TWELVE

In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the board of directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend, or repeal bylaws of the corporation. Any adoption, amendment, or repeal of the bylaws of the corporation by the board of directors shall require the approval of a majority of the entire board of directors. The shareholders shall also have the power to adopt, amend, or repeal the bylaws of the corporation; provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of shares of the corporation required by law or by the Articles of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least seventy-five 75% of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of the corporation entitled to vote, voting together as a single class shall be required to adopt, amend, or repeal any provision of the bylaws of the corporation.”

The Amendment will be implemented if shareholders approve Proposal 4. If Proposal 4 is approved, the Company will file a Certificate of Amendment with the Texas Secretary of State setting forth the Amendments that will become effective upon filing with the Texas Secretary of State.

Vote Required for Approval

In order to be approved, Proposal No. 4 must receive the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Company entitled to vote at the meeting. Abstentions and Broker non-votes will count as votes against this proposal.

The Board of Directors recommends voting “FOR” this proposal.

PROPOSALS OF SHAREHOLDERS

Proposals of shareholders intended to be included in our proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received at our principal executive offices at 1121 Judson Road, Suite 124, Longview, Texas 75601 on or before April 7, 2025. Proposals from shareholders for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders received at our principal executive offices before May 6, 2025 or after June 20, 2025, will be considered untimely. In addition, if applicable, to comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Company’s nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act no later than June 20, 2025.

GENERAL

Management knows of no other matter to be presented at the meeting. If any other matter should be presented upon which a vote may properly be taken, it is intended that shares represented by the proxies in the accompanying form will be voted with respect thereto in accordance with the best judgment of the person or persons voting such shares.

The cost of solicitation of proxies in the accompanying form will be paid by us. In addition to solicitation by use of the mails, certain of our directors, officers and regular employees may solicit the return of proxies by telephone, facsimile or personal interviews.

Some banks, brokers and other nominee record holders may be participating in the practice of “householding” proxy statements. This means that only one copy of this proxy statement may have been sent to multiple shareholders in your household. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of the document to you if you call or write us at the following address or phone number: P.O. Box 2192, Longview, Texas 75606, phone: 903-758-3431, Attention: Investor Relations. If you want to receive separate copies of our proxy statements in the future, or if you are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy for your household, you should contact your bank, broker or other nominee record holder, or you may contact us at the above address and phone number.

Appendix A

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER

Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”) has established an Audit Committee (the “Committee”). This Second Amended and Restated Audit Committee Charter (the “Charter”) sets forth certain matters with respect to the Committee.

I.     Structure and Qualifications

The Committee shall consist of not less than three directors elected by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and each member shall meet the definition of independent and all other requirements adopted from time to time by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or the NYSE – American.

II.    Compensation

Fees for serving as a member of the Board or on any committee of the Board are the only compensation a Committee member may receive from the Company.

III.    Meetings

The Committee shall meet at least once per fiscal quarter. The Committee shall meet periodically with management and representatives of the independent auditor in separate executive sessions in furtherance of its purposes.

IV.    Responsibilities

The Board has delegated the following authority to the Committee:

Appendix B

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

CHARTER OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”) has established a Nominating Committee (the “Committee”). This Charter sets forth certain matters with respect to the Committee.

I.    Structure and Qualifications

The Committee shall consist of at least three directors appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and each member shall meet the definition of independence and all other requirements adopted from time to time by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or the NYSE – American.

II.    Meetings

The Committee shall meet at least one time each year and otherwise as frequently and at such times as necessary to carry out its responsibilities.

III.    Responsibilities

The Board has delegated the following authority to the Committee:

 

---