v3.26.1
Note 9 - Incentive and Retirement Plans
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Notes to Financial Statements  
Retirement Benefits [Text Block]

NOTE 9 INCENTIVE AND RETIREMENT PLANS

 

In 2006, we implemented an EIP for employees other than executive officers and a MIP for executive officers (collectively the 2006 Plan). In 2015, our BOD adopted, and our shareholders approved our 2015 Employee Stock Plan (2015 Plan), which permits the issuance of up to 200,000 shares of our Common Stock in stock awards for performance under the 2006 Plan. Each qualified employee of the Company may elect to receive up to 50% of their incentive compensation in Company Common Stock in lieu of cash. Each Company executive officer is required to receive 50% of their incentive compensation earned in Company Common Stock in lieu of cash. As of December 31, 2025, 148,877 shares remain available to be issued under the 2015 Plan.

 

Long-Term Cash Based Awards

 

On March 27, 2025, the Compensation Committee and the Board adopted a new cash-based long-term incentive plan. The 2025 Plan is a 3-year, cash-based long-term incentive and retention arrangement which measures OIBITDA and entails continued service with Nuvera throughout a 3-year period. Awards will be made annually (subject to the Compensation Committee’s oversight on plan design, which may change from time to time) with 3-year overlapping cycles, and performance measured each individual year. Vesting is based (i) on achievement of predetermined OIBITDA targets set annually and (ii) on continued service with Nuvera through the end of the 3-year performance cycle. Cash payouts will be made at the end of the 3-year cycle. OIBITDA performance targets for each year within the 3-year period will be aligned with approved operating budget for that year.

 

Cash-based awards currently issued and outstanding are as follows:

 

   

Targeted

           
   

Performance-Based

         

Vesting

   

Cash

   

Vested

 

Date

Balance at December 31, 2024

  $ -     $ -    

Issued

  $ 432,245     $ -  

1/1/2028

Balance at December 31, 2025

  $ 432,245     $ -    

 

We have a 401(k)-employee savings plan in effect for employees who meet age and service requirements. Our contributions to our 401(k)-employee savings plan were $443,829 and $443,156 in 2025 and 2024.