UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No.  )

 

Check the appropriate box:

P & F Industries, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

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P & F INDUSTRIES, INC.
445 Broadhollow Road, Suite 100
Melville, New York 11747

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To be held May 25, 2016

To the Stockholders of
P&F Industries, Inc.:

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of P&F Industries, Inc. will be held at the Conference Center at 445 Broadhollow Road, Melville, New York 11747 on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 10:00 A.M., for the following purposes:

In accordance with the provisions of the Company’s By-laws, the Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 13, 2016 as the date for determining stockholders of record entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting.

Your attention is directed to the accompanying Proxy Statement.

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting. If you do not expect to attend the Annual Meeting in person, please vote, date, sign and return the enclosed proxy as promptly as possible in the enclosed reply envelope.

		By order of the Board of Directors    JOSEPH A. MOLINO, JR. Secretary

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 25, 2016:

This Proxy Statement and our Annual Report to Stockholders, which includes our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, are available at: https://materials.proxyvote.com/692830.

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PROXY STATEMENT
ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING			1
Date, Time and Place of Meeting			1
Record Date and Voting Rights			1
Quorum; Abstentions; Broker Non-Votes			1
Solicitations of Proxies			2
Voting Proxies			2
Voting in Person at the Annual Meeting			2
Revocation of Proxies			2
Other Business			2
OWNERSHIP OF EQUITY SECURITIES			3
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS			5
Required Vote			5
Information as to Directors and Nominees for Directors			6
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE			7
Director Independence			7
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors			8
Audit Committee			8
Compensation Committee			9
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee			9
Strategic Planning and Risk Assessment Committee			10
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics			10
Board Leadership Structure			11
Board Role in Risk Oversight			11
Directors’ Attendance at Annual Meetings of Stockholders			11
Communication with the Board of Directors			11
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS			12
Policies and Procedures			12
Related Party Transactions			12
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION			12
PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS			14
Required Vote			14
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT			15
PROPOSAL 3: ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION			16
Required Vote and Effect			16
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT			17
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION			18
Employment Agreements			18
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2015			18

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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2015			19
Options Exercised and Stock Vested During 2015			19
Pension Benefits and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation			19
COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY AND AGREEMENTS WITH NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS			20
Overview of 2015 Executive Compensation			20
Agreements with Named Executive Officers in Effect in 2015			0
Agreements with Named Executive Officers in Effect in 2014			23
Post-2015 Executive Compensation Matters			25
162(m) Bonus Plan — Change in Control			25
Stock Incentive Plans			25
Executive Compensation Plan Information			26
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE			27
STOCKHOLDER NOMINATIONS FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERSHIP AND OTHER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING			28
ANNUAL REPORT			28

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P & F INDUSTRIES, INC.
445 Broadhollow Road, Suite 100
Melville, New York 11747

 

PROXY STATEMENT

This proxy statement is being furnished by the Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors”) of P&F Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) to holders of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, $1.00 par value (the “Common Stock”), in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors for use at its 2016 annual meeting of stockholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof (the “Annual Meeting”).

The Company’s principal offices are located at 445 Broadhollow Road, Suite 100, Melville, New York 11747. The Company anticipates mailing this proxy statement to stockholders on or about April 29, 2016.

ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

Date, Time and Place of Meeting

The Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. local time at the Conference Center at 445 Broadhollow Road, Melville, New York.

Record Date and Voting Rights

The Board of Directors established the close of business on April 13, 2016 as the record date for determining the holders of the Common Stock entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. On the record date, 3,592,870 shares of Common Stock were outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The Company’s stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held as of the record date on all matters.

Only stockholders and persons holding proxies from stockholders may attend the Annual Meeting. If your shares are registered in your name, you must bring a form of identification to the Annual Meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a broker, trust, bank or other nominee, otherwise known as holding in “street name,” you must bring a proxy or letter from that broker, trust, bank or other nominee that confirms you are the beneficial owner of those shares. Cameras and recording devices will not be permitted at the Annual Meeting.

Quorum; Abstentions; Broker Non-Votes

Transaction of business at the Annual Meeting may occur if a quorum is present. If a quorum is not present, it is expected that the Annual Meeting will be adjourned or postponed in order to permit additional time for soliciting and obtaining additional proxies or votes, and, at any subsequent reconvening of the Annual Meeting, all proxies will be voted in the same manner as such proxies would have been voted at the original convening of the Annual Meeting, except for any proxies that have been effectively revoked or withdrawn.

The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the total votes entitled to be cast constitutes a quorum. If a share of Common Stock is represented for any purpose at the Annual Meeting, it is deemed to be present for quorum purposes and for all other matters as well. Shares of Common Stock represented by a properly executed proxy will be treated as present at the Annual Meeting for purposes of determining a quorum, without regard to whether the proxy is marked as casting a vote or abstaining.

Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. A broker non-vote occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote the shares on a proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power for a particular item and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner regarding voting. Brokers who hold shares for the accounts of their clients have discretionary authority to vote shares in the absence of specific instructions with respect to the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm; however, they do not have discretionary authority to vote on the election of our directors or on the approval of an advisory (non-binding) resolution relating to executive compensation, so we encourage you to provide instructions to your broker regarding the voting of your shares.

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Solicitation of Proxies

The Company will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies from its stockholders. In addition to solicitation by mail, the directors, officers and employees of the Company, without additional compensation, may solicit proxies from stockholders by telephone, by letter, by facsimile, in person or otherwise.

Voting Proxies

Whether you hold shares of Common Stock directly as a registered stockholder or beneficially as a beneficial stockholder, you may direct how your shares are voted without attending the Annual Meeting. For directions on how to vote, please refer to the proxy card provided.

All proxies properly submitted and not revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions indicated thereon. If no instructions are provided, such proxies will be voted “FOR” the nominees set forth in Proposal 1, and “FOR” Proposals 2 and 3.

Voting in Person at the Annual Meeting

You may also vote in person at the Annual Meeting. Votes in person will replace any previous votes you have made. The Company will provide a ballot to registered stockholders who request one at the meeting. Shares of Common Stock held in your name as the stockholder of record may be voted on that ballot. Shares of Common Stock held beneficially in street name may be voted on a ballot only if you bring a legal proxy from the broker, trust, bank or other nominee that holds your shares giving you the right to vote the shares. Attendance at the Annual Meeting without voting or revoking a previous proxy in accordance with the voting procedures will not in and of itself revoke a proxy.

Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please take the time to vote that your shares will be represented at the Annual Meeting.

Revocation of Proxies

If you are a beneficial stockholder, you may revoke your proxy or change your vote by following the separate instructions provided by your broker, trust, bank or other nominee. If you are a registered stockholder, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised at the Annual Meeting by (i) delivering written notice, bearing a date later than the proxy, stating that the proxy is revoked, (ii) submitting a later-dated proxy relating to the same shares prior to the vote at the Annual Meeting, or (iii) attending the Annual Meeting and properly giving notice of revocation to the inspector of elections or voting in person.

Other Business

The Board of Directors is not aware of any matters to be properly presented for action at the Annual Meeting other than the proposals relating to the election of directors, the ratification of the appointment of the Company’s independent registered public accountant for 2016 and the approval of an advisory (non-binding) resolution regarding the compensation of named executive officers. The Company does not intend to bring any other matters before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters should properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that the holders of the proxies will vote them in their discretion.

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OWNERSHIP OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of Common Stock as of the record date, including shares as to which a right to acquire ownership within 60 days of the record date exists (for example, through the exercise of stock options) within the meaning of Rule 13d-3(d)(1) under the Exchange Act, by (i) each director and nominee for director, (ii) the “named executive officers” listed in the Summary Compensation Table (Richard A. Horowitz and Joseph A. Molino, Jr.), (iii) each person known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Common Stock, and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group. Except as indicated in the applicable footnotes, each beneficial owner listed has sole voting power and sole investment power over the shares of Common Stock indicated. Except as indicated in the applicable footnotes, the address of each beneficial owner is in the care of the Company, 445 Broadhollow Road, Suite 100, Melville, New York 11747.

Beneficial Owner		Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership				Percent of Class
Howard Brod Brownstein			14,898	(1)				*
Jeffrey D. Franklin			5,520	(1)(2)(3)				*
Richard A. Horowitz			1,362,436	(3)(4)			36.1	%
Joseph A. Molino, Jr.			148,199	(3)(5)			4.0	%
Richard P. Randall			5,088	(1)(3)(6)				*
Kenneth M. Scheriff			4,620	(1)(2)(3)				*
Mitchell A. Solomon			5,520	(1)(2)(3)				*
FMR LLC			449,417	(7)			12.5	%
Grace Horowitz			232,611	(8)			6.5	%
Lawndale Capital Management, LLC			407,233	(9)			11.3	%
All directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons)			1,546,125	(10)			39.7	%

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PROPOSAL 1
 
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

As permitted by Delaware law, the Board of Directors is divided into three classes, the classes being divided as equally as possible and each class having a term of three years. Each year the term of office of one class expires. A director elected to fill a vacancy, including a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors, serves for the remaining term of the class in which the vacancy exists. The Board of Directors presently consists of six members, with each class consisting of two members.

The Board of Directors proposed that Messrs. Brownstein and Horowitz, whose terms expire at the Annual Meeting, each be elected as director to serve for a term expiring at the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Unless otherwise indicated, the enclosed proxy will be voted for the election of Messrs. Brownstein and Horowitz as nominees, to serve for the terms as set forth above. Should either such nominee become unable to serve for any reason or, for good cause will not serve, which is not anticipated, the Board of Directors may, unless the Board of Directors by resolution provides for a lesser number of directors, designate a substitute nominee, in which event the persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote for the election of such substitute nominees.

Required Vote

The directors will be elected by the plurality vote of the holders of the Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting and present in person or represented by proxy. With respect to the election of directors, you may vote “for” or “withhold” authority to vote for each of the nominees. Any shares not voted “for” a particular nominee (whether as a result of stockholder withholding or a broker non-vote) will not be counted in any nominee’s favor and will have no effect on the outcome of the election.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE
“FOR” THE FOREGOING NOMINEES.

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Information as to Directors and Nominees for Directors

Certain information regarding each of our nominees for director, including his respective experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led the Board of Directors to conclude that the individual should serve on the Board of Directors and his principal occupation and directorships during at least the past five years, is set forth below. Also set forth below is the name and age of such nominee for director and each director currently in office and whose term continues, his principal occupation, the year each became a director of the Company and a description of his principal occupation for at least the past five years and certain other qualifications. The information set forth below is as of the record date.

Name		Age		Served as Director Continuously Since
Nominees to Continue in Office until the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholder:
Howard Brod Brownstein		65		2010
Richard A. Horowitz		66		1975
Directors to Serve in Office Until the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:
Kenneth M. Scheriff		66		2005
Mitchell A. Solomon		56		2004
Director to Serve in Office Until the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:
Jeffrey D. Franklin		62		2004
Richard P. Randall		78		2012

Richard A. Horowitz has been Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since November 1995 and has been President of the Company since 1986. Mr. Horowitz brings valuable insight and knowledge about the Company to the Board of Directors due to his extensive experience as an executive officer of the Company, his perspective as a long-standing significant Company stockholder, and his many years of oversight of the businesses which the Company operates.

Howard Brod Brownstein has been the President of The Brownstein Corporation, a turnaround and crisis management consulting, advisory and investment banking firm, since 2010. From 1999 through 2009, Mr. Brownstein was a Principal of NachmanHaysBrownstein, Inc., a management consulting firm. Since February 2016, Mr. Brownstein has served on the board of directors of PICO Holdings, Inc., a holdings company with investments in, among other things, water treatment/water storage and real estate-related operations, where he is currently the chairman of the audit committee and a member of the corporate governance and nominating committee. From 2003 through 2006, he served on the boards of directors and audit committees of Special Metals Corporation, a privately held nickel alloy producer (where he also chaired the audit committee) and Magnatrax Corporation, a privately held manufacturer of metal buildings. In 2010, he served on the board of Betsey Johnson, a privately held apparel designer and retailer. Additionally, from January 2014 through April 2015, Mr. Brownstein served on the board of directors of LMG2, a privately-held Chicago-based parking facility operator. Mr. Brownstein brings to the Board of Directors a broad financial and management consulting background, including extensive experience in financing, restructuring, strategic planning and corporate governance matters. Additionally, Mr. Brownstein is a Board Leadership Fellow of the National Association of Corporate Directors (“NACD”), through which he completed NACD’s comprehensive program of study for corporate directors and continues to supplement his director skill sets through ongoing engagement with the director community, and access to leading practices. Further, he was currently the President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the NACD.

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Jeffrey D. Franklin has been an Executive Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer of Executive Charge Inc., a company providing billing and administrative services for affiliated corporations in the transportation, package delivery, radio communications and real estate management industries, for more than the past five years. Mr. Franklin is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the State of New York. Mr. Franklin brings to the Board of Directors significant financial, accounting and managerial experience.

Richard P. Randall served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Direct Holdings Worldwide, LLC, the parent company of Lillian Vernon Corp. and Time-Life, from 2002 until 2005. Prior to that, Mr. Randall was the Chief Financial Officer of Coach, Inc. from 2000 to 2001 and the Chief Financial Officer of Lillian Vernon Corp. from 1998 to 2000. Mr. Randall holds a degree in accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant, and has more than 40 years of experience in various accounting and finance positions. Mr. Randall has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Aceto Corp. from 2009 through 2014 and most recently served as chair of its Audit & Risk Committee and as a member of its Compensation Committee. Mr. Randall also has been serving as a member of the Board of Directors of Steven Madden, Ltd. since 2006, where he is the Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Randall is also a former director and member of the Executive, Finance, Audit and Research Committees of The Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, and currently serves as a Member Emeritus of the Executive Committee and retains a board seat on The Burke Foundation’s board. Mr. Randall also served as a director and chair of the Audit Committee for two unrelated Chinese companies publicly traded in the U.S., Universal Travel Group and Home Systems Group, from 2007 until 2008. Mr. Randall brings to the Board of Directors extensive knowledge of accounting and finance, the retail industry (including overseas importing) and the issues impacting a publicly traded company.

Kenneth M. Scheriff has been the Executive Vice President of New York Commercial Bank, the commercial banking subsidiary of New York Community Bancorp, Inc., a financial institution listed on the New York Stock Exchange, since January 2008. From 2005 through December 2007, Mr. Scheriff was Executive Vice President of the Commercial Loan Group of State Bank of Long Island, a commercial bank listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, and was employed in an executive capacity with such bank since 1995. Mr. Scheriff brings to the Board of Directors executive level experience and extensive knowledge of the banking industry and credit markets.

Mitchell A. Solomon has been President of EBY Electro, Inc., a manufacturer of electric and electronic connectors and power supplies, for more than the past five years. Mr. Solomon brings a strong operational and strategic background and valuable business, leadership and management experience to the Board of Directors, including extensive experience in foreign manufacturing and importing of industrial goods.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Company operates within a comprehensive plan of corporate governance for the purpose of defining independence, assigning responsibilities, setting high standards of professional and personal conduct and assuring compliance with such responsibilities and standards.

Director Independence

The standards relied upon by the Board of Directors in affirmatively determining whether a director is “independent,” in compliance with NASDAQ and SEC rules, are comprised, in part, of those objective standards set forth in such rules. In addition to these objective standards and in compliance with NASDAQ and SEC rules, no director will be considered independent who has a relationship which, in the opinion of the company’s Board of Directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. The Board of Directors exercises appropriate discretion in identifying and evaluating any such relationship. The Board of Directors, in applying the above-referenced standards and after considering all of the relevant facts and circumstances, has affirmatively determined that the Company’s “independent” directors are: Howard Brod Brownstein, Jeffrey D. Franklin, Richard P. Randall, Kenneth M. Scheriff and Mitchell A. Solomon, representing a majority of the members of the Board of Directors.

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The Company’s independent directors hold annually at least two formal meetings independent from management. In 2015, the Company’s independent directors held four such meetings. The Lead Independent Director, or in his absence, another independent director chosen by the independent directors, presides at such non-management sessions of the Board of Directors. The role of the Lead Independent Director is discussed in greater detail under “Board Leadership Structure” below.

Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors

During 2015, the Board of Directors held twelve meetings and acted by unanimous written consent once. No director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board of Directors and all committees on which he served.

During 2015, the Board of Directors had an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and a Strategic Planning and Risk Assessment Committee. In addition, from time to time, special committees may be established under the direction of the Board of Directors when necessary to address specific issues.

Audit Committee

During 2015 and as of the record date, the members of the Audit Committee were Messrs. Franklin (Chairman), Brownstein and Randall. During 2015, the Audit Committee held four meetings.

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Compensation Committee

During 2015 and as of the record date, the members of the Compensation Committee were Messrs. Scheriff (Chairman) and Franklin. During 2015, the Compensation Committee held three meetings.

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

During 2015, and as of the record date, the members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee were Messrs. Brownstein (Chairman) and Randall. During 2015, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee held two meetings.

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The Board of Directors adopted a policy setting forth that the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider individuals suggested by stockholders for nomination as candidates for election to the Board of Directors at annual meetings of stockholders. Such suggested nominees will be considered in the context of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee’s determination regarding all issues relating to the composition of the Board of Directors, including the size of the Board of Directors, any criteria the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee may develop for prospective Board of Directors candidates and the qualifications of candidates relative to any such criteria. Any stockholder who wishes to submit an individual for nomination as a Board of Directors candidate by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee should be directed in writing to the Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, c/o the Secretary of the Company, P&F Industries, Inc., 445 Broadhollow Road, Suite 100, Melville, New York 11747. Such submission should include the name of the individual submitted for nomination, information as to such individual’s background and experience and a representation from such individual that he or she is willing to be nominated by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and, if elected, to serve, and the information regarding such individual that would be required by the rules and regulations of the SEC to be included in the Company’s proxy statement issued in connection with its annual meeting. Stockholders are also permitted to submit nominees for election at annual meetings of stockholders subject to compliance with the advance notice requirements of the Company’s By-laws, summarized below under “Stockholder Nominations for Board of Directors Membership and Other Proposals for the 2017 Annual Meeting”.

Strategic Planning and Risk Assessment Committee

The Board of Directors also maintains a Strategic Planning and Risk Assessment Committee, comprised of independent members of the Board of Directors. During 2015 and as of the record date, the members of the Strategic Planning and Risk Assessment Committee were Messrs. Brownstein (Chairman), Solomon and Randall. During 2015, the Strategic Planning and Risk Assessment Committee held two meetings.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which is designed to help officers, directors and employees resolve ethical issues in an increasingly complex business environment.

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Board Leadership Structure

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer also serves as its Chairman of the Board. The Board of Directors believes that a combined CEO/Chairman of the Board arrangement and having a Lead Independent Director (as further discussed below) is currently the best structure for the Board of Directors, as its Chief Executive Officer is most familiar with the Company’s business and industry, and most capable of effectively identifying the Company’s priorities and leading the execution of its strategy. The Company’s independent directors bring experience, oversight and expertise from outside the Company and industry, while the Chief Executive Officer brings company-specific experience and expertise. Combining the role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer facilitates information flow between management and the Board of Directors.

Because the Board of Directors also believes that strong, independent Board leadership is a critical aspect of effective corporate governance, the Board of Directors has established the position of Lead Independent Director. Our Lead Independent Director is an independent director elected annually by the independent directors. During 2015 and as of the record date, Mr. Solomon served as our Lead Independent Director. Our Lead Independent Director’s responsibilities and authority include, among other things, advising on Board meeting schedules and agendas, calling meetings of the independent directors, chairing the executive sessions of the independent directors and chairing the meetings of the Board of Directors if the Chairman of the Board is not present. Copies of the charter of the Lead Independent Director can be obtained free of charge from the Company’s website at www.pfina.com.

Board Role in Risk Oversight

While risk management is primarily the responsibility of the Company’s management team, the Board of Directors is responsible for overall supervision of the company’s risk management efforts as they relate to the key business risks facing the organization. As discussed in greater detail above, the Board of Directors maintains a Strategic Planning and Risk Assessment Committee as a standing committee whose responsibility includes working with management to identify, assess, and manage the risks most critical to the Company’s operations and routinely advise the Board of Directors on those matters. Those areas of material risk can include operational, financial, legal, regulatory, human capital, informational technology, and strategic and reputational risks, among others. In addition, the Board of Directors regularly reviews with management, at Board of Director meetings, any risk management issues that any director wishes to discuss. Finally, the Board of Director’s other committees each oversee certain aspects of risk management and report its respective findings to the Strategic Planning and Risk Assessment Committee or the full Board of Directors as appropriate.

Directors’ Attendance at Annual Meetings of Stockholders

It is the policy of the Board of Directors to expect that all directors attend annual meetings of stockholders except where the failure to attend is due to unavoidable circumstances or conflicts discussed in advance by the director with the Chairman of the Board. All of the members of the Board of Directors attended the Company’s 2015 annual meeting of stockholders.

Communication with the Board of Directors

Any stockholder or interested party who wishes to communicate with the Board of Directors, or specific individual directors, or the non-management directors as a group, may do so by directing a written request addressed to such directors or director, care of the Lead Independent Director, P&F Industries, Inc., 445 Broadhollow Road, Suite 100, Melville, New York 11747. Communication(s) directed to members of the Board of Directors who are not non-management directors will be relayed to the intended Board member(s) except to the extent that it is deemed unnecessary or inappropriate to do so pursuant to the procedures established by a majority of the independent directors. Any communication so withheld will nevertheless be made available to any non-management director who wishes to review it.

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Policies and Procedures

The Company’s Code of Ethics provides that the Company’s compliance officer (currently the Company’s General Counsel) must be fully informed of any proposed transaction between the Company, on the one hand, and any employee, officer or director, on the other, and must communicate the Company’s approval of any such transaction before the agreement or transaction can be commenced. Further, pursuant to Nasdaq Rule 5630(a), the Company’s Audit Committee (or another committee made up of independent directors) must review and have oversight over all transactions with related parties required to be disclosed under SEC Regulation S-K, Item 404. “Related parties” include the Company’s directors, executive officers, and stockholders known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the Company’s Common Stock, and their respective immediate families. The Company does not have formal written procedures to implement this policy; instead, the Audit Committee (or another committee made up of independent directors) reviews and, where appropriate approves, related party transactions on a case by case basis.

Related Party Transactions

There were no transactions with “related parties” entered into, or proposed, since January 1, 2015.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The following table shows the compensation of the Company’s Non-Employee Directors for services in all capacities to the Company in 2015. Information with respect to the compensation of Richard A. Horowitz, the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and a director, is set forth in the “Summary Compensation Table” below.

Name of Director		Cash fees ($)(1)				Stock awards ($)(2)				Total compensation ($)
Howard Brod Brownstein			37,500				8,630				46,130
Jeffrey D. Franklin			47,500				8,630				56,130
Richard P. Randall			40,500				8,630				49,130
Kenneth M. Scheriff			33,500				8,630				42,130
Mitchell A. Solomon			32,500				8,630				41,130

During 2015, each Non-Employee Director received an annual Board of Director directorship fee of $10,000 plus $2,000 for each of the five meetings of the Board of Directors held at the Company’s offices attended. No additional fees were paid for the additional telephonic meetings held throughout 2015. Each member of the Audit Committee also received an additional $10,000 as an annual directorship fee (with the chairman receiving $13,500), and $1,250 for each of the four meetings of the Audit Committee held at the Company’s offices attended in person. No Audit Committee meeting fees were paid for any other Audit Committee meetings, including telephonic meetings or those held in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting. Each member of the Compensation Committee received an additional $9,000 as an annual directorship fee (with the chairman receiving $13,500). Each member of the Strategic Planning and Risk Assessment Committee received an additional $5,000 as an annual directorship fee. Each member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee received an additional $2,500 as an annual directorship fee. The Lead Independent Director received an additional $7,500 as an annual directorship fee.

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Upon initial election to the Board of Directors, each Non-Employee Director receives an option to purchase 2,000 shares of Common Stock. Each Non-Employee Director in office received 1,000 restricted shares of Common Stock in May 2015 and it is anticipated that an additional 1,000 restricted shares will be granted to each Non-Employee Director in office following the Annual Meeting. The Company may consider changing the fees paid to the Company’s non-management directors and/or granting additional restricted stock, options or other forms of equity-based compensation to such directors. Directors who are also officers of the Company are not compensated for their duties as directors.

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PROPOSAL 2
 
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

The Audit Committee has appointed CohnReznick LLP (“CohnReznick”) as independent registered public accountants for the Company and its subsidiaries for the year 2016 and has further directed that management submit the selection of independent registered public accounting firm for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting. CohnReznick has audited the Company’s financial statements since 2008. Representatives of CohnReznick are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Neither the Company’s By-laws nor other governing documents or law require stockholder ratification of the appointment of CohnReznick as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. However, the Audit Committee seeks to have the appointment of CohnReznick ratified. If the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of different independent registered public accountants at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

The following table sets forth the fees billed by CohnReznick for professional services for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

		2015				2014
Audit Fees		$	259,000			$	299,000
Audit-Related Fees			34,500				-0-
Tax Fees			-0-				-0-
All Other Fees			33,500				19,050
		$	327,000			$	318,050

Audit fees include fees billed for the audit of P&F Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries, the review of quarterly financial information, and attendance at Audit Committee meetings.

Audit-Related Fees include certain services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the P&F Financial Statements. For 2015, such fees were comprised of expenses relating to audit procedures in connection with the Company’s acquisitions. There were no such fees in 2014.

Tax fees include fees billed for services relating to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. There were no such fees in 2015 or 2014.

All Other Fees includes fees billed for services not classified in any of the above categories. For 2015, such fees are comprised of expenses relating the Company’s 2016 disposition, assistance with responding to an SEC comment letter and certain out-of-pocket expenses. For 2014, such fees are comprised of expenses relating to the Company’s acquisitions and certain out-of-pocket expenses. The Audit Committee negotiates the annual audit fee directly with the Company’s independent registered public accountants. Any additional services to be performed by the Company’s independent registered public accountants requires the advance approval of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee considers whether the provision of permitted non-audit services is compatible with maintaining its independent registered public accountants’ independence.

Required Vote

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be required to ratify the appointment of CohnReznick. You may vote “for,” “against” or “abstain.” If you “abstain” from voting with respect to this proposal, your vote will have the same effect as a vote “against” the proposal. Broker non-votes are not applicable to this proposal.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 2.

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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT*

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of P&F Industries, Inc. is composed of three independent directors appointed by the Board of Directors (each of whom is independent under NASDAQ and applicable SEC rules) and operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors on March 9, 2004 and amended as of April 20, 2015. During 2015 and as of the record date, the members of such committee were Messrs. Franklin (Chairman), Brownstein and Randall. Management is responsible for the Company’s internal accounting and financial controls, the financial reporting process and the internal audit function. The Company’s independent registered public accountants are responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and for issuing a report thereon. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes and report its findings to the Board of Directors.

In this context, the Audit Committee has met and held discussions separately, and jointly, with each of management and the Company’s independent registered public accountants. Management represented to the Audit Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements with management and the independent registered public accountants. The Audit Committee discussed with the independent registered public accountants matters required to be discussed under PCAOB standards. The independent registered public accountants have provided to the Audit Committee the written disclosures and the letter required by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent registered public accountants’ communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and the Audit Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accountants such registered public accountants’ independence. The Audit Committee has concluded that the independent registered public accountants’ provision of audit and non-audit services to the Company is compatible with such registered public accountants’ independence.

Based on the Audit Committee’s discussion with management and the independent registered public accountants, and the Audit Committee’s review of the representation of management and the report of the independent registered public accountants to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended that the Board of Directors include the audited consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC.

Members of the Audit Committee

Jeffrey D. Franklin (Chairman)
Howard Brod Brownstein
Richard P. Randall

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PROPOSAL 3
 
ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

As required by Section 14A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), the Company is providing stockholders with an advisory (non-binding) vote on compensation programs for our named executive officers (sometimes referred to as “say on pay”). Accordingly, you may vote on the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the section captioned “Compensation Philosophy and Agreements with Named Executive Officers” as well as the compensation tables and narrative discussion, is hereby APPROVED.”

As described in greater detail under “Compensation Philosophy and Agreements with Named Executive Officers,” our compensation programs are designed to motivate our executives to create a successful company. We believe that our compensation program rewards sustained performance that is linked to long-term stockholder interests. Stockholders are encouraged to read the “Compensation Philosophy and Agreements with Named Executive Officers,” the accompanying compensation tables, and the related narrative disclosure included in this Proxy Statement.

Required Vote and Effect

This non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation will be considered approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter. You may vote “for,” “against” or “abstain.” If you “abstain” from voting with respect to this proposal, your vote will have the same effect as a vote “against” the proposal. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the vote for this proposal. Although this vote is non-binding, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee, which is comprised of independent directors, expect to take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation decisions to the extent they can determine the cause or causes of any significant negative voting results.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 3.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Set forth below is the name and age of each executive officer of the Company. The information set forth below is as of the record date.

Name		Age		Title
Richard A. Horowitz		66		Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and Assistant Treasurer
Joseph A. Molino, Jr.		52		Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer

Each of the foregoing Executive Officers was elected by the Board of Directors to serve until his successor is chosen and qualified.

Mr. Horowitz currently serves as an executive officer of the Company under the terms of an employment agreement expiring in December 2018. This agreement, and his previous employment agreement which was in effect throughout 2014, are discussed below. Further information about Mr. Horowitz, who is also a director of the Company, is contained above under “Information as to Directors and Nominees for Directors.”

Mr. Molino has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since December 1997, and has served as Chief Operating Officer of the Company since May 2005. From July 1990 until November 1997, Mr. Molino was chief financial officer of several small private manufacturing and service companies. Mr. Molino currently serves as an executive officer of the Company under the terms of an employment agreement expiring in December 2017. This employment agreement, and a severance agreement that was in effect throughout 2014, are discussed below.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth all compensation for 2015 and 2014 awarded to or earned by the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer. We refer to these individuals collectively in this Proxy Statement as “named executive officers”.

Summary Compensation Table

Name and Principal Position		Year				Salary ($)				Bonus ($)				Stock Awards ($)(1)				Option Awards ($)				Non-Equity Plan Compensation ($)(2)				All other Compensation ($)(3)(4)				Total ($)
Richard A. Horowitz Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)			2015				700,000				-0-				-0-				-0-				712,000				116,723				1,528,723
			2014				700,000				-0-				-0-				-0-				732,900				147,790				1,580,690
Joseph A. Molino, Jr. Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)			2015				375,000				-0-				17,150				-0-				172,000				58,906				623,056
			2014				375,000				-0-				-0-				-0-				153,000				52,459				580,459

Employment Agreements

See below under “COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY AND AGREEMENTS WITH NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS” for the material terms of employment agreements with Mr. Horowitz and Mr. Molino.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2015

No options, shares, or any other equity-based awards were granted to Mr. Horowitz in 2015.

On April 2, 2015, the Company issued 2,500 restricted shares to Mr. Molino, in accordance with the Molino Employment Agreement described below, under the Company’s 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”). These shares vest as to one-third on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant; provided, however, that 100% of the then unvested portion of the shares shall vest in the event of Mr. Molino’s death or termination due to disability or upon a Change in Control (as defined in the 2012 Plan).

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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2015

The following table set forth information regarding exercisable and unexercisable stock options and unvested restricted stock held by each of the named executive officers on December 31, 2015. There were no other options or unvested shares, units or other rights owned by the named executive officers as of December 31, 2015.

		Option Awards																Stock Awards
Name		Number of Securities Underlying Unexercized Options (#) Exercisable				Number of Securities Underlying Unexercized Options (#) Unexercisable				Option Exercise Price ($)				Option Expiration Date				Number of Shares or Units of Stock that have not vested (#)				Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock that have not Vested ($)
Richard A. Horowitz Chairman of the Board, President and Chief (Principal Executive Officer)			25,000								11.20				6/18/2017
			145,000								4.16				6/23/2018
Joseph A. Molino, Jr. Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)			20,000								11.20				6/18/2017				2,500	(2)			22,100	(3)
			25,000								4.16				6/23/2018
			15,000								4.56				5/15/2021
			40,000								4.95				6/21/2022
			10,000								8.21				4/10/2023
							5,000	(1)			8.21				4/10/2023

Option Exercises and Stock Vested during 2015.

On May 6, 2015, Mr. Molino exercised an option to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $3.05 per share. The closing market price of the Common Stock on such date was $6.66 per share. No other options were exercised during 2015 by either Mr. Horowitz or Mr. Molino, and no stock owned by either of them vested during 2015.

Pension Benefits and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

The named executive officers are covered by a Company-sponsored defined contribution retirement plan, which covers all eligible employees of the Company. In 2015, the Company contributed $17,429 for each of Mr. Horowitz and Mr. Molino to such defined contribution retirement plan, and in 2014, the Company contributed $16,576 for each of Mr. Horowitz and Mr. Molino to such defined contribution retirement plan. The named executive officers have no other reportable pension benefits provided by the Company and no nonqualified deferred compensation in 2015 or 2014.

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COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY AND AGREEMENTS WITH NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

As a smaller reporting company, the Company has presented the information in this proxy statement in accordance with the scaled disclosure requirements permitted under applicable SEC regulations, and as such, the Company has not included a “compensation discussion and analysis”. However, the Company is providing the following section of the proxy statement in order to provide stockholders with a better understanding of the Company’s compensation philosophy, agreements and certain related matters with respect to its named executive officers.

The Company’s overall executive compensation philosophy is to provide compensation in a manner that will incentivize the executives in order to optimize stockholder value. To that end, the program is designed to recognize successful operating performance and to attract, retain and motivate the executive talent essential to the Company’s financial success. Consistent with this philosophy, the Compensation Committee is guided by the following objectives when administering the Company’s overall compensation program:

In furtherance of these objectives, the following considerations underlie the Compensation Committee’s determination with respect to the following principal elements of compensation for the officers of the Company, including its named executive officers and its operating subsidiaries’ officers:

Base Salary.  Individual salary determinations should be based upon the officer’s qualifications, experience and performance.

Annual Cash Incentives.  Executives should have a portion of their total cash compensation at risk, contingent upon meeting specific Company objectives, in order to further align the interests of the executives with the stockholders. To that end, executives are only rewarded with cash bonuses to the extent stated objectives are achieved or exceeded.

Long-Term Equity-Based Awards.  Where and when appropriate, executives who are critical to the Company’s long-term success including the named executive officers should participate in long-term incentive opportunities that link a portion of their total compensation to stockholder value.

Retirement Plans and Other Benefits.  Executives should be eligible to participate in the Company’s benefit programs, such as life and health insurance and retirement plans as well as other benefits at a level consistent with Company policy, prevailing law and current regulations.

Total compensation is intended to correlate to the Company’s profitability, growth, and the achievement of other Company objectives which in turn enhances the Company’s stockholder value.

In 2015, the Compensation Committee directly engaged Steven Hall & Partners, LLC, an independent third-party compensation consultant, to assist it with, among other things, determining the level and composition of compensation, including performance-related compensation, for the named executive officers. Such consultant provided no additional services to the company or its affiliates in 2015.

Overview of 2015 Executive Compensation

Mr. Horowitz

Horowitz Employment Agreement.  The 2015 compensation for Richard A. Horowitz, the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, was governed by an executive employment agreement between the Company and Mr. Horowitz, which was entered into as of January 1, 2015 (the “Horowitz Employment Agreement”). The Horowitz Employment Agreement was approved by the Compensation Committee following the review of the material proposed terms of the arrangement by the independent directors of the Board. The employment agreement with Mr. Horowitz that was in effect throughout 2014 is discussed below under “Agreements with Named Executive Officers in Effect in 2014”.

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The Compensation Committee approved the terms of the Horowitz Employment Agreement after a multi-month process in which it and the independent directors of the Board evaluated Mr. Horowitz’s performance, Mr. Horowitz’s value to the Company and appropriate market comparables. In doing so, the Compensation Committee utilized the services of Steven Hall & Partners, an independent compensation consulting firm, as well as the services of special legal counsel to the Compensation Committee.

The Horowitz Employment Agreement provides for Mr. Horowitz to serve as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and, if elected by the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Board, for a term expiring on December 31, 2018, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the provisions of the Horowitz Employment Agreement. Pursuant to the Horowitz Employment Agreement, Mr. Horowitz will receive a minimum annual base salary of $700,000. Mr. Horowitz’s base salary will be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors (or a committee thereof) and may be increased, but not decreased, from time to time. Mr. Horowitz will be eligible for an annual incentive payment in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Amended and Restated 162(m) Bonus Plan (the “162(m) Bonus Plan”) (or successor plan) with performance goals to be set by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (after discussions with Mr. Horowitz), with a target of 55% of his then-current base salary, and a maximum bonus based on exceeding performance targets as established by the Compensation Committee of 165% of his then-current base salary. The Compensation Committee may reduce the percentage of the target bonus and the maximum bonus and apply such target amount to a long-term cash or equity incentive plan award. Mr. Horowitz will also receive (i) senior executive level employee benefits, (ii) continuation of the annual payment, through 2016, of approximately $45,000 to cover premiums on a life insurance policy, (iii) a Company-provided automobile and the payment of certain related expenses and (iv) payment and/or reimbursement of certain legal and consultants’ fees in connection with the Horowitz Employment Agreement. Mr. Horowitz received no equity grants in connection with the Horowitz Employment Agreement.

In the event Mr. Horowitz’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Horowitz Employment Agreement), or Mr. Horowitz resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the Horowitz Employment Agreement), then subject to his execution of a general release, (i) he will continue to receive his base salary for 20 months, (ii) he will receive a pro rata bonus for the year of termination (the “Pro Rata Bonus”), and (iii) the Company will pay him monthly an amount equal to the difference in his COBRA premium and the active employee contribution for medical coverage until the earlier of (a) 18 months from the date of termination, (b) his becoming eligible for medical benefits from a subsequent employer, or (c) his becoming ineligible for COBRA.

In the event Mr. Horowitz’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or he resigns for Good Reason within two years following a 409A Change in Control (as defined in the Horowitz Agreement), then subject to his execution of a general release, he will receive the amounts set forth in the previous paragraph; provided, that he will receive the base salary severance payment set forth in clause (i) of the previous paragraph in a lump sum rather than in installments. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event an Excise Tax (as defined in the Horowitz Employment Agreement) would otherwise be incurred by Mr. Horowitz, amounts paid to Mr. Horowitz upon a Change in Control will be reduced to 2.99 times his “base amount” (as determined in accordance with Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code).

Pursuant to the Horowitz Employment Agreement, during term of his employment and for a period of twelve months after termination of his employment, Mr. Horowitz is prohibited from (i) competing with the Company, (ii) soliciting or hiring the Company’s employees, representatives or agents, or (iii) soliciting any of the Company’s customers. The Horowitz Employment Agreement also prohibits Mr. Horowitz from using or disclosing any of the Company’s non-public, proprietary or confidential information.

Mr. Horowitz’s Bonus.  The criteria for the 2015 bonus was set by the Compensation Committee in March 2015 under, and in accordance with the terms of, the Horowitz Employment Agreement and the Company’s 162(m) Bonus Plan. It was based on achievement of certain target levels of Company profit, calculated primarily upon the level of earnings before taxes, depreciation and amortization achieved by the Company for fiscal 2015 with certain adjustments, and was subject to reduction by the Compensation Committee in its discretion, after reviewing narrower earnings-based achievement standards and other factors. Mr. Horowitz could have received no performance bonus or a bonus that was below the target bonus amount

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if the Company did not achieve its performance goals or at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. However, as a result of the Company’s performance exceeding the performance targets for 2015 and other factors, including Mr. Horowitz’s role in 2015 in the implementation of the Company’s strategic plan established by the Board of Directors to dispose of the Company’s Nationwide Industries, Inc. subsidiary (which disposition was consummated in 2016), Mr. Horowitz received a bonus of $712,000 for 2015.

Equity Awards granted to Mr. Horowitz.  Mr. Horowitz did not receive any equity award from the Company in 2015.

Mr. Molino

Molino Employment Agreement.  On April 2, 2015, the Company and Mr. Molino entered into an Executive Employment Agreement (the “Molino Employment Agreement”), effective as of January 1, 2015, which agreement was approved by the Compensation Committee following the earlier review of the material proposed terms of the arrangement by the independent directors of the Board. The Company had no previous employment agreement with Mr. Molino; however, the Company’s Severance Agreement with Mr. Molino (discussed below) expired on December 31, 2014.

The Compensation Committee approved the terms of the Molino Employment Agreement after a process in which it and the independent directors of the Board evaluated Mr. Molino’s performance, Mr. Molino’s value to the Company and appropriate market comparables. In doing so, the Compensation Committee utilized the services of Steven Hall & Partners, an independent compensation consulting firm, as well as the services of special legal counsel to the Compensation Committee.

The Molino Employment Agreement provides for Mr. Molino to serve as the Company’s Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer; provided, that prior to a Change in Control (as defined in the Molino Employment Agreement), the Company may in its sole discretion remove any or all of the Executive’s titles (and the related responsibilities) other than Chief Operating Officer. The term of the Molino Employment Agreement expires on December 31, 2017, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the provisions of the Molino Employment Agreement. Pursuant to the Molino Employment Agreement, Mr. Molino will receive a minimum annual base salary of $375,000. Mr. Molino’s base salary will be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors (or a committee thereof) and may be increased, but not decreased, from time to time. Mr. Molino will be eligible for an annual incentive payment in accordance with the terms and conditions of the 162(m) Bonus Plan (or a successor plan) with performance goals to be set by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, with a target of 35% of his then-current base salary, and a maximum bonus based on exceeding performance targets as established by the Compensation Committee of 58% of his then-current base salary. Mr. Molino will also receive (i) senior executive level employee benefits, (ii) a Company-provided automobile and the payment of certain related expenses and (iii) payment and/or reimbursement of legal fees of up to $5,000 in connection with the Molino Employment Agreement.

In the event Mr. Molino’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Molino Employment Agreement), or Mr. Molino resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the Molino Employment Agreement), he will receive all accrued amounts of base salary, unpaid bonuses for the prior year, unreimbursed expenses and amounts due under benefits plans in accordance with their terms and, subject to his execution of a general release, (i) he will continue to receive his base salary for 12 months, (ii) he will receive a pro rata bonus for the year of termination, and (iii) the Company will pay him monthly an amount equal to the difference in his COBRA premium and the active employee contribution for medical coverage until the earlier of (a) 18 months from the date of termination, (b) his becoming eligible for medical benefits from a subsequent employer, or (c) his becoming ineligible for COBRA.

In the event Mr. Molino’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or he resigns for Good Reason within two years following a Change in Control, then subject to his execution of a general release, he will receive the amounts set forth in the previous paragraph in addition to a lump sum amount equal to his target annual bonus for the fiscal year in which his termination occurs; provided, that the COBRA Payments set forth in clause (iii)(a) of the previous paragraph shall extend for up to 12 months from the date of termination rather than up to 18 months from the date of termination; and provided further, that in the event of a 409A Change in Control (as defined in the Molino Employment Agreement) he will receive the base salary severance payment set forth in clause (i) of the previous paragraph in a lump sum rather than in

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installments. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event an Excise Tax (as defined in the Molino Employment Agreement) would otherwise be incurred by Mr. Molino, amounts paid to Mr. Molino upon a Change in Control will be reduced to 2.99 times his “base amount” (as determined in accordance with Sections 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended).

Pursuant to the Molino Employment Agreement, during the term of his employment and for a period of twelve months after termination of his employment, Mr. Molino is prohibited from (i) competing with the Company, (ii) soliciting or hiring the Company’s employees, representatives or agents, or (iii) soliciting any of the Company’s customers. The Molino Employment Agreement also prohibits Mr. Molino from using or disclosing any of the Company’s non-public, proprietary or confidential information.

Mr. Molino’s Bonus.  The criteria for the 2015 bonus was set by the Compensation Committee in March 2015 under, and in accordance with terms of, the Molino Employment Agreement and the Company’s 162(m) Bonus Plan. It was based on achievement of certain target levels of Company profit, calculated primarily upon the level of earnings before taxes, depreciation and amortization achieved by the Company for fiscal 2015 with certain adjustments, and was subject to reduction by the Compensation Committee in its discretion, after reviewing narrower earnings-based achievement standards and other factors. Mr. Molino could have received no performance bonus or a bonus that was below the target bonus amount if the Company did not achieve its performance goals or at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. However, as a result of the Company’s performance exceeding the performance targets for 2015 and other factors, including Mr. Molino’s role in 2015 in the implementation of the Company’s strategic plan established by the Board of Directors to dispose of the Company’s Nationwide Industries, Inc. subsidiary (which disposition was consummated in 2016), Mr. Molino received a bonus of $172,000 for 2015.

Equity Awards granted to Mr. Molino.  In connection with entering into the Molino Employment Agreement, on April 2, 2015 the Company granted 2,500 shares of restricted stock of the Company (the “Restricted Stock”) to Mr. Molino under a Restricted Stock Agreement pursuant to the 2012 Plan, which vest as to one-third on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant, subject to accelerated vesting upon Mr. Molino’s death, termination due to disability or upon a Change in Control (as defined in the 2012 Plan).

Agreements with Named Executive Officers in Effect in 2014

Prior Horowitz Employment Agreement.  On December 29, 2011, the Company and Richard A. Horowitz entered into an Executive Employment Agreement (the “Prior Horowitz Employment Agreement”), effective as of January 1, 2012. The Prior Horowitz Employment Agreement provided for Mr. Horowitz to serve as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and, if elected by the Board, Chairman of the Board, for a term expiring on December 31, 2014, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the provisions of the Prior Horowitz Employment Agreement. Pursuant to the Prior Horowitz Employment Agreement, Mr. Horowitz received a minimum annual base salary of $650,000. Mr. Horowitz’s base salary was reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and could have been increased, but not decreased, from time to time. Pursuant to a 2014 amendment to the Prior Horowitz Employment Agreement, the Compensation Committee increased Mr. Horowitz’s annual base salary rate to $700,000 as of January 1, 2014. Mr. Horowitz was eligible for an annual incentive payment in accordance with the terms and conditions of the 162(m) Bonus Plan (or a successor plan) with performance goals to be set by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (after discussions with Mr. Horowitz), with a target of 50% of his then-current base salary, and a maximum bonus based on exceeding performance targets as established by the Compensation Committee of 150% of his then-current base salary. Pursuant to the 2014 amendment, the target and maximum bonus amounts were increased to 55% and 165%, respectively, for 2014.

The Prior Horowitz Employment Agreement further provided that Mr. Horowitz would also receive (i) senior executive level employee benefits, (ii) continuation of the annual payment of approximately $45,000 relating to premiums on a life insurance policy, (iii) a Company-provided automobile and the payment of certain related expenses and (iv) payment and/or reimbursement of certain legal and consultants’ fees. Mr. Horowitz received no equity grants in connection with the Prior Horowitz Employment Agreement.

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In the event Mr. Horowitz’s employment had been terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Prior Horowitz Employment Agreement), or Mr. Horowitz had resigned for Good Reason (as defined in the Prior Horowitz Employment Agreement), then subject to his execution of a general release, (i) he would have continued to receive his base salary for 18 months, (ii) he would have received a pro rata bonus for the year of termination, and (iii) the Company would have paid him monthly an amount equal to the difference in his COBRA premium and the active employee contribution for medical coverage until the earlier of (a) 18 months from the date of termination, (b) his becoming eligible for medical benefits from a subsequent employer, or (c) his becoming ineligible for COBRA. In the event Mr. Horowitz’s employment was terminated by the Company without Cause or he resigned for Good Reason within two years following a Change in Control (as defined in the Prior Horowitz Employment Agreement) or, under certain circumstances, within six months prior to a Change in Control, then he would have received the amounts set forth in the previous paragraph either in whole or in part in a lump sum, subject to his execution of a general release. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event an Excise Tax (as defined in the Prior Horowitz Employment Agreement) would otherwise be incurred by Mr. Horowitz, amounts paid to Mr. Horowitz upon a Change in Control would have been reduced to 2.99 times his “base amount” (as determined in accordance with Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code).

Pursuant to the Prior Horowitz Employment Agreement, during term of his employment and for a period of twelve months after termination of his employment, Mr. Horowitz was prohibited from (i) competing with the Company, (ii) soliciting or hiring the Company’s employees, representatives or agents, or (iii) soliciting any of the Company’s customers. The Prior Horowitz Employment Agreement also prohibited Mr. Horowitz from using or disclosing any of the Company’s non-public, proprietary or confidential information.

Severance Agreement with Mr. Molino.  In 2014, the Company did not have an employment agreement with Mr. Molino who was deemed to be an employee “at will”. However, the Company and Mr. Molino entered into a Severance Agreement (the “Severance Agreement”), effective as of June 22, 2012, which agreement provided that in the event Mr. Molino’s employment was terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Severance Agreement) on or prior to December 31, 2014 and a Change in Control (as defined in the Severance Agreement) had not occurred, then subject to his execution of a general release, he would continue to receive his base salary for 12 months (the “Severance Amount”).

Pursuant to the Severance Agreement, in the event Mr. Molino’s employment was terminated by the Company without Cause or he resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the Severance Agreement) within two years following a Change in Control (as defined in the Severance Agreement) that occurred prior to December 31, 2014, then subject to his execution of a general release (i) he would receive the Severance Amount either in whole or in part in a lump sum depending on whether the Change in Control constitutes a “change in control event” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, (ii) he would receive an amount equal to his target annual bonus for the fiscal year such termination occurs, and (iii) the Company would pay him monthly an amount equal to the difference in his COBRA premium and the active employee contribution for medical coverage until the earlier of (a) 12 months from the date of termination, (b) his becoming eligible for medical benefits from a subsequent employer, or (c) his becoming ineligible for COBRA. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event an Excise Tax (as defined in the Severance Agreement) would otherwise be incurred by Mr. Molino, amounts paid to Mr. Molino upon a Change in Control will be reduced to 2.99 times his “base amount” (as determined in accordance with Sections 280G of the Internal Revenue Code).

In the event of a termination of Mr. Molino’s employment due to his death or by the Company due to his disability (i) he would receive a pro rata bonus for the year of termination and (ii) the Company would pay him or his estate monthly an amount equal to the difference in his COBRA premium and the active employee contribution for medical coverage until the earlier of (a) one year from the date of termination, (b) Mr. Molino or his dependents becoming ineligible for COBRA or (c) in the case of a termination due to disability, his ceasing to have a physical or mental disability that would prevent him from performing his material duties for the Company.

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Pursuant to the Severance Agreement, during the term of his employment and for a period of twelve months after termination of his employment, Mr. Molino was prohibited from (i) competing with the Company, (ii) soliciting or hiring the Company’s employees, representatives or agents, or (iii) soliciting any of the Company’s customers. The Severance Agreement also prohibited Mr. Molino from using or disclosing any of the Company’s non-public, proprietary or confidential information.

Post-2015 Executive Compensation Matters

In March 2016, the Compensation Committee designated that Mr. Horowitz and Mr. Molino would each be participating in the 162(m) Bonus Plan for 2016, and set forth the maximum bonus for 2016 for each such named executive officer, based on the achievement of certain target levels of Company profit, calculated based upon the level of earnings before taxes, depreciation and amortization to be achieved by the Company for fiscal 2016 with certain adjustments, which is subject to reduction by the Compensation Committee in its discretion, after reviewing narrower earnings-based achievement standards and other factors.

162(m) Bonus Plan

The 162(m) Bonus Plan was approved by the Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors and the stockholders in 2011, and re-adopted by such committee, the Board of Directors and the stockholders in 2015. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 162(m)”) prohibits a corporation from taking a tax deduction in any tax year for compensation it pays to the chief executive officer and certain other named executive officers in excess of $1 million unless such compensation qualifies as performance based and satisfies certain requirements. The Company maintains the 162(m) Bonus Plan to permit, when appropriate, annual incentive award to qualify as performance based compensation and, to the extent they qualify, be deductible for income tax purposes under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Similarly, the Company has provisions in the 2012 Plan to permit certain equity grants, when appropriate, to qualify as performance based compensation. The Compensation Committee considers the application of Section 162(m) when structuring awards. Section 162(m) regulations are complicated and subject to change. In addition, a number of requirements must be met in order for particular compensation to qualify as deductible under the section. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the compensation intended to qualify for deductibility under Section 162(m) awarded or paid by the Company will be fully deductible.

Under the 162(m) Bonus Plan, the Compensation Committee selects the employees of our Company and its subsidiaries who will participate in the 162(m) Bonus Plan for each performance period. The Compensation Committee establishes the objective performance goals, formulae or standards and the individual target performance award (if any) applicable to each participant for a performance period prior to the beginning of such performance period or at such later date as permitted under Section 162(m), and while the outcome of the performance goals are substantially uncertain. As stated above, Mr. Horowitz and Mr. Molino each participated in the 162(m) Bonus Plan in 2015 and each was designated to participate in such bonus plan for 2016.

Stock Incentive Plans — Change in Control

Change of Control Provisions.  The Company’s 2012 Plan provides that unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant, awards subject to vesting and/or restrictions will not accelerate and vest or cause the lapse of restrictions upon a change in control (as defined in the 2012 Plan). Instead, such awards will be, in the discretion of the Compensation Committee, either (i) assumed and continued or substituted in accordance with applicable law; (ii) purchased by the Company for an amount equal to the excess of the price of the Company’s Common Stock paid in a change in control over the exercise price of the award(s) (such purchase price not to exceed the fair market value of the Common Stock at the time of purchase), or (iii) cancelled if the price of the Common stock paid in a change in control is less than the exercise price of the award. The Committee may also, in its sole discretion, provide for accelerated vesting or lapse of restrictions of an award at any time.

In the event of a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation or in the event of a transaction that results in the acquisition of all or substantially all of the Company’s Common Stock or assets, the Compensation Committee may elect to terminate all outstanding exercisable awards granted under the 2012 Plan, provided that during the period from notification of such termination to the date

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of consummation of the relevant transaction (which must be at least 20 days) each participant shall have the right to exercise all of his or her exercisable awards in full (without regard to any restrictions on exercisability), contingent on the consummation of such transaction.

The Company’s 2002 Stock Incentive Plan provides that in the event of a change in control, notwithstanding any vesting schedule with respect to an award of options or restricted stock, such option shall become immediately exercisable with respect to 100% of the shares subject to such option, and the restricted period shall expire immediately with respect to 100% of such shares of restricted stock. The 2002 Stock Incentive Plan further provides that in the event of a change in control, all other awards shall become fully vested and/or payable to the fullest extent of any award or portion thereof that has not then expired, and any restrictions with respect thereto shall expire.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table presents equity compensation plan information as of December 31, 2015:

Plan category		Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights				Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights				Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders			457,000			$	6.15				183,267
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders			—				—				—
TOTAL			457,000			$	6.15				183,267

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SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company. Officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders are required by the SEC to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

To the Company’s knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company or written representations that no other reports were required, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with during, or in respect of, the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 and prior periods.

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STOCKHOLDER NOMINATIONS FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERSHIP AND
OTHER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING

The submission deadline for stockholder proposals to be included in our proxy materials for the 2017 Annual Meeting pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act is December 30, 2016. All such proposals must be received by the Corporate Secretary at P&F Industries, Inc., 445 Broadhollow Road, Suite 100, New York 11747 by the required deadline and must comply with all other applicable legal requirements in order to be considered for inclusion in the Company’s 2017 proxy materials. Any such proposal should be submitted by certified mail, return receipt requested, or other means, including electronic means, that allow the stockholder to prove the date of delivery.

The Company’s By-laws require that, for nominations of directors or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting, advance written notice of such nomination or proposal for other business must be furnished to the Company. Such notice must contain certain information specified in the Company’s By-laws concerning the nominating or proposing stockholder and information concerning the nominee (if any) and, subject to certain conditions set forth in the By-laws, must be furnished by the stockholder (who must be entitled to vote at the meeting) to the Secretary of the Company, as the address set forth above, not more than 120 days nor less than 90 days in advance of the one year anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided however, that, if the meeting is convened more than 30 days prior to or delayed by more than 30 days after the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, or if no annual meeting was held in the preceding year, notice by the Nominating Stockholder to be timely must so be received not later than the close of business on the later of (i) the 90^th day before such annual meeting or (ii) the 10^th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. In the case of the annual meeting to be held in 2017, written notice of a nomination or proposal must be received no earlier than January 25, 2017 and no later than February 24, 2017. A copy of the applicable provisions of the By-laws may be obtained by any stockholder, without charge, upon written request to the Secretary of the Company at the address set forth below. The foregoing is a summary of the applicable provisions of the Company’s By-laws, which should be read in their entirety.

ANNUAL REPORT

Stockholders of record on April 13, 2016 will receive a copy of the Company’s 2015 Annual Report, containing its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (without exhibits), along with this Proxy Statement. You may also obtain copies of exhibits to the Form 10-K, but we may charge a reasonable fee to stockholders requesting such exhibits. If you would like copies of any of the exhibits to the Form 10-K, you should direct your request in writing to the Company at 445 Broadhollow Road, Suite 100, Melville, New York 11747, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Such Annual Report on Form 10-K, including exhibits, is also available free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

By order of the Board of Directors
JOSEPH A. MOLINO, JR.
Secretary

Date: April 29, 2016

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