SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No.)
Filed by the Registrant /X/
Filed by a party other than the Registrant
Check the appropriate box:
/X/ Preliminary Proxy Statement
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-
6(e)(2))
Definitive Proxy Statement
Definitive Additional Materials
Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12
WHITTMAN-HART, 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):
/X/ No fee required
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
[LOGO]
WHITTMAN-HART, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 21, 1998
To the Stockholders of
Whittman-Hart, Inc.:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Whittman-Hart, Inc. (the "Company")
will be held at 10:00 a.m., central time, on Thursday, May 21, 1998,
at the Whittman-Hart Institute for Strategic Education, 320 North Elizabeth
Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607, for the following purposes:
(1) To elect two directors of the second class to the Company's Board of
Directors;
(2) To consider and act upon the proposal of the Board of Directors to
amend the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
to increase the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for
issuance from 37,000,000 to 75,000,000 shares of Common Stock.;
(3) To consider and act upon a proposal of the Board of Directors to amend
the Company's 1995 Incentive Stock Plan to increase the amount of
shares reserved for issuance to _________ shares of Common Stock.; and
(4) To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournments thereof.
The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy
Statement accompanying this Notice.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 23, 1998 as
the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote
at, the meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
[EDWARD V. SZOFER SIGNATURE]
Edward V. Szofer
President and Secretary
Chicago, Illinois
April _, 1998
ALL STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON OR BY PROXY. WHETHER
OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND DATE
THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE PAID
ENVELOPE FURNISHED FOR THAT PURPOSE. YOUR PROXY CAN BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME
BEFORE IT IS VOTED.
WHITTMAN-HART, INC.
311 SOUTH WACKER DRIVE
SUITE 3500
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606-6618
(312) 922-9200
______________________
PROXY STATEMENT
____________________
The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors (the "Board
of Directors" or "Board") of Whittman-Hart, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), for use at the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual
Meeting") to be held at 10:00 a.m., central time, Thursday, May 21,
1998, at The Whittman-Hart Institute for Strategic Education, 320 North
Elizabeth Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607, and any adjournments thereof.
This Proxy Statement and accompanying form of proxy were first released to
stockholders on or about April __, 1998.
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES - The Board of Directors has fixed the
close of business on March 23, 1998 as the record date (the "Record Date") for
the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the
Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof. As of the Record Date, the Company
had outstanding 22,965,041 shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share
("Common Stock"). Each of the outstanding shares of Common Stock is entitled to
one vote on all matters coming before the Annual Meeting.
VOTING OF PROXIES - Robert F. Bernard and David P. Shelow, the persons
named as proxies on the proxy card accompanying this Proxy Statement, were
selected by the Board of Directors of the Company to serve in such capacity.
Mr. Bernard serves as an officer and director of the Company, and Mr. Shelow
serves as an officer of the Company. The shares represented by each executed
and returned proxy will be voted and such vote will be in accordance with the
directions indicated thereon or, if no direction is indicated, in accordance
with the recommendations of the Board of Directors contained in this Proxy
Statement. The Board of Directors does not presently intend to bring any
business before the Annual Meeting other than the specific proposals referred to
in this Proxy Statement and specified in the Notice of Annual Meeting, and so
far as is known to the Board of Directors, no other matters are to be brought
before the Annual Meeting. As to any other business that may properly come
before the Annual Meeting, however, it is intended that proxies, in the form
enclosed, will be voted in respect thereof in accordance with the judgment of
the persons voting such proxies. Each stockholder giving a proxy has the power
to revoke it at any time before the shares it represents are voted. Revocation
of a proxy is effective upon receipt by the Secretary of the Company of either
(i) an instrument revoking the proxy or (ii) a duly executed proxy bearing a
later date. Additionally, a stockholder may revoke a previously executed proxy
by voting in person at the Annual Meeting (although attendance at the Annual
Meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy).
REQUIRED VOTE - A plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or
represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting is required to elect the nominees for
directors. Stockholders will not be allowed to cumulate their votes in the
election of directors. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding common stock is required to approve the amendment to the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation. The affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the common stock entitled to vote and represented in person or by
proxy at the Annual Meeting is required to approve the amendment to the 1995
Incentive Stock Plan. Shares represented by proxies which are marked "abstain"
or to deny discretionary authority on any matter will be treated as shares
present and entitled to vote which will have the same effect as a vote against
any such matters. Broker "non-votes" will have no effect in the election of
directors and the proposal to amend the 1995 Incentive Stock Plan, but will have
the same effect as a vote against the proposal to amend the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation.
QUORUM - The required quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual
Meeting will be a majority of the shares of Common Stock entitled to vote on the
Record Date. Broker "non-votes" are included for purposes of determining
whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. A broker "non-votes" occurs
when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a
particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power
with respect to that item and has not received instructions from the beneficial
owner.
ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS - The Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for
the year ended December 31, 1997, containing financial and other information
pertaining to the Company, is being furnished to stockholders simultaneously
with this Proxy Statement.
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Board of Directors consists of five directors. Article III of
the Company's Second Amended and Restated Bylaws provides that the Board of
Directors shall be classified with respect to the terms for which its members
shall hold office by dividing the members into three classes. At the Annual
Meeting, two directors of the second class of the Company's Board of Directors
will be elected, each to be elected for a term of three years expiring at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders in the year 2001. All of the nominees are
presently serving as directors of the Company.
The three directors whose terms of office do not expire in 1998 will
continue to serve after the Annual Meeting until such time as their respective
terms of office expire or their successors are duly elected and qualified. See
"Other Directors" below.
If at the time of the Annual Meeting any of the nominees should be unable
or decline to serve, the persons named in the proxy will vote for such
substitute nominee or nominees as the Board of Directors recommends, or vote to
allow the vacancy created thereby to remain open until filled by the Board, as
the Board recommends. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any
nominee will be unable or will decline to serve as a director if elected.
NOMINEES
The names of the nominees for the office of director, together with certain
information concerning such nominees, are set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Served as
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Paul D. Carbery(1)(2) 36 Director 1995
Edward V. Szofer .. 38 Director, President 1995
(1) Member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
</TABLE>
Paul D. Carbery has served as a director of the Company since August 1995.
Mr. Carbery has been a general partner of Frontenac Company, a private equity
investment management partnership, since June 1993 and was an associate of that
firm from September 1989 to June 1993. He also serves as a director of
Mastering, Inc. as well as several privately held companies.
Edward V. Szofer has served as a director of the Company since August 1995,
has been President since August 1997 and Secretary since May 1996. Prior to
August 1997, Mr. Szofer served as Vice President of the Company. From 1984 to
December 1993, Mr. Szofer held various management positions with the Company in
operations. Mr. Szofer was employed as a consultant in the Management
Information Consulting division of Arthur Andersen & Co. prior to joining the
Company.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR BOTH THE NOMINEES
FOR ELECTION FOR DIRECTORS OF THE SECOND CLASS.
OTHER DIRECTORS
The following persons will continue to serve as directors of the Company
after the Annual Meeting until their terms of office expire (as indicated below)
or until their successors are elected and qualified.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Served as Term
Name Age Position with Company Director Expires
Since
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert F. Bernard 36 Chairman of the Board 1984 1999
and Chief Executive Officer
Lawrence P. Roches (1)(2) 46 Director 1995 2000
Robert F. Steel (1)(2) 43 Director 1995 2000
(1) Member of Audit Committee.
(2) Member of Compensation Committee.
</TABLE>
Robert F. Bernard, the founder of the Company, has served as Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since its inception in
1984. From 1984 to August 1997, Mr. Bernard also served as the Company's
President. He was selected as the KPMG Illinois High Tech Entrepreneur of the
Year in 1992.
Lawrence P. Roches has served as a director of the Company since August
1995. He was the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Quantra Corporation,
a provider of investment management systems for securities, mortgage loans and
real estate portfolios from September 1994 to March 1998. From November 1991 to
August 1994, he was employed as the Vice President of Marketing of ShipNet
Systems, Inc., an information services company. From October 1985 to May 1991,
Mr. Roches was employed as Vice President of Technology and Chief Services
Officer of System Software Associates, Inc., a software company.
Robert F. Steel has served as a director of the Company since August 1995.
He served as Secretary from January 1996 to May 1996. Since 1977, Mr. Steel has
served in various positions with K.A. Steel Chemicals Inc., a chemical
processing firm, most recently as President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director. Mr. Steel also serves as an officer and director of several other
privately held companies.
MEETINGS
During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Board of Directors held eight
meetings. Each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the number of
board meetings held and the total number of meetings of committees on which he
served that were held during 1997.
BOARD COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee and a
Compensation Committee. Both the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee
are currently composed entirely of directors who are not officers or employees
of the Company. The Company does not have a standing nominating committee.
The Audit Committee, consisting of Messrs. Carbery, Roches and Steel, is
responsible for selection, reviewing the results and scope of audits and other
services provided by the Company's independent auditors and reviewing the
Company's audit and control functions and reporting to the Board of Directors
regarding all of the foregoing. The Audit Committee held one meeting in 1997.
The Compensation Committee, consisting of Messrs. Carbery, Roches and
Steel, makes recommendations concerning the salaries and incentive compensation
for the employees of the Company, including the number of options to be granted
to the Company's executive officers pursuant to its incentive compensation
plans, and reporting to the Board of Directors regarding the foregoing. The
Compensation Committee held one meeting in 1997.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Except for Mr. Roches, who receives $3,000 annually, directors do not
receive any compensation for their services, although directors are reimbursed
for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Set forth below is a table identifying executive officers of the Company
who are not identified in the tables entitled "Election of Directors--Nominees"
or "--Other Directors."
<TABLE>
NAME AGE POSITION WITH COMPANY
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Kevin M. Gaskey 39 Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Stanley F. Martin 43 Chief Operating Officer
</TABLE>
Kevin M. Gaskey, a certified public accountant, has served as the Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company since early 1990. From 1985 to
1990, Mr. Gaskey held various corporate and division financial management
positions with Baxter International, Inc., with a significant focus on Baxter's
Caribbean operations, as well as overseeing the financial arm of their start-up
software entity. Prior to 1985, Mr. Gaskey was employed by Beatrice Companies,
Inc. and KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
Stanley F. Martin has served as the Company's Chief Operating Officer since
August 1997. Mr. Martin joined the Company in January 1997 as the Vice
President of Sales and Marketing before becoming the Company's Chief Operating
Officer. From 1994 until joining the Company, Mr. Martin was the Area Director
of Sales and Marketing for Ernst & Young LLP in New York. From 1988 to 1994,
Mr. Martin served as a Divisional Vice President with Siemens Nixdorf
Information Systems, managing a business unit that developed, marketed and sold
client server applications for the U.S. market. Mr. Martin previously served in
a variety of management positions with IBM Corporation.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934
Act"), requires the Company's officers (as defined under Section 16 of the 1934
Act) and directors, and persons who own greater than 10% of a registered class
of the Company's equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in
ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Based
solely on a review of the forms it has received and on written representations
from certain reporting persons that no such forms were required for them, the
Company believes that, during 1997, all Section 16 filing requirements
applicable to its officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners
were complied with by such persons.
PROPOSAL NO. 2
AMENDMENT OF THE COMPANY'S AMENDED
AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
T0 INCREASE THE AUTHORIZED COMMON STOCK
The Company's Board of Directors has approved an amendment to the Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company to increase the number
of authorized shares of Common Stock from 37,000,000 to 75,000,000. This
proposal requires approval of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common
Stock outstanding.
Under the Company's current Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, the Company has the authority to issue 37,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, and 3,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. At April 2, 1998,
23,309,724 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding and no shares of
Preferred Stock were outstanding. Accordingly, as of April 2, 1998, after
taking into account the shares reserved for issuance under the Company's Stock
Plans and upon the exercise of outstanding options issued by the Company, there
remained approximately 8,240,241 shares of Common Stock available for issuance.
Once the Charter Amendment is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware (and the amendment to the Stock Plan (see below) is effective
increasing the shares available for issuance under the Stock Plan to
__________), the Company would have approximately __________ shares of Common
Stock available for issuance.
Stockholders of the Company have no preemptive rights with respect to its
capital stock. Accordingly, the Common Stock authorized pursuant to the Charter
Amendment may be issued without further stockholder approval.
Except for the registration statement described below, the Company has no
present plans, agreements or understandings regarding the issuance of any
additional shares of Common Stock. The Board of Directors believes that
adoption of the Charter Amendment is advisable because it will provide the
Company with needed flexibility in connection with possible future financing
transactions, acquisitions of other companies or business properties, stock
splits, employee benefit plans and other corporate purposes. While the issuance
of additional shares of Common Stock may dilute the ownership interest of a
person seeking to obtain control of the Company, and thus discourage a change in
control of the Company by making it more difficult or costly, the Company is not
aware of anyone seeking to accumulate Common Stock for such purpose and has no
present intention of using any additional Common Stock to deter a change in
control. Except as otherwise required by applicable law or the rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., authorized but unissued shares
of Common Stock may be issued at such time, for such purposes, and for such
consideration as the Board of Directors may determine to be appropriate, without
further authorization by the stockholders.
In order to raise additional capital, the Company has filed a registration
statement covering 1,300,000 shares of Common Stock to be sold by the Company.
There can be no assurance that the Company will commence an offering using
securities registered under this registration statement.
The Company has no present intention to use the increased authorized Common
Stock for anti-takeover purposes. The Charter Amendment is not intended to have
any anti-takeover effect and is not part of any series of anti-takeover measures
contained in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws
as in effect on the date hereof. However, the issuance of the additional Common
Stock would increase the number of shares necessary to acquire control of the
Board or necessary to meet the voting requirements imposed by Delaware law with
respect to a merger or other business combination involving the Company.
The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws
currently provide several mechanisms whereby the Company's Board could resist a
takeover attempt not considered in the best interests of stockholders. The
Company's Board has the authority to issue up to 3,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock and to determine the relative preferences, limitations and relative rights
of those shares with respect to dividends, redemption, payments on liquidation,
sinking fund provisions, conversion privileges and voting rights without any
further vote or action by the stockholders. The rights of the holders of Common
Stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the
holders of any Preferred Stock that may be issued in the future. While the
Company has no present intention to issue shares of Preferred Stock, any such
issuance could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to
acquire control of the Company. In addition, the Company is subject to the
anti-takeover provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law,
which could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of the
Company. Furthermore, certain provisions of the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws may individually or collectively
have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control or management of
the Company and could have a depressive effect on the market price of Common
Stock. For example, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and
the Bylaws contain provisions that limit the right of stockholders to call
special stockholder meetings and require that stockholders follow an advance
notification procedure for certain stockholder nominations of candidates to the
Board and for new business to be conducted at stockholders meetings.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE AMENDED AND
RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION INCREASING THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON
STOCK AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE FROM 37,000,000 TO 75,000,000.
PROPOSAL NO. 3
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S
1995 INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN
GENERAL
The Board of Directors of the Company has approved an amendment to the
Company's 1995 Incentive Stock Plan (the "Stock Plan") which increases the
number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance pursuant to the Stock
Plan. The Stock Plan, as adopted and approved by stockholders, provided that
options to acquire an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock may be
granted. The Board of Directors has amended the Stock Plan to provide for the
issuance of options to acquire an aggregate of 5,650,755 shares of Common
Stock. As of April 2, 1998, options to purchase 5,652,920 shares of Common
Stock have been granted (net of cancellations) under the Stock Plan.
The Board of Directors believes that the Company's continued success
depends upon its ability to attract and retain highly competent persons as
officers and key employees. The Board of Directors believes that one of the
best ways to attain these objectives is to give officers and key employees an
opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company by purchasing
shares of Common Stock through the exercise of options granted under the Stock
Plan.
Approval of the amendment requires the affirmative vote of a majority of
the shares of Common Stock registered and entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting.
SUMMARY OF STOCK PLAN
The purpose of Stock Plan is to enable the Company to provide officers, and
key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries with performance-based equity
and monetary incentives, thereby attracting, retaining and rewarding such
persons and strengthening the mutuality of interest between such persons and the
Company's stockholders.
The maximum number of shares which currently may be awarded to any
participant in any year during the term of the Stock Plan is 100,000 shares. If
there is a lapse, cancellation, expiration or termination of any option prior to
the issuance of shares, or if shares are issued and thereafter are reacquired by
the Company pursuant to rights reserved upon issuance thereof, those shares may
again be used for new awards under the Stock Plan.
The Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board
of Directors (the "Committee"). Among the Committee's powers are the authority
to interpret the Stock Plan, establish rules and regulations for its operation,
select officers and other key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries to
receive awards, and determine the form, amount and other terms and conditions of
awards.
Officers, employees and non-employee directors of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the Stock Plan. The selection of
participants is within the discretion of the Committee. The estimated number of
employees and non-employee directors who are eligible to participate in the
Stock Plan is approximately 2,000 on April 2, 1998.
The Stock Plan provides for the grant of any or all of the following types
of awards: (a) stock options, including incentive stock options and
nonqualified stock options; (b) stock appreciation rights ("SARs"); (c) stock
awards; and (d) performance shares; and (e) performance units. Awards may be
granted singly, in combination, or in tandem as determined by the Committee.
Under the Stock Plan, the Committee may grant awards in the form of
incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options to purchase shares of the
Common Stock. The Committee, with regard to each stock option, determines the
number of shares subject to the option, the manner and time of the option's
exercise and vesting, and the exercise price per share of stock subject to the
option; provided, however, that no stock options shall be exercisable later than
ten years after the date they are granted. The aggregate fair market value at
the time of grant of shares of Common Stock with respect to which incentive
stock options are exercisable for the first time by a participant during any
calendar year cannot be more than $100,000. The exercise price of an incentive
stock option will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the date the option is granted. The exercise price of a nonqualified
stock option will not be less than 85% of the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the date the option is granted. The option price may be paid by a
participant in cash or, in the discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common
Stock then owned by the participant, or a combination thereof.
The Stock Plan authorizes the Committee to grant an SAR either in tandem
with a stock option or independent of a stock option. An SAR is a right to
receive a payment equal to the appreciation in market value of a stated number
of shares of Common Stock from the exercise price. If issued in tandem with a
stock option such appreciation is measured from not less than the option price
and in the case of a SAR issued independently of any stock option, such
appreciation is measured from not less than the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the date the right is granted. No SAR may be exercisable earlier than
six months after the date of grant and shall expire at the earlier of the date
the related stock option expires or ten years after the SAR was granted.
The Stock Plan authorizes the Committee to grant awards in the form of
restricted or unrestricted shares of Common Stock. Such awards are subject to
such terms, conditions, restrictions, and/or limitations, if any, as the
Committee deems appropriate including, but not by way of limitation,
restrictions on transferability and continued employment.
The Stock Plan authorizes the Committee to grant awards in the form of
performance shares and performance units which consist of the right to receive
Common Stock or cash of equivalent value at the end of a specified period. The
Committee determines the terms and conditions of the performance units.
The Stock Plan provides that awards shall not be transferable otherwise
than by law or by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Committee may permit the transferability of an award to
members of the participant's immediate family or trusts or family partnerships
for the benefit of such family members.
The Board of Directors reserves the right to amend, suspend or terminate
the Stock Plan at any time, subject to the rights of participants with respect
to any outstanding awards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment to the
Stock Plan shall, without approval of stockholders of the Company, result in the
Stock Plan losing its status as a protected plan under Securities Exchange
Commission Rule 16b-3.
The Stock Plan contains provisions for equitable adjustment of awards in
the event of a merger, consolidation or reorganization, or issuance of shares by
the Company without new consideration or a change of control.
FEDERAL TAX TREATMENT
Under current law, the following are U.S. federal income tax consequences
generally arising with respect to awards under the Stock Plan.
A participant who is granted an incentive stock option does not recognize
any taxable income at the time of the grant or at the time of exercise.
Similarly, the Company is not entitled to any deduction at the time of grant or
at the time of exercise. However, for purposes of the alternative minimum tax
the exercise of an incentive stock option will be treated as an exercise of a
nonqualified stock option. Accordingly, the exercise of an incentive stock
option may result in an alternative minimum tax liability to a participant. If
the participant makes no disposition of the shares acquired pursuant to an
incentive stock option before the later of two years from the date of grant and
one year from the date of exercise, any gain or loss realized on a subsequent
disposition of the shares will be treated as a long-term capital gain or loss.
Under such circumstances, the Company will not be entitled to any deduction for
federal income tax purposes.
However, if the participant disposes of shares acquired upon exercise of an
incentive stock option within two years after the date of grant or one year
after the date of exercise of the option (a "disqualifying disposition"), the
participant will recognize ordinary compensation income in the amount of the
excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the
option exercise price (or, in certain circumstances, the gain on the sale, if
less). Any excess of the amount realized on the disqualifying disposition over
the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise of the option will
generally be treated as capital gain. In the event of a disqualifying
disposition, the Company will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of
ordinary compensation income recognized by the participant.
A participant who is granted a nonqualified stock option will not have
taxable income at the time of grant, but will have taxable income at the time of
exercise equal to the difference between the exercise price of the shares and
the market value of the shares on the date of exercise. The Company is entitled
to a tax deduction for the same amount.
The grant of an SAR will produce no U.S. federal tax consequences for the
participant or the Company. The exercise of an SAR results in taxable income to
the participant, equal to the difference between the exercise price of the
shares and the market price of the shares on the date of exercise, and a
corresponding tax deduction to the Company.
A participant who has been granted an award of restricted shares of Common
Stock will not realize taxable income at the time of the grant, and the Company
will not be entitled to a tax deduction at the time of the grant, unless the
participant makes an election to be taxed at the time of the award. When the
restrictions lapse, the participant will recognize taxable income in an amount
equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at such time over the
amount, if any, paid for such shares. The Company will be entitled to a
corresponding tax deduction.
The grant of an unrestricted stock award will produce immediate tax
consequences for both the participant and the Company. The participant will be
treated as having received taxable compensation in an amount equal to the then
fair market value of the Common Stock awarded. The Company will receive a
corresponding tax deduction.
OPTIONS UNDER THE STOCK PLAN
The following table sets forth options granted in the aggregate, net of
cancellations, under the Stock Plan from December 31, 1997 to April 2, 1998 to
(i) the Named Executive Officers, (ii) all executive officers as a group, (iii)
all non-employee directors and (iv) all employees, including all current
officers who are not executive officers, as a group.
<TABLE>
STOCK PLAN(1)
<CAPTION>
NAME AND POSITION NUMBER OF
SHARES
UNDERLYING
OPTIONS
GRANTED
<S> <C>
Robert F. Bernard 11,000
Edward V. Szofer 11,000
Kevin M. Gaskey 11,000
Stanley F. Martin 11,000
All executive officers as a
group (4 persons) 44,000
All current directors who are
not executive officers as a
group -
All employees who are not
Executive officers as a group 1,939,244
_________________
(1) All options to purchase Common Stock were issued at 100% of their fair
market value on the date of grant and expire ten years from the date
of grant. See "Executive Compensation."
</TABLE>
On April 2, 1998, the last reported sales price of the Common Stock on the
Nasdaq National Market was $46.375 per share.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following tables provide information concerning the annual and long-
term compensation for services in all capacities to the Company for the fiscal
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 of those persons who were at
December 31, 1997, (i) the chief executive officer and (ii) the three other most
highly compensated (based upon combined salary and bonus) executive officers of
the Company (collectively, with the chief executive officer, the "Named
Officers").
<TABLE>
Summary Compensation Table
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
OTHER AWARDS(1)
ANNUAL SECURITIES ALL OTHER
NAME AND COMPENSATION UNDERLYING COMPENSATION
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) ($) OPTIONS(#) ($)(2)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert F. Bernard 1997 $360,000 $10,368 - 38,083 -
Chairman of the Board 1996 360,000 9,989 - - -
and Chief Executive 1995 360,000 - $103,446(3) - -
Officer
Edward V. Szofer 1997 $218,750 $ 6,480 - 22,658 $1,200
President and Secretary 1996 200,000 - - 854 500
1995 199,000 25,000 - 115,704 500
Kevin M. Gaskey 1997 $191,250 $ 5,760 - 15,145 $1,200
Chief Financial Officer 1996 165,000 15,000 - 490 500
and Treasurer 1995 160,500 141,250(4) - 124,000 500
Stanley F. Martin 1997 $189,327 $33,069(5) - 42,755 -
Chief Operating Officer
(1) The Company did not issue any restricted stock or grant any stock
appreciation rights to the named officers in 1997. None of the Named
Executive Officers held any restricted stock as of December 31, 1997.
(2) Represents Company matching payments under the Company's 401(k) Plan.
(3) Represents amounts paid as reimbursement for income tax liabilities
incurred as a result of the Company's predecessors' earnings.
(4) Represents a cash bonus of $41,250 and the issuance of 61,800 shares
of Common Stock on February 15, 1995.
(5) Represents a relocation payment of $27,789 and a cash bonus of $5,280
paid in accordance with the Company's incentive policies.
</TABLE>
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR --The following table sets forth certain
information with respect to the grant of stock options by the Company to the
Named Officers during 1997. No stock appreciation rights were granted to the
Named Officers in 1997.
<TABLE>
OPTION GRANTS IN 1997
Potential Realizable
Individual Grants(1) Value at Assumed
Number of % of Total Annual Rates of
Securities Options Stock Price
Underlying Granted Exercise Appreciation
Options Employees Price Expiration Option Term (2)
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert F. Bernard 9,267 0.44% 19.81 1/21/07 115,467 292,615
20,000 0.94% 19.81 1/21/07 249,199 631,520
8,816 0.41% 24.50 8/04/07 135,836 344,236
38,083
Edward V. Szofer 5,148 0.24% 19.81 1/21/07 64,144 162,553
12,000 0.56% 19.81 1/21/07 149,520 378,912
5,510 0.26% 24.50 8/04/07 84,898 215,147
22,658
Kevin M. Gaskey 4,247 0.20% 19.81 1/21/07 52,918 134,103
6,000 0.28% 19.81 1/21/07 74,760 189,456
4,898 0.23% 24.50 8/04/07 75,468 191,251
15,145
Stanley F. Martin 20,000 0.94% 19.81 1/21/07 249,199 631,520
17,857 0.84% 28.00 7/18/07 314,445 796,865
4,898 0.23% 24.50 8/04/07 75,468 191,251
42,755
(1) These options, all of which are nonqualified stock options, were
granted pursuant to the Stock Plan. These options have
varying vesting amounts and periods. The exercise price is payable in
cash or, subject to certain limitations, by delivery of shares of
Common Stock.
(2) Potential realizable value is presented net of the option exercise
price but before any federal or state income taxes associated with
exercise. These amounts represent certain assumed rates of
appreciation only. Actual gains are dependent on the future
performance of the Common Stock and the option holder's continued
employment throughout the vesting period. The potential realizable
value does not represent the Company's prediction of its stock price
performance. The amounts reflected in the table may not be achieved.
</TABLE>
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 1997 AND YEAR-END 1997 OPTION VALUES--The
following table sets forth certain information with respect to options exercises
in 1997, by the Named Officers and on the Named Officers' unexercised options at
December 31, 1997.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 1997 AND YEAR-END 1997 OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
Number of securities Value of Unexercised
Shares Underlying Unexercised In-The-Money Options at
Acquired on Value Options at Year-End 1997 (#) Year-End 1997 ($)(1)
Exercise(#) Realized($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert F. Bernard - - 8,396 29,687 $ 112,953 $ 395,545
Edward V. Szofer - - 64,689 69,527 1,915,647 1,831,905
Kevin M. Gaskey 30,000 $767,630 29,261 60,374 838,969 1,659,060
Stanley F. Martin - - 8,550 34,205 89,614 358,498
(1) The value per option is calculated by subtracting the exercise price
from the closing price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National
Market on December 31, 1997, which was $34.25.
</TABLE>
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
The Company is a party to substantially identical employment contracts with
Messrs. Bernard, Szofer and Gaskey, pursuant to which each of those individuals
serves as an executive of the Company at compensation levels and terms to be
agreed upon between those individuals and the Company. These agreements provide
that upon termination of employment by the Company, other than for "Cause" (as
defined in the agreements) or retirement, the Company shall pay the officer an
amount equal to twice the executive's annual base compensation in effect at the
time of termination in the case of Messrs. Bernard and Szofer and the
executive's annual base compensation in the case of Mr. Gaskey. The agreements
also provide that in the event of a "Change in Control" (as defined in the
agreements) and the occurrence of certain events, and to the extent deductible
under then applicable tax laws, the Company shall pay such executives a payment
equal to two times the sum of: (i) the executives' most recent base annual
compensation in effect at the date of the "Change in Control;" and (ii) the cash
value of purchasing on an individual basis insurance protection (including
dependent coverage) that is equal to the coverage then in effect with respect to
the Company's health insurance plan, based upon the cost of such insurance
coverage for a six-month period following the "Change in Control" date. Mr.
Bernard's employment agreement does not provide for payments in the event of a
"Change in Control." Each of these executives is subject to noncompetition,
nonsolicitation and nondisclosure covenants.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee"),
which is composed entirely of outside, non-employee directors, establishes the
Company's compensation strategy and policies and determines the nature and
amount of all compensation for the Company's executive officers.
The Committee recognizes that the Company's many achievements to date have
been largely a result of the outstanding efforts of the Company's senior
management team and that the Company's future success will depend substantially
on its continued ability to attract, motivate and retain talented and dedicated
senior executives. With this understanding, the Committee attempts (a) to
reward executives for superior individual and Company performance, (b) to foster
commitment to the annual and long-term business performance and growth of the
Company, (c) to create a commonality of interests between the management team
and the Company's stockholders, and (d) to provide executive compensation
packages that are fair and competitive with those provided by the Company's
competitors in the IT services industry. To accomplish these goals, the
Committee offers executive compensation packages consisting of three primary
components: (i) base salaries, (ii) annual cash incentive awards based upon
achievement of pre-determined financial targets for the Company, as well as key
individual contributions to the Company's strategic development, and (iii) stock
ption awards, which enable the executives to profit only as stockholder value
increases.
In making its compensation decisions, the Committee considers overall
Company financial performance, as well as individual executive contributions, as
measured against certain objective and subjective factors which the Committee
considers important. The Committee also reviews compensation surveys prepared
by IT industry sources and, in greater detail, compensation information with
respect to a few publicly-traded companies in the IT services industry. These
companies, which the Company considers its principal competitors for executive
talent, are included in the Nasdaq Computer & Data Processing Services Index
appearing in the Performance Graph on page 17. Although the Committee does
not target each item of compensation at a particular level relative to these
comparative companies, the Committee does offer its executives the opportunity
to earn highly competitive total compensation packages, provided the Company
achieves certain financial targets and individual executive performance meets
expectations.
BASE SALARIES
Base salaries are established, in consideration of the competitive
marketplace (as discussed above), at levels which the Committee considers to be
appropriate relative to the responsibilities, experience and individual
performance of each executive officer, without assigning any specific weight to
any factor. Although the financial performance of the Company is also taken
into account in setting base salaries, cash incentive awards and stock options
are the primary components of the executive compensation packages designed to
link compensation to Company performance. Base salaries are generally subject to
annual review for adjustment by the Committee. For 1997, the Committee decided
to provide each executive officer with either a very minor increase in base
salary or no increase at all. Accordingly, Mr. Bernard, the Company's Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer, did not receive any increase in base salary. The
Committee's decisions with respect to base salaries reflected the Committee's
view that base salaries were already at appropriate levels for 1997 and that
there should be an increased emphasis on variable, "at risk" compensation tied
to Company and individual performance.
CASH INCENTIVE AWARDS
For 1997, the Company's executive officers received cash incentive awards
as indicated on the Summary Compensation Table on page 12.
STOCK OPTIONS
In addition to cash incentive awards, the Committee generally makes annual
stock option awards to the executive officers, dependent upon the Company's
financial performance for the previous year. Stock options are intended to
create long-term incentives which are directly tied to the results of the
Company's stock. The stock options have exercise prices of no less than the
fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. Vesting schedules
are used to encourage continued employment with the Company and to emphasize
long-term performance.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 162(M)
For 1998, the Company will for the first time be subject to Section 162(m)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Section 162(m)"). The
Compensation Committee currently intends for all compensation paid to its
executive officers to be tax deductible to the Company pursuant to Section
162(m). Section 162(m) provides that compensation paid to the executive
officers in excess of $1,000,000 cannot be deducted by the Company for Federal
income tax purposes unless, in general, such compensation is performance-based,
is established by a committee of independent directors and is objective, and the
plan or agreement providing for such performance-based compensation has been
approved in advance by stockholders. The Compensation Committee believes that
the requirements of Section 162(m) may arbitrarily impact the Company.
Accordingly, in the future, the Compensation Committee may determine to adopt a
compensation program that does not satisfy the conditions of Section 162(m) if
in its judgment, after considering the additional costs of not satisfying
Section 162(m), such program is appropriate.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Robert F. Steel
Paul D. Carbery
Lawrence P. Roches
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
On September 17, 1997, the Company sold a fixed asset management software
product to Fortress Technologies, Inc. ("Fortress") for a price of $1.1 million.
Robert Bernard, the Company's Chief Executive Officer is a 13% owner of
Fortress. The Company believes that the terms of this transaction are at least
as favorable as those which could have been obtained from unrelated parties.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total returns for the
Company, the Nasdaq Stock Market-U.S. Index and the Nasdaq Computer & Data
Processing Services Index during the period commencing on May 3, 1996, the date
of the Company's initial public offering, and ending on December 31, 1997. The
comparison assumes $100 was invested on May 3, 1996 in the Common Stock, the
Nasdaq Stock Market-U.S. Index and the Nasdaq Computer & Data Processing
Services Index and assumes the reinvestment of all dividends, if any.
Note: The Stock performance shown below is not necessarily indicative of future
price performance.
[Graph]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
5/3/96 12/31/96 12/31/97
Whittman-Hart, Inc. $100.00 $209.18 $279.59
Nasdaq Stock Market Index 100.00 109.04 133.87
Nasdaq Computer & Data Processing Services Index 100.00 107.22 131.68
</TABLE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 1998 (except as otherwise
indicated), certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of the
Common Stock by (i) each person known by the Company to own beneficially more
than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii) each of the Named
Officers, (iii) each director of the Company and (iv) all executive officers and
directors of the Company as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, each person
named below has (a) an address in care of the Company's principal executive
offices, and (b) to the Company's knowledge, sole voting and investment power
with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by such
person.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Percent of
ownership
<S> <C> <C>
Robert Bernard (1) 7,465,741 31.9%
GeoCapital, LLC (5) 1,618,025 6.9%
American Express Company (3) 1,472,250 6.3%
Putnam Investments, Inc. (2) 1,328,905 5.7%
Pilgrim Baxter & Associates, Ltd. (4) 1,128,900 4.8%
Edward V. Szofer 432,403 1.8%
Paul D. Carbery 0 0.0%
Kevin M. Gaskey 102,735 0.4%
Stanley F. Martin 12,550 0.1%
Lawrence P. Roches 8,000 0.0%
Robert F. Steel 0 0.0%
Directors and executive officers as a group 8,021,429 36.6%
(7 persons)(1)
(1) Includes shares of Common Stock which can be acquired through the
exercise of options within 60 days of March 31, 1998, as follows:
Robert F. Bernard 19,730; Edward V. Szofer 52,163; Kevin M. Gaskey
12,735; Stanley F. Martin 12,550; Lawrence P. Roches 8,000; and all
executive officers and directors as a group 105,178 shares.
(2) As reported on Schedule 13G filed with the Commission on January 27,
1998 (the "Putnam 13G") by Putnam Investments, Inc. ("PI"), Marsh and
McLennan Companies, Inc., Putnam Investment Management, Inc. and the
Putnam Advisory Company, Inc., PI has shared voting power with respect
to 26,600 shares and dispositive power with respect to all 1,328,905
shares. The address of PI is One Post Office Box Square, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109.
(3) As reported on Schedule 13G filed with the Commission on January 29,
1998, by American Express Company, American Express Financial
Corporation has shared voting power with respect to 796,450 shares and
shared dispositive power with respect to 1,472,250. The address of
American Express Company is IDS Tower 10, T33/52, Minneapolis, MN
55440.
(4) As reported on Schedule 13G filed with the Commission on February 17,
1998 by Pilgrim Baxter and Associates, Ltd., Pilgrim has the sole
voting power with respect to 925,700 shares, shared voting power with
respect to 1,128,900 and sole dispositive power with respect to
1,128,900. The address of Pilgrim Baxter and associates is 825
Duportail Road, Wayne, PA 19087
(5) As reported on Schedule 13G filed with the Commission on February 23,
1998, by Geocapital, LLC, Geocapital, LLC has sole dispositive power
with respect to 1,618,025 shares. The address of Geocapital, LLC is
767 fifth Avenue, 45th floor, New York, NY 10153-4590
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Company's Certified Public Accountants for the year 1997 were KPMG Peat
Marwick L.L.P. and the Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Audit
Committee, has selected KPMG Peat Marwick LLP to audit the financial statements
of the Company for the year ended December 31, 1998. A representative of KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting with the
opportunity to make a statement, if such representative desires, and to respond
to appropriate questions.
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS
STOCKHOLDER LIST--A list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, showing the address of and number of
shares registered in the name of each stockholder, will be open to the
examination of any stockholder for any purpose germane to the Annual Meeting,
during ordinary business hours, commencing May _, 1998 and continuing through
the date of the Annual Meeting, at the principal executive offices of the
Company, 311 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3500, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6618.
SOLICITATION--The cost of this proxy solicitation will be borne by the
Company. The Company may request banks, brokers, fiduciaries, custodians,
nominees and certain other record holders to send proxies, proxy statements and
other materials to their principals at the Company's expense. Such banks,
brokers, fiduciaries, custodians, nominees and other record holders will be
reimbursed by the Company for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of
solicitation. The Company does not anticipate that costs and expenses incurred
in connection with this proxy solicitation will exceed an amount normally
expended for a proxy solicitation for an election of directors in the absence of
a contest.
PROPOSALS OF STOCKHOLDERS--Proposals of stockholders intended to be
considered at the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received by the
Secretary of the Company no later than December __, 1998.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--The Company will furnish, without charge, a copy of
its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, as filed
with the Commission, upon the written request of any person who is a stockholder
as of the Record Date. Requests for such materials should be directed to
Whittman-Hart, Inc., 311 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3500, Chicago, Illinois
60606-6618, Attention: David P. Shelow.
By order of the Board of Directors
[EDWARD V. SZOFER SIGNATURE]
Edward V. Szofer
Chicago, Illinois
April __, 1998
PROXY
WHITTMAN-HART, INC.
PROXY FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 21, 1998.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned stockholder(s) of Whittman-Hart, Inc. (the "Company") hereby
appoints Robert F. Bernard and David P. Shelow, and each of them, with full
power of substitution, as attorneys and proxies for and in the name and place of
the undersigned and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and to vote all
of the shares of Common Stock of the Company held of record by the undersigned
as of March 23, 1998, which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the "Annual Meeting") to be held on May
21, 1998 at 10:00 a.m., central time, at the Whittman-Hart Institute for
Strategic Education, 320 North Elizabeth Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607, and at
any adjournments thereof. The undersigned stockholder hereby revokes any proxy
or proxies heretofore given.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
IF YOU RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD, PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN ALL CARDS IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
(CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE)
WHITTMAN-HART, INC.
PLEASE MARK VOTE IN OVAL IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY. /X/
[____________]
1. Election of Directors (Terms to expire in 2000)
Nominees:
Paul D. Carbery _
Edward V. Szofer _
(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write
that nominee's name in the space below.)
_______________________________________________
2. Approval of a proposal of the Board of Directors to amend the Company's
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of
shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance from 37,000,000 to 75,000,000
shares of Common Stock.
For Against Abstain
/ / / / / /
3. Approval of a proposal of the Board of Directors to amend the Company's
1995 Incentive Stock Plan to increase the amount of shares reserved for issuance
to __________ shares of Common Stock.
For Against Abstain
/ / / / / /
4. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the Special meeting, or any adjournments
thereof.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner as directed
herein by the undersigned stockholder. UNLESS CONTRARY DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS
PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL NOMINESS LISTED IN PROPOSAL
1, FOR PROPOSALS 2 AND 3, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JUDGMENT OF THE PERSONS
NAMED AS PROXIES HEREIN AS TO ANY OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE
THE ANNUAL MEETING. The undersigned stockholder hereby acknowledges receipt of
the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement.
Dated: ____________________, 1998
Signature(s)____________________________
______
____________________________________________
Please date and sign exactly as the name appears hereon. When signing as
executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, attorney-in-fact or other fiduciary,
please give title as such. when signing as a corporation, please sign in full
corporate name by president or other authorized officer. When signing as a
partnership or limited liability company, please sign in partnership or limited
liability company name by an authorized person.
- FOLD AND DETACH HERE -
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
</TABLE>
