<PAGE>
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:
[_] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[_] Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (As Permitted By
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12
SMARTALK TELESERVICES, 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:
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Notes:
<PAGE>
[LOGO OF SMARTALK(TM) TELESERVICES, INC.]
April 30, 1998
Dear SmarTalk Shareholder:
Enclosed is the SmarTalk 1997 Annual Report and the Proxy Statement relating
to our upcoming annual meeting of shareholders which will be held on June 18,
1998 in Columbus, Ohio. These documents contain important information
regarding your investment in SmarTalk and I encourage you to read them.
1997 was a banner year for SmarTalk. The highlights of 1997 include:
. 387% year-over-year increase in revenues.
. 334% increase in decremented minutes.
. 472% increase in PIN activations.
. Distribution agreements providing access to approximately 100,000
locations.
. Completion of strategic acquisitions that have expanded SmarTalk's
domestic and international presence, scale and scope.
As we look forward, we are optimistic about our prospects for 1998. We have
recently commenced consolidating our headquarters and operations in Columbus,
Ohio and have strengthened our management team. For 1998 our key priorities
include increasing the productivity of our distribution asset through improved
sell-through, branding and new product offerings and expanding our
international and technological base. We will keep you apprised of our
progress over the course of 1998.
Sincerely,
/s/ ERICH L. SPANGENBERG
ERICH L. SPANGENBERG
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
<PAGE>
[LOGO OF SMARTALK(TM) TELESERVICES, INC.]
SMARTALK TELESERVICES, INC.
5500 FRANTZ ROAD, SUITE 125
DUBLIN, OHIO 43017
----------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD JUNE 18, 1998
----------------
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF SMARTALK TELESERVICES, INC.:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the
"Annual Meeting") of SmarTalk TeleServices, Inc. (the "Company" or "SmarTalk")
to be held on June 18, 1998, at 10:00 a.m., at the Hyatt Regency Hotel at 350
North High Street, Columbus, Ohio, for the following purposes:
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. To elect five directors of the Company to hold
office until the 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders;
2. RATIFICATION OF ACCOUNTANTS. To ratify the appointment of Price
Waterhouse LLP as independent auditors of the Company to serve for the
1998 fiscal year; and
3. OTHER BUSINESS. To transact such other business as may properly come
before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on April 22, 1998 will
be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment
or postponements thereof.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Thaddeus Bereday
Thaddeus Bereday
Assistant Secretary
April 30, 1998
IMPORTANT: PLEASE FILL IN, DATE, SIGN AND MAIL PROMPTLY THE ENCLOSED PROXY
CARD IN THE POST-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED TO ASSURE THAT YOUR SHARES ARE
REPRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. IF YOU ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU MAY
VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU WISH TO DO SO EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE SENT IN YOUR PROXY.
<PAGE>
SMARTALK TELESERVICES, INC.
5500 FRANTZ ROAD, SUITE 125
DUBLIN, OHIO 43017
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
JUNE 18, 1998
PROXY STATEMENT
INTRODUCTION
This Proxy Statement is being furnished by SmarTalk TeleServices, Inc.
("SmarTalk" or the "Company") in connection with the solicitation of proxies
by the board of directors of the Company (the "Board" or "Board of Directors")
for use at the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the Hyatt
Regency Hotel at 350 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday, June 18,
1998 beginning at 10:00 a.m. or at any adjournments or postponement thereof
(the "Annual Meeting"), for the purposes set forth in the foregoing Notice.
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying Proxy are first being mailed to
the Company's shareholders on or about May 15, 1998. The Company's 1997 Annual
Report is being mailed to shareholders with this Proxy Statement.
VOTING
There were 22,600,441 shares of the Company's common stock, no par value
(the "Common Stock") issued and outstanding on April 28, 1998, the most recent
practicable date prior to the printing of this Proxy. The record date for the
purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Annual Meeting (the "Record Date") has been set as April 22, 1998. For each
matter submitted to the vote of the shareholders, each holder of Common Stock
will be entitled to one vote, in person or by proxy, for each share of Common
Stock held by such holder on the books of the Company as of the Record Date.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the shares entitled to
vote will constitute a quorum for the Annual Meeting. Votes cast by proxy or
in person at the Annual Meeting will be counted by an appointed inspector of
election. The election inspector will treat shares represented by proxies that
reflect abstentions as shares that are present and entitled to vote for
purposes of determining the presence of a quorum for the transaction of
business, but they will not be counted as affirmative or negative votes. The
election inspector will treat shares referred to as "broker non-votes" (i.e.,
shares held by brokers or nominees as to which instructions have not been
received from the beneficial owners or person entitled to vote or that the
broker or nominee does not have discretionary power to vote on a particular
matter) as shares that are not present and entitled to vote for purposes of
determining the presence of a quorum for the transaction of business and they
will not be counted for purposes of determining whether a proposal has been
approved.
REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
Any person giving a proxy in the form accompanying this Proxy Statement has
the power to revoke it at any time before its exercise. Such revocation may be
effected by a writing delivered to the Company stating that the proxy is
revoked or by executing a subsequent proxy and presenting it at the meeting,
or by attendance at the meeting and voting in person.
SOLICITATION
The Board of Directors is making this solicitation. The Company will bear
the entire cost of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing this Proxy
Statement and the accompanying Proxy. In addition to the use of the mails,
proxies may be solicited by officers, directors and other regular employees of
the Company by telephone,
1
<PAGE>
facsimile or other personal solicitation, and no additional compensation will
be paid to such individuals. The Company will, if requested, reimburse banks,
brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their
reasonable expenses incurred in mailing proxy materials to their principals.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
BOARD MEETINGS AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
During 1997 there were three (3) meetings of the Board of Directors. In
1997, each director attended 75% or more of the total of all meetings held by
the Board and the committees on which he served during the period for which he
served. Directors of the Company receive $1500 for each Board meeting attended
in person.
BOARD COMMITTEES
The Company has standing audit and compensation committees. The Company does
not have a standing nominating committee.
Audit Committee. The Company's Audit Committee consists of two (2) non-
employee directors: Ahmed O. Alfi and Fred F. Fielding. Responsibilities of
the Audit Committee include (i) reviewing the accounting practices of the
Company and consulting with the independent auditors concerning the Company's
financial statements, accounting and financial policies and internal controls,
(ii) reviewing the scope of the independent auditors' activities and the
practices of the independent auditors and (iii) maintaining good
communications among the Audit Committee, the Company's independent auditors
and the Company's management on accounting matters. The Audit Committee held
one (1) meeting during 1997.
Compensation Committee. The Company's Compensation Committee consists of two
(2) non-employee directors: Fred F. Fielding and Robert M. Smith. The
Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving, within its
authority, compensation, benefits, stock grants and other human resource
policies and making recommendations concerning such matters to the Board of
Directors. The Compensation Committee held four (4) meetings during 1997.
2
<PAGE>
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS
The Company's Bylaws provide that the Board of Directors will consist of not
less than five (5) nor more than nine (9) members with the exact number to be
fixed by a resolution of the Board of Directors. A Board of five (5) directors
is to be elected at the Annual Meeting. Directors serve for a term which lasts
until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until successors are elected
and qualified.
Certain information regarding the Company's directors and nominees for
election as directors, including their respective ages, principal occupations
(including terms as director of the Company) and information regarding the
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by each of them
as of the Record Date is set forth in the tables below.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Directors. The following table gives certain information as to each director
and nominee for director of the Company as of the Record Date:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Robert H. Lorsch............... 48 Chairman
Erich L. Spangenberg........... 37 Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Fred F. Fielding(1)(2)......... 59 Director
Robert M. Smith(2)............. 45 Director
Kenneth A. Viellieu............ 40 Director
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Member, Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
(2) Member, Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
Robert H. Lorsch co-founded the Company and has served as the Chairman of
the Board of the Company since its inception in October 1994. Mr. Lorsch also
served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company from October 1994 until
February 1998. Prior to forming the Company, Mr. Lorsch served as president of
Lorsch Creative Network, Inc. ("LCN"), a full service advertising and sales
promotion agency formed by Mr. Lorsch in 1986.
Erich L. Spangenberg has served as a director of the Company since August
1997, as Vice Chairman of the Board since November 1997 and as Chief Executive
Officer since February 1998. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Spangenberg was
a Senior Vice President in the Investment Banking Group of Donaldson, Lufkin &
Jenrette Securities Corporation ("DLJ") since 1996. From 1985 until 1995, Mr.
Spangenberg served as an Associate and Partner with the law firm of Jones,
Day, Reavis & Pogue in Los Angeles.
Fred F. Fielding has served as a director of the Company since August 1996.
Mr. Fielding has been a Senior Partner with the law firm of Wiley, Rein &
Fielding in Washington D.C. since 1986. From January 1981 to April 1986, Mr.
Fielding was counsel to the President of the United States.
3
<PAGE>
Robert M. Smith has served as a director of the Company since May 1997. Mr.
Smith has been a Partner since July 1988 with the law firm of Dewey Ballantine
LLP in New York and Los Angeles.
Kenneth A. Viellieu has served as a director of the Company since February
1998. Mr. Viellieu has been Managing Director of the Investment Banking Group
of DLJ in Chicago since January 1992, and has been with that firm since March
1990.
OTHER EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The following table gives certain information as of the Record Date as to
each executive officer who is not also a nominee for director of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Jeffrey L. Lindauer..... 36 President and Chief Operating Officer
Richard M. Teich........ 44 Executive Vice President
Glen Andrew Folck....... 33 Vice President--Finance; Chief Financial Officer and
Assistant Secretary
Thaddeus Bereday........ 33 Vice President--Legal Affairs; General Counsel and
Assistant Secretary
Joseph A. Borocz........ 43 Senior Vice President--Marketing
Jack J. Feingold........ 37 Senior Vice President--Sales
</TABLE>
Jeffrey L. Lindauer has served as the Company's Chief Operating Officer
since February 1998 and as the Company's President since November 1997. From
1984 until joining the Company, Mr. Lindauer was with MCI where he held
positions of increasing responsibility until November 1996 from which date Mr.
Lindauer was General Manager of MCI Pre-Paid Markets.
Richard M. Teich co-founded the Company and has served as the Company's
Executive Vice President since January 1996. From 1993 through 1995, Mr. Teich
designed, developed and implemented various advertising and teleservices
programs, including the implementation of interactive telephone sampling and
promotion programs for consumer products companies, while serving as a
consultant to LCN.
Glen Andrew Folck has served as the Company's Vice President--Finance and
Chief Financial Officer since January 1996 and the Assistant Secretary since
October 1996. From December 1993 until joining the Company, Mr. Folck served
as Director of Strategic Planning for Harvard Industries, Inc., an automotive
components manufacturer. From March 1992 through December 1993, he was
Manager, Corporate Accounting and Financial Reporting, for Sonoco Products
Company, a paper packaging manufacturer.
Thaddeus Bereday has served as the Company's Vice President--Legal Affairs,
General Counsel and Assistant Secretary since March 1998. Prior to joining the
Company, from 1993 through March 1998, Mr. Bereday was an associate in the
Business Practice Group of the Cleveland office of the law firm of Jones, Day,
Reavis & Pogue.
Joseph A. Borocz has served as the Company's Senior Vice President--
Marketing since March 1998. From 1996 until joining the Company, Mr. Borocz
was Vice President of Business Development for Atlantis Marketing in Atlanta.
From 1992 until he joined Atlantis Marketing, Mr. Borocz was Director of
Marketing--Packaging Division for the Mead Corporation in Atlanta.
Jack J. Feingold has served as the Company's Senior Vice President--Sales
since January 1998. From 1989 until joining the Company, Mr. Feingold was with
MCI where he held positions of increasing responsibility until 1996 from which
date Mr. Feingold was Director of Global and Data Sales.
4
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of the Record Date, the beneficial owners
of more than five percent (5%) of the Common Stock, the Company's only class
of voting securities, as known to the Company. In addition, the table sets
forth the beneficial ownership of the Common Stock by (i) each of the
Company's directors, nominees for director and executive officers named in the
Summary Compensation Table and (ii) all directors and executive officers of
the Company as a group. In each instance, information as to the number of
shares owned and the nature of the ownership has been provided by the
individual or entity described and is not within the direct knowledge of the
Company. The number of shares beneficially owned by each director and
executive officer is determined under rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") and such information is not necessarily
indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Unless otherwise
indicated, to the Company's knowledge, each person has sole voting and
investment power (or shares such powers with his or her spouse) with respect
to the shares set forth in the following table. Unless otherwise indicated,
the address of each person is the address of the Company set forth above.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT AS OF
SHARES OWNED APRIL 22,
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIALLY(1) 1998(2)
------------------------ --------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Robert H. Lorsch(3).............................. 3,250,393 14.1%
Erich L. Spangenberg(4).......................... 801,774 3.4%
Ahmed O. Alfi(5)................................. 40,000 *
Fred F. Fielding(6).............................. 42,500 *
Robert M. Smith(7)............................... 43,040 *
Kenneth A. Viellieu(8)........................... 25,000 *
Jeffrey L. Lindauer(9)........................... 100,000 *
Glen Andrew Folck(10)............................ 165,000 *
Richard M. Teich(11)............................. 328,870 1.4%
Thaddeus Bereday(12)............................. 3,750 *
SmarTalk Partners, LLC(13)....................... 1,595,000 7.1%
William R. Harger(14)............................ 1,896,098 8.4%
Dresdner RCM Global Investors LLC(15)............ 1,645,000 7.3%
All directors and executive officers as a group
(12 persons)(16)................................ 4,800,327 19.7%
</TABLE>
- --------
* Less than one percent
(1) Pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"), a person has beneficial ownership of any
securities as to which such person, directly or indirectly, through any
contract, arrangement, undertaking, relationship or otherwise has or
shares voting power and/or investment power and as to which such person
has the right to acquire such voting and/or investment power within 60
days. Percentage of beneficial ownership as to any person as of a
particular date is calculated by dividing the number of shares
beneficially owned by such person by the sum of the number of shares
outstanding as of such date and the number of shares as to which such
person has the right to acquire voting and/or investment power within 60
days.
(2) Based upon 22,592,236 shares outstanding as of the Record Date.
(3) Includes 540,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof.
(4) Includes 740,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof.
5
<PAGE>
(5) Includes 40,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof. Mr. Alfi, a director of
the Company, is a member of SmarTalk Partners, LLC. Mr. Alfi disclaims
beneficial ownership of the shares owned by SmarTalk Partners, LLC.
(6) Includes 40,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof.
(7) Includes 40,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof.
(8) Includes 25,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof.
(9) Includes 100,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof.
(10) Includes 165,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof.
(11) Includes 140,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof.
(12) Includes 3,750 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof.
(13) SmarTalk Partners, LLC, whose address is 3 Civic Plaza, Suite 17D,
Newport Beach, California 92660, has filed a Schedule 13G under the
Exchange Act, stating that it held sole voting and dispositive power with
respect to 1,595,000 shares. Amre Youness may be deemed the beneficial
owner of the shares owned by SmarTalk Partners, LLC by virtue of his
status as its sole manager. Mr. Youness disclaims beneficial ownership of
these shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. His
business address is c/o SmarTalk Partners, LLC, 3 Civic Plaza, Suite 17D,
Newport Beach, California 92660. Mr. Alfi, a director of the Company, is
a member of SmarTalk Partners, LLC. Mr. Alfi disclaims beneficial
ownership of the shares owned by SmarTalk Partners, LLC.
(14) Mr. Harger, whose address is c/o John A. Sanders, Foley & Lardner, 111 N.
Orange Ave., Orlando, Florida 32801, has filed a Schedule 13D under the
Exchange Act, stating that he held sole voting and dispositive power with
respect to 1,896,098 shares.
(15) Dresdner RCM Global Investors LLC, whose address is Four Embarcadero
Center, San Francisco, California 94111, has filed a Schedule 13G under
the Exchange Act, stating that it held sole voting power with respect to
1,408,500 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 1,645,000
shares of the Common Stock. RCM Limited L.P., the managing agent of
Dresdner RCM Global Investors LLC, and RCM General Corporation, the
general partner of RCM Limited L.P., reported beneficial ownership with
respect to the same shares only to the extent that each may be deemed to
have beneficial ownership of securities owned by Dresdner RCM Global
Investors LLC. Dresdner Bank AG, an international banking organization
headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, also has filed a Schedule 13G under
the Exchange Act, in which it reported beneficial ownership with respect
to the same shares only to the extent that it may be deemed to have
beneficial ownership of securities owned by Dresdner RCM Global Investors
LLC.
(16) Includes 1,833,750 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof.
6
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation for
services rendered in all capacities to the Company for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 for those persons who were, at December 31,
1997, (i) the Company's Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and (ii) the four most
highly compensated executive officers of the Company, excluding the CEO, ((i)
and (ii) collectively, the "Named Executive Officers").
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG TERM COMPENSATION
------------------------------------- -------------------------------
AWARDS PAYOUTS
----------------------- -------
SECURITIES
OTHER RESTRICTED UNDERLYING LTIP ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL SALARY ANNUAL STOCK OPTIONS/SARS PAYOUTS COMPENSATION
POSITION** YEAR $ BONUS $ COMPENSATION *$ AWARD(S) $ (#) ($) ($)
------------------ ---- ------- ------- --------------- ---------- ------------ ------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert H. Lorsch........ 1997 315,858 23,200(1) 17,671(2) -- 540,000 -- --
Chairman and Chief 1996 390,835 43,200(3) 20,000(2) -- -- -- --
Executive Officer 1995 73,750(4) -- -- -- -- -- --
Erich L. Spangenberg.... 1997 125,539 8,500(1) -- -- 740,000 -- --
Vice Chairman and Chief
Operating Officer
Jeffrey L. Lindauer..... 1997 34,615 303,000(5) -- -- 400,000 -- --
President
Richard M. Teich........ 1997 170,160 17,200(6) 849(7) -- 140,000 -- --
Executive Vice 1996 130,835(8) -- 1,020(9) -- -- -- --
President
Glen Andrew Folck....... 1997 142,218 3,000(1) 3,200(7) -- 190,000 -- --
Vice President-- 1996 57,500 86,000 1,600(9) -- 28,240 -- --
Finance, Chief
Financial Officer
and Assistant
Secretary
</TABLE>
- --------
* Other annual compensation, where none is specified, is less than 10% of the
total of annual salary and bonus reported for the Named Executive Officer.
** In February 1998, Erich L. Spangenberg became Chief Executive Officer and
Jeffrey L. Lindauer became Chief Operating Officer. Robert H. Lorsch
remains Chairman of the Board.
(1) These amounts represent automobile allowances.
(2) This amount represents life insurance premiums paid by the Company.
(3) This amount represents perquisites of $28,800 as an automobile allowance
and $14,400 for health/fitness services.
(4) This amount represents compensation for the final three months of 1995,
the payment of which was deferred until the first quarter of 1996. In
addition, Mr. Lorsch's services were provided to SmarTalk by LCN from
October 1994 through September 1995, and thereafter certain of Mr.
Lorsch's services were provided by LCN through the end of the year.
SmarTalk paid LCN certain amounts including consulting fees for Mr.
Lorsch's services.
(5) This amount represents a signing bonus of $300,000 and an automobile
allowance of $3,000.
(6) This amount represents a bonus of $10,000 and an automobile allowance of
$7,200.
(7) These amounts represent disability insurance premiums paid by the Company.
(8) This amount does not include $33,400 earned by Mr. Teich as commissions
under a consulting agreement with the Company in 1995, the payment of
which was deferred until 1996.
(9) These amounts represent life insurance and disability premiums paid by the
Company.
7
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to stock
options granted during fiscal 1997 to the Named Executive Officers:
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL
REALIZABLE VALUE AT
ASSUMED ANNUAL
RATES OF STOCK
PRICE APPRECIATION
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS FOR OPTION TERM
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
SHARES OF % OF TOTAL
COMMON STOCK OPTIONS GRANTED EXERCISE OR
UNDERLYING OPTIONS TO EMPLOYEES IN BASE PRICE EXPIRATION
NAME GRANTED (#)(1) FISCAL YEAR(2) ($/SH)(3) DATE(4) 5% ($) 10%($)
- ---- ------------------ --------------- ----------- ---------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert H. Lorsch........ 120,000 3.79% 14.00 7/14/07 464,153 1,025,657
400,000 12.62% 20.00 10/28/07 3,486,534 6,494,590
20,000 0.63% 21.25 10/30/07 117,420 259,467
Erich L. Spangenberg.... 300,000 9.47% 11.75 4/14/07 973,893 2,152,048
20,000 0.63% 14.00 7/14/07 77,359 170,943
400,000 12.62% 20.00 10/28/07 3,486,534 6,494,590
20,000 0.63% 21.25 10/30/07 117,420 259,467
Jeffrey L. Lindauer..... 400,000(5) 12.62% 20.81 11/03/07 2,301,299 5,083,818
Richard M. Teich........ 20,000 0.63% 14.00 7/14/07 77,359 170,943
100,000 3.16% 20.00 10/28/07 871,634 1,623,648
20,000 0.63% 21.25 10/30/07 117,420 259,467
Glen Andrew Folck....... 50,000 1.58% 13.00 3/21/07 179,583 396,832
20,000 0.63% 14.00 7/14/07 77,359 170,943
100,000 3.16% 20.00 10/28/07 871,634 1,623,648
20,000 0.63% 21.25 10/30/07 117,420 259,467
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Unless indicated otherwise by footnote, all option grants set forth herein
are of options exercisable as of the date hereof.
(2) In 1997, the Company granted to employees a total of 3,168,740 options.
This number was used in calculating the percentages above.
(3) The exercise price represents the market value of the Common Stock on the
date of the option grant.
(4) The options granted generally expire on the earliest of (a) the tenth
anniversary of the date of grant, (b) three (3) months after the
optionee's termination of employment from the Company or an affiliate,
(c) six (6) months after the optionee's termination of employment from the
Company or an affiliate in the case of permanent disability or the death
of the optionee while the optionee is employed by the Company, or (d) if
death or permanent disability occurs within three months after the
optionee's termination of employment with the Company or an affiliate.
(5) Options to purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock are exercisable as of
the date hereof. Options to purchase 100,000, 100,000 and 100,000 shares
of Common Stock vest at November 3, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
8
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to options
to purchase the Company's Common Stock held by the Named Executive Officers on
December 31, 1997.
AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUE TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
SHARES OPTIONS HELD AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
ACQUIRED DECEMBER 31, 1997 (#) DECEMBER 31, 1997 ($)(1)
UPON VALUE ------------------------- -------------------------
NAME EXERCISE (#) REALIZED ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---- ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert H. Lorsch........ -- -- 540,000 -- 2,180,000 --
Erich L. Spangenberg.... -- -- 740,000 -- 4,605,000 --
Jeffrey L. Lindauer..... -- -- 100,000 300,000 194,000 582,000
Richard M. Teich........ -- -- 140,000 -- 480,000 --
Glen Andrew Folck....... 23,615 439,357 190,000 -- 967,500 --
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Options are "in-the-money" at fiscal year-end if the fair market value of
the underlying securities on such date exceeds the exercise price of the
option. The amounts set forth represent the difference between the closing
price of the Company's Common Stock on December 31, 1997 ($22.75) and the
exercise price of the options, multiplied by the number of options.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
The Company has entered into an employment agreement (the "Spangenberg
Employment Agreement") with Erich L. Spangenberg to serve as the Vice Chairman
of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. The Spangenberg
Employment Agreement provides for an initial term of three (3) years
commencing on February 26, 1998 and contains a one-year "evergreen" provision
pursuant to which the employment period will be automatically extended for
consecutive periods of one (1) year unless either Mr. Spangenberg or the
Company gives notice to the other party, not later than six (6) months prior
to the expiration of the then applicable employment period, that employment
will terminate upon the expiration of that period.
Under the Spangenberg Employment Agreement, Mr. Spangenberg is entitled to
an annual base salary of $307,000 for each calendar year of the agreement and
is to receive a bonus based upon the satisfaction of performance criteria that
will be established by the Board's Compensation Committee in its discretion
and upon consultation with Mr. Spangenberg at the beginning of each year,
subject to the approval of the Board. Pursuant to the Spangenberg Employment
Agreement, the Company will provide Mr. Spangenberg with certain other
benefits, including life and disability insurance, an automobile allowance,
reimbursement for ordinary business expenses and a moving allowance of
$150,000 in connection with Mr. Spangenberg's planned relocation to a location
near the Company's new headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Spangenberg is
entitled to participate in benefits available to employees and executive
officers of the Company. Under the terms of the Spangenberg Employment
Agreement, Mr. Spangenberg has agreed not to compete with the Company nor
solicit SmarTalk employees on behalf of another person, firm or entity in
competition with the Company during the term of his employment and for one (1)
year after the effective date of termination.
If Mr. Spangenberg's employment is terminated by Mr. Spangenberg for "good
reason" (as such term is defined in the Spangenberg Employment Agreement), Mr.
Spangenberg will be entitled to receive a payment equal to three (3) times
then effective base salary and the highest bonus paid to Mr. Spangenberg
during the employment period, and the Company shall continue to maintain Mr.
Spangenberg's benefits for the longer of (a) the remainder of the term of the
Spangenberg Employment Agreement and (b) 24 months, but only until
Mr. Spangenberg obtains comparable benefits from another employer. The
definition of "good reason" includes a termination by Mr. Spangenberg for any
reason within 12 months following the occurrence of a "Change in Control" (as
defined in the Spangenberg Employment Agreement). If Mr. Spangenberg's
employment is terminated due to the "Disability" (as such term is defined in
the Spangenberg Employment Agreement) of
9
<PAGE>
Mr. Spangenberg, Mr. Spangenberg shall be entitled to severance pay in the
form of continuation of his base salary for a period of the longer of 12
months following the first date of Disability and the then remainder of his
term of employment, and continuation of certain of his benefits during the
employment period while Mr. Spangenberg is suffering from the Disability and
for a period of 12 months following the effective date of termination of
employment by reason of Disability. In the event Mr. Spangenberg's employment
is terminated by his death, Mr. Spangenberg's heirs, estate or personal
representatives under law, as applicable, shall be entitled to the payment of
Mr. Spangenberg's base salary as in effect immediately prior to his death for
a period of three (3) calendar months. In addition, Mr. Spangenberg's
employment may be terminated by the Company "for cause" (as defined in the
Spangenberg Employment Agreement), in which case Mr. Spangenberg would not be
entitled to any further payments under the Spangenberg Employment Agreement
other than amounts already earned.
The Company has entered into an employment agreement (the "Lorsch Employment
Agreement") with Robert H. Lorsch to serve as the Chairman of the Board of
Directors. The Lorsch Employment Agreement provides for an initial term of
three (3) years commencing on February 26, 1998 and contains a one-year
"evergreen" provision pursuant to which the employment period will be
automatically extended for consecutive periods of one (1) year unless either
Mr. Lorsch or the Company gives notice to the other party, not later than
12 months prior to the expiration of the then applicable employment period,
that employment will terminate upon the expiration of that period.
Under the Lorsch Employment Agreement, Mr. Lorsch is entitled to an annual
base salary of $310,000 for each calendar year of the agreement, subject to
upward adjustment at the discretion of the Board, and shall be eligible for
bonus amounts, if any, as may from time to time be awarded by action of the
Board. Pursuant to the Lorsch Employment Agreement, the Company will provide
Mr. Lorsch with certain other benefits, including life and disability
insurance, secretarial services, office space and furnishings, reimbursement
for miscellaneous expenses up to $10,500 per month and reimbursement for
ordinary business expenses. Mr. Lorsch is entitled to participate in benefits
available to employees and executive officers of the Company. Under the terms
of the Lorsch Employment Agreement, Mr. Lorsch has agreed not to compete with
the Company nor solicit SmarTalk employees on behalf of another person, firm
or entity in competition with the Company during the term of his employment
and for one (1) year after the effective date of termination.
If Mr. Lorsch's employment is terminated by Mr. Lorsch for "good reason" (as
such term is defined in the Lorsch Employment Agreement), Mr. Lorsch will be
entitled to continuation or payments of Mr. Lorsch's base salary and certain
other amounts payable under the Lorsch Employment Agreement over the longer of
(a) 24 months and (b) the then remainder of the term of the Lorsch Employment
Agreement (the "Lorsch Severance Period"), and the Company shall continue to
maintain Mr. Lorsch's group medical care, disability and life insurance
benefits benefits during the Lorsch Severance Period, but only until Mr.
Lorsch obtains comparable benefits from another employer. The definition of
"good reason" includes a termination by Mr. Lorsch for any reason within 12
months following the occurrence of a "Change in Control" (as defined in the
Lorsch Employment Agreement). If Mr. Lorsch's employment is terminated due to
the "Disability" (as such term is defined in the Lorsch Employment Agreement)
of Mr. Lorsch, Mr. Lorsch shall be entitled to severance pay in the form of
continuation of his base salary as in effect immediately prior to such
termination, as well as certain other amounts payable under the Lorsch
Employment Agreement, for a period of the longer of 12 months following the
first date of Disability and the then remainder of his term of employment, and
continuation of certain of his benefits during the employment period while Mr.
Lorsch is suffering from the Disability and for a period of 12 months
following the effective date of termination of employment by reason of
Disability. In the event Mr. Lorsch's employment is terminated by his death,
Mr. Lorsch's heirs, estate or personal representatives under law, as
applicable, shall be entitled to the payment of Mr. Lorsch's base salary as in
effect immediately prior to his death for a period of not less than two (2)
calendar months and not more than the earlier of six (6) calendar months or
the payment of benefits pursuant to Mr. Lorsch's life insurance policy. In
addition, Mr. Lorsch's employment may be terminated by the Company "for cause"
(as defined in the Lorsch Employment Agreement), in which case Mr. Lorsch
would not be entitled to any further payments under the Lorsch Employment
Agreement other than amounts already earned.
10
<PAGE>
The Company has entered into an employment agreement (the "Lindauer
Employment Agreement") with Jeffrey L. Lindauer to serve as the President and
Chief Operating Officer. The Lindauer Employment Agreement provides for an
initial term of three (3) years commencing on November 3, 1997 and contains a
one-year "evergreen" provision pursuant to which the employment period will be
automatically extended for consecutive periods of one (1) year unless the
Company gives Mr. Lindauer written notice, no later than six (6) months prior
to the expiration of the then applicable employment period, that employment
will terminate upon the expiration of that period.
Under the Lindauer Employment Agreement, Mr. Lindauer is entitled to an
annual base salary of $300,000 for each calendar year of the agreement and is
to receive a bonus based on the Company's operating results in the discretion
of the Compensation Committee. Pursuant to the Lindauer Employment Agreement,
the Company will provide Mr. Lindauer with certain other benefits, including
life and disability insurance, an automobile allowance and reimbursement for
ordinary business expenses. Mr. Lindauer is entitled to participate in
benefits available to employees and executive officers of the Company. Under
the terms of the Lindauer Employment Agreement, Mr. Lindauer has agreed not to
compete with the Company nor solicit SmarTalk employees on behalf of another
person, firm or entity in competition with the Company during the term of his
employment and for one (1) year after the effective date of termination.
If Mr. Lindauer's employment is terminated by the Company "without cause" or
by Mr. Lindauer for "good reason" (as such terms are defined in the Lindauer
Employment Agreement), Mr. Lindauer is entitled to receive a lump sum in the
amount of three (3) times his highest base salary and highest annual bonus
paid to him during his employment period. Moreover, for the longer of (a) the
remainder of the term of the Lindauer Employment Agreement and (b) 24 months,
the Company shall continue to maintain Mr. Lindauer's benefits during the
Lindauer Severance Period until comparable benefits are obtained from another
employer. The definition of "good reason" includes a termination by Mr.
Lindauer for any reason within 12 months following the occurrence of a "Change
in Control" (as defined in the Lindauer Employment Agreement). In addition,
Mr. Lindauer's employment may be terminated by the Company "for cause" (as
defined in the Lindauer Employment Agreement), in which case Mr. Lindauer
would not be entitled to any further payments under the Lindauer Employment
Agreement other than amounts already earned.
The Company has entered into an employment agreement (the "Teich Employment
Agreement") with Richard M. Teich to serve as the Executive Vice President.
The Teich Employment Agreement provides for an initial term of two (2) years
commencing on October 26, 1996 and contains a one-year "evergreen" provision
pursuant to which the employment period will be automatically extended for
consecutive periods of one (1) year unless the Company gives Mr. Teich written
notice, no later than three (3) months prior to the expiration of the then
applicable employment period, that employment will terminate upon the
expiration of that period.
Under the Teich Employment Agreement, Mr. Teich is entitled to an annual
base salary of $135,000 for each calendar year of the agreement and is to
receive a bonus based on the Company's operating results in the discretion of
the Compensation Committee. Pursuant to the Teich Employment Agreement, the
Company will provide Mr. Teich with certain other benefits, including life and
disability insurance, an automobile allowance and reimbursement for ordinary
business expenses. Mr. Teich is entitled to participate in benefits available
to employees and executive officers of the Company. Under the terms of the
Teich Employment Agreement, Mr. Teich has agreed not to compete with the
Company nor solicit SmarTalk employees on behalf of another person, firm or
entity in competition with the Company during the term of his employment and
for one (1) year after the effective date of termination.
If Mr. Teich's employment is terminated by the Company following a "change
in control" or "without cause" or by Mr. Teich for "good reason" (as such
terms are defined in the Teich Employment Agreement), Mr. Teich is entitled to
receive a payment equal to the then effective base salary for the longer of
(a) the remainder of the term of the Teich Employment Agreement and (b) 24
months (the "Teich Severance Period"), and the Company shall continue to
maintain Mr. Teich's benefits during the Teich Severance Period until
comparable benefits are obtained from another employer. The definition of
"good reason" includes a termination
11
<PAGE>
by Mr. Teich for any reason within 12 months following the occurrence of a
"Change in Control" (as defined in the Teich Employment Agreement). In
addition, Mr. Teich's employment may be terminated by the Company "for cause"
(as defined in the Teich Employment Agreement), in which case Mr. Teich would
not be entitled to any further payments under the Teich Employment Agreement
other than amounts already earned.
The Company has entered into an employment agreement (the "Folck Employment
Agreement") with Glen Andrew Folck to serve as Vice President--Finance and
Chief Financial Officer. The Folck Employment Agreement provides for an
initial term of two (2) years commencing on January 1, 1997 and contains a
one-year "evergreen" provision pursuant to which the employment period will be
automatically extended for consecutive periods of one (1) year unless the
Company gives Mr. Folck written notice, no later than three (3) months prior
to the expiration of the then applicable employment period, that employment
will terminate upon the expiration of that period.
Under the Folck Employment Agreement, Mr. Folck is entitled to an annual
base salary of $150,000 for each calendar year of the agreement and is to
receive a bonus based on the Company's operating results in the discretion of
the Compensation Committee. Pursuant to the Folck Employment Agreement, the
Company will provide Mr. Folck with certain other benefits, including life and
disability insurance, an automobile allowance and reimbursement for ordinary
business expenses. Mr. Folck is entitled to participate in benefits available
to employees and executive officers of the Company. Under the terms of the
Folck Employment Agreement, Mr. Folck has agreed not to compete with the
Company nor solicit SmarTalk employees on behalf of another person, firm or
entity in competition with the Company during the term of his employment and
for one (1) year after the effective date of termination.
If Mr. Folck's employment is terminated by the Company "without cause" or by
Mr. Folck for "good reason" (as such terms are defined in the Folck Employment
Agreement), Mr. Folck is entitled to receive a lump sum amount equal to three
(3) times Mr. Folck's base salary as in effect immediately prior to such
termination and the highest bonus paid to Mr. Folck during the Employment
Period. In addition, for the longer of (a) the remainder of the term of the
Folck Employment Agreement and (b) 24 months (the "Folck Severance Period"),
the Company shall continue to maintain Mr. Folck's benefits during the Folck
Severance Period until comparable benefits are obtained from another employer.
The definition of "good reason" includes a termination by Mr. Folck for any
reason within 12 months following the occurrence of a Change in Control (as
defined in the Folck Employment Agreement). In addition, Mr. Folck's
employment may be terminated by the Company "for cause" (as defined in the
Folck Employment Agreement), in which case Mr. Folck would not be entitled to
any further payments under the Folck Employment Agreement other than amounts
already earned.
12
<PAGE>
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company's
previous filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), or the Exchange Act that might incorporate future filings, including
this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the following report shall not be
incorporated by reference into any such filings.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Philosophy
The executive compensation program is administered by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors and is designed to attract, retain and
motivate executive personnel whose sustained performance will increase
shareholder value through successful achievement of short-term corporate goals
and long-term company objectives. The compensation program is directly
integrated with the achievement of the Company's strategic business plans but
remains subject to the discretion of the Company's Compensation Committee. The
following program components have been designed to meet these objectives:
Base Salary
The base salary program is designed to pay for individual performance within
a structure that is internally equitable and externally competitive with
comparable companies. Base salaries are a function of the relative value and
potential impact of each position on the performance of the Company. Value is
measured by responsibilities and complexity of the position.
The program is designed to provide executives who continue to meet
performance expectations with base compensation that is competitive with
market rates at comparable companies. In deciding upon compensation packages
for the Named Executive Officers, the Compensation Committee reviewed
available salary surveys conducted by independent consulting firms. Each year
the Company plans to compare base salary, bonus and total compensation ranges
of its executives to those of similar positions in comparable companies, as
reported by the Company's peer group and any available salary surveys.
Executives may or may not receive a base salary increase upon expiration of
their existing contracts dependent upon performance during the term and their
position relative to comparable company positions. The amount of the increase
will vary with individual performance against established performance
objectives.
Annual Incentive Bonus
A bonus is paid when both Company performance and individual performance
objectives are met. Company performance goals are measured by reference to the
Company's projections and long term business plan. Individual performance
goals are value added, representing achievements of objectives beyond normal
position expectations.
Stock Options
The 1996 Incentive Stock Option Plan rewards executives for long-term
strategic management and enhancement of shareholder value. It is designed to
promote recruitment and retention of key executive personnel by providing
meaningful incentives dependent upon successful corporate performance. Stock
options are awarded based upon overall evaluation of each executive.
13
<PAGE>
Company Performance and Chief Executive Officer Compensation
The Compensation Committee analyzed Mr. Lorsch's annual compensation package
as in effect during the last completed fiscal year. In addition, the
Compensation Committee took into account Mr. Lorsch's significant role in
expanding the Company through acquisitions and increasing the Company's
revenues and penetration of retailers in deciding upon Mr. Lorsch's base
salary for the last completed fiscal year. In the future, as discussed
previously, the Company's executive compensation program, including that of
the Chief Executive Officer, will be based on business and individual
performance.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred F. Fielding
Robert M. Smith
14
<PAGE>
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company's
previous filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act that might
incorporate future filings, including this Proxy Statement, in whole or in
part, the following Shareholder Return Performance Presentation shall not be
incorporated by reference into any such filings.
SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE PRESENTATION
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the Company's cumulative total
shareholder return on its Common Stock with the returns of the Nasdaq Market
Index and the Communication Services Industry Index (which appears in the graph
as the "SIC Code Index"). The graph assumes $100 invested on October 25, 1996,
with all dividends fully reinvested.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Measurement Period SMARTALK SIC CODE NASDAQ MARKET
(Fiscal Year Covered) TELESERVICES, INC. INDEX INDEX
- --------------------- ------------------ -------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Measurement Pt- 10/25/96 $100 $100 $100
FYE 12/31/96 $117.24 $102.87 $105.97
FYE 12/31/97 $156.90 $103.43 $129.63
</TABLE>
ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON OCT. 25, 1996
ASSUMES DIVIDEND REINVESTED
FISCAL YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1997
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, no member of the Board of
Directors served as a director or a member of the Compensation Committee of any
other company of which any executive officer served as a member of the Board of
Directors. No current member of the Compensation Committee has served as an
officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Fred F. Fielding
and Robert M. Smith currently serve on the Compensation Committee. Prior to the
1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Jeffrey I. Scheinrock and Lloyd S.
Zeiderman served with Mr. Fielding on the Compensation Committee. Mr. Smith, a
director of the Company, is a Partner of the law firm of Dewey Ballantine LLP.
SmarTalk retained Dewey Ballantine LLP to act as counsel to the Company for the
initial public offering and, following the initial public offering, for general
corporate purposes. SmarTalk plans to continue to utilize the services of Dewey
Ballantine LLP in the current fiscal year. The amount received by Dewey
Ballantine LLP from SmarTalk during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 did
not exceed five percent (5%) of the law firm's gross revenues for the firm's
last full
15
<PAGE>
fiscal year. Mr. Fielding, a director of the Company, is a Partner of the law
firm of Wiley, Rein & Fielding in Washington, D.C. SmarTalk retained Wiley,
Rein & Fielding during the last fiscal year in connection with certain matters
associated with its acquisition of American Express Telecom, Inc. The amount
received by Wiley, Rein & Fielding from SmarTalk during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1997 did not exceed five percent (5%) of the law firm's gross
revenues for the firm's last full fiscal year.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Erich L. Spangenberg, the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, was an executive officer of DLJ, an investment banking firm that was
a managing underwriter of the initial public offering, prior to joining the
Company. SmarTalk retained DLJ following the initial public offering to
perform analysis services for SmarTalk and plans to continue to utilize the
services of DLJ in the current fiscal year. The amount received by DLJ from
SmarTalk during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 did not exceed five
percent (5%) of the firm's consolidated gross revenues for the firm's last
full fiscal year.
Kenneth A. Viellieu, a director of the Company, is Managing Director of the
Investment Banking Group of DLJ. SmarTalk retained DLJ during the last fiscal
year as a joint book-running manager for the Company's offer and sale of 5
3/4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2004, and plans to continue to utilize
the services of DLJ in the current fiscal year. The amount received by DLJ
from SmarTalk during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 did not exceed
five percent (5%) of the firm's consolidated gross revenues for the firm's
last full fiscal year.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board has nominated Messrs. Fred F. Fielding, Robert H. Lorsch, Robert
M. Smith, Erich L. Spangenberg and Kenneth A. Viellieu to serve as directors
of the Company for a one-year term. Each nominee, if elected, will hold office
until the 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders at which time his term of office
expires, and until his successor is elected and qualified, unless he resigns
or his seat on the Board becomes vacant due to his death, removal or other
cause in accordance with the Bylaws of the Company. Management knows of no
reason why any of these nominees would be unable or unwilling to serve, but if
any nominee should be unable or unwilling to serve, the proxies will be voted
for the election of such other persons for the office of director as the Board
may recommend in the place of such nominee. The nominees shall be elected by a
plurality of the votes cast in the election by the holders of the Common Stock
represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, assuming the existence
of a quorum.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS VOTING "FOR" THE FIVE NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE,
AND YOUR PROXY WILL BE SO VOTED UNLESS YOU SPECIFY OTHERWISE.
PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Board has selected Price Waterhouse LLP as the independent public
accountants of the Company for 1998. Price Waterhouse LLP has served as the
Company's independent public accountants since November 1995. A representative
of Price Waterhouse LLP is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, and
will be given the opportunity to make a statement if he or she so desires and
will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
16
<PAGE>
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common
Stock of the Company represented (in person or by proxy) and voting at the
meeting, provided that at least a majority of such stock is represented at the
meeting, is required for the proposed ratification. In the event ratification
by the shareholders of the appointment of Price Waterhouse LLP as the
Company's independent public accountants is not obtained, the Board will
reconsider such appointment.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 2 TO
RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, AND YOUR PROXY WILL
BE SO VOTED UNLESS YOU SPECIFY OTHERWISE.
TRANSACTION OF OTHER BUSINESS
At the date of this Proxy Statement, the only business which the Board
intends to present or knows that others will present at the meeting is as set
forth above. If any other matter or matters are properly brought before the
meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, it is the intention of
the persons named in the accompanying form of Proxy to vote the Proxy on such
matters in accordance with their best judgment.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's officers and
directors, and beneficial owners of more than ten percent (10%) of a
registered class of the Company's equity securities (each a "Reporting
Person"), to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the
Commission and The Nasdaq National Market. Reporting Persons are required by
the Commission's regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section
16(a) forms they file. Based on the Company's knowledge that no Forms 5 were
required to be filed by certain Reporting Persons and representations from
certain Reporting Persons that no Forms 5 were required to be filed, the
Company believes that during the year ended December 31, 1997, its officers,
directors and more than ten percent (10%) beneficial owners complied with all
Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them, except that one report
was not timely filed for each of Messrs. Lorsch, Smith, Lindauer, Folck and H.
Gene Russell, a former officer of the Company, and SmarTalk Partners LLC, in
each case reporting one transaction except for Mr. Folck, who reported two
transactions.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 1999 ANNUAL MEETING
Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at the next annual
meeting of shareholders of the Company (i) must be received by the Company at
its offices at 5500 Frantz Road, Suite 125, Dublin, Ohio 43017 no later than
December 16, 1998 and (ii) must satisfy the conditions established by the
Commission for shareholder proposals to be included in the Company's proxy
statement for that meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Thaddeus Bereday
Thaddeus Bereday
Assistant Secretary
April 30, 1998
17
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SMARTALK TELESERVICES, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
JUNE 18, 1998
The undersigned hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints Fred F. Fielding,
Robert H. Lorsch, Robert M. Smith, Erich L. Spangenberg and Kenneth A.
Viellieu, or any of them, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares
of common stock, no par value, of SmarTalk TeleServices, Inc. (the "Company")
that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to be held on Thursday, June 18, 1998 or any postponements or adjournments
thereof (the "Annual Meeting"), and upon such other business as may properly
come before the Annual Meeting, with all the powers the undersigned would
possess if personally present, as follows:
A Vote FOR Proposal 1 is recommended by the Board of Directors:
1. To elect the Board of Directors' five (5) nominees as directors. Nominees:
Fred F. Fielding, Robert H. Lorsch, Robert M. Smith, Erich L. Spangenberg and
Kenneth A. Viellieu.
[_] FOR ALL NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE [_] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
(except as marked to the contrary below)
(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write
that nominee's name in the space below)
-------------------------------------------------------
The undersigned hereby confer(s) upon the proxies and each of them
discretionary authority with respect to the election of directors in the event
that any of the above nominees is unable or unwilling to serve.
A Vote FOR Proposal 2 is recommended by the Board of Directors:
2. To ratify the appointment of Price Waterhouse LLP as the Company's auditors
for 1998.
[_] FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN
In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or
postponements thereof.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND MAIL YOUR PROXY CARD TODAY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL
BE VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2. IF ANY OTHER BUSINESS IS PRESENTED AT THE
ANNUAL MEETING, THIS PROXY CONFERS AUTHORITY TO AND SHALL BE VOTED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PROXIES.
Please date this Proxy and sign your name exactly as it appears on your stock
certificates. Executors, administrators, trustees, officers or a corporation
and other fiduciaries, etc., should give their full title as such. Partnerships
should sign in the partnership name by an authorized person. For shares held
jointly, each joint owner should personally sign. If the undersigned hold(s)
any of the shares of common stock of the Company in a fiduciary, custodial or
joint capacity or capacities, this Proxy is signed by the undersigned in every
such capacity as well as individually. Attendance of the undersigned at the
Annual Meeting will not be deemed to revoke this Proxy unless the undersigned
shall affirmatively indicate at the Annual Meeting the intention of the
undersigned to vote in person.
DATED:___________________________, 1998
SIGNATURE:______________________________
(signature)
NAME:___________________________________
(please print)
SIGNATURE:______________________________
(signature, if held jointly)
________________________________________
(title or authority, if applicable)
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND MAIL YOUR PROXY CARD TODAY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
