<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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 Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
Northway Financial, 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)(4) 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:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] NORTHWAY FINANCIAL, INC.
April 23, 1999
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
of Northway Financial, Inc., to be held on Tuesday, May 18, 1999 at 2:00 p.m. at
The Town and Country Motor Inn, Route 2, Shelburne, New Hampshire 03581.
At the annual meeting you will be asked to consider and act upon the
following:
(1) to elect of four (4) class II directors to serve until the 2002 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected
and qualified;
(2) to approve the Northway Financial, Inc. 1999 Stock Option and Grant
Plan; and
(3) to transact such other business as may come properly before the
meeting.
I, along with the other members of the Board of Directors, look forward
to greeting you personally at the Annual Meeting. However, whether or not you
plan to attend personally and regardless of the number of shares you own, it is
important that your shares be represented. YOU ARE URGED TO PROMPTLY SIGN, DATE
AND MAIL THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED FOR YOUR
CONVENIENCE.
This will not prevent you from voting in person but will assure that
your vote is counted if you are unable to attend.
Very truly yours,
William J. Woodward
Chairman of the Board
9 Main Street, Berlin, New Hampshire 03570/Telephone 603-752-1171
<PAGE>
[graphic omitted]
NORTHWAY FINANCIAL, INC.
9 Main Street
Berlin, New Hampshire 03570
Telephone 603-752-1171
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1999
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
Northway Financial, Inc. will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 1999 at 2:00 p.m. at
The Town and Country Motor Inn, Route 2, Shelburne, New Hampshire 03581 for the
following purposes:
(1) To elect four (4) class II directors to serve until the 2002
Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their successors are
elected and qualified;
(2) To approve the Northway Financial, Inc. 1999 Stock Option and
Grant Plan; and -
(3) To transact such other business as may come properly before the
meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
The foregoing items are more fully described in the Proxy Statement
accompanying this Notice.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 20,
1999 as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of and
to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Only holders of Common Stock of record at the close of business on that date
will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any
adjournments or postponements thereof.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Paul G. Campagna
Clerk
Berlin, New Hampshire
April 23, 1999
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON, YOU ARE
REQUESTED TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES. IF
YOU ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU MAY VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU WISH, EVEN IF YOU
HAVE PREVIOUSLY RETURNED YOUR PROXY CARD
<PAGE>
NORTHWAY FINANCIAL, INC.
9 Main Street
Berlin, New Hampshire 03570
Telephone 603-752-1171
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1999
This Proxy Statement and accompanying form of proxy are furnished in
connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors
of Northway Financial, Inc., a New Hampshire Corporation (the "Company"), for
use in voting at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting") to be held
at 2:00 p.m. on May 18, 1999, at The Town and County Motor Inn, Route 2,
Shelburne, New Hampshire 03581 and at any postponements or adjournments thereof.
This proxy statement and accompanying form of proxy were mailed to stockholders
of the Company on or about April 23, 1999 to stockholders of record at the close
of business on April 20, 1999 in connection with the solicitation.
At the close of business on April 20, 1999, there were outstanding and
entitled to vote 1,683,969 shares of Northway Financial, Inc. common stock, par
value of $1.00 per share.
Each stockholder is entitled to one vote per share upon each matter
submitted at the Meeting. Only stockholders of record at the close of business
on April 20, 1999 shall be entitled to vote at the meeting.
The proxies of holders of common stock are being solicited by the Board
of Directors. Stockholders are requested to complete, date, sign and promptly
return the accompanying proxy card in the enclosed envelope. Shares represented
by a properly executed proxy received prior to the vote at the Meeting and not
revoked will be voted at the Meeting as directed in the proxy. IF A PROXY IS
SUBMITTED AND NO DIRECTIONS ARE GIVEN, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE
APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSALS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE MEETING.
A person giving the enclosed proxy may revoke it by filing an
instrument of revocation with Paul G. Campagna, Clerk, Northway Financial, Inc.,
9 Main Street, Berlin, New Hampshire 03570. Any such person may also revoke a
proxy by filing a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or by appearing at
the meeting in person, notifying the Clerk, and voting by ballot at the Meeting.
Any stockholder of record attending the Meeting may vote in person whether or
not a proxy has been previously given, but the mere presence (without notifying
the Clerk) of a stockholder at the Meeting will not constitute revocation of a
previously given proxy.
The Company will bear the cost of soliciting proxies from the
stockholders, including mailing costs, and will pay all printing costs in
connection with this Proxy Statement. In addition to the use of the mails,
proxies may be solicited by the directors, officers, and certain employees of
the Company, and by personal interview, telephone and facsimile. Such directors,
officers and employees will not receive additional compensation for such
solicitation but may be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in connection therewith. The Company may also make arrangements with
brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries for the
forwarding of solicitation material to the beneficial owners of its common
stock. The Company may reimburse such custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries for
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection therewith.
The presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of the
issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote at the Meeting is required to
constitute a quorum. Abstentions and "broker non-votes" (as defined below) will
be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a
quorum for the transaction of business at the Meeting, but as unvoted for
purposes of determining the approval of any matter submitted to the stockholders
for a vote. A "broker non-vote" is a proxy from a broker or other nominee
indicating that such person has not received instructions from the beneficial
owner or other person entitled to vote the shares which are the subject of the
proxy on a particular matter with respect to which the broker or other nominee
does not have discretionary voting power.
The Company is a New Hampshire corporation formed in 1997 for the
purpose of effecting the reorganization of The Berlin City Bank, a New
Hampshire-chartered bank based in Berlin, New Hampshire ("BCB"), into a holding
company structure and to effect a merger with Pemi Bancorp, Inc., a New
Hampshire bank holding company ("PEMI"), with and into the Company
(collectively, the "Merger"). The Merger became effective on September 30, 1997.
On that date, each of BCB and Pemigewasset National Bank, a wholly owned
national bank subsidiary of PEMI based in Plymouth, New Hampshire ("PNB"),
became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
NOMINEES AND DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
The Company's Board of Directors is currently composed of eleven
members. The Company's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation provide
that directors are to be divided into three classes, all nearly equal as
possible. Each director is elected for three years and the terms are staggered
so that only one class is elected by the stockholders annually.
At the Meeting, four directors will be elected to serve until the 2002
Annual Meeting and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The
Board of Directors has nominated Donald R. Hatt, Barry J. Kelley, Randall G.
Labnon and Stephen G. Boucher. Messrs. Hatt, Kelley and Labnon are current
members of the Board of Directors, Mr. Boucher, if elected, will begin his first
term as a Board member. It is the intention of the persons named in the
accompanying form of proxy or their substitutes to vote for the election of the
nominees listed below unless instructed to the contrary. The Board of Directors
believes that all of the nominees will be available and able to serve as
directors, but if for any reason any of the nominees named above should not be
available or able to serve, the proxies may exercise discretionary authority to
vote for one or more substitutes as the Board of Directors may recommend, or in
the alternative, the Board of Directors may, if permitted by law and the Amended
and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, amend the Bylaws if necessary
and reduce the size of the Board to eliminate the resulting vacancy. The
affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast is required for the election
of directors. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as "votes
cast" for purposes of electing directors and, therefore, will not affect the
election of the directors.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" ALL OF THE
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY.
INFORMATION CONCERNING DIRECTORS AND NOMINEES
The following table sets forth the name and ages, standing committee
memberships and other positions held with the Company, term of office and period
served, business experience, and certain other information, as of April 20,
1999, with respect to each nominee and for each director continuing in office.
The information was provided by the persons named.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares of
Year Common Stock Percent
First Term Beneficially of Common
Elected To Owned at Stock
Name Age Director Expire Apr. 20, 1999 Ownership
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOMINEES OF THE BOARD
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Hatt, Donald R. 50 1999 2002 5,000 ****
Chief Operating Officer,
Northway Financial, Inc.
Kelley, Barry J. 49 1997 2002 34,494 (1) 2.05%
President and Owner, White
Mountain Lumber, Co.
Labnon, Randall, G. 45 1997 2002 3,072 ****
General manager and Director;
Town & Country Motor Inn
Boucher, Stephen G. 52 -- 2002 -- ****
President, Chief Executive
Officer, Airmar Technology
Corp.
DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
Bornstein, Peter H. 53 1997 2000 4,324 (2) ****
Attorney, Partner and
President, Bergeron
Hanson, Bornstein & Carlson
Clifford, Jr., Charles H. 63 1997 2000 2,500 ****
President, Clifford-Nicol
Printing
Morris, John D. 68 1997 2000 9,856 ****
Formerly, President, Morris
Building Center
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares of
Year Common Stock Percent
First Term Beneficially of Common
Elected To Owned at Stock
Name Age Director Expire Apr. 20, 1999 Ownership
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Morse, Andrew L. 56 1997 2000 1,041 ****
Owner, Wayne's Market;
Owner, Woodstock Cheese
Shoppe
Woodward, William J. 53 1997 2001 70,088 4.16%
President, Chief Executive
Officer, Chairman of the
Board, Northway Financial,
Inc.; President, Chief Executive
Officer, Chairman of the Board,
The Berlin City Bank
Adams, Fletcher W. 62 1997 2001 51,000 (3) 3.03%
Vice-Chairman of the Board,
Northway Financial, Inc.; Chief
Executive Officer and Chairman
of the Board, Pemigewasset
National Bank
Noyes, John H. 52 1997 2001 11,825 ****
President and Treasurer,
Noyes Insurance Agency, Inc.;
President, Central Square
Insurance, Inc.
Hanson, Jr., Arnold P. 49 1997 2001 38,312 (4) 2.28%
President, Isaacson Structural
Steel, Inc.
- --------------
****Owns less than 1% of the Company's outstanding common stock.
</TABLE>
(1) Includes 28,926 shares owned jointly with spouse
(2) Includes 3,632 shares owned jointly with spouse and 320 shares owned by
spouse for which Mr. Bornstein has beneficial ownership
(3) Includes 4,169 shares owned jointly with spouse
(4) Includes 38,000 shares held in a trust for which Mr. Hanson serves as
trustee
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires
Northway's executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Executive officers and directors are required by SEC regulation to furnish
Northway with copies of all Section 16(a) filings. During the 1997 fiscal year,
Donald R. Hatt, Senior Executive Vice President, failed to file Form 3 upon
joining Northway. The Form 3 for Mr. Hatt was filed subsequently in 1999. Each
of the following individuals failed to file Form 4 with respect to transactions
in Northway's common stock on a timely basis: Fletcher W. Adams, Vice Chairman
of the Board, three occasions representing ten transactions; Peter H. Bornstein,
Director, one occasion representing two transactions; Arnold P. Hanson, Jr.,
Director, two occasions representing four transactions; and Barry J. Kelley,
Director, one occasion representing two transactions. Form 4s relating to each
of the foregoing transactions were subsequently filed.
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Company held thirteen (13) meetings
during the calendar year ended December 31, 1998. Each director attended at
least 75% of all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the committees of
which the director was a member held during the last fiscal year.
Directors of the Company are paid an annual fee of $8,000 and directors
who also serve on the Executive Committee receive an additional annual fee of
$12,000. Directors who are officers of the Company do not receive any of these
fees.
The following sets forth the members of each of the standing committees
of the Board of Directors together with a brief description of the function of
each such committee.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MEMBERS: William J. Woodward, Chairman; Fletcher W. Adams; Donald R. Hatt;
John D. Morris; and John H. Noyes
FUNCTION: The Executive Committee generally has the power to exercise the
power of the full Board during intervals between meetings of the
Board.
NUMBER OF
MEETINGS: This Committee meets on a weekly basis.
AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE
MEMBERS: Arnold P. Hanson, Jr., Chairman; Peter H. Bornstein; Charles H.
Clifford, Jr.; Barry J. Kelley; and Andrew L. Morse
FUNCTION: This Committee oversees the activities of the Company's Internal
Auditor, its Independent Certified Public Accounting Firm, and
activities of other accounting firms used on a project basis.
This Committee also reviews the results of each regulatory
examination. The Committee also provides oversight for all
compliance activities of the Company, including those of the
compliance officers functioning at subsidiary banks.
NUMBER OF
MEETINGS: This Committee met nine (9) times during the 1998 fiscal year.
HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
MEMBERS: John D. Morris, Chairman; Peter H. Bornstein; Charles H.
Clifford, Jr.; Randall G. Labnon; and John H. Noyes
FUNCTION: This Committee conducts annual and periodic reviews of director,
officer, and employee compensation in order to ensure that the
Company has the programs necessary to attract and retain
competent professionals at all levels. The Committee's
recommendations must be approved by the full Board of Directors.
NUMBER OF
MEETINGS: This Committee met two (2) times during the 1998 fiscal year.
CHANGE IN
COMMITTEE
COMPOSITION: Early in 1999 the outside directors of Northway voted unanimously
to modify the composition of the Committee so that it now is
composed of all of the outside directors. Arnold P. Hanson, Jr.
was elected chairman. This expanded committee has met four (4)
times in the first quarter of 1999 to discuss issues of executive
compensation. At all but one of these meetings the bank's counsel
and/or compensation consultant was present.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
MEMBERS: The Executive Committee serves as the Nominating Committee of the
Company.
FUNCTION: This Committee selects nominees for election as directors of the
Company. This Committee nominated the persons standing for
election at the 1999 Annual Meeting.
NUMBER OF
MEETINGS: The Executive Committee meets weekly; and, as appropriate,
discusses nominations.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following sets forth information regarding the executive and key
officers of the Company and/or its subsidiaries, the position or office held by
each of them, and the date from which they have continually served as executive
officers.
Executive
Officer
Name Age Since
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William J. Woodward 53 1989
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
Northway Financial, Inc. and The Berlin City Bank
Fletcher W. Adams 62 1984
Vice Chairman, Northway Financial, Inc.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pemigewasset
National Bank
Donald R. Hatt 50 1997
Senior Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer Northway Financial, Inc.
George L. Fredette 39 1999
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Northway Financial, Inc. and The Berlin City Bank
Paul M. Ferguson 45 1998
President and Chief Operating Officer, The
Pemigewasset National Bank
John H. Stratton, Jr. 51 1990
Senior Vice President, The Berlin City Bank
Paul G. Campagna 58 1982
Clerk, Northway Financial, Inc. and Senior
Vice President and Clerk, The Berlin City Bank
William J. Woodward has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Northway since 1997. In addition, he
has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of BCB since 1994 and has
served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of BCB since 1989. He became a
Director of BCB in 1975.
Fletcher W. Adams has served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
of Northway since 1997. Prior to the Merger, Mr. Adams served as President and
Chief Executive Officer of PEMI beginning in 1990. Also, since 1990, he has
served as President and Chief Executive Officer of PNB. He joined PNB as
Executive Vice President in June 1984, and has served as a director of PNB since
1973.
Donald R. Hatt has served as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of Northway since November 1997. Prior to joining Northway he
served as a financial consultant for Smith Barney, Greensboro, North Carolina
from January 1996 to October 1997. From January 1990 to March 1995, he served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Great Bay Bankshares, Dover, New
Hampshire.
George L. Fredette has served as Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of Northway and BCB since March 1999. Prior to joining the
Company he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
Evergreen Bancorp, Inc. and Evergreen Bank, N. A. from December 1995 until
January 1999. From 1993 to 1995 he served as Vice President, Finance of
Evergreen Bancorp, Inc. and Evergreen Bank, N. A.. Prior thereto he was Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of Schenectady Federal Savings and Loan
Association.
Paul M. Ferguson has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of
PNB since February 1999. Mr. Ferguson joined PNB in September 1998 as Executive
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining PNB, he served as
Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of CFX Corporation from 1997
to 1998. From 1991 to 1997 Mr. Ferguson served as Executive Vice President of
Banking Services for Community Bankshares, Inc.
John H. Stratton, Jr. has served as Senior Vice President of BCB since
1990 and is responsible for the retail banking division. Prior to joining The
BCB in 1990, Mr. Stratton served as a Vice President, Consumer Lending, for
Fleet National Bank and Vice President, Branch Administration, for Citizens
Bank. Mr. Stratton was also employed as a liquidation officer for the FDIC.
Paul G. Campagna has served as Clerk of Northway since 1997. He has
served as the Clerk of BCB since 1970 and Senior Vice President of BCB since
1982. He is responsible for community reinvestment policies and the Company's
loan review process. He has been with BCB since 1968.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of April 20, 1999, the beneficial
ownership of common stock by (i) each of the executive officers named under
"Executive Compensation" below (other than Messrs. Woodward, Adams and Hatt),
and (ii) all directors and officers as a group. See "Information Concerning
Directors and Nominees" above for the beneficial ownership of common stock by
Messrs. Woodward, Adams, Hatt and other directors of the Company. As of April
20, 1999, no person owned beneficially more than 5% of the Company's outstanding
common stock.
Shares of Common Percent of Shares of
Name stock Beneficially Owned Common Stock Ownership
John H. Stratton, Jr. 1,072 ****
Directors and executive officers 235,592 13.99%
as a group (14 persons)
**** Owns less than 1% of the Company's common stock.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information concerning the annual and
long-term compensation for services rendered in all capacities to the Company
during the fiscal years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, of those persons
who were, at December 31, 1998: (i) the chief executive officer of the Company
and (ii) the other executive officers of the Company whose total annual salary
and bonus exceeded $100,000 (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers").
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Other Annual
Name and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Compensation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William J. Woodward(1) 1998 $179,922 $ 35.000 $ --
Chairman, President and Chief 1997 43,343 23,996 112,500
Executive Officer 1996 -- -- 156,000
Fletcher W. Adams(2) 1998 128,509 12,855 --
Vice Chairman 1997 105,021 17,525 --
1996 97,000 1,965 --
Donald R. Hatt(3) 1998 150,432 18,022 35,093
Senior Executive Vice President and 1997 20,481 1,024 --
Chief Operating Officer 1996 -- -- --
John H. Stratton, Jr. 1998 101,503 3,023 --
Senior Vice President 1997 98,753 4,902 --
Berlin City Bank 1996 94,920 3,768 --
</TABLE>
(1)In June 1994, Mr. Woodward assumed executive management
responsibility with respect to BCB upon the resignation of BCB's President and
Chief Executive Officer pending possible selection of a successor. Through the
date of the Merger, Mr. Woodward was not a salaried employee of BCB and did not
receive any pension, insurance or other benefits. Mr. Woodward received the fees
set forth above in lieu of salary and benefits through the date of the Merger.
In connection with the Merger, Mr. Woodward entered into an employment
agreement with the Company and BCB. See "Employment Contracts" below. For 1997,
$43,343 and $23,996 represent the amounts paid to Mr. Woodward in salary and
bonus, respectively, pursuant to such agreement. Mr. Woodward's bonus for 1998
includes $29,602 which was earned in 1998 and paid in 1999. (2)Prior to the
Merger, the totals for Mr. Adams include his base salary together with monthly
fees received for attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors of PEMI and
PNB. In connection with the Merger, Mr. Adams entered into an employment
agreement with the Company and PNB. See "Employment Contracts" below. For 1997,
$31,500 and $17,525 represent the amounts paid to Mr. Adams in salary and bonus,
respectively, pursuant to such agreement. Mr. Adams' 1998 bonus includes $9,000
which was earned in 1998 and paid in 1999. (3) The totals for Mr. Hatt include
$35,093 paid as relocation expense. Mr. Hatt's bonus for 1998 bonus includes
$10,500 which was earned in 1998 and paid in 1999.
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on the
Common Stock (assuming $100 was invested on September 30, 1997, the date of the
Merger, and all dividends were reinvested) against (i) the cumulative total
return of the S&P Composite 500 Stock Index, and (ii) the NASDAQ Bank Stock
Index.
[STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE GRAPH]
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
September '97 December '97 December `98
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
NWFI $100.00 $104.33 $ 93.38
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 $100.00 $102.40 $129.80
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
NASDAQ Bank Stocks $100.00 $113.50 $112.40
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Employment Contracts
Messrs. Woodward, Adams, Hatt and Ferguson have entered into employment
agreements with the Company.
Pursuant to the employment agreements, each executive provides ongoing
services to the Company on a full-time basis for periods of three years, in the
case of Messrs. Woodward and Adams and two years in the case of Messrs. Hatt and
Ferguson. These terms are automatically renewed for periods of one year
commencing on each anniversary of the respective agreements unless either the
executive or the Company gives written notice to the other electing not to
extend the term. The employment agreements provide for annual base salaries that
are subject to increase from time to time in the discretion of the Board of
Directors. The employment agreements also provide that each of the executives
are entitled to participate in any incentive or bonus program established by the
Board of Directors, as well as other employee benefit plans which the Company
may from time to time have in effect for all or most of its senior executives.
In addition to certain confidentiality and non-compete provisions the
agreements provide that if an executive is terminated from full-time employment
with the Company without cause prior to the end of the respective term, then he
will be entitled to receive his base salary at the rate then in effect and
certain group health benefits for the remainder of such term (the "Termination
benefits Period"); provided, that in the event such executive commences any
employment or self-employment during the period during which he is entitled to
receive the termination benefits, the remaining amount of base salary due, for
the period from the commencement of such employment or self-employment to the
end of the Termination Benefit Period, will be reduced by one-half of the salary
such executive receives from such employment or self-employment. In addition, if
such executive receives benefits from such employment or self-employment
comparable to those benefits provided by the Company, the continuation of group
health benefits shall cease effective as of the date of commencement of such
employment or self-employment.
The employment agreements also provide for termination benefits if the
executives' employment with the Company is terminated under certain
circumstances following a "change of control." If within 18 months following a
change of control, in the case of Messrs. Woodward and Adams, or twelve months
in the case of Messrs. Hatt and Ferguson, such executive's employment is
terminated by the Company or by such executive following the occurrence of
certain adverse actions taken with respect to such executive's employment, or if
such executive's employment is terminated without cause, the Company must, in
lieu of any other termination benefits described above, pay to such executive
(or such executive's estate, if applicable) a lump-sum payment, in the case of
Messrs. Woodward and Adams, equal to 2.99 times such executive's "base amount"
(within the meaning of section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended) and, in the case of Messrs. Hatt and Ferguson, two times such "base
amount".
PENSION PLANS
The Company has frozen the existing individual pension plans of the
subsidiaries effective December 31, 1998 and plans to adopt a new Company-wide
plan in 1999. The assets of the old plans will be merged into the new plan. The
Company anticipates that, under the provisions of the new plan, all full time
employees who have attained age twenty-one and have completed at least 1,000
hours of service in a consecutive twelve-month period will be eligible to
participate in the plan. Vesting will occur after 5 years, and age 65 will be
the normal retirement age. Early retirement may be taken, however, after age 55.
The following table illustrates estimated annual pension benefits for
retirement at age 65 under the most advantageous plan provisions available for
the various levels of compensation and years of service. The figures in this
table are calculated based on 1.00% of the final 5 years average total W-2
earnings plus .65% of compensation in excess of covered compensation times the
number of years of service. Covered compensation for the purpose of this
calculation is currently $32,940.
AVERAGE
COMPENSATION YEARS OF SERVICE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
15 20 25 30 35
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
$125,000 27,700 37,000 46,200 55,500 64,700
$150,000 33,900 45,200 56,500 67,800 79,100
$160,000 36,400 48,500 60,600 72,800 84,900
$175,000 36,400 48,500 60,600 72,800 84,900
$200,000 36,400 48,500 60,600 72,800 84,900
REPORT OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
GENERAL POLICIES
Effective February 16, 1999, the membership of the Human Resources and
Compensation Committee (the "Committee") was modified to include all
independent, non-employee members of the Company's Board of Directors. The
Committee's responsibility is to set policy and oversee the administration of
the Company's compensation and benefits. Working with an outside bank
compensation consultant, the Committee recommends the approval of the salary
program for the entire organization. It also oversees the compensation of the
Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and certain other senior officers.
The base salary of these senior executive officers is set at an amount
within an established salary range that reflects the executive's position,
duties and level of responsibility. The salary range consists of minimum and
maximum levels distributed around an average of base salaries paid to executives
who hold substantially similar positions within a selected peer group. Any
bonuses are designed to reward executives for performance and are based
primarily on the Company's financial results.
CEO COMPENSATION
In connection with the employment agreements described above, the
Company engaged a bank compensation consultant to act as its advisor in the
matter of executive compensation. This consultant specializes in compensation
matters for New England financial institutions, and maintains an extensive data
base for banks in various asset size groups.
Using a variety of established surveys concerning bank salaries, the
Company's consultant recommended a set of competitive and current salary grades
and ranges for Messrs. Woodward and Adams. In connection with the Merger, the
consultant's recommended structure was subsequently approved by the Board.
1999 STOCK OPTION AND GRANT PLAN
The Committee studied the proposed 1999 Stock Option and Grant Plan
(PLAN), consulted with the Company's counsel and voted unanimously to recommend
its adoption by the Board of Directors and by the Stockholders at their 1999
Annual Meeting.
Submitted by members of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.
Arnold P. Hanson, Jr., Chairperson Randall G. Labnon
Peter H. Bornstein John D. Morris
Charles H. Clifford, Jr. Andrew L. Morse
Barry J. Kelley John H. Noyes
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL TWO
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE 1999 STOCK
OPTION AND GRANT PLAN
The Company's Board of Directors has adopted, subject to shareholder
approval, the 1999 Stock Option and Grant Plan (the "Plan") and has voted to
recommend that the Company's stockholders consider and adopt and approve the
Plan. The Plan authorizes grants of the following types of awards to
approximately ten eligible employees of the Plan as well as directors,
consultants and other key advisors: (1) options to purchase shares of Northway
Common Stock which are intended to qualify as incentive stock options under
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code ("ISOs"), (2) options to purchase
shares of Northway Common Stock which are not intended to qualify as ISOs
("NQSOs"), (3) grants of shares of Northway Common Stock which will vest upon
certain performance and/or tenure requirements ("Restricted Stock"), (4) grants
of shares of Northway Common Stock free of any vesting restrictions
("Unrestricted Stock") and (5) other Common Stock based awards. The Board
believes the plan will encourage and enable the officers, employees, directors,
consultants and other key persons of the Company, upon whose judgement,
initiative and efforts the Company largely depends for the successful conduct of
business, to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company. It is anticipated
that providing such persons with a direct stake in the Company's welfare will
assure a closer identification of their interests with those of the Company,
thereby stimulating their efforts on the Company's behalf and strengthening
their desire to remain with the Company.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL
AND ADOPTION OF THE 1999 STOCK OPTION AND GRANT PLAN.
MATERIAL FEATURES OF THE PLAN
The Plan will authorize the grant of ISOs, NQSOs, Restricted Stock,
Unrestricted Stock and other awards (collectively "Awards") with respect to up
to 175,000 shares of Northway Common Stock, and no participant may receive
grants of Awards with respect to more than 60,000 shares during any plan year.
Either the full Board or a committee of two or more outside directors (in either
case, the "Committee") will administer the Plan. The Committee will from time to
time determine the participants to whom Awards will be granted. The benefits or
amounts of the Plan that will be received or allocated are not sufficiently
determinable to be provided in a tabular format. The Company anticipates that
the majority of grants under the Plan will be made to executive and key
employees, and to directors, the number of people who fit within this category
is approximately twenty-two. The officers and directors of Northway, due to
their eligibility to participate in the Plan have an interest in its approval.
On April 14, 1999 the closing price of the Common Stock, as reported on NASDAQ,
was $28 per share.
In addition to determining who will be granted Awards, the Committee
will (1) determine the type and number of Awards granted, (2) specify the terms
and conditions of the Awards, consistent with the Plan, and (3) establish rules
and procedures and make binding determinations and interpretations in connection
with the administration of the Plan.
The following is a summary of the types of Awards that the Company may
grant under the Plan and their tax consequences;
Stock Options. Stock options under the plan may be either ISOs or
NQSOs. ISOs may be granted only to employees of the Company or its subsidiaries.
If the Committee so determines, stock options may be granted in lieu of cash
compensation at the participant's election.
(i) Exercise Price. The exercise price per share for the stock
covered by a stock option shall be determined by the Committee at
the time of grant but shall not be less than 100% of the fair
market value thereof on the date of grant in the case of ISOs. If
an employee owns or is deemed to own more than a 10% interest in
the Company or any of its affiliates, the exercise price per
share shall be not less than 110% of the fair market value
thereof on the grant date.
(ii) Option Term. The term of each stock option shall be fixed by the
Committee, however, no ISO will be exercisable more than ten
years after the date such option is granted. If an employee owns
or is deemed to own more than a 10% interest in the Company or
any of its affiliates, the term of such option shall be no more
than five years from the date of grant. Stock options granted in
lieu of compensation shall be exercisable in full as of the grant
date. The Committee may at any time accelerate the exercisability
of all or any portion of any stock option. Notwithstanding the
specified expiration date, stock options expire twelve months
after a participant's death, disability or retirement and 90 days
after termination for any other reason; provided that such
options shall terminate immediately if such termination is for
cause.
(iii) Method of Exercise. Stock options may be exercised in whole or in
part, by giving written notice of exercise to the Company,
specifying the number of shares to be purchased. The
consideration to be paid upon the exercise of stock options may
be cash, certified or bank check, a promissory note (if the Board
has expressly authorized the loan of funds to effect the exercise
of options), delivery of shares of Northway Common Stock then
owned by the participant or by the participant delivering to the
Company a properly executed exercise notice together with
irrevocable instructions to a broker to promptly deliver to the
Company cash or check payable and acceptable to the Company for
the purchase price.
Restricted Stock. Restricted Stock may be granted by the Committee
subject to the satisfaction of such performance and/or tenure requirements, as
the Committee shall determine. The award may be a grant or have a price that
shall be par value or such other higher purchase price as the Committee may
determine. Restricted Stock Awards may require or permit the immediate payment,
waiver, deferral or investment of dividends paid on the Restricted Stock. Unless
otherwise agreed by the Committee, a persons rights in any shares of Restricted
Stock that have not vested shall automatically terminate upon the participant's
termination of employment and shall be subject to the right of the Company to
repurchase such shares in the event of such termination.
Unrestricted Stock. The Committee may grant, or sell at a price
determined by the Committee, Unrestricted Stock to any participant, free of any
vesting restrictions. Such Awards may be made in recognition of past services or
other valid consideration, or in lieu of any cash compensation due to such
individual.
The Plan will become effective upon its approval by the stockholders.
No Awards have been granted under the Plan, and the type or amounts of Awards
that will be granted in 1999 cannot now be determined.
Awards granted under the Plan are non-transferable other than by will
or by the laws of descent and distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Committee may provide in an Award agreement regarding a given option, that the
participant may transfer NQSOs to immediate family members, to trusts for the
benefit of such family members, or to partnerships in which such family members
are the only partners, provided that the transferee agrees in writing with the
Company to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Plan and the
applicable Award agreement.
The Plan may amended by the Committee from time to time, except that
the approval of the shareholders of the company would be required to approve an
increase in the maximum number of shares available under the Plan, except for
automatic increases due to stock dividends, stock splits, recapitalizations,
mergers or certain other extraordinary corporate transactions.
FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES
NQSOs, No income is recognized by a participant at the time of grant on
an NQSO, nor is the Company entitled to a tax deduction at that time. Generally,
ordinary income will be recognized by the participant on the date that he or she
exercises a NQSO. The amount of income will be equal to the excess of the fair
market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price. The
holding period for capital gain or loss purposes will begin on the date of
exercise. Northway will be entitled to a deduction at the time the participant
is required to recognize income from the exercise of the NQSO. The amount will
be equal to the amount that is taxable to the participant as ordinary income as
a result of the exercise.
If the exercise price of a NQSO is paid by surrendering Common Stock to
be received upon such exercise, the participant will recognize no gain or loss
on the shares surrendered to pay the exercise price. The number of shares that
the participant receives upon exercise of the option, in excess of the
surrendered shares, are considered "additional shares". The participant will
recognize ordinary income upon the exercise equal to the fair market value of
the additional shares on the date of exercise, less any cash paid towards the
exercise price. The basis of the additional shares will be equal to the fair
market value on the exercise date and their holding period will begin on that
date. The shares that the participant receives upon exercise equal to the
surrendered shares will have a basis equal to that of the surrendered shares.
The basis of shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a NQSO will be
the amount included in ordinary income due to the receipt of those shares. When
the recipient disposes of shares acquired pursuant to a NQSO, any amount
realized in excess of the basis will be treated as long-term or short-term
capital gain, depending on the holding period of the shares. If the amount
realized is less than the basis of the shares, the loss will be treated as a
long-term or short-term capital loss, depending on the holding period of the
shares.
ISOs. A participant receiving an ISO will not be subject to tax upon
either the grant of the ISO or its subsequent exercise. The spread between the
exercise price and the fair market value on the date of exercise will, however,
be included in the participant's alternative minimum taxable income for purposes
of determining the participant's liability, if any, for the alternative minimum
tax. If the participant holds the shares acquired upon exercise for more than
one year after exercise and at least two years after the date of grant, then the
amount realized on a subsequent sale or other disposition of the shares will
constitute long-term capital gain or loss at the time of the sale. The Company
will not be entitled to a federal income tax deduction with respect to the grant
or exercise of an ISO. If options cease to be ISOs for any reason, they will be
treated as NQSOs. For example, if the participant sells the shares before the
expiration of the requisite holding periods, he or she will be deemed to have
made a "disqualifying disposition" of shares and will realize ordinary income in
the year of disposition. In the event of a disqualifying disposition, The
Company will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction in the year of
disposition of the shares in an amount of the ordinary income realized by the
participant.
If the exercise price of an ISO is paid by surrendering Common Stock,
the Internal Revenue Service treats such an exchange as if there were two
transactions. The first transaction is treated as a non-taxable exchange of the
previously acquired Common Stock for an equal number of shares of new Common
Stock, both having the same market value. The basis of new shares will be the
same as the shares surrendered and the holding period will include the holding
period of the shares surrendered. The second transaction concerns the additional
shares that a participant will receive pursuant to the exercise. This exchange
also results in no gain or loss being recognized at the time of the exchange,
however, the basis for these additional shares will be zero. The holding period
for the additional shares begins on the date of the exchange.
Restricted Stock. A participant will not realize any income when shares
of Restricted Stock are granted or registered in the participant's name.
Participants will realize ordinary income as and when shares of Restricted Stock
are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture in an amount equal to
the fair market value of the such shares as of such date. A participant can,
however, elect under section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code to recognize
ordinary compensation income in the year the Restricted Stock is awarded on the
difference between the then fair market value of the Restricted Stock and the
price paid for such stock, if any. Any gain or loss recognized by the
participant upon the subsequent disposition of the stock will be a capital gain
or loss. If, after making the election, any Restricted Stock is forfeited, the
participant is not entitled to any tax deduction or tax refund. The Company will
be entitled to a tax deduction when, and to the extent, ordinary income is
realized by the participant with respect to the Restricted Stock.
Unrestricted Stock. A participant will generally be subject to tax, at
ordinary income rates, upon the grant of Unrestricted Stock. Northway will be
entitled to a tax deduction equal to such amount.
The foregoing summary with respect to Federal income taxation does not
purport to be complete and reference is made to the applicable provisions of the
Code.
VOTE REQUIRED
The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common
stock entitled to vote thereon at the 1999 annual meeting is required to approve
the 1999 Stock Option and Grant Plan.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Company has, during its ordinary course of business, made loans to
directors and officers. Loans are made on substantially the same terms,
including rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable
transactions with other persons and do not involve more than the normal risk of
collectibility or present other unfavorable features. The Company has had (and
expects to have in the future) banking transactions with directors, officers,
principal stockholders, and their associates on the same terms (including
interest rates and collateral on loans) as those prevailing at the same time for
comparable transactions with others, and do not involve more than the normal
risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.
The largest aggregate amount of such extensions of credit to directors,
officers, principal stockholders, and their associates during the period of
January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998 was $1,204,000. The aggregate amount
owing to the Company from such individuals on December 31, 1998 was $1,204,000,
or 2.94% of stockholders' equity. As mentioned above, these loans were made on
the same terms for comparable transactions with others.
There were no officers or directors whose direct or indirect liability
to the Company exceeded 10% of stockholders' equity at any time during the year.
The Company has not been a party to any transaction or proposed
transaction during the past two years in which any director, director nominee,
executive officer, or principal stockholder, or any immediate family thereof has
had a direct or indirect material interest.
RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Shatswell, MacLeod and Company was the Company's independent auditing
firm for 1998. Representatives of Shatswell, MacLeod and Company are expected to
be present at the meeting to respond to stockholders' questions and will have
the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire. The firm of Shatswell,
MacLeod and Company has served as the Company's independent auditing firm since
September 30, 1997.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is not aware of any business to come before the
Meeting other than those matters described above in this Proxy Statement.
However, if any other matters should properly come before the Meeting, it is
intended that proxies in the accompanying form will be voted in respect thereof
in accordance with the judgment of the person or persons voting the proxies.
MISCELLANEOUS
A copy of the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders, including
financial statements has been mailed to all stockholders of record as of the
close of business on April 20, 1999. Any stockholder who has not received a copy
of such Annual Report or would like to obtain a copy of the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K may do so by writing Paul G. Campagna, Clerk c/o Northway
Financial, Inc., 9 Main Street, Berlin, NH 03570. Such Annual Report is not to
be treated as a part of the proxy solicitation material or as having been
incorporated herein by reference.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
The Company's By-Laws provide that any director nominations and new
business proposals intended to be submitted by stockholders in connection with
an Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be filed, delivered to, or mailed to and
received by, the Company at its principal executive office not less than 75 days
nor more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately
preceding Annual Meeting (the "Anniversary Date") or, in other words, no later
than March 4, 2000 and no earlier than January 18, 2000 ; provided, however,
that in the event the annual Meeting is scheduled to be held on a date more than
30 days before the Anniversary Date or more than 60 days after the Anniversary
Date, a stockholder's notice shall be timely if delivered to, or mailed to and
received by, the Company at its principal executive office not later than the
close of business on the later of (1) the 75th day prior to the scheduled date
of such annual Meeting or (2) the 15th day following the day on which public
announcement of the date of such Annual Meeting is first made by the Company. A
copy of the applicable Bylaw provisions may be obtained, without charge, upon
written request to the Clerk of the Company at its principal executive office in
Berlin, New Hampshire.
In addition to the foregoing, in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, any proposal that a stockholder intends to
present at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2000 must be received by the
Company not less than 120 days prior to the Anniversary Date, or January 18,
2000, to be eligible for inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy
relating to such meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Paul G. Campagna
Clerk
Berlin, New Hampshire
April 23, 1999
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
NORTHWAY FINANCIAL, INC.
1999 STOCK OPTION AND GRANT PLAN
SECTION 1. GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE PLAN; DEFINITIONS
The name of the plan is the Northway Financial, Inc. 1999 Stock Option
and Grant Plan (the "Plan"). The purpose of the Plan is to encourage and enable
the officers, employees, directors, consultants, and other key persons of
Northway Financial, Inc., a New Hampshire corporation (the "Company"), and its
Subsidiaries, upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts the Company largely
depends for the successful conduct of its business to acquire a proprietary
interest in the Company. It is anticipated that providing such persons with a
direct stake in the Company's welfare will assure a closer identification of
their interests with those of the Company, thereby stimulating their efforts on
the Company's behalf and strengthening their desire to remain with the Company.
The following terms shall be defined as set forth below:
"Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Award" or "Awards," except where referring to a particular category of
grant under the Plan, shall include Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock
Options, Restricted Stock Awards, Unrestricted Stock Awards, Performance Share
Awards, or any combination of the foregoing.
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
"Change of Control" is defined in Section 14.
"Committee" means the Committee of the Board referred to in
Section 2(a).
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any
successor Code, and related rules, regulations and interpretations.
"Covered Employee" means an employee who is a "Covered Employee" within
the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.
"Effective Date" means the date on which the Plan is approved by
stockholders as set forth in Section 16.
"Fair Market Value" of the Stock on any given date means the fair
market value of the Stock determined in good faith by the Committee; provided,
however, that if the Stock is admitted for quotation on The NASDAQ Stock Market,
Inc.'s National Market system or a national securities exchange, the
determination of Fair Market Value shall be made by reference to market
quotations. If there are no market quotations for such date, the determination
of Fair Market Value shall be made by reference to market quotations on the last
date preceding such date for which there are market quotations.
"Incentive Stock Option" means any Stock Option designated and
qualified as an "incentive stock option" as defined in Section 422 of the Code.
"Independent Director" means a member of the Board who is not also an
employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.
"Non-Qualified Stock Option" means any Stock Option that is not an
Incentive Stock Option.
"Option" or "Stock Option" means any option to purchase shares of Stock
granted pursuant to Section 5.
"Performance Cycle" means one or more periods of time, which may be of
varying and overlapping duration's, as the Committee may select, over which the
attainment of one or more performance criteria will be measured for the purpose
of determining a participant's right to and the payment of a Performance Share
Award or a Restricted Stock Award.
"Performance Share Award" means Awards granted pursuant to Section 8.
"Restricted Stock Award" means Awards granted pursuant to Section 6.
"Stock" means the Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the
Company, subject to adjustments pursuant to Section 3.
"Subsidiary" means any corporation or other entity (other than the
Company) in any unbroken chain of corporations or other entities beginning with
the Company if each of the corporations or entities (other than the last
corporation or entity in the unbroken chain) owns stock or other interests
possessing 50 percent or more of the economic interest or the total combined
voting power of all classes of stock or other interests in one of the other
corporations or entities in the chain.
"Unrestricted Stock Award" means any Award granted pursuant to
Section 7.
SECTION 2. ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN; Committee; AUTHORITY TO SELECT PARTICIPANTS
AND DETERMINE AWARDS
(a) Administration of Plan. The Plan shall be administered by either
the full Board or a committee of not less than two Independent Directors (in
either case, the "Committee").
(b) Powers of the Committee. The Committee shall have the power and
authority to grant Awards consistent with the terms of the Plan, including the
power and authority:
(i) to select the individuals to whom Awards may from time to time
be granted;
(ii) to determine the time or times of grant, and the extent, if
any, of Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options,
Restricted Stock Awards, Unrestricted Stock Awards, Performance Share
Awards, or any combination of the foregoing, granted to any one or more
participants;
(iii) to determine the number of shares of Stock to be covered by
any Award;
(iv) to determine and modify from time to time the terms and
conditions, including restrictions, not inconsistent with the terms of
the Plan, of any Award, which terms and conditions may differ among
individual Awards and participants, and to approve the form of written
instruments evidencing the Awards;
(v) to accelerate at any time the exercisability or vesting of all
or any portion of any Award;
(vi) subject to the provisions of Section 5(a)(ii), to extend at
any time the period in which Stock Options may be exercised;
(vii) to determine at any time whether, to what extent, and under
what circumstances distribution or the receipt of Stock and other
amounts payable with respect to an Award shall be deferred either
automatically or at the election of the participant and whether and to
what extent the Company shall pay or credit amounts constituting
interest (at rates determined by the Committee) or dividends or deemed
dividends on such deferrals; and
(viii) at any time to adopt, alter and repeal such rules,
guidelines and practices for administration of the Plan and for its own
acts and proceedings as it shall deem advisable; to interpret the terms
and provisions of the Plan and any Award (including related written
instruments); to make all determinations it deems advisable for the
administration of the Plan; to decide all disputes arising in
connection with the Plan; and to otherwise supervise the administration
of the Plan.
All decisions and interpretations of the Committee shall be binding on
all persons, including the Company and Plan participants.
(c) Delegation of Authority to Grant Awards. The Committee, in its
discretion, may delegate to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company all or
part of the Committee's authority and duties with respect to the granting of
Awards at Fair Market Value to individuals who are not subject to the reporting
and other provisions of Section 16 of the Act or "covered employees" within the
meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. Any such delegation by the Committee
shall include a limitation as to the amount of Awards that may be granted during
the period of the delegation and shall contain guidelines as to the
determination of the exercise price of any Option, the conversion ratio or price
of other Awards and the vesting criteria. The Committee may revoke or amend the
terms of a delegation at any time but such action shall not invalidate any prior
actions of the Committee's delegate or delegates that were consistent with the
terms of the Plan.
SECTION 3. STOCK ISSUABLE UNDER THE PLAN; MERGERS; SUBSTITUTION
(a) Stock Issuable. The maximum number of shares of Stock reserved and
available for issuance under the Plan shall be 175,000, subject to adjustment as
provided in Section 3(b). For purposes of this limitation, the shares of Stock
underlying any Awards which are forfeited, canceled, reacquired by the Company,
satisfied without the issuance of Stock or otherwise terminated (other than by
exercise) shall be added back to the shares of Stock available for issuance
under the Plan. Subject to such overall limitation, shares of Stock may be
issued up to such maximum number pursuant to any type or types of Award;
provided, however that Stock Options with respect to no more than 60,000 shares
of Stock may be granted to any one individual participant during any one
calendar year period. The shares available for issuance under the Plan may be
authorized but unissued shares of Stock or shares of Stock reacquired by the
Company and held in its treasury.
(b) Changes in Stock. If, as a result of any reorganization,
recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock
split or other similar change in the Company's capital stock, the outstanding
shares of Stock are increased or decreased or are exchanged for a different
number or kind of shares or other securities of the Company, or additional
shares or new or different shares or other securities of the Company or other
non-cash assets are distributed with respect to such shares of Stock or other
securities, the Committee shall make an appropriate or proportionate adjustment
in (i) the maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan, (ii)
the number of Stock Options that can be granted to any one individual
participant, (iii) the number and kind of shares or other securities subject to
any then outstanding Awards under the Plan, and (iv) the price for each share
subject to any then outstanding Stock Options under the Plan, without changing
the aggregate exercise price (i.e., the exercise price multiplied by the number
of Stock Options ) as to which such Stock Options remain exercisable. The
adjustment by the Committee shall be final, binding and conclusive. No
fractional shares of Stock shall be issued under the Plan resulting from any
such adjustment, but the Committee in its discretion may make a cash payment in
lieu of fractional shares. Except to the extent provided above, the Committee
shall not be required to make any other such adjustments, including, without
limitation, in connection with the following (A) the sale of Stock to the public
generally pursuant to a registration statement under the Act or otherwise in
accordance with the Act, (B) the issuance of Stock to any person or entity which
sells its businesses, assets or stock to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
in exchange for capital stock of the Company, and (C) Stock issued pursuant to
any rights or agreements, including the Stock issued under the Plan.
The Committee may also adjust the number of shares subject to
outstanding Awards and the exercise price and the terms of outstanding Awards to
take into consideration material changes in accounting practices or principles,
extraordinary dividends, acquisitions or dispositions of stock or property or
any other event if it is determined by the Committee that such adjustment is
appropriate to avoid distortion in the operation of the Plan, provided that no
such adjustment shall be made in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, without
the consent of the participant, if it would constitute a modification, extension
or renewal of the Option within the meaning of Section 424(h) of the Code.
(c) Mergers and Other Transactions. In the case of and subject to the
consummation of (i) the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, (ii) the sale
of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company on a consolidated basis
to an unrelated person or entity, (iii) a merger, reorganization or
consolidation in which the holders of the Company's outstanding voting power
immediately prior to such transaction do not own a majority of the outstanding
voting power of the surviving or resulting entity immediately upon completion of
such transaction, (iv) the sale of all of the Stock of the Company to an
unrelated person or entity or (v) any other transaction in which the owners of
the Company's outstanding voting power prior to such transaction do not own at
least a majority of the outstanding voting power of the relevant entity after
the transaction (in each case, a "Covered Transaction"), all Options that are
not exercisable shall become fully exercisable and all other Awards with
conditions and restrictions relating solely to the passage of time and continued
employment shall become fully vested, except as the Committee may otherwise
specify with respect to particular Awards. Upon the consummation of the Covered
Transaction, the Plan and all outstanding Awards granted hereunder shall
terminate, unless provision is made in connection with the Covered Transaction
for the assumption of Awards heretofore granted, or the substitution of such
Awards with new Awards of the successor entity or parent thereof, with
appropriate adjustment as to the number and kind of shares and, if appropriate,
the per share exercise prices, as provided in Section 3(b) above. In the event
of such termination, each optionee shall be permitted, within a specified period
of time determined by the Committee prior to consummation of the Covered
Transaction, to exercise all outstanding Options held by such optionee,
including those that are not then exercisable, subject to the consummation of
the Covered Transaction.
(d) Substitute Awards. The Committee may grant Awards under the Plan in
substitution for stock and stock based awards held by employees of another
corporation who become employees of the Company or a Subsidiary as the result of
a merger or consolidation of the employing corporation with the Company or a
Subsidiary or the acquisition by the Company or a Subsidiary of property or
stock of the employing corporation. The Committee may direct that the substitute
awards be granted on such terms and conditions as the Committee considers
appropriate in the circumstances. Any substitute Awards granted under the Plan
shall not count against the share limitation set forth in Section 3(a).
SECTION 4. ELIGIBILITY
Participants in the Plan will be such full or part-time officers and
other employees, Independent Directors, and other key persons (including
consultants and prospective employees) of the Company and its Subsidiaries as
are selected from time to time by the Committee in its sole discretion.
SECTION 5. STOCK OPTIONS
Any Stock Option granted under the Plan shall be in such form as the
Committee may from time to time approve.
Stock Options granted under the Plan may be either Incentive Stock
Options or Non-Qualified Stock Options. Incentive Stock Options may be granted
only to employees of the Company or any Subsidiary that is a "subsidiary
corporation" within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code. To the extent
that any Option does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, it shall be
deemed a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted under the Plan after
February __, 2009.
(a) Stock Options Granted to Employees and Key Persons. The Committee
in its discretion may grant Stock Options to eligible employees and key persons
of the Company or any Subsidiary. Stock Options granted pursuant to this Section
5(a) shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain
such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the
Plan, as the Committee shall deem desirable. If the Committee so determines,
Stock Options may be granted in lieu of cash compensation at the participant's
election, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may establish.
(i) Exercise Price. The exercise price per share for the Stock
covered by a Stock Option granted pursuant to this Section 5(a) shall
be determined by the Committee at the time of grant but shall not be
less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant unless the
Stock Option is granted in lieu of cash compensation. If an employee
owns or is deemed to own (by reason of the attribution rules of Section
424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the combined voting power of all
classes of stock of the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation
and an Incentive Stock Option is granted to such employee, the option
price of such Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than 110% of the
Fair Market Value on the grant date.
(ii) Option Term. The term of each Stock Option shall be fixed by
the Committee, but no Stock Option shall be exercisable more than ten
years after the date such option is granted. If an employee owns or is
deemed to own (by reason of the attribution rules of Section 424(d) of
the Code) more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of
stock of the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation and an
Incentive Stock Option is granted to such employee, the term of such
option shall be no more than five years from the date of grant.
(iii) Exercisability; Rights of a Stockholder. Stock Options shall
become exercisable at such time or times, whether or not in
installments, as shall be determined by the Committee at or after the
grant date; provided, however, that Stock Options granted in lieu of
compensation shall be exercisable in full as of the grant date. The
Committee may at any time accelerate the exercisability of all or any
portion of any Stock Option. An optionee shall have the rights of a
stockholder only as to shares acquired upon the exercise of a Stock
Option and not as to unexercised Stock Options.
(iv) Method of Exercise. Stock Options may be exercised in whole
or in part, by giving written notice of exercise to the Company,
specifying the number of shares to be purchased. Payment of the
purchase price may be made by one or more of the following methods to
the extent provided in the Option Award:
(A) In cash, by certified or bank check, or other instrument
acceptable to the Committee in U.S. funds payable to the order of
the Company in an amount equal to the purchase price of such
Option Shares;
(B) By the optionee delivering to the Company a promissory
note if the Board has expressly authorized the loan of funds to
the optionee for the purpose of enabling or assisting the optionee
to effect the exercise of his Stock Option; provided that at least
so much of the exercise price as represents the par value of the
Stock shall be paid other than with a promissory note.
(C) Through the delivery (or attestation to the ownership)
of shares of Stock that have been purchased by the optionee on the
open market or that have been beneficially owned by the optionee
for at least six months and are not then subject to restrictions
under any Company plan. Such surrendered shares shall be valued at
Fair Market Value on the exercise date;
(D) By the optionee delivering to the Company a properly
executed exercise notice together with irrevocable instructions to
a broker to promptly deliver to the Company cash or a check
payable and acceptable to the Company for the purchase price;
provided that in the event the optionee chooses to pay the
purchase price as so provided, the optionee and the broker shall
comply with such procedures and enter into such agreements of
indemnity and other agreements as the Committee shall prescribe as
a condition of such payment procedure.
Payment instruments will be received subject to collection. The
delivery of certificates representing the shares of Stock to be purchased
pursuant to the exercise of a Stock Option will be contingent upon receipt from
the optionee (or a purchaser acting in his stead in accordance with the
provisions of the Stock Option) by the Company of the full purchase price for
such shares and the fulfillment of any other requirements contained in the Stock
Option or applicable provisions of laws. In the event an optionee chooses to pay
the purchase price by previously-owned shares of Stock through the attestation
method described in Section 5(a)(iv)(C) above, the number of shares of Stock
transferred to the optionee upon the exercise of the Stock Option shall be net
of the number of shares attested to.
(b) Annual Limit on Incentive Stock Options. To the extent required for
"incentive stock option" treatment under Section 422 of the Code, the aggregate
Fair Market Value (determined as of the time of grant) of the shares of Stock
with respect to which Incentive Stock Options granted under this Plan and any
other plan of the Company or its parent and subsidiary corporations become
exercisable for the first time by an optionee during any calendar year shall not
exceed $100,000. To the extent that any Stock Option exceeds this limit, it
shall constitute a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
(c) Non-transferability of Options. No Stock Option shall be
transferable by the optionee otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent
and distribution and all Stock Options shall be exercisable, during the
optionee's lifetime, only by the optionee, or by the optionee's legal
representative or guardian in the event of the optionee's incapacity.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may
provide in the Award agreement regarding a given Option that the optionee may
transfer, without consideration for the transfer, his Non-Qualified Stock
Options to members of his immediate family, to trusts for the benefit of such
family members, or to partnerships in which such family members are the only
partners, provided that the transferee agrees in writing with the Company to be
bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Plan and the applicable Option.
(d) Termination. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Committee
either in the Award agreement or in writing after the Award agreement is issued,
if the participant's employment by the Company or a Subsidiary is terminated,
the period within which to exercise an Option may be subject to earlier
termination as set forth below:
(i) Termination Due to Death, Disability or Retirement. If the
participant's employment terminates by reason of death, disability, or
retirement (after attainment of age 60), vested Options held by the participant
may be exercised by the participant, the participant's legal representative or
legatee for a period of 12 months from the date of death, disability or
retirement or of such termination without Cause or until the expiration of the
Option, if earlier .
(ii) Other Termination. If the participant's employment
terminates for any reason other than death, disability or retirement, and unless
otherwise determined by the Committee, any Option held by the participant may be
exercised, to the extent exercisable on the date of termination, for a period of
90 days from the date of termination or until the expiration date of the Option,
if earlier, provided however, if the participant is terminated for Cause, any
Option held by the participant shall terminate immediately upon the date of the
participant's termination. Unless the term "Cause" is otherwise defined in a
written employment agreement between a grantee and the Company or any Subsidiary
(in which case the definition of "Cause" contained in such agreement shall
control), the term "Cause" means a vote of the Board of Directors of the Company
or the successor entity, as the case may be, resolving that the grantee should
be dismissed as a result of (i) any material breach by the grantee of any
agreement to which the grantee and the Company are parties, (ii) any act (other
than retirement) or omission to act by the grantee which would reasonably be
likely to have a material adverse effect on the business of the Company or its
Subsidiaries or successor entity, as the case may be, or on the grantee's
ability to perform services for the Company or its Subsidiaries or successor
entity, as the case may be, including, without limitation, the conviction of any
crime (other than ordinary traffic violations), or (iii) any material misconduct
or willful and deliberate non-performance of duties by the grantee in connection
with the business or affairs of the Company or its Subsidiaries or successor
entity, as the case may be.
The Board's determination of the reason for termination of the
participant's employment shall be conclusive and binding on the participant and
his or her representatives or legatees.
SECTION 6. RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
(a) Nature of Restricted Stock Awards. A Restricted Stock Award is an
Award pursuant to which the Company may, in its sole discretion, grant or sell,
at par value or such other higher purchase price determined by the Committee, in
its sole discretion, shares of Stock subject to such restrictions and conditions
as the Committee may determine at the time of grant ("Restricted Stock").
Conditions may be based on continuing employment (or other business
relationship) and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals and
objectives. The grant of a Restricted Stock Award is contingent on the
participant executing the Restricted Stock Award agreement. The terms and
conditions of each such agreement shall be determined by the Committee, and such
terms and conditions may differ among individual Awards and participants.
(b) Rights as a Stockholder. Upon execution of a written instrument
setting forth the Restricted Stock Award and payment of any applicable purchase
price, a participant shall have the rights of a stockholder with respect to the
voting of the Restricted Stock, subject to such conditions contained in the
written instrument evidencing the Restricted Stock Award. Unless the Committee
shall otherwise determine, certificates evidencing the Restricted Stock shall
remain in the possession of the Company until such Restricted Stock is vested as
provided in Section 6(d) below, and the participant shall be required, as a
condition of the grant, to deliver to the Company a stock power endorsed in
blank.
(c) Restrictions. Restricted Stock may not be sold, assigned,
transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of except as
specifically provided herein or in the Restricted Stock Award agreement. If a
participant's employment (or other business relationship) with the Company and
its Subsidiaries terminates under the conditions specified in the relevant
instrument relating to the Award, or upon such other event or events as may be
stated in the instrument evidencing the Award, the Company or its assigns shall
have the right or shall agree, as may be specified in the relevant instrument,
to repurchase some or all of the shares of Stock subject to the Award at such
purchase price as is set forth in such instrument.
(d) Vesting of Restricted Stock. The Committee at the time of grant
shall specify the date or dates and/or the attainment of pre-established
performance goals, objectives and other conditions on which the
non-transferability of the Restricted Stock and the Company's right of
repurchase or forfeiture shall lapse. Subsequent to such date or dates and/or
the attainment of such pre-established performance goals, objectives and other
conditions, the shares on which all restrictions have lapsed shall no longer be
Restricted Stock and shall be deemed "vested." Except as may otherwise be
provided by the Committee either in the Award agreement or, subject to Section
12 below, in writing after the Award agreement is issued, a participant's rights
in any shares of Restricted Stock that have not vested shall automatically
terminate upon the participant's termination of employment (or other business
relationship) with the Company and its Subsidiaries and such shares shall be
subject to the Company's right of repurchase as provided in Section 6(c) above.
(e) Waiver, Deferral and Reinvestment of Dividends. The Restricted
Stock Award agreement may require or permit the immediate payment, waiver,
deferral or investment of dividends paid on the Restricted Stock.
SECTION 7. UNRESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
(a) Grant or Sale of Unrestricted Stock. The Committee may, in its sole
discretion, grant (or sell at par value or such higher purchase price determined
by the Committee) an Unrestricted Stock Award to any participant, pursuant to
which such participant may receive shares of Stock free of any vesting
restrictions ("Unrestricted Stock") under the Plan. Unrestricted Stock Awards
may be granted or sold as described in the preceding sentence in respect of past
services or other valid consideration, or in lieu of any cash compensation due
to such participant.
(b) Elections to Receive Unrestricted Stock In Lieu of Compensation.
Upon the request of a participant and with the consent of the Committee, each
such participant may, pursuant to an advance written election delivered to the
Company no later than the date specified by the Committee, receive a portion of
the cash compensation otherwise due to such participant in the form of shares of
Unrestricted Stock either currently or on a deferred basis.
(c) Restrictions on Transfers. The right to receive shares of
Unrestricted Stock on a deferred basis may not be sold, assigned, transferred,
pledged or otherwise encumbered, other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution.
SECTION 8. PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARDS
(a) Nature of Performance Share Awards. A Performance Share Award is an
Award entitling the recipient to acquire shares of Stock upon the attainment of
specified performance goals. The Committee may make Performance Share Awards
independent of or in connection with the granting of any other Award under the
Plan. The Committee in its sole discretion shall determine whether and to whom
Performance Share Awards shall be made, the performance goals, the periods
during which performance is to be measured, and all other limitations and
conditions.
(b) Rights as a Stockholder. A participant receiving a Performance
Share Award shall have the rights of a stockholder only as to shares actually
received by the participant under the Plan and not with respect to shares
subject to the Award but not actually received by the participant. A participant
shall be entitled to receive a stock certificate evidencing the acquisition of
shares of Stock under a Performance Share Award only upon satisfaction of all
conditions specified in the Performance Share Award agreement (or in a
performance plan adopted by the Committee).
(c) Termination. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Committee
either in the Award agreement or, subject to Section 12 below, in writing after
the Award agreement is issued, a participant's rights in all Performance Share
Awards shall automatically terminate upon the participant's termination of
employment (or cessation of business relationship) with the Company and its
Subsidiaries for any reason.
(d) Acceleration, Waiver, Etc. At any time prior to the participant's
termination of employment (or other business relationship) by the Company and
its Subsidiaries, the Committee may in its sole discretion accelerate, waive or,
subject to Section 12, amend any or all of the goals, restrictions or conditions
applicable to a Performance Share Award.
SECTION 9. PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS TO COVERED EMPLOYEES
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if any
Restricted Stock Award or Performance Share Award granted to a Covered Employee
is intended to qualify as "Performance-based Compensation" under Section 162(m)
of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder (a "Performance-based
Award"), such Award shall comply with the provisions set forth below:
(a) Performance Criteria. The performance criteria used in performance
goals governing Performance-based Awards granted to Covered Employees may
include any or all of the following: (i) the Company's return on equity, assets,
capital or investment, (ii) pre-tax or after-tax profit levels of the Company or
any Subsidiary, a division, an operating unit or a business segment of the
Company, or any combination of the foregoing; (iii) cash flow, funds from
operations or similar measure; (iv) total shareholder return; (v) changes in the
market price of the Stock; (vi) sales or market share; (vii) efficiency ratios;
or (vii) earnings per share.
(b) Grant of Performance-based Awards. With respect to each
Performance-based Award granted to a Covered Employee, the Committee shall
select, within the first 90 days of a Performance Cycle (or, if shorter, within
the maximum period allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code) the performance
criteria for such grant, and the achievement targets with respect to each
performance criterion (including a threshold level of performance below which no
amount will become payable with respect to such Award). Each Performance-based
Award will specify the amount payable, or the formula for determining the amount
payable, upon achievement of the various applicable performance targets. The
performance criteria established by the Committee may be (but need not be)
different for each Performance Cycle and different goals may be applicable to
Performance-based Awards to different Covered Employees.
(c) Payment of Performance-based Awards. Following the completion of a
Performance Cycle, the Committee shall review and certify in writing whether,
and to what extent, the performance criteria for the Performance Cycle have been
achieved and, if so, to also calculate and certify in writing the amount of the
Performance-based Awards earned for the Performance Cycle. The Committee shall
then determine the actual size of each Covered Employee's Performance-based
Award, and, in doing so, may reduce or eliminate the amount of the
Performance-based Award for a Covered Employee if, in its sole judgment, such
reduction or elimination is appropriate.
(d) Maximum Award Payable. The maximum Performance-based Award payable
to any one Covered Employee under the Plan for a Performance Cycle is 17,500
Shares (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3(b) hereof).
SECTION 10. TAX WITHHOLDING
(a) Payment by Participant. Each participant shall, no later than the
date as of which the value of an Award or of any Stock or other amounts received
thereunder first becomes includable in the gross income of the participant for
Federal income tax purposes, pay to the Company, or make arrangements
satisfactory to the Committee regarding payment of, any federal, state, or local
taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to such income.
The Company and its Subsidiaries shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the
right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the
participant. The Company's obligation to deliver stock certificates to any
participant is subject to and conditioned on tax obligations being satisfied by
the participant.
(b) Payment in Stock. Subject to approval by the Committee, a
participant may elect to have such tax withholding obligation satisfied, in
whole or in part, by (i) authorizing the Company to withhold from shares of
Stock to be issued pursuant to any Award a number of shares with an aggregate
Fair Market Value (as of the date the withholding is effected) that would
satisfy the withholding amount due, or (ii) transferring to the Company shares
of Stock owned by the participant with an aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the
date the withholding is effected) that would satisfy the withholding amount due.
SECTION 11. TRANSFER, LEAVE OF ABSENCE, ETC.
For purposes of the Plan, the following events shall not be deemed a
termination of employment:
(a) a transfer to the employment of the Company from a Subsidiary or
from the Company to a Subsidiary, or from one Subsidiary to another; or
(b) an approved leave of absence for military service or sickness, or
for any other purpose approved by the Company, if the employee's right to
re-employment is guaranteed either by a statute or by contract or under the
policy pursuant to which the leave of absence was granted or if the Committee
otherwise so provides in writing.
SECTION 12. AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION
The Board may, at any time, amend or discontinue the Plan and the
Committee may, at any time, amend or cancel any outstanding Award for the
purpose of satisfying changes in law or for any other lawful purpose, but no
such action shall adversely affect rights under any outstanding Award without
the holder's consent. If and to the extent determined by the Committee to be
required by the Code to ensure that Incentive Stock Options granted under the
Plan are qualified under Section 422 of the Code or to ensure that compensation
earned under Awards qualifies as "Performance-Based Compensation" under Section
162(m) of the Code, if and to the extent intended to so qualify, Plan amendments
shall be subject to approval by the Company's stockholders entitled to vote at a
meeting of stockholders. Nothing in this Section 12 shall limit the Board's or
Committee's authority to take any action permitted pursuant to Section 3(c).
SECTION 13. STATUS OF PLAN
With respect to the portion of any Award that has not been exercised
and any payments in cash, Stock or other consideration not received by a
participant, a participant shall have no rights greater than those of a general
creditor of the Company unless the Committee shall otherwise expressly determine
in connection with any Award or Awards. In its sole discretion, the Committee
may authorize the creation of trusts or other arrangements to meet the Company's
obligations to deliver Stock or make payments with respect to Awards hereunder,
provided that the existence of such trusts or other arrangements is consistent
with the foregoing sentence.
SECTION 14. CHANGE OF CONTROL PROVISIONS
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control as defined in this
Section 14:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award agreement,
each outstanding Stock Option shall automatically become fully exercisable.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement,
conditions and restrictions on each outstanding Restricted Stock Award and
Performance Share Award which relate solely to the passage of time and continued
employment will be removed. Performance or other conditions (other than
conditions and restrictions relating solely to the passage of time and continued
employment) will continue to apply unless otherwise provided in the applicable
Award Agreement.
(c) "Change of Control" shall mean the occurrence of any one of the
following events:
(i) any "Person," as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)
of the Act (other than the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any trustee,
fiduciary or other person or entity holding securities under any employee
benefit plan or trust of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries), together with
all "affiliates" and "associates" (as such terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 under
the Act) of such person, shall become the "beneficial owner" (as such term is
defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of
the Company representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of the
Company's then outstanding securities having the right to vote in an election of
the Company's Board of Directors ("Voting Securities") (in such case other than
as a result of an acquisition of securities directly from the Company); or
(iii) persons who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the
Company's Board of Directors (the "Incumbent Directors") cease for any reason,
including, without limitation, as a result of a tender offer, proxy contest,
merger or similar transaction, to constitute at least a majority of the Board,
provided that any person becoming a director of the Company subsequent to the
Effective Date shall be considered an Incumbent Director if such person's
election was approved by or such person was nominated for election by either (A)
a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors or (B) a vote of at
least a majority of the Incumbent Directors who are members of a nominating
Committee comprised, in the majority, of Incumbent Directors; but provided
further, that any such person whose initial assumption of office is in
connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the
election of members of the Board of Directors or other actual or threatened
solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the
Board, including by reason of agreement intended to avoid or settle any such
actual or threatened contest or solicitation, shall not be considered an
Incumbent Director; or
(iv) the stockholders of the Company shall approve (A) any
consolidation or merger of the Company where the stockholders of the Company,
immediately prior to the consolidation or merger, would not, immediately after
the consolidation or merger, beneficially own (as such term is defined in Rule
13d-3 under the Act), directly or indirectly, shares representing in the
aggregate more than 50% of the voting shares of the corporation issuing cash or
securities in the consolidation or merger (or of its ultimate parent
corporation, if any), (B) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one
transaction or a series of transactions contemplated or arranged by any party as
a single plan) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or (C)
any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a "Change of Control" shall not be
deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (i) solely as the
result of an acquisition of securities by the Company which, by reducing the
number of shares of Voting Securities outstanding, increases the proportionate
number of shares of Voting Securities beneficially owned by any person to 25%
percent or more of the combined voting power of all then outstanding Voting
Securities; provided, however, that if any person referred to in this sentence
shall thereafter become the beneficial owner of any additional shares of Voting
Securities (other than pursuant to a stock split, stock dividend, or similar
transaction or as a result of an acquisition of securities directly from the
Company), then a "Change of Control" shall be deemed to have occurred for
purposes of the foregoing clause (i).
SECTION 15. GENERAL PROVISIONS
(a) No Distribution; Compliance with Legal Requirements. The Committee
may require each person acquiring Stock pursuant to an Award to represent to and
agree with the Company in writing that such person is acquiring the shares
without a view to distribution thereof. No shares of Stock shall be issued
pursuant to an Award until all applicable securities law and other legal and
stock exchange or similar requirements have been satisfied. The Committee may
require the placing of such stop-orders and restrictive legends on certificates
for Stock and Awards as it deems appropriate.
(b) Delivery of Stock Certificates. Stock certificates to participants
under this Plan shall be deemed delivered for all purposes when the Company or a
stock transfer agent of the Company shall have mailed such certificates in the
United States mail, addressed to the participant, at the participant's last
known address on file with the Company.
(c) Other Compensation Arrangements; No Employment Rights. Nothing
contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional
compensation arrangements, including trusts, and such arrangements may be either
generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases. The adoption of this
Plan and the grant of Awards do not confer upon any employee any right to
continued employment with the Company or any Subsidiary.
(d) Trading Policy Restrictions. Sales of securities acquired upon the
exercise of Options and other Awards under the Plan shall be subject to the
Company's insider trading policy, as in effect from time to time.
(e) Loans to Award Recipients. The Company shall have the authority to
make loans to recipients of Awards hereunder (including to facilitate the
purchase of shares and payment of taxes) and shall further have the authority to
issue shares for promissory notes hereunder.
SECTION 16. EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN
This Plan shall become effective upon approval by the holders of a
majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is
present. Subject to such approval by the stockholders and to the requirement
that no Stock may be issued hereunder prior to such approval, Stock Options and
other Awards may be granted hereunder on and after adoption of this Plan by the
Board.
<PAGE>
SECTION 17. GOVERNING LAW
This Plan and all Awards and actions taken thereunder shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New Hampshire,
applied without regard to conflict of law principles.
DATE APPROVED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS: _____________, 1999
DATE APPROVED BY STOCKHOLDERS: _____________, 1999
<PAGE>
PROXY
NORTHWAY FINANCIAL, INC.
9 Main Street, Berlin, New Hampshire 03570
Proxy for Common Stock
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints William J. Woodward and George L. Fredette,
and each of them, proxies with full power of substitution to vote for and on
behalf of the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Northway
Financial, Inc. ("Northway"), to be held at the Town & Country Motor Inn, Route
2, Shelburne, New Hampshire, on May 18, 1999, at 2:00 p.m., and at any
adjournment or postponements thereof, hereby granting full power and authority
to act on behalf of the undersigned at said meeting or any adjournment or
postponement therof. The undersigned revokes any proxy previously given in
connection with such meeting and acknowledges receipt of Notice of the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and Northway's 1998 Annual Report to Stockholders.
- ------------- -------------
SEE REVERSE SEE REVERSE
SIDE CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE SIDE
- ------------- -------------
<PAGE>
Please mark
[X] votes as in
this example.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed
herein by the undersigned stockholder. If no instruction PLEASE SIGN AND
RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
1. Proposal to elect Donald R. Hatt, 2. Approval of [ ] [ ] [ ]
Barry J. Kelley, Randall G. Labnon the 1999
and Stephen G. Boucher for three- Stock Option
year terms to continue until the and Grant Plan.
2002 Annual Meeting of Stockholders,
and until the successor of each is 3. Such other business as may properly
duly elected and qualified. come before the meeting or any
adjournments or postponements
FOR WITHHELD thereof.
[ ] ALL [ ] FROM ALL
NOMINEES NOMINEES
[ ] _____________________________________
For all nominees except as note above
MARK HERE FOR ADDRESS CHANGE AND NOTE AT LEFT [ ]
For joint accounts, each owner should sign.
Executors, administrators, trustees, corporate
officers, and others acting in a representative
capacity should give full title or authority.
Signature: _____________ Date: ________ Signature: _____________ Date: ________
