<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14A-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[ ] 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
</TABLE>
Genesco, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
<PAGE> 2
[GENESCO, INC. LOGO]
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
The annual meeting of shareholders of Genesco Inc. will be held at the Company's
executive offices, Genesco Park, 1415 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, Tennessee,
on Wednesday, June 25, 1997, at 10:00 a.m., for the purposes of:
1. electing ten directors;
2. approving an amendment to the Genesco 1996 Stock Incentive Plan;
3. approving the appointment of Price Waterhouse as independent accountants
for the Company for the fiscal year ending January 31, 1998; and
4. transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Shareholders of record at the close of business on April 28, 1997, will be
entitled to vote at the meeting.
By order of the board of directors,
/s/ ROGER G. SISSON
Roger G. Sisson
Secretary
May 19, 1997
IMPORTANT
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES BE REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING. PLEASE SIGN,
DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY PROMPTLY IN ORDER THAT YOUR SHARES WILL BE
VOTED. A RETURN ENVELOPE WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED
STATES IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.
<PAGE> 3
[GENESCO, INC. LOGO]
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 1997
The board of directors of Genesco Inc. ("Genesco" or the "Company") is
furnishing this proxy statement in connection with its solicitation of proxies
to be voted at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held at the offices of
the Company, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 1997, and at any
adjournments thereof, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying notice.
This proxy material was first mailed to shareholders on or about May 19, 1997.
The Company will pay the cost of the proxy solicitation. In addition to this
solicitation by mail, officers, directors and regular employees of the Company
may solicit proxies personally and by mail, telephone or telegraph. Officers,
directors and employees will receive no extra compensation for any solicitation
activities. The Company has retained and will pay a fee of $8,000 and reimburse
expenses to Georgeson & Co. Inc. for assistance in the solicitation of proxies.
The Company will request that brokers, nominees, fiduciaries and other
custodians forward soliciting material to the beneficial owners of shares and
will reimburse the expenses they incur in doing so.
All valid proxies received will be voted in accordance with the recommendations
of the board of directors, unless otherwise specified thereon. A shareholder may
revoke a proxy before the proxy is voted at the annual meeting by giving written
notice of revocation to the secretary of the Company, by executing and
delivering a later-dated proxy or by attending the annual meeting and voting in
person the shares the proxy represents.
The board of directors is not aware of any matter to be submitted for
consideration at the annual meeting other than those set forth in the
accompanying notice. If any other matter properly comes before the meeting for
action, persons named as proxies will vote on it in accordance with their best
judgment.
The Company's executive offices are located at Genesco Park, 1415 Murfreesboro
Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37217.
2
<PAGE> 4
VOTING SECURITIES
The various classes of voting preferred stock and the common stock will vote
together as a single group at the annual meeting.
As of April 28, 1997, the record date for determination of shareholders entitled
to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting, the number of voting shares
outstanding and the number of votes entitled to be cast were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS OF NO. OF VOTES PER TOTAL
STOCK SHARES SHARE VOTES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Subordinated Serial Preferred Stock:
$2.30 Series 1 37,123 1 37,123
$4.75 Series 3 19,469 2 38,938
$4.75 Series 4 16,412 1 16,412
$1.50 Subordinated Cumulative Preferred Stock 30,017 1 30,017
Employees' Subordinated Convertible Preferred
Stock 80,313 1 80,313
Common Stock 25,014,551 1 25,014,551
==================================================================================
</TABLE>
A majority of the votes entitled to be cast on a matter constitutes a quorum for
action on that matter. Once a share is represented at the meeting, it is deemed
present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the meeting. A plurality of the
votes cast is necessary for the election of directors. The affirmative vote of a
majority of the total votes cast either for or in opposition to the appointment
of auditors is necessary to approve it. Abstentions and shares represented at
the meeting but not voted on a particular matter due to a broker's lack of
discretionary voting power (a "broker non-vote") are counted for quorum purposes
but are not counted as votes cast for or against the election of directors or
the appointment of auditors and thus will not affect the outcome of the vote on
either such matter, except to reduce the number of favorable votes required.
Approval of the proposed amendment to the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan will require
the approval of the holders of shares having a majority of the voting power of
all shares present, or represented, and entitled to vote at the meeting. For
this purpose, abstentions will have the effect of a vote against the proposed
amendment to the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, but broker non-votes will have no
effect on the outcome of the vote, except to reduce the number of favorable
votes required. The election of directors, the appointment of auditors and the
approval of the proposed amendment to the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, which
involves only the authorization of additional shares amounting to less than five
percent of the Company's outstand-
3
<PAGE> 5
ing common stock, are routine matters as to which, under applicable New York
Stock Exchange rules, a broker will have discretionary authority to vote if
instructions are not received from the client at least 10 days prior to the
annual meeting.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Ten directors are to be elected by shareholders to hold office until the next
annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors are elected and
qualify. All nominees are presently serving as directors, and all have consented
to serve if re-elected. The shares represented by valid proxies will be voted
FOR the election of the following nominees, unless they specify otherwise. If
any nominee becomes unable or unwilling to serve prior to the annual meeting,
the board of directors will reduce the number of directors comprising the board,
pursuant to the Company's bylaws, or the proxies will be voted for a substitute
nominee recommended by the board of directors.
INFORMATION CONCERNING NOMINEES
The names, ages and principal occupations of the nominees and certain
information regarding their business experience are set forth below:
DAVID M. CHAMBERLAIN, 53, Chairman of Genesco. Mr. Chamberlain was president and
chief executive officer of the Company from October 1994 until February 1997 and
has been chairman since February 1995. He has been a partner in Consumer Focus
Partners, a San Francisco venture capital firm, since May 1994 and worked there
full-time from that date until he assumed the presidency of Genesco. He was
employed by Shaklee Corporation, a manufacturer and marketer of consumer
products, in 1983 as president and chief operating officer, was elected a
director in 1983 and served as chief executive officer from 1985 until 1993 and
chairman from 1989 until May 1994. Prior to 1983 he was senior vice president
and group executive of Nabisco Brands Ltd., Canada. He has been a director of
Genesco since 1989 and is a director of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. and Infoplex.
W. LIPSCOMB DAVIS, JR., 65, Partner, Hillsboro Enterprises. Mr. Davis has been a
principal of Hillsboro Enterprises, an investment partnership, and of its
corporate predecessor since 1960. He has been a director of Genesco since 1988.
He is also a director of American General Corp., Sun Trust Bank Nashville, N.A.
and Thomas Nelson, Inc.
4
<PAGE> 6
JOHN DIEBOLD, 70, Chairman, The JD Consulting Group, Inc. Mr. Diebold is
chairman of The JD Consulting Group, Inc., a management consulting firm which he
founded in 1954. He has been a director of Genesco since 1969. He is also
chairman of The Diebold Institute for Public Policy Studies, Inc., a foundation,
as well as a trustee of a number of universities, public policy groups and
scientific institutions.
HARRY D. GARBER, 68, Director. Mr. Garber served as chairman of Genesco from
February 1994 through January 1995, having been a director of the Company since
1976. He was employed by The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United
States, a major provider of life insurance, health insurance and annuities, from
1950 until June 1993 and served as its vice chairman from 1984 until his
retirement. He also serves on the board of directors of the MBL Life Assurance
Corporation.
JOEL C. GORDON, 68, Chairman, Cardiology Partners of America. Mr. Gordon was
named chairman of Cardiology Partners of America, a physician practice
management company specializing in cardiology practices on a national basis, in
February 1997. He was chairman of the board of Surgical Care Affiliates from its
founding in 1982 until 1995 and served as its chief executive officer from 1987
until 1996. Mr. Gordon was a founder and served as president and vice-chairman
of the board of General Care Corp., an owner and operator of general acute care
hospitals, from 1969 until its sale to Hospital Corporation of America in 1980.
He has been a director of Genesco since 1992. Mr. Gordon is also a director of
Sun Trust Bank Nashville, N.A. and HealthSouth Corporation.
BEN T. HARRIS, 53, President and Chief Executive Officer of Genesco. Mr. Harris
joined the Company in 1967 and was named manager of the leased department
division of the Jarman Shoe Company in 1980. In November 1991, he was named
president of the Jarman Shoe Company. In December 1994, he was named president
of the Company's retail division. In February 1996, he was named executive vice
president -- operations of the Company. He became president and chief operating
officer in October 1996 and assumed his present position in February 1997.
KATHLEEN MASON, 47, President of the HomeGoods division of The TJX Companies,
Inc. Ms. Mason, who joined Genesco's board in 1996, was named president of the
HomeGoods division of The TJX Companies, Inc., an apparel and home fashion
retailer, effective May 1, 1997. She was employed by Cherry & Webb, a women's
apparel specialty chain, from 1987 until 1992, as executive vice president, then
until 1997 as chairman, president and chief executive officer. Her previous
business experience includes senior management positions with
5
<PAGE> 7
May Company, Limited Inc. and the Mervyn's Stores division of Dayton-Hudson
Corp.
WILLIAM A. WILLIAMSON, JR., 61, Private Investor. Mr. Williamson was employed
from 1958 to 1992 by Durr-Fillauer Medical, Inc., a distributor of
pharmaceuticals, drug store sundries and medical, surgical and veterinary
products, and became chief executive officer of that company in 1974 and
chairman in 1981. He has been a director of Genesco since 1989. Mr. Williamson
is also a director of Dunn Investment Company.
WILLIAM S. WIRE II, 65, Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Genesco. Mr. Wire joined the Company in 1962, was elected a vice president in
1971, senior vice president -- finance in 1984 and vice chairman and a director
in 1985. He was elected president and chairman in 1986, served as chief
executive officer from 1986 until 1993 and retired as chairman in 1994. Mr. Wire
is also a director of First American Corporation, First American National Bank
and Dollar General Corporation.
GARY M. WITKIN, 48, President and Chief Executive Officer, Service Merchandise
Co., Inc. Mr. Witkin is a director and president and chief executive officer of
Service Merchandise Co., Inc., a major retailer of jewelry and brand-name
hardgoods. He was a director, president and chief operating officer of that
company from November 1994 to March 1997. He was a director and vice chairman of
Sak's Fifth Avenue from 1992 until 1994. Mr. Witkin was elected to Genesco's
board in December 1996.
BOARD COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS
The board of directors met nine times during the fiscal year ended February 1,
1997 ("Fiscal 1997"). No director was present at fewer than 75% of the total
number of meetings of the board of directors and the committees of the board on
which he served during Fiscal 1997. A description of each board committee and
its membership follows.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Members: Joel C. Gordon (chairman), W. Lipscomb Davis, Jr., Harry D.
Garber and Kathleen Mason
The audit committee met four times in Fiscal 1997. The functions of the audit
committee are (i) to serve as the primary means of communication between the
board of directors and both the independent accountants and the corporate
auditor, (ii) to assist and make recommendations to the board of directors in
fulfilling
6
<PAGE> 8
its responsibilities relating to the Company's accounting, financial reporting
and internal accounting control policies and practices, (iii) to review with the
independent accountants and the corporate auditor the scope of the annual audit
plan, the results of the annual audit and the adequacy of the Company's internal
accounting controls, (iv) to make recommendations to the board of directors with
respect to the selection of independent accountants, (v) to approve the fees
payable to the independent accountants, (vi) to monitor compliance with the
Company's business ethics policies and (vii) to engage independent accountants
and other professional advisors to conduct such special reviews or studies as
the committee deems appropriate in fulfilling its responsibilities.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Members: W. Lipscomb Davis, Jr. (chairman), David M. Chamberlain, John
Diebold and William S. Wire II
The nominating committee met four times in Fiscal 1997. The function of the
nominating committee is to make recommendations to the board of directors with
respect to (i) the size of the board of directors, (ii) candidates for election
to the board of directors, (iii) the designation of committees of the board of
directors, their functions and members and (iv) the succession of the executive
officers of the Company. The nominating committee will consider for nomination
as directors qualified nominees recommended by shareholders, who may submit
recommendations to the committee in care of the secretary of the Company, giving
in detail the qualifications and experience of the persons so recommended.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Members: William A. Williamson, Jr. (chairman), John Diebold, Joel C.
Gordon and Gary M. Witkin (effective February 1, 1997)
The compensation committee met six times in Fiscal 1997. The functions of the
compensation committee are (i) to approve the compensation of the officers of
the Company, (ii) to review the salary ranges applicable to other employees of
the Company whose base annual salary is at the rate of $125,000 or more, (iii)
to make recommendations to the board of directors with respect to the
compensation of directors, (iv) to review and provide assistance and
recommendations to the board of directors with respect to (a) management
incentive compensation plans and (b) the establishment, modification or
amendment of any employee benefit plan (as that term is defined in the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) to the extent that action by the board
of directors is required, (v) to serve as the primary means of communication
between the administrator of the
7
<PAGE> 9
Company's employee benefit plans and the board of directors and (vi) to
administer the Company's 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, the 1987 Stock Option Plan,
the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the Restricted Stock Plan for Directors.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Members: Harry D. Garber (chairman), Kathleen Mason, William A.
Williamson, Jr. and William S. Wire II
The finance committee met four times in Fiscal 1997. The functions of the
finance committee are (i) to review and make recommendations to the board with
respect to (a) the establishment of bank lines of credit and other short-term
borrowing arrangements, (b) the investment of excess working capital funds on a
short-term basis, (c) significant changes in the capital structure of the
Company, including the incurrence of long-term indebtedness and the issuance of
equity securities, (d) the declaration/omission of dividends and (e) the annual
capital expenditure and charitable contribution budgets; (ii) to serve as the
primary means of communication between the board of directors and the investment
committee, the trustees of the Genesco Restricted Investments Pension Trust and
the chief financial officer of the Company regarding the activities of such
committee, trustees and officers with respect to certain of the Company's
employee benefit plans (as that term is defined in the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974) and (iii) to appoint, remove and approve the
compensation of the trustees under any employee benefit plan.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Directors who are not employees of the Company receive a retainer of $15,000 a
year and a fee of $750 for each board or committee meeting attended in person or
$500 for each meeting by telephone. Each committee chairman receives an
additional $2,000 a year. Directors who are full-time Company employees do not
receive any compensation for serving as directors. The Company also pays the
premiums for non-employee directors on $50,000 of coverage under the Company's
group term life insurance policy plus additional cash compensation to offset
taxes on their imputed income from such premiums.
The 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan") provides for the issuance to
directors who are not employees of the Company of up to 100,000 shares of common
stock, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The Plan provides for the
automatic issuance of shares of common stock valued at $15,000 to a newly
elected non-employee director on the date of the first annual meeting at which
he is elected a director and to each non-employee director at three-year
intervals
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<PAGE> 10
beginning this year. The shares are subject to restrictions on transfer and,
with certain exceptions, to forfeiture if the director's service terminates
during the three years following the date of grant. The Plan also permits
non-employee directors to elect to exchange all or part of their annual
retainers for shares of restricted stock at 75% of fair market value. Such
shares are subject to restrictions on transfer for five years and to forfeiture
if the director's service terminates before the retainer represented by such
shares is earned. As of April 30, 1997, 10,461 shares of common stock had been
issued to non-employee directors pursuant to the Plan, of which 1,993 had been
forfeited, leaving 91,532 shares available for future grants.
9
<PAGE> 11
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF OFFICERS,
DIRECTORS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth the ownership of the entities which, according to
the most recent filings of Schedules 13D and 13G and amendments thereto, as
applicable, by the beneficial owners as of the record date for this meeting, own
beneficially more than 5% of the various classes of voting securities described
on page 3 taken as a single voting group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS CLASS OF NO. OF PERCENT OF
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER STOCK SHARES CLASS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Pioneering Management Corporation Common 1,654,000 6.6
=============================================================================
</TABLE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information as of April 30, 1997, regarding the
beneficial ownership of the Company's common stock by each of the Company's
current directors, the persons required to be named in the Company's summary
compensation table appearing elsewhere in the proxy statement and the current
directors and executive officers as a group. None of such persons owns any
equity securities of the Company other than common stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME NO. OF SHARES(1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
David M. Chamberlain 1,058,898(2)
W. Lipscomb Davis, Jr. 57,326(3)
John Diebold 15,832
Harry D. Garber 13,621
Joel C. Gordon 154,465(4)
Ben T. Harris 59,335(5)(6)
Kathleen Mason 1,993
William A. Williamson, Jr. 106,666
William S. Wire II 18,454
T. Neale Attenborough 34,758(5)
James S. Gulmi 115,975(5)(7)
Fowler H. Low 55,588(5)
Current Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (17
Persons) 1,778,797(5)(8)
===================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) Each director and officer owns less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the
Company's common stock, except for Mr. Chamberlain, who owns 4.2% of such
shares.
10
<PAGE> 12
(2) Includes 349,500 shares held by Mr. Chamberlain jointly with his wife, as
trustees of a family trust, 76,000 shares held by their daughters and 8,398
shares held by him individually. Also includes 350,000 shares which may be
purchased within 60 days upon exercise of options granted in connection with
Mr. Chamberlain's election as president of the Company and under the
Company's 1987 Stock Option Plan and 1996 Stock Incentive Plan and 200,000
restricted shares granted to Mr. Chamberlain under the 1996 Stock Incentive
Plan, which are subject to transfer restrictions and to forfeiture under
certain circumstances, but which Mr. Chamberlain is entitled to vote.
(3) Includes 10,000 shares of common stock owned by Mr. Davis' mother, for whom
he holds power of attorney. Mr. Davis disclaims beneficial ownership of such
shares.
(4) Includes 10,750 shares owned by Mr. Gordon jointly with his wife and by a
partnership of which Mr. Gordon's children are the general partners and a
total of 105,000 shares held by two trusts for which Mr. Gordon exercises
voting and investment control.
(5) Includes (i) with respect to Messrs. Harris, Attenborough, Gulmi and Low,
41,250, 21,000, 106,577 and 45,600 shares, respectively, which may be
purchased within 60 days upon exercise of options granted to them under the
Company's stock option plans and (ii) with respect to all current executive
officers, a total of 581,650 shares which may be purchased within 60 days
upon exercise of options under such plans.
(6) Includes 2,000 shares held by Mr. Harris' daughters, of which he disclaims
beneficial ownership.
(7) Includes 40 shares held for the benefit of Mr. Gulmi's children by their
mother, of which Mr. Gulmi disclaims beneficial ownership.
(8) Constitutes approximately 7.1% of the Company's outstanding common stock.
COMPLIANCE WITH BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING RULES
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class
of the Company's equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in
ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Such officers,
directors and shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the
Company with copies of all such reports that they file. Based solely on a review
of copies of reports filed with the SEC and of written representations by
officers and directors, all persons subject to the reporting requirements of
Section 16(a) filed the required reports on a timely basis.
11
<PAGE> 13
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth information concerning compensation from the
Company earned by or awarded or paid to the chief executive officer and each of
the other four most highly compensated executive officers employed by the
Company at February 1, 1997 (together, the "named executive officers"), for each
of the fiscal years ended January 31, 1995 and 1996 and February 1, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
AWARDS
ANNUAL COMPENSATION RESTRICTED SECURITIES
OTHER ANNUAL STOCK UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION AWARDS OPTIONS COMPENSATION(1)
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR ($) ($) ($) ($) (#) ($)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David M. Chamberlain 1997 376,969 212,851 156,456(2) 600,000(3) 292,100 0
Chairman, President 1996 375,000 500,000 200,205(2) 0 150,000 0
(through October 1996) 1995 103,629 0 71,117(2) 15,000(3) 200,000 24,635
and Chief Executive Officer
Ben T. Harris 1997 251,477 176,615 0 196,000 0
Executive Vice President 1996 200,000 181,264 0 0 1,890
(through October 1996); 1995 173,750 104,250 0 59,250 1,890
President and Chief Operating Officer
(November 1996 through January 1997)
T. Neale Attenborough 1997 241,969 48,075 0 146,000 0
Executive Vice President 1996 200,000 61,320 0 0 0
1995 191,666 40,000 0 54,000 0
James S. Gulmi 1997 221,969 68,945 0 87,071 0
Senior Vice 1996 208,333 290,927 0 0 0
President -- Finance 1995 206,000 0 0 121,800 0
Fowler H. Low 1997 251,969 116,500 0 48,250 78,000(4)
President and Chief 1996 240,000 239,232 0 0 0
Executive Officer, 1995 229,500 0 0 101,500 0
Johnston & Murphy, a division of Genesco
==================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) The amounts shown in this column reflect the value of amounts paid by the
Company with respect to life insurance policies, except that the amount
shown for Mr. Chamberlain includes fees of $24,500 paid to him prior to
October 12, 1994 as a non-employee director and reimbursement of federal
income taxes of $135 on imputed income from a life insurance policy.
(2) The 1997 total includes reimbursement of $41,678 for personal commuting
expenses and $35,585 for housing and miscellaneous expenses of living in
Nashville and reimbursement of $77,572 for federal and state taxes on the
imputed income from such reimbursements. The 1996 total includes
reimbursement of $64,609 for personal commuting expenses, $30,000 for
housing in Nashville and $99,490 in tax reimbursements. The 1995 total
includes $35,878 of housing reimbursements, $8,505 of travel reimbursements
and $35,239 in tax reimbursements.
(3) At February 1, 1997, Mr. Chamberlain held 4,000 shares of common stock
subject to forfeiture if he ceases to be a director of the Company prior to
June 22, 1997, on which date the risk of forfeiture lapses. The shares were
granted pursuant to the Restricted Stock Plan for Directors in Fiscal 1995,
prior to Mr. Chamberlain's election as president and chief executive
officer. Dividends are payable on these shares of restricted stock. At the
same date, he also held 200,000 shares of restricted stock subject to
forfeiture as to 66,666 shares if he ceases to serve the Company as chairman
or in such other capacity as the board may request (the Fiscal 1997 grant
reflected in the table above) and, as to the balance (see "Long-Term
Incentive Plans -- Awards in Last Fiscal Year," below), if certain
performance objectives and continued service requirements are not met. Mr.
Chamberlain may vote these shares. Based upon the closing price of the stock
on the New York Stock Exchange on February 1, 1997, ignoring the transfer
restrictions and risk of forfeiture, the shares had an aggregate market
value of $1,785,000 on that date.
(4) Lump sum life insurance premium payment made pursuant to a 1989 agreement
with Mr. Low, plus an additional payment to Mr. Low to reimburse his federal
income tax liability with respect to such payment.
12
<PAGE> 14
OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL 1997
The following table sets forth information regarding stock options granted to
the named executive officers in Fiscal 1997 and the potential realizable value
of those options assuming the market price of the Company's common stock
increases at annual rates of 5% and 10%, compounded annually, until they expire
ten years after the date of grant. The potential realizable values shown in the
table are hypothetical, have not been discounted to reflect their present value
and are not intended as a forecast of future stock price appreciation. Any gains
which may be realized upon exercise of such options will depend upon the actual
market price of the Company's common stock on the date the option is actually
exercised.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
VALUE AT ASSUMED
ANNUAL RATES OF
NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL STOCK PRICE
SECURITIES OPTIONS APPRECIATION FOR
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO OPTION TERM
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN EXERCISE PRICE EXPIRATION 10 YEARS
NAME GRANTED(#) FISCAL YEAR ($ PER SHARE) DATE 5%($) 10%($)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David M. Chamberlain 75,000 5.6 5.00 2/27/06 235,835 597,653
75,000 5.6 11.00 12/04/06 518,838 1,314,837
142,100 10.6 4.625 3/15/06 413,317 1,047,427
Ben T. Harris 50,000 3.7 5.00 2/27/06 157,224 398,436
75,000 5.6 11.00 12/04/06 518,838 1,314,837
71,000 5.3 4.625 3/15/06 206,513 523,345
T. Neale Attenborough 50,000 3.7 5.00 2/27/06 157,224 398,436
25,000 1.9 11.00 12/04/96 172,946 438,279
71,000 5.3 4.625 3/15/06 206,513 523,345
James S. Gulmi 25,000 1.9 5.00 2/27/06 78,612 199,218
10,000 0.7 11.00 12/04/06 69,178 175,312
52,071 3.9 4.625 3/15/06 151,456 383,818
Fowler H. Low 25,000 1.9 5.00 2/27/06 78,612 199,218
53,250 4.0 4.625 3/15/06 154,885 392,509
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>
The stock option grants were made under the Company's 1996 Stock Incentive Plan
(the "Plan"). The option price per share under the Plan may not be less than the
fair market value of the Company's common stock (the closing price of the stock
on the New York Stock Exchange) on the date the option is granted or the most
recent previous trading date. Plan options may not be exercised during the first
twelve months after the date of grant. Thereafter, options may be exercised as
determined by the compensation committee of the board of directors. Of the
options granted to Mr. Chamberlain, 150,000 will become exercisable on the first
anniversary of the grant. They expire 10 years after the date of grant, subject
to earlier expiration upon termination of Mr. Chamberlain's service on the board
of directors of the Company. All the named executive officers exchanged all or
part of their target bonus potential under the Company's 1997 Management
Incentive Compensation Plan for options at one-half their value determined under
the
13
<PAGE> 15
Black-Scholes method. These options, which are the options with the grant date
of March 15, 1996 in the table above, will become exercisable in March 1998.
They expire 10 years from the date of grant, subject to earlier termination upon
the executive's ceasing to be employed by or, in Mr. Chamberlain's case, to
serve as a director of, the Company. All the other options will become
exercisable in four equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary
of the grant date, and will expire ten years from the grant date subject to
earlier termination upon termination of the grantee's employment. All the
options will vest and become exercisable upon a change of control as described
under "Employment Contracts and Change in Control Arrangements," below.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN FISCAL 1997 AND YEAR END OPTION VALUES
The following table sets forth information concerning (i) stock options
exercised during Fiscal 1997 by the named executive officers, (ii) the number of
shares subject to unexercised options held by such persons at January 31, 1997,
indicating those currently exercisable and those not yet exercisable and (iii)
the value of such unexercised options on February 1, 1997. The values of
unexercised options are calculated by subtracting the exercise price from the
closing market price of the common stock as quoted on the New York Stock
Exchange on January 31, 1997 ($8.75). In-the-money options are those whose
exercise price is below market value.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
SHARES UNDERLYING OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
ACQUIRED ON VALUE FISCAL YEAR-END(#) FISCAL YEAR-END($)
NAME EXERCISE(#) REALIZED($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David M. Chamberlain 0 0 350,000 292,100 2,075,000 867,413
Ben T. Harris 0 0 41,250 225,250 198,719 673,875
T. Neale Attenborough 12,000 82,500 21,000 177,000 72,000 684,375
James S. Gulmi 0 0 105,300 113,571 607,550 515,543
Fowler H. Low 0 0 44,350 110,500 455,875 527,156
=================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS -- AWARDS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth certain information regarding a restricted stock
award to David M. Chamberlain during Fiscal 1997. Half the award, or 66,667
shares, will vest on February 1, 1999, contingent upon Mr. Chamberlain's
continued service on the Company's board and performance of such functions as
the board may request through that date and upon the Company's common stock
trading at or above $12 per share on the New York Stock Exchange for at least 20
consecutive trading days during Fiscal 1999. The remaining shares will vest on
14
<PAGE> 16
February 1, 2000, contingent upon similar service requirements and upon the
Company's stock trading at or above $15 per share for at least 20 consecutive
trading days during Fiscal 2000.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERFORMANCE OR OTHER PERIOD
NAME NUMBER OF SHARES UNTIL MATURATION OR PAYOUT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
David M. Chamberlain 66,667 2 years
66,667 3 years
Ben T. Harris 0
T. Neale Attenborough 0
James S. Gulmi 0
Fowler H. Low 0
================================================================================
</TABLE>
PENSION PLAN
The following table shows the estimated annual benefits calculated under the
Genesco Retirement Plan formula at normal retirement (age 65) as a straight life
annuity, disregarding the Internal Revenue Code limitations on annual benefit
payments under the Plan (currently $120,000). The pension benefits shown are not
subject to any deduction for social security or other offset amounts. The table
assumes that the compensation was a level amount for the entire period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
LEVEL
COMPENSATION 15 20 25 30 35
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$125,000 $ 19,733 $ 32,193 $ 49,668 $ 73,352 $108,555
150,000 25,001 40,787 62,928 92,934 137,535
175,000 30,268 49,381 76,187 112,515 166,514
200,000 35,536 57,975 89,446 132,097 195,493
225,000 40,805 66,569 102,708 151,680 224,475
250,000 46,073 75,163 115,968 171,262 253,455
300,000 56,609 92,351 142,488 210,426 311,415
350,000 67,145 109,539 169,008 249,590 369,375
400,000 77,681 126,727 195,528 288,754 427,335
450,000 88,217 143,915 222,048 327,918 485,295
500,000 98,753 161,103 248,568 367,082 543,255
===================================================================
</TABLE>
The Genesco Retirement Plan is a noncontributory, qualified pension plan. Prior
to December 31, 1995, it provided retirement benefits to eligible participants
based on a formula taking into consideration the average of the 10 highest
consecutive years' earnings of the participant, years of benefit service and
other factors.
The years of benefit service of the persons named in the Summary Compensation
Table are: David M. Chamberlain -- 2 years; Ben T. Harris -- 29 years; T. Neale
Attenborough -- 3 years; James S. Gulmi -- 25 years; and Fowler H. Low -- 34
years. The earnings of such persons for purposes of computing benefits under
15
<PAGE> 17
the Plan are substantially the same as set forth in the Summary Compensation
Table in the salary and annual bonus columns, except that the Internal Revenue
Code limits to $150,000 the amount of a person's annual earnings which may be
taken into account in calculating benefits under the Plan during the calendar
year 1996. A participant has no vested benefits under the plan until he has five
years' service with the Company.
As of January 1, 1996, the Retirement Plan was amended to establish a cash
balance formula. Benefits earned prior to that date under the 10-year average
formula were preserved as of that date. Under the new formula, each eligible
participant's account is credited with an amount equal to 4% of his annual
compensation plus an additional 4% of such compensation in excess of the Social
Security taxable wage base ($62,700 in 1996). The Internal Revenue Code limits
to $150,000 the amount of salary which may be taken into account in calculating
Plan benefits in 1996. Taking into account the preserved benefit under the Plan
prior to amendment and the projected total benefit under the amended Plan, and
assuming that the participant's accrued benefits at normal retirement are taken
in the form of an annuity, the estimated annual benefit payable for each named
executive officer at retirement is as follows: David M. Chamberlain -- $19,589;
Ben T. Harris -- $55,748; T. Neale Attenborough -- $90,311; James S. Gulmi --
$74,362 and Fowler H. Low -- $72,101.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND CHANGE IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
All the named executive officers except Mr. Chamberlain are parties to
employment protection agreements. The agreements become effective only in the
event of a change of control, which will be deemed to have occurred if a person
or group acquires securities representing 25% or more of the voting power of the
Company's outstanding securities or if there is a change in the majority of
directors in a contested election. Each agreement provides for employment by the
Company for a term of three years. The executive is to exercise authority and
perform duties commensurate with his authority and duties immediately prior to
the effective date of the agreement. He is also to receive compensation
(including incentive compensation) during the term in an amount not less than
that which he was receiving immediately prior to the effective date. If the
executive's employment is actually or constructively terminated by the Company
without cause during the term of the agreement, the executive will be entitled
to receive a lump-sum severance allowance equal in Mr. Harris' case to three
times and in the case of the other named executive officers to twice the
compensation and benefits he would otherwise receive under the agreement for the
remainder of the term, plus reimbursement
16
<PAGE> 18
for any excise tax owed thereon and for taxes payable by reason of the
reimbursement.
All stock options granted by the Company under the Company's stock option plans
become immediately vested and exercisable upon a change of control as defined in
the stock option agreements entered into with each optionee, provided that at
least one year has elapsed since the date the option was granted. The definition
of change of control in the stock option agreements is substantially the same as
in the employment protection agreements described above.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
General
The compensation committee (the "Committee") of Genesco's board of directors has
general oversight responsibility for the compensation of the Company's executive
officers. See "Election of Directors -- Compensation Committee" for a detailed
description of the functions of the Committee. The Committee is currently
composed of the three directors named at the end of this report, none of whom
are employees of the Company.
The compensation policies of the Company are designed to attract and retain
qualified key management personnel and to provide motivation and reward for
achievement of the operating and strategic goals and objectives of the Company.
The Committee also seeks to increase key management's ownership of the Company's
common stock, with the goal of better aligning management's interests with those
of the Company's shareholders. It is the Company's policy to pay competitive
base salaries and to provide executive officers with the opportunity, through
annual cash incentive compensation, to earn above-average total cash
compensation based on the achievement of outstanding results. The principal
components of Genesco's executive compensation program currently are base
salary, annual cash incentive compensation and stock options.
Base Salary
It is the Company's general policy to pay competitive base salaries to its
executive officers. Salary ranges are established for each executive officer's
position, the mid-points of which approximate the median base salary ranges for
positions of similar scope, complexity and responsibility in companies with
comparable sales volume. The Committee annually reviews and, if appropriate,
adjusts executive officers' salary ranges after considering the results of
broad-based salary surveys conducted by nationally-recognized, independent
compensation consultants. The
17
<PAGE> 19
principal survey data upon which the Committee relies in determining executive
officer base salaries and total cash compensation potential is limited neither
to companies in the specific industries in which the Company competes nor to the
companies included in the S&P weighted average industry index included in the
stock performance graph. The Committee believes that the Company competes with
employers outside the specific industries in which it does business to hire and
retain qualified executives. In making individual base salary decisions, the
Committee considers, in addition to relevant market survey data, a mix of
factors, including (i) the executive's experience, management and leadership
ability and technical skills; (ii) the executive's compensation history; (iii)
corporate or, if appropriate, operating unit performance and (iv) individual
performance.
Annual Incentive Compensation
Executive officers participate in Genesco's annual management incentive
compensation plan, which is designed to retain, motivate and focus the attention
of management on the achievement of the Company's annual operating plan and
identified, strategic objectives. The Committee reviews and adopts each year's
plan.
Plan participants are selected by the chief executive officer, who is not
eligible to participate in the plan. All other executive officers and
approximately 35 other management employees participated in the plan for Fiscal
1997; all executive officers and approximately 35 other management employees are
participants in Fiscal 1998.
Under the Fiscal 1997 plan, executive officers were eligible to receive a
fraction or multiple of a target award equal to as much as 50% of their base
salaries. Participants who were heads of the Company's operating divisions were
eligible to earn cash awards in amounts determined 50% on the basis of earnings
and asset utilization goals for their respective divisions set by the chief
executive officer during the first quarter of the fiscal year, 25% on the basis
of earnings and asset utilization goals for the entire Company and 25% on the
basis of individual strategic goals agreed upon by the participant and the chief
executive officer during the first quarter of the fiscal year. Other
participants' awards were determined 75% on the basis of corporate earnings and
asset utilization goals and 25% on the basis of individual strategic goals
similarly agreed with the chief executive officer. As discussed below,
participants' achievement of earnings and asset utilization goals is objectively
measurable. Specific goals are established by the chief executive officer,
subject to the Committee's approval, based primarily upon the Company's annual
operating plan. Achievement of individual strategic goals was determined
18
<PAGE> 20
by the chief executive officer based upon a year-end review of the participant's
performance.
Applicable earnings and asset utilization goals for each participant were
specified as a range. If the applicable minimum earnings and asset utilization
goals were achieved, the amount of the award earned by the participant was at
least 80% of a predetermined target award payable for a specified level of
results within the range. Multiples of the award, up to a maximum of three and
one-half times the target for two participants and three times the target for
all others, were payable for operating results above the target level. No
portion of the award for achievement of individual strategic goals was
ordinarily to be paid unless some portion of the applicable award for operating
results was earned, although the plan authorized the Committee to make
exceptions for extraordinary strategic successes upon the recommendation of the
chief executive officer. No exceptions were made under the Fiscal 1997 plan. An
operating division president could not earn a greater percentage of the maximum
award for corporate earnings and asset utilization goals than for his business
unit's operating results. The Committee was permitted to adjust the operating
goals of an individual operating division during the course of the year to
reflect unusual or nonrecurring charges or credits to earnings, changes in
accounting principles and other factors not considered in establishing the goals
in question.
Awards totaling $2,650,000 and averaging approximately 1.9 times the target were
paid out under the Fiscal 1997 plan. Most participants who were employed by the
Company at the end of the fiscal year received a bonus. The Fiscal 1998 plan is
essentially the same as the Fiscal 1997 plan.
To encourage stock ownership by key management employees, the Committee has
continued a program begun last year allowing the chief executive officer and
nine other executive officers to elect to receive part or all of their target
awards under the Fiscal 1998 plan in the form of non-qualified stock options.
All the named executive officers elected to participate in the program in Fiscal
1997, and exchanged an aggregate of $873,109.77 of potential target bonus for
options to purchase an aggregate of 516,633 shares of common stock at $4.625,
the closing price on March 15, 1996. The options for the current year's program
were granted to participants on February 25, 1997, subject to shareholder
approval of the proposed amendment to the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan. See
"Approval of Amendment to 1996 Stock Incentive Plan," below. In both years'
versions of the program, as of the grant date, the participants were permitted
to elect to relinquish irrevocably all or a portion of the target award under
the plan in exchange for a ten year option to purchase shares of common stock at
its closing price as reported on the
19
<PAGE> 21
New York Stock Exchange on the grant date. The number of shares underlying each
such option was determined by dividing the amount of the target award
relinquished by an amount equal to one half the value of the option, calculated
by the Black-Scholes option pricing model, as of the grant date, or $3.38 per
share in this year's program. (Like any economic model, the Black-Scholes option
pricing model produces different results depending upon the assumptions made in
applying it. The Black-Scholes option value of $6.76 per share is based on the
assumption that the option is exercised on the last day of its term and on
certain other assumptions regarding the volatility of the Company's stock, the
lack of a dividend yield and an appropriate risk-free rate of return. No
discount has been taken to reflect the risk of termination of employment, either
before or after the option becomes exercisable. Because many of the relevant
factors are impossible to foresee with certainty, the valuation used in this
instance is merely a good-faith estimate and does not necessarily reflect the
actual present value of the grants.) To the extent that the target bonus is not
ultimately earned, the participant may elect within 15 days of the Company's
determination of the level of award actually earned to relinquish base salary
equal to the shortfall and retain the option. If he so elects, the relinquished
salary will be withheld in equal increments over the remainder of the fiscal
year after the date of the election. The option is to become exercisable one
year from the date on which entitlement to the award under the plan for Fiscal
1998 is determined by the Company or on which the participant elects to forgo
salary to retain the option, as applicable, subject to the participant's
continued employment. If the participant dies, retires or becomes disabled or if
his employment by the Company is terminated without cause after determination of
his entitlement to the award or his relinquishment of salary to retain the
option, as applicable, he or his legal representative may rescind his
participation, relinquish the option and receive the cash compensation forgone.
The Committee does not intend at present to offer a similar opportunity to plan
participants in Fiscal 1999, as the program exhausts a significant number of
shares available for grant under the Company's Stock Incentive Plan.
Stock Options
The Committee believes that granting stock options to selected key executives of
the Company provides them with a strong incentive to make decisions which are in
the long-term best interests of the Company and thus serves to balance the
short-term annual cash incentive component of executive compensation. The
Committee further believes that options tend to align the financial interests of
management with those of the Company's shareholders, since the value of an
option is dependent upon improvement in the Company's performance and the
20
<PAGE> 22
recognition of that improved performance in the market for the Company's common
stock. Options are granted with an exercise price equal to or greater than the
fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. Options are typically
granted to executive officers and other key employees on an annual basis and
typically become exercisable in installments of 25% of the total number of
shares subject to the options.
In Fiscal 1997, the Committee granted a total of 680,250 options (excluding
those issued in exchange for target bonus, as described above) to 48 employees
other than the chief executive officer.
Options granted under the plan expire ten years after the date of grant.
Staggering the vesting of exercise rights requires the executive to remain
employed by the Company for the entire vesting period to realize fully the gain
on the total number of shares covered by the option. A total of 61 employees of
the Company held options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock as of
April 30, 1997.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
David M. Chamberlain was elected interim president and chief executive officer
of the Company in October 1994. At that time, the Committee approved a
compensation package for Mr. Chamberlain including a monthly base salary and
reimbursement for temporary housing in Nashville, reasonable travel expenses to
and from his principal residence in San Francisco and additional federal and
state income tax liability attributable to the housing and travel
reimbursements. Mr. Chamberlain subsequently agreed to make himself available to
the Company as chairman, president and chief executive officer for at least a
year, at the pleasure of the board.
Mr. Chamberlain continued to serve as president through October 1996, and
remained chief executive officer through the remainder of Fiscal 1997 with a
monthly salary of $31,250 and the same benefit package.
The Committee approved two grants of 75,000 stock options each to Mr.
Chamberlain under the Company's 1987 Stock Option Plan in February and the 1996
Stock Incentive Plan in December 1996. See "Option Grants in Fiscal 1997,"
above. In addition, in March 1996, Mr. Chamberlain exchanged a portion of his
target bonus for the year for 142,100 shares of the Company's common stock under
the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan on the terms described above. Bonus potential of
$1.69 was exchanged for each share covered by the option.
The Committee granted Mr. Chamberlain a discretionary bonus of $400,000 based
upon its assessment of his performance in Fiscal 1997, and upon a com-
21
<PAGE> 23
parison of the bonus awards earned by other executive officers under the Fiscal
1997 Management Incentive Compensation Plan and of comparable compensation
packages for chief executive officers in similarly situated companies.
In connection with the election, effective at the beginning of Fiscal 1998, of
Mr. Harris as president and chief executive officer of the Company, the board
requested that Mr. Chamberlain continue his involvement with the Company as an
employee-chairman for a year. His duties include assuring a smooth transition of
management and assistance with investor relations and strategic planning. The
Committee continued his compensation for the year at the same level as the
previous year. Additionally, to provide an incentive matched to Mr.
Chamberlain's duties as chairman, the Committee granted Mr. Chamberlain three
tranches of restricted stock totalling 200,000 shares under the 1996 Stock
Incentive Plan. The first tranche will vest on February 1, 1998, contingent upon
Mr. Chamberlain's remaining employed as chairman or performing such other duties
as the board may request through that date. The second tranche will vest on
February 1, 1999, contingent upon his continued service on the Company's board
and performance of such functions as the board may request through that date and
upon the Company's common stock trading at $12 per share on the New York Stock
Exchange for at least 20 consecutive trading days during Fiscal 1999. The
remaining shares will vest on February 1, 2000, contingent upon similar service
requirements and upon the stock's trading at $15 for 20 consecutive trading days
during Fiscal 2000. See "Long-Term Incentive Plans -- Awards in Last Fiscal
Year," above. The Committee believes that the success of Mr. Chamberlain's
continuing role in the Company should be reflected in part in the price of the
Company's stock and that the contingent grants represent an effective incentive
and potential reward for performance.
Mr. Harris' compensation for his first year as president and chief executive
officer includes base salary of $325,000, a discretionary bonus with a target
level of $217,750, which the Committee expects to award based upon
considerations similar to those underlying the Management Incentive Compensation
Plan for the fiscal year and a grant of 75,000 stock options vesting over four
years under the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan. The compensation package is
substantially the same as Mr. Chamberlain's during his last year as chief
executive officer.
Tax Deductibility Limit
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally provides that certain
compensation in excess of $1 million per year paid to a company's chief
executive officer and any of its four other highest paid executive officers is
not deductible by
22
<PAGE> 24
a company unless the compensation qualifies for an exception. This deduction
limit generally applies only to compensation that could otherwise be deducted by
a company in a taxable year. The Committee has reviewed the Company's executive
compensation plans and believes that no executive officer of the Company is
likely to be paid compensation exceeding $1 million in Fiscal 1998. The
Committee will consider the requirements of Section 162(m) in authorizing or
recommending future executive compensation arrangements.
By the Committee:
William A. Williamson, Jr., Chairman
John Diebold
Joel C. Gordon
Gary M. Witkin (member since
February 1, 1997)
23
<PAGE> 25
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on the
Company's common stock for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total
return of (i) the S&P 500 Index and (ii) the S&P Footwear-500. The graph assumes
the investment of $100 in the Company's common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the
S&P Footwear-500 at the market close on January 31, 1992 and the reinvestment
monthly of all dividends.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Footwear- S&P 500
Base Period Genesco Inc 500 Index
Jan. 92 100 100 100
Jan. 93 193.33 105.59 110.58
Jan. 94 73.33 79.65 124.82
Jan. 95 37.78 98.10 125.48
Jan. 96 68.89 138.17 174.00
Jan. 97 155.56 262.13 219.83
</TABLE>
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
William S. Wire II was employed by the Company under an agreement dated January
9, 1993 pursuant to which he served as chairman of the Company at a base salary
of $525,000 a year through January 31, 1994 and agreed to serve thereafter as a
consultant to the Company at the same base annual salary until January 31, 1997.
The Company also agreed to make supplementary retirement benefit payments from
the general funds of the Company to Mr. Wire pursuant to agreements dated
October 18, 1988 and January 9, 1993 in amounts equal to the difference between
the retirement benefits payable under the Genesco Retire-
24
<PAGE> 26
ment Plan and the benefits which would have been payable if the Internal Revenue
Code limitations on eligible earnings and maximum payments described above had
not been imposed. The agreements with Mr. Wire further provide that his total
annual benefits under the Plan and his supplementary retirement agreements will
not be less than $260,000. By an agreement dated February 27, 1991, the Company
established a trust for Mr. Wire to be funded in the event of a change of
control of the Company through a cash payment by the Company in actuarially
determined amounts required to provide that portion of the supplementary benefit
payments as of the date of the change of control.
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO 1996 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
The compensation committee and the board of directors believe that a key element
of officer, key employee and outside director compensation is stock-based
incentive compensation. Stock-based compensation advances the interests of the
Company by encouraging, and providing for, the acquisition of equity interests
in the Company by officers, key employees and non-employee directors, thereby
providing substantial motivation for superior performance and aligning their
interests with those of the shareholders. In 1996, to provide the Company with
an appropriate vehicle for such compensation, the board of directors adopted and
shareholders approved the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The board of
directors has amended the Plan, subject to shareholder approval, to increase the
number of shares issuable thereunder by 1,200,000 shares, to 2,400,000.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT
TO THE PLAN AND YOUR PROXY WILL BE SO VOTED UNLESS YOU SPECIFY OTHERWISE.
SUMMARY OF MATERIAL PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the Plan.
SHARES. The Plan, as amended, provides for net aggregate awards of up to
2,400,000 shares. Prior to the proposed amendment, the Plan provided for the
issuance of up to 1,200,000 shares. The additional shares which the proposed
amendment would authorize constitute slightly less than five percent of the
common stock outstanding as of April 28, 1997. Of the shares originally
authorized, 100,000 shares are reserved for issuance to non-employee directors,
as described below. These shares would not be increased by the proposed
amendment. If shares subject to an option under the Plan cease to be subject to
such option, are forfeited, or otherwise terminate without a payment being made
to the
25
<PAGE> 27
participant in the form of common stock, such shares will again be available for
future distribution under the Plan.
PARTICIPATION. Awards under the Plan may be made to key employees, including
officers, of the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, but (except for the
grants of restricted stock to outside directors described below) may not be
granted to any director who is a member of the committee administering the Plan
or to any other director unless the director is also a regular employee of the
Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates. No employee is eligible for awards
under the Plan relative to more than 500,000 shares of Common Stock over the
life of the Plan. All the named executive officers, five other officers and key
management employees, as identified by the compensation committee, are eligible
to receive awards under the Plan. Approximately 36 officers and other key
employees have received grants under the Plan. Approximately 26 officers and
other key employees have received grants from the shares authorized under the
proposed amendment, subject to its approval by shareholders.
Outside directors receive shares of common stock valued at $15,000 (i) at the
date of the first annual meeting of shareholders at which a new director is
elected to the board and (ii) at each third annual meeting beginning with the
meeting in 1997. The awards vest in three equal annual increments, contingent
upon the director's continued service on the board. The Plan also permits
outside directors to elect, six months in advance on the beginning of a fiscal
year, to exchange part or all of their retainers for common stock at 75% of its
fair market value immediately prior to the beginning of the fiscal year. Shares
received as automatic grants or in lieu of retainer may not be transferred
(except pursuant to the laws of descent and distribution) until the earlier of
the fifth anniversary of their grant or the director's retirement from the
board.
ADMINISTRATION. The Plan will be administered by a committee of no less than
two disinterested individuals appointed by the board of directors, which
committee is currently the compensation committee.
The compensation committee has no authority to determine the terms or conditions
of awards to outside directors.
AWARDS UNDER THE PLAN. The compensation committee will have the authority to
grant the following type of awards to officers and key employees under the Plan:
(1) Stock Options, (2) Stock Appreciation Rights, (3) Restricted Stock and (4)
Other Stock-Based Awards.
1. Stock Options. Incentive stock options ("ISO") and non-qualified stock
options may be granted for such number of shares of common stock as the
26
<PAGE> 28
committee determines and may be granted alone, in conjunction with, or in
tandem with, other awards under the Plan, but subject to the per person
limitation on awards. A stock option will be exercisable at such times and
subject to such terms and conditions as the committee may determine and
over a term to be determined by the committee, which term will be no more
than ten years after the date of grant. The option price for any ISO will
not be less than 100% (110% in the case of certain 10% shareholders) of the
fair market value of the common stock as of the date of grant. Payment of
the option price may be in cash, or, as determined by the committee, by
unrestricted common stock having a fair market value equal to the option
price. For non-qualified stock options, payment if permitted by the
committee may also be made in the form of restricted stock.
2. Stock Appreciation Rights. SARs may be granted in conjunction with all
or part of a stock option and will be exercisable only when the underlying
stock option is exercisable. Once an SAR has been exercised, the related
portion of the stock option underlying the SAR will terminate.
Upon exercise of an SAR, the committee will pay to the employee in cash, or
common stock (the method of payment to be at the discretion of the
committee), an amount of money equal to the excess between the fair market
value of the stock on the exercise date and the price of the option
multiplied by the number of SARs being exercised.
In addition to the foregoing SARs, the committee may grant limited SARs
which will be exercisable only in the event of a change in control or
potential change in control of the Company as defined in the Plan. In
awarding SARs or limited SARs, the committee may provide that in the event
of a change in control or potential change in control, SARs or limited SARs
may be cashed out on the basis of the change in control price, as defined
in the Plan.
3. Restricted Stock. Restricted stock may be granted alone, in conjunction
with, or in tandem with, other awards under the Plan and may be conditioned
upon the attainment of specific performance goals or such other factors as
the committee may determine. The provisions attendant to a grant of
restricted stock may vary from participant to participant.
In making an award of restricted stock, the committee will determine the
periods during which the stock is subject to forfeiture and may grant such
stock at a purchase price equal to or less than the par value of the common
stock.
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<PAGE> 29
During the restriction period, the employee may not sell, transfer, pledge
or assign the restricted stock. The certificate evidencing the restricted
stock will remain in the possession of the Company until the restrictions
have lapsed.
4. Other Stock-Based Awards. The committee may also grant other types of
awards that are valued, in whole or in part, by reference to or otherwise
based on common stock. These awards may be granted alone, in addition to,
or in tandem with, stock options, SARs and restricted stock. Such awards
will be made upon terms and conditions as the committee may in its
discretion provide.
CHANGE IN CONTROL PROVISIONS. If there is a change in control or a potential
change in control, any SARs and stock options which are not then exercisable
will become fully exercisable and vested. Similarly, the restrictions applicable
to restricted stock and other stock-based awards will lapse and such shares and
awards will be deemed fully vested. Stock options, SARs, limited SARs,
restricted stock and other stock-based awards, will, unless otherwise determined
by the committee in its sole discretion, be cashed out on the basis of the
change in control price described below. Options granted to outside directors
will vest, but will not be cashed out, upon a change in control.
The change in control price will be the highest price per share paid in any
transaction reported on the New York Stock Exchange composite index, or paid or
offered to be paid in any bona fide transaction relating to a potential or
actual change in control of the Company, at any time during the immediately
preceding 60 day period as defined by the committee. A change in control occurs
if (1) any person becomes a beneficial owner directly or indirectly of 25% or
more of the total voting stock of the Company (subject to certain exceptions),
(2) as a result of, or in connection with, any cash tender or exchange offer,
merger or other business combination or similar transaction less than a majority
of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Company
are held in the aggregate by the holders of Company securities entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such transaction, or
(3) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals which at the
beginning of such period constitute the board of directors cease for any reason
to constitute at least a majority thereof. A potential change in control means
(1) approval by the shareholders of an agreement which, if completed, would
constitute a change in control, or (2) the acquisition by a person of 5% or more
of the total voting stock of the Company and the adoption by the board of
directors of a resolution that a potential change in control, as defined in the
Plan, has occurred.
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<PAGE> 30
AMENDMENT. The Plan may be amended by the board of directors, except that the
board may not, without the approval of the Company's shareholders, increase the
number of shares available for distribution, change the pricing rule applicable
for stock options, change the class of employees eligible to receive awards
under the Amended and Restated Plan, or extend the term of any option award. The
provisions of the Plan relating to grants to outside directors may not be
amended more than once every six months except to comply with changes in the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations
thereunder.
ADJUSTMENT. In the case of a stock split, stock dividend, reclassification,
recapitalization, merger, reorganization or other changes in the Company's
structure affecting the common stock, appropriate adjustments will be made by
the committee, in its sole discretion, in the number of shares reserved under
the Plan, in the maximum number of shares issuable to any single employee, in
the number of shares covered by options and other awards then outstanding under
the Plan and, where applicable, the exercise price for awards under the Plan.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX ASPECTS. The following is a brief summary of the federal
income tax aspects of awards made under the Plan based upon the federal income
tax laws in effect on the date hereof. This summary is not intended to be
exhaustive, and does not describe state or local tax consequences:
1. Incentive Stock Options. No taxable income is realized by the
participant upon the grant or exercise of an ISO. If common stock is issued
to a participant pursuant to the exercise of an ISO, and if no
disqualifying disposition of the shares is made by the participant within
two years of the date of grant or within one year after the transfer of the
shares to the participant, then: (a) upon the sale of the shares, any
amount realized in excess of the option price will be taxed to the
participant as a long-term capital gain, and any loss sustained will be a
capital loss, and (b) no deduction will be allowed to the Company for
federal income tax purposes. The exercise of an ISO will give rise to an
item of tax preference that may result in an alternative minimum tax
liability for the participant unless the participant makes a disqualifying
disposition of the shares received upon exercise.
If common stock acquired upon the exercise of an ISO is disposed of prior
to the expiration of the holding periods described above, then generally:
(a) the participant will realize ordinary income in the year of disposition
in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the
shares at exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on the disposition of
the shares) over the option price paid for such shares, and (b) the Company
will be entitled to
29
<PAGE> 31
deduct any such recognized amount. Any further gain or loss realized by the
participant will be taxed as short-term or long-term capital gain or loss,
as the case may be, and will not result in any deduction by the Company.
Subject to certain exceptions for disability or death, if an ISO is
exercised more than three months following the termination of the
participant's employment, the option will generally be taxed as a
non-qualified stock option.
2. Non-Qualified Stock Options. Except as noted below, with respect to
non-qualified stock options: (a) no income is realized by the participant
at the time the option is granted; (b) generally upon exercise of the
option, the participant realizes ordinary income in an amount equal to the
difference between the option price paid for the shares and the fair market
value of the shares on the date of exercise and the Company will be
entitled to a tax deduction in the same amount; (c) at disposition, any
appreciation (or depreciation) after date of exercise is treated either as
short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, depending upon the length of
time that the participant has held the shares.
3. Stock Appreciation Rights. No income will be realized by a participant
in connection with the grant of an SAR. When the SAR is exercised, the
participant will generally be required to include as taxable ordinary
income in the year of exercise, an amount equal to the amount of cash and
the fair market value of any shares received. The Company will be entitled
to a deduction at the time and in the amount included in the participant's
income by reason of the exercise. If the participant receives common stock
upon exercise of an SAR, the post-exercise appreciation or depreciation
will be treated in the same manner discussed above under "Non-Qualified
Stock Options."
4. Restricted Stock. A participant receiving restricted stock generally
will recognize ordinary income in the amount of the fair market value of
the restricted stock at the time the stock is no longer subject to
forfeiture, less the consideration paid for the stock. However, a
participant may elect, under Section 83(b) of the Code within 30 days of
the grant of the stock, to recognize taxable ordinary income on the date of
grant equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of
restricted stock (determined without regard to the restrictions) over the
purchase price of the restricted stock. Thereafter, if the shares are
forfeited, the participant will be entitled to a deduction, refund, or
loss, for tax purposes only, in an amount equal to the purchase price of
the forfeited shares regardless of whether he made a Section 83(b)
election. With respect to the sale of shares after the forfeiture period
has expired, the holding period to determine whether the participant has
long-
30
<PAGE> 32
term or short-term capital gain or loss generally begins when the
restriction period expires and the tax basis for such shares will generally
be based on the fair market value of such shares on such date. However, if
the participant makes an election under Section 83(b), the holding period
will commence on the date of grant, the tax basis will be equal to the fair
market value of shares on such date (determined without regard to
restrictions), and the Company generally will be entitled to a deduction
equal to the amount that is taxable as ordinary income to the participant
in the year that such income is taxable.
5. Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. Dividends paid on restricted stock
generally will be treated as compensation that is taxable as ordinary
income to the participant, and will be deductible by the Company. If,
however, the participant makes a Section 83(b) election, the dividends will
be taxable as ordinary income to the participant but will not be deductible
by the Company.
6. Other Stock-Based Awards. The federal income tax treatment of other
stock-based awards will depend on the nature of any such award and the
restrictions applicable to such award. Such an award may, depending on the
conditions applicable to the award, be taxable as an option, an award of
restricted stock, or in a manner not described herein.
31
<PAGE> 33
PLAN BENEFITS
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO 1996 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
The following table provides information as to awards made to date from the
additional shares proposed to be added to the Plan by the amendment to named
executive officers and all executive officers of the Company as a group, shares
reserved for issuance to outside directors and awards made to all other Company
employees from the additional shares to date. All such awards to officers and
other employees are subject to shareholder approval. The closing price per share
of the Company's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on April 30, 1997,
was $11.625.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOLLAR VALUE SHARES RESERVED FOR
OF AWARDS STOCK OPTIONS ISSUANCE AS
NAME AND POSITION ($) GRANTED RESTRICTED STOCK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
David M. Chamberlain 0 0 0
Chairman
Ben T. Harris 217,750(1) 64,420 0
President and Chief
Executive Officer
T. Neale Attenborough 120,000(1) 35,500 0
Executive Vice
President -- Operations
James S. Gulmi 88,000(1) 26,035 0
Senior Vice
President -- Finance
and Chief Financial Officer
Fowler H. Low 0 0 0
Senior Vice President
Executive Officer Group 346,750(1) 102,585 0
Non-Executive Officer Director Group 0 0 0
Non-Executive Officer Employee Group --(2) 144,500 0
==========================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) Based upon the 50% discount value of options at February 25, 1997, as
determined by Black-Scholes method. Participants exchanged bonus and/or
salary equal to such discounted value, or $3.38 per option, for options to
purchase common stock. See "Compensation Committee Report on Executive
Compensation -- Stock Options," above.
(2) Not presently determinable. All non-executive awards to date covered by the
proposed amendment are incentive options granted under the Plan on December
4, 1996 and February 25, 1997, with an exercise price equal to the closing
price of the stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the grant date.
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<PAGE> 34
APPROVAL OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The board of directors, upon recommendation of its audit committee, has
appointed Price Waterhouse as independent accountants to examine the financial
statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for the Company's fiscal year
ending January 31, 1998. A representative of Price Waterhouse is expected to be
present at the annual meeting and will be given an opportunity to make a
statement if he so desires and to respond to appropriate questions.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THIS APPOINTMENT AND
YOUR PROXY WILL BE SO VOTED UNLESS YOU SPECIFY OTHERWISE.
PROPOSALS FOR THE 1998 ANNUAL MEETING
Proposals of shareholders intended for inclusion in the proxy material for the
1998 annual meeting of shareholders must be received at the Company's offices at
Genesco Park, P. O. Box 731, Nashville, Tennessee 37202-0731, attention of the
secretary, no later than January 20, 1998.
33
<PAGE> 35
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Notice....................... 1
Voting Securities............ 3
Election of Directors........ 4
Security Ownership of
Officers, Directors and
Principal Shareholders..... 10
Executive Compensation....... 12
Approval of Amendment to
1996 Stock Incentive
Plan....................... 25
Approval of Independent
Accountants................ 33
Proposals for the 1998
Annual Meeting............. 33
</TABLE>
[GENESCO, INC. LOGO]
NOTICE OF
ANNUAL MEETING
AND
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING
OF SHAREHOLDERS
JUNE 25, 1997
<PAGE> 36
APPENDIX A
GENESCO INC.
P PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
R THE COMPANY FOR ANNUAL MEETING JUNE 25, 1997
O
X The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints David M. Chamberlain, Harry
Y D. Garber, and W. Lipscomb Davis, Jr. and each of them, his true and lawful
agents and proxies with full power of substitution in each, to represent
the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of GENESCO INC. to be
held on June 25, 1997, and at any adjournments thereof, on all matters
coming before said meeting.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: (Comments)
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
(If you have written in the above space,
please mark in the corresponding box on
the reverse side of this card)
You are encouraged to specify your choice by marking the appropriate boxes,
SEE REVERSE SIDE. You need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in
accordance with the Board of Directors' recommendations, though you must
sign and return this card if you wish your shares to be voted.
[SEE REVERSE SIDE]
<PAGE> 37
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
[X] Please mark your 1469
votes as in this
example.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no direction is made, this proxy will be
voted FOR each of the proposals referred to below.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR proposals 1,2 and 3.
FOR WITHHELD
1. Board of [ ] [ ]
Directors Nominees: D.M. Chamberlain, W.L. Davis, Jr., J. Diebold,
H.D. Garber, B.T. Harris, K. Mason, J.C. Gordon,
For, except vote withheld from the following nominee(s) W.A. Williamson, Jr., W.S. Wire II and Gary M. Witkin
as indicated below:
_______________________________________________________
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
2. Approval of Amendment [ ] [ ] [ ]
to 1996 Stock Incentive
Plan.
3. Approval of Independent [ ] [ ] [ ]
Accountants
Change of Address/ [ ]
Comments on Reverse Side
By signing, you severe all proxies herebefore given.
SIGNATURE(S)___________________________________________DATE_________________ PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY
NOTE: Please sign exactly as name appears herein. Joint owners should each CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or
guardian, please give full title as such. If signer is a corporation,
please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer.
</TABLE>
