<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant / /
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 Section240.14a-11(c) or
Section240.14a-12
CHATTEM, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/ No fee required.
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1)
and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE>
[LOGO]
CHATTEM, INC.
1715 WEST 38TH STREET
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE 37409
MARCH 10, 1999
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
Chattem, Inc., scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, 1999, at 1:00 p.m., in the
Company's executive offices located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The matters
expected to be acted upon at the meeting are described in detail in the attached
Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement.
I hope that you will be able to attend the Annual Meeting on April 14, 1999.
A luncheon reservation card is also enclosed if you are able to attend the
Company's luncheon immediately preceding the meeting.
Sincerely,
/s/ Zan Guerry
Zan Guerry
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
CHATTEM, INC.
1715 WEST 38TH STREET
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE 37409
---------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
APRIL 14, 1999
To the Shareholders of Chattem, Inc.:
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual
Meeting") of Chattem, Inc., a Tennessee corporation (the "Company"), will be
held on Wednesday, April 14, 1999, at 1:00 p.m. local time, at the Company's
executive offices, 1715 West 38th Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37409, for the
following purposes:
(1) To elect three members to the Board of Directors, each to serve for a
three year term;
(2) To amend the Company's Restated Charter to increase the authorized
number of shares of common stock;
(3) To approve the Company's 1999 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors;
(4) To ratify the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent
auditors; and
(5) To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual
Meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof.
Information regarding the matters to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting is
contained in the Proxy Statement attached to this Notice.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on February 26, 1999
are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any
adjournment(s) thereof.
You are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting in person. IF YOU ARE UNABLE
TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REQUESTS THAT, AT YOUR
EARLIEST CONVENIENCE, YOU PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE
ACCOMPANYING PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED REPLY ENVELOPE, WHICH NEEDS NO POSTAGE IF
MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
/s/ Zan Guerry
Zan Guerry
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Chattanooga, Tennessee
March 10, 1999
<PAGE>
CHATTEM, INC.
---------
PROXY STATEMENT
----------
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
APRIL 14, 1999
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Chattem,
Inc., a Tennessee corporation (the "Company"), for use at the Company's Annual
Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting"), and at any adjournment(s)
thereof, to be held at the Company's executive offices, 1715 West 38th Street,
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37409, on Wednesday, April 14, 1999, at 1:00 p.m. local
time, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. Solicitations of proxies may be made in person or by mail,
telephone or telegram by directors, officers and regular employees of the
Company. The Company will also request banking institutions, brokerage firms,
custodians, trustees, nominees and fiduciaries to forward solicitation material
to the beneficial owners of the Company's shares held of record by such persons,
will furnish at its expense the number of copies thereof necessary to supply
such material to all such beneficial owners and will reimburse the reasonable
forwarding expenses incurred by such record owners. All costs of preparing,
printing, assembling and mailing the form of proxy and the material used in the
solicitation will be paid by the Company. This Proxy Statement is first being
mailed to shareholders on or about March 10, 1999.
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on February 26, 1999
as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of,
and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. Each share of the Company's common stock
without par value ("Common Stock") is entitled to one vote. As of February 26,
1999 there were issued and outstanding 9,760,371 shares of Common Stock.
Set forth below is information, as of February 26, 1999, with respect to
beneficial ownership by (a) each person who is known to the Company to be the
beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock, (b) each
director and nominee, (c) the chief executive officer and the other named
executive officers for the previous fiscal year and (d) all directors and
executive officers of the Company as a group:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF PERCENT
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (1) OF CLASS (2)
- ------------------------------------ ---------------------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Zan Guerry 907,385(3)(4)(5)(6) 9.35%
1715 W. 38th St.
Chattanooga, TN 37409
Robert E. Bosworth 688,555(6)(8)(9) 7.05
800 Krystal Building
One Union Square
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Palisade Capital Management, L.L.C. 683,400(7) 7.00
Suite 695
One Bridge Plaza
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Hamico, Inc. 664,115(10) 6.80
1715 W. 38th Street
Chattanooga, TN 37409
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF PERCENT
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (1) OF CLASS (2)
- ------------------------------------ ---------------------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Piedmont Capital Management 565,900(11) 5.80
Corporation
One James Center
Suite 1500
Richmond, VA 23219
A. Alexander Taylor II 37,479(12) *
Louis H. Barnett 123,469(13) 1.27
Richard E. Cheney 16,710 *
Scott L. Probasco, Jr. 92,926(14) *
Samuel E. Allen 16,750 *
Philip H. Sanford 2,000 *
Directors and Executive Officers 1,221,159 12.51
as a Group (7 persons)
</TABLE>
- ------------
* Less than 1.0%.
(1) Except as otherwise indicated, refers to either shared or sole voting and
investment power. Includes the following numbers of shares subject to
purchase pursuant to options that are exercisable within 60 days of February
26, 1999 under the Company's Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan -- 1993 (the
"1993 Stock Option Plan"), the Company's Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan --
1994 (the "1994 Stock Option Plan"), the Company's Non-Statutory Stock
Option Plan -- 1998 (the "1998 Stock Option Plan") or the Company's
Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "Director
Plan"): Mr. Guerry -- 69,100 shares, Mr. Taylor -- 30,750 shares, Mr.
Probasco -- 8,750 shares, Mr. Allen -- 8,250 shares, Messrs. Barnett and
Cheney -- 7,750 shares each and all directors and executive officers as a
group -- 132,350 shares. Also includes the following numbers of shares
subject to purchase pursuant to the exercise of warrants (the "Warrants")
issued in June, 1994 in connection with the Company's 12.75% senior
subordinated notes due 2004: Mr. Guerry -- 1,464 shares, Mr. Barnett --
1,581 shares and all directors and executive officers as a group -- 3,045
shares.
(2) For the purpose of computing the percentage of outstanding shares owned by
each beneficial owner, the shares issuable pursuant to presently exercisable
stock options or warrants held by such beneficial owner are deemed to be
outstanding. Such shares are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of
computing the percentage owned by any other person.
(3) Includes 37,081 shares held by a trust for the benefit of Mr. Guerry's
sister, of which he serves as a co-trustee. Mr. Guerry disclaims beneficial
ownership of the shares held by this trust.
(4) Includes 5,996 shares held in trust for Mr. Guerry pursuant to the terms of
the Company's Savings and Investment Plan.
(5) Includes 2,685 shares which Mr. Guerry holds as custodian for his children.
Mr. Guerry disclaims beneficial ownership of these custodial shares.
(6) Includes 650,350 shares and 13,765 shares subject to purchase pursuant to
the exercise of warrants owned by Hamico, Inc., a charitable foundation for
which Messrs. Guerry and Bosworth serve as directors and executive officers.
Messrs. Guerry and Bosworth disclaim beneficial ownership of all such
shares.
(7) This information is based solely upon a Schedule 13G filed by Palisade
Capital Management, L.L.C. on or about January 22, 1999.
(8) Includes 23,755 shares held in trust for Mr. Bosworth pursuant to the terms
of the Company's Savings and Investment Plan.
(9) Includes 600 shares which Mr. Bosworth holds as custodian for his daughter.
Mr. Bosworth disclaims beneficial ownership of these custodial shares.
(10) Includes 13,765 shares subject to purchase pursuant to the exercise of
warrants issued June, 1994 in connection with the Company's 12.75% senior
subordinated notes due 2004.
2
<PAGE>
(11) Includes shares held by various officers and affiliates of Piedmont Capital
Management Corporation for which shares Piedmont Capital Management
Corporation disclaims beneficial ownership. This information is based solely
upon a Schedule 13G filed by Piedmont Capital Management Corporation on or
about February 10, 1999.
(12) Includes 304 shares held in trust for Mr. Taylor pursuant to the terms of
the Company's Savings and Investment Plan. Also includes 1,125 shares which
Mr. Taylor holds as custodian for his children. Mr. Taylor disclaims
beneficial ownership of these custodial shares.
(13) Includes 113,778 shares which are held in trust for the benefit of various
family members. Mr. Barnett disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.
(14) Includes 1,500 shares which are held in trust for the benefit of Mr.
Probasco's spouse. Mr. Probasco disclaims beneficial ownership of these
shares.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Under federal securities laws, the Company's directors, executive officers
and 10% or more shareholders are required to report, within specified monthly
and annual due dates, their initial ownership in the Company's Common Stock and
all subsequent acquisitions, dispositions or other transfers of beneficial
interests therein, if and to the extent reportable events occur which require
reporting by such due dates. Based solely on representations and information
provided to the Company by the persons required to make such filings, the
Company believes that all filing requirements were complied with during the last
fiscal year, except that Mr. Taylor failed to file a Form 4 for shares acquired
through his Individual Retirement Account in August 1998, which transaction was
reported on a Form 4 filed on or about March 9, 1999.
REVOCABILITY OF PROXY
Granting a proxy does not preclude the right of the person giving the proxy
to vote in person, and a person may revoke his or her proxy at any time before
it has been exercised, by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Company,
by delivering a later dated proxy or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting.
QUORUM; VOTING
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock which are entitled to vote is necessary to
constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. If a quorum is not present or
represented at the Annual Meeting, the shareholders entitled to vote, whether
present in person or represented by proxy, have the power to adjourn the Annual
Meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the Annual
Meeting, until a quorum is present or represented. At any such adjourned Annual
Meeting at which a quorum is present or represented, any business may be
transacted that might have been transacted at the Annual Meeting as originally
noticed.
On all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders at the Annual Meeting
or any adjournment(s) thereof, each shareholder will be entitled to one vote for
each share of Common Stock owned of record at the close of business on February
26, 1999. There will be no cumulative voting.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN UNDER THE PROXY
Proxies in the accompanying form that are properly executed and returned
will be voted at the Annual Meeting and any adjournment(s) thereof in accordance
with the directions on such proxies. If no directions are specified, such
proxies will be voted (a) "FOR" the election of the three persons specified as
nominees for directors of the Company, each of whom will serve for a three year
term; (b) "FOR" the approval of the amendment to the Company's Restated Charter
to increase the authorized number of shares of Common Stock; (c) "FOR" the
approval of the Company's 1999 Stock
3
<PAGE>
Plan for Non-Employee Directors; (d) "FOR" the ratification of the appointment
of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent auditors; and (e) in the best judgment of
the persons named in the enclosed proxy in connection with the transaction of
such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any
adjournment(s) thereof. Should any director nominee named herein become unable
or unwilling to serve if elected, it is intended that the proxies will be voted
for the election, in his stead, of such other person as the management of the
Company may recommend.
Management has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable
or unwilling to serve if elected. Management knows of no other matters or
business to be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If, however,
any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment(s)
thereof, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote
such proxy in accordance with their best judgment on any such matters. The
persons named in the enclosed proxy may also, if they deem it advisable, vote
such proxy to adjourn the Annual Meeting from time to time.
4
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Board of Directors is classified into three classes having
staggered terms of three years each. At present, two classes consist of two
directors each and one class consists of three directors, although following
this Annual Meeting two classes will consist of three directors. Each director
elected at the Annual Meeting will serve until the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders in 2002 and until his successor has been elected and qualified or
until his earlier resignation or removal. Messrs. Samuel E. Allen, Philip H.
Sanford and A. Alexander Taylor II are the Board of Directors' nominees for
election. The Board of Directors has no nominating committee, and all nominees
are selected by the Board of Directors at large. Directors will be elected by a
plurality of the votes cast.
The directors meet quarterly and may convene for special meetings when
necessary. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 1998, the Board of
Directors conducted a total of four regularly scheduled and one special meeting.
Each director attended 75% or more of the meetings of the Board of Directors and
of any committees on which he served during this period.
INFORMATION ABOUT NOMINEES AND CONTINUING DIRECTORS
The following information is furnished with respect to the nominees and
continuing directors:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
- ------------------------------ ---- --------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
NOMINEES FOR TERMS
OF OFFICE TO EXPIRE IN 2002
Samuel E. Allen 62 Chairman of Globalt, Inc. (investment management).
Member of the Company's Audit Committee. First
elected a director of the Company in 1993.
Philip H. Sanford 45 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The
Krystal Company (restaurants) and Port Royal
Holdings, Inc. (holding company). Previously,
Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration
of Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. Director of SunTrust
Bank, Chattanooga, N.A. Nominee for election.
A. Alexander Taylor II 45 President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company since January 1998. Partner with law firm
of Miller & Martin, general counsel to the
Company, from 1983 to 1998. Director of U.S.
Xpress Enterprises, Inc. (transportation) and The
Krystal Company (restaurants). First elected a
director of the Company in 1993.
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS
OF OFFICE EXPIRE IN 2000
Louis H. Barnett 80 Consultant to the Company and others regarding
plastics, chemicals and oil investments and
operations. Director of A/F Protein, Inc. First
elected a director of the Company in 1970.
Robert E. Bosworth 51 Independent business consultant since January
1998. Executive Vice President of the Company from
June 1990 to January 1998 and Chief Financial
Officer from April 1985 to January 1998. Director
of Covenant Transport, Inc. (transportation).
Member of the Company's Audit Committee. First
elected a director of the Company in October 1986.
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
- ------------------------------ ---- --------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Richard E. Cheney 77 Former Chairman Emeritus, director and member of
the executive committee, Hill and Knowlton, Inc.
(international public relations and public affairs
consulting). Director of Stoneridge, Inc.
(engineered electrical vehicle components) and
Rowe Furniture Corporation. Member of the
Company's Compensation Committee. First elected a
director of the Company in 1984.
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS
OF OFFICE EXPIRE IN 2001
Scott L. Probasco, Jr. 70 Chairman of the Executive Committees of SunTrust
Bank, Chattanooga, N.A., since March 1989 and
SunTrust Banks of Tennessee, Inc. since January
1990. Also a director of SunTrust Banks, Inc.,
Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. and Provident Life and
Accident Insurance Company. Member of the
Company's Audit and Compensation Committees. First
elected a director of the Company in 1966.
Zan Guerry 50 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company since June 1990. Previously served
as President of the Company from 1990 to 1998, as
Executive Vice President of the Company from 1983
to 1990, as President of Chattem Consumer Products
from 1984 to 1989 and as Chief Operating Officer
from 1989 to 1990. Director of SunTrust Bank,
Chattanooga, N.A. First elected a director of the
Company in 1981.
</TABLE>
In accordance with the Bylaws of the Company, the Board of Directors has
established an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee.
The Audit Committee recommends to the Board of Directors the engagement of
the independent auditors of the Company and reviews with the independent
auditors the scope and results of the audits, the Company's internal accounting
controls and the professional services furnished by the independent auditors to
the Company. The Audit Committee met two times in fiscal 1998.
The Compensation Committee is composed of independent, non-employee
directors who have no interlocking relationships as defined by the Securities
and Exchange Commission. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves all
salary arrangements, including annual and long-term incentive awards and other
remuneration, for officers of the Company. It also is responsible for
administration of the Company's stock option plans (except for the Director
Plan), the annual incentive plan and certain other plans. The Compensation
Committee met two times in fiscal 1998.
6
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION
SUMMARY OF CASH AND CERTAIN OTHER COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information for the past three fiscal years
concerning compensation paid or accrued by the Company to or on behalf of the
Company's chief executive officer and the other named executive officers, the
only executive officers of the Company during the fiscal year ended November 30,
1998:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL COMPENSATION ---------------------
FISCAL --------------------- SECURITIES UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS OPTIONS AWARDED (1) COMPENSATION (2)
- ------------------------------ ------ -------- ----------- --------------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Zan Guerry 1998 $306,900 $248,738 130,000 $3,442
Chairman of the Board 1997 285,750 202,500 0 2,895
and Chief Executive Officer 1996 253,000 133,650 40,000 2,854
A. Alexander Taylor II (3) 1998 225,694 209,375 90,000 1,878
President and Chief
Operating Officer
Robert E. Bosworth (4) 1998 220,000 0 0 3,348
Executive Vice President 1997 211,667 125,000 0 3,099
and Chief Financial Officer 1996 192,500 81,400 25,000 3,032
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) Represents non-qualified stock options granted on January 29, 1998 under the
Company's 1994 and 1998 Stock Option Plans at an exercise price of $13.75
per share and, in the case of Messrs. Guerry and Bosworth, on January 31,
1996 under the Company's 1994 Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of
$4.875 per share.
(2) Represents premiums paid by the Company under life insurance policies with
respect to which the named executive is entitled to a death benefit of up to
$450,000 as follows for the 1998 fiscal year: Mr. Guerry -- $565; Mr. Taylor
-- $378; Mr. Bosworth -- $567. Also represents the Company's contributions
with respect to the Company's Savings and Investment Plan for the named
executive as follows for the 1998 fiscal year: Mr. Guerry -- $2,877; Mr.
Taylor -- $1,500; Mr. Bosworth -- $2,781.
(3) Mr. Taylor was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer on January
13, 1998.
(4) Mr. Bosworth resigned from his position as Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer on January 13, 1998 and has served as a consultant
to the Company since that time, which consultancy relationship ended on
February 28, 1999.
STOCK OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table contains information concerning the grant of stock
options to the named executive officers during the fiscal year ended November
30, 1998:
7
<PAGE>
OPTIONS/GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
-------------------------------------------------- POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
PERCENTAGE VALUE AT ASSUMED
OF TOTAL ANNUAL
OPTIONS RATES OF STOCK PRICE
GRANTED TO EXERCISE APPRECIATION FOR
EMPLOYEES OR BASE OPTION TERM
OPTIONS IN FISCAL PRICE EXPIRATION ----------------------------
NAME GRANTED (#) YEAR ($/SH) DATE 5%($) 10%($)
- --------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Zan Guerry 130,000 28.38 13.75 1-29-08 $ 2,772,999 $ 4,636,315
A. Alexander Taylor II..... 45,000 9.82 13.50 1-19-08 989,553 1,575,699
45,000 9.82 13.75 1-29-08 1,007,878 1,604,878
Robert E. Bosworth -- -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
OPTION EXERCISES AND HOLDINGS
The option exercises by the Company's chief executive officer and the other
named executive officers during the fiscal year ended November 30, 1998, as well
as the number and total value of unexercised in-the-money options at November
30, 1998, are shown in the following table:
AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND OPTION VALUES AT NOVEMBER 30, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
SHARES OPTIONS AT OPTIONS AT
ACQUIRED VALUE NOV. 30, 1998 NOV. 30, 1998
NAME ON EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------- ----------------------- ---------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Zan Guerry 104,500 $ 2,185,562 36,000/140,000 $ 1,299,775/$4,148,750
A. Alexander Taylor II -- -- 6,750/94,250 233,628/2,768,750
Robert E. Bosworth 106,250 1,682,438 0/0 0/0
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
PENSION PLAN
The following table shows for various years of service the estimated annual
benefits payable under the Chattem, Inc. Pension Plan (the "Pension Plan") upon
normal retirement, before deducting a specified percentage of applicable
estimated Social Security benefits, as provided in the Pension Plan:
PENSION PLAN TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS OF SERVICE
---------------------------------------------------------------
REMUNERATION 15 YEARS 20 YEARS 25 YEARS 30 YEARS 35 YEARS
- ------------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$100,000........................................ $ 37,500 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000
150,000........................................ 56,250 75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000
200,000........................................ 75,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000
275,000........................................ 103,125 137,500* 137,500* 137,500* 137,500*
325,000........................................ 121,875 162,500* 162,500* 162,500* 162,500*
350,000........................................ 131,250* 175,000* 175,000* 175,000* 175,000*
375,000........................................ 140,625* 187,500* 187,500* 187,500* 187,500*
400,000........................................ 150,000* 200,000* 200,000* 200,000* 200,000*
450,000........................................ 168,750* 225,000* 225,000* 225,000* 225,000*
500,000........................................ 187,500* 250,000* 250,000* 250,000* 250,000*
</TABLE>
- ------------
* Exceeds maximum Pension Plan benefit permissible under current federal law.
The basis for the compensation covered by the Pension Plan is W-2 earnings
as adjusted for certain extraordinary income items. Covered compensation for the
individuals listed in the summary compensation table as of November 30, 1998,
was: Mr. Guerry -- $537,409; Mr. Taylor -- $248,278; and Mr. Bosworth --
$241,348. The accrued years of service to November 30, 1998, of the individuals
listed in the summary compensation table (assuming repayment of Pension Plan
loans from funds voluntarily contributed) are as follows: Mr. Guerry -- 20.75;
Mr. Taylor -- .83; and Mr. Bosworth -- 18.25.
Upon retirement at age 65 (or as otherwise permitted under the Pension
Plan), a participant in the Pension Plan receives an annual benefit which is
2.5% of the average of his highest five consecutive calendar years of
compensation (regular wages or salaries, annual bonuses, incentive or Christmas
gift payments, overtime pay, shift premium, director's fees and, up to the level
of regular wages or salaries, any payments for workers' compensation, civic duty
pay, military pay, sickness pay, temporary disability pay or vacation pay) paid
during the 10 calendar years immediately preceding the earlier of actual or
normal retirement age, multiplied by his years of service not in excess of 20
years. The amount determined in the preceding sentence is then reduced by 2.5%
of the participant's primary Social Security benefit, multiplied by the
participant's years of service not to exceed 20 years. For retirement before age
65, benefits are further reduced actuarially and for years of service proration.
Upon retirement, benefits are calculated on the basis of a normal retirement
pension to be paid during the lifetime of the participant. Benefits will be paid
in the form of a Qualified Joint and Survivor Annuity or Qualified Preretirement
Survivor Annuity, unless one of the following options is appropriately elected:
(i) A reduced annuity benefit to be paid monthly over 5, 10 or 15 years and
thereafter for the participant's life;
9
<PAGE>
(ii) A reduced annuity benefit to be paid during the participant's life with
one-half of the reduced benefit to be continued to the spouse for the
spouse's life;
(iii) A reduced annuity benefit to be paid during the participant's life with
either three-fourths of or the full reduced benefit to be continued to
the spouse for the spouse's life;
(iv) A single lump sum payment; or
(v) A single life annuity.
AGREEMENTS WITH EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The Company has entered into severance agreements with Messrs. Guerry and
Taylor. These severance agreements are operative only upon the occurrence of a
change in control of the Company and are intended to encourage key executives to
remain in the Company's employ by providing them with greater security and
imposing various restrictions on competitive employment should an officer leave
the Company's employment. Absent a change in control of the Company, the
severance agreements do not require the Company to retain any executive or to
pay him any specified level of compensation.
If the severance agreements become operative, and if the employment with the
Company of either of these officers is terminated or the officer is
constructively discharged within two years of the occurrence of a change in
control of the Company, the officer will be entitled to receive a termination
payment equal to three times his average annualized includible compensation from
the Company during the five most recently completed fiscal years and the
continuation of certain Company-provided benefits. Includible compensation for
purposes of calculating the severance benefit generally includes all
compensation paid to the officer by the Company and will be calculated in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
A change of control of the Company will be deemed to occur if (i) there is a
change of one-third or more of the directors of the Company within any 12-month
period; (ii) there is a change of one-half or more of the directors of the
Company within any 24-month period; or (iii) any person acquires ownership or
the right to vote 35% or more of the Company's outstanding voting shares.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
All directors receive monthly compensation of $375 and supplemental life
insurance coverage in varying amounts. In addition, directors who are not
officers of the Company receive $400 for each meeting they attend if they reside
in the Chattanooga area and $700 plus expenses if they reside elsewhere.
Directors who are neither officers nor consultants to the Company also receive
$200 for each committee meeting they attend if held in conjunction with a Board
of Directors meeting and $400 for each committee meeting they attend if held
independently of a Board of Directors meeting. The outside directors of the
Company are also eligible for the grant of stock options under the terms of the
Director Plan and, if approved by the shareholders, will be eligible for the
grant of stock options and the award of Common Stock in lieu of cash fees under
the terms of the 1999 Director Plan.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During fiscal 1998, two of the Company's independent directors, Messrs.
Cheney and Probasco, served on the Compensation Committee. Mr. Taylor, a
Director, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, serves on the
compensation committee of The Krystal Company, the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of which, Mr. Sanford, is a nominee for election as a director of the
Company.
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
PRINCIPLES OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Company's executive compensation program is designed to help the Company
attract, motivate and retain the executive talent that the Company needs in
order to maximize its return to shareholders. Toward that end, the Company's
executive compensation program attempts to provide strongly competitive
compensation levels and incentive pay that varies based on corporate, business
unit and individual performance.
The Company attempts to provide its executives with a total compensation
package that -- at expected levels of performance -- is slightly above average
market rates for executives who hold comparable positions or have similar
qualifications in companies the Company's size. Total compensation is defined to
include base salary, annual incentives and long-term incentives. The Company
determines competitive levels of compensation for executive positions based on
information drawn from compensation surveys and compensation consultants. The
Company does not necessarily consider pay levels for the peer companies included
in the shareholder return graph, since these companies, in some cases, vary in
size significantly from the Company.
The reason the Company targets its total executive pay program at slightly
above competitive market norms is that the Company places more emphasis on
long-term incentive compensation than is common in the market for comparable
sized companies. Thus, the Company's executive salaries and annual incentive
target awards tend to be close to the market average while its long-term
incentive award opportunities are at or above average rates.
The Company's incentive plans are designed to ensure that incentive
compensation varies based upon the financial performance of the Company.
However, some of the Company's incentive payouts are based on annual performance
while other incentive values are based on long-term (i.e., multi-year)
performance. Also, the Company considers business unit and individual
performance in its incentive plan. As a result, the total compensation levels
for an executive in any given year may not reflect the Company's overall
bottom-line financial performance in that year.
BASE SALARY PROGRAM
The Company's base salary program is based on a philosophy of providing
salaries that are typically consistent with average market rates for companies
of similar size. The Company believes that offering competitive rates of base
pay plays an important role in its ability to attract and retain executive
talent. Base salary levels are also based on each individual employee's
performance over time. Consequently, employees with higher levels of sustained
performance over time will be paid correspondingly higher salaries. Salaries for
executives are reviewed and revised annually based on a variety of factors,
including individual performance (assessed in a qualitative fashion), general
levels of market salary increases and the Company's overall financial results.
All salary increases are granted within a pay-for-performance framework.
ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN
The Company's annual incentive plan is intended to assist the Company in
rewarding and motivating key employees, focuses strongly on Company and
individual performance, and provides a fully competitive compensation package to
plan participants. As a pay-for-performance plan, incentive awards are paid
annually based on the achievement of performance objectives for the year. Under
the plan, each plan participant is provided a range of potential annual
incentive awards based on competitive award levels in the marketplace. The
incentive award ranges are consistent with those provided by other companies
similar in size to the Company. Actual awards paid under the plan are based on
the Company's corporate performance (and for business unit positions, business
unit performance).
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Individual performance is also considered in determining actual award levels for
each year, but is assessed in a non-formula fashion. The corporate annual
incentive plan objective usually is earnings per share performance against plan.
The specific objectives and standards under the plan are reviewed annually by
the Company in order to ensure consistency with the Company's business strategy
and prevailing market conditions.
An annual incentive funding pool is created to pay awards achieved under the
annual incentive plan. At targeted performance, the plan provides sufficient
funding to pay competitive annual incentives to all plan eligible positions.
However, the actual size of the annual incentive funding pool will vary based on
corporate earnings per share performance. Aggregate payments under the annual
incentive plan are limited by the size of the funding pool. Actual awards made
to participants under the annual incentive plan are based on a combination of
corporate and individual performance. Individual performance is assessed
relative to various qualitative objectives and criteria, such as overall
contribution to the Company's success and successful implementation of business
strategy.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVES
The Company believes that its key employees should have an ongoing interest
in the long-term success of the business. To accomplish this objective, the
Company provides long-term incentives to executives in the form of non-qualified
stock options.
The Company's stock option plans are intended to reward participants for
generating appreciation in the Company's stock price. Stock options granted to
the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table and certain other
executives were awarded at 100% of the fair market value of the stock on the
date of grant. All stock options have a term of ten years. Generally, stock
option grants vest at a rate of 25% per year beginning one year after the date
of grant. The exercise price is payable in cash, shares of the Company stock or
some combination thereof. No option holder has any rights as a shareholder for
any shares subject to an option until the exercise price has been paid and the
shares are issued to the employee.
The Company's overall stock option grant levels are established by
considering market data for the Company's stock and the number of shares
reserved under the plan for option grants. Individual stock option grants are
based on the job level of each participant in the Company and individual
performance. The Committee also considers the size of past stock option grants
in determining the size of new option grants.
The Company's compensation plans are periodically reviewed to ensure an
appropriate mix of base salary, annual incentive and long-term incentive within
the philosophy of providing strongly competitive total direct compensation
opportunities.
1998 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
As described above, the Company compensates all executives, including the
chief executive officer, based upon both a pay-for-performance philosophy and
consideration of market rates of compensation for each executive position.
Specific actions taken by the Compensation Committee regarding the chief
executive officer's compensation are summarized below.
BASE SALARY
The base annual salary for the Company's chief executive officer was
increased to $326,700 from $297,000 effective June 1, 1998.
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ANNUAL INCENTIVE
The annual incentive earned by the chief executive officer for 1998
performance was $248,738. This annual incentive award was based on competitive
market annual incentive awards for chief executive officers in companies
comparable in size to the Company, and adjusted to reflect the Company's
performance in growth in earnings per share against plan.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE
The chief executive officer received an award in fiscal 1998 of options to
acquire 130,000 shares at an exercise price of $13.75.
The foregoing report is submitted by the Compensation Committee, consisting
of Richard E. Cheney and Scott L. Probasco, Jr.
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE BY THE COMPANY
The following is a chart comparing the cumulative total return to
shareholders of the Company, assuming reinvestment of dividends, for the
five-year period ending at the end of the 1998 fiscal year with the return from:
(i) the S&P 500 Index and (ii) a peer group of public companies engaged in
either the functional toiletries, cosmetics or non-prescription drug business,
for the same period. The peer group consists of the following selected
comparable companies: Block Drug Company (Class A common stock), Church &
Dwight, Inc., Columbia Laboratories, Inc., Del Laboratories, Inc., and Menley &
James, Inc.
CHATTEM, INC.
RELATIVE MARKET PERFORMANCE
TOTAL RETURN FISCAL 1994-1998*
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DOLLARS
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Chattem, Inc. S&P 500 Peer Group
1993 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00
1994 $68.75 $101.05 $98.79
1995 $57.81 $138.41 $111.95
1996 $116.40 $176.98 $146.29
1997 $187.50 $227.44 $173.05
1998 $534.38 $281.26 $149.67
</TABLE>
* ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON NOVEMBER 30, 1993 IN THE COMMON STOCK OF THE
COMPANY, S&P 500 INDEX AND THE COMPOSITE PEER GROUP. INVESTMENT IS WEIGHTED
ON THE BASIS OF MARKET CAPITALIZATION. TOTAL RETURN DATA ASSUMES THE
REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND WAS PREPARED BY STANDARD & POOR'S COMPUSTAT
SERVICES.
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PROPOSAL 2: TO AMEND THE RESTATED CHARTER TO INCREASE THE
AUTHORIZED NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
GENERAL
The Company's Board of Directors has approved and recommends that the
shareholders adopt an amendment to Article 2 of the Company's Restated Charter
which would increase the authorized number of shares of Common Stock from
20,000,000 to 50,000,000 ("Charter Amendment"). The Charter Amendment will not
increase or otherwise affect the authorized number of shares of preferred stock
which may be issued by the Company. The provisions of Article 2 of the Company's
Restated Charter, as proposed to be amended by the Charter Amendment, are set
forth in APPENDIX I to this Proxy Statement.
As of the Record Date, in addition to the 9,760,371 shares of Common Stock
issued and outstanding, an additional 1,507,487 shares of Common Stock were
reserved for issuance under the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 1993
Stock Option Plan, 1994 Stock Option Plan, 1998 Stock Option Plan, the Director
Plan and the Warrants, and 100,000 shares of Common Stock will be reserved for
issuance under the 1999 Director Plan, if approved. Accordingly, as of the
Record Date, there were a total of 11,367,858 shares of Common Stock either
issued and outstanding or reserved for issuance out of a total of 20,000,000
authorized shares of Common Stock, leaving a total of 8,632,142 shares of Common
Stock remaining available for subsequent issuance or reservation.
The Board believes that the increased authorized number of shares of Common
Stock contemplated by the proposed Charter Amendment is desirable to make
additional unreserved shares of Common Stock available for issuance or
reservation without further shareholder authorization, except as may be required
by law or by the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market. Authorizing the Company to
issue more shares than currently authorized by the Restated Charter will not
affect materially any substantive rights, powers or privileges of holders of
shares of Common Stock. There are currently no shares of preferred stock
outstanding but 1,000,000 shares are authorized. The Board believes that having
such additional shares authorized and available for issuance or reservation will
allow the Company to have greater flexibility in considering potential future
actions involving the issuance of stock, including stock dividends or splits.
Other than with respect to the reservation of shares of Common Stock in
connection with (i) the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan, (ii) the
Company's 1993 Stock Option Plan, (iii) the Company's 1994 Stock Option Plan,
(iv) the Company's 1998 Stock Option Plan, (v) the Director Plan, (vi) the
Warrants and (vii) the 1999 Director Plan, if approved by shareholders, the
Company has no other plans or other existing or proposed agreements or
understandings to issue, or reserve for further issuance, any of the additional
shares of Common Stock which would be authorized by the Charter Amendment. The
Company has filed a shelf registration with the Securities and Exchange
Commission for $250,000,000 of debt and equity securities. The shelf
registration will allow the Company to access capital markets to fund internal
growth and acquisitions and to strengthen its balance sheet, and the additional
authorized shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Charter Amendment assists the
Company in this objective.
The Company does not view the Charter Amendment as part of an
"anti-takeover" strategy. The Charter Amendment is not being advanced as a
result of any known effort by any party to accumulate shares of Common Stock or
to obtain control of the Company.
VOTE REQUIRED
The approval of the Charter Amendment requires the affirmative vote by the
holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock represented at the Annual
Meeting and entitled to vote.
The Board of Directors believes that the proposal is in the best interests
of the Company and its shareholders and recommends that shareholders vote FOR
approval of the Charter Amendment.
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PROPOSAL 3: CHATTEM, INC. 1999 STOCK PLAN FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
The following summary of the material provisions of the Company's 1999 Stock
Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "1999 Director Plan") does not purport to
be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 1999 Director
Plan, a copy of which is attached as APPENDIX II.
GENERAL
The Director Plan was unanimously adopted and recommended to the
shareholders for approval by the Board of Directors on January 26, 1999. The
Director Plan is designed to enable directors who are not employees of the
Company to participate in the Company's growth through automatic,
nondiscretionary awards of stock options. Accordingly, the Director Plan is
intended to foster and promote the long-term financial success of the Company by
attracting and retaining outstanding directors. In addition, at the election of
the non-employee directors, all cash fees paid to non-employee directors for
annual retainer, attendance at Board of Directors meetings and attendance at
each committee attended by one director not held in conjunction with Board of
Directors meetings will be made to each non-employee director in Common Stock,
subject to certain restrictions.
The 1999 Director Plan shall become effective when adopted by the Board of
Directors and approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares at
a duly called meeting.
The Board of Directors may at any time terminate, suspend or modify the 1999
Director Plan, except that the 1999 Director Plan may not be amended more than
once every six months other than to comport with changes in the Internal Revenue
Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or the rules
thereunder, and the Board of Directors may not, without the authorization of the
holders of a majority of the Company's outstanding shares at a shareholders'
meeting duly called and held, change (other than through adjustment for changes
in capitalization): (a) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock with
respect to which options may be granted; (b) the class of persons eligible for
options; (c) the option price; or (d) the maximum duration of the 1999 Director
Plan. No termination, suspension or modification of the 1999 Director Plan may
adversely affect any right acquired by an optionee, or by any beneficiary, under
the terms of an option granted before the date of such termination, suspension
or modification, unless such optionee or beneficiary shall consent.
Unless sooner terminated as described above, the 1999 Director Plan will
remain in effect until terminated by the Board of Directors or until such time
as no options or awards of common stock remain available for issuance under the
Plan. Termination will not affect the vesting of previously granted options. The
1999 Director Plan is not subject to any provisions of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 and is not intended to be qualified under Section
401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
SECURITIES TO BE OFFERED
The 1999 Director Plan provides that non-employee directors may be granted
options which, upon exercise, will entitle the optionee to purchase shares of
Common Stock and, at the election of the non-employee directors, Common Stock in
lieu of cash retainer and meeting fees. The maximum aggregate number of shares
of Common Stock that may be issued under the 1999 Director Plan is 100,000,
subject to increases and adjustments as provided in the 1999 Director Plan.
ISSUANCE AND EXERCISE OF OPTIONS
Each non-employee director will receive an option to purchase 5,000 shares
of the Company's Common Stock at a price equal to fair market value on the date
of his or her initial election to the
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Board of Directors of the Company. Also, each non-employee director will receive
an option to purchase 1,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock at a price
equal to the fair market value on the date of each annual meeting of
shareholders if the term of office for such non-employee director shall continue
after the annual meeting.
Fair market value of the Common Stock means the closing sale price on the
business day preceding the date on which fair market value is being determined,
as reported in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, or the average of the high and low bids
on such day if no sale exists.
Each option will become exercisable and vested with respect to 25% of the
shares of Common Stock purchasable thereunder on the first anniversary of the
date of the grant of the option. The option to purchase an additional 25% of
such shares will become exercisable and vested, on a cumulative basis, on each
of the three succeeding anniversaries of the date of the grant of the option, so
that four years from the date of such grant the option to purchase all such
shares will have become exercisable and vested. Notwithstanding the foregoing
vesting schedule, each option will become exercisable in full immediately (i)
upon certain changes in control of the Company and (ii) upon the death or
retirement of an optionee. When exercising an option, the optionee may purchase
less than the full number of shares of Common Stock then available under the
option. The term of each option will end on a date ten years from the date of
grant of the option.
Options may be exercised by delivering or mailing to the Secretary of the
Company: (1) a notice, in the form and in the manner prescribed by the Company,
specifying the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased and (2) payment
in full of the option price for the shares of Common Stock in cash and/or by the
tender of shares of Common Stock (by delivering the appropriate stock
certificates) to the Secretary of the Company; provided, however, that optionee
may pay for any shares subject to an option by delivering to the Company a
properly executed exercise notice together with a copy of irrevocable
instructions to a broker to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale
or loan proceeds to pay the purchase price.
The Company may enter into agreements for coordinated procedures with one or
more brokerage firms in connection with exercises of options. The value of any
shares tendered to exercise an option will be determined on the basis of their
fair market value on the date of exercise.
Upon receipt of the notice of exercise and upon payment of the option price,
the Company will promptly deliver to the optionee a certificate or certificates
for the shares of Common Stock purchased, without charge to the optionee for
issue or transfer tax.
STOCK IN LIEU OF CASH FEES
The 1999 Director Plan provides that at the election of a non-employee
director the cash fees payable to such director will be paid to each
non-employee director in shares of Common Stock in lieu of cash. The number of
shares of Common Stock to be paid in lieu of cash fees will be equal to the
amount of such cash fees divided by the fair market value of the Common Stock as
determined on the business day on which the cash fees are otherwise being paid.
At present, each non-employee director receives a $4,500 annual retainer and
$700 for each meeting of the Board of Directors attended ($400 if they reside in
Chattanooga) and $400 for each committee meeting attended by such director when
not held in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting. The Common Stock will
be delivered to the non-employee director as soon as practicable after the cash
fees would otherwise be payable. The Common Stock will be non-forfeitable upon
delivery.
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TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS
An option granted under the 1999 Director Plan is not transferable, except
with the prior written approval of the Company or by will or by the laws of
descent and distribution, and an option may be exercised during the lifetime of
the optionee only by the optionee.
Shares of Common Stock acquired by persons subject to Section 16 of the
Exchange Act may not be transferred for at least six months after the later of
(i) the grant of the option pursuant to which such shares of Common Stock were
acquired or (ii) approval of the Director Plan by the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares present, or represented and entitled to vote, at the
Annual Meeting.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The 1999 Director Plan is not intended to qualify as an "incentive stock
option plan" within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code. The federal income
tax consequences arising out of the above-described options and the purchase of
shares pursuant thereto will be generally as follows. Upon the grant of a
non-qualified stock option, no taxable income is realized by the participant and
no deduction is available to the Company. Upon exercise of the option, the
excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the
option price will be taxable as income to the participant and deductible by the
Company as compensation expense. The tax basis of shares acquired will be the
fair market value on the date of exercise. For shares held more than one year,
the participant will realize long-term capital gain or loss upon disposition
with any capital gain taxed at a maximum 28% rate under the current provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code.
If the participant is subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act on the
date of exercise, the participant can either elect to recognize any excess of
the fair market value of the shares received over the option price as income as
of the date of exercise or delay the recognition of income until six months
after the date of exercise, at which time the excess of the fair market value of
the shares received over the option price will be taxable as income to the
participant and deductible by the Company as compensation expense. Dividends
paid on shares during any period of deferral will be treated as compensation
income rather than dividend income and will be deductible by the Company when
paid.
If the participant exercises an option by tendering other shares he owns, no
gain or loss will be recognized by the participant with respect to the shares
delivered to the Company. If the participant receives an equal number of shares,
the participant will realize taxable income to the extent the fair market value
of the shares received is greater than the value of the shares surrendered. The
participant's basis and holding period will be the same as the participant's
basis and holding period in the tendered shares. If the participant receives
more shares than tendered in the exchange, the fair market value of the excess
shares will also constitute taxable income of the participant. The excess shares
will have a basis equal to the income recognized, plus the cash, if any, paid on
the exercise of the option. The holding period for the excess shares begins on
the date of exercise of the option.
VOTE REQUIRED
The approval of the 1999 Director Plan requires the affirmative vote by
holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock represented at the Annual
Meeting and entitled to vote.
The Board of Directors believes that the proposal is in the best interests
of the Company and its shareholders and recommends that the shareholders vote
FOR approval of the 1999 Director Plan.
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PROPOSAL 4: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
Samuel E. Allen and Scott L. Probasco, Jr. are the current members of the
Company's Audit Committee. The Audit Committee's functions include review and
monitoring of financial reports and accounting practices.
Another of the Audit Committee's functions is the recommendation of auditors
to the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee has recommended and the Board of
Directors has selected Arthur Andersen LLP, the Company's auditors since 1963.
Arthur Andersen LLP is knowledgeable about the Company's operations and
accounting practices and is well qualified to act in this capacity. The
Company's Board of Directors believes that it is a good practice to submit the
appointment of auditors for the approval of the shareholders, although such
approval is not required. If shareholder approval for the appointment is not
obtained, the Audit Committee will investigate the reasons, and the Board of
Directors will reconsider the appointment. If the accompanying proxy is duly
executed and received in time for the Annual Meeting, and if no contrary
specification is made as provided therein, it is the intention of the persons
named in the proxy to vote the shares represented thereby FOR the ratification
of the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as auditors.
It is anticipated that a representative of Arthur Andersen LLP will be
present at the Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions. Such
representative will have an opportunity to make a statement at the Annual
Meeting if he desires.
SHAREHOLDERS' PROPOSALS
Proposals from the Company's eligible shareholders for presentation for
action at the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received by the
Company no later than November 5, 1999, in order to be considered for inclusion
in the Proxy Statement and Proxy for that Annual Meeting. Any such proposals, as
well as any questions relating thereto, should be directed to Hugh F. Sharber,
Secretary, Chattem, Inc., 1715 West 38th Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37409.
Zan Guerry
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
March 10, 1999
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APPENDIX I
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE RESTATED CHARTER
Article 2 of the Restated Charter of Chattem, Inc. is amended to provide in its
entirety as follows:
2. The maximum number of shares which the corporation is authorized to issue is
fifty-one million (51,000,000) consisting of fifty million (50,000,000)
common shares without par value and one million (1,000,000) preferred
shares, which preferred shares shall be issuable in one or more series.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX II
CHATTEM, INC.
1999 STOCK PLAN FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
1. PURPOSE
The Chattem, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "Plan") is
designed to enable directors who are not employees of Chattem, Inc. (the
"Company") to participate in the Company's growth through automatic,
nondiscretionary awards of stock options and at the election of non-employee
directors receive shares of common stock in lieu of cash fees. Accordingly, the
Plan is intended to foster and promote the long-term financial success of the
Company by attracting and retaining outstanding directors.
2. DEFINITIONS
Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms, when
used in the Plan, shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 2.
(a) "BENEFICIARY" means the person or persons designated in writing by the
Optionee or, in the absence of such a designation or if the designated
person or persons predecease the Optionee, the Optionee's Beneficiary
shall be the person or persons who acquire the right to exercise the
Option by bequest or inheritance. In order to be effective, an Optionee's
designation of a Beneficiary must be on file with the Secretary of the
Company before the Optionee's death. Any such designation may be revoked
in writing and a new written designation substituted therefor at any time
before the Optionee's death.
(b) "BOARD OF DIRECTORS" or "Board" means the board of directors of the
Company.
(c) "CHANGE IN CONTROL" means:
(i) Change of 1/3 or more of the directors of the Company within any 12
month period; or
(ii) Change of 1/2 or more of the directors of the Company within any 24
month period; or
(iii) Acquisition by any person of the ownership of or right to vote 35%
or more of the Company's outstanding voting stock. For purposes of
this paragraph (iii): (A) "person" shall mean any person,
corporation, partnership or other entity and any affiliate or
associate thereof and (B) "affiliate" and "associate" shall have the
meanings given to them in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange
Act.
(d) "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to
time.
(e) "COMPANY" means Chattem, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws
of the State of Tennessee.
(f) "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(g) "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means the closing sale price on the last business
day prior to the date on which Fair Market Value needs to be determined
as reported in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, or the average of the high and
low bids on such day if no sale exists.
(h) "MEETING FEES" means fees payable to a non-employee director of the
Company for attendance at meetings of the Board or committees of the
Board.
(i) "OPTION" means an option to purchase a share or shares of the Company's
common stock.
(j) "OPTION AGREEMENT" means the written agreement to be entered into by
the Company and the Optionee, as provided in Section 6 hereof.
(k) "OPTIONEE" means a person to whom an Option has been granted under the
Plan.
<PAGE>
(l) "RETAINER" means the annual amount of retainer payable to a non-employee
director of the Company for a full year's service on the Board and shall
exclude meeting fees.
(m) "RETIREMENT" means retirement from service as a director of the Company
under any circumstances other than involuntary retirement due to
malfeasance.
(n) "SHARES" means shares of the Company's common stock.
(o) "TERM" means the period during which a particular Option may be
exercised in accordance with Section 9 hereof.
3. EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN
The Plan shall become effective when adopted by the Board of Directors and
approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares present, or
represented, and entitled to vote at a duly called meeting of shareholders.
4. NUMBER AND SOURCE OF SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN
(a) The total number of shares reserved and viable for issuance under the
Plan is One Hundred Thousand (100,000) Shares (subject, however, to
adjustment as provided in Section 14 hereof), which shall be provided by
the issuance of Shares authorized but unissued.
(b) In the event that an Option shall for any reason lapse or be terminated
without being exercised in whole or in part, the Shares subject to the
Option shall be restored to the total number of Shares with respect to
which Options may be granted under the Plan, but only to the extent that
the Option has not been exercised previously.
5. AWARDS OF OPTIONS
(a) Each non-employee director shall be granted an Option for 5,000 Shares
at a price equal to Fair Market Value on the date of his or her initial
election to the Board of Directors.
(c) Each non-employee director shall be granted an Option for 1,000 Shares
at a price equal to Fair Market Value on the date of each annual meeting
of shareholders if the term of such non-employee director shall continue
after such annual meeting.
6. OPTION AGREEMENTS
(a) No Option shall be exercised by an Optionee unless the Optionee shall
have executed and delivered an Option Agreement.
(b) Appropriate officers of the Company are hereby authorized to execute and
deliver Option Agreements in the name of the Company.
7. NON-STATUTORY OPTIONS
It is intended that the Options granted hereunder shall not be "incentive
stock options" within the meaning of the Code.
8. OPTION PRICE
As provided in Section 5 hereof, the Option price to be paid by the Optionee
to the Company for each Share purchased upon the exercise of the Option shall be
the Fair Market Value of the Share on the date the Option is granted.
9. TERM OF OPTION; EXERCISE OF OPTION
(a) Each Option granted under the Plan shall be exercisable as provided in
this Section 9. In no event may an Option be exercised before the
approval of the Plan by the holders of a majority of the outstanding
Shares present, or represented, and entitled to vote at the meeting
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specified by Section 3 hereof. The Term of each Option shall end (unless
the Option shall have terminated earlier under any other provisions of
the Plan) on a date 10 years from the date of grant of the Option.
(b) Each Option shall become exercisable and vested with respect to 25% of
the Shares purchasable thereunder on the first anniversary of the date of
the grant of the Option. The option to purchase an additional 25% of such
Shares shall become exercisable and vested, on a cumulative basis, on
each of the three succeeding anniversaries of the date of the grant of
the Option, so that four years from the date of such grant the Option to
purchase all such Shares shall have become exercisable and vested.
Notwithstanding the foregoing vesting schedule, (i) each Option shall
become exercisable in full immediately upon a Change in Control and (ii)
upon the death of an Optionee or Retirement from service as a director,
any Option held by such Optionee shall be exercisable in full in
accordance with the provisions of Section 11. When exercising an Option,
the Optionee may purchase less than the full number of Shares then
available under the Option.
(c) Options shall be exercised by delivering or mailing to the Secretary of
the Company:
(1) a notice, in the form and in the manner prescribed by the Company,
specifying the number of Shares to be purchased, and
(2) payment in full of the Option price for the Shares in cash and/or by
the tender of Shares (by delivering the appropriate stock
certificates) to the Secretary of the Company; provided, however,
that (i) the Company shall determine acceptable methods for
tendering Shares to exercise an Option under the Plan, and may
impose such limitations and prohibitions on the use of Shares to
exercise an Option as it may deem appropriate and (ii) Optionees may
pay for any Shares subject to an Option by delivering to the Company
a properly executed exercise notice together with a copy of
irrevocable instructions to a broker to deliver promptly to the
Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds to pay the purchase
price.
The Company may enter into agreements for coordinated procedures with
one or more brokerage firms in connection with exercises of Options.
The value of any Shares tendered in accordance with this Paragraph
(c) shall be determined on the basis of their Fair Market Value on
the date of exercise.
(d) Subject to the provisions of Section 10 hereof, upon receipt of the
notice of exercise and upon payment of the Option price, the Company
shall promptly deliver to the Optionee a certificate or certificates for
the Shares purchased, without charge to the Optionee for issue or
transfer tax.
10. CONDITIONS ON EXERCISE
(a) The exercise of each Option granted under the Plan shall be subject to
the condition that if at any time the Company shall determine in its
discretion that the satisfaction of withholding tax or other withholding
liabilities, or that the listing, registration or qualification of any
Shares otherwise deliverable upon such exercise upon any securities
exchange or under any State or Federal law, or the consent or approval of
any regulatory body, is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in
connection with, such exercise or the delivery or purchase of Shares,
then in any such event such exercise or payment shall not be effective or
be made unless such withholding, listing, registration, qualification,
consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any
conditions not acceptable to the Company. Any such postponement shall not
extend the time within which the Option may be exercised; and
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neither the Company nor its directors or officers shall have any
obligation or liability to the Optionee or to a Beneficiary with respect
to any Shares as to which the Option shall lapse because of such
postponement.
(b) Except with the prior written approval of the Company, all Options
granted under the Plan shall be non-transferable other than by will or by
the laws of descent and distribution in accordance with Section 11(a)
hereof, and an Option may be exercised during the lifetime of the
Optionee only by the Optionee.
(c) Subject to the provisions of Section 10(b), upon the purchase of Shares
under an Option, the stock certificate or certificates may, at the
request of the Optionee (or the Optionee's Beneficiary, where the Option
is exercised by the Beneficiary), be issued in the name of the Optionee
(or Beneficiary) and the name of another person as joint tenants with the
right of survivorship.
11. EXERCISE OF OPTION AFTER DEATH, RETIREMENT, OR OTHER TERMINATION OF SERVICE
AS A DIRECTOR
(a) DEATH. If an Optionee's service as a director of the Company shall cease
due to the Optionee's death, any Option held by the Optionee on the date
of the Optionee's death may be exercised only within three years after
the Optionee's death and only by the Optionee's Beneficiary. If an
Optionee shall die within three years after cessation of service as a
director while the Option is exercisable pursuant to Paragraph (b) below,
any Option held by the Optionee on the date of his death may be exercised
after the Optionee's death only within the remainder of the period
prescribed by Paragraph (b) or Paragraph (c), as the case may be, and
only by the Optionee's Beneficiary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no
event shall the Option be exercisable after the expiration date thereof
specified in the Option Agreement.
(b) RETIREMENT. If an Optionee's service as a director ceases due to
Retirement, the Optionee may exercise the Option at any time within three
years after the Optionee shall so cease to be a director; provided,
however, that in no event shall the Option be exercisable after the
expiration date thereof specified in the Option Agreement.
(c) TERMINATION FOR OTHER REASONS. Upon termination of a director's service
as director for any reason other than those specified in Paragraphs (a)
and (b) above, the Optionee may exercise the Option (to the extent
vested) at any time within 30 days after such termination; provided,
however, that in no event shall the Option be exercisable after the
expiration date thereof.
12. SHARES IN LIEU OF CASH RETAINER AND MEETING FEES
At the election of a director exercised by delivering written notice to the
Company in advance of each fiscal year, Shares will be paid to each director in
lieu of cash in the amount of the Retainer and Meeting Fees for such year to the
extent and subject to the terms and conditions set forth below. Each such
election shall be effective for the Retainer and Meeting Fees payable to such
director in the succeeding fiscal year.
(a) STOCK PAYMENT. The number of Shares to be paid under this Section 12
will be equal to (i) the amount of the annual Retainer divided by (ii)
the Fair Market Value of Shares as determined on the first business day
of that fiscal year and (i) the amount of Meeting Fees divided by (ii)
the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of applicable board
meeting. No fractional Shares will be granted; instead, the cash
remainder will be paid to the director. As promptly as practicable after
the first business day of the fiscal year in the case of the payment of
Shares in lieu of the Retainer and after the applicable meeting date in
the case of the payment
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of Shares in lieu of Meeting Fees, the Company will deliver to the
director one or more certificates representing the Shares, registered in
the name of the director (or, if directed by the director, in joint names
of the director and his or her spouse).
(b) RIGHTS OF THE PARTICIPANT. Except for the terms and conditions set forth
in this Plan, a director paid Shares in lieu of the Retainer and Meeting
Fees in cash will have all of the rights of a holder of the Shares,
including the right to receive dividends paid on such Shares and the
right to vote the Shares at meetings of stockholders of the Company. Upon
delivery, such Shares will be non-forfeitable.
13. SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
No person shall have any rights of a shareholder by virtue of an Option
except with respect to Shares actually issued to him or her, and the issuance of
Shares shall confer no retroactive right to dividends.
14. ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION
In the event that there is any change in the Shares through merger,
consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise, or if there shall
be any dividend on the Company's Shares, payable in such Shares, or if there
shall be a stock split or combination of Shares, the aggregate number of Shares
subject to outstanding Options, and the Option price per share of each
outstanding Option shall be proportionately adjusted to prevent dilution or
enlargement of the rights of the Optionee; provided, that any fractional Shares
resulting from such adjustments shall be eliminated.
15. EFFECT OF MERGER OR OTHER REORGANIZATION
If the Company shall be the surviving corporation in a merger or other
reorganization, Options shall extend to stock and securities of the Company to
the same extent that a holder of that number of Shares immediately before the
merger or consolidation corresponding to the number of Shares covered by the
Options would be entitled to have or obtain stock and securities of the Company
under the terms of the merger or consolidation.
16. TERMINATION, SUSPENSION OR MODIFICATION OF PLAN
The Board of Directors may terminate, suspend or modify the Plan, except
that the Plan may not, without the authorization of the holders of a majority of
the Company's outstanding Shares represented at a shareholders' meeting duly
called and held, change (other than through adjustment for changes in
capitalization as provided in Section 14 hereof): (a) the aggregate number of
Shares with respect to which Options may be granted; (b) the class of persons
eligible for Options; (c) the Option price; or (d) the maximum duration of the
Plan. No termination, suspension or modification of the Plan shall adversely
affect any right acquired by an Optionee, or by any Beneficiary, under the terms
of an Option granted before the date of such termination, suspension or
modification, unless such Optionee or Beneficiary shall consent; but it shall be
presumed conclusively that any adjustment for changes in capitalization in
accordance with Section 14 hereof does not adversely affect any such right.
17. DURATION OF THE PLAN
Unless sooner terminated in accordance with Section 16 hereof, the Plan
shall remain in effect until terminated by the Board or until such time as no
Shares remain available for issuance under the Plan. Expiration of the Plan
shall not affect the vesting of previously granted Options pursuant to Section
9(b) hereof.
18. GOVERNING LAW
The Plan shall be construed and its provisions enforced and administered in
accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee except to the extent that
such laws may be superseded by any Federal law.
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CHATTEM, INC.
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
APRIL 14, 1999
The undersigned, having received the Notice of Annual Meeting and the Proxy
Statement dated March 10, 1999, appoints ZAN GUERRY and A. ALEXANDER TAYLOR II,
and each of them proxies, with full power of substitution and revocation, to
represent the undersigned and to vote all shares of Chattem, Inc., which the
undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held
on April 14, 1999, at the principal executive offices, 1715 West 38th Street,
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37409, at one o'clock p.m. local time, and any
adjournment(s) thereof, as specified in this Proxy;
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1. Election of Directors
</TABLE>
FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE NOMINEES,
STRIKE A LINE THROUGH HIS NAME IN THE LIST BELOW:
SAMUEL E. ALLEN, PHILIP H. SANFORD and A. ALEXANDER TAYLOR II
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
2. Approve the Amendment to the Restated Charter to increase the authorized number of shares of common stock
</TABLE>
FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
3. Approve the 1999 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors
</TABLE>
FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
4. Appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent auditors
</TABLE>
FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
5. Such other matters as may properly come before the meeting.
This proxy will be voted as specified above.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
PLEASE MARK /X/
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS AFFIRMATIVE VOTES FOR ITEMS 1, 2, 3 AND 4, AND IF NO CONTRARY YOUR VOTES AS
SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ITEMS 1, 2, 3 AND 4. INDICATED IN
THIS EXAMPLE
</TABLE>
The Board of Directors knows of no other
matters that may properly be or which
are likely to come or be brought before
the meeting. However, if any other
matters are properly brought before the
meeting, the persons named in this proxy
or their substitutes will vote in
accordance with their best judgment on
such matters. THIS PROXY SHOULD BE
DATED, SIGNED BY THE SHAREHOLDER AS THE
NAME APPEARS BELOW AND RETURNED PROMPTLY
IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. JOINT OWNERS
SHOULD EACH SIGN PERSONALLY, AND
TRUSTEES AND OTHERS SIGNING IN A
REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY SHOULD INDICATE
THE CAPACITY IN WHICH THEY SIGN.
Date: __________________________________
________________________________________
Signature of Shareholder
________________________________________
Signature of Shareholder
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE--NO POSTAGE
REQUIRED.
