MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES INC
DEF 14A, 1997-12-24
ELECTRONIC COMPUTERS
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<PAGE>   1
 
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
 
                  PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF
                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Filed by the Registrant [X]
 
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
 
Check the appropriate box:
 
[ ]  Preliminary Proxy Statement                
[ ]  Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only
     (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X]  Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ]  Definitive Additional Materials
[ ]  Soliciting Material Pursuant to sec.240.14a-11(c) or sec.240.14a-12
 
                           Maxwell Technologies, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
 
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
 
/X/  No fee required.
 
/ /  Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
 
     (1)  Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
 
     (2)  Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
 
     (3)  Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
          pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
          filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
 
     (4)  Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
 
     (5)  Total fee paid:
 
/ /  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
 
/ /  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
     0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
     previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
     or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
 
     (1)  Amount Previously Paid:
 
     (2)  Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
 
     (3)  Filing Party:
 
     (4)  Date Filed:
<PAGE>   2


                           [MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES LOGO]


                           MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
                               9275 SKY PARK COURT
                               SAN DIEGO, CA 92123

                                -----------------

                NOTICE OF THE 1997 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

                         TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 28, 1998

                                -----------------

To the Shareholders of
Maxwell Technologies, Inc.

     The 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Maxwell Technologies, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), will be held on January 28, 1998 at 10:00
A.M., local time, at the La Jolla Marriott, 4240 La Jolla Village Drive, La
Jolla, California, for the following purposes, all as more fully set forth in
the accompanying Proxy Statement:

     1.  To elect two directors of the Company of Class II, to serve until the
         fiscal year 2000 annual meeting of shareholders and until their
         successors shall have been duly elected and qualified.

     2.  To consider and approve an amendment to the Company's 1995 Stock Option
         Plan to increase the maximum number of shares reserved for options
         thereunder by 490,000 shares and to effect certain other changes in the
         Plan.

     3.  To consider and approve an amendment to the Company's Restated
         Certificate of Incorporation increasing the authorized number of shares
         of common stock, $.10 par value, to 40 million.

     4.  To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
         or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

     The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on December 3, 1997
as the record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to
vote at the meeting and any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

                                        By Order of the Board of Directors,


                                        Donald M. Roberts
                                        Secretary

Dated:  December 17, 1997

     YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING. IF YOU DO NOT EXPECT TO
ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN
IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.


<PAGE>   3



                           MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

                               9275 SKY PARK COURT
                           SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92123

                                -----------------

                   PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE 1997 ANNUAL MEETING
                 OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 28, 1998

                                -----------------

                               GENERAL INFORMATION

     This Proxy Statement is being mailed on or about December 17, 1997 to the
shareholders of Maxwell Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the
Board of Directors of the Company to be used at the 1997 Annual Meeting of the
Shareholders of the Company to be held on January 28, 1998 (the "Meeting") and
any adjournment or adjournments thereof. Any proxy given may be revoked at any
time prior to the exercise of the powers conferred by it by filing with the
Secretary of the Company a written notice signed by the shareholder revoking
such proxy or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. In addition, the
powers conferred by such proxy may be suspended if the person executing the
proxy is present at the meeting and elects to vote in person. All shares
represented by each properly executed and unrevoked proxy received in time for
the Meeting will be voted (unless otherwise indicated thereon) in the manner
specified therein at the Meeting and any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

     The Company will pay the expenses of soliciting proxies, including the
charges and expenses of brokerage firms and others for forwarding solicitation
material to beneficial owners of shares. In addition to the use of the mails,
some of the Company's directors, officers and regular employees, without extra
compensation, may solicit proxies by telephone, personal interview, or other
means.

     A Summary Annual Report of the Company for the fiscal year ended July 31,
1997 ("fiscal 1997") is being mailed to shareholders concurrently with the
mailing of this Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement. The Summary Annual
Report contains, among other things, summary financial information regarding the
Company and a discussion of developments in the Company's business during fiscal
1997. In addition, there is included as an Appendix to this Proxy Statement
complete financial statements of the Company for fiscal 1997 together with the
report of the Company's independent auditors thereon. The Appendix also contains
certain additional financial and related information regarding the Company.

                                  VOTING RIGHTS

     The close of business on December 3, 1997 (the "Record Date") has been
fixed by the Board of Directors as the record date for determining shareholders
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting and any adjournment or 
adjournments thereof. On the Record Date, there were outstanding 7,775,345
shares of the Company's Common Stock, $.10 par value ("Common Stock"), all of
one class and all of which are entitled to be voted at the Meeting. Holders of
such issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for
each share held by them.

     A majority of the outstanding shares will constitute a quorum at the
meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for purposes of
determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business.
Abstentions are counted in the tabulation of the votes cast on proposals
presented to stockholders, whereas broker non-votes are not counted for purposes
of determining whether a proposal has been approved.


<PAGE>   4



                    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
                              OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT


     The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock by (i) each person (or group
of affiliated persons) known by the Company to beneficially own more than five
percent of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii) each director and
nominee for director of the Company, (iii) the Chief Executive Officer and each
of the other four most highly compensated executive officers of the Company, and
(iv) all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group. Information
for the officers and directors is as of September 30, 1997, and information for
the institutions shown in the table is as of the most recent date such
information has been provided or is available to the Company. The address for
each individual is 9275 Sky Park Court, San Diego, CA 92123.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            SHARES OF COMMON 
                                                           STOCK BENEFICIALLY
                                                             OWNED (1)(2)(3) 
                    NAME AND ADDRESS OF                   --------------------
                     BENEFICIAL OWNER                     NUMBER       PERCENT
                     ----------------                     ------       -------
              <S>                                         <C>           <C>
              FMR Corp. (4)....................           637,400       10.3%
                82 Devonshire Street
                Boston, Massachusetts 02109
              Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc.(5)          358,020        5.8
                1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor
                Santa Monica, California 90401
              The TCW Group, Inc. (6)..........           352,176        5.7
                865 South Figueroa Street
                Los Angeles, California  90017
              Kenneth F. Potashner (7).........           228,109        3.7
              Gregg L. McKee...................            13,000         *
              Walter P. Robertson..............            18,100         *
              Thomas L. Horgan.................            20,200         *
              Donald M. Roberts................            13,281         *
              Lewis J. Colby, Jr...............            33,830         *
              Thomas B. Hayward................            19,334         *
              Alan C. Kolb (7).................           194,496        3.2
              Mark Rossi.......................               -0-
              Karl M. Samuelian................            22,174         *
              Donn A. Starry...................            16,181         *
              All directors and executive officers as
              a group (15 persons).............           619,882        9.7
</TABLE>

- ----------

 *   Less than one percent.

(1)  Information with respect to beneficial ownership is based on information
     furnished to the Company by each shareholder included in the table or
     included in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
     Company understands that each individual person has sole voting and
     investment power for shares beneficially owned by him, subject to community
     property laws where applicable.

(2)  Shares of Common Stock subject to options which are currently exercisable
     or exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 1997, are deemed outstanding
     for computing the percentage of the person holding such options but are not
     deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of



                                       2
<PAGE>   5
     any other person. Percentage of ownership is based on 6,163,151 shares of
     Common Stock outstanding on September 30, 1997. On November 14, 1997, the
     Company completed a follow-on public offering of Common Stock in which
     1,500,000 shares were issued. The percentages on the table do not reflect
     these additional outstanding shares.

(3)  Shares of Common Stock beneficially owned prior to the offering include
     options exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 1997 to purchase 40,149
     shares granted to Mr. Potashner, 13,000 shares granted to Mr. McKee, 18,000
     shares granted to Mr. Robertson, 18,000 shares granted to Mr. Horgan,
     11,000 shares granted to Mr. Roberts, 19,334 shares granted to Dr. Colby,
     19,334 shares granted to Adm. Hayward, 19,334 shares granted to Mr.
     Samuelian, and 13,028 shares granted to Gen. Starry, respectively, and
     options to purchase 205,729 shares granted to all directors and officers as
     a group.

(4)  As reported in its October 31, 1997, Schedule 13G. FMR Corp. has sole
     voting power over 51,200 of such shares, shared voting power over none of
     such shares, and sole dispositive power over all 637,400 such shares.

(5)  Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. ("Dimensional"), a registered investment
     advisor, is deemed to have beneficial ownership of 358,020 shares of the
     Company's Common Stock as of June 30, 1997, all of which shares are held in
     portfolios of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc., a registered open-end
     investment company, or in a series of the DFA Investment Trust Company, a
     Delaware Business Trust, or the DFA Group Trust and the DFA Participating
     Group Trust, investment vehicles for qualified employee benefit plans, all
     of which Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. serves as investment manager.
     Dimensional disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares. Dimensional
     has sole dispositive power over all of such 358,020 shares and sole voting
     power over 257,938 of such shares. Persons who are officers of Dimensional
     Fund Advisors, Inc. also serve as officers of DFA Investment Dimensions
     Group Inc. (the "Fund") and the DFA Investment Trust Company (the "Trust"),
     each an open-end management investment company registered under the
     Investment Company Act of 1940. In their capacity as officers of the Fund
     and the Trust, these persons vote 58,892 additional shares which are owned
     by the Fund and 41,190 shares which are owned by the Trust (both included
     in sole dispositive power above).

(6)  Based on information provided to the Company on October 30, 1997. The TCW
     Group Inc. has sole voting and dispositive power over all of such shares.

(7)  Dr. Kolb and Mr. Potashner sold 50,000 shares and 25,000 shares,
     respectively, as a part of the Company's follow-on public offering of
     Common Stock completed on November 14, 1997.

                              ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

     The Board of Directors of the Company is divided into three classes, with
the terms of office of each class ending in successive years. The terms of the
directors currently serving in Class II expire with this Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. The directors in Class III and Class I will continue in office
until their terms expire at the 1998 and 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders,
respectively. Each director elected in Class II at the Meeting will hold office
for a term expiring at the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until his
successor is duly elected and qualified.

     Holders of Common Stock are entitled to cast one vote for each share held
for each of two nominees for director in Class II. The two nominees receiving
the greatest number of votes will be elected directors of the Company in Class
II. It is intended that the shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be
voted, unless otherwise instructed, for the election of the two nominees named
below. While the Company has no reason to believe that either of the nominees
will be unable to stand for election as a director, it is intended that if such
an event should occur, such shares will be



                                       3
<PAGE>   6

voted for the other nominee and for such substitute nominee as may be selected
by the Board of Directors.

     Set forth below is certain information regarding the nominees for director
and the other directors of the Company who will continue in office for terms
extending beyond the Meeting.

                       NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             PERIOD SERVED AS A DIRECTOR,
                                           POSITIONS AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS
                                            WITH THE COMPANY, AND BUSINESS
     NAME AND AGE                                     EXPERIENCE
     ------------                          ---------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>
Lewis J. Colby, Jr., 63                 Dr. Colby has been a director of the
(Class II)                              Company since December, 1983. He was a
                                        Senior Vice President-Technology of
                                        Allied-Signal, Inc. from 1985 until his
                                        retirement on January 1, 1989 and held
                                        the same position with Allied
                                        Corporation from 1981 to 1985.

Mark Rossi, 41                          Mr. Rossi was appointed a director of
(Class II)                              the Company in November, 1997. Mr. Rossi
                                        is a Senior Managing Director of
                                        Cornerstone Equity Investors, L.L.C., a
                                        New York-based private equity firm with
                                        assets under management in excess of $1
                                        billion. Prior to the formation of
                                        Cornerstone Equity Investors in 1996,
                                        Mr. Rossi was President of Prudential
                                        Equity Investors, Inc. Mr. Rossi's
                                        industry focus is on technology-related
                                        and consumer products companies. He is a
                                        member of the Board of Directors of
                                        International Manufacturing Services,
                                        Inc. and StorMedia, Inc. as well as
                                        several privately-held companies.
</TABLE>

                         DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             PERIOD SERVED AS A DIRECTOR,
                                           POSITIONS AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS
                                            WITH THE COMPANY, AND BUSINESS
     NAME AND AGE                                     EXPERIENCE
     ------------                          ---------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>
Karl M. Samuelian, 65                   Mr. Samuelian has been a director of the
(Class III)                             Company since 1967 and served as
                                        Secretary from that time until June,
                                        1996. From 1978 to June, 1980, he also
                                        held the office of Chairman of the Board
                                        of the Company. For more than five
                                        years, Mr. Samuelian has been a
                                        shareholder in the law firm of Parker,
                                        Milliken, Clark, O'Hara & Samuelian, A
                                        Professional Corporation, and a partner
                                        in the predecessor law partnership.
</TABLE>




                                       4
<PAGE>   7



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             PERIOD SERVED AS A DIRECTOR,
                                           POSITIONS AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS
                                            WITH THE COMPANY, AND BUSINESS
     NAME AND AGE                                     EXPERIENCE
     ------------                          ---------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>
Thomas B. Hayward, 73                   Thomas B. Hayward, U.S. Navy (Retired),
(Class III)                             is President of Thomas B. Hayward
                                        Associates, Inc., an executive
                                        consulting firm. Admiral Hayward served
                                        as the Chief of Naval Operations of the
                                        United States Navy from 1978 until his
                                        retirement from active service with the
                                        Navy in July, 1982. He was appointed a
                                        director of the Company in October,
                                        1987.

Alan C. Kolb, 68                        Dr. Kolb has been a director of the
(Class III)                             Company since 1970. He also served as a
                                        director from July, 1965 to October,
                                        1967. Dr. Kolb served as Chief Executive
                                        Officer of the Company from 1970 to
                                        1996. He was President of the Company
                                        from 1970 until 1980 and again from 1992
                                        until 1996. From 1980 to 1995 Dr. Kolb
                                        served as Chairman of the Board. Dr.
                                        Kolb stepped down from his positions as
                                        President and Chief Executive Officer in
                                        April, 1996, and continues with the
                                        Company as a consultant.

Kenneth F. Potashner, 40                Mr. Potashner has served Maxwell as
(Class I)                               President, Chief Executive Officer,
                                        Chief Operating Officer, and director
                                        since joining the Company in April of
                                        1996, and was appointed Chairman in
                                        April, 1997. From 1991 through 1994 he
                                        was Vice President, Product Engineering,
                                        for Quantum Corporation. From 1994 to
                                        April of 1996, he served as Executive
                                        Vice President, Operations, of Conner
                                        Peripherals.

Thomas L. Horgan, 38                    Mr. Horgan joined the Company in June
(Class I)                               1996 as Vice President, Business
                                        Development and was elected a director
                                        in January of 1997. From 1995 until
                                        joining Maxwell, he was Vice President,
                                        Customer Service, for Conner Peripherals
                                        and from 1993 to 1995 served as
                                        Director, Customer Service for Quantum
                                        Corporation. From 1991 to 1993, Mr.
                                        Horgan served as European Information
                                        Security Center Manager for Digital
                                        Equipment Corporation
</TABLE>

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES

     The Board of Directors of the Company held a total of nine regular and
special meetings during fiscal 1997. All directors continuing in office attended
more than 75% of the aggregate of (a) the total number of meetings of the Board
of Directors and (b) the total number of meetings of all committees of the Board
on which he served.



                                       5
<PAGE>   8

     The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, the function of which is to
assist the full Board in fulfilling its responsibilities with respect to
corporate accounting, auditing and reporting practices. In performing such
function, the Audit Committee maintains a direct line of communication with the
Company's independent auditors. This committee held two meetings during fiscal
1997. Its current members who are continuing, or nominated to continue, in
office are Messrs. Hayward, Colby, Kolb and Samuelian.

     The Board also has a Compensation Committee which authorizes and reviews
officers' compensation. This committee held three meetings during fiscal 1997,
and its current members who are continuing, or nominated to continue, in office
are Messrs. Samuelian, Hayward, and Colby.

     The Board also has an Executive Committee empowered to act on behalf of the
Board in appropriate circumstances. The current members of the Executive
Committee who are continuing in office are Messrs. Potashner and Hayward. The
Board has no separately designated Nominating Committee.

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

     Each director of the Company (other than Mr. Potashner and Mr. Horgan who
receive no compensation other than that received as officers of the Company)
receives compensation of $2,268 per quarter and $810 per Board and Committee
meeting attended ($405 per Board or Committee telephonic meeting in which such
director participates).

     Alan C. Kolb, a director and formerly the Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, is performing consulting services for the Company. Under the consulting
agreement, Dr. Kolb has agreed to consult with the Company for a substantial
portion of his time and is paid $10,000 per month, with a bonus opportunity of
up to 100% of such monthly fee at the discretion of the Company's Chief
Executive Officer. The consulting agreement has a three-year term ending July
31, 1999, and its scope and the fees provided therein are subject to periodic
reviews by the Chief Executive Officer. During fiscal 1997, Dr. Kolb received a
total of $165,000 in consulting fees, including bonuses.

     The Company maintains the Maxwell Technologies, Inc. Director Stock Option
Plan (the "Director Option Plan") which authorizes the granting of ten-year
options to purchase an aggregate of 264,600 shares of the Company's Common Stock
to non-employee directors of the Company during the ten-year term of the
Director Option Plan which expires in 1999. Under the Director Option Plan, each
eligible director automatically receives options to purchase 6,000 shares of
Company Common Stock on the first business day following such director's initial
Annual Shareholders' Meeting of the Company, and options to purchase 2,000
shares following subsequent Annual Shareholders' Meetings. The option price per
share is the fair market value based on the public trading price of such shares
on the date of grant. Options granted to directors vest in full on the first
anniversary of the date of grant.

     The Company maintains the Maxwell Technologies, Inc. 1994 Director Stock
Purchase Plan (the "Director Purchase Plan"), under which directors, other than
those who are full-time employees of the Company, have the opportunity to
purchase directly from the Company shares of Common Stock at 100% of the public
trading price of the shares. An aggregate of 100,000 shares have been authorized
for purchase by directors under the plan. The Director Purchase Plan authorizes
purchases by eligible directors from and after January 1, 1995, the effective
date of the plan, until the earlier of ten years thereafter or the issuance of
all shares authorized for purchase.



                                       6
<PAGE>   9



                PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S
                             1995 STOCK OPTION PLAN

     The Board of Directors has adopted, subject to shareholder approval, an
amendment to the Maxwell Technologies, Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "1995
Plan") which authorizes an increase of 490,000 shares in the number of shares of
the Company's Common Stock authorized for the granting of options to purchase
such shares to key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, including
officers and directors who are also employees. After this amendment, the maximum
number of shares authorized under the 1995 Plan for grant of options is
1,290,000. Under the proposed amendment, the maximum number of options to
purchase shares of Common Stock that may be granted to any one eligible
individual is the total number of shares authorized for grant of options under
the Plan. However, the Committee has in the past and plans to continue in the
future to spread available options among key employees both at the corporate
level and at the Company's operating units.

     The Board of Directors of the Company believes that the Company's ability
to grant stock options to key employees assists the Company in attracting and
retaining key employees by affording them an opportunity to acquire a
proprietary interest in the Company. In particular, the Company, during fiscal
years 1996 and 1997, underwent a significant change in senior management,
including a new chief executive officer and several new corporate officers and
operating unit presidents, as well as new key employees in positions critical to
the commercialization of the Company's products and technologies. Many of these
individuals joined the Company from prior employers which were larger and paid
greater cash compensation than the Company. The Board believes that the
Company's ability to offer equity incentives is crucial to its ability to
attract and retain such individuals.

     On November 13, 1997, the date on which the Board of Directors adopted the
proposed amendment, only 60,300 shares remained available for grant under the
1995 Plan. On that date the Board amended the Plan, subject to shareholder
approval, to add 490,000 shares authorized for the grant of options.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE PLAN

     The 1995 Plan authorizes the granting to key employees during the period
commencing on October 24, 1995, the date of adoption of the 1995 Plan by the
Board of Directors of the Company, and concluding on the tenth anniversary
thereof, of stock options to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock.
Prior to the proposed amendment, the maximum number of shares available for
options granted under the 1995 Plan was 800,000 shares. The 1995 Plan provides
the flexibility for the grant of options intended to qualify as "incentive stock
options" under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code") and options which do not so qualify, referred to as "non-qualified stock
options."

     The 1995 Plan is administered by the Board of Directors of the Company or,
at the discretion of the Board, by a Stock Option Committee appointed by the
Board (the "Committee"). The Board of Directors of the Company has delegated the
authority to administer the 1995 Plan to such a Committee. Subject to the
provisions of the 1995 Plan, the Committee has the authority to determine the
employees to whom and the times at which options are granted, the price and
terms of and the number of shares covered by each option, and whether it is
intended to be an incentive stock option or a non-qualified stock option.

     The number of shares subject to incentive stock options which may become
exercisable by any one individual for any calendar year is limited to a dollar
value of $100,000 (measured by the fair market value of the shares on the date
of grant). Any options becoming exercisable in excess of such limit in any
calendar year will be non-qualified stock options.



                                       7
<PAGE>   10

     The purchase price of shares with respect to which an option is granted
under the 1995 Plan and the terms covering payment of such purchase price are
determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, but such price may not be
less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares on the date the option is
granted, as such fair market value is determined in good faith. In the event,
however, that an incentive stock option is granted to an employee who, at the
time the option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent of the
total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any
subsidiary, the purchase price of shares with respect to which such option is
granted must be at least 110% of the fair market value of the shares on the date
of grant.

     Options granted under the 1995 Plan are exercisable in such increments and
at such times as the Committee shall specify, provided that no incentive stock
option may be exercised after the expiration of ten years from the date of
grant, or five years from the date of grant with respect to options granted to
an employee who owns more than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Company's
stock. No non-qualified stock option may be exercised more than eleven years
after the date of grant. Shares covered by the unexercised portion of any
terminated or expired option may again be the subject of further options under
the 1995 Plan.

     Upon any exercise of an option granted under the 1995 Plan, the purchase
price of the shares purchased upon such exercise shall be paid in full (i) in
cash, (ii) by delivery to the Company of shares of its Common Stock having a
fair market value equal to the purchase price or (iii) by a combination of cash
and stock. The fair market value of shares of the Company's Common Stock
delivered in full or partial payment of the exercise price of an option will be
determined by the Committee as of the date of exercise in the same manner by
which the fair market value of shares of the Company's Common Stock is
determined on the date of grant of an option.

     The Company will receive no consideration upon the grant of any option
under the 1995 Plan. Cash proceeds received by the Company from the sale of
Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of options granted under the 1995 Plan
will constitute general funds of the Company which may be used for general
corporate purposes.

     Under the 1995 Plan, if an optionee's employment with the Company is
terminated for any reason, the number of shares purchasable under any option
granted thereunder held by such optionee is limited to the number of shares
which are purchasable by him at the date of such termination. If termination of
employment occurs for any reason other than such optionee's death, the option
will expire unless exercised by him within sixty days after the date of such
termination. If termination of employment occurs by reason of death, the option
will expire unless exercised by the optionee's successor within one year after
the date of death.

     Options granted under the 1995 Plan are exercisable only by the optionee
during his lifetime and are not transferable except by will or the laws of
descent and distribution.

     In the event of any change in the Common Stock by reason of
recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, combination of shares, stock
dividend, or like capital adjustment, the 1995 Plan provides that the Board of
Directors shall make appropriate adjustments in the aggregate number, class and
kind of shares available for option grants under the 1995 Plan or subject to
outstanding options thereunder and also make appropriate adjustments in the per
share exercise price of outstanding options.

     In the event of the merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the
Company, or in the event of any dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the
1995 Plan provides that the Board of Directors shall elect either to (i)
appropriately adjust the number, class, kind and exercise price of shares
subject to all outstanding options thereunder and shares which may become
subject to options granted thereafter, or (ii) terminate the 1995 Plan and any
options theretofore granted thereunder, subject to the right of optionees under
the 1995 Plan to exercise, in whole or in part (including the



                                       8
<PAGE>   11

portions of options which may not otherwise have been exercisable due to any
insufficient passage of time), their options during a period of not less than
thirty days following notification by the Company of the event causing such
termination.

     The 1995 Plan may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Board of
Directors of the Company at any time, except that no amendment, suspension or
termination may affect, without his consent, any right or obligation of an
optionee under an option theretofore granted to him, and except that no
amendment made without shareholder approval shall (i) increase the maximum
number of shares for which options may be granted (except pursuant to
adjustments of the types described above), (ii) change the provisions relating
to the expiration dates of options, (iii) change the provisions relating to the
establishment of the option price (except pursuant to adjustments of the types
described above), or (iv) change the expiration date of Plan. No options may be
granted under the 1995 Plan after its termination on October 24, 2005.

FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

     Incentive Stock Options. No federal income tax consequences result from the
grant of an incentive stock option, and generally the exercise of an incentive
stock option will not result in the recognition of income by an optionee. If an
optionee satisfies certain holding period requirements for shares acquired upon
the exercise of an incentive stock option, the full amount of his gain upon the
sale of such shares (measured by the difference between the amount of his
proceeds of sale less the exercise price) will normally be treated as long-term
capital gain. The Company will not be entitled to any deduction under such
circumstances.

     Non-Qualified Options. No federal income tax consequences result from the
grant of a non-qualified stock option. Generally, an optionee will recognize
ordinary income upon exercise of a non-qualified stock option in an amount equal
to the difference between the fair market value on the date of exercise of the
shares acquired upon exercise of the option and the aggregate exercise price for
such shares. The Company will be entitled to an income tax deduction equal to
the amount of ordinary income recognized by an optionee as a result of the
exercise of a non-qualified stock option.

     The preceding discussion under the heading "Federal Income Tax
Consequences" is based on federal tax laws and regulations as in effect on the
date of this Proxy Statement and does not purport to be a complete description
of the federal income tax aspects of the 1995 Plan.

VOTE REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL

     Approval of the proposed amendment to the 1995 Plan by the shareholders of
the Company will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of
Common Stock present and represented at the Meeting.

     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR"
APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S 1995 STOCK OPTION PLAN.

                  PROPOSAL TO INCREASE AUTHORIZED COMMON STOCK

     The Board of Directors has determined that it is advisable to increase the
Company's authorized Common Stock from 20,000,000 shares to 40,000,000 shares,
and has voted to recommend that the shareholders adopt an amendment to the
Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation effecting the proposed increase.

     As of November 26, 1997, 7,770,345 shares of Common Stock were issued and
outstanding, 1,039,170 shares were reserved for options under the Company's
employee stock option plans and an additional 500,105 shares were reserved for
issuance under the Company's director stock option plan



                                       9
<PAGE>   12

and the director and employee stock purchase plans. Accordingly, a total of
10,690,380 shares of Common Stock were available for future issuance.

     The Board of Directors believes that it is in the best interest of the
Corporation to have sufficient additional authorized but unissued shares of
Common Stock available in order to provide flexibility for corporate action in
the future. In particular, the Board continues to monitor the liquidity of the
Company's shares due to the relatively low number of shares in the public
trading market. Consideration may be given to effecting a stock split which,
depending on the magnitude of the split, may require the use of the bulk of the
remaining authorized but unissued shares. Management believes that the
availability of additional authorized shares for issuance from time to time in
the Board of Directors' discretion in connection with a variety of possible
corporate actions beyond a potential stock split or stock dividend, such as
possible acquisitions of other companies, future financings, and investment
opportunities, is desirable in order to avoid repeated separate amendments to
the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the delay and expense
incurred in soliciting consents or holding special meetings of the Stockholders
to approve such amendments. The Company is aggressively pursuing commercial
opportunities in several of its business areas, and the availability of
authorized but unissued shares is an important element in the Company's ability
to pursue those opportunities.

     The Board of Directors has no present understandings or agreements, nor has
it taken any formal action, to issue currently authorized shares or the
additional shares to be authorized, except pursuant to the Company's existing
stock option and incentive stock based plans. The Board of Directors, however,
believes that the currently available unissued shares do not provide sufficient
flexibility for corporate action in the future and that opportunities which may
occur requiring such flexibility may also require prompt action, leaving no time
to seek shareholder approval in such instances.

     No further authorization by vote of the Shareholders will be solicited for
the issuance of the additional shares of Common Stock proposed to be authorized,
except as might be required by law, regulatory authorities or rules of the
NASDAQ stock market or any stock exchange on which the Company's shares may then
be listed. Shares of Common Stock could be issued in one or more transactions.
The issuance of additional shares of Common Stock could have the effect of
diluting existing shareholder earnings per share, book value per share and
voting power. The Shareholders of the Corporation do not have any preemptive or
other rights to purchase or subscribe for any part of any new or additional
issuance of the Company's securities.

VOTE REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL

     Approval of the proposed amendment authorizing the increase in the number
of shares of Common Stock will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the
shares of Common Stock present and represented at the Meeting.

     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR"
APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT AUTHORIZING THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK.


                             EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     The following table sets forth certain summary information concerning the
compensation earned by the Company's Chief Executive Officer and its four other
most highly compensated executive officers (the "Named Executive Officers")
whose total salary and bonus for fiscal 1997 exceeded $100,000, for services
rendered to the Company and its subsidiaries in all capacities during



                                       10
<PAGE>   13

that fiscal year. No executive who would otherwise have been includable in such
table on the basis of salary and bonus earned for fiscal 1997 has resigned or
otherwise terminated employment during fiscal 1997.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
                                                                        -------------------------------
                                           ANNUAL COMPENSATION(1)                        STOCK OPTION
                                      --------------------------------    RESTRICTED       GRANTS(4)        ALL OTHER
   NAME AND POSITION          YEAR     SALARY      BONUS      OTHER(2)  STOCK AWARD(3)  (NO. OF SHARES)  COMPENSATION(5)
   -----------------          ----    --------    --------    --------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                           <C>     <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>               <C>            <C>
Kenneth F. Potashner (6)      1997    $400,004    $400,000     $2,850      $190,000          50,000         $361,031
   Chairman,                  1996      93,847     100,000        -0-       645,105         177,960           44,000
   Chief Executive
   Officer, President,
   Chief Operating
   Officer, Director

Thomas L. Horgan (6)          1997     180,083      81,630        -0-           -0-           9,000           19,254
   Vice President,            1996      19,615         -0-        -0-           -0-          60,000              -0-
   Director

Gregg L. McKee. (6)           1997     167,990      82,617        -0-           -0-          10,000           49,863
   Vice President             1996         -0-         -0-        -0-           -0-          60,000              -0-

Walter P. Robertson (6)       1997     165,713      69,228        -0-           -0-          69,000              -0-
   Vice President

Donald M. Roberts             1997     158,111      78,606      4,671           -0-           8,000              -0-
   General Counsel &          1996     150,010         -0-        346           -0-          10,000              -0-
   Secretary                  1995     150,010         -0-        -0-           -0-             -0-              -0-
</TABLE>

- ----------

(1)  Amounts shown include cash compensation earned and received by executive
     officers as well as amounts earned but deferred at the election of those
     officers under the Company's Savings Plan.

(2)  Amounts in this column consist of matching contributions made by the
     Company under its Savings Plan. They do not include the dollar value of
     certain perquisites and other personal benefits, securities or property the
     recipient received as personal benefits. Although such amounts cannot be
     determined precisely, the Company has concluded that the aggregate amount
     thereof does not exceed as to any of the named individuals the lesser of
     $50,000 and 10% of the total salary and bonus paid to such individual for
     fiscal 1997.

(3)  Mr. Potashner was awarded 10,000 shares of restricted stock in fiscal 1997
     and 177,960 shares of restricted stock in fiscal 1996, which restricted
     shares vest 25% one year after grant and each month thereafter an
     additional 1/48 of the total number of shares granted become vested. Mr.
     Potashner has full voting power and dividend rights with respect to all of
     the restricted stock. At July 31, 1997, the aggregate value of such
     restricted stock based on the closing price of the Company's Common Stock
     on that date was $4,370,000.

(4)  Options shown in this column are options to purchase shares of Common Stock
     of Maxwell Technologies, Inc. granted under the Company's 1995 Stock Option
     Plan. Each individual in the table also received options in fiscal 1997 to
     purchase common stock in each of the Company's principal operating
     subsidiaries: Maxwell Energy Products, Inc., PurePulse Technologies, Inc.,
     I-Bus, Inc., Maxwell Federal Division, Inc., and Maxwell Information
     Systems, Inc. See the following table under the heading "Option Grants in
     Last Fiscal Year" for the specific number of shares included in option
     grants by each such subsidiary for each individual. In addition, Mr.
     Potashner received options in fiscal 1996 to purchase 150,000 shares of
     PurePulse Technologies, Inc. common stock.

(5)  Represents amounts paid to Mr. Potashner in fiscal 1996 for consulting
     activities and in fiscal 1997 for relocation expenses including certain
     carrying and sale-related costs for his former



                                       11
<PAGE>   14
     residence, and related tax offset payments. Represents amounts paid to Mr.
     Horgan and Mr. McKee in fiscal 1997 as reimbursement of relocation expenses
     (including reimbursement of brokerage commissions on the sale of a
     residence).

(6)  Mr. Potashner and Mr. Horgan were hired as executive officers in fiscal
     1996. Mr. McKee and Mr. Robertson were hired as executive officers in
     fiscal 1997.

OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR

     The following table shows information on grants of stock options pursuant
to the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan, the 1994 Stock Option Plan of the
Company's subsidiary, PurePulse Technologies, Inc. and the 1996 Stock Option
Plans of the Company's other principal operating subsidiaries, Maxwell Energy
Products, Inc., I-Bus, Inc., Maxwell Federal Division, Inc. and Maxwell
Information Systems, Inc., to the Named Executive Officers. Pursuant to
Securities and Exchange Commission rules, the table also shows the value of the
options at the end of the five and ten year option terms if the stock price were
to appreciate annually by 5% and 10%, respectively. These assumed values may not
reflect actual value at the times indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                                                                      VALUE AT ASSUMED
                                                                                      ANNUAL RATES OF
                                       PERCENTAGE OF                                    STOCK PRICE
                                       TOTAL OPTIONS                                  APPRECIATION FOR
                                         GRANTED TO    EXERCISE                         OPTION TERM
                          OPTIONS       EMPLOYEES IN    PRICE      EXPIRATION     -------------------------
  NAME AND ENTITY        GRANTED(1)      FY 1997(2)   (PER SHARE)    DATE            5%             10%
  ---------------        ----------    -------------  -----------  ----------     --------       ----------
<S>                       <C>              <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>            <C>
Kenneth F. Potashner
  Company                  50,000          13.38%       $19.50      7/22/07       $613,170       $1,553,900
  Energy Products         100,000          13.65          1.16      11/7/06         72,950          184,870
  PurePulse                   -0-            -0-           -0-           --            -0-              -0-
  I-Bus                   100,000          15.17          1.15      11/7/06         72,320          183,280
  Federal                 100,000          14.15          1.45      11/7/06         91,190          231,090
  Information Systems     100,000          13.34           .26      11/7/06         16,350           41,440

Thomas L. Horgan
  Company                   9,000           2.41%       $19.50      7/22/02       $ 48,490       $  107,140
  Energy Products          37,500           5.12          1.16      11/7/06         27,360           69,330
  PurePulse                33,750          10.15           .65      8/7/06          13,800           34,960
  I-Bus                    37,500           5.69          1.15      11/7/06         27,120           68,730
  Federal                  37,500           5.31          1.45      11/7/06         34,200           86,660
  Information Systems      37,500           5.00           .26      11/7/06          6,130           15,540

Gregg L. McKee
  Company                  10,000           2.68%       $19.50      7/22/02       $ 53,870       $  119,050
  Energy Products         125,000          17.06          1.16      11/7/06         91,190          231,090
  PurePulse                22,500           6.77           .65       8/7/06          9,200           23,310
  I-Bus                    25,000           3.79          1.15      11/7/06         18,080           45,820
  Federal                  25,000           3.54          1.45      11/7/06         22,800           57,770
  Information Systems      25,000           3.33           .26      11/7/06          4,090           10,360

Walter P. Robertson
  Company                   9,000           2.41%       $19.50      7/22/02       $ 48,490       $  107,140
                           60,000          16.06          6.88       8/1/01        114,050          252,020
  Energy Products          25,000           3.41          1.16      11/7/06         18,240           46,220
  PurePulse                22,500           6.77           .65       8/7/06          9,200           23,310
  I-Bus                    25,000           3.79          1.15      11/7/06         18,080           45,820
  Federal                 100,000          14.15          1.45      11/7/06         91,190          231,090
  Information Systems      25,000           3.33           .26      11/7/06          4,090           10,360

Donald M. Roberts
  Company                   8,000           2.14%       $19.50      7/22/02       $ 43,100       $   95,240
  Energy Products          37,500           5.12          1.16      11/7/06         27,360           69,330
  PurePulse                33,750          10.15           .65       8/7/06         13,800           34,960
  I-Bus                    37,500           5.69          1.15      11/7/06         27,120           68,730
  Federal                  37,500           5.31          1.45      11/7/06         34,200           86,660
  Information Systems      37,500           5.00           .26      11/7/06          6,130           15,540
</TABLE>

- ----------



                                       12
<PAGE>   15

(1)  These options are either incentive stock options or non-qualified stock
     options and were granted at a purchase price equal to the fair market value
     of the underlying common stock at the date of grant. The fair market value
     of the Company's Common Stock was based on the trading price of such stock
     on the date of grant, and the fair market value of the common stock of the
     subsidiaries was based on independent outside appraisals. The term of all
     options covering shares of common stock of the Company's subsidiaries is
     ten years. The term of options covering the Company's Common Stock is five
     years, with the exception of Mr. Potashner's options covering Company
     Common Stock which have ten year terms. The increments in which the options
     are exercisable are determined by the committees which administer the
     plans.

(2)  Total options for the Company include options covering 12,000 shares of
     Company Common Stock granted to directors of the Company under the
     Company's Director Stock Option Plan. The stock option plans of the
     Company's five principal operating subsidiaries permit options to be
     granted for an aggregate number of shares of common stock amounting to
     approximately 13% of the total outstanding shares of such stock on a
     fully-diluted basis (17.3% at one subsidiary). At August 31, 1997, the
     number of shares of common stock subject to outstanding options under the
     Company's subsidiary stock option plans was, in the case of each such
     subsidiary, 10.3% to 13.6% on a fully-diluted basis.

FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES

     Shown below is information on each Named Executive Officer with respect to
(i) the value of stock options exercised by such person in fiscal 1997, measured
in terms of the closing price of the Company's Common Stock on the date of
exercise, and (ii) the value of unexercised options to purchase the Company's
Common Stock held by such person granted in fiscal 1997 and prior years under
the Company's 1995 or 1985 Stock Option Plans, measured in terms of the closing
price of the Company's Common Stock on July 31, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED        VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                                OPTIONS HELD AT         IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                         SHARES ACQUIRED                       JULY 31, 1997 (1)           JULY 31, 1997 (1)
                           ON EXERCISE          VALUE      --------------------------  --------------------------
       NAME             (NUMBER OF SHARES)   REALIZED ($)  EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE  EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE
       ----             ------------------   ------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                           <C>              <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>
 Kenneth F. Potashner         34,000           $563,040      25,320        168,640    $2,522,928     $  498,424
 Thomas L. Horgan                -0-                -0-      18,000         51,000       328,500        800,250
 Gregg L. McKee                5,000             63,750      13,000         52,000       208,000        709,500
 Walter P. Robertson             -0-                -0-         -0-         69,000           -0-      1,015,950
 Donald M. Roberts               -0-                -0-      11,000         17,000       210,750        196,750
</TABLE>

- ----------

(1)  Does not include options held by the Named Executive Officers to purchase
     shares of common stock in the Company's five principal operating
     subsidiaries under the stock option plans of such subsidiaries. All options
     held by these individuals under such stock option plans were granted in
     fiscal 1997 and are shown in the preceding table, except for options to
     purchase 150,000 shares of common stock of the Company's PurePulse
     Technologies, Inc. subsidiary granted to Mr. Potashner in fiscal 1996 of
     which options for 37,500 shares were exercisable within 60 days of July 31,
     1997. No public market exists for the common stock of any of the Company's
     subsidiaries. For purposes of the above table, no value has been attributed
     to the subsidiary stock options.




                                       13
<PAGE>   16



SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE PRESENTATION

     Set forth below is a line graph comparing the five year cumulative total
return to shareholders on the Company's Common Stock with the five year
cumulative total return on the NASDAQ and a peer group of comparable companies
identified therein.

                 COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
        AMONG MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., NASDAQ, AND INDUSTRY PEER GROUP
                         YEARS ENDING JULY 31, 1992-1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                     <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
CRSP TOTAL RETURNS INDEX FOR:           7/31/92         7/31/93         7/31/94         7/31/95         7/31/96         7/31/97
- -----------------------------           -------         -------         -------         -------         -------         -------

Maxwell Technologies, Inc.                100.0           130.0            86.6            81.4           136.5           488.3
Nasdaq Stock Market (US & Foreign)        100.0           122.3           125.6           174.4           188.9           278.8
Self-Determined Peer Group                100.0           138.1           146.8           245.2           177.6           243.2
</TABLE>

               ASSUMES $100 INVESTED 7/31/92 IN MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
               COMMON STOCK, NASDAQ, AND INDUSTRY PEER GROUP (DIVIDENDS
               REINVESTED). INDUSTRY PEER GROUP INCLUDES: CALIFORNIA MICROWAVE,
               COHERENT, INC., CUBIC CORPORATION, ILC TECHNOLOGY, INC., KAMAN
               CORPORATION CLA, TITAN CORPORATION AND WATKINS-JOHNSON.

REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION

     As described in more detail below, the Company's executive compensation
consists of three principal components--base salary and annual incentive
compensation as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors and stock option awards as determined by the Stock Option Committee of
the Board of Directors. During fiscal 1997, the Compensation Committee also
acted as the Stock Option Committee.

     During most of fiscal 1997, the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors of the Company was comprised of Messrs. Hayward, Samuelian, Colby and
Starry. The compensation policies of the Company are designed to set its
executive compensation, including salary and short-term and long-term incentive
programs, at a level consistent with amounts paid to executive officers of
companies of similar size and marketplace orientation. In this regard, from time
to time over the last approximately ten years, the Company has retained the
services of a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in executive
compensation issues to perform market



                                       14
<PAGE>   17

analyses of competitive compensation practices for selected executive officers.
The compensation policies of the Company are also designed to link executive
officer bonus compensation to the Company's performance in the short-term and to
emphasize compensation from equity, primarily employee stock options, for
long-term incentives.

     The Company's policy is to qualify executive compensation to be deductible
under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. However, in
hiring the Company's Chief Executive Officer in 1996, a key component of the
compensation package for Mr. Potashner was the grant of restricted stock which
vests over a period of years. Although this component may not fully qualify for
deductability under such provisions, the Board concluded that inclusion of this
element of compensation was an important factor in the Company's ability to
secure Mr. Potashner's services and was therefore in the Company's best
interests.

     The Company's executive compensation consists of three principal
components:

(1)  Base Salary. Base salary is intended to be set at a level consistent with
     amounts paid to executive officers of companies of comparable size and
     business areas and generally reflective of the performance of the Company
     and the individual. Salaries for executive officers are reviewed on an
     annual basis; however, most of the current executive officers were hired
     near the beginning of fiscal 1997 and therefore annual reviews were not
     performed for those individuals. Base salary (and annual incentive bonus
     compensation) for the Company's Chief Executive Officer is set forth in Mr.
     Potashner's employment agreement discussed below.

(2)  Annual Incentive Compensation. The Company met the earnings per share
     target in fiscal 1997 for full bonus payout to executive officers other
     than the CEO, and bonuses up to 50% of base compensation were paid, with
     the determination of the exact percentage at the discretion of the CEO.
     Pursuant to his employment contract described below, Mr. Potashner received
     a bonus of $400,000, or 100% of his base compensation, for fiscal 1997. For
     fiscal 1998, the Compensation Committee adopted a bonus plan for executive
     officers under which all or a portion of a target bonus (not to exceed 100%
     of annual salary) will be paid depending on a combination of revenue and
     earnings per share performance compared to a range of targets for the
     Company for fiscal 1998.

(3)  Long Term Incentive Compensation/Stock Options. The Company's long-term
     incentive program consists of a stock option program pursuant to which the
     Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers (as well as other key
     employees) are periodically granted stock options at the then fair market
     value of the Company's Common Stock. In addition, the Company adopted a
     program in early fiscal 1997 for the award to such individuals of stock
     options in the Company's operating subsidiaries. These option programs are
     designed to reward and retain executive officers over the long-term and to
     link the value of the incentive to increases in the value of the
     subsidiaries and in the Company's stock price over time, benefiting
     shareholders as a whole. Options in Company Common Stock and subsidiary
     common stock granted to the executive officers identified in the Summary
     Compensation Table during fiscal 1997 are set forth in the table above
     under the caption "Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year."


                                                        Dated: December 17, 1997


                      COMPENSATION AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE

                      Lewis J. Colby, Jr.
                      Thomas B. Hayward
                      Karl M. Samuelian
                      Donn A. Starry


COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

     During fiscal 1997 through January, 1997, the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors was comprised of directors Colby, Gueymard, Hayward, Starry,
Samuelian, Weil and Owsley, during which period of time General Starry was also
serving the Company as Chairman of the Board of Directors. From January, 1997
through the end of fiscal 1997 the Compensation



                                       15
<PAGE>   18

Committee consisted of Messrs. Hayward, Colby and Samuelian. In August, 1997,
General Starry, who had stepped down from his position as Chairman in April,
1997, was again appointed to serve on the Compensation Committee.

     Mr. Samuelian served as Secretary of the Company until June, 1996, and is a
shareholder in the law firm of Parker, Milliken, Clark, O'Hara & Samuelian, A
Professional Corporation. The Company retained the firm of Parker, Milliken,
Clark, O'Hara & Samuelian, A Professional Corporation, to provide legal services
during fiscal 1996 and said firm has been retained in the current fiscal year.

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS, TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL
ARRANGEMENTS

     Employment Agreement. In March, 1996, the Company entered into an
Employment Contract ("Contract") with Kenneth F. Potashner pursuant to which Mr.
Potashner became the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
effective April 26, 1996. The Contract, as amended, is for a term ending July
31, 2000, and requires Mr. Potashner to perform the duties associated with the
office of chief executive of the Company plus such other duties or positions as
the Board of Directors may require. Mr. Potashner is currently also performing
the duties of the Company's chairman, president and chief operating officer. The
Contract provides for a base salary for fiscal 1998 of $450,000 per year,
reviewed annually, with an annual bonus opportunity of up to 200% of base
salary, with a target bonus of 100% of base salary, to be determined by the
Board of Directors. Such bonus will be determined with reference to the same
revenue and earnings per share goals established for the other executive
officers for fiscal 1998. Mr. Potashner has received a total of 187,960 shares
of restricted stock under the Contract and currently holds options under the
Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan for a total of 243,960 shares. Both the
restricted shares and the options are subject to four-year vesting schedules.

     Under the Contract, Mr. Potashner will be immediately vested in the
restricted shares and stock options, shall receive a payment equal to two years
of his initial base salary plus his initial term target bonus and shall continue
for one year to receive benefits identical to those being received, in the event
that a "change of control" occurs and either his compensation or
responsibilities are reduced or the Company's headquarters are moved more than
30 miles. A "change of control" is defined as the acquisition by a person or
group of a majority of the Company's stock by direct purchase or through a
merger, the liquidation or sale of substantially all of the assets of the
Company or a change in a majority of the members of the Board of Directors other
than through membership changes determined by the Board itself. If Mr. Potashner
is terminated without cause during the term of the Contract, he will be paid the
base salary and target bonus remaining to be paid for the balance of the stated
term of the Contract (but not less than one full year of such salary and bonus)
and the restricted shares shall become free of any restrictions and stock
options shall become fully vested. In the event Mr. Potashner voluntarily
resigns or is terminated for cause, he shall be paid only such salary and
accrued vacation pay as is then due to him and no acceleration of vesting or
lifting of restrictions shall occur with respect to the restricted shares or
stock options. 


SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

     Karl M. Samuelian, a director of the Company, filed a report in September,
1997, with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Form 5 with respect
to a sale of 500 shares of the Company's Common Stock on June 26, 1997. A report
on such sale is required by SEC rules under Section 16(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, to be filed within 10 days of the end of June, 1997, 
and therefore, Mr. Samuelian's report was filed late.



                                       16
<PAGE>   19

                RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

        Ernst & Young LLP, certified public accountants ("E&Y"), were the
Company's auditors in fiscal 1997.

        The Company has engaged E&Y as its auditors for the current fiscal year;
provided, however, that if E&Y shall decline to act or otherwise become
incapable of acting, or if its engagement is otherwise terminated by the Board
of Directors (none of which events are currently anticipated), the Board of
Directors will appoint other auditors for the fiscal year.

        Representatives of E&Y will be present at the meeting with an
opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and such representatives
will be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders in
attendance.

                              SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

        Shareholders may present proposals for inclusion in the proxy statement
and form of proxy to be used in connection with the 1998 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders of the Company, provided such proposals are received by the Company
no later than July 7, 1998 and are otherwise in compliance with applicable laws
and regulations.

                                 OTHER BUSINESS

     The Board of Directors does not intend to present any other business at the
meeting and knows of no other matters which will be presented at the meeting.


                                        By Order of the Board of Directors



                                                 Donald M. Roberts
                                                     Secretary

Dated: December 17, 1997

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING. IF YOU DO NOT EXPECT TO ATTEND
THE MEETING, PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.





                                       17
<PAGE>   20


                                   APPENDIX A









                           MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


                     FISCAL YEAR 1997 FINANCIAL INFORMATION



<PAGE>   21



                           MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

                               INDEX TO APPENDIX A



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                Page
                                                                                                ----
<S>                                                                                              <C>
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.......     A-2

Selected Consolidated Financial Data .......................................................     A-11

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors ..........................................     A-12

Consolidated Balance Sheets at July 31, 1996 and 1997 ......................................     A-13

Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Years Ended July 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997.......     A-14

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the Three Years Ended July 31, 1997......     A-15

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended July 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997.......     A-16

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .................................................     A-17
</TABLE>





                                      A-1

<PAGE>   22
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
     From its roots as a pulsed power and advanced software applications company
performing research and development primarily for the United States Department
of Defense ("DOD"), Maxwell today has a portfolio of commercial products and
services derived from the technologies and expertise accumulated from its long
history of government funded pulsed power research and development. Although
Maxwell is aggressively pursuing technology commercialization, government funded
research and development continues as a significant part of the Company's
business, with sales under United States government contracts comprising 33% of
total sales in fiscal 1997. These efforts, and the technology advancements they
produce, are important factors in the development of applications with
commercial value.
 
     The Company sustained a net loss of $15.2 million in fiscal 1996, including
charges totaling $14.4 million related to the following: (i) the adoption of
FASB Statement No. 121; (ii) the fiscal 1996 reorganization of the Company
including senior management related severance and recruitment charges and
charges for facilities consolidations; (iii) the establishment of a valuation
allowance for net deferred income tax assets and (iv) the establishment of
certain contract, inventory, environmental and related reserves. See
"-- Quarterly Results of Operations" and Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
 
     In implementing its business reorganization, the Company selected a new
Chief Executive Officer, refocused or divested certain product lines,
consolidated certain of its facilities and recast the Company into distinct
business and operating units with new senior management for these business units
(the "Reorganization"). As part of the Reorganization which became effective
August 1, 1996, the Company placed its government focused operations into a
single business unit. The Company's new business segments are as follows:
 
     - Power Conversion Products: Includes design, development and manufacture
       of electrical components and subsystems, including products that
       capitalize on pulsed power such as ultracapacitors, microbial
       purification systems, high voltage capacitors and other electrical
       components and EMI filter capacitors.
 
     - Industrial Computers and Subsystems: Includes design and manufacture of
       standard, custom and semi-custom industrial computer modules, platforms
       and fully integrated systems primarily for OEMs.
 
     - Technology Programs and Systems: Includes research and development
       programs in pulsed power, pulsed power systems design and construction,
       weapons effects simulation and computer-based analytic services,
       primarily for the DOD.
 
     - Information Products and Services: Includes design, development and
       integration of software products and services including job cost
       accounting and management information systems and other software products
       including applications for the Internet, as well as wide-area and
       local-area network and software integration services.
 
     The Company recognizes substantially all revenue from the sale of
manufactured products and short-term fixed-price contracts upon shipment of
products or completion of services. Revenues, including estimated profits, on
long-term fixed-price contracts are recognized as costs are incurred. Revenues,
including fees earned, on cost plus contracts are also recognized as costs are
incurred. Contract revenue is reflected in the Company's sales and includes
amounts received from the United States government and commercial customers for
the funded research and development efforts of the Company. Provisions are made
on a current basis to fully recognize any anticipated losses on contracts.
 
     A significant portion of the Company's product sales are to a relatively
small number of OEMs. OEM sales are characterized by relatively long product
life cycles and generally lower gross margins that can vary throughout product
life cycles. Gross margins are typically lower in the early stages of product
introduction before the Company has achieved a sufficient volume of sales to
increase absorption of its fixed costs. In addition, the Company may price its
products aggressively in order to form new OEM relationships, introduce new
products or achieve market penetration. The Company may receive product
development funding from its
 
                                       A-2
<PAGE>   23
 
OEM customers that could partially mitigate these impacts on gross margins.
Gross margins on OEM sales are also particularly sensitive to changes in product
and customer mix because of margin variances among individual products and the
relative importance of a single large sale on overall operating results.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected
operating data for the Company, expressed as a percentage of sales.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
                                                                -------------------------------
                                                                 1995        1996        1997
                                                                -------     -------     -------
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>         <C>
Sales.........................................................    100.0%      100.0%      100.0%
Cost of sales.................................................     75.3        81.4        69.1
                                                                -------     -------     -------
  Gross profit................................................     24.7        18.6        30.9
 
Operating expenses:
  Selling, general and administrative expenses................     18.2        19.3        21.6
  Research and development expenses...........................      6.7         6.3         5.2
  Restructure and asset impairment losses.....................       --         7.0          --
                                                                -------     -------     -------
     Total operating expenses.................................     24.9        32.6        26.8
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Operating income (loss).......................................     (0.2)      (14.0)        4.1
Interest expense..............................................      0.4         0.4         0.2
Other-net.....................................................    (0.11)       (0.5)       (0.2)
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Income (loss) before income taxes, minority interest and loss
  from cumulative effect of change in accounting principle....      0.5       (13.9)        4.1
Income tax expense............................................       --         1.6          --
Minority interest in net income of subsidiary.................      0.1         0.1         0.1
Loss from cumulative effect of change in accounting
  principle...................................................       --         3.2          --
                                                                -------     -------     -------
  Net income (loss)...........................................      0.4%      (18.8)%       4.0%
                                                                =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
     The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the Company's
business segment sales, gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of
business segment sales.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
                                                                -------------------------------
                                                                 1995        1996        1997
                                                                -------     -------     -------
                                                                       ($ IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>         <C>
Power Conversion Products:
  Sales.......................................................  $15,207     $16,448     $27,039
     Gross profit.............................................    3,930       3,887      10,142
     Gross profit as a percentage of sales....................     25.8%       23.6%       37.5%
Industrial Computers and Subsystems:
  Sales.......................................................  $23,319     $26,131     $34,259
     Gross profit.............................................    7,754       7,633      11,537
     Gross profit as a percentage of sales....................     33.3%       29.2%       33.7%
Technology Programs and Systems:
  Sales.......................................................  $31,064     $30,198     $31,087
     Gross profit.............................................    6,232       5,659       6,246
     Gross profit as a percentage of sales....................     20.1%       18.7%       20.1%
Information Products and Services:
  Sales.......................................................  $ 5,414     $ 8,134     $ 9,026
     Gross profit.............................................      641      (2,161)      3,379
     Gross profit as a percentage of sales....................     11.8%      (26.6)%      37.4%
</TABLE>
 
                                       A-3
<PAGE>   24
 
  Sales
 
     In fiscal 1997, the Company's total sales increased $20.5 million, or
25.3%, to $101.4 million from $80.9 million in fiscal 1996. In fiscal 1996,
sales increased $5.9 million, or 7.9%, to $80.9 million from $75.0 million in
fiscal 1995. International sales amounted to $12.6 million in fiscal 1997, $7.6
million in fiscal 1996 and $7.3 million in fiscal 1995. The increase in
international sales in fiscal 1997 was primarily attributable to increased
international revenues from customer funded development in the Power Conversion
Products business segment.
 
     Power Conversion Products. In fiscal 1997, Power Conversion Products sales
increased $10.6 million, or 64.4%, to $27.0 million from $16.4 million in fiscal
1996. This increase was primarily attributable to higher revenues from customer
funded ultracapacitor development and sales of prototype ultracapacitor products
to potential OEM customers for evaluation, increased sales of EMI filters for
implantable medical products and increased revenues from customer funded
development of pulsed power purification systems.
 
     In fiscal 1996, Power Conversion Products sales increased $1.2 million, or
8.2%, to $16.4 million from $15.2 million in fiscal 1995 as a result of higher
sales of certain pulsed power components, the introduction in the last half of
fiscal 1996 of the Company's EMI filters for implantable medical products and
increased revenues from customer funded development of pulsed power purification
systems.
 
     Industrial Computers and Subsystems. In fiscal 1997, Industrial Computers
and Subsystems sales increased $8.1 million, or 31.1%, to $34.3 million from
$26.1 million in fiscal 1996. Sales in this business segment are made
principally to OEM customers and are primarily derived from the shipment of
computers and subsystems that are "designed-in" to the OEM's products. The sales
increase in fiscal 1997 was derived from increased sales to OEM customers
primarily in the computer telephony market. The largest portion of the increase
consisted of sales to a single, long-standing OEM customer for use in products
that are nearing the conclusion of their product cycles. The Company does not
currently expect that it will receive orders from this customer for its next
generation products. However, the Company's products have recently been
integrated into several new OEM products to be introduced by other OEM
customers. The Company believes that orders for industrial computers and
subsystems from these new OEM customers should largely offset the loss of sales
described above. If sales of the OEMs' new products do not achieve the levels
projected by the OEM, the Company may be unable to offset the expected loss of
sales.
 
     In fiscal 1996, sales in this business segment increased $2.8 million, or
12.1%, to $26.1 million from $23.3 million in fiscal 1995. This increase was
also due to increased shipments to OEM customers as a result of design wins on
new OEM products.
 
     Technology Programs and Systems. In fiscal 1997, sales in the Technology
Programs and Systems segment increased $0.9 million, or 2.9%, to $31.1 million
from $30.2 million in fiscal 1996. This increase was primarily attributable to
revenues from a new contract for high-voltage power supplies for a Department of
Energy accelerator project and increased work levels on two large multi-year
contracts for the DOD. This increase was partially offset by the absence of
revenue from the Company's chemical analytical services business, which was sold
in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the winding-down of the Company's
environmental consulting business and lower hardware systems sales.
 
     Revenues for fiscal 1997 included amounts related to the closure of three
DOD pulsed power simulation facilities operated by the Company for many years in
San Diego. These closures will be concluded in the first half of fiscal 1998 and
the underlying contracts with the DOD will be completed. However, the Company
has subsequently received additional long-term contracts from the DOD, including
one for research on next-generation pulsed power switch technology for x-ray
simulators. These and other contracts with the DOD are subject to periodic
Government funding provisions. The level of future DOD expenditures in the
Company's research and development area and the related impact on funding for
the Company's contracts are not predictable and, therefore, previously reported
results are not necessarily indicative of those to be expected in the future.
 
                                       A-4
<PAGE>   25
 
     In fiscal 1996, sales in this business segment decreased $0.9 million, or
2.8%, to $30.2 million from $31.1 million in fiscal 1995 primarily as a result
of reduced sales of chemical analytical services, partially offset by increased
revenues from the two multi-year DOD contracts.
 
     Information Products and Services. In fiscal 1997, sales of Information
Products and Services increased $0.9 million, or 11.0%, to $9.0 million from
$8.1 million in fiscal 1996. This increase primarily reflects greater sales of
the Company's job-cost accounting software, partially offset by a decline in
revenues from two large multi-year software development contracts for criminal
justice information systems (the "CJIS Contracts"). Work on the CJIS Contracts
is scheduled to be substantially completed in the first half of fiscal 1998.
 
     In fiscal 1996, sales in this business segment increased $2.7 million, or
50.2%, to $8.1 million from $5.4 million in fiscal 1995 principally due to
revenues attributable to the commencement of work in fiscal 1996 on one of the
CJIS Contracts.
 
  Gross Profit
 
     In fiscal 1997, the Company's gross profit was $31.3 million, or 30.9% of
sales, compared to $15.0 million, or 18.6% of sales, in fiscal 1996. The
increase in gross profit as a percentage of sales was primarily due to the
increased overall sales in fiscal 1997, resulting in improved overhead
absorption, and an improved mix of products and services, particularly in the
Power Conversion Products business segment. In fiscal 1996, the Company's gross
profit was $15.0 million, or 18.6% of sales, compared to $18.6 million, or 24.7%
of sales, in fiscal 1995. The decreases in fiscal 1996 were primarily
attributable to the portion of the $14.4 million charge taken in fiscal 1996
that was recorded in cost of sales.
 
     Power Conversion Products. In fiscal 1997, Power Conversion Products gross
profit increased $6.3 million to $10.1 million from $3.9 million in fiscal 1996.
As a percentage of sales, gross profit increased to 37.5% in fiscal 1997 from
23.6% in fiscal 1996. This increase in gross profit as a percentage of sales
reflected improved overhead absorption and an improved mix of products and
services, including higher sales of EMI filters for implantable medical devices
and greater revenues from funded research and development.
 
     As the Company introduces ultracapacitor products it may offer aggressive
pricing to gain market penetration. This would have an adverse impact on gross
profit margins until the Company reaches full production volumes.
 
     In fiscal 1996 and 1995, gross profits in this business segment were
consistent at $3.9 million. As a percentage of sales, gross profit decreased to
23.6% in fiscal 1996 from 25.8% in fiscal 1995 primarily due to the portion of
the $14.4 million charge taken in fiscal 1996 that was recorded in cost of
sales.
 
     Industrial Computers and Subsystems. In fiscal 1997, Industrial Computers
and Subsystems gross profit increased $3.9 million, or 51.1%, to $11.5 million
from $7.6 million in fiscal 1996. As a percentage of sales, gross profit
increased to 33.7% in fiscal 1997 from 29.2% in fiscal 1996 due to increased
sales of certain higher margin customized OEM products and improved overhead
absorption from the higher overall sales. In addition, cost of sales in fiscal
1996 reflected higher inventory write-offs than in fiscal 1997.
 
     In fiscal 1996, gross profit decreased $0.1 million, or 1.6%, to $7.6
million from $7.8 million in fiscal 1995. As a percentage of sales, gross profit
decreased to 29.2% in fiscal 1996 from 33.3% in fiscal 1995 as a result of
higher inventory write-offs in fiscal 1996 and the impact in fiscal 1996 of
shipments on several large, competitively bid procurements that had lower profit
margins.
 
     Technology Programs and Systems. Technology Programs and Systems gross
profit was $6.2 million, $5.7 million and $6.2 million in fiscal years 1997,
1996 and 1995, respectively. As a percentage of sales, gross profit remained
relatively constant at 20.1% in fiscal 1995, 18.7% in fiscal 1996 and 20.1% in
fiscal 1997. The stability of gross profit as a percentage of sales resulted
from the predominance of government cost plus contracts in this business
segment. See "Business -- Government Business."
 
     Information Products and Services. In fiscal 1997, Information Products and
Services gross profit increased $5.5 million to $3.4 million from $(2.2) million
in fiscal 1996. As a percentage of sales, gross profit increased to 37.4% in
fiscal 1997 from (26.6)% in fiscal 1996. In fiscal 1996, the Company recorded
reserves
 
                                       A-5
<PAGE>   26
 
against the CJIS Contracts because total contract completion costs were
projected to exceed the contract value on these fixed price contracts. In
addition, fiscal 1996 reflects a write-off of certain capitalized software
development costs. To a lesser extent, the comparative improvement in fiscal
1997 is attributable to increased sales of the Company's higher margin job-cost
accounting software products.
 
     In fiscal 1996, gross profit in this business segment decreased $2.8
million to $(2.2) million from $0.6 million in fiscal 1995. As a percentage of
sales, gross profit decreased to (26.6)% in fiscal 1996 from 11.8% in fiscal
1995, reflecting the impact in fiscal 1996 of the reserves recorded on the CJIS
Contracts and the write-off of certain capitalized software development costs.
 
  Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
     In fiscal 1997, the Company's selling, general and administrative expenses
increased $6.3 million, or 40.7%, to $21.9 million from $15.6 million in fiscal
1996. As a percentage of total sales, selling, general and administrative
expenses increased to 21.6% in fiscal 1997 from 19.3% in fiscal 1996. These
increases were attributable primarily to (i) increased sales and marketing
costs, principally from the addition of new sales and marketing personnel added
as part of the Company's plan to grow its commercial businesses, and commissions
earned on higher commercial sales in fiscal 1997 primarily in the Company's
Power Conversion Products and Industrial Computers and Subsystems business
segments; (ii) accruals under new incentive and profit sharing plans implemented
in fiscal 1997 and (iii) additions to senior management, both at the executive
and business unit levels, to support the Company's new strategic direction.
 
     In fiscal 1996, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.9
million, or 14.1%, to $15.6 million from $13.6 million in fiscal 1995. As a
percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to
19.3% in fiscal 1996 from 18.2% in fiscal 1995. These increases were
attributable primarily to a charge in fiscal 1996 of approximately $1.5 million
for environmental and other matters and for amounts in connection with the
Reorganization, as well as higher sales and marketing costs in support of the
Company's commercial business initiatives.
 
  Research and Development Expenses
 
     The Company's research and development expenses reflect only internally
funded research and development programs. Costs associated with United States
government and other customer funded research and development contracts are
included in cost of sales. Research and development expenses were $5.3 million,
$5.1 million and $5.0 million for fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The
level of research and development expenses reflects the Company's ability to
obtain customer funding to support a significant portion of its research and
product development activities. Because of the increased overall sales level,
however, as a percentage of sales, research and development expenses decreased
to 5.2% in fiscal 1997 from 6.3% in fiscal 1996 and 6.7% in fiscal 1995.
 
  Interest Expense
 
     In fiscal 1997, interest expense decreased to $173,000 from $329,000 in
fiscal 1996 as a result of lower average borrowings. In fiscal 1996, interest
expense remained relatively constant in comparison to fiscal 1995.
 
  Other-net
 
     In fiscal 1997, other-net was $150,000, compared to $398,000 in fiscal 1996
and $848,000 in fiscal 1995. The decrease in other-net primarily reflects
completion in April 1996 of the amortization into income of amounts contributed
by minority stockholders upon the organization of the Company's PurePulse
Technologies, Inc. subsidiary over such stockholders' proportionate share of
PurePulse's equity. In fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1995 other-net included $379,000
and $508,000 of such income, respectively, while none was included in fiscal
1997. The balance of other-net in all three fiscal years was principally
interest income.
 
                                       A-6
<PAGE>   27
 
  Income Tax Expense
 
     The Company has net operating loss carryforwards which offset the Company's
provision for income taxes in fiscal 1997. Fiscal 1996 income tax expense is
primarily due to the establishment of a valuation allowance of $1.1 million for
the net deferred income tax assets of the Company due to the losses incurred in
fiscal 1996. Income tax expense was incurred at an effective rate of 3.6% in
fiscal 1995, which primarily reflects the non-taxable status of the $508,000 of
amortization described above.
 
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following tables present unaudited quarterly financial information for
the eight quarters ended July 31, 1997, and such data expressed as a percentage
of the Company's net sales for the periods indicated. The information has been
presented by the Company on a basis consistent with the Consolidated Financial
Statements included elsewhere in this Prospectus and includes all necessary
adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, that management
considers necessary for a fair presentation of the unaudited quarterly results
when read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes
thereto. These operating results are not necessarily indicative of results that
may be expected for any subsequent periods.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          OCT.       JAN.       APR.       JULY       OCT.       JAN.       APR.       JULY
                                           31,        31,        30,        31,        31,        31,        30,        31,
                                          1995       1996       1996       1996       1996       1997       1997       1997
                                         -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                                                           ($ IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
  DATA:
Sales..................................  $19,172    $19,340    $20,331    $22,068    $24,017    $24,577    $25,922    $26,895
Cost of sales..........................   14,864     17,997     16,114     16,918     16,958     16,939     17,599     18,611
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
  Gross profit.........................    4,308      1,343      4,217      5,150      7,059      7,638      8,323      8,284
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Operating expenses:
  Selling, general and
    administrative.....................    3,133      4,569      3,955      3,907      5,179      5,489      5,875      5,357
  Research and development.............      983      1,335      1,223      1,540      1,058      1,212      1,407      1,626
  Restructure and asset impairment
    losses.............................       --      2,568      3,817       (682)        --         --         --         --
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
      Total operating expenses.........    4,116      8,472      8,995      4,765      6,237      6,701      7,282      6,983
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Operating income (loss)................      192     (7,129)    (4,778)       385        822        937      1,041      1,301
Interest expense.......................       71         73         92         93         44         39         45         45
Other-net..............................     (161)      (202)       (96)        61        (56)       (32)       (35)       (27)
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
  minority interest, and loss from
  cumulative effect of change in
  accounting principle.................      282     (7,000)    (4,774)       231        834        930      1,031      1,283
Income tax expense.....................       28      1,172         37         59         --         --         --         --
Minority interest in net income of
  subsidiary...........................       12          7         12         19         18         18        (28)        46
Loss from cumulative effect of change
  in accounting principle..............    2,569         --         --         --         --         --         --         --
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net income (loss)......................  $(2,327)   $(8,179)   $(4,823)   $   153    $   816    $   912    $ 1,059    $ 1,237
                                         ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
AS A PERCENTAGE OF SALES:
Sales..................................    100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%
Cost of sales..........................     77.5       93.1       79.3       76.7       70.6       68.9       67.9       69.2
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
  Gross profit.........................     22.5        6.9       20.7       23.3       29.4       31.1       32.1       30.8
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Operating expenses:
  Selling, general and
    administrative.....................     16.4       23.6       19.4       17.7       21.6       22.4       22.7       20.0
  Research and development.............      5.1        6.9        6.0        7.0        4.4        4.9        5.4        6.0
  Restructure and asset impairment
    losses.............................       --       13.3       18.8       (3.1)        --         --         --         --
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
      Total operating expenses.........     21.5       43.8       44.2       21.6       26.0       27.3       28.1       26.0
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Operating income (loss)................      1.0      (36.9)     (23.5)       1.7        3.4        3.8        4.0        4.8
Interest expense.......................      0.3        0.3        0.5        0.4        0.2        0.2        0.2        0.2
Other-net..............................     (0.8)      (1.0)      (0.5)       0.3       (0.3)      (0.2)      (0.2)      (0.2)
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
  minority interest, and loss from
  cumulative effect of change in
  accounting principle.................      1.5      (36.2)     (23.5)       1.0        3.5        3.8        4.0        4.8
Income tax expense.....................      0.1        6.1        0.2        0.3         --         --         --         --
Minority interest in net income of
  subsidiary...........................      0.1         --         --         --        0.1        0.1       (0.1)       0.2
Loss from cumulative effect of change
  in accounting principle..............     13.4         --         --         --         --         --         --         --
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net income (loss)......................    (12.1)%    (42.3)%    (23.7)%      0.7%       3.4%       3.7%       4.1%       4.6%
                                         ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
                                       A-7
<PAGE>   28
 
     The three months ended October 31, 1995 reflected a $2.6 million loss
attributable to the adoption of FASB Statement No. 121. The three months ended
January 31, 1996 included charges of $6.9 million consisting of the
following: (i) approximately $2.0 million recorded in cost of sales for contract
and inventory charges; (ii) $1.2 million in selling, general and administrative
expenses attributable primarily to environmental and other matters and charges
related to the Reorganization; (iii) $2.6 million of charges reflected in
restructure and asset impairment losses relating to the Reorganization and to
the adoption of FASB Statement No. 121 and (iv) $1.1 million recorded in income
tax expense for the establishment of a valuation allowance for net deferred
income tax assets. The reduction in gross profit as a percent of sales in the
quarter is a result of the portion of these charges included in cost of sales.
 
     The three months ended April 30, 1996 included $3.8 million of charges
related principally to the Reorganization and included in restructure and asset
impairment losses and $0.8 million of further contract and inventory charges
included in cost of sales.
 
     The $0.7 million credit in restructure and asset impairment losses in the
three months ended July 31, 1996 reflects the reversal of the remainder of the
reserve previously recorded in anticipation of losses on the termination of the
Company's chemical analytical services business upon completion of the sale of
that business during this period.
 
     The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses that commenced
with the three months ended October 31, 1996 is attributable to the increased
sales and marketing costs, benefit plan accruals and senior management additions
reflecting the Reorganization and the implementation of strategies for pursuing
commercial business.
 
     The Company may in the future experience significant fluctuations in
revenues and operating results from period to period as a result of a number of
factors including, without limitation: the volume and timing of orders and
market acceptance of the Company's products; the Company's ability to fill
orders on a timely basis; pricing policies of the Company or its competitors;
variations in the mix of product sales; the timing of product introductions by
the Company or its competitors; cancellation, suspension or other action taken
by the United States government on its contracts with the Company; product
obsolescence resulting from new product introductions or changes in customer
demand and expenses associated with the acquisition of technologies or
businesses. The Company believes that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of its
results of operations are not necessarily meaningful and should not be relied
upon as indicators of future performance. Quarterly results in the future may
fluctuate due to the factors discussed above or other factors. Further, the
Company's historical operating results are not necessarily indicative of future
performance for any particular period. There can be no assurance that the
Company's past revenue growth or its past profitability will continue on a
quarterly, annual or other basis. Due to all of the foregoing factors, it is
highly likely that in certain future quarters the Company's operating results
will be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     The Company has historically relied on a combination of internally
generated funds and bank borrowings to finance its working capital requirements
and capital expenditures. In addition, in fiscal 1997, the Company received
approximately $2.5 million from the exercise of stock options and purchases
under its stock purchase plans.
 
     Cash flow from operations in fiscal 1997 was $2.9 million, with net income
plus depreciation and amortization of approximately $6.6 million partially
offset by increases in accounts receivable and inventory in support of the
higher fiscal 1997 sales.
 
     The Company's capital expenditures in fiscal 1997 increased to $4.7 million
from $2.0 million in fiscal 1996, primarily for the acquisition of production
and computer equipment and other assets needed to support growth of the
Company's business units. The Company has currently budgeted capital
expenditures of $7.0 million for fiscal 1998 to support growth, including
expansion of manufacturing facilities for the EMI filter and ultracapacitor
operations, and expansion in one of the Company's owned buildings. In addition,
the
 
                                       A-8
<PAGE>   29
 
Company will be addressing the need for high-volume manufacturing of
ultracapacitors, and commitments may be made during fiscal 1998 toward meeting
such needs. Alternatively, the Company may consider leasing facilities or
manufacturing equipment or both or may satisfy volume manufacturing requirements
through outsourcing or under licensing arrangements with third parties. If the
Company decides to internally finance construction of such facilities, a
significant amount of capital would be required.
 
     The Company re-negotiated its bank line of credit during fiscal 1997,
converting the line of credit to a two year unsecured arrangement and increasing
the amount available to $10.0 million. The interest rate on the line of credit
is tied to LIBOR or the bank's prime rate. As of July 31, 1997, there were no
outstanding borrowings under the line of credit.
 
     The Company believes that the net proceeds from this offering, together
with cash generated from operations and funds available under its bank line of
credit, will be sufficient to finance its operations and capital expenditures
through fiscal 1998. In addition to addressing the need for high volume
manufacturing of its ultracapacitor products, the Company may also from time to
time consider acquisitions of complementary businesses, products or
technologies, which may require additional funding. Sources of additional
funding for these purposes could include one or more of the following: cash flow
from operations; investments by strategic partners and additional debt or equity
financing. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain
additional sources of financing on favorable terms, if at all, at such time or
times as the Company may require such capital.
 
SUBSIDIARY OPTION PROGRAMS AND ISSUANCES OF STOCK TO STRATEGIC PARTNERS
 
     The Company has implemented employee stock option plans at each of its five
principal operating subsidiaries providing for the issuance of incentive and
nonqualified stock options to purchase common stock of these companies by each
subsidiary. The option plans are intended to encourage an entrepreneurial
atmosphere in each business segment, providing focused rewards promoting growth.
Options that are "in-the-money" at the subsidiary level will have a negative
impact on the Company's earnings per share. The Company expects that its
reported diluted earnings per share will be reduced in future quarters due to
in-the-money subsidiary options. Except to the extent exercised, however, such
subsidiary options will not affect the Company's consolidated net income as
reported in its consolidated statement of operations. Such options, when and if
exercised, will dilute the Company's actual ownership interests in its
subsidiaries, thus reducing the Company's share of the net income, potential
dividends or distributions and proceeds of any sale or other disposition of such
subsidiary. The equity interests upon exercise of stock options in the
subsidiaries would be accounted for as a minority interest. Based on current
programs, the dilutive impact attributable to these option plans could be up to
13% at each principal operating subsidiary (17% at one subsidiary). In addition,
certain key employees of the Company's Maxwell Business Systems, Inc.
subsidiary, which owns and markets the Company's job-cost accounting software
and is in the Information Products and Services business segment, currently own
an aggregate of 20%, and have the right to purchase up to an additional 29%, of
that subsidiary. Pursuant to strategic partnering relationships, Tetra Pak owns
approximately 5% of the Company's PurePulse Technologies, Inc. subsidiary, and
PacifiCorp owns preferred stock convertible into 7.5% of the Company's Maxwell
Energy Products, Inc. subsidiary. See "Risk Factors -- Potential Dilutive Impact
of Employee Stock Option Programs at Subsidiaries" and "Management -- Executive
Compensation."
 
INFLATION AND CHANGES IN PRICES
 
     Generally, the Company has been able to increase prices to offset its
inflation-related increased costs in its commercial businesses. A substantial
portion of the Company's business with agencies of the United States government
consists of cost-reimbursement contracts which permit recovery of inflation
costs. Fixed-price contracts with government and other customers typically
include estimated costs for inflation in the contract price.
 
                                       A-9
<PAGE>   30
 
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
 
     In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
No. 128, Earnings Per Share. Under Statement No. 128, the Company will be
required to present basic net income per share, which excludes the effects of
dilutive common stock equivalents, and diluted net income per share. Basic net
income per share is expected to be higher than the currently presented primary
net income per share in periods of positive earnings due to the exclusion of
dilutive stock options in its computation. Diluted net income per share is not
expected to be materially different from the earnings per share amounts which
would be computed under the current method.
 
     The Company is required to adopt Statement No. 128 in its fiscal quarter
ending January 31, 1998, and at that time all historical net income per share
data presented will be restated to conform to the provisions of Statement No.
128.
 
                                      A-10
<PAGE>   31
 
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following selected consolidated statement of operations data for the
fiscal years ended July 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, and consolidated balance sheet
data at July 31, 1996 and 1997 are derived from the Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Company and Notes thereto, which have been audited by Ernst &
Young LLP, independent auditors, and are included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
The following selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years
ended July 31, 1993 and 1994 and consolidated balance sheet data at July 31,
1993, 1994 and 1995 are derived from audited financial statements of the Company
not included in this Prospectus. The following selected data should be read in
conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements of the
Company and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
                                         ---------------------------------------------------------
                                          1993        1994        1995         1996         1997
                                         -------     -------     -------     --------     --------
                                         (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
  DATA:
Sales..................................  $86,902     $85,463     $75,004     $ 80,911     $101,411
Cost of sales..........................   65,765      68,555      56,447       65,893       70,107
                                         -------     -------     -------     --------      -------
  Gross profit.........................   21,137      16,908      18,557       15,018       31,304
Operating expenses:
  Selling, general and administrative
     expenses..........................   13,525      14,068      13,636       15,564       21,900
  Research and development expenses....    5,650       4,794       5,038        5,081        5,303
  Restructure and asset impairment
     losses (1)........................       --          --          --        5,703           --
  Loss on closing of Brobeck
     division..........................       --       1,018          --           --           --
                                         -------     -------     -------     --------      -------
     Total operating expenses..........   19,175      19,880      18,674       26,348       27,203
                                         -------     -------     -------     --------      -------
Operating income (loss)................    1,962      (2,972)       (117)     (11,330)       4,101
Interest expense.......................      244         252         315          329          173
Other-net..............................      (35)       (589)       (848)        (398)        (150)
                                         -------     -------     -------     --------      -------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
  minority interest and loss from
  cumulative effect of change in
  accounting principle.................    1,753      (2,635)        416      (11,261)       4,078
Income tax expense (benefit)...........      683      (1,028)         15        1,296           --
Minority interest in net income of
  subsidiary...........................       48          80          86           50           54
Loss from cumulative effect of change
  in accounting principle (1)..........       --          --          --        2,569           --
                                         -------     -------     -------     --------      -------
Net income (loss)......................  $ 1,022     $(1,687)    $   315     $(15,176)    $  4,024
                                         =======     =======     =======     ========      =======
Earnings (loss) per share:
  Income (loss) per share before
     cumulative effect of change in
     accounting principle..............  $  0.19     $ (0.32)    $  0.06     $  (2.29)    $   0.60
  Net income (loss) per share..........  $  0.19     $ (0.32)    $  0.06     $  (2.76)    $   0.60
                                         =======     =======     =======     ========      =======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 JULY 31,
                                         ---------------------------------------------------------
                                          1993        1994        1995         1996         1997
                                         -------     -------     -------     --------     --------
                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital........................  $20,142     $18,091     $17,855     $  7,288     $ 10,908
Total assets...........................   55,086      54,322      52,370       40,724       47,120
Long-term debt, excluding current
  portion..............................    1,515       2,797       1,928        1,018          465
Total stockholders' equity.............   36,645      34,960      35,364       20,745       27,410
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                      A-11
<PAGE>   32
 
               REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Maxwell Technologies, Inc.
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Maxwell
Technologies, Inc., and subsidiaries as of July 31, 1996 and 1997, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 1997. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Maxwell
Technologies, Inc., and subsidiaries at July 31, 1996 and 1997, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended July 31, 1997, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
     As discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, in 1996
the Company changed its method of assessing the impairment of long-lived assets
in accordance with the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 121.
 
                                                 /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
San Diego, California
September 12, 1997
 
                                      A-12
<PAGE>   33
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                JULY 31,
                                                                           -------------------
                                                                            1996        1997
                                                                           -------     -------
<S>                                                                        <C>         <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents..............................................  $ 1,465     $   826
  Accounts receivable:
     Trade and other, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $440 and
      $350 at July 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.......................    8,656       9,391
     Long-term contracts (Note 2)........................................    6,917       9,221
                                                                           -------     -------
                                                                            15,573      18,612
  Inventories and inventoried costs relating to long-term contracts (Note
     11).................................................................    6,808       8,722
  Recoverable income taxes...............................................      740          --
  Prepaid expenses.......................................................      548       1,203
  Deferred income taxes..................................................      161         161
                                                                           -------     -------
     Total current assets................................................   25,295      29,524
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 11).............................   14,809      16,929
Deposits and other.......................................................      620         667
                                                                           -------     -------
                                                                           $40,724     $47,120
                                                                           =======     =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable.......................................................  $14,231     $13,640
  Accrued employee compensation..........................................    2,866       4,465
  Current portion of long-term debt......................................      910         511
                                                                           -------     -------
     Total current liabilities...........................................   18,007      18,616
Long-term debt (Note 3)..................................................    1,018         465
Minority interest and additional amounts contributed.....................      954         629
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 6 and 9)
Stockholders' equity (Note 4):
  Common stock, $0.10 par value, 20,000 shares authorized, 5,687 and
     6,143 shares issued and outstanding at July 31, 1996 and 1997,
     respectively........................................................      568         614
  Additional paid-in capital.............................................   19,752      22,364
  Deferred compensation..................................................     (605)       (622)
  Retained earnings......................................................    1,030       5,054
                                                                           -------     -------
     Total stockholders' equity..........................................   20,745      27,410
                                                                           -------     -------
                                                                           $40,724     $47,120
                                                                           =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>   34
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
                                                              ---------------------------------
                                                               1995         1996         1997
                                                              -------     --------     --------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>          <C>
Sales.......................................................  $75,004     $ 80,911     $101,411
Cost of sales...............................................   56,447       65,893       70,107
                                                              -------     --------     --------
  Gross profit..............................................   18,557       15,018       31,304
Operating expenses:
  Selling, general and administrative expenses..............   13,636       15,564       21,900
  Research and development expenses.........................    5,038        5,081        5,303
  Restructure and asset impairment losses (Note 8)..........       --        5,703           --
                                                              -------     --------     --------
     Total operating expenses...............................   18,674       26,348       27,203
                                                              -------     --------     --------
Operating income (loss).....................................     (117)     (11,330)       4,101
Interest expense............................................      315          329          173
Other-net (Note 11).........................................     (848)        (398)        (150)
                                                              -------     --------     --------
Income (loss) before income taxes, minority interest and
  loss from cumulative effect of change in accounting
  principle.................................................      416      (11,261)       4,078
Income tax expense (benefit) (Note 5).......................       15        1,296           --
Minority interest in net income of subsidiary...............       86           50           54
Loss from cumulative effect of change in accounting
  principle (Note 8)........................................       --        2,569           --
                                                              -------     --------     --------
Net income (loss)...........................................  $   315     $(15,176)    $  4,024
                                                              =======     ========     ========
Earnings (loss) per share:
     Income (loss) per share before cumulative effect of
       change in accounting principle.......................  $  0.06     $  (2.29)    $   0.60
                                                              =======     ========     ========
     Net income (loss) per share............................  $  0.06     $  (2.76)    $   0.60
                                                              =======     ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      A-14
<PAGE>   35
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          THREE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1997
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 TOTAL
                                         COMMON     ADDITIONAL        DEFERRED     RETAINED   STOCKHOLDERS'
                                         STOCK    PAID-IN CAPITAL   COMPENSATION   EARNINGS      EQUITY
                                         ------   ---------------   ------------   --------   ------------
<S>                                      <C>      <C>               <C>            <C>        <C>
Balance at August 1, 1994...............  $534        $18,535          $   --      $ 15,891     $ 34,960
  Issuance of 28,424 shares under stock
     purchase plans.....................     3             86              --            --           89
  Net income for the year...............    --             --              --           315          315
                                          ----        -------           -----      --------     --------
Balance at July 31, 1995................   537         18,621              --        16,206       35,364
  Issuance of 37,684 shares under stock
     option plans.......................     4            152              --            --          156
  Issuance of 93,112 shares under stock
     purchase plans.....................     9            352              --            --          361
  Deferred compensation related to
     issuance of 177,960 shares.........    18            627            (645)           --           --
  Amortization of deferred
     compensation.......................    --             --              40            --           40
  Net loss for the year.................    --             --              --       (15,176)     (15,176)
                                          ----        -------           -----      --------     --------
Balance at July 31, 1996................   568         19,752            (605)        1,030       20,745
  Issuance of 406,656 shares under stock
     option plans.......................    41          1,985              --            --        2,026
  Issuance of 39,129 shares under stock
     purchase plans.....................     4            438              --            --          442
  Deferred compensation related to
     issuance of 10,000 shares..........     1            189            (190)           --           --
  Amortization of deferred
     compensation.......................    --             --             173            --          173
  Net income for the year...............    --             --              --         4,024        4,024
                                          ----        -------           -----      --------     --------
Balance at July 31, 1997................  $614        $22,364          $ (622)     $  5,054     $ 27,410
                                          ====        =======           =====      ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      A-15
<PAGE>   36
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
                                                               --------------------------------
                                                                1995         1996        1997
                                                               -------     --------     -------
<S>                                                            <C>         <C>          <C>
Operating activities:
  Net income (loss)........................................... $   315     $(15,176)    $ 4,024
     Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
       provided by (used in) operating activities:
          Depreciation and amortization.......................   2,907        2,128       2,587
          Restructure and asset impairment losses.............      --        5,960          --
          Loss from cumulative effect of change in accounting
            principle.........................................      --        2,569          --
          Provision for losses on accounts receivable.........      45          105         184
          Loss on sales of property and equipment.............     122          118          10
          Deferred income taxes...............................     820        1,124          --
          Minority interest in net income of subsidiary.......      86           50          54
          Deferred compensation...............................      --           40         173
          Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
            Accounts receivable...............................     (52)         252      (3,223)
            Inventories.......................................     369         (469)     (1,914)
            Prepaid expenses and other........................     150          614        (702)
            Accounts payable..................................    (525)       2,153        (683)
            Accrued employee compensation.....................    (255)         185       1,599
            Income taxes payable/recoverable..................    (797)         121         832
                                                               -------     --------     -------
               Net cash provided by (used in) operating
                 activities...................................   3,185         (226)      2,941
Investing activities:
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment..................  (2,951)      (1,976)     (4,725)
  Proceeds from sales of property and equipment...............      80            6           8
                                                               -------     --------     -------
               Net cash used in investing activities..........  (2,871)      (1,970)     (4,717)
Financing activities:
  Principal payments on long-term debt........................    (929)        (909)       (952)
  Proceeds from issuance of Company and subsidiary stock......      89          517       2,502
  Repurchase of subsidiary stock..............................      --           --        (413)
                                                               -------     --------     -------
               Net cash provided by (used in) financing
                 activities...................................    (840)        (392)      1,137
                                                               -------     --------     -------
               Decrease in cash and cash equivalents..........    (526)      (2,588)       (639)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year................   4,579        4,053       1,465
                                                               -------     --------     -------
               Cash and cash equivalents at end of year....... $ 4,053     $  1,465     $   826
                                                               =======     ========     =======
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      A-16
<PAGE>   37
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Description of Business
 
     The Company is a leader in pulsed power technologies, providing pulsed
power based systems and components for a wide range of commercial applications
and research and development for both commercial customers and the United States
government. The Company also offers industrial computers and subsystems,
primarily to OEMs in computer telephony and other markets, and software products
and services, both for government research and for various commercial
applications.
 
  Consolidation and Minority Interest Amounts
 
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Maxwell
Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
transactions and account balances are eliminated in consolidation.
 
  Cash Equivalents
 
     The Company classifies all highly liquid investments with a maturity of
three months or less when purchased as cash equivalents.
 
  Inventories
 
     Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (principally average cost
method) or market.
 
  Property, Plant and Equipment
 
     Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation and
amortization are provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets (three
to thirty years). Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment
amounted to $3,415,000, $2,507,000 and $2,587,000 in fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
 
  Revenue Recognition
 
     The Company recognizes substantially all revenue from the sale of
manufactured products and short-term fixed price contracts upon shipment of
products or completion of services. Revenues, including estimated profits, on
long-term fixed price contracts are recognized as costs are incurred. Revenues,
including fees earned, on cost plus contracts are also recognized as costs are
incurred. Contract revenue is reflected in the Company's sales and includes
amounts received from the United States government and commercial customers for
the funded research and development efforts of the Company. Provisions are made
on a current basis to fully recognize any anticipated losses on contracts.
 
  Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
     The computation of net income (loss) per share is based on the weighted
average shares of Common Stock outstanding plus the dilutive effects of Common
Stock equivalents arising from stock options. The weighted average number of
Common and Common equivalent shares outstanding was 5,356,000, 5,494,000 and
6,644,000 in fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. Net income (loss) per
share was unchanged on a fully-diluted basis.
 
                                      A-17
<PAGE>   38
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 1 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
     Under Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 128, Earnings Per
Share, the Company must change the method used to compute earnings per share in
fiscal 1998 and restate all prior periods. Under the new standard, the dilutive
effect of stock options will be excluded from basic earnings per share. The
impact is expected to result in the following basic net income (loss) per share
for the three years ended July 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1995       1996      1997
                                                             -----     ------     -----
        <S>                                                  <C>       <C>        <C>
        Primary net income (loss) per share, as reported...  $0.06     $(2.76)    $0.60
                                                             -----     ------     -----
        Basic net income (loss) per share, as restated
          under Statement No. 128..........................  $0.06     $(2.76)    $0.68
                                                             =====     ======     =====
</TABLE>
 
     The impact of Statement No. 128 on the calculation of diluted net income
(loss) per share for the above periods is not expected to be material.
 
  Use of Estimates
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting periods. Several of the industries in which the Company operates are
characterized by rapid technological change and short product life cycles. As a
result, estimates are required to provide for product returns, product
obsolescence as well as other matters. Historically, actual amounts recorded
have not varied significantly from estimated amounts.
 
  Stock Split
 
     In November 1996, the Company declared a 2-for-1 stock split of the
Company's common shares, effected as a 100% stock dividend that was distributed
on December 17, 1996 to stockholders of record as of November 26, 1996. Common
stock accounts, earnings per share and weighted average number of share amounts
from prior periods have been restated to reflect the stock split.
 
NOTE 2 -- ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
 
     The following tabulation shows the component elements of accounts
receivable from long-term contracts at July 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996       1997
                                                                     ------     ------
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                                          <C>        <C>
        U.S. Government:
          Amounts billed...........................................  $2,832     $2,108
          Amounts unbilled.........................................     427      1,326
          Retainage due upon completion of contracts...............     312        287
        Commercial customers:
          Amounts billed...........................................     988      2,693
          Amounts unbilled.........................................   2,358      2,681
          Retainage due upon completion of contracts...............      --        126
                                                                     ------     ------
                                                                     $6,917     $9,221
                                                                     ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
                                       A-18
<PAGE>   39
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 2 -- ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (CONTINUED)
     The balances billed but not paid by customers pursuant to retainage
provisions under long-term contracts will be due upon completion of the
contracts and acceptance by the customers. Substantially all unbilled
receivables at July 31, 1997 are expected to become due and payable within the
next year.
 
NOTE 3 -- LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT AGREEMENTS
 
     Long-term debt consisted of the following at July 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1996      1997
                                                                      ------     ----
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                                           <C>        <C>
        Variable rate note payable to a bank, due $42,000 monthly
          plus interest.............................................  $1,292     $750
        10.0% fixed rate promissory note, due $3,000 monthly........     236      226
        7.75% fixed rate note payable to a bank, due $100,000
          quarterly plus interest...................................     400       --
                                                                      ------     ----
                                                                       1,928      976
        Less current portion........................................     910      511
                                                                      ------     ----
                                                                      $1,018     $465
                                                                      ======     ====
</TABLE>
 
     The variable rate bank note is unsecured and bears interest at the bank's
prime rate plus one-half of one percent (9% at July 31, 1997). This bank note
contains certain restrictive covenants relating to net-worth, net-worth-ratio
and quarterly operating results.
 
     Maturities of long-term debt for each of the five years ending July 31,
2002 are: 1998-$511,000; 1999-$263,000; 2000-$14,000; 2001-$16,000; and
2002-$17,000.
 
     The Company also has an unsecured two-year bank line of credit agreement
under which the Company may borrow up to $10 million at the bank's prime rate,
or at LIBOR plus 1.75%. At July 31, 1997, there were no outstanding borrowings
under the line. The line of credit agreement provides that neither the Company
nor any of its subsidiaries may, directly or indirectly, make any distributions
of cash dividends.
 
NOTE 4 -- STOCK PLANS
 
  Stock Option Plans
 
     In December 1995, the Company adopted the 1995 Stock Option Plan under
which 500,000 shares of Common Stock were reserved for future grant. In January
1997, an additional 300,000 shares were reserved for future issuance. This Plan,
and the Company's Director Stock Option Plan provide for granting either
Incentive Stock Options or Non-Qualified Stock Options to employees and
non-employee members of the Company's Board of Directors, respectively. Options
are also outstanding under an expired stock option plan. The options granted
under these plans are to purchase Common Stock at not less than fair market
value at the date of grant. Employee options are generally exercisable in
cumulative annual installments of 30 percent or 20 percent, while options in the
Director Option Plan are exercisable in full one year after date of grant. All
options have terms of five to ten years.
 
                                       A-19
<PAGE>   40
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 4 -- STOCK PLANS (CONTINUED)
     The following table summarizes Company stock option activity for the three
years ended July 31, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                NUMBER         WEIGHTED
                                                               OF SHARES     AVERAGE PRICE
                                                               ---------     -------------
        <S>                                                    <C>           <C>
        Balance at August 1, 1994............................    771,758        $  5.38
          Granted............................................    224,000        $  3.77
          Exercised..........................................         --             --
          Expired or forfeited...............................   (278,014)       $  5.49
                                                                --------
        Balance at July 31, 1995.............................    717,744        $  4.84
          Granted............................................    623,600        $  4.31
          Exercised..........................................    (37,684)       $  4.13
          Expired or forfeited...............................   (107,634)       $  5.05
                                                                --------
        Balance at July 31, 1996.............................  1,196,026        $  4.57
          Granted............................................    373,700        $ 15.95
          Exercised..........................................   (406,656)       $  4.61
          Expired or forfeited...............................   (108,390)       $  4.42
                                                                --------
        Outstanding at July 31, 1997.........................  1,054,680        $  8.60
                                                                ========
        Available for future grant under the 1995 Stock
          Option Plan........................................     83,300
                                                                ========
        Available for future grant under the Director Option
          Plan...............................................    124,584
                                                                ========
</TABLE>
 
     In addition, the Company has established separate stock option plans for
its five principal operating subsidiaries. During fiscal 1997, options to
purchase various shares of subsidiary stock were granted at the estimated fair
value of the subsidiary shares, as determined by an independent outside
appraisal. Options outstanding at July 31, 1997 amount to 10.3% to 13.6% of each
subsidiary's outstanding common stock.
 
     The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and
exercisable stock options at July 31, 1997.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    WEIGHTED
                                      WEIGHTED       AVERAGE                       WEIGHTED
                                      AVERAGE       REMAINING                      AVERAGE
RANGE OF EXERCISE       NUMBER        EXERCISE     CONTRACTUAL       NUMBER        EXERCISE
     PRICES           OUTSTANDING      PRICE          LIFE         EXERCISABLE      PRICE
- -----------------     -----------     --------     -----------     -----------     --------
<S>                   <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>             <C>
$ 3.56 -  5.00           476,400       $ 3.96       6.4 years        169,875        $ 4.08
$ 5.12 -  7.25           266,580       $ 6.23       3.7 years        164,580        $ 5.73
$11.00 - 20.63           311,700       $17.66       5.0 years             --        $   --
                       ---------                                     -------
                       1,054,680                                     334,455
                       =========                                     =======
</TABLE>
    
 
     The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Financial
Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation. In accordance with the provisions of Statement No. 123, the
Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and related
interpretations in accounting for its stock option plans, and accordingly, no
compensation cost has been recognized for stock options in 1996 or 1997. If the
Company had elected to recognize compensation cost
 
                                      A-20
<PAGE>   41
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 4 -- STOCK PLANS (CONTINUED)
based on the fair value method prescribed by Statement No. 123, the Company's
net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share would have been adjusted to
the pro-forma amounts indicated below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
                                                                  --------------------
                                                                    1996         1997
                                                                  --------      ------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS,
                                                                    EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                                         DATA)
        <S>                                                       <C>           <C>
        Net income (loss)
          As reported...........................................  $(15,176)     $4,024
          Pro forma.............................................   (15,305)      3,405
 
        Net income (loss) per share
          As reported...........................................  $  (2.76)     $ 0.60
          Pro forma.............................................     (2.78)       0.51
</TABLE>
 
     The impact of outstanding non-vested stock options granted prior to 1996
has been excluded from the pro forma calculations; accordingly, the 1996 and
1997 pro forma adjustments are not indicative of future period pro forma
adjustments when the calculation will reflect all applicable stock options. The
fair value of Company options at date of grant was estimated using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model with assumptions for both 1996 and 1997 as
follows: risk-free interest rate of 6.0%; dividend yield of 0%; volatility
factor of 52%; and a weighted-average expected term of 3 years. The fair value
of subsidiary options at date of grant was estimated using the Minimum Value
option-pricing model, which is similar to the Black-Scholes model except that it
excludes the factor for volatility since there is no public market for the
subsidiary shares. The estimated weighted average fair value at grant date for
Company options granted during 1996 and 1997 was $1.74 and $7.33 per option,
respectively.
 
  Stock Purchase Plans
 
     In December 1994, the Company established the 1994 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan and a Director Stock Purchase Plan. The employee plan permits substantially
all employees to purchase Common Stock through payroll deductions at 85% of the
lower of the trading price of the Stock at the beginning or at the end of each
six-month offering period. The director plan permits non-employee directors to
purchase Common Stock at 100% of the trading price of the Stock on the date a
request for purchase is received. In fiscal years 1996 and 1997, 93,112 and
39,129 shares were issued under the two plans for an aggregate of $361,000 and
$442,000, respectively. At July 31, 1997, 339,335 shares are reserved for future
issuance under these plans.
 
  Stockholder Rights Plan
 
     In 1989, the Company adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan, and subsequently
distributed one nonvoting Common Stock purchase right ("Right") for each
outstanding share of Common Stock. The Rights are not exercisable and will not
trade separately from the Common Stock unless a person or group acquires, or
makes a tender offer for, 20% or more of the Company's Common Stock. Initially,
each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase one-half of a share of
Company Common Stock at a price of $16.25 per one-half share, subject to certain
anti-dilution adjustments. The Rights expire on June 20, 1999.
 
     If the Rights become exercisable and certain conditions are met, then each
Right not owned by the acquiring person or group will entitle its holder to
receive, upon exercise, Company Common Stock having a market value of four times
the exercise price of the Right. These provisions will not apply if a majority
of the Board of Directors determines that the acquisition or other business
combination is in the best interest of the stockholders. In addition, the
Company may redeem the Rights at a price of $0.01 per Right, subject to certain
restrictions.
 
                                      A-21
<PAGE>   42
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 4 -- STOCK PLANS (CONTINUED)
  Deferred Compensation
 
     In 1996 and 1997, one of the executive officers of the Company was granted
shares of the Company's Common Stock subject to certain restrictions. The shares
vest over four year periods, and at the respective grant dates, the shares
issued in fiscal 1996 had a value of approximately $645,000, while the shares
issued in fiscal 1997 had a value of approximately $190,000. Those values, net
of accumulated amortization, are shown as deferred compensation in the
stockholder's equity section of the Balance Sheet. The deferred compensation is
being amortized to expense over the four year vesting periods, and such
amortization totaled $40,000 and $173,000 in fiscal 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
NOTE 5 -- INCOME TAXES
 
     Income taxes (credit) are as follows for the years ended July 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1995       1996       1997
                                                            -----     ------     ------
                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                                 <C>       <C>        <C>
        Federal:
          Current.........................................  $(634)    $  128     $   --
          Deferred........................................    604        814         --
                                                            ------    ------     ------
                                                              (30)       942         --
        State:
          Current.........................................   (171)        44         --
          Deferred........................................    216        310         --
                                                            ------    ------     ------
                                                               45        354         --
                                                            ------    ------     ------
                                                            $  15     $1,296     $   --
                                                            ======    ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-22
<PAGE>   43
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 5 -- INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

     Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The primary components of
the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows at July 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1995       1996        1997
                                                             ------     -------     -------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                      <C>        <C>         <C>
    Deferred tax assets:
      Uniform capitalization, contract and inventory-related
         reserves........................................... $  723     $ 1,542     $ 1,465
      Environmental and restructure reserves................    495       1,606       1,195
      Asset write-downs under FASB Statement No. 121........     --       1,062         943
      Accrued vacation......................................    551         506         594
      Allowance for doubtful accounts.......................    217         259         321
      Other.................................................    239         426         313
      NOL carryforwards.....................................    300       2,500       1,800
      Valuation allowance...................................   (300)     (7,015)     (5,814)
                                                             ------     -------     -------
              Total deferred tax assets.....................  2,225         886         817
                                                             ------     -------     -------
    Deferred tax liabilities:
      Tax over book depreciation............................    802         617         656
      Deferred contract income recognition..................    134         108          --
      Other.................................................      4          --          --
                                                             ------     -------     -------
              Total deferred tax liabilities................    940         725         656
                                                             ------     -------     -------
              Net deferred tax assets....................... $1,285     $   161     $   161
                                                             ======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
     As the Company cannot carry losses back to prior years, and had a loss in
the prior year, a valuation allowance is provided on the net operating loss
carryforwards and net deferred income tax assets of the parent company. The
valuation allowance at July 31, 1997 includes approximately $700,000 relating to
employee stock option and stock purchase plan activity, which upon realization
will result in a credit to additional paid-in capital. Income tax expense in
fiscal year 1996 was to provide for a valuation allowance on beginning of year
net deferred tax assets, and to provide for income tax expense at the PurePulse
Technologies subsidiary, which filed a separate tax return for that year.
 
     As of July 31, 1997, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards for
federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $4,300,000 and
$3,400,000, respectively. The federal loss carryforward expires in fiscal year
2011, while the state loss carryforwards expire in fiscal years 1999 through
2001.
 
     The effective income tax rate varied from the statutory federal income tax
rate as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1995      1996      1997
                                                              -----     -----     -----
        <S>                                                   <C>       <C>       <C>
        Statutory federal income tax rate...................   34.0%    (34.0)%    34.0%
        State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit......    7.3      (6.0)      6.0
        Utilization of net operating loss carryforwards.....     --        --     (40.0)
        Amortization of minority interest...................  (41.5)     (1.1)       --
        Valuation allowance and other items.................    3.8      52.6        --
                                                              -----     -----     -----
        Effective income tax rate...........................    3.6%     11.5%       --%
                                                              =====     =====     =====
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-23
<PAGE>   44
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 6 -- LEASES
 
     Rental expense amounted to $2,110,000, $1,992,000 and $1,831,000 in fiscal
1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively, and was incurred primarily for building
rental. Future minimum rental commitments as of July 31, 1997, are as follows
(in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
                <S>                                                  <C>
                1998...............................................  $ 2,126
                1999...............................................    2,063
                2000...............................................    1,827
                2001...............................................    1,587
                2002...............................................    1,117
                Thereafter.........................................    2,672
                                                                     -------
                                                                     $11,392
                                                                     =======
</TABLE>
 
     Certain leases include renewal options for periods ranging from one to
twenty-five years and are subject to rental adjustment based on consumer price
indices. Substantially all leases provide that the Company pay for property
taxes, insurance, and repairs and maintenance.
 
NOTE 7 -- EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
 
     Substantially all employees are eligible to elect coverage under a
contributory employee savings plan which provides for Company matching
contributions based on one-half of employee contributions up to certain plan
limits. The Company's matching contributions under this plan totaled $568,000,
$541,000 and $592,000 in fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
NOTE 8 -- IMPAIRMENT LOSSES, RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES
 
     In fiscal 1996, the Company recorded $14.4 million of pre-tax charges
primarily in the second and third quarters. Of this amount, $9.5 million was
recorded during the first two quarters, and included asset write-downs due to
the adoption of FASB Statement No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of, an increase in
the valuation allowance against the Company's net deferred income tax assets,
the cost, primarily in the form of inventory reserves, of re-positioning the
Sierra Capacitor/Filter operation to focus on a new commercial business area,
and other operational reserves primarily associated with fixed-price contracts
and inventory. The $4.9 million charge in the third quarter resulted primarily
from costs associated with management changes and a restructuring of the
Company's business units.
 
     Of the first and second quarter charge, $4.1 million is attributable to the
January 1996 adoption of FASB Statement No. 121. Statement 121 requires that the
carrying amount of certain long-lived assets be written down if an impairment in
value is determined to exist and the assets are not supported by adequate
anticipated future cash flows, as defined by the FASB. Upon adoption of
Statement 121, the Company recorded impairment losses to reflect the difference
between pre-adoption carrying values and the estimated fair values of the assets
subject to review, of which approximately $2.6 million was recorded in restated
first quarter results as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle, and the balance of $1.5 million impacted second quarter results.
These assets included primarily facilities and equipment associated with the
chemical analytical services group, and certain other equipment not currently in
substantive use. The chemical analytical services business was not profitable in
fiscal 1996, and the Company began exploring its possible sale during the first
quarter of fiscal 1996. The business was sold in June 1996. The estimated fair
values of the assets were determined by reference to comparable asset sales,
lease values, or estimated discounted future cash flows. The facilities subject
to the impairment loss are corporate assets, and the chemistry group
 
                                      A-24
<PAGE>   45
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 8 -- IMPAIRMENT LOSSES, RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES (CONTINUED)

equipment as well as the majority of the under-utilized equipment subject to
impairment are from the Company's Technology Programs and Systems business
segment.
 
NOTE 9 -- ENVIRONMENTAL MATTER
 
     In 1992, the Company and approximately 40 other potentially responsible
parties signed a consent order with the State of California with respect to
costs to be incurred at a recycling facility to characterize and remediate
hazardous substances. To date, the site has been characterized, and the Company
and the other potentially responsible parties have paid substantially all of
their respective shares of the costs of such characterization. The estimated
cost of monitoring and remediation activities, of which the Company's share is
currently estimated at approximately 3.5%, totals approximately $23 million.
Approximately $21 million of this amount will consist of maintenance, monitoring
and related costs to be incurred over a 25-30 year period. The Company has
accrued its share of such estimated costs; on the basis of amounts accrued by
the Company, it is management's opinion that any additional liability resulting
from this situation will not have a material effect on the Company's financial
statements.
 
NOTE 10 -- BUSINESS SEGMENTS
 
     For purposes of analyzing and understanding the financial statements, the
Company's operations have been classified into the following business segments:
 
          Power Conversion Products: Includes design, development and
     manufacture of electrical components and subsystems, including products
     that capitalize on pulsed power such as ultracapacitors, microbial
     purification systems, high voltage capacitors and other electrical
     components and EMI filter capacitors.
 
          Industrial Computers and Subsystems: Includes design and manufacture
     of standard, custom and semi-custom industrial computer modules, platforms
     and fully integrated systems primarily for OEMs.
 
          Technology Programs and Systems: Includes research and development
     programs in pulsed power, pulsed power systems design and construction,
     weapons effects simulation and computer-based analytic services, primarily
     for the Department of Defense.
 
          Information Products and Services: Includes design, development and
     integration of software products and services including job cost accounting
     and management information systems and other software products including
     applications for the Internet, as well as wide-area and local-area network
     and software integration services.
 
                                      A-25
<PAGE>   46
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 10 -- BUSINESS SEGMENTS (CONTINUED)

     Business segment financial data for the three years ended July 31 is as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1995         1996         1997
                                                              -------     --------     --------
                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>          <C>
Sales:
  Power Conversion Products.................................  $15,207     $ 16,448     $ 27,039
  Industrial Computers and Subsystems.......................   23,319       26,131       34,259
  Technology Programs and Systems...........................   31,064       30,198       31,087
  Information Products and Services.........................    5,414        8,134        9,026
                                                              -------     --------     --------
          Consolidated total................................  $75,004     $ 80,911     $101,411
                                                              =======     ========     ========
Operating profit (loss):
  Power Conversion Products.................................  $  (561)    $   (752)    $  2,482
  Industrial Computers and Subsystems.......................    2,287        1,078        2,417
  Technology Programs and Systems...........................    1,550        2,131        1,804
  Information Products and Services.........................   (1,097)      (3,680)      (2,886)
                                                              -------     --------     --------
          Total operating profit (loss).....................    2,179       (1,223)       3,817
  Corporate expenses and revenues...........................   (1,448)      (9,709)         434
  Interest expense..........................................     (315)        (329)        (173)
                                                              -------     --------     --------
          Income (loss) before income taxes, minority
            interest and cumulative effect of change in
            accounting principle............................  $   416     $(11,261)    $  4,078
                                                              =======     ========     ========
Identifiable assets:
  Power Conversion Products.................................  $13,932     $ 11,253     $ 12,299
  Industrial Computers and Subsystems.......................    8,000        9,166       12,167
  Technology Programs and Systems...........................   12,640        7,586        8,298
  Information Products and Services.........................    3,893        3,136        5,920
  Corporate.................................................   13,905        9,583        8,436
                                                              -------     --------     --------
          Consolidated total................................  $52,370     $ 40,724     $ 47,120
                                                              =======     ========     ========
Depreciation and amortization:
  Power Conversion Products.................................  $ 1,138     $    763     $    887
  Industrial Computers and Subsystems.......................      260          316          469
  Technology Programs and Systems...........................    1,563          994          647
  Information Products and Services.........................       61          162          258
  Corporate.................................................      393          272          326
                                                              -------     --------     --------
          Consolidated total................................  $ 3,415     $  2,507     $  2,587
                                                              =======     ========     ========
Capital expenditures:
  Power Conversion Products.................................  $ 1,078     $    670     $  1,768
  Industrial Computers and Subsystems.......................      337          529          992
  Technology Programs and Systems...........................    1,034          240          424
  Information Products and Services.........................      435          482        1,231
  Corporate.................................................       67           55          310
                                                              -------     --------     --------
          Consolidated total................................  $ 2,951     $  1,976     $  4,725
                                                              =======     ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
     Intersegment sales are insignificant. Operating profit (loss) is sales less
cost of sales and operating expenses, excluding interest expense and corporate
expenses and revenues. Corporate expenses in fiscal 1996
 
                                      A-26
<PAGE>   47
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 10 -- BUSINESS SEGMENTS (CONTINUED)
include certain restructuring costs and asset writedowns relating to the
adoption of FASB Statement No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of. Identifiable assets by
segment include the assets directly identified with those segments. Corporate
assets consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, facilities and land, and,
as of July 31, 1997, certain telecommunications, computers and networking
equipment of the Company.
 
     Sales under United States government contracts and subcontracts are
primarily in the Technology Programs and Systems business segment, and
aggregated $32,120,000, $32,622,000 and $33,526,000, in fiscal 1995, 1996, and
1997, respectively. The portion of such sales to the United States Air Force in
fiscal 1997 amounted to 14% of total Company sales in that year. A customer of
the Industrial Computers and Subsystems business segment represented 12% of
total sales of the Company in fiscal 1997.
 
     International sales amounted to $7,318,000, $7,555,000 and $12,609,000 in
fiscal 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively, principally to countries in Europe
and the Pacific Rim.
 
NOTE 11 -- SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     Inventories and inventoried costs relating to long-term contracts are
classified as follows at July 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996        1997
                                                               -------     -------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
            <S>                                                <C>         <C>
            Finished goods...................................  $   714     $ 1,793
            Costs under long-term contracts..................      226          --
            Work in process..................................    1,610         882
            Raw materials and purchased parts................    4,258       6,047
                                                               -------     -------
                                                               $ 6,808     $ 8,722
                                                               =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
     Property, plant and equipment consist of the following at July 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996        1997
                                                               -------     -------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
            <S>                                                <C>         <C>
            Land and land improvements.......................  $ 3,470     $ 3,470
            Buildings and building improvements..............    7,448       7,581
            Machinery and equipment..........................   23,267      25,939
            Office furniture and equipment...................    7,249       7,861
            Leasehold improvements...........................    3,347       3,462
                                                               -------     -------
                                                                44,781      48,313
            Less allowances for depreciation and
              amortization...................................   30,192      32,113
                                                               -------     -------
                                                                14,589      16,200
            Construction in progress.........................      220         729
                                                               -------     -------
                                                               $14,809     $16,929
                                                               =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
     Accounts payable consist of the following at July 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996        1997
                                                               -------     -------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
            <S>                                                <C>         <C>
            Accounts payable and accrued expenses............  $11,618     $10,516
            Environmental reserves...........................    1,620       1,252
            Customer advances................................      993       1,872
                                                               -------     -------
                                                               $14,231     $13,640
                                                               =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-27
<PAGE>   48
 
                  MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 11 -- SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

     Included in Other-net in fiscal 1995 and 1996 is the amortization into
income over a three-year period of amounts contributed by minority stockholders
upon the organization of the Company's PurePulse Technologies, Inc. subsidiary
over such stockholders' proportionate share of PurePulse Technologies' equity.
These amounts were fully amortized at the end of the third quarter of fiscal
1996, and amounted to $508,000 and $379,000 in fiscal 1995 and 1996,
respectively. Also included in Other-net is interest income of $358,000,
$128,000 and $147,000 in fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
     Financial instruments which subject the Company to potential concentrations
of credit risk consist principally of investments in cash equivalents and
accounts receivable. The Company invests its excess cash with major corporate
and financial institutions and in United States government backed securities.
The Company has established guidelines relative to diversification and
maturities to maintain safety and liquidity, and has not experienced any losses
on these investments. The Company's accounts receivable result from contracts
with the United States government, as well as contract and product sales to
non-government customers in various industries. The Company performs ongoing
credit evaluations of selected non-government customers and generally requires
no collateral.
 
     Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information consists of the following
for the three years ended July 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1995     1996     1997
                                                           ----     ----     -----
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
            <S>                                            <C>      <C>      <C>
            Cash paid (refunded) for:
              Interest...................................  $315     $329     $ 173
              Income taxes...............................  $(11)    $152     $(831)
            Non-cash activities:
              Issuance of Common Stock in connection with
                 deferred compensation agreement.........  $ --     $645     $ 190
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-28
<PAGE>   49



                           MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

               PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
                   FOR THE 1997 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS


The undersigned shareholder of MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. hereby appoints
Kenneth F. Potashner and Donald M. Roberts and each of them with full power of
substitution to each, proxies of the undersigned to represent the undersigned at
the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. to be held
on January 28, 1998, at 10:00 A.M., local time, at the La Jolla Marriott, 4240
La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, California and at any adjournment(s) thereof,
with all power, including voting rights, which the undersigned would possess if
personally present at said meeting on the matters set forth on the reverse side.

THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. UNLESS A CONTRARY DIRECTION IS INDICATED,
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL OF THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR LISTED ON THE
REVERSE SIDE AND FOR PROPOSALS (2) AND (3).

The proxies (or, if only one, then that one proxy) or their substitutes acting
at the meeting may exercise all powers hereby conferred.

The undersigned hereby revokes any prior proxy and ratifies and confirms all
that the above-named proxies or their substitutes, and each of them, shall
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of the 1997 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders and accompanying Proxy Statement dated December 17,
1997.


                (Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)




<PAGE>   50



(1)  Election of Two Directors of the Company of Class II to serve until the
     fiscal year 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Maxwell Technologies,
     Inc. and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.

Lewis J. Colby, Jr. and Mark Rossi

WITHHELD FOR: (To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write
that nominee's name in the space provided below.)




(2)  Approval of the Amendment to the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan
     increasing the shares thereunder by 490,000 shares.

(3)  Approval of the Amendment of the Company's Restated Certificate of
     Incorporation increasing the authorized number of shares of common stock,
     $.10 par value, to 40 million.

(5)  In their discretion, upon all matters as may properly come before the
     meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.




                                              ----------------------------------

                                              Please mark, sign, date and return
                                              the proxy card promptly using the
                                              enclosed envelope.

                                              ----------------------------------




Signature(s) ________________________________________ Dated ____________________
IMPORTANT: In signing this Proxy, please sign your name or names in the same way
as shown above. When signing as a fiduciary, please give your full title. If
shares are registered in the names of two or more persons, each should sign.



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