Notice of:
1994 ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT
GENERAL SIGNAL
<PAGE>
March 22, 1994
Dear Shareholder:
On behalf of the Board of Directors and management, I cordially invite you
to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Thursday, April
21, 1994 at 10:00 A.M. at the Corporation's headquarters, One High Ridge
Park, Stamford, Connecticut 06904.
The Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement accompany this letter and
provide an outline of the business to be conducted at the meeting. Also,
I will report on the progress of the Corporation during the past year and
answer shareholder questions.
It is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting.
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting in person, I urge you to
complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy and promptly return it in the
envelope provided. Your vote is important.
Sincerely,
<PAGE>
GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
April 21, 1994
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION (the
"Corporation") will be held at the Corporation's headquarters, One High
Ridge Park, Stamford, Connecticut 06904, on Thursday, April 21, 1994, at
10:00 A.M. for the following purposes:
1. To elect six directors;
2. To approve an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to
increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock of the
Corporation;
3. To approve the appointment of Ernst & Young to serve as the
Corporation's independent auditors for the year 1994; and
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 1994
will be entitled to vote at the meeting. A copy of the Corporation's
Annual Report to Shareholders for the year 1993 has been provided to each
shareholder of record.
By Order of the Board of Directors
EDGAR J. SMITH, JR.
Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary
March 22, 1994
It is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please complete and
return your proxy in the enclosed envelope as soon as possible.
<PAGE>
P R O X Y S T A T E M E N T
GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
One High Ridge Park
P.O. Box 10010
Stamford, CT 06904
VOTING PROCEDURES AND SECURITY OWNERSHIP
Voting of Proxies
Your proxy in the form enclosed is solicited by the Board of Directors of
the Corporation for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held
on April 21, 1994, and all valid proxies will be voted. Except to the
extent that contrary instructions are given by shareholders in the places
provided for this purpose in the proxy, it is the intention of the persons
named in the proxy to vote for the nominees for the Board of Directors,
for the approval of an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to
increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock of the
Corporation and for the approval of the appointment of Ernst & Young as
independent auditors. Proxies marked as abstaining (including proxies
containing broker non-votes) on any matter to be acted upon by
shareholders will be treated as present at the meeting for the purpose of
determining a quorum, but will not be counted as votes cast on such
matters. A proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its use. Such
revocation may be made in person at the Annual Meeting by a notice in
writing delivered to the Secretary or by a proxy bearing a later date.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 1994
will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. There were 47,442,958
shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on the record date
(excluding treasury shares), each of which is entitled to one vote on any
matter voted upon at the meeting. This Proxy Statement and the enclosed
form of proxy were first sent to shareholders on or about March 22, 1994.
The expense of proxy solicitation will be borne by the Corporation.
Depending upon the response to the initial solicitation by mail, proxies
may be solicited in person or by telephone or telegraph by officers or
regular employees of the Corporation. D.F. King & Co., Inc., 77 Water
Street, New York, New York 10005, has been retained by the Corporation to
assist in such solicitation at a total estimated cost of $11,000.
Confidential Voting
If a shareholder requests confidentiality on the proxy card or ballot, the
shareholder meeting proxies, ballots and voting tabulations that identify
the particular vote of the shareholder will be held permanently
confidential except as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements.
The tabulators and inspectors of election for the meeting are employees of
The Bank of New York and are, therefore, independent. The Corporation has
an agreement with the tabulators and inspectors of election requiring them
to comply with the Corporation's confidential voting policy.
<PAGE>
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Holders
The following table sets forth information based upon the Corporation's
records and Security and Exchange Commission filings with respect to each
person known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Common
Stock of the Corporation as of December 31, 1993.
Name and Address of Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership Percent of Class
J. P. Morgan & Co., Incorporated
60 Wall Street
New York, NY 10260 5,414,462 shares (1) 11.43%
College Retirement Equity Fund
730 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017-3206
2,751,000 shares (2) 5.81%
Notes:
(1) J. P. Morgan & Co., Incorporated has sole voting power with respect to
3,024,972 shares, shared voting power with respect to 3,400 shares, sole
dispositive power with respect to 5,382,019 shares and shared dispositive
power with respect to 32,443 shares.
(2) College Retirement Equity Fund has sole voting power and sole
dispositive power with respect to 2,751,000 shares.
2
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Security Ownership of Management
The following table shows the number of shares of Common Stock of the
Corporation and "stock units" with the value tied to the value of the
Common Stock beneficially owned as of February 22, 1994 (unless otherwise
noted) by each director, each executive officer named in the Summary
Compensation Table and by all directors and executive officers as a group.
All directors and executive officers as a group owned 1.89% of the
outstanding Common Stock on that date.
NAME SHARES STOCK
OWNED (1) UNITS
Ralph E. Bailey 5,175 --
Van C. Campbell 800 --
Edmund M. Carpenter 304,174 414(3)
Ronald E. Ferguson 2,390 4,302(3)
Joel S. Friedman 123,481(4) 171(3)
John P. Horgan 9,024(2) --
C. Robert Kidder 1,000 --
Richard J. Kogan 1,000 --
Peter A. Laing 120,007 164(3)
Stephen W. Nagy 111,127 472(3)
Nathan R. Owen 55,784(2) --
Roland W. Schmitt 839(2) --
John R. Selby 2,580(2) --
Edgar J. Smith, Jr. 47,162 302(3)
All directors and executive
officers as a group
(21 persons) 895,590(5),(6) 112,849
(footnotes on next page)
3
<PAGE>
(Footnotes for prior page)
Notes:
(1) The figures shown include the interest of executive officers of the
Corporation in an aggregate of 41,537 shares of Common Stock held by the
trustee under the Corporation's Savings and Stock Ownership Plan (the
"Savings Plan") as of December 31, 1993 and include the following shares
of Common Stock which the persons listed have the right to acquire as of
February 22, 1994 or within 60 days of that date through the exercise of
stock options: Edmund M. Carpenter (256,251); Joel S. Friedman (106,175);
Peter A. Laing (111,856); Stephen W. Nagy (110,000); Edgar J. Smith, Jr.
(31,662); and all directors and executive officers as a group (694,105).
(2) Messrs. Horgan, Owen, Schmitt and Selby have elected to defer all or
part of their cash compensation as directors and to receive in lieu
thereof restricted stock under the Corporation's 1992 Stock Incentive Plan
(see page 6 for a description of this Plan as it applies to non-employee
directors). The figures shown include the shares of restricted stock with
respect to which the holders have sole voting power, but no investment
power during the restricted period as follows: John P. Horgan, (1,024); Nathan
R. Owen (1,880); Roland W. Schmitt (439); and John R. Selby (1,980).
(3) For the executive officers, the "stock units" represent compensation
deferred and credited as "phantom stock units" under the Corporation's
Deferred Compensation Plan (see pages 22 and 23 for a description of this
Plan). For Ronald E. Ferguson, the "stock units" represent director fees
deferred to his share-denominated account under the Corporation's Deferred
Compensation Plan for Directors (see page 6 for a description of this
Plan). Under both Plans, the value of the "stock units" at the time of
distribution will be based on the market value of the Corporation's Common
Stock, but the deferred amounts will be paid in cash.
(4) Includes 5,200 shares owned by the wife of Joel S. Friedman with respect
to which he does not disclaim beneficial ownership.
(5) Includes 2,720 shares of restrictive stock held by three current
executive officers not named in the Summary Compensation Table with
respect to which the holders have sole voting power, but no investment
power during the restricted period.
(6) Includes 200 shares owned by the children of an executive officer not
named in the Summary Compensation Table with respect to which he does not
disclaim beneficial ownership.
4
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is divided into three classes with the directors in each
class serving for a term of three years. The term of office of one class of
directors expires each year in rotation so that one class is elected at each
Annual Meeting for a full three-year term. Directors elected by the Board to
fill a vacancy (including a vacancy created by an increase in the the number of
directors) may be elected only for a term expiring at the next Annual Meeting.
Regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors are currently held sev-
en times each year, and additional special meetings are called whenever neces-
sary. In 1993 there were seven meetings of the Board. The Board's current
policy is to consider dividend action in March, June, September and December.
The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee, an Employee Bene-
fits Committee, an Executive Committee, a Personnel and Compensation Commit-
tee and a Committee on Directors. Except for Edmund M. Carpenter, who serves
on the Executive Committee, the directors serving on these committees are non-
employee directors.
The members of the Audit Committee are John R. Selby (Chairman), Van C. Camp-
bell, C. Robert Kidder and Richard J. Kogan. This Committee discusses audit
and financial reporting matters with both management and the Corporation's
independent auditors. To ensure complete independence, the auditors meet with
the Audit Committee both with and without the presence of management represen-
tatives. The Audit Committee met three times in 1993.
The members of the Employee Benefits Committee are John P. Horgan (Chairman),
Van C. Campbell, C. Robert Kidder, Nathan R. Owen and Roland W. Schmitt. The
Employee Benefits Committee provides guidance to the Corporate Pension Board
as requested and reviews the actions of the Corporate Pension Board, which is
an internal committee having overall responsibility for benefits planning and
administration. The Employee Benefits Committee met four times in 1993.
The members of the Executive Committee are Nathan R. Owen (Chairman), Ralph E.
Bailey, Edmund M. Carpenter, Ronald E. Ferguson, John P. Horgan and John R.
Selby. The Executive Committee has the authority to exercise in the interim
periods between meetings of the Board of Directors all of the rights, powers
and duties of the Board of Directors, except those that cannot lawfully be
delegated. The Executive Committee did not meet in 1993.
The members of the Personnel and Compensation Committee are Ronald E.Ferguson
(Chairman), Ralph E. Bailey, John P. Horgan, Richard J. Kogan and John R.
Selby. The Personnel and Compensation Committee assists the Board of Direc-
tors in overseeing the compensation of the executive officers and, through
liaison with the Board, administers the executive compensation programs. The
Personnel and Compensation Committee met four times in 1993.
The members of the Committee on Directors are Ralph E. Bailey (Chairman),
Ronald E. Ferguson, and Roland W. Schmitt. The responsibilities of the Com-
mittee on Directors include making recommendations to the Board with regard
to Committee structure, compensation and benefits for directors, the qualifi-
cations of directors and candidates for election as directors. In addition,
the Committee on Directors is responsible for reviewing the performance and
succession of the Chief Executive Officer. The Committee on Directors recom-
mended that the Board nominate the six persons whose names and biographical
summaries appear on succeeding pages for election as directors. The Com-
mittee on Directors met two times in 1993.
5
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Any shareholder entitled to vote at a meeting may nominate persons for elec-
tion as directors if written notice of such intent is delivered or mailed,
postage prepaid, and received by the Secretary at the principal executive
offices of the Corporation not less than 45 days nor more than 60 days prior
to such meeting. In the event less than 55 days prior public disclosure of
the meeting date is made to shareholders, or if the only public disclosure of
the meeting date is made by written notice, a shareholder's notice must be re-
ceived no later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day
such notice of the meeting date was mailed or public disclosure was made. The
shareholder notice must include the following information about the proposed
nominee: (a) name, age, and business and residence addresses; (b) principal
occupation or employment;(c) class and number of shares or securities of the
Corporation beneficially owned; (d) any other information required to be dis-
closed in solicitations of proxies pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including the proposed nominee's written con-
sent to being named in the proxy and to serve if elected. The notice must also
include information on the shareholder making the nomination, such as name and
address as it appears on the Corporation's books and the class and number of
shares of the Corporation beneficially owned. The nomination of any person
not made in compliance with the foregoing procedures shall be disregarded.
Directors' Compensation
Employee directors receive no fees or compensation for services as members of
the Board of Directors. Directors who are not employees currently receive
fees consisting of an annual retainer of $20,000 for Board service and an an-
nual retainer of $3,000 for each Board Committee of which the director is
Chairman. In addition, each non-employee director receives an attendance fee
of $1,200 for each Board meeting attended, $1,000 for each Board Committee
meeting attended and reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection with
such meetings.
Under the Corporation's 1992 Stock Incentive Plan, each non-employee director
may elect to defer all or part of his cash compensation as a director and to
receive in lieu thereof restricted stock subject to a five-year restriction
period. In consideration for forgoing cash compensation, the value of the re-
stricted shares is 10% greater than the amount of the director's cash compen-
sation elected to be deferred. Four directors elected to defer compensation
for 1993 under this Plan.
The Corporation has a Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors which permits
the deferral, at the election of the director, of all or part of the compensa-
tion he receives for his services as a director. Compensation so deferred
may be denominated in dollar amounts or in units based on the value of shares
of Common Stock of the Corporation. Share-denominated accounts are credited
with dividends when paid, and dollar amounts bear interest based on the annual
yield for long-term U.S. government bonds. Deferred amounts become payable in
cash in a lump sum in an amount equal to the value of the cash or units then
credited to the director's account or in installments over such period and
commencing at such time as the director may elect. One director elected to
defer compensation for 1993 under this Plan.
The Corporation has a retirement plan for non-employee directors who retire
from the Board with one or more years of service as a non-employee director.
The annual benefits payable to a director for his lifetime on and after reach-
ing age 65 are equal to 10% of the annual Board retainer (exclusive of any
committee compensation) in effect at the time of such director's retirement
for each year of service as a non-employee director, to a maximum of 100%.
6
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The Corporation pays the premiums on indemnity and liability insurance,
fiduciary insurance and business travel accident insurance policies which
provide coverage for the directors.
The directors are eligible to participate in the Corporation's Matching
Gifts to Education Program. Under this program, a minimum of $25 up to a
maximum of $5,000 per eligible institution is matched. The maximum
permissible annual participation per director is $5,000.
The Corporation has a Director's Charitable Award Program funded by life
insurance policies on directors as part of its overall program of
charitable giving. Beginning at the death of a director, the Corporation
will donate $100,000 per year for ten years to the educational
institutions recommended by the director. To be eligible to receive a
donation, a recommended institution must be eligible to receive matching
gifts under the Corporation's Matching Gifts to Education Program. During
1993, the Corporation paid $358,825 in premiums for these policies. A
director may not personally benefit from any recommended donation or use a
donation in satisfaction of any currently outstanding or future pledge or
obligation of the director to the recommended institution. All directors
are eligible to participate in the program.
The Corporation has a consulting agreement with Nathan R. Owen, who
retired from the Corporation at normal retirement age on June 1, 1984,
providing for a consulting fee of $50,000 per year for the original
seven-year term of the agreement. This agreement was renewed for the
period June 1, 1993 through May 31, 1994.
PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the meeting, six directors are to be elected. Three directors will be
elected to hold office until the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, two
directors will be elected to hold office until the 1996 Annual Meeting,
and one director will be elected to hold office until the 1995 Annual
Meeting. All of the nominees are currently directors. There is no
cumulative voting, and directors will be elected by a plurality of the
votes cast at the Annual Meeting either in person or by proxy. The
remaining directors of the Corporation will continue to serve in
accordance with their previous election.
Unless authority is withheld by the shareholders, it is the intention of
the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote for the nominees listed
and, in the event any nominees are unable or decline to serve, to
vote for the balance of the nominees and for substitutes selected by the
Board of Directors. The name, principal occupation and other information
concerning each director are set forth on pages 8, 9 and 10.
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the nominees.
7
<PAGE>
NOMINEES FOR WHOM PROXIES
WILL BE VOTED
Nominees for Directors for
Terms to Expire in 1997
(photo) RONALD E. FERGUSON
Director Since: 1986
Age: 52
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 1987 and President of General
Re Corporation since 1983; and previously held various other management
positions since joining General Re Corporation/General Reinsurance
Corporation in 1969. Also a director of Colgate-Palmolive Company.
(photo) C. ROBERT KIDDER
Director Since: 1992
Age: 49
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Duracell
International, Inc. since April 1992; Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer of Duracell International, Inc. from August
1991 until April 1992; President and Chief Executive Officer of Duracell
International, Inc. from June 1988 until August 1991; and President,
Duracell Inc., a subsidiary of Kraft Inc., from 1984 to June 1988. Also a
director of Dean Witter, Discover & Co.
(photo) JOHN R. SELBY
Director Since: 1986
Age: 64
Former Chairman from 1986 to November 1993 and Chief Executive Officer
from 1971 to November 1993 of SPS Technologies, Inc. Previously President
and Chief Executive Officer of SPS Technologies, Inc. from 1971 to 1986;
President of U.S. Motors Division of Emerson Electric Company from 1969
to 1971; Vice President Manufacturing of Emerson Electric Company from
1968 to 1969; and Vice President European Operations of The Trane Company
from 1966 to 1968. Also a director of Berwind Industries, Inc.
8
<PAGE>
Nominees for Directors for
Terms to Expire in 1996
(photo) RALPH E. BAILEY
Director Since: 1982
Age: 70
Chairman of United Meridian Corporation, a publicly traded company engaged
in making equity investments in the oil and gas industry, as well as
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Bailey Corporation, a
private holding company, since April 1987. Former Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Conoco Inc. from 1979 to March 1987 and Vice Chairman
of E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company from 1981 to March 1987. Also a
director of The Williams Companies, Inc.
(photo) ROLAND W. SCHMITT
Director Since: 1987
Age: 70
President Emeritus since July 1993 and President of Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute from March 1988 to July 1993. Previously Senior Vice
President-Science and Technology of General Electric Company from 1986 to
February 1988, Senior Vice President for Corporate Research and
Development from 1982 to 1986, Vice President for Corporate Research and
Development from 1978 to 1982 and previously held various other management
positions since joining General Electric Company in 1951. Also a member
and former Chairman of the National Science Board and former Councillor of
the National Academy of Engineering.
Nominee for Director for
Term to Expire in 1995
(photo) NATHAN R. OWEN
Director Since: 1960
Age: 74
Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Corporation since 1980.
Previously Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation from
1962 to April 1984.
9
<PAGE>
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS OF OFFICE
DO NOT EXPIRE AT THIS MEETING
Continuing Director Whose
Term Expires in 1996
(photo) JOHN P. HORGAN
Director Since: 1971
Age: 70
Private investor since 1971. Previously a General Partner of J. H. Whitney
& Co., a private investment company, and also served as a director of the
Corporation from 1960 to 1967. Also a director of DTX Corporation.
Continuing Directors Whose
Terms Expire in 1995
(photo) VAN C. CAMPBELL
Director Since: 1992
Age: 55
Vice Chairman for Finance and Administration since 1983 and a director of
Corning Incorporated. Previously Senior Vice President and General
Manager-Consumer Products Division from 1981 to 1983, Senior Vice
President-Finance from 1980 to 1981, Vice President-Finance from 1975 to
1980, Vice President-Treasurer from 1972 to 1975 and previously held
various management positions since joining Corning Incorporated in 1965.
Also a director of Armstrong World Industries, Inc., Corning International
Corporation and Dow Corning Corporation.
(photo) EDMUND M. CARPENTER
Director Since: 1988
Age: 52
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation since May 1988.
Previously Director, President and Chief Operating Officer of ITT
Corporation from 1985 to 1988 and Executive Vice President of ITT
Corporation from 1983 to 1985. Also a director of Campbell Soup Company,
Dana Corporation, Electroglas, Inc. and Texaco Inc.
(photo) RICHARD J. KOGAN
Director Since: 1992
Age: 52
President and Chief Operating Officer since January 1986 and a director of
Schering-Plough Corporation. Previously Executive Vice President
(Pharmaceutical Operations) from 1982 to 1986. Also a director of
National Westminster Bancorp, Inc.
10
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 2 - AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE
THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
On February 3, 1994, the Board of Directors approved, subject to
shareholder approval, an amendment to the Corporation's Certificate of
Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock
from the present 75,000,000 to 150,000,000.
Of the 75,000,000 shares of Common Stock presently authorized, as of March
10, 1994, there were 47,442,958 shares issued and outstanding (excluding
16,059,226 treasury shares), and 3,328,680 shares reserved for issuance
upon the exercise or grant of stock options or restricted stock under the
Corporation's stock plans.
The Board of Directors believes that the number of shares of Common Stock
available for issuance is insufficient for possible future transactions,
such as for the Rights Agreement, acquisitions, stock dividends or splits,
stock sales or other financing arrangements.
The proposed amendment, if adopted, would make an additional 75,000,000
shares of Common Stock available for issuance from time to time without
further shareholder approval, unless such approval is required by law or
by rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange or the Pacific
Stock Exchange. There are no present plans, agreements, commitments or
understandings with regard to the issuance of such proposed additional
shares. Shareholders do not have and, if the proposed amendment to the
Certificate of Incorporation is approved, will not have preemptive rights
to purchase any of such additional shares.
If the amendment is approved, the first paragraph of Article 3 to the Corpor-
ation's Certificate of Incorporation will be modified to read as follows:
3. Capital. The total number of shares that may be issued by the Corporation
is 160,000,000 of which 10,000,000 shares,of the par value of $1.00 per share,
shall be preferred ("Preferred Stock") and 150,000,000 shares, of the par
value of $1.00 per share, shall be common ("Common Stock").
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the foregoing
proposal. A favorable vote of a majority of all the outstanding shares of
the Corporation entitled to vote is required for approval.
PROPOSAL 3 - AUTHORIZATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors recommends that Ernst & Young be appointed as
independent auditors for 1994. Submission of the selection to shareholders
is not required. The Board of Directors will reconsider the selection if
it is not approved by the shareholders.
Ernst & Young served as the Corporation's independent auditors in 1993. It
is expected that representatives of Ernst & Young will be present at the
Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to
do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
During 1993, Ernst & Young performed various professional services in
connection with its audit of the financial statements of the Corporation
and its consolidated subsidiaries, including assistance and
11
<PAGE>
consultation in connection with filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, audits of certain employee benefits plan financial statements,
attendance at Audit Committee meetings and consultation in connection with
various business, accounting and tax matters.
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the approval of
the proposal to authorize the Board of Directors to appoint Ernst & Young to
serve as independent auditors for 1994.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following disclosure and discussion of executive compensation is intended
to provide shareholders with an understanding of the Corporation's executive
compensation program and actions affecting the compensation of the Chairman
and Chief Executive Officers. Included are:
(a) the Summary Compensation Table;
(b) Option Grants Table;
(c) the Option Exercises and Year-End Value Table;
(d) the Pension Plan Table;
(e) the Performance Graph on Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total
Return among General Signal Corporation, S&P 500 Index and the S&P
Cap Goods Index; and
(f) the Report of the Personnel and Compensation Committee on Executive
Compensation.
12
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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table shows compensation information for each of the
Corporation's five highest paid executive officers for services in all
capacities during 1993, 1992 and 1991.
<TABLE>
Annual Compensation Long Term Compensation
<CAPTION> Awards Payouts
Name and Principal
Position Year Salary Bonus Total (Salary Other Re- Option Long All
($) ($)(1) & Bonus)($) Annual stricted Grants Term Other
Com- Stock (#)(3) Incen- Com
pensa- Awards tive pensa
tion ($)(2) Plan tion
($) Payouts ($)(5)
($)(4)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edmund M.Carpenter
Chairman of the 1993 $733,654 $450,000 $1,183,654 --- --- 87,500 --- $17,511
Board and Chief 17,500
Executive Officer 1992 $725,577 $420,000 $1,145,577 --- --- --- --- $ 9,154
1991 $650,000 $312,200 $ 962,200 --- --- 300,000 $187,800 $ 7,845
Joel S. Friedman
Senior Vice 1993 $305,154 $181,000 $ 486,154 --- --- 27,500 --- $12,772
President- 1992 $300,481 $182,000 $ 482,481 --- --- --- --- $9,154
Operations 1991 $265,000 $122,000 $ 387,000 --- --- 120,000 $67,000 $7,845
Peter A. Laing
Senior Vice 1993 $291,769 $173,000 $ 464,769 --- --- 27,500 --- $12,628
President- 1992 $300,481 $182,000 $ 482,481 --- --- --- --- $ 9,154
Operations 1991 $265,000 $122,000 $ 387,000 --- --- 120,000 $67,000 $ 7,845
Stephen W. Nagy
Senior Vice 1993 $281,365 $167,000 $ 448,365 --- --- 27,500 --- $12,503
President-Finance 1992 $279,981 $170,000 $ 449,981 --- --- --- --- $9,154
and Chief 1991 $252,173 $116,000 $ 368,173 --- --- 120,000 $67,000 $7,845
Financial Officer
Edgar J. Smith, Jr.
Vice President, 1993 $188,569 $ 84,000 $ 272,569 --- --- 6,750 --- $10,903
General Counsel 1992 $186,335 $ 84,000 $ 270,335 --- --- --- --- $9,154
and Secretary 1991 $169,808 $ 58,500 $ 228,308 --- --- 40,000 $26,300 $7,845
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Notes:
(1)The bonus represents the amounts paid under the Corporation's Incentive
Compensation Plan for services rendered during the specified calendar
year. Such payments were made in the first quarter of the calendar year
following the year in which the compensation was earned, i.e., the amount
reported for 1993 reflects the amount earned for 1993 but paid in 1994.
(2)During 1993, 1992 and 1991, an aggregate of 29,170 shares of restricted
stock was awarded to certain employees, including three current executive
officers not named in the Summary Compensation Table. The shares covered
by the restricted stock awards vest at a rate of 20% per year over a
five-year period. During the restricted period, the holders of restricted
stock have the right to vote the shares and to receive any cash dividends.
At December 31, 1993, an aggregate of 2,720 shares of restricted stock was
held by three current executive officers not named in the Summary
Compensation Table with an aggregate value of $79,063. The figures in
this footnote reflect the two-for-one stock split on July 7, 1993.
(3)Of the stock options granted in 1991, only one-third of the shares
subject to the options is exercisable at a price equal to 100% of the fair
market value on the date of grant. The remaining two-thirds of the
options are exercisable at a premium (generally 15% above market value on
the date of grant for the second one-third of the shares and generally 35%
above market value on the date of grant for the remaining shares). These
options
(Footnotes continued on following page)
13
<PAGE>
(Footnotes continued from preceding page)
are generally subject to a five-year vesting schedule. The figures for
the 1991 stock option grant reflect the two-for-one stock split on July
7, 1993.
Only one option was granted in 1992 to an executive officer not named in
the Summary Compensation Table.
The new stock options granted in 1993 are all exercisable at a price equal
to 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant. These options are
subject to a four-year vesting schedule. For further information
regarding the replacement option for Edmund M. Carpenter, see footnote (3) on
page 15.
The Corporation has never repriced stock options.
The stock option agreements for the executive officers and certain other
corporate employees generally provide that immediately preceding a Change
in Control, the stock options will be cancelled and the optionee will be
paid cash equal to the difference between the option price and the Change
in Control price. Payment for vested options would be made on the date of
the Change in Control. Payment for unvested options would be made on the
vesting schedule dates under the option agreements; provided, however,
that any unvested options would be paid out in full upon Involuntary
Termination, as defined in the agreements.
(4)These payouts represent the amounts paid under the Corporation's Long
Term Incentive Plan for the three-year award period. Such payments were
made in the first quarter of the calendar year following the last year of
the award period in which the compensation was earned, i.e., the amount
reported for 1991 reflects the amount earned for the 1989-1991 award
period but paid in 1992.
(5)This represents the Corporation's matching contributions under (a) the
Savings Plan which are invested in Common Stock of the Corporation or (b)
the Corporation's Deferred Compensation Plan which are invested in
"phantom stock units" (see pages 22 and 23 for a description of this
Plan). Under the Savings Plan, eligible employees may save between 3% and
17% of their pay on a combined before- and after-tax basis subject to
varying limitations on contributions to ensure compliance with the
Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). Eligible employees must elect to
contribute a minimum of 3% of pay to participate. The Corporation
contributes an amount equal to 3% of the pay of each employee who is
actively participating in the Savings Plan after completing one year of
service. The 3% contribution rate for the Corporation's contributions is
increased to 4% if employee before-tax contributions of at least 3% of pay
are invested in the fund primarily invested in shares of Common Stock of
the Corporation.
14
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS TABLE
The following table shows the individual grants of options that were made
in 1993 to each of the executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table and the potential value at stock price appreciation
rates of 0%, 5% and 10%, over the term of the options. The potential
value of all outstanding shares of Common Stock held by the Corporation's
shareholders as of December 31, 1993 at the same appreciation rates is
also shown. The 5% and 10% rates of appreciation are required to be
disclosed by the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not intended
to forecast possible future actual appreciation, if any, in the
Corporation's stock prices. The actual value of the stock options to the
executive officers will depend on the future price of the Corporation's
Common Stock. The stock options will have no value to the executive
officers if the price of the Corporation's Common Stock does not increase
above the exercise price of the option.
<TABLE>
Individual Grants Potential Realizable Value
at Assumed Annual Rates
of Stock Price Apprecia-
tion for Option Term
<CAPTION>
Name Number of %of Total Exercise or Expira- 0%($) 5%($) 10%($)
Securities Options Base Price tion
Underlying Granted to ($/Sh) Date
Options Employees
Granted in 1993
(#)(1)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edmund M
Carpenter 87,500(2) 32.4% $32.25 9/14/03 $0 $1,774,662 $4,497,342
17,500(3) 6.4% $34.88 2/21/01 $0 $ 262,169 $ 616,373
Joel S.
Friedman 27,500(2) 10.2% $32.25 9/14/03 $0 $ 557,751 $1,413,450
Peter A.
Laing 27,500(2) 10.2% $32.25 9/14/03 $0 $ 557,751 $1,413,450
Stephen W.
Nagy 27,500(2) 10.2% $32.25 9/14/03 $0 $ 557,751 $1,413,450
Edgar J.
Smith, Jr. 6,750(2) 2.5% $32.25 9/14/03 $0 $ 136,902 $ 346,938
All
Shareholders N/A N/A N/A N/A $0 $945,037,059$2,394,909,453
(4) (4)
</TABLE>
__________
<PAGE>
Notes:
(1)Options are exercisable at prices equal to 100% of the fair market
value on the date of grant.
(2)Options may be exercised during a period that begins one year after the
date of grant and ends ten years after the date of grant and are subject
to a four-year vesting schedule.
(3)This represents a replacement ("reload") option which is an option
granted when an optionee exercises a stock option by surrendering shares
of Common Stock which the optionee already owns in payment of the exercise
price. The replacement option covers the number of shares surrendered in
the option exercise (including shares for applicable taxes) and has an
exercise price equal to the market price on the date of exercise of the
original option. The expiration date of the replacement option is the
same as the expiration date of the option that was exercised. The
replacement option becomes exercisable one year from the date the original
option was exercised; provided, however, that the replacement option will
be forfeited if the shares acquired on the exercise of the original option
are sold for cash prior to holding them for at least one year.
(4)These amounts represent the growth in total shareholder value for a
ten-year period at 5% and 10% annually, using a base price of $32.25 and
47,342,753 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of December 31, 1993
(excluding treasury shares). The percentage relationship of the potential
realizable value for all the executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table to that of all shareholders is .004%.
15
<PAGE>
OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END VALUE TABLE
The following table summarizes 1993 information relating to exercised and
unexercised options for each executive officer named in the Summary
Compensation Table.
<TABLE>
Aggregated Option Number of Securities Value of Un-
Exercises in 1993 Underlying Unex- exercised In-the-
ercised Options Held Money Options at Decem-
at December 31, 1993 ber 31, 1993 ($) based
on $34.375 closing per
share stock price (1)
<CAPTION>
Name Shares Value Exercisable Unexer- Exercisable Unexer-
Acquired Realized (#) cisable ($) cisable
on Exercise ($)(1) (#) ($)
(#)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edmund M.
Carpenter 22,787 $275,401 218,359 285,000 $2,203,235 $1,154,513
Joel S.
Friedman 8,400 $76,950 94,380 99,500 $983,563 $449,438
Peter A.
Laing 11,600 $120,130 91,456 99,500 $940,643 $449,438
Stephen W.
Nagy --- --- 86,000 99,500 $825,930 $449,438
Edgar J.
Smith, Jr. 6,000 $77,370 34,308 30,750 $357,329 $144,674
</TABLE>
Note:
(1)Market value of shares of Common Stock at exercise or at December 31,
1993 minus the exercise price.
16
<PAGE>
PENSION PLAN TABLE
The following table shows the estimated annual retirement benefits payable
based on the formula under the Corporate Retirement Plan of General Signal
Corporation (the "Corporate Retirement Plan") and the Benefit Equalization
Plan. This table assumes the normal retirement age of 65 for specified
earnings and years of service, and that the employee will elect a
straight-life annuity rather than one of the various survivor options.
The annual retirement benefits payable under any alternative survivor
option will be lower than the amounts shown in the table.
As permitted by the Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, to the extent that benefits must be reduced under the Corporate
Retirement Plan due to limitations prescribed under Sections 401(a)(17)and
415 of the Code, the Corporation is authorized to pay retirement benefits
out of the general funds of the Corporation under a non-qualified Benefit
Equalization Plan. Benefits are calculated to equal the reduction.
Amounts shown are the benefits based on the current Covered Compensation
amount of $22,800 applicable to 1993. Earnings covered by the Corporate
Retirement Plan and the Benefit Equalization Plan for the executive
officers named in the Summary Compensation Table substantially correspond
with the total (salary and bonus) column shown in the Summary Compensation
Table. Benefits for eligible employees are computed under a formula
integrated with Social Security based upon years of service and average
earnings during the five consecutive years of highest earnings during the
employee's service with the Corporation.
ESTIMATED ANNUAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Average Total Projected Years of Service
Annual
Earnings 10 15 20 25 30 35
$ 200,000 28,860 45,790 62,720 79,650 96,580 111,580
400,000 58,860 93,290 127,720 162,150 196,580 226,580
600,000 88,860 140,790 192,720 244,650 296,580 341,580
800,000 118,860 188,290 257,720 327,150 396,580 456,580
1,000,000 148,860 235,790 322,720 409,650 496,580 571,580
1,200,000 178,860 283,290 387,720 492,150 596,580 686,580
1,400,000 208,860 330,790 452,720 574,650 696,580 801,580
1,600,000 238,860 378,290 517,720 657,150 769,580 916,580
<PAGE>
Note:
(1)As of December 31, 1993, the years of credited service for the
executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table were as
follows: 12.7 years for Edmund M. Carpenter; 21.1 years for Joel S.
Friedman; 18.3 years for Peter A. Laing; 11.3 years for Stephen W. Nagy;
and 33.9 years for Edgar J. Smith, Jr. The foregoing years of credited
service include seven additional years of service recognized under
employment agreements with Edmund M. Carpenter and Stephen W. Nagy, and,
in the case of Edmund M. Carpenter, pension benefits from his previous
employer will be an offset against the pension benefits payable to him by
the Corporation.
The Corporation has a Change in Control Severance Pay Plan for executive
officers providing for a lump sum payment equal to thirty-six months of
compensation in the event of Involuntary Termination within two years
after a Change in Control as such terms are defined in the Plan. In
addition, the executive officers will continue to receive all benefits
applicable to active salaried employees for a period of thirty-six months
following Involuntary Termination. This Plan also covers certain other
key employees but at different levels of benefits than the foregoing.
17
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH ON COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN AMONG
GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION, THE S&P 500 INDEX AND
THE S&P CAP GOODS INDEX
The following graph sets forth a five-year comparison of total cumulative
return for the Common Stock of the Corporation, the S&P 500 Index and the
S&P Cap Goods Index. It assumes $100 invested on December 31, 1988 in the
Common Stock of the Corporation, the S&P 500 and the S&P Cap Goods Index.
Total return assumes the reinvestment of dividends quarterly and a fiscal
year ending December 31.
(This graph was forwarded to the SEC in triplicate under Form SE on 3/18/94)
18
<PAGE>
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ON
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Introduction
The Personnel and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Com-
mittee") assists the Board of Directors in overseeing the compensation of the
executive officers and administers the executive compensation programs.The
Committee is composed of five independent, non-employee directors. The Com-
mittee reviews the compensation of the executive officers and makes recommen-
dations to the Board of Directors with respect to the compensation of the
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the executive officers reporting to
him. The Committee meets in executive session to evaluate the performance of
such individuals and reports on that evaluation to the independent directors
of the Board. In addition, the Committee has available to it, and does em-
ploy, the services of an independent consultant on compensation and benefit
matters.
The Corporation's compensation philosophy is based on the belief that compen-
sation of its executive officers and key employees should be linked with
business strategy and operating performance. The total compensation program
is designed to attract, retain and reward employees and to provide an appro-
priate linkage between executive compensation and the creation of shareholder
value. To achieve this linkage, executive salaries and incentive bonuses are
paid on the basis of the Corporation's performance.
In addition, the grant of stock options (some of which are both "front-
loaded" and "premium-priced" for senior executives) and restricted stock
awards provide an important incentive in building shareholders' wealth and
aligning the interest of employees and shareholders. A "front-loaded" stock
option is a grant for a higher number of shares with a longer vesting period
than a normal grant but with the anticipation of no additional options to be
granted for a period of time. A "premium-priced" option is an option that is
granted at an exercise price higher than the market price at the time of the
grant.
In total, the combination of these elements of compensation provides
motivation for achieving short-term results, as well as building and
enhancing the long-term interests of the Corporation and its shareholders.
Independent Compensation Consultant Review
The Committee periodically uses the services of an independent compensation
consultant to evaluate Mr. Carpenter's total compensation package and to
measure competitive status of the Corporation's compensation programs.
In June 1992, the Committee's consultant was reengaged to update compensation
analyses which the consultant had previously performed in 1990. The 1992
report analyzed the 1991 total compensation packages of Mr. Carpenter and the
next four highest-paid executive officers and compared them with twenty-two
peer companies as reported in their proxy statements.
The twenty-two companies used for comparison represented organizations that,
individually and collectively, participated in the spectrum of industries in
which the Corporation was involved at the time of the independent compensation
consultant's 1990 and 1992 studies. The specific group was comprised of manu-
facturing companies which were of similar size,structure, product offerings
or location and 19<PAGE>
were participants in national compensation databases that would permit compen-
sation comparisons on an ongoing basis. The individual companies were chosen
by the independent consultant after consultation with the Corporation's manage-
ment and members of the Committee. Fifteen of the twenty-two individual com-
parator companies were among those included in the S&P's Cap Goods Index.
The final selection of the twenty-two companies was made by the independent
consultant.The consultant's findings, with which the Committee and Board con-
curred, were that the Corporation's compensation package and processes were
competitive and appropriate. Based on this review, base salary recommendations
for 1993 were developed.
Base Salary
The Committee annually establishes base salaries for the Corporation's senior
executives by review of recommendations submitted by the Chief Executive Of-
ficer and the Corporation's senior Human Resources executive. The Committee
approves or modifies, as it deems appropriate, the base salary plan developed
by the Human Resources staff. This plan is based on industry, peer group, and
national compensation surveys.
The Corporation maintains access to several national compensation databases
that are gathered, updated, and published annually by well known compensation
consulting firms. Most of the 102-company S&P Cap Goods Index, selected by the
Corporation as an index utilized to illustrate the comparisons in the five-year
cumulative total return performance graph shown on page 18, are included in one
or more of these national databases.
With the primary objective of creating and maintaining a compensation program
that attracts, retains and motivates the best executive talent available, the
Committee considers several sets of factors when determining base salaries for
the Corporation's senior executives. It first reviews the data provided from
the surveys to determine the general midrange of salaries for positions of
similar responsibility in companies of like size, structure, product offerings
or location. From this basis the Committee considers the perceived quality of
the individual's performance as well as the complexity of the position's indi-
vidual responsibilities and accountabilities.
The attainment of the specific goal of planned earnings-per-share is the fac-
tor most heavily weighed in the cases of the Chief Executive Officer and his
executive staff. The Committee also weighs the value of achievement of sub-
jective factors such as demonstrated management ability, initiative, and con-
tributions towards the Corporation's goal of leadership within the industries
in which it competes.
The Committee also weighs, when appropriate, the value of the individual's ac-
tions during times when progress towards predetermined goals was hindered by
elements outside the Corporation's and the executive's control. Such times in-
clude economic downturns and other national or global phenomena that adversely
affected not only the Corporation's performance but industry overall. The
Committee recognizes that the operational challenges faced during unforeseen
times or events such as these are often valid reasons to modify what may other-
wise be a negative result to the base salary decision.
Finally, the Committee considers the individual executive's impact on those el-
ements that contribute to increased shareholder value. The Committee's dis-
cretion ultimately determines the weighing of these various factors in its
final determination of base salary development or adjustment.
20<PAGE>
Incentive Compensation Plan
Under the Incentive Compensation Plan, key employees of the Corporation
annually may be awarded bonuses determined by the Committee. Executive
officers, unit presidents and virtually all senior staff managers
throughout the Corporation are eligible for participation in the Incentive
Compensation Plan.
The purpose of the Incentive Compensation Plan is to recognize employees
of the Corporation and its business units in significant positions who
contribute materially to the success of the business by their ability,
ingenuity and industry, and to reward such contributions. The Committee
reviews the administration of the overall Incentive Compensation Plan,
recommends to the Board of Directors the annual recommendations for
executive officers, and determines the appropriate reward to be
recommended to the Board of Directors for the Chairman.
Business unit performance is measured against goals for operating income,
return on capital and cash flow, while corporate performance is measured
against earnings per share goals. At the beginning of each year the
Committee approves corporate goals that provide the basis for the payment
of awards. Utilizing information from industry, peer group and national
compensation surveys, each participant has a competitive "target"
percentage of total salary paid based on the individual's salary grade
level. At the end of the operating year, the Committee reviews the
Corporation's performance against the goals. "Target" awards for
individuals are adjusted up or down to reflect the actual results of the
Corporation or business unit and are further dependent upon the
individual's contribution during the year.
In 1993 most of the Corporation's continuing operating units achieved or
exceeded individual measurement goals. Some units received no award based
on their failure to attain their goals. Overall, the Corporation
essentially achieved its earnings-per-share goal from operations, and
awards for corporate executives were formulated on that basis. The
Incentive Compensation Plan is among the strongest linkages between
individual performance and shareholder value over the short term.
Stock Option/Restricted Stock
The Committee decided in 1991 to emphasize the grant of stock options to
Mr. Carpenter and the other executive officers as a long term incentive
program in place of the cash incentive units. Therefore, the Corporation
discontinued the cash awards under the Long Term Incentive Plan in 1991,
and the period of 1989-1991 was the last award period under the Long Term
Incentive Plan for which cash payments were made.
The new program is intended to create long-term incentives to increase
shareholder value. To increase equity and shareholder focus, the 1991
stock option grant was larger than a normal grant (i.e., front-loaded)
with generally a five-year vesting schedule. The 1991 stock option grant
replaced three years' worth of normal annual stock option grants (1990,
1991 and 1992) and the cash incentive units that would have been awarded
under the Long Term Incentive Plan for the 1990-1992 award period.
Under the 1991 stock option grant to Mr. Carpenter, as well as the stock
option grants to the other executive officers, only one-third of the
shares subject to the option is exercisable at a price equal to 100% of
the fair market value on the date of grant. The remaining two-thirds of
the options are exercisable at a premium (generally 15% above market value
on the date of grant for the second one-
21<PAGE>
third of the shares and generally 35% above market value on the date of grant
for the remaining shares). These options are generally subject to a five-year
vesting schedule.
As noted in the next section, the Committee also granted stock options in 1993
as part of the stock ownership guidelines for executives established by the
Committee in 1993.
During 1993, 1992 and 1991, an aggregate of 29,170 shares of restricted stock
was awarded to certain employees, including three current executive officers
not named in the Summary Compensation Table (see footnote 2 to the Summary Com-
pensation Table on page 13).
Stock Ownership Guidelines
In 1993, the Committee, based upon management recommendations and in consulta-
tion with an independent compensation consultant, considered and acted upon
several matters relating to stock ownership guidelines for executive officers
and Unit Presidents.
The Committee established ownership guideline levels of General Signal stock
for executive officers and Unit Presidents. The guidelines are calculated by
reference to the value of the Corporation's shares as a multiple of base sal-
ary: four times for the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, three times for
the Senior Vice Presidents, two times for Vice Presidents and one time for
Unit Presidents. Individuals are expected to have progressed at least halfway
toward the goal within three years, and if the target is not reached in five
years, incentive compensation bonuses will be paid in restricted stock until
the ownership level is achieved. The shares held by an individual in the Cor-
poration's Savings Plan, in "phantom stock units" under the new Deferred Com-
pensation Plan discussed below, or outright, will be included. However, un-
exercised stock options will not be included in meeting the ownership goal.
The Committee approved a single year stock option grant to executive officers
and Unit Presidents in 1993. The level of grants to executives was determined
in a manner similar to the method used for development of base salary. Com-
petitive data from industry, peer group and national surveys of long term in-
centive plans were examined and implemented at the midrange of positions of
similar responsibility in companies of like size, structure, product offerings
or location.
In addition, the Committee approved the implementation of a replacement
("reload") provision for unexercised stock options to encourage the early ex-
ercise and holding of stock option shares by executives subject to the owner-
ship guidelines. Under this feature, a replacement option is granted when an
optionee exercises a stock option by surrendering shares of Common Stock which
the optionee already owns in payment of the exercise price. The replacement
option covers the number of shares surrendered in the option exercise (includ-
ing shares for applicable taxes) and has an exercise price equal to the market
price on the date of exercise. The expiration date of the replacement option
is the same as the expiration date of the option that was exercised. The re-
placement option becomes exercisable one year from the date the original option
was exercised; provided, however, that the replacement option will be forfeited
if the shares acquired on the exercise of the original option are sold for cash
prior to holding them for at least one year.
The Deferred Compensation Plan was also established in 1993. It offers the
choice for executives subject to the ownership guidelines to defer certain com-
pensation on a pre-tax basis to make up benefits (including matching contribu-
tions) lost due to restrictions on the Savings Plan imposed by the Code. The
matching contributions will be forfeited in the event the employee leaves the
employ of the Corporation for any reason, other than death or disability, prior
to one year from the date such 22<PAGE>
matching contributions are allocated to the employee's account. The
compensation deferred will be credited in "phantom stock units" of the
Corporation based on the value of shares of Common Stock of the
Corporation, except at age 62 a participant may convert all or part of the
"phantom stock units" in this portion of the Plan into a Fixed Income
Balance (which is the investment equivalent of an investment in the Fixed
Income Fund under the Savings Plan).
The Deferred Compensation Plan also permits the deferral of all or part of
the incentive compensation bonuses into "phantom stock units" with the
Corporation contributing an amount equal to 10% of the deferral, also in
"phantom stock units", which deferral and 10% contribution will be
forfeited in the event the employee leaves the employ of the Corporation
for any reason, other than death or disability, prior to one year from the
date of the deferral. The value of the "phantom stock units" at the time
of distribution is payable in cash. The "phantom stock units" under both
portions of this Plan are subject to certain restrictions and count toward
the ownership guidelines.
The Committee believes that the various stock incentive programs
implemented (including the front-loaded options granted in 1991) as
vehicles for achieving meaningful executive stock ownership requirements
provide a primary means of relating the interests of executives to the
interests of shareholders. This results in substantial personal
investment tied to the performance of the Corporation's shares so that the
linkage of executives to shareholders is significant.
Corporate Performance and CEO Compensation
Edmund M. Carpenter's salary was $733,654 and his incentive compensation
bonus was $450,000 for a total of $1,183,654 for 1993. As indicated in the
prior discussion of base salaries, Mr. Carpenter's base salary was determined
on the basis of individual performance and is a reflection of the substantial
progress made during his tenure in the repositioning of the Corporation. The
determination of his 1993 incentive compensation bonus was based on the level
of achievement of the earnings-per-share goal from operations and the
progress in carrying out the Corporation's objectives and strategies.
The Corporation's net income for 1993 was impacted by the divestiture of
the semiconductor equipment operations as well as the impact of the
increase in the number of shares outstanding, the effects of the
Corporation recording a number of one-time items in the fourth quarter,
the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 112,
"Employer's Accounting for Post-Employment Benefits" in the fourth
quarter effective as of January 1, 1993 and the results which were
achieved in less than favorable economic conditions. The salary and
incentive compensation levels of the other executive officers were
determined on the same principles.
With respect to the compensation expected to be paid to Mr. Carpenter in
1994, the Corporation does not expect to be subject to the loss of any deduc-
tion due to the $1 million deduction limit under the Code for compensation
paid during 1994.
Committee Conclusion
The Committee believes that the caliber and motivation of the Corporation's
employees and the quality of their leadership make a significant difference
in long-term performance. The Committee further believes that it is in the
shareholders' interests to compensate executives well when performance meets
or exceeds high standards set by the Board, so long as there is an appropriate
downside risk to compensation when performance falls short of such high stan-
dards. The Committee believes that the
23
<PAGE>
Corporation's current compensation program meets
these requirements and is deserving of shareholders' support.
This report is respectfully submitted by the Committee, composed of:
Ronald E. Ferguson, Chairman
Ralph E. Bailey
John P. Horgan
Richard J. Kogan
John R. Selby
CERTAIN INFORMATION AS TO INSURANCE
The Corporation has purchased from Great American Insurance Company and
National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA, insurance to
indemnify the Corporation and all of its directors, officers and other
employees who hold management positions in the Corporation and its
divisions and subsidiaries for those liabilities in respect of which such
indemnification insurance is permitted under the laws of the State of New
York. The policies run for one year from September 1, 1993 to September
1, 1994 and cost $362,250 per year.
The Corporation has additionally purchased insurance from National Union
Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA, covering any directors, officers
and employees who are or shall be in breach of any fiduciary duty imposed
by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 upon fiduciaries as
defined under that Act. The policy runs for one year from September 1,
1993 to September 1, 1994 and costs $59,670 per year.
OTHER MATTERS
The management is not aware that any matters other than those set forth
herein will be presented for action at the Annual Meeting. However, if any
other matter should properly come before the meeting, the persons
authorized by the accompanying proxy will vote and act with respect
thereto according to their best judgment in the interest of the
Corporation.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
In order for shareholder proposals for the 1995 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be eligible for inclusion in the Corporation's proxy
statement, they must be received by the Corporation at its principal
office in Stamford, Connecticut, no later than November 22, 1994.
March 22, 1994
24
<PAGE>
G
S
GENERAL SIGNAL
One High Ridge Park
P. O. Box 10010
Stamford, Connecticut 06904
203 329 4100
<PAGE>
INDEX
Photograph of Director, Ronald E. Ferguson Page 8
Photograph of Director, C. Robert Kidder Page 8
Photograph of Director, John R. Selby Page 8
Photograph of Director, Ralph E. Bailey Page 9
Photograph of Director, Roland W. Schmitt Page 9
Photograph of Director, Nathan R. Owen Page 9
Photograph of Director, John P. Horgan Page 10
Photograph of Director, Van Cm Campbell Page 10
Photograph of Director, Edmund M. Carpenter Page 10
Photograph of Director, Richard J. Kogan Page 10
Performance Graph on Comparison of Five-Year
Cumulative Total Return Among General Signal
Corporation, The S&P 500 Index and The S&P
Cap Goods Index Page 18
<PAGE>
PAGE 1
GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
HIGH RIDGE PARK, P. O. BOX 10010, STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06904
P R O X Y
ANNUAL MEETING--April 21, 1994
This Proxy Is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors
The undersigned shareholder hereby appoints EDMUND M. CARPENTER,
STEPHEN W. NAGY and EDGAR J. SMITH, JR., and each of them, the proxies
and attorneys of the undersigned to vote all shares of Common Stock which
the undersigned is entitled to vote at the 1994 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders of General Signal Corporation, or any adjournment thereof,
upon the matters described in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting
and Proxy Statement, as set forth on the reverse hereof, and in their
discretion on such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner
directed herein by the shareholder. If no direction is made, this proxy
will be voted FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3.
(Continued, and to be dated and signed, on reverse side)
<PAGE>
PAGE 2
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR ALL NOMINEES LISTED BELOW WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
(to vote for all
nominees below) / /
EXCEPTIONS* (as indicated
to the contrary below) / /
Ralph E. Bailey, C. Robert Kidder, Ronald E. Ferguson,
Nathan R. Owen, Roland W. Schmitt, John R. Selby
(INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee,
mark the "Exceptions" box and write that nominee's name on space provided
below.)
*Exceptions____________________________________________________________
2.APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE
THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF THE CORPORATION.
FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
3. APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG AS THE INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS OF THE CORPORATION.
FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
4. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR DISCRETION ON ANY OTHER MATTERS OR PROPOSALS
WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
Please check box if you want your voting instructions to be confidential
pursuant to the Corporation's confidential voting policy described in
the 1994 Proxy Statement. YES / / NO / /
PROXY DEPARTMENT Address Change
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10203-0135 Mark Here / /
(Signatures should conform exactly to name
shown on this proxy. Executors, admin-
istrators, guardians, trustees, attorneys
and officers signing for corporations should
give full title.)
Dated:_______________________________,1994
Signed:_______________________________
_______________________________
/ / Please check box if you plan to attend Annual
Meeting.
Sign, date and return the Proxy Card Votes must be indicated
promptly using the enclosed envelope. (x) in Black or Blue ink.
/ /
<PAGE>
PAGE 3
GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
HIGH RIDGE PARK, P.O. BOX 10010, STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06904
P R O X Y
General Signal Corporation Savings and Stock Ownership Plan
ANNUAL MEETING--April 21, 1994
This Proxy Is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby instructs The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., as
Trustee, to vote all shares of Common Stock credited to my account under
the Plan which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the 1994 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of General Signal Corporation, or any adjournment
thereof, upon the matters described in the accompanying Notice of Annual
Meeting and Proxy Statement, as set forth on the reverse hereof, and in
their discretion on such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment. The Corporation has appointed The Bank of New
York as Agent to tally the votes.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner
directed herein by the undersigned. If no direction is made, this proxy
will be voted FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3.
(Continued, and to be dated and signed, on reverse side)
<PAGE>
PAGE 4
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR ALL NOMINEES LISTED BELOW WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
(to vote for all
nominees below) / /
EXCEPTIONS* (as indicated
to the contrary below) / /
Ralph E. Bailey, C. Robert Kidder, Ronald E. Ferguson,
Nathan R. Owen, Roland W. Schmitt, John R. Selby
(INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee,
mark the "Exceptions" box and write that nominee's name on space provided
below.)
*Exceptions_________________________________________________________
2. APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
OF THE CORPORATION.
FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
3. APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG AS THE INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS OF THE CORPORATION.
FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
4. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR DISCRETION ON ANY OTHER MATTERS OR PROPOSALS
WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
PROXY DEPARTMENT Address Change
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10203-0135 Mark Here / /
TRUSTEE AUTHORIZATION
I hereby authorize The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., as
Trustee under the General Signal Corporation Savings
and Stock Ownership Plan, to vote the shares of Common
Stock held for my account under said Plan at the Annual
Meeting in accordance with the instructions given above.
The Corporation has appointed The Bank of New York as
Agent to tally the votes.
Dated: _______________________________________, 1994
_______________________________________
Signature
Sign, date and return the Proxy Card Votes must be indicated
promptly using the enclosed envelope. (x) in Black or Blue Ink
/ /
<PAGE>
PAGE 5
GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
HIGH RIDGE PARK, P.O. BOX 10010, STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06904
P R O X Y
General Signal Limited Savings and Stock Ownership Plan
ANNUAL MEETING--April 21, 1994
This Proxy Is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby instructs The International Trust Company, as
Trustee, to vote all shares of Common Stock credited to my account under
the Plan which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the 1994 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of General Signal Corporation, or any adjournment
thereof, upon the matters described in the accompanying Notice of Annual
Meeting and Proxy Statement, as set forth on the reverse hereof, and in
their discretion on such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner
directed herein by the undersigned. If no direction is made, this proxy
will be voted FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3.
(Continued, and to be dated and signed, on reverse side)
<PAGE>
PAGE 6
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR ALL NOMINEES LISTED BELOW WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
(to vote for all
nominees below) / /
EXCEPTIONS* (as indicated
to the contrary below) / /
Ralph E. Bailey, C. Robert Kidder, Ronald E. Ferguson,
Nathan R. Owen, Roland W. Schmitt, John R. Selby
(INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee,
mark the "Exceptions" box and write that nominee's name on space provided
below.)
*Exceptions___________________________________________________________
2. APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
OF THE CORPORATION.
FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
3. APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG AS THE INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS OF THE CORPORATION.
FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
4. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR DISCRETION ON ANY OTHER MATTERS OR PROPOSALS
WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
Address Change
Mark Here / /
TRUSTEE AUTHORIZATION
I hereby authorize The International Trust Company, as Trustee
under the General Signal Limited Savings and Stock Ownership
Plan, to vote the shares of Common Stock held for my account
under said Plan at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the
instructions given above.
Dated: _______________________________________, 1994
_______________________________________
Signature
Sign, date and return the Proxy Card Votes must be indicated
promptly using the enclosed envelope. (x) in Black or Blue Ink
/ /
<PAGE>
PAGE 7
GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
HIGH RIDGE PARK, P. O. BOX 10010, STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06904
P R O X Y
ANNUAL MEETING--April 21, 1994
This Proxy Is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors
The undersigned shareholder hereby appoints EDMUND M. CARPENTER,
STEPHEN W. NAGY and EDGAR J. SMITH, JR., and each of them, the proxies
and attorneys of the undersigned to vote all shares of Common Stock which
the undersigned is entitled to vote at the 1994 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders of General Signal Corporation, or any adjournment thereof,
upon the matters described in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting
and Proxy Statement, as set forth on the reverse hereof, and in their
discretion on such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner
directed herein by the shareholder. If no direction is made, this proxy
will be voted FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3.
(Continued, and to be dated and signed, on reverse side)
<PAGE>
PAGE 8
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR ALL NOMINEES LISTED BELOW WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
(to vote for all
nominees below) / /
EXCEPTIONS* (as indicated
to the contrary below) / /
Ralph E. Bailey, C. Robert Kidder, Ronald E. Ferguson,
Nathan R. Owen, Roland W. Schmitt, John R. Selby
(INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee,
mark the "Exceptions" box and write that nominee's name on space provided
below.)
*Exceptions_______________________________________________________
2. APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
OF THE CORPORATION.
FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
3. APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG AS THE INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS OF THE CORPORATION.
FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
4. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR DISCRETION ON ANY OTHER MATTERS OR PROPOSALS
WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
Please check box if you want your voting instructions to be confidential
pursuant to the Corporation's confidential voting policy described in
the 1994 Proxy Statement. YES / / NO / /
(Signatures should conform exactly to name
shown on this proxy. Executors, admin-
istrators, guardians, trustees, attorneys
and officers signing for corporations should
give full title.)
Dated: ____________________________________,1994
Signed:____________________________________
____________________________________
/ / Please check box if you plan to attend Annual
Meeting.
Sign, date and return the Proxy Card promptly using the enclosed envelope.
<PAGE>
