SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No: )
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[ ] Preliminary proxy Statement
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Rule 14a-6(e)(2)
[ X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section
240.14a-12
General Signal Corporation
(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):
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Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
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Rule 14a-6(i)(3).
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4)
and 0-11.
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pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on
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[ ] 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
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<PAGE>
General
Signal
Notice of:
1995 Annual Meeting &
Proxy Statement
March 21, 1995
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to be held on Thursday, April 20, 1995 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.
If you are unable 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 20, 1995
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 20, 1995, at 10:00 A.M.
for the following purposes:
1. To elect four directors;
2. To approve the General Signal Corporation Senior
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan;
3. To approve the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP to
serve as the Corporation's independent auditors for
the year 1995; 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 9, 1995,
will be entitled to vote at the meeting. A copy of the Corporation's Annual
Report to Shareholders for the year 1994 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 21, 1995
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>
PROXY STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
VOTING PROCEDURES AND SECURITY OWNERSHIP. . . . . . . . . .1
Voting of Proxies. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .1
Confidential Voting. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . 1
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Holders . .. 2
Security Ownership of Management . . . . .. . . . . ...3
BOARD OF DIRECTORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
General Board Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Directors' Compensation. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .6
PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. . .. . . . . . . . . .7
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..11
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
OPTION GRANTS TABLE . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . 14
OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END VALUE TABLE. . . . . . . 16
PENSION PLAN TABLE. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 17
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL AND COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION . . . . . . .. . . 20
PROPOSAL 2 - APPROVAL OF THE GENERAL SIGNAL
CORPORATION SENIOR EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE
COMPENSATION PLAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
PROPOSAL 3 - AUTHORIZATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 26
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT . . . . 27
OTHER MATTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 27
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 27
APPENDIX A - GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION SENIOR
EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN. . . . . . . . . . A-1
<PAGE>
PROXY STATEMENT
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 20, 1995, 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 the General Signal Corporation Senior Executive Incentive
Compensation Plan and for the approval of the appointment of Ernst & Young
LLP 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 9, 1995, will be entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting. There were 47,331,207 shares of Common Stock issued and
outstanding on the record date (excluding treasury shares), each of which is
entitled to one vote on each matter voted upon at the meeting. This Proxy
Statement and the enclosed form of proxy were first sent to shareholders on
or about March 21, 1995.
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 $11,500.
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 Securities 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, 1994.
Name and Address of Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership Percent of Class
J. P. Morgan & Co., Incorporated 3,645,637 shares (1) 7.75%
60 Wall Street
New York, NY 10260-0060
College Retirement Equities Fund 3,262,200 shares (2) 6.93%
730 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017-3206
American Express Financial
Advisors Inc. 3,259,968 shares (3) 6.92%
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN 55440-0010
General Signal Corporation Savings
and 2,353,271 shares (4) 5.00%
Stock Ownership Plan (the "Savings Plan"),
the trustee of which is The Chase Manhattan
Bank, N.A.
1 Chase Manhattan Plaza
New York, NY 10081
Notes:
(1) J. P. Morgan & Co., Incorporated has sole voting power with respect to
1,745,493 shares, shared voting power with respect to 3,334 shares, sole
dispositive power with respect to 3,642,260 shares and shared dispositive
power with respect to 3,377 shares.
(2) College Retirement Equities Fund has sole voting power and sole
dispositive power with respect to 3,262,200 shares.
(3) American Express Financial Advisors Inc. has shared voting power
with respect to 715,000 shares, and shared dispositive power with respect to
3,259,968 shares.
(4) The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., as trustee of the Savings Plan, will
vote the shares as instructed by participants, and shares for which no
instructions have been received will be voted by the trustee in the same
proportion as the shares for which instructions have been received.
<PAGE>
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 March 1, 1995 (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 2.51% of the outstanding Common Stock on
that date.
Name Shares Stock
Owned(1) Units(2)
Ralph E. Bailey 5,189 -
Van C. Campbell 2,000(3) -
Edmund M. Carpenter 343,826 2,584
Ronald E. Ferguson 2,452 6,004
Joel S. Friedman 131,723(4) 792
John P. Horgan 9,721(3) -
C. Robert Kidder 1,000 -
Richard J. Kogan 1,000 -
Peter A. Laing 150,534 733
Michael D. Lockhart 125,000 104
Stephen W. Nagy 154,136 1,032
Nathan R. Owen 57,020(3) -
Roland W. Schmitt 1,592(3) -
John R. Selby 4,305(3) -
Edgar J. Smith, Jr. 45,481 466
All directors and executive
officers as a group (22 persons) 1,186,772(5),(6) 14,644
(Footnotes on next page)
<PAGE>
(Footnotes for preceding page)
Notes:
(1) The figures shown include the interest of executive officers of the
Corporation in an aggregate of 64,756 shares of Common Stock held by the
trustee under the Corporation's Savings Plan as of December 31, 1994 and
include the following shares of Common Stock which the persons listed have
the right to acquire as of March 1, 1995 or within 60 days of that date
through the exercise of stock options: Edmund M. Carpenter (278,261); Joel S.
Friedman (112,198); Peter A. Laing (140,815); Stephen W. Nagy (140,875);
Edgar J. Smith, Jr. (25,034); and all directors and executive officers as a
group (791,655).
(2) 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 23 and 24 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.
(3) Messrs. Campbell, 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: Van C. Campbell (1,200); John P.
Horgan (1,721); Nathan R. Owen (3,116); Roland W. Schmitt (592); and John R.
Selby (3,705).
(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 3,000 shares of restricted stock held by Edgar J. Smith,
Jr. and 143,540 shares of restricted stock held by eight 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.
<PAGE>
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
General Board Information
The Board of Directors currently numbers eleven persons and 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 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 seven times each year, and additional special meetings are called
whenever necessary. In 1994 there were eleven 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
Benefits Committee, an Executive Committee, a Personnel and Compensation
Committee 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.
Campbell, 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 representatives. The Audit Committee met four times in 1994.
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 1994.
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 1994.
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
Directors 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 five times in 1994.
The members of the Committee on Directors are Ralph E. Bailey
(Chairman), Ronald E. Ferguson, and Roland W. Schmitt. The responsibilities
of the Committee on Directors include making recommendations to the Board
with regard to Committee structure, compensation and benefits for directors,
the qualifications 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 recommended that the Board nominate the four persons
<PAGE>
whose names and biographical summaries appear on succeeding pages for
election as directors. The Committee on Directors met one time in 1994.
Any shareholder entitled to vote at a meeting may nominate persons for
election 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 received 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; and (d)
any other information required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies
pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, including the proposed nominee's written consent to being named in
the proxy and to serving 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 annual 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 foregoing cash
compensation, the value of the restricted shares is 10% greater than the
amount of the director's cash compensation elected to be deferred. Five
directors elected to defer compensation for 1994 under this Plan.
The Corporation has a Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors which
permits the deferral, at the option of the director, of all or part of the
compensation 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 1994 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 reaching age 65 are equal to 10% of the annual Board retainer
(exclusive of any
<PAGE>
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%.
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 1994, 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, 1994 through May 31, 1995.
PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nathan R. Owen, who has served as a director since 1960 and whose term
of office will expire at the Annual Meeting, is not standing for re-election
this year. Mr. Owen was Chairman of the Executive Committee of the
Corporation since 1980 and previously was Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of the Corporation from 1962 to April 1984. Mr. Owen has given
unselfishly of his time and attention to corporate matters, and his strategic
vision and leadership contributed significantly to the development and
success of the Corporation. For his extraordinary service, the Board will be
appointing Mr. Owen Chairman Emeritus.
At the meeting, four directors are to be elected to hold office until
the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. 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, 10 and 11.
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the nominees.
<PAGE>
NOMINEES FOR WHOM PROXIES
WILL BE VOTED
Nominees for Directors for
Terms to Expire in 1998
VAN C. CAMPBELL
Director Since: 1992
Age: 56
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.
EDMUND M. CARPENTER
Director Since: 1988
Age: 53
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. Also a director of Campbell Soup Company, Dana
Corporation and Texaco Inc.
RICHARD J. KOGAN
Director Since: 1992
Age: 53
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 Atlantic
Reinsurance Company, Centennial Insurance Company, National Westminster
Bancorp, Inc., and a Trustee of the Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company.
<PAGE>
Nominees for Directors for
Terms to Expire in 1998 (Continued)
MICHAEL D. LOCKHART
Director Since: 1994
Age: 45
President and Chief Operating Officer and director of the Corporation
since October 1994. Previously Vice President and General Manager from 1992
to 1994 of Commercial Engines and Services, a business of General Electric
Company that manufactures and services commercial aircraft engines, Vice
President and General Manager of Transportation Systems from 1989 to 1992;
Vice President, Finance and Business Development, GE Aircraft Engines from
1987 to 1989; and previously held various other management positions since
joining General Electric Company in 1981. Previously a Vice President of The
Boston Consulting Group.
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS OF OFFICE
DO NOT EXPIRE AT THIS MEETING
Continuing Directors Whose
Terms Expire in 1996
RALPH E. BAILEY
Director Since: 1982
Age: 71
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Bailey Corporation, a
private holding company, since April 1987; Chairman of United Meridian
Corporation, a publicly traded company engaged in making equity investments
in the oil and gas industry. 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. and Rowan Companies, Inc.
<PAGE>
Continuing Directors Whose
Terms Expire in 1996 (Continued)
JOHN P. HORGAN
Director Since: 1971
Age: 71
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.
ROLAND W. SCHMITT
Director Since: 1987
Age: 71
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.
Continuing Directors Whose
Terms Expire in 1997
RONALD E. FERGUSON
Director Since: 1986
Age: 53
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 1987 and President of General Re
Corporation from 1983 to March 1, 1995; and previously held various other
management positions since joining General Re Corporation/General Reinsurance
Corporation in 1969. Also a director of Colgate-Palmolive Company.
<PAGE>
Continuing Directors Whose
Terms Expire in 1997 (Continued)
C. ROBERT KIDDER
Director Since: 1992
Age: 50
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Borden, Inc. since January 11, 1995;
Chairman of the Board of Duracell International, Inc. from October 1994 to
January 10, 1995; Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
Duracell International, Inc. from April 1992 until October 1994; 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. and Duracell International,
Inc.
JOHN R. SELBY
Director Since: 1986
Age: 65
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.
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 Officer. Included are:
the Summary Compensation Table;
the Option Grants Table;
the Option Exercises and Year-End Value Table;
the Pension Plan Table;
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
the Report of the Personnel and Compensation Committee on Executive
Compensation.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
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 1994, 1993 and 1992.
Annual Compensation Long term Compensation
Awards
<CAPTION>
Name and Principal
Position Year Salary Bonus Total (Salary Other Re- Option All other
($) ($) (1) & Bonus)($) Annual stricted Grants Compensation
Com- Stock (#) ($)
pensa- Awards
tion ($) (2)
($)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edmund M.Carpenter 1994 $776,923 $600,000 $1,376,923 --- --- 100,000(3)$ 6,000(5)
Chairman of the 74,024(4)$43,077(6)
Board and Chief 1993 $733,654 $450,000 $1,183,654 --- --- 87,500(3)$ 9,434(5)
Executive Officer 17,500(4)$ 8,077(6)
1992 $725,577 $420,000 $1,145,577 --- --- --- $ 9,154(5)
Joel S. Friedman 1994 $321,769 $230,000 $ 551,769 --- --- 30,000(3)$ 6,000(5)
Senior Vice 21,673(4)$14,111(6)
President- 1993 $305,154 $181,000 $ 486,154 --- --- 27,500 $ 9,434(5)
Operations $ 3,338(6)
1992 $300,481 $182,000 $ 482,481 --- --- --- $ 9,154(5)
Peter A. Laing 1994 $310,000 $221,340 $ 531,340 --- --- 30,000(3)$ 6,000(5)
Senior Vice 6,519(4)$13,320(6)
President- 1993 $291,769 $173,000 $ 464,769 --- --- 27,500(3)$ 9,434(5)
Operations $ 3,194(6)
1992 $300,481 $182,000 $ 482,481 --- --- --- $ 9,154(5)
Stephen W. Nagy 1994 $307,981 $219,898 $ 527,879 --- --- 30,000(3)$ 6,000(5)
Senior Vice $12,999(6)
President- 1993 $281,365 $167,000 $ 448,365 --- --- 27,500(3)$ 9,434(5)
Finance and Chief $ 3,069(6)
Financial Officer 1992 $279,981 $170,000 $ 449,981 --- --- --- $ 9,154(5)
Edgar J. Smith,Jr. 1994 $197,958 $106,000 $ 303,958 --- $95,625 9,000(3)$ 6,000(5)
Vice President, 19,288(4)$ 5,282(6)
General Counsel 1993 $188,569 $ 84,000 $ 272,569 --- --- 6,750(3)$ 9,434(5)
and $ 1,469(6)
Secretary 1992 $186,335 $ 84,000 $ 270,335 --- --- --- $ 9,154(5)
</TABLE>
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 are made in the first quarter of the calendar
year following the year in which the compensation was earned, i.e., the
amount reported for 1994 reflects the amount earned for 1994 but paid in 1995
(see page 22 for a description of this Plan).
(2) The amount listed represents the value ($95,625) of the restricted
stock awarded to Edgar J. Smith, Jr. on December 8, 1994 and is based on the
closing market value on such date.
(Footnotes continued on following page)
<PAGE>
(Footnotes continued from preceding page)
During 1994, 1993 and 1992, an aggregate of 35,950 shares of restricted
stock was awarded to certain employees, including the 3,000 shares to Mr.
Smith and 9,200 shares to six current executive officers not named in the
Summary Compensation Table. The shares covered by the awards granted in 1994
vest at a rate of 33 1/3% per year over a three- year period and the awards
granted in 1993 and 1992 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, 1994, an aggregate of 3,000 shares of restricted stock with a market
value of $95,625 was held by Mr. Smith and 8,540 shares were held by six
current executive officers not named in the Summary Compensation Table with
an aggregate value of $272,212. The figures in this footnote reflect the
two-for-one stock split on July 7, 1993.
The restricted stock agreements for the executive officers and certain
other corporate employees generally provide that immediately preceding a
Change in Control, the unvested restricted stock will be forfeited and the
holder will be paid cash equal to the product of the number of shares of
unvested restricted stock and the Change in Control price. Payment on the
unvested stock would be made on the vesting schedule dates under the
restricted stock agreements; provided, however, that any remaining balance
would vest and be paid out in full in the event of Involuntary Termination,
as defined in the agreements.
(3) During 1994, 1993 and 1992, an aggregate of 779,000 shares subject
to "new" stock options was granted to executive officers and Unit Presidents.
The "new" stock options granted in 1994 and 1993 are all exercisable at a
price equal to 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant (see
footnote (4) for the replacement options). All of these options are subject
to a four-year vesting schedule.
Only one "new" option was granted in 1992 to an executive officer not
named in the Summary Compensation Table.
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) During 1994 and 1993, an aggregate of 152,067 shares subject to
"replacement" stock options was granted to executive officers. For a
description of the "replacement" options, see footnote (3) on page 15.
(5) This represents the Corporation's matching contributions under the
Savings Plan which are invested in Common Stock of the Corporation. 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.
(6) This represents the Corporation's matching contributions under the
Corporation's Deferred Compensation Plan which are invested in "phantom stock
units" (see pages 23 and 24 for a description of this Plan).
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS TABLE
The following table shows the individual grants of options that were
made in 1994 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, 1994 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>
<CAPTION>
Potential Realizable Value
at Assumed Annual Rates of
Stock Price Appreciation for
Option Term
Individual Grants
Number of % of Total Exercise Expir-
Securities Options or ation
Underlying Granted to Base Date
Options Employees Price
Granted in ($/Sh)
Name (#)(1) 1994 0%($) 5%($) 10%($)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edmund M. Carpenter 100,000(2) 16.0883% $31.880 12/8/04 $0 $ 2,005,263 $ 5,081,930
17,875(3) 2.8757% $35.375 2/21/01 $0 258,997 604,168
17,641(3) 2.8381% $32.250 2/21/01 $0 223,761 518,614
18,114(3) 2.9142% $34.000 2/21/01 $0 231,181 531,991
10,659(3) 1.7148% $36.125 2/21/01 $0 138,140 315,769
9,735(3) 1.5662% $36.125 10/20/98 $0 74,591 160,399
Joel S. Friedman 30,000(2) 4.8265% $31.880 12/8/04 $0 601,579 1,524,579
1,946(3) .3130% $35.375 12/10/97 $0 14,167 30,383
2,274(3) .3658% $35.375 10/17/95 $0 6,899 14,028
2,803(3) .4509% $35.375 10/23/96 $0 13,989 29,162
2,445(3) .3933% $35.375 2/21/01 $0 35,426 82,640
12,205(3) 1.9635% $36.375 2/21/01 $0 165,426 380,255
Peter A. Laing 30,000(2) 4.8265% $31.880 12/8/04 $0 601,579 1,524,579
2,803(3) .4509% $35.375 10/23/96 $0 13,989 29,162
1,982(3) .3188% $36.375 12/10/97 $0 12,557 26,561
1,734(3) .2789% $36.375 2/12/97 $0 8,067 16,718
Stephen W. Nagy 30,000(2) 4.8265% $31.880 12/8/04 $0 601,579 1,524,579
Edgar J. Smith,Jr. 9,000(2) 1.4479% $31.880 12/8/04 $0 180,474 457,374
1,441(3) .2318% $35.375 12/10/97 $0 10,491 22,498
1,838(3) .2957% $35.375 10/23/96 $0 9,173 19,122
5,363(3) .8628% $35.375 2/21/01 $0 77,706 181,267
5,597(3) .9004% $35.000 2/21/01 $0 73,641 169,499
5,020(3) .8076% $35.000 10/20/98 $0 39,957 86,490
29(3) .0046% $35.000 10/19/99 $0 293 651
All Shareholders N/A N/A N/A N/A $0 $943,387,576(4)$2,390,823,408(4)
</TABLE>
(Footnotes on next page)
<PAGE>
(Footnotes for preceding page)
________
Notes:
(1) Options are exercisable at prices equal to 100% of the fair market
value on the date of grant.
(2) The "new" options granted in 1994 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) Each of these 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 $31.875 and
47,052,960 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of December 31, 1994
(excluding treasury shares). The percentage relationship of the potential
realizable value for all the executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table to that of all shareholders is .57%.
<PAGE>
OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END VALUE TABLE
The following table summarizes 1994 information relating to exercised
and unexercised options for each executive officer named in the Summary
Compensation Table.
Number of Secur- Value of Unexercised
ities Underlying In-the-Money Options
Unexercised Op- at December 31, 1994
tions Held at ($)based on $31.875
Aggregated Option December 31, closing per share
Exercises in 1994 stock price (1)
1994
Shares Value Exer- Unexer- Exercis- Unexercis-
Acquired Realiz- cis- ercis- able able
on Ex- ed ($) able able ($) ($)
ercise (1) (#) (#)
Name (#)
Edmund M. Carpenter 90,313 $1,035,842 227,421 359,649 $1,190,850 $197,500
Joel S. Friedman 27,484 $382,806 97,771 120,298 $608,279 $ 79,000
Peter A. Laing 8,319 $118,648 114,012 105,144 $759,190 $ 79,000
Stephen W. Nagy 0 $0 116,875 98,625 $742,930 $ 79,000
Edgar J. Smith, Jr. 23,474 $292,522 20,521 49,351 $100,385 $ 26,330
_____________
Note:
(1) Market value of shares of Common Stock at exercise or at December 31,
1994 minus the exercise price.
<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 $24,600 applicable to 1994. Earnings covered by the Corporate
Retirement Plan and the Benefit Equalization Plan for the executive officers
named in the Summary Compensation Table 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 28,770 45,655 62,540 79,425 96,310 111,310
400,000 58,770 93,155 127,540 161,925 196,310 226,310
600,000 88,770 140,655 192,540 244,425 296,310 341,310
800,000 118,770 188,155 257,540 326,925 396,310 456,310
1,000,000 148,770 235,655 322,540 409,425 496,310 571,310
1,200,000 178,770 283,155 387,540 491,925 596,310 686,310
1,400,000 208,770 330,655 452,540 574,425 696,310 801,310
1,600,000 238,770 378,155 517,540 656,925 796,310 916,310
Note:
(1) As of December 31, 1994, the years of credited service for the executive
officers named in the Summary Compensation Table were as follows: 13.7 years
for Edmund M. Carpenter; 22.1 years for Joel S. Friedman; 19.3 years for
Peter A. Laing; 12.3 years for Stephen W. Nagy; and 34.9 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.
The Corporation has an agreement with Peter A. Laing, who relinquished
his position as Senior Vice President - Operations in January 1995, to
provide certain services for the Corporation until December 31, 1997. The
agreement provides that Mr. Laing will continue as an employee until March
31, 1997. Mr. Laing will be paid an aggregate salary of $211,159 for 1995,
$202,174 for 1996, and $77,500 for the first three months of 1997 and will be
covered by the terms of the Corporation's benefit plans during such period
and will be permitted to retain his company automobile. Mr. Laing has also
agreed to provide certain consulting services to the Corporation upon his
retirement on April 1, 1997 until December 31, 1997 for a fixed fee of
$50,000 plus expenses.
The Corporation has an agreement with Stephen W. Nagy, who relinquished
his position as Senior Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer
in January 1995. The agreement provides that Mr. Nagy will continue as an
employee until July 31, 1996. Mr. Nagy will be paid an aggregate salary of
$310,000 for 1995, and $180,833 for the first seven months of 1996 and will
be covered by the Corporation's benefit plans during such period and will be
permitted to retain his company automobile. In addition, if Mr. Nagy is
unemployed as of August 1, 1996, he will be eligible to receive up to an
additional six months of salary as long as he remains unemployed at the
monthly rate of $25,833.
<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, 1989
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.
Comparison of Five Year Cumulative Return
Among General Signal Corporation, S&P Cap Goods and S&P 500
Measurement Period General Signal S&P Cap Goods S&P 500
(Fiscal Year Covered Corporation
Measurement Pt-12/31/89 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00
FYE 12/31/90 81.86 96.99 96.99
FYE 12/31/91 119.03 110.42 126.21
FYE 12/31/92 141.23 120.17 135.80
FYE 12/31/93 163.58 137.64 149.57
FYE 12/31/94 155.59 148.14 151.41
<PAGE>
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ON
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Introduction
The Personnel and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Committee") 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
Committee reviews the compensation of the executive officers and makes
recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the compensation of
the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the President and Chief Operating
Officer and the executive officers reporting to either of them. 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 employ,
the services of an independent consultant on compensation and benefit
matters.
The Corporation's compensation philosophy is based on the belief that
compensation 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
appropriate 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 and restricted stock awards
provide an important incentive in building shareholders' wealth and aligning
the interests of employees and shareholders. 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. The Committee's consultant periodically updates and reviews the
total compensation packages of Mr. Carpenter and the next four highest-paid
executive officers and compares them with a group of peer companies.
The companies used for comparison represent organizations that,
individually and collectively, participate in the spectrum of industries in
which the Corporation is involved. The specific group is comprised of
manufacturing companies which are of similar size, structure, product
offerings or location and are participants in national compensation databases
that permit compensation comparisons on an ongoing basis. The individual
companies are chosen by the independent consultant after consultation with
the Corporation's management and members of the Committee. These companies
are all represented in the S&P Cap Goods Index with the only exception being
certain organizations whose activities the Committee believes are
particularly relevant for comparison to the Corporation.
After review of these and other compensation resources, the consultant
concluded, and the Committee and Board concurred, that the Corporation's
compensation package and processes were competitive and appropriate. Based on
this review, base salary recommendations for 1994 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 Officer 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 106-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 19, 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 individual responsibilities and accountabilities.
The attainment of the specific goal of planned earnings-per-share is the
factor most heavily weighed in the cases of the Chief Executive Officer and
his executive staff. In 1993, certain adverse events caused the Corporation
to finish slightly below its planned earnings-per-share goal. 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 Committee also weighs the value of achievement of subjective
factors such as demonstrated management ability, initiative, and
contributions towards the Corporation's goal of leadership within the
industries in which it competes. Based on the foregoing factors, the
executive officers in general, and Mr. Carpenter in particular, received
individual increases reflecting the Committee's judgment of each individual's
contribution to the achievement of the Corporation's ongoing industry
leadership goal.
The Committee also weighs, when appropriate, the value of the
individual's actions during times when progress towards predetermined goals
was hindered by elements outside the Corporation's and the executive's
control. Such times include economic downturns and other national or global
phenomena that adversely affect 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 otherwise be a less favorable result to the base salary
decision.
Finally, the Committee considers the individual executive's impact on
those elements that contribute to increased shareholder value. The Committee
considers management's focus on elements that increase shareholder value such
as: sales, general and administrative expenses, inventory control, sales per
employee, gross margins, return on capital, and cash flow. The Committee's
discretion ultimately
<PAGE>
determines the weighing of these various factors in its final determination
of base salary development or adjustment.
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. The combined achievement of
business unit goals along with overall corporate initiatives reflecting
management's tactical overview during the year results in the
earnings-per-share of the Corporation. The bonuses awarded to the executive
officers in general, and Mr. Carpenter in particular, reflect the results of
individual unit and corporate performance goals as well as the Committee's
subjective judgment with respect to each individual's contribution to the
achievement of applicable 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 1994, 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 exceeded
its earnings-per-share goal, 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
In 1991, the Corporation discontinued the cash awards under the Long
Term Incentive Plan. The Committee decided at that time 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 under the
discontinued Long Term Incentive Plan. In addition, the Committee began
granting restricted stock to certain employees. The new program is intended
to create long-term incentives to increase shareholder value.
<PAGE>
During 1994, 1993 and 1992, an aggregate of 779,000 shares subject to "new"
stock options was granted to executive officers and Unit Presidents (see
footnote (3) to the Summary Compensation Table on page 13 for more
information), and an aggregate of 35,950 shares of restricted stock was
awarded to certain employees, including certain executive officers (see
footnote (2) to the Summary Compensation Table on pages 12 and 13 for more
information).
Stock Ownership Guidelines
In 1993, the Committee, based upon management recommendations and in
consultation 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 salary: four times for the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, three times for the President and Senior/Executive 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 Corporation's Savings
Plan, in "phantom stock units" under the Deferred Compensation Plan discussed
below, or outright, will be included. However, unexercised stock options
will not be included in meeting the ownership goal.
The Committee approved stock option grants to executive officers and
Unit Presidents in 1993 and 1994. The level of grants to executives was
determined in a manner similar to the method used for development of base
salary. Competitive data from industry, peer group and national surveys of
long-term incentive 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
exercise and holding of stock option shares by executives subject to the
ownership 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 (including 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 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.
The Deferred Compensation Plan was also established in 1993. It offers
the choice for executives subject to the ownership guidelines to defer
certain compensation on a pre-tax basis to make up benefits (including
matching contributions) 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 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
<PAGE>
the Corporation, except that 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 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 $776,923 and his incentive compensation
bonus was $600,000 for a total of $1,376,923 for 1994. 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 1994 incentive compensation bonus was
based on the level of achievement of the earnings-per-share goal and the
progress in carrying out the Corporation's objectives and strategies.
The Corporation's net income for 1994 was impacted by the planned
divestiture of two businesses, the failed bid for Reliance Electric Company
which provided $50 million in termination fees, fourth quarter charges of $46
million to benefit continuing operations and four bolt-on acquisitions. The
salary and incentive compensation levels of the other executive officers were
determined on the same principles.
Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) - Implications for Executive Compensation
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally disallows a tax
deduction to public companies for compensation over $1 million paid to any of
the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table. Qualifying
performance-based compensation will not be subject to the deduction limit if
certain requirements are met. The Corporation's policy is to maximize the
deductibility of executive compensation so long as deductibility is
compatible with the more important objective of maintaining competitive and
motivational total compensation based on performance. To this end, the Board
of Directors is recommending shareholder approval of a performance-based
incentive compensation plan for senior executives (see Proposal 2 for a
description of the proposed General Signal Corporation Senior Executive
Incentive Compensation Plan on pages 25 and 26).
<PAGE>
Committee Conclusion
The Committee believes that the caliber and motivation of the
Corporation's employees and the quality of their leadership determines the
Corporation's 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 standards. The Committee believes that
the 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
PROPOSAL 2 - APPROVAL OF
THE GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
SENIOR EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
Introduction
On March 16, 1995, the Board of Directors, acting on the recommendation
of the Personnel and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors,
adopted, subject to shareholder approval, the General Signal Corporation
Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (the "Plan") effective as of
January 1, 1995. Eligibility under this Plan will be limited to the Chief
Executive Officer and any individuals employed by the Corporation at the end
of any calendar year who appear in the Summary Compensation Table of the
Corporation's Annual Proxy Statement to Shareholders for that year. It is
intended that awards under this Plan based solely on the achievement of
financial objectives will be treated as performance-based compensation within
the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code that will qualify
for exclusion under the $1 million limitation on deductibility of executive
compensation.
Summary of the Plan
The full text of the Plan is set forth in Appendix A to this Proxy
Statement. The following summary of certain of its provisions is qualified
in its entirety by reference to the Plan.
The Plan will be administered by a committee (the "Committee") comprised
of members of the Board of Directors who are "outside directors" within the
meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, and who are not eligible to
participate or to receive any benefits pursuant to the Plan. The Board of
Directors has authorized the Personnel and Compensation Committee to serve as
the Committee.
<PAGE>
Under this Plan, each participant will be eligible to receive a share of an
incentive compensation pool; provided, however, that the Committee will have
full discretion to reduce or eliminate the share for any participant for any
plan year. The incentive compensation pool for any plan year will equal 5%
of operating earnings of the Corporation for that plan year, and it will be
based on reported operating earnings in the Corporation's financial
statements included in the Corporation's Annual Report to Shareholders. The
financial statements will be prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and will be audited by the Corporation's external
auditors. For purposes of this Plan, reported operating earnings may be
adjusted to exclude or include items of an unusual, non-recurring or
extraordinary nature as will be specifically defined by the Committee prior
to the end of the first quarter of the plan year. In the event that the
Committee pays out less than the amount of the incentive compensation pool
for any plan year, the amount which is not paid out may, at the Committee's
sole discretion, be added to the incentive compensation pool that is
available for any subsequent plan year or years. Each participant will be
eligible to receive a maximum award of 30% of the incentive compensation pool
for the applicable plan year.
By the end of the first quarter of each plan year, the Committee will
approve the amount of each participant's share of the incentive compensation
pool. Following each plan year, the Committee will certify the total amount
of the incentive compensation pool. In determining the amount to be paid to
a participant, the Committee will consider a number of performance factors
based on individual merit and on the level of achievement of the
earnings-per-share goal and the progress in carrying out the Corporation's
objectives and strategies. Awards under the Plan will be paid in cash as
soon as practicable after the plan year, except to the extent deferred
pursuant to the General Signal Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan.
If the Plan had been in effect for 1994, the incentive compensation pool
would have been $8.6 million, and the maximum individual award would have
been $2.6 million. The actual awards that would have been determined by the
Committee for 1994 under this Plan would have been the actual awards
determined under the Corporation's Incentive Compensation Plan so that the
participants would have received the same bonus amount set forth opposite
their names for calendar year 1994 in the Summary Compensation Table on page
12.
The Board of Directors believes that the proposal to approve the General
Signal Corporation Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan will be in
the best of interests of the Corporation and its shareholders and recommends
that you vote FOR the proposal. A favorable vote of a majority of all the
votes cast at the meeting in person or by proxy is required for approval of
the General Signal Corporation Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.
PROPOSAL 3 - AUTHORIZATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors recommends that Ernst & Young LLP be appointed as
independent auditors for 1995. Submission of the selection to shareholders is
not required. The Board of Directors will reconsider the selection if it is
not approved by a majority of all the votes cast at the meeting in person or
by proxy.
Ernst & Young LLP has served as the Corporation's independent auditors
since 1992. It is expected that representatives of Ernst & Young LLP will be
present at the Annual Meeting with the
<PAGE>
opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to do so, and will be
available to respond to appropriate questions.
During 1994, Ernst & Young LLP performed various professional services
in connection with its audit of the financial statements of the Corporation
and its consolidated subsidiaries, including assistance and 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 LLP to serve as independent auditors for 1995.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
The Corporation believes that during 1994 its executive officers and
directors have complied with all of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
filing requirements of Section 16(a).
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 1996 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, 1995.
March 21, 1995
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
SENIOR EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
1. Purpose
The purpose of the General Signal Corporation Senior Executive Incentive
Compensation Plan (the "Plan") is to provide senior executives of General
Signal Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Corporation") with incentive
compensation based upon the achievement of established performance goals.
2. Administration
The Plan shall be administered by a committee of not less than three (3)
members appointed annually by the Board of Directors (the "Committee"). The
Committee, which may but need not be the Personnel and Compensation
Committee, shall be composed of members of the Board of Directors who are
"outside directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal
Revenue Code (the "Code"), and who are not eligible to participate or to
receive any benefits pursuant to the Plan.
The Committee shall have full power to administer and interpret the Plan
and to establish rules for its administration. The Committee may designate
employees of the Corporation to act in its behalf to engage in daily
administration of the Plan. The Committee, in making any determination under
or referred to in the Plan shall be entitled to rely on opinions, reports or
statements of officers or employees of the Corporation and other entities and
of counsel, public accountants and other professional expert persons.
3. Eligibility
Eligibility for the Plan shall be limited to the Chief Executive Officer
of the Corporation and any other individual employed by the Corporation at
the end of any Plan Year who appears in the Summary Compensation Table of the
Corporation's Proxy Statement to Shareholders for that Plan Year.
Individuals eligible to participate in the Plan are herein called
"Participant(s)".
4. Awards
Each Participant shall be eligible to receive a share of an incentive
compensation pool; provided, however, that the Committee shall have full
discretion to reduce or eliminate the share for any Participant for any Plan
Year. The incentive compensation pool for any Plan Year shall equal 5% of
operating earnings of the Corporation for that Plan Year, and it shall be
based on reported operating earnings in the Corporation's financial
statements included in the Corporation's Annual Report to Shareholders. The
financial statements shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and shall be audited by the Corporation's external
auditors. For purposes of this Plan, reported operating earnings may be
adjusted to exclude or include items of an unusual, non-recurring or
extraordinary nature as shall be specifically defined by the Committee prior
to the end of the first quarter of the Plan Year. In the event that the
Committee pays out less than the amount of the incentive compensation pool
for any Plan Year, the amount which is not paid out may, at the Committee's
sole discretion, be added to the incentive compensation pool that is
available for any
<PAGE>
subsequent Plan Year or Years. Each Participant shall be eligible to receive
a maximum award of 30% of the incentive compensation pool for the applicable
Plan Year.
By the end of the first quarter of each Plan Year, the Committee shall
approve the amount of each Participant's share of the incentive compensation
pool. Following each Plan Year, the Committee shall certify the total amount
of the incentive compensation pool. In determining the amount to be paid to
a Participant, the Committee shall consider a number of performance factors
based on individual merit and on the level of achievement of the
earnings-per-share goal and the progress in carrying out the Corporation's
objectives and strategies. Awards under the Plan shall be paid in cash as
soon as practicable after the Plan Year, except to the extent deferred
pursuant to the General Signal Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan.
5. Miscellaneous Provisions
Amendment of the Plan. The Board of Directors shall have the right to
suspend or terminate this Plan at any time and may amend or modify the Plan
prior to the beginning of any Plan Year.
Assignment or Transfer. No opportunity shall be assignable or
transferable by a Participant.
Costs and Expenses. The costs and expenses of administering the Plan
shall be borne by the Corporation and shall not be charged against any
Participant.
Effect on Employment. Nothing contained in this Plan or any agreement
related hereto or referred to herein shall affect or be construed as
affecting, the terms of employment of any Participant except to the extent
specifically provided herein or therein. Nothing contained in this Plan or
any agreement related hereto or referred to herein shall impose, or be
construed as imposing, any obligation on (a) the Corporation to continue the
employment of any Participant and (b) any Participant to remain in the employ
of the Corporation.
Effective Date. Subject to shareholder approval, this Plan shall be
effective as of January 1, 1995.
Governing Law. The Plan shall be governed by the laws of the State of
New York and applicable federal laws.
Other Incentive Plans. The adoption of the Plan does not preclude the
adoption by appropriate means of any other incentive plan for employees.
Plan Year. "Plan Year" means the calendar year commencing January 1,
1995, and each calendar year thereafter.
Taxation. The Corporation shall have the right to deduct from any award
to be paid under the Plan any federal, state or local taxes required by law
to be withheld with respect to such payment.
<PAGE>
General Signal Corporation
One High Ridge Park
P.O. Box 10010
Stamford, Connecticut 06904
203-329-4100
Appendix B
GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
ONE HIGH RIDGE PARK, P. O. BOX 10010, STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06904
PROXY/VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD
ANNUAL MEETING--April 20, 1995
This Proxy Is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors
The undersigned shareholder hereby appoints EDMUND M. CARPENTER,
MICHAEL D. LOCKHART 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 1995 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.
For Participants in the General Signal Corporation Savings and Stock Ownership
Plan or the General Signal Limited Savings and Stock Ownership Plan (the
"Plans"): As to those shares of Common Stock, if any, that are held for me in
such Plans, I instruct the Trustee of the applicable Plan to sign a proxy for
me in substantially the form set forth above and on the reverse side. The
Trustee shall mark the proxy as I specify. Where I do not specify a choice,
my shares will be voted in the same proportion as the Trustee votes the shares
for which it receives instructions.
(Continued, and to be dated and signed, on reverse side)
P.O. BOX 11135
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10203-0135
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR ALL NOMINEES WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
LISTED BELOW (to vote for all
nominees below) /
/
EXCEPTIONS* (as indicated
to the contrary below) / /
Van C. Campbell, Edmund M. Carpenter, Richard J. Kogan
and Michael D. Lockhart
(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 THE GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION SENIOR EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE
COMPENSATION PLAN.
FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
3. APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP 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 1995 Proxy Statement. YES / / NO / /
Address Change
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:_______________________________,1995
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>
INDEX
Photograph of Director, Van C. Campbell Page 8
Photograph of Director, Edmund M. Carpenter Page 8
Photograph of Director, Richard J. Kogan Page 8
Photograph of Director, Michael D. Lockhart Page 9
Photograph of Director, Ralph E. Bailey Page 9
Photograph of Director, John P. Horgan Page 10
Photograph of Director, Roland W. Schmitt Page 10
Photograph of Director, Ronald E. Ferguson Page 10
Photograph of Director, C. Robert Kidder Page 11
Photograph of Director, John R. Selby Page 11
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 19
General Signal Corporation Senior Executive
Incentive Compensation Plan Appendix A
Proxy/Voting Instruction Card Appendix B
