<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the registrant [X]
Filed by a party other than the registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary proxy statement. [ ] Confidential, for use of the
Commission only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2)).
[X] Definitive proxy statement.
[ ] Definitive additional materials.
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12.
KOSS CORPORATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
RICHARD W. SILVERTHORN, ESQ.
WHYTE HIRSCHBOECK DUDEK S.C.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of filing fee (check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE> 2
KOSS CORPORATION
4129 NORTH PORT WASHINGTON AVENUE
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53212
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON
OCTOBER 19, 2000
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the
Meeting) of Koss Corporation will be held at the offices of the Company at 4129
North Port Washington Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Thursday, October 19,
2000, at 9:00 a.m. local time to consider and act on the following proposals:
1. The election of seven (7) directors;
2. The ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, independent accountants, as auditors of the Company for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001; and
3. Such other business as may properly be brought before the
Meeting.
The transfer books of the Company will not be closed for the Meeting.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on September 11, 2000 will
be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting. Information regarding the
matters to be considered and voted upon at the Meeting is set forth in the Proxy
Statement accompanying this Notice.
You are cordially invited to attend the Meeting in person, if possible.
In order to assist us in preparing for the Meeting, all stockholders are urged
to promptly sign and date the enclosed proxy and return it in the enclosed
envelope which requires no postage. If you attend the Meeting, you may vote your
shares in person even if you previously submitted a proxy.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Richard W. Silverthorn
--------------------------------------
Richard W. Silverthorn, Secretary
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
September 27, 2000
<PAGE> 3
KOSS CORPORATION
PROXY STATEMENT
2000 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
OCTOBER 19, 2000
------------------
INTRODUCTION
THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS FURNISHED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOLICITATION
OF PROXIES BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF KOSS CORPORATION (the "Company") for use
at the Company's 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting") and any
adjournment thereof, for the purposes set forth in the foregoing Notice of
Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
DATE, TIME AND LOCATION. The Meeting will be held at the offices of the
Company, 4129 North Port Washington Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212, on
Thursday, October 19, 2000, at 9:00 a.m. local time.
PURPOSES OF THE MEETING. At the Meeting, stockholders will consider and
vote upon the following: (i) the election of seven (7) directors for one-year
terms; (ii) a proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
("PricewaterhouseCoopers"), independent accountants, as independent auditors for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001; and (iii) such other business as may
properly be brought before the Meeting.
PROXY SOLICITATION. The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the
Company. Proxies will be solicited primarily by mail and may be made by
directors, officers and employees personally or by telephone or telegraph. The
Company will reimburse brokerage firms, custodians and nominees for their
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial
owners. Proxy Statements and proxies will be mailed to stockholders on
approximately September 27, 2000.
QUORUM AND VOTING INFORMATION. Only stockholders of record of the
Company's $.01 par value common stock ("Common Stock") at the close of business
on September 11, 2000 (the "Record Date"), are entitled to vote at the Meeting.
As of the Record Date, there were 2,163,369 shares of Common Stock outstanding
and entitled to vote. A quorum of stockholders is necessary to take action at
the Meeting. A majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, represented
in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum of stockholders at the Meeting.
Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Meeting will be tabulated by the
inspector of elections appointed for the Meeting. The inspector of elections
will determine whether or not a quorum is present at the Meeting. The inspector
of elections will treat abstentions as shares of Common Stock that are present
and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. If a
broker indicates on the proxy that it does not have discretionary authority to
vote certain shares of Common Stock on a particular matter (a "broker
non-vote"), those shares will not be considered as present and entitled to vote
with respect to that matter (although those shares are considered entitled to
vote for quorum purposes and may be entitled to vote on other matters).
The seven nominees receiving the greatest number of votes cast in
person or by proxy at the Meeting shall be elected directors of the Company. The
vote required for the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers
as independent accountants for the year ending June 30, 2001, and the vote
required to approve any other matter to be presented to the Meeting, is the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person
or represented by proxy at the Meeting. For purposes of determining the approval
of any matter submitted to the stockholders for a vote, abstentions and broker
non-votes will have no effect on the election of directors and will be treated
as having voted "against" the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers as the
Company's auditors for the year ending June 30, 2001.
<PAGE> 4
PROXIES AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES. A proxy in the accompanying form,
which is properly executed, duly returned to the Company and not revoked, will
be voted in accordance with instructions contained therein. In the event that
any matter which is not described in this Proxy Statement properly comes before
the Meeting, the accompanying form of proxy authorizes the persons appointed as
proxies thereby ("Proxyholders") to vote on such matter in their sole
discretion. At the present time, management knows of no other matters which are
to come before the Meeting. See "ITEM 3. TRANSACTION OF OTHER BUSINESS." If no
instructions are given with respect to any particular matter to be acted upon, a
proxy will be voted "FOR" the election of all nominees for director named herein
and "FOR" the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers as the Company's auditors
for the year ending June 30, 2001. If matters other than those mentioned herein
properly come before the Meeting, a proxy will be voted in accordance with the
best judgment of a majority of the Proxyholders named therein.
Each such proxy granted may be revoked at any time before it is voted
by filing with the Secretary of the Company a written notice of revocation, by
delivering to the Company a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or by
attending the Meeting and voting in person.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS. There are no stockholder proposals on the agenda
for the Meeting. In order to be eligible for inclusion in the Company's proxy
materials for its 2001 annual meeting, a stockholder proposal must be received
by the Company no later than May 24, 2001 and must otherwise comply with the
applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").
Appropriate stockholder proposals intended to be presented at the Company's 2001
annual meeting without inclusion in the Proxy Statement must be received by the
Company no later than August 1, 2001. Stockholder proposals should be sent to
the Company's principal offices, 4129 North Port Washington Avenue, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, 53212, by certified mail, return receipt requested, and should be
addressed to the Secretary of the Company.
ANNUAL REPORT. The Company's Annual Report to Stockholders, which
includes the Company's Form 10-K audited financial statements for the year ended
June 30, 2000, although not a part of this Proxy Statement, is delivered
herewith.
2
<PAGE> 5
ITEM 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The By-Laws of the Company provide that the number of Directors on the
Board shall be no fewer than six and no greater than twelve. In accordance with
the By-Laws, the Board of Directors has by resolution fixed the number of
Directors at seven. Given the varied experience of the current nominees and
their contribution to the governing of the Company, the current size of the
Board has been determined to be advantageous for both the Company and its
stockholders. Shares cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than seven
vacant positions. Each director so elected shall serve until the next Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and until his successor is duly elected, or until his
prior death, resignation or removal.
INFORMATION AS TO NOMINEES.
The following identifies the nominees for the seven director positions
and provides information as to their business experience for the past five
years. Each nominee is presently a director of the Company:
JOHN C. KOSS, 70, has served continuously as Chairman of the Board of
the Company or its predecessors since 1958. Previously, he served as
Chief Executive Officer from 1958 until 1991. He is the father of
Michael J. Koss (who is the Company's President, Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, and a
nominee for director of the Company), and the father of John Koss, Jr.
(the Company's Vice President - Sales).
THOMAS L. DOERR, 56, has been a director of the Company since 1987. Mr.
Doerr co-founded Leeson Electric Corporation in 1972 and served as its
President and Chief Executive Officer until 1982. The company
manufactures industrial electric motors. In 1983, Mr. Doerr
incorporated Doerr Corporation as a holding company for the purpose of
acquiring established companies involved in distributing products to
industrial and commercial markets. Currently, Mr. Doerr serves as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Doerr Corporation.
VICTOR L. HUNTER, 53, has been a director of the Company since 1987.
Mr. Hunter is the President of Hunter Business Group, LLC, a service
company specializing in business-to-business direct marketing. Mr.
Hunter holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School.
MICHAEL J. KOSS, 46, has held various positions at the Company since
1976, and has been a director of the Company since 1985. He was elected
President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company in 1987, Chief Executive Officer in 1991, and Vice-Chairman in
1998. He is the son of John C. Koss and the brother of John Koss, Jr.
Mr. Koss is also director of Strattec Security Corporation.
LAWRENCE S. MATTSON, 68, has been a director of the Company since 1978.
Mr. Mattson is the retired President of Oster Company, a division of
Sunbeam Corporation, which manufactures and sells portable household
appliances.
MARTIN F. STEIN, 63, Mr. Stein has been a director of the Company since
1987. He is the former Chairman of Eyecare One, Inc., which includes
Stein Optical and Eye Q optical centers and a manufacturing lab in
Illinois and Wisconsin. Prior to that, Mr. Stein was the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Stein Health Services. He is also a director
of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Mason Street Series.
JOHN J. STOLLENWERK, 60, has been a director of the Company since 1986.
Mr. Stollenwerk is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Allen-Edmonds Shoe Corporation, an international manufacturer and
retailer of high quality footwear. He is also a director of
Allen-Edmonds Shoe Corporation, Badger Meter, Inc., Firstar
Corporation, and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE
ELECTION OF ALL NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
3
<PAGE> 6
BOARD COMMITTEES.
The Board of Directors of the Company has the following standing
committees:
AUDIT COMMITTEE. The Audit Committee, which is composed of Mr.
Mattson, Mr. Doerr, and Mr. Stein, reviews and evaluates the effectiveness of
the Company's financial and accounting functions, including reviewing the scope
and results of the audit work performed by the independent accountants and by
the Company's internal accounting staff. The Audit Committee met twice during
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000. The independent accountants were present at
both of these meetings to discuss their audit scope and the results of their
audit.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE. The Compensation Committee, which is
composed of John C. Koss, Mr. Mattson, Mr. Stollenwerk, and Mr. Hunter, has
responsibility for reviewing and recommending adjustments for all employees
whose annual salaries exceed $45,000, as well as all bonuses, commissions, and
stock option awards. Beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001, the
Compensation Committee will review and recommend adjustments for employees whose
annual salaries exceed $75,000 or who report directly to the Company's Chief
Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee met once during the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2000. See "Executive Compensation and Related Matters --
Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation." The Company's 1990
Flexible Incentive Plan (the "Plan") is administered by the Compensation
Committee. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee has
complete authority to (i) determine when and to whom benefits are granted; (ii)
determine the terms and provisions of benefits granted; (iii) interpret the
Plan; (iv) prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the
Plan; (v) accelerate, purchase, adjust or remove restrictions from benefits; and
(vi) take any other action which it considers necessary or appropriate for the
administration of the Plan.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE. The Board of Directors has no
nominating committee and the Company has no established procedure for the
nomination of persons to serve on the Board of Directors.
ATTENDANCE AT BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS. During the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2000, the Board held four meetings. Every incumbent director
attended 75% or more of the total of (i) all meetings of the Board, plus (ii)
all meetings of the committees on which they served during their respective
terms of office.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.
Information is provided below with respect to the executive officers of
the Company who are not directors. Each executive officer is elected annually by
the Board of Directors and serves for one year or until his or her successor is
appointed.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Current Position
Name Age Positions Held Held Since
--------------------------------- ----------- ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
John Koss, Jr. 43 Vice President - Sales 1988
Sujata Sachdeva 36 Vice President - Finance 1992
Richard W. Silverthorn* 45 Secretary, General Counsel 1993
</TABLE>
--------------
* Mr. Silverthorn is an attorney and shareholder with the law firm of Whyte
Hirschboeck Dudek S.C., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which law firm serves as legal
counsel to the Company.
4
<PAGE> 7
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY SECURITIES.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP BY NOMINEES AND MANAGEMENT. The following table sets
forth, as of September 1, 2000, the number of shares of Common Stock
"beneficially owned" (as defined under applicable SEC regulations) and the
percentage of such shares to the total number of shares outstanding for all
nominees, for each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table
(see "Executive Compensation and Related Matters -- Summary Compensation
Table"), for all directors and executive officers as a group, and for each
person and each group of persons who, to the knowledge of the Company as of
September 1, 2000, based solely on the review of Schedule 13D or 13G information
statements of such beneficial owner filed with the SEC, were the beneficial
owners of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percent of
Number of Shares Outstanding Common
Name and Business Address (1) Beneficially Owned (2) Stock (3)
----------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
John C. Koss (4) ................................................... 731,608 33.1%
Michael J. Koss (5) ................................................ 592,738 26.8%
John Koss, Jr. (6) ................................................. 138,444 6.3%
Thomas L. Doerr .................................................... 0 *
Victor L. Hunter ................................................... 1 *
Lawrence S. Mattson ................................................ 0 *
Martin F. Stein .................................................... 4,500 *
John J. Stollenwerk ................................................ 4,500 *
All directors and executive
Officers as a group (10 persons) (7) .............................. 1,373,170 62.2%
Koss Family Voting Trust, John C. Koss, Trustee (8) ................ 294,214 13.3%
Koss Employee Stock Ownership Trust ("KESOT") (9) .................. 334,261 15.1%
FMR Corp. (10) ..................................................... 190,000 8.6%
Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. (11) ................................ 205,100 9.3%
</TABLE>
--------------------------------------------------------
(1) Unless otherwise noted, the business address of all persons named in
the above table is c/o Koss Corporation, 4129 North Port Washington
Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53212.
(2) Unless otherwise noted, amounts indicated reflect shares as to which
the beneficial owner possesses sole voting and dispositive powers. Also
included are shares subject to stock options if such options are
exercisable within 60 days of September 1, 2000.
(3) All percentages shown in the above table are based on 2,208,369 shares
outstanding on September 1, 2000; between September 1 and the September
11 Record Date, the Company purchased and retired 45,000 shares.
Asterisk (*) denotes beneficial ownership of less than 1%. Percentage
calculation assumes, for each individual owning options and for
directors and executive officers as a group, the exercise of that
number of stock options which are exercisable within 60 days of
September 1, 2000.
(4) Includes the following shares which are deemed to be "beneficially
owned" by John C. Koss: (i) 277,196 shares owned directly or by his
spouse; (ii) 55,517 shares as a result of his position as an officer of
the Koss Foundation; (iii) 294,214 shares as a result of his position
as trustee of the Koss Family Voting Trust; (iv) 26,000 shares as a
result of his position as co-trustee of the John C. and Nancy Koss
Revocable Trust; and (v) 78,681 shares by reason of the allocation of
those shares to his account under the Koss Employee Stock Ownership
Trust ("KESOT") and his ability to vote such shares pursuant to the
terms of the KESOT - see "Executive Compensation and Related Matters --
Other Compensation Arrangements - Employee Stock Ownership Plan and
Trust."
5
<PAGE> 8
(5) Includes the following shares which are deemed to be "beneficially
owned" by Michael J. Koss: (i) 227,227 shares owned directly or by
reason of family relationships; (ii) 27,641 shares by reason of the
allocation of those shares to his account under the KESOT and his
ability to vote such shares; (iii) 31,250 shares with respect to which
he holds options which are exercisable within 60 days of September 1,
2000; and (iv) 334,261 shares which are held by the KESOT (see Note
(9), below). The 27,641 shares allocated to Michael J. Koss' KESOT
account, over which he holds voting power, are included within the
aforementioned 334,261 shares but are counted only once in his
individual total.
(6) Includes the following shares which are deemed to be "beneficially
owned" by John Koss, Jr.: (i) 94,129 shares owned directly or by his
daughter; (ii) 24,375 shares with respect to which he holds options
which are exercisable within 60 days of September 1, 2000; and (iii)
19,940 shares by reason of the allocation of those shares to his
account under the KESOT and his ability to vote such shares.
(7) This group includes ten people, eight of whom are listed on the
accompanying table, plus Sujata Sachdeva (Vice President-Finance) and
Richard W. Silverthorn (Secretary and General Counsel). To avoid
double-counting: (i) the 334,261 total shares held by the KESOT and
deemed to be beneficially owned by Michael J. Koss as result of his
position as a KESOT Trustee (see Note (5), above) include shares
allocated to the KESOT accounts of John C. Koss, Michael J. Koss, and
John Koss, Jr. in the above table but are included only once in the
total; and (ii) the 294,214 shares deemed to be beneficially owned by
John C. Koss as a result of his position as trustee of the Koss Family
Voting Trust (see Note (4), above).
(8) The Koss Family Voting Trust was established by John C. Koss. The sole
Trustee is John C. Koss. The term of the Koss Family Voting Trust is
indefinite. Under the Trust Agreement, John C. Koss, as Trustee, holds
full voting and dispositive power over the shares held by the Koss
Family Voting Trust. All of the 294,214 shares are included in the
number of shares shown as beneficially owned by John C. Koss (see Note
(4), above).
(9) The KESOT holds 334,261 shares. Authority to vote these shares is
vested in KESOT participants to the extent shares have been allocated
to individual KESOT accounts. All 334,261 of these KESOT shares are
also included in the number of shares shown as beneficially owned by
Michael J. Koss (see Note (5), above). Michael J. Koss and Cheryl Mike
(the Company's Director of Human Resources) serve as Trustees of the
KESOT and, as such, they share dispositive power with respect to (and
are therefore each deemed under applicable SEC rules to beneficially
own) all 334,261 KESOT shares.
(10) 82 Devonshire Street, Boston MA 02109.
(11) 1299 Ocean Ave., 11th Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401. The following is
qualified in its entirety by reference to a Schedule 13G statement
dated February 4, 2000 by Dimensional Fund Advisors (the "Schedule
13G"): Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. ("Dimensional"), an investment
advisor registered under Section 203 of the Investment Advisors Act of
1940, furnishes investment advice to four investment companies
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and serves as
investment manager to certain other investment vehicles, including
commingled group trusts. (These investment companies and investment
vehicles are the "Portfolios"). In its role as investment advisor and
investment manager, Dimensional possesses both voting and investment
power over the securities of the Issuer described in this schedule that
are owned by the Portfolios. All securities reported in this schedule
are owned by the Portfolios, and Dimensional disclaims beneficial
ownership of such securities.
6
<PAGE> 9
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND RELATED MATTERS.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE. The following table presents certain
summary information concerning compensation paid or accrued by the Company for
services rendered in all capacities during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2000,
1999, and 1998 for (i) the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of the Company, and
(ii) each of the other two executive officers of the Company (determined as of
the end of the last fiscal year) whose total annual salary and bonus exceeded
$100,000 (collectively, including the CEO, the "Named Executive Officers").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION (1)
ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS
----------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
RESTRICTED SECURITIES
NAME FISCAL OTHER ANNUAL STOCK UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
AND YEAR ENDED SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION (2) AWARDS OPTIONS/ SARS (3) COMPENSATION (4)
PRINCIPAL POSITION JUNE 30 ($) ($) ($) ($) (#) ($)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John C. Koss
Chairman of the Board 2000 $ 150,000 $164,855 $ 0 $ 0 0 $135,769
1999 150,000 206,012 0 0 0 140,461
1998 150,000 262,547 0 0 0 135,458
-------------------------
Michael J. Koss
Chief Executive Officer 2000 $ 175,000 $230,797 $ 0 $ 0 $ 14,881
1999 165,000 288,417 0 0 50,000 23,559
1998 165,000 367,565 1,632,813 0 10,000 16,683
-------------------------
John Koss, Jr.
Vice President - Sales 2000 $ 130,000 $ 34,020 $ 0 $ 0 $ 13,426
1999 125,000 22,165 0 0 25,000 16,526
1998 120,000 47,000 343,750 0 10,000 12,117
</TABLE>
(1) The above table omits information concerning Long Term Incentive Plans
("LTIPs") (plans, other than restricted stock, stock option, or SAR
plans, which provide for the payment of incentive compensation for
performance expected to occur over more than one fiscal year) because
the Company has no LTIPs.
(2) This column consists of the value realized upon the exercise of stock
options for the fiscal years indicated. For more information, see
"Aggregate Stock Option Exercises During the Fiscal Year". In all
cases, the value of perquisites and other benefits in any fiscal year
did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the total salary and
bonus reported and, under applicable SEC compensation disclosure rules
are not required to be included in this column.
(3) This column consists of Incentive Stock Options granted to executive
officers for the fiscal years indicated. For additional information,
see "Stock Options Granted During Fiscal Year" and "Other Compensation
Arrangements - Stock Option Plans."
(4) "All Other Compensation" consists of the following: (i) Company
matching contributions under the Company's 401k Plan for the accounts
of John C. Koss ($7,500 in 2000, $7,486 in 1999 and $7,625 in 1998),
Michael J. Koss ($10,500 in 2000, $9,964 in 1999 and $10,000 in 1998),
and John Koss, Jr. ($11,870 in 2000, $3,917 in 1999 and $7,255 in
1998); (ii) Company contributions to the KESOT for the accounts of John
C. Koss ($289 in 2000, $12,090 in 1999 and $4,239 in 1998), Michael J.
Koss ($289 in 2000, $12,090 in 1999 and $4,239 in 1998), and John Koss,
Jr. ($289 in 2000, $12,090 in 1999 and $3,728 in 1998); (iii) premiums
paid by the Company for life insurance for John C. Koss ($12,900 in
2000, $5,805 in 1999 and $8,514 in 1998), Michael J. Koss ($4,092 in
2000, $1,505 in 1999 and $2,444 in 1998), and John Koss, Jr. ($1,267 in
2000, $519 in 1999 and $1,134 in 1998); and (iv) an annual accrued
expense of $115,080 in connection with the Company's agreement to
continue to pay John C. Koss, his current base salary for the remainder
of his life, whether or not he becomes disabled.
7
<PAGE> 10
STOCK OPTIONS GRANTED DURING FISCAL YEAR. The following table provides
certain information concerning stock options granted to Named Executive Officers
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT ASSUMED
ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK PRICE
APPRECIATION FOR
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS OPTION TERM**
----------------------------- ---------------------------------------
SECURITIES PERCENT OF EXERCISE OR
UNDERLYING TOTAL OPTIONS/ BASE PRICE
OPTIONS/ SARS GRANTED
SARS GRANTED TO EMPLOYEES ($ PER EXPIRATION
NAME (#) IN FISCAL YEAR* SHARE) DATE 0% 5% 10%
------------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John C. Koss n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Michael J. Koss 20,000 26.7% $14.80 May 1, 2005 $(26,909) $47,436 $137,374
John Koss, Jr. 15,000 20.0% 14.80 May 1, 2005 (20,182) 35,577 103,030
</TABLE>
* The percentages set forth in this table are based on 75,000 total stock
option shares granted for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000, of which
15,000 option shares were approved by the Board of Directors to be
granted at $13.45 per share to a future employee who is to be hired as
a Vice President - Information Technology and e-commerce.
** Based on the "fair market value" as determined under the Company's 1990
Flexible Incentive Plan (which provides that the "fair market value"
for purposes thereof is the average of the closing prices on the five
trading days immediately preceding the grant of such option) of $13.45
per share on May 1, 2000, the date such options were granted. The
exercise price for Michael J. Koss and John Koss, Jr., is equal to 110%
of the "fair market value," as so determined, on the date of grant.
AGGREGATE STOCK OPTION EXERCISES DURING THE FISCAL YEAR. The following
table provides certain information about stock options exercised by the Named
Executive Officers during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000 and held by the
Named Executive Officers on June 30, 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS/SARS AT OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR END (1)
FISCAL YEAR END (DOLLARS)
SHARES ------------------------------- ---------------------------------
ACQUIRED ON VALUE
EXERCISE REALIZED
NAME (#) (DOLLARS) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---------------------- --------------- -------------- -------------- ------------------ -------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John C. Koss 0 $ 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a
Michael J. Koss 28,750 150,606 31,250 65,000 $167,956 $204,650
John Koss, Jr. 7,500 51,900 24,375 40,625 146,478 120,522
</TABLE>
(1) Based on the $15.88 per share market value of the Company's Common
Stock on June 30, 2000, determined with reference to the closing price
of the Company's Common Stock on that date as reported on The Nasdaq
Stock Market. Options are "in-the-money" if the fair market value of
the stock on June 30, 2000 exceeds the exercise price.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION. John C.
Koss, who is the Chairman of the Board and executive officer of the Company,
serves on the Compensation Committee.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION. Directors who are not also employees of the
Company receive an annual retainer of $5,000, plus $1,250 per director for each
meeting and $500 per director for each committee meeting.
OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS. The Company has certain other
compensation plans and arrange-ments which are available to the CEO and certain
of the Named Executive Officers including the following:
SUPPLEMENTAL MEDICAL CARE REIMBURSEMENT PLAN. Each officer of the
Company is covered by a medical care reimbursement plan for all medical
expenses incurred which are not covered under group health insurance up
to an annual maximum of 10% of salary. Amounts reimbursed under this
Plan are included under the column headed "All Other Compensation" in
the summary compensation table.
8
<PAGE> 11
EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN AND TRUST. In December 1975, the Company
adopted the KESOT, which is a form of employee benefit plan designed to
invest primarily in employer securities. The KESOT is qualified under
Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. All full-time employees
with at least six months' uninterrupted service with the Company are
eligible to participate in the KESOT. Contributions to the KESOT are
allocated to the accounts of participants in proportion to the ratio
that a participant's compensation bears to total compensation of all
participants. Accounts are adjusted each year to reflect the investment
experience of the trust and forfeitures from accounts of non-vested
terminated participants. All unallocated shares will be voted by the
KESOT Trustees as directed by the KESOT Committee. Michael J. Koss and
Cheryl Mike currently serve as KESOT Trustees and as the members of the
KESOT Committee. Voting rights for all allocated shares are passed
through to the participant for whose account such shares are allocated,
and must be voted by the Trustees in accordance with the participants'
direction. As of September 1, 2000 the KESOT held 334,261 shares of
Common Stock (approximately 14.2% of the total number of shares
outstanding).
OFFICER LOAN POLICY. On January 31, 1980, the Board adopted an Officer
Loan Policy. The significant provisions of the policy are: (i) the
maximum amount to be loaned is limited to one-half of the officer's
annual base salary; (ii) the first $10,000 bears no interest; (iii) in
the event the loan balance exceeds $10,000, interest is charged on the
entire amount at the minimum rate provided by Section 483 of the
Internal Revenue Code; and (iv) the loan will be repaid in installments
or in full upon termination of employment. During the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2000, no officer had an officer loan that exceeded $60,000.
RETIREMENT AGREEMENT. The Board of Directors had by resolution agreed
to continue to pay to John C. Koss his current base salary in the event
he becomes disabled prior to age 70. After age 70, Mr. Koss shall be
eligible to receive his current base salary of $150,000 for the
remainder of his life, whether he becomes disabled or not. Mr. Koss is
currently 70 years old and the Company is recognizing an annual accrued
expense of $150,000 in connection with this Agreement.
STOCK OPTION PLANS. In 1990, the Board of Directors created, and the
stockholders approved, a Flexible Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). This
Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee and vests the
Compensation Committee with discretionary powers to choose from a
variety of incentive compensation alternatives to make annual
stock-based awards to officers, key employees and other members of the
Company's management team. The Board of Directors recommended, and the
stockholders approved, the reservation of 225,000 shares of Company
Common Stock for issuance pursuant to the Plan in its first year. At
the Company's 1992 Annual Meeting, the stockholders approved an
amendment to the Plan authorizing the reservation of an additional
250,000 shares of Company Common Stock for issuance to Plan
participants. At the Company's 1993 Annual Meeting, the stockholders
approved an amendment to the Plan authorizing the reservation of an
additional 300,000 shares of Company Common Stock for issuance to Plan
participants. At the Company's 1997 Annual Meeting, the stockholders
approved an amendment to the Plan authorizing the reservation of an
additional 300,000 shares of Company Common Stock for issuance to Plan
participants. John C. Koss is not eligible for any grants since he is a
member of the Compensation Committee.
SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN. The Board of Directors has by
resolution entered into a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan with
Michael J. Koss which calls for Mr. Koss to receive annual cash
compensation following his retirement from the Company ("Retirement
Payments") in an amount equal to 2% of the base salary of Mr. Koss,
multiplied by his number of years of service to the Company (example,
if Mr. Koss had worked 25 years, then 2% multiplied by 25 years would
amount to 50% of base salary). The base salary shall be calculated
using the average base salary of Mr. Koss during the three years
preceding his retirement. The Retirement Payments are to be paid to Mr.
Koss monthly until his death, and after his death shall continue to be
paid monthly to his surviving spouse until her death.
9
<PAGE> 12
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") is composed of
three non-employee directors. The members of the Committee are: Mr. Mattson, Mr.
Doerr and Mr. Stein. Each member of the Committee is "independent" as defined in
the National Association of Securities Dealers' listing standards. The Committee
held two meetings during its fiscal year 2000.
The responsibilities of the Committee are set forth in its Charter, which is
reviewed and amended periodically, as appropriate. The Charter is attached as
Appendix A to this Proxy Statement. Generally, the Committee reviews and
monitors the Company's financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of
Directors. In fulfilling its responsibility, the Committee recommends to the
full Board of Directors the selection of the Company's independent accountants.
The Committee discusses with the independent accountants the overall scope and
specific plans for their respective audits. The Committee also discusses the
Company's consolidated financial statements, the effectiveness and adequacy of
the Company's internal controls and pending litigation. The Committee meets
twice a year with the Company's independent accountants, to discuss the results
of their examinations, their evaluations of the Company's internal controls, and
the overall quality of the Company's financial reporting.
Specifically, the Committee has: (i) reviewed and discussed the Company's
audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000 with the
Company's management; (ii) discussed with the Company's independent auditors the
matters required to be discussed by SAS 61 (Codification of Statements on
Auditing Standards), as may be modified or supplemented; and (iii) received the
written disclosures and the letter from the Company's independent accountants
required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Standards
Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), as may be
modified or supplemented, and has discussed with the Company's independent
accountants the independent accountants' independence. Based on the review and
discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to the Board of
Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000 for filing
with the SEC.
Audit Committee
Lawrence S. Mattson
Thomas L. Doerr
Martin F. Stein
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Under SEC rules, the Company is required to provide certain information
concerning compensation provided to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and
the Named Executive Officers. The disclosure requirements for these individuals
include the use of tables and a report of the Committee responsible for
compensation decisions for these individuals, explaining the rationale and
considerations that led to those compensation decisions. Therefore, the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has prepared the following
report for inclusion in this Proxy Statement:
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors ("Compensation
Committee") is composed of Mr. Stollenwerk, Mr. Mattson, Mr. Hunter and the
Chairman of the Board, John C. Koss. The Compensation Committee is
responsible for the review of all employee salaries in excess of $75,000 or
who report directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer. The
Compensation Committee also reviews all bonus, commission and stock option
programs. The Compensation Committee meets as a group each spring and
reviews its report with the full Board prior to the end of the fiscal year.
This system enables management to plan the following year more
appropriately.
The Company employs a compensation program linked to company-wide
performance and individual achievement. All executive officers are reviewed
twice each year. Raises in base salaries are made in July when necessary or
when promotions are announced. In addition, the Company has a Flexible
Incentive Plan, Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust, and a 401(k) Plan.
The Company also has a cafeteria benefits plan to provide flexibility to
employees to choose their own health care and associated benefits package
from an array of offerings. The Company shares the cost of medical insurance
with its employees.
10
<PAGE> 13
The Company's executive officers are paid base salaries commensurate
with their responsibilities, after comparison with base salaries of
executive officers of other light assembly or manufacturing companies taken
from data in an annual national survey.
Executive officers are also eligible for annual bonuses based upon
individual performance and overall Company performance. Factors relevant to
determining such bonuses include attainment of corporate revenue and
earnings goals and the development of new accounts. The Company's Chairman
is eligible to receive a bonus calculated as a percentage of the Company's
earnings before interest and taxes. The Company's Vice President-Sales is
entitled to receive a bonus based upon increases in sales over the prior
year, and a bonus for obtaining new accounts from a predetermined list of
potential new accounts and for adding new product lines to current accounts.
The Company's Vice President - Europe is entitled to receive a bonus based
upon the Company's sales in export markets.
The Compensation Committee annually reviews and determines the
compensation of Michael J. Koss, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Michael J. Koss' salary is based on his experience, responsibilities,
historical salary levels for himself and other executive officers of the
Company, and the salaries of Chief Executive Officers of other light
assembly or manufacturing companies. Michael J. Koss is also eligible to
receive a bonus calculated as a percentage of the Company's earnings before
interest and taxes. He also participates in the Company's Flexible Incentive
Plan.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
JOHN C. KOSS
LAWRENCE S. MATTSON
JOHN J. STOLLENWERK
VICTOR L. HUNTER
11
<PAGE> 14
THE REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE SHALL NOT BE DEEMED
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE BY ANY GENERAL STATEMENT INCORPORATING BY
REFERENCE THIS PROXY STATEMENT INTO ANY FILING UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
OF 1933 OR UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (TOGETHER, THE
"ACTS"), EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE COMPANY SPECIFICALLY
INCORPORATES THIS INFORMATION BY REFERENCE, AND SHALL NOT OTHERWISE BE
DEEMED FILED UNDER SUCH ACTS.
STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE INFORMATION.
The graph and table on the next page set forth information
comparing the yearly cumulative total return on the Company's Common
Stock over the past five years with the yearly cumulative total return
on (i) stocks included in The Nasdaq Stock Market (US Companies) Index,
and (ii) a group of peer companies ("Peer Group"). The Peer Group
consists of Boston Acoustics, Inc., Digital Video Systems, Inc.,
Phoenix Gold International, Inc., and Sensory Science Corporation. For
purposes of the graph and table, it is assumed that on June 30, 1995,
$100 was invested in the stock of each of (i) the Company, (ii) the
companies on The Nasdaq Stock Market (US Companies) Index, and (iii)
the companies in the Peer Group (the cumulative return for the
investment in the stock of companies in the Peer Group is weighted
according to the relative market capitalization of each company as
adjusted at the end of each fiscal year shown on the table). The graph
and table also assume that all dividends paid were reinvested in the
stock of the issuing companies. THE STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
SHOWN IN THE GRAPH AND TABLE ON THE NEXT PAGE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED
INDICATIVE OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE.
12
<PAGE> 15
STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE INFORMATION GRAPH
[PERFORMANCE GRAPH]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NASDAQ $ 100.00 $ 128.39 $ 156.15 $ 205.59 $ 293.79 $ 437.14
Koss Corporation 100.00 110.20 142.86 165.31 196.95 259.18
Peer Group 100.00 108.17 73.22 70.71 62.24 48.10
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE> 16
RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
BUILDING LEASE. The Company leases its main plant and offices in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin from its Chairman, John C. Koss, under a lease which
expires on June 30, 2003 (subject to renewal) at a current rent of $380,000
per year. The Company is responsible for all property maintenance,
insurance, taxes and other normal expenses related to ownership. The Company
believes that the lease is on terms no less favorable to the Company than
those that could be obtained from unaffiliated parties.
STOCK REPURCHASES. The Company has previously announced its intention
to repurchase shares of Common Stock in the open market or in private
transactions as such shares become available from time to time, because the
Company believes that its stock is undervalued in the current market and
that such repurchases enhance the value to stockholders. Consistent with
this policy, the Company repurchased 435,000 shares during the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2000. These 435,000 shares were automatically retired and
returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares. The Company
believes that purchases of Common Stock enhance stockholder value and will
continue from time to time to engage in such transactions either on the open
market or in private transactions.
The Company has an agreement with its Chairman, John C. Koss, to
repurchase stock from his estate in the event of his death. The repurchase
price is 95% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date that
notice to repurchase is provided to the Company. The total number of shares
to be repurchased shall be sufficient to provide proceeds which are the
lesser of $2,500,000 or the amount of estate taxes and administrative
expenses incurred by his estate. The Company is obligated to pay in cash 25%
of the total amount due and to execute a promissory note at the prime rate
of interest for the balance. The Company maintains a $1,150,000 life
insurance policy to fund a substantial portion of this obligation. At June
30, 2000, $1,490,000 has been classified as a Contingently Redeemable Equity
Interest on the Company's financial statements reflecting the estimated
obligation in the event of execution of the agreement.
SECTION 16 BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE.
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the
Company's directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than
10% of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file with
the SEC and with The Nasdaq Stock Market reports of ownership and changes in
ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company.
Officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by SEC
regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms
they file.
Based solely on review of such reports furnished to the Company or
representations that no other reports were required, the Company believes
that, during the 2000 fiscal year, all filing requirements applicable to its
officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were satisfied.
14
<PAGE> 17
ITEM 2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors, following the recommendation of its Audit
Committee, has retained PricewaterhouseCoopers as independent accountants to
audit the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001. PricewaterhouseCoopers has served the
Company as its independent auditors since September 1992. Representatives of
PricewaterhouseCoopers are expected to be present at the Meeting, and will have
the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so. The
PricewaterhouseCoopers representatives are expected to be available to respond
to appropriate questions at the Meeting.
Although this appointment is not required to be submitted to a vote by
stockholders, the Board believes it appropriate, as a matter of policy, to
request that the stockholders ratify the appointment. If stockholder
ratification (by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common
Stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting) is not received,
the Board will reconsider the appointment. Unless otherwise directed, the proxy
will be voted in favor of the ratification of such appointment.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" RATIFICATION OF
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS AS INDEPENDENT
ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2001
ITEM 3. TRANSACTION OF OTHER BUSINESS
The Board of Directors of the Company is not aware of any other matters
that may come before the meeting. If any other matters are properly presented to
the meeting for action, it is the intention of the persons named as proxies in
the enclosed form of proxy to vote such proxies in accordance with their best
judgment on such matters.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Richard W. Silverthorn
-------------------------------------
Richard W. Silverthorn, Secretary
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
September 27, 2000
15
<PAGE> 18
KOSS CORPORATION THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF
4129 NORTH PORT WASHINGTON AVENUE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53212 The undersigned hereby appoints
John C. Koss and Lawrence S.
PROXY Mattson as Proxies, each with full
power of substitution for himself,
and hereby authorizes them to
represent and to vote, as
designated below, all the shares of
common stock of Koss Corporation
held as of the record date and
which the undersigned is entitled
to vote at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on October
19, 2000 and any or all
adjournments thereof, with like
effect as if the undersigned were
personally present and voting.
Properly executed proxies received
by the Company will be voted in the
manner directed herein by the
undersigned stockholder. If no
direction is made, this proxy will
be voted FOR the election of all
seven nominees listed for director
and FOR Proposal 2. If any other
matters properly come before the
meeting, this proxy will be voted
in accordance with the best
judgment of the Proxies appointed.
The undersigned hereby acknowledges
receipt of the Notice of Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and the
Proxy Statement furnished
therewith.
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY
DETACH BELOW AND RETURN USING THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED
KOSS CORPORATION 2000 ANNUAL MEETING
<TABLE>
<S><C>
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: 1 - JOHN C. KOSS 2 - THOMAS L. DOERR 3 - VICTOR L. HUNTER [ ] FOR all [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
4 - MICHAEL J. KOSS 5 - LAWRENCE S. MATTSON nominees listed to to vote for all
6 - MARTIN F. STEIN 7 - JOHN J. STOLLENWERK the left (except as nominees listed
specified below). to the left.
--------------------------------------------
(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee, write the
number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right). --------------------------------------------
2. PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS OF THE CORPORATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, [ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
2001.
3. IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
Check appropriate box Date , 2000 NO. OF SHARES
Indicate changes below: ----------------------- --------------------------------------------
Address Change? [ ] Name Change? [ ]
--------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE(S) IN BOX
PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME APPEARS
HEREON. WHEN SHARES ARE HELD BY JOINT
TENANTS, BOTH SHOULD SIGN. WHEN SIGNING
AS ATTORNEY, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS,
TRUSTEE OR GUARDIAN, PLEASE GIVE FULL
TITLE AS SUCH. IF A CORPORATION, PLEASE
SIGN IN FULL CORPORATE NAME BY PRESIDENT
OR OTHER AUTHORIZED OFFICER. IF A
PARTNERSHIP, PLEASE SIGN IN PARTNERSHIP
NAME BY AUTHORIZED PERSON.
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 19
KOSS (R) CORPORATION I, the undersigned participant in the Koss
KESOT PARTICIPANTS Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan
4129 NORTH PORT WASHINGTON AVENUE and Trust ("KESOT"), having received the
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53212 Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
Koss Corporation ("Company") and the Proxy
Statement furnished therewith ("Proxy
PROXY Statement"), hereby instruct Michael J. Koss
and Cheryl Mike, as Trustees of the Trust
created pursuant to the KESOT, to vote the
shares of Common Stock of the Company
allocated to my account under the KESOT as
of the record date, on the following
proposals to be presented at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be
held on October 19, 2000, and at any or all
adjournments thereof, in accordance with the
following instructions below.
YOUR VOTE IS BEING SOLICITED BY THE COMPANY
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE
KESOT. THE COMPANY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES FOR
DIRECTOR AND IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL 2.
IF YOU RETURN THIS CARD PROPERLY SIGNED BUT
DO NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFY, SHARES ALLOCATED
TO YOUR KESOT ACCOUNT WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL
NOMINEES LISTED FOR DIRECTOR AND FOR
PROPOSAL 2. IF ANY OTHER MATTERS PROPERLY
COME BEFORE THE MEETING, SHARES ALLOCATED TO
YOUR KESOT ACCOUNT WILL BE VOTED BY THE
TRUSTEES AS DIRECTED BY THE KESOT COMMITTEE.
IF YOU DO NOT RETURN THIS CARD, SHARES
ALLOCATED TO YOUR KESOT ACCOUNT WILL BE
VOTED BY THE TRUSTEES AS DIRECTED BY THE
KESOT COMMITTEE.
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY
DETACH BELOW AND RETURN USING THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED
KOSS CORPORATION 2000 ANNUAL MEETING
<TABLE>
<S><C>
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: 1 - JOHN C. KOSS 2 - THOMAS L. DOERR 3 - VICTOR L. HUNTER [ ] FOR all [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
4 - MICHAEL J. KOSS 5 - LAWRENCE S. MATTSON nominees listed to to vote for all
6 - MARTIN F. STEIN 7 - JOHN J. STOLLENWERK the left (except as nominees listed
specified below). to the left.
--------------------------------------------
(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee, write the
number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right). --------------------------------------------
2. PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS OF THE CORPORATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, [ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
2001.
Check appropriate box Date , 2000 NO. OF SHARES
Indicate changes below: ----------------------- --------------------------------------------
Address Change? [ ] Name Change? [ ]
--------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE(S) IN BOX
PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME APPEARS
HEREON. WHEN SHARES ARE HELD BY JOINT
TENANTS, BOTH SHOULD SIGN. WHEN SIGNING
AS ATTORNEY, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS,
TRUSTEE OR GUARDIAN, PLEASE GIVE FULL
TITLE AS SUCH. IF A CORPORATION, PLEASE
SIGN IN FULL CORPORATE NAME BY PRESIDENT
OR OTHER AUTHORIZED OFFICER. IF A
PARTNERSHIP, PLEASE SIGN IN PARTNERSHIP
NAME BY AUTHORIZED PERSON.
</TABLE>
