UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
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Check the appropriate box:
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[_] Confidential, For Use of the SS.240.14a-11(c) or SS.240.14a-12
Commission Only (as permitted
by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
Lynch Corporation
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was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
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SEC 1913 (3-99)
<PAGE>
LYNCH CORPORATION
401 Theodore Fremd Avenue
Rye, NY 10580
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 11, 2000
April 18, 2000
To the Shareholders of
Lynch Corporation
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Lynch
Corporation, an Indiana Corporation, will be held at the Greenwich Public
Library, 101 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, Connecticut on Thursday, May 11,
2000, at 3:00 p.m. for the following purposes:
1. To elect six directors to serve until the next Annual Meeting of
Shareholders and until their successors are duly elected and
qualified.
2. To consider and vote on sale of 100,000 shares of the Corporation's
Common Stock to Mario J. Gabelli.
3. To consider and vote on amendments to the Principal Executive Bonus
Plan which would (i) permit any participant to be awarded up to 80% of
the bonus pool, (ii) provide that participation in the Plan is
discretionary with the Plan Committee and (iii) permit awards to
officers who are not employees.
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual
Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
Information relating to the above matters is set forth in the attached
Proxy Statement. As fixed by the Board of Directors, only Shareholders of record
at the close of business of March 27, 2000 are entitled to receive notice of,
and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors encourages all shareholders to personally attend
the annual meeting. Your vote is very important regardless of the number of
shares you own. Shareholders who do not expect to attend are requested to
promptly date, complete and return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed
accompanying postage-paid envelope in order that their shares of common stock
may be represented at the annual meeting. Your cooperation is greatly
appreciated.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Robert A. Hurwich
Secretary
IMPORTANT: Your vote is important regardless of the number of shares you
own. Please date, sign and return your proxy promptly in the enclosed envelope.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
<PAGE>
LYNCH CORPORATION
401 Theodore Fremd Avenue
Rye, NY 10580
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished by the Board of Directors of Lynch
Corporation (the "Corporation") in connection with the solicitation of proxies
for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the Greenwich Public
Library, Greenwich Connecticut on May 11, 2000, at 3:00 P.M. and at any
adjournments thereof. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy is first
being mailed to shareholders on or about April 18, 2000.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 27, 2000 are
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. As of the close of
business on such date, 1,510,183 shares of the Corporation's common stock, no
par value (the "Common Stock"), were outstanding and eligible to vote. Each
share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to the
shareholders. Where a specific designation is given in the proxy, the proxy will
be voted in accordance with such designation. If no such designation is made,
the proxy will be voted FOR the nominees for director named below, FOR
ratification of the sale of 100,000 shares of the Corporation's Common Stock to
Mario J. Gabelli, FOR approval of the amendments to the Principal Executive
Bonus Plan, and in the discretion of the proxies with respect to any other
matter that is properly brought before the Annual Meeting. Any shareholder
giving a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is voted at the Annual
Meeting by delivering to the Secretary of the Corporation a written notice of
revocation or duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by appearing at the
Annual Meeting and revoking his or her proxy and voting in person.
An automated system administered by the Corporation's transfer agent
tabulates the votes. Pursuant to the Indiana business corporation law and the
By-laws of the Company, shares held by persons who abstain from voting on a
proposal will be counted in determining whether a quorum is present, but will
not be counted as voting either for or against such proposal. If a broker
indicates on the proxy that it does not have discretionary authority as to
certain shares to vote on a particular matter, those shares will not be
considered as present and entitled to vote with respect to that matter.
On September 1, 1999, the Corporation spun off Lynch Interactive
Corporation (the "Spin Off"), and four directors of the Corporation resigned and
became directors of Interactive.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Six directors are to be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve until the
next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their respective successors are
elected. Except where authority to vote for directors has been withheld, it is
intended that the proxies received pursuant to this solicitation will be voted
FOR the nominees named below. If for any reason any nominee shall not be
available for election, such proxies will be voted in favor of the remainder of
those named and may be voted for substitute nominees in place of those who
decline to be candidates. Management, however, has no reason to expect that any
of the nominees will be unavailable for election.
The election of directors shall be determined by a plurality of the votes
cast.
Three of the nominees have served as directors of Lynch Corporation since
the last Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 13, 1999, and three directors
(Robert E. Dolan, Avrum Gray and Louis A. Guzzetti, Jr.) were appointed after
the Spin Off on September 1, 1999. The By-laws of the Corporation provide that
Board of Directors shall consist of no less than five and no more than thirteen
members and that any vacancies on the Board of Directors for whatever cause
arising, including newly-created directorships, may be filled by the remaining
directors until the next meeting of shareholders. Biographical summaries and
ages as of April 1, 2000 of the nominees are set forth below. Data with respect
to the number of shares of the Common Stock beneficially owned by each of them
appears on pages 4 and 5 of this Proxy Statement. All such information has been
furnished to the Corporation by the nominees.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name: Age; Business Experience
And Principal Occupation
For Last 5 Years; and Directorships in Served as
Public Corporations and Investment Companies Director From
<S> <C>
E. Val Cerutti, 60 Business Consultant (since 1992); President and Chief
Operating Officer (1975-1992) of Stella D'oro Biscuit Co., Inc., producer
of bakery products; Director of Spinnaker Industries, Inc., The Gabelli
Convertible Securities Fund and The Gabelli Gold Fund..................................... 1990
Robert E. Dolan, 48 Chief Financial Officer (1992-January 2000) and Controller
(1990-January 2000) of the Corporation; Chief Financial Officer of Lynch
Interactive Corporation (1999 to present) ................................................ 2000
Mario J. Gabelli, 57 Chairman (since 1986) and Chief Executive Officer
(1986-January 2000) of the Corporation; Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and a Director of Lynch Interactive Corporation (since September 1999);
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gabelli Group Capital Partners
(since 1980), a private company which makes investments for its own
account; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gabelli Asset Management
Inc. (since 1999), a NYSE listed holding company for subsidiaries engaged
in various aspects of the securities business; Director/Trustee and/or
President of all registered investment companies managed by Gabelli Funds,
LLC (since 1986); Director of Spinnaker Industries, Inc.; Governor of the
American Stock Exchange; Overseer of Columbia University Graduate School of
Business; Trustee of Fairfield University, Roger Williams University, Bruce
Museum, Winston Churchill Foundation and E.L. Wigend Foundation;, Chairman,
Patron's Committee of Immaculate Conception School; and former trustee of
Fordham Preparatory School and Dr. I. Fund Foundation .................................... 1986
Avrum Gray, 64 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of G-Bar Limited Partnership
and affiliates (1982 to present), proprietary computer based derivative
arbitrage trading companies; Gray Capital Corp., and ACI I (1958-1998);
Chairman of the Board, Lynch Systems, Inc., (1997 to present)............................. 1999
Louis A. Guzzetti, Jr., 61 President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Corporation (since January 2000); President and Chief Executive Officer of
Envirosource, Inc. (1986-1999); Director of Spinnaker Industries, Inc..................... 2000
RalphR. Papitto, 73 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AFC Cable Systems,
Inc., a manufacturer and supplier of electrical distribution products
(1993-1999); Founder, Chairman and a Director of Nortek, Inc., a
manufacturer of construction products (1967-1993); Director of Lynch
Interactive Corporation (since 1999), and Spinnaker Industries, Inc.; AFC
Cable Systems, Inc.; and Global Sports & Gaming.Com; Chairman of the Board
of Trustees of Roger Williams University.................................................. 1995
</TABLE>
OPERATION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
There were four meetings of the Board of Directors during 1999, and the
Board acted four times by unanimous written consent.
The Board of directors has established three standing committees, the
principal duties of which are described below:
Audit Committee: Recommends to the Board of Directors the appointment of
independent auditors; reviews annual financial reports to shareholders prior to
their publication; reviews the report by the independent auditors concerning
management procedures and policies; and determines whether the independent
auditors have received satisfactory access to the Corporation's financial
records and full cooperation of corporate personnel in connection with their
audit of the Corporation's records. The Audit Committee met two times during
1999. The present members are Messrs. Papitto (Chairman), and Mr. Gray.
Executive Compensation and Benefits Committee: Develops and makes
recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the Corporation's
executive compensation policies; recommends to the Board of Directors the
compensation to be paid to executive officers; administers the Lynch Interactive
Corporation Bonus Plan, 401(k) Savings Plan, and Phantom Stock Plan, as
summarized on pages 8 through 12 of this Proxy Statement; and performs such
other duties as may be assigned to it by the Board of Directors. The Executive
Compensation and Benefits Committee met twice during 1999 and acted once by
unanimous written consent. The present members are Messrs. Papitto (Chairman),
and Cerutti.
Executive Committee: Exercises all the power and authority of the Board of
Directors, except as otherwise provided by Delaware law or by the By-laws of the
Corporation, in the management affairs of the Corporation during intervals
between meeting of the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee did not meet
during 1999. The present members are Messrs. Gabelli (Chairman), Papitto and
Cerutti.
The Corporation does not have a nominating committee. Nominations for
directors and officers of the Corporation are matters considered by the entire
Board of Directors.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Since the Spin Off, directors who are not otherwise employees receive a
cash retainer of $2,000 per quarter, a fee of $1,000 for each in personam Board
of Directors Meeting and a fee of $1,000 for each telephonic Board of Directors
meeting (which lasts for at least one hour) and each committee meeting the
director attends. In addition, a non-employee director serving as a committee
chairman receives an additional $1,000 annual cash retainer. A director who is
an employee of the Corporation is not compensated for services as a member of
the Board of Directors or any committee thereof. In addition, the Corporation
purchases accidental death and dismemberment insurance coverage of $100,000 for
each member of the Board of Directors and maintains a liability insurance policy
which provides for indemnification of each Director (and officer) against
certain liabilities which each may incur in his capacity as such.
Mr. Cerutti is also a member of the Boards of Directors of the
Corporation's subsidiaries Spinnaker Industries, Inc., Lynch Systems, Inc. and
M-tron Industries, Inc. and received $20,500 in 1999 for such services. Mr. Gray
is also a Chairman of the Board of Lynch Systems, Inc. and received $48,000 in
1999 for such service.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of March 30, 2000, certain information
with respect to all persons known to the Corporation to each beneficially own
more than 5% of the Common Stock of the Corporation, which is the only class of
voting stock of the Corporation outstanding. The table also sets forth
information with respect to the Corporation's Common Stock beneficially owned by
the directors, by each of the executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table on page 6 of this Proxy Statement, and by all directors and
executive officers as a group. The number of shares beneficially owned is
determined under rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the
information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other
purpose. Under such rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares to which a
person has the sole or shared voting or investment power or any shares which the
person can acquire within 60 days (e.g., through exercise of stock options or
conversions of securities). Except as otherwise indicated, the shareholders
listed in the table have sole voting and investment powers with respect to the
Common Stock set forth in the table. The following information is either
reflected in Schedule 13Ds and 13Gs or Form 3s, Form 4s and Form 5s that have
been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or which has otherwise
been furnished to the Corporation.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount and Nature
Name of Of Beneficial Ownership Percent
Beneficial Owner* Of Class
<S> <C> <C>
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. 80,400(1) 5.3%
Mario J. Gabelli 430,190(2) 28.5%
E. Val Cerutti 1,152(3) **
Avrum Gray 8,900(4) **
Louis A. Guzzetti 0 **
Ralph R. Papitto 952 **
Robert E. Dolan 235(5) **
Robert A. Hurwich 372(6) **
All Directors and Executive Officers 444,801 29.3%
as a group (nine in total)
<FN>
* The address of each holder of more than 5% of the Common Stock is as
follows: Dimensional Fund Advisors - 1299 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
90401; and Mr. Gabelli - Corporate Center at Rye, Rye, NY 10580.
** Represents holdings of less than one percent.
(1) Because of its investment and/or voting power over shares of Common Stock
of the Corporation held in the accounts of its investment advisory clients,
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc., an investment adviser ("Dimensional"), is
deemed to be the beneficial owner of 86,900 shares. Dimensional disclaims
beneficial ownership of all such shares.
(2) Includes 359,190 shares of Common Stock owned directly by Mr. Gabelli
(including 3,376 held for the benefit of Mr. Gabelli under the
Corporation's 401(k) Savings Plan), 1,000 shares owned by a charitable
foundation of which Mr. Gabelli is a trustee and 70,000 shares owned by a
limited partnership in which Mr. Gabelli is the general partner and has an
approximate 6% interest. Mr. Gabelli disclaims beneficial ownership of the
shares owned by the foundation and by the partnership, except for his 6%
interest therein. Includes 100,000 shares purchased from the Corporation
subject to shareholder ratification (see Item 2 at page 14).
(3) 500 shares are jointly owned with his wife and sharing voting and
investment power.
(4) Includes 3,400 shares owned by Mr. Gray, 500 shares owned by a partnership
of which Mr. Gray is the general partner, 1,600 shares owned by a
partnership of which Mr. Gray is one of the general partners, 1,400 shares
owned by Mr. Gray's wife and 2,000 shares owned by a partnership of which
Mr. Gray's wife is one of the general partners.
(5) Includes 35 shares registered in the name of Mr. Dolan's children with
respect to which Mr. Dolan has voting and investment power
(6) Held for the benefit of Mr. Hurwich under the Corporation's 401(k) Savings
Plan.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Spinnaker Industries, Inc. is an approximately 48% owned subsidiary ( 60%
voting interest) of the Corporation whose stock is traded on the American Stock
Exchange (AMEX). Mr. Gabelli may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of 2,237,203
shares of Common Stock and 1,259,036 shares of Spinnaker's Class A Common Stock
owned by the Corporation, by virtue of his ownership of approximately 28.5% of
the shares of Common Stock of the Corporation. Mr. Gabelli, however,
specifically disclaims beneficial ownership of all shares of Spinnaker stock
held by the Corporation.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
At the time of the Spin Off on September 1, 1999, the Executive Officers
of Lynch Corporation became employees of Lynch Interactive Corporation (with
substantially the same salaries, bonus potential and other compensation
arrangements as were then in effect). At that time, they ceased to be employees
of Lynch Corporation although they remained the Executive Officers of Lynch
Corporation. Lynch Interactive began charging Lynch Corporation for the
corporate services provided by such Executive Officers (approximately 25% of
their compensation cost from September 1 to December 31, 1999).
The following tables set forth compensation received by the
Corporation's Chief Executive Officer and each of the other executive officers
of the Corporation for the last three fiscal years and certain information as to
stock options:
The information set forth under Executive Compensation includes the compensation
paid both prior to September 1, 1999 by the Corporation and after September 1,
1999 by Lynch Interactive Corporation.
<TABLE>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Annual Compensation
<CAPTION>
Long Term
Compensation Awards
Stock
Underlying All Other
Name and Principal Position SARs2 Payments3 Compensation
Year Salary($) Bonus($)1 (#) ($) ($)4
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Mario J. Gabelli 1999 500,000 0 - 483,039 0
Chief Executive Officer 1998 500,000 0 - - 200
Chairman of the Board 1997 500,000 0 25,000 - 200
Chairman of the Executive
Robert E. Dolan 1999 250,000 75,000 - 177,249 0
Chief Financial Officer(5) 1998 240,000 50,000 2,000 -
1997 0 4,000 - 200
Robert A. Hurwich 1999 180,000 0 89,351 0
Vice President-Admin- 1998 164,000 20,000 1,000 - 200
istration, Secretary, 1997 156,000 0 1,500 - 200
General Counsel
<FN>
(1) Bonuses earned in any fiscal year are generally paid during the following
fiscal year.
(2) Shares of Common Stock of Lynch Corporation at the time of grant underlying
Phantom Stock Plan awards.
(3) Represents payments by Lynch Corporation under the Phantom Stock Plan of
Lynch Corporation and Lynch Interactive in 2000 based upon December 31,
1999, stock values. Does not include $1,868,998, $685,822 and $345,722 paid
by Lynch Interactive in 2000 based upon December 31, 1999 stock values to
Messrs. Gabelli, Dolan and Hurwich, respectively.
(4) The compensation reported represents contributions made to the Lynch
Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan. The amount of perquisites, as determined
in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission
relating to Executive Compensation did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or
10% of salary and bonus for 1999.
(5) Mr. Gabelli resigned as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation in
January 2000 upon the appointment of Louis A. Guzzetti, Jr. as President
and Chief Executive Officer.
(6) Mr. Dolan resigned as Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation in January
2000 and Roger J. Dexter became Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation
in March 2000.
</FN>
</TABLE>
There were no grants of stock options or stock appreciation rights
during 1999, and the Phantom Stock Plan was terminated by the Board of Directors
of Lynch Corporation (See "Termination of Lynch Phantom Stock Plan" at page 10).
<TABLE>
AGGREGATE OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST
FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
<CAPTION>
SARs Number of Securities
Exercised Underlying Options/SARs at Value of Unexercised
(#) Value Fiscal Year-End In-the-Money Options/SARs at
(b) Realized (#) Fiscal Year-End (#)
Name ($) Exercisable/Unexercisable Exercisable/Unexercisable
(a) (c) (d) (e)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Mario J. Gabelli
Chairman of the Board 25,000 483,039 None/None $0/$03
Robert E. Dolan Chief
Chief Financial Officer 10,000 177,249 None/None $0/$0
Robert A. Hurwich
VP-Admin., Sec. & Gen.
Counsel 5,000 89,351 None/None $0/$0
<FN>
(1) Represents payments in 2000 by Lynch Corporation upon exercises under the
Phantom Stock Plan of Lynch Corporation and Lynch Interactive based upon
December 31, 1999 stock values. Does not include $1,868,998, $685,822 and
$345,722 paid by Lynch Interactive in 2000 based upon December 31, 1999
stock prices.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Ten Year Option/SAR Amendments1
<CAPTION>
Length of
Number of Original Term
Securities Market Price Exercise Price New Remaining at
Underlying of Stock at at Time of Exercise Date of
Options/SARs Time of Amendment Price Amendment
Name Date Amended Amendment(2) (e) $ (g)
(a) (b) (c) (d) (f)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Mario J. Gabelli
Chairman of the Board 3/15/00 25,000 Units $155.00 $70.106(3) $70.106(3) 3/5/02
Robert E. Dolan 3/15/00 10,000 Units $155.00 $70.18(3)(4) $70.18(2)(3) 2/28/01-3/5/03(5)
Chief Financial Officer
Robert A. Hurwich 3/15/00 5,000 Units $155.00 $69.47(3)(4) $69.47(2)(3) 2/29/01-3/5/03(5)
VP-Admin, Sec &
General Counsel
<FN>
(1) As a result of the Interactive Spin Off, Lynch Corporation and Lynch
Interactive each decided to terminate the Phantom Stock Plan, including
outstanding units. The termination of the outstanding units prior to their
original expiration date required the consent of participants. The total
amount paid to each participant was calculated based upon the December 31,
1999 (i) Lynch Corporation stock price ($25.81), (ii) the Lynch Interactive
stock price ($99.875) and (iii) East/West Communications, Inc. stock price
($38.50). East/West was spun off by Lynch Corporation in December 1997 and
the Boards of Lynch Corporation and Lynch Interactive, in connection with
the termination of the outstanding units, agreed to add its value to that
of Lynch Corporation and Lynch Interactive stocks for units granted prior
to December 1997. To the extent necessary, the Boards of Directors also
waived the requirement (enacted retroactively in 1998 after the grants)
that the stock price double prior to exercise. It was further determined
that Lynch Corporation would pay 20.5% of the amount, and Lynch Interactive
would pay 79.5% of the amount. See "Termination of Lynch Phantom Stock
Plan" at page 10.
(2) Combined closing prices of Lynch Corporation and Lynch Interactive stock
prices on the American Stock Exchange on March 15, 2000.
(3) Combined exercise prices of Lynch Corporation and Lynch Interactive units.
(4) Average exercise price of units. Of the 8,000 units granted to Mr. Dolan
prior to the East/West spin off, 4,000 units had a grant price of $63.03
and 4,000 units had a grant price of $70.106, and the 2,000 units granted
after the East/West spin off had a grant price of $84.63. Of the 4,000
units granted to Mr. Hurwich prior to the East/West spin off, 2,500 units
had a grant price of $63.03, and 1,500 units had a grant price of $70.106,
and the 1,000 units granted after the East/West spin off had a grant price
of $84.63. The units only became exercisable if at any time during the term
the stock price exceeds two times the grant price.
(5) Of Mr. Dolan's 8,000 units granted prior to the East/West spin off, 4,000
expired February 28, 2001, and 4,000 expired March 5, 2002 and the 2,000
units granted after the East/West spin off expired on March 5, 2003. Of Mr.
Hurwich's 4,000 units granted prior to the East/West spin off, 2,500
expired February 28, 2001, and 1,500 expired March 5, 2002 and the 2,000
units granted after the East/West spin off expired on March 5, 2003.
</FN>
</TABLE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Overview and Philosophy
The Executive Compensation and Benefits Committee ("Committee") of the
Board of Directors is responsible for developing and making recommendations to
the Board of Directors with respect to the Corporation's executive compensation
policies and administering the various executive compensation plans. In
addition, the Committee recommends to the Board of Directors the annual
compensation to be paid to the Chief Executive Officer and each of the other
executive officers of the Corporation, as well as to other key employees. The
Committee is comprised of two independent, non-employee directors.
The objectives of the Corporation's executive compensation program are to:
o Support the achievement of desired Corporation performance. o Provide
compensation that will attract and retain superior talent and reward
performance.
o Ensure that there is appropriate linkage between executive compensation and
the enhancement of shareholder value. o Evaluate the effectiveness of the
Corporation's incentives for key executives.
The executive compensation program is designed to provide an overall level
of compensation opportunity that is competitive with companies of comparable
size, capitalization and complexity. Actual compensation levels, however, may be
greater or less than average competitive levels based upon annual and long-term
Company performance, as well as individual performance. The Committee uses its
discretion to recommend executive compensation at levels warranted in its
judgment by corporate and individual performance.
Executive Officer Compensation Program
The Corporation's executive officer compensation program is comprised of
base salary, cash bonus compensation, 401(k) Savings Plan, and other benefits
generally available to employees of the Corporation. In 1996 Lynch Corporation
adopted a Phantom Stock Plan applicable to officers and employees of the Lynch
Corporation.
Base Salary
Base salary levels for the Corporation's executive officers are intended to
be competitive. In recommending salaries the Committee also takes into account
individual experience and performance and specific issues relating to the
Corporation. A summary of the compensation awarded to the Chief Executive
Officer and the other executive officers is set forth in the "Summary
Compensation Table" on page 6 of this Proxy Statement. Salary increases for 1999
were based upon a variety of judgmental factors, including the individual
performances of the officers in 1998 and their anticipated contributions to the
Corporation in 1999, the increasing size and complexity of the Corporation and
the general financial and strategic performance of the Corporation. With respect
to Mr. Gabelli, the Committee determined again not to raise Mr. Gabelli's salary
of $500,000 per year. Mr. Gabelli resigned as the Chief Executive Officer of the
Corporation in January 2000 upon the appointment of Louis A. Guzzetti as
President and Chief Executive Officer.
Bonus Plan
The Corporation has in place a bonus plan that is based on an objective
measure of corporate performance and on subjective evaluation of individual
performance for its executive officers (other than the Principal Executive
Officer, i.e., Mr. Gabelli) and other key personnel. In general, the plan
provides for an annual bonus pool equal to 20% of the excess of (i) the
consolidated pre-tax profits of the Corporation for a calendar year less (ii)
25% of the Corporation's average shareholders equity at the beginning of such
year. Shareholders' equity is the average of shareholders equity at the
beginning of the period and at the beginning of the two preceding years. The
bonus pool would also be reduced by amounts paid pursuant to the Principal
Executive Bonus Plan. See next paragraph below. The Executive Compensation and
Benefits Committee in its discretion may take into consideration other factors
and circumstances in determining the amount of the bonus pool and awarding
bonuses such as progress toward achievement of strategic goals and qualitative
aspects of management performance. The total bonuses paid for 1998 and 1999
exceeded the bonus formula because of the work by management in achieving
strategic goals, including investments in personal communications services,
acquisitions and financings. No bonuses were paid to executive officers for
1997. The breakdown of the bonus pool is not based upon a formula but upon
judgmental factors.
Mr. Gabelli is the sole participant in the Principal Executive Bonus Plan
of Lynch Corporation adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by
shareholders in 1997. The Principal Executive Bonus Plan is similar to the
regular Bonus Plan, except that it (i) specifies a Maximum Annual Bonus (as
defined therein) which is based on a maximum percentage (80%) of a specified
bonus pool and (ii) removes the discretion of the Committee to award annual
bonuses above the established Maximum Annual Bonus. The Plan is designed to
satisfy an exemption from Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which
denies a deduction by an employer for certain compensation in excess of $1
million per year. No bonus was paid to Mr. Gabelli for 1997, 1998 or 1999 under
the Principal Executive Bonus Plan. The Committee determined that for 1999 bonus
calculations would be made on the assumption that the Spin Off did not occur
until January 1, 2000. The Corporation has adopted subject to shareholder
approval at the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders certain amendments to the
Plan. See Amendments to the Principal Executive Bonus Plan at pages 15 to 18
below.
A summary of bonus+es awarded to the Chief Executive Officer and certain
other executive officers is set forth in the "Summary Compensation Table" on
page 6 of this Proxy Statement.
The Corporation has adopted subject to shareholder approval at the 2000
Annual Meeting of Shareholders certain amendments to the Plan. See Principal
Executive Bonus Plan at pages 16 to 19 below.
Termination of the Lynch Phantom Stock Plan
In February 1996 the Corporation adopted a Phantom Stock Plan pursuant to
which share units equivalent to one share of Common Stock of the Corporation
could be awarded to officers and employees of the Corporation. The Committee was
responsible for administering the Phantom Stock Plan, including selection of the
persons to be awarded share units and number of units to be awarded. Under the
terms of the Phantom Stock Plan such share units are initially valued at a
trailing average price of the Corporation's Common Stock (or such other price as
the Committee determines), vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant
and may be exercised by the grantee at any time after vesting and prior to the
fifth anniversary of the date of Grant. Upon exercise the grantee is entitled to
the difference between the market price of the Corporation's Common Stock on the
date of exercise and the award value, multiplied by the number of share units
granted, and the Corporation may elect to pay the award with Common Stock of the
Corporation for up to 100% of the value. Seven thousand four hundred units were
awarded in February 1996, of which 4,000 were awarded to Mr. Dolan and 2,500
were awarded to Mr. Hurwich at $63.03 per share unit. Thirty-one thousand, seven
hundred units were awarded in March 1996, of which 25,000 were awarded to Mr.
Gabelli, 4,000 were awarded to Mr. Dolan and 1,500 were awarded to Mr. Hurwich,
all at $70.106 per share unit. Three thousand nine hundred units were awarded in
March 1998, of which 2,000 were awarded to Mr. Dolan and 1,000 were awarded to
Mr. Hurwich at $84.63 per share unit. The awards were discretionary and not
based upon a formula but were intended to give executive officers a
substantially increased equity equivalent interest in the Corporation as a
continuing incentive. In 1998, the Plan, as well as outstanding rights, was
amended to provide that rights would become exercisable only if at any time
during the term thereof the stock price exceed twice the base or grant price.
As a result of the Interactive Spin Off, an adjustment in the terms of the
outstanding units was required. The approach that was taken was to divide each
unit into two units, one representing one share of Lynch Corporation stock and
one representing one share of Lynch Interactive stock. This was considered
appropriate since, at least for the short term, the individuals holding those
units would provide services for both Lynch Corporation and Lynch Interactive.
The original grant prices were apportioned between the corresponding units based
on the relative market prices of the common stock of the two companies after the
spin off.
After further reflection, the Boards of Directors of Lynch Corporation and
Lynch Interactive each decided that the preferable course of action would be to
terminate the phantom stock plan, including outstanding units, and to start with
a clean slate in each company regarding an appropriate long term incentive
program. The companies operate in completely different industries and
competitive environments. Consequently, the business conditions and prospects
that existed in Lynch Corporation at the time the units were granted were
substantially different than they are today in either company. In the case of
Lynch Interactive particularly, there was concern that stock price fluctuations
over the remaining terms of the outstanding units could result in material
quarterly charges (and distortions) to reported earnings.
In order to terminate the outstanding units, the consent of the employees
holding those units was required and, in this connection, the future
appreciation potential of the units being relinquished had to be taken into
account. An agreement was reached, deemed by the Boards of Directors of both
Lynch Corporation and Lynch Interactive to be both fair and equitable to all of
the employees holding the units, as well as in the best interests of the
respective shareholders of both corporations. The agreement recognizes the fact
that the holders of the units created significant value for shareholders since
their issuance, as well as the manner in which that value was created,
specifically including the spin off to Lynch Corporation shareholders of both
the stock of East/West Communications, Inc. in December 1997, and the stock of
Lynch Interactive.
In calculating the payment the holders are to receive, they are treated as
holding only the original set of stock appreciation units issued to them by
Lynch Corporation, each with the original exercise price. The payment due under
each unit was determined by subtracting that exercise price from the total of
the market prices on December 31, 1999, of a share of (a) Lynch Corporation, (b)
Lynch Interactive, and (c) except for units granted after December 1997,
East/West Communications. To the extent necessary, the Boards of Directors of
both companies also waived the requirement (enacted retroactively in 1998, after
the grants) that the stock price exceed twice the exercise price before a unit
could be exercised.
Finally, the Boards of Directors of Lynch Corporation and Lynch Interactive
agreed that the total payments so determined would be paid 20.5% by Lynch
Corporation and 79.5% by Lynch Interactive. The allocation was based on the
relative market prices of the common stock of the two companies on December 31,
1999.
Lynch Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan
All employees of the Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries are
eligible to participate in the Lynch Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan, after
having completed one year of service (as defined in the Plan) and having reached
the age of 18.
The 401(k) Plan permits employees to make contributions by deferring a
portion of their compensation. Participating employees also share in
contributions made by their respective employers. The annual mandatory employer
contribution to each participant's account is equal to 25% of the first $800 of
the participant's contribution. In addition, the employer may make a
discretionary contribution of up to 75% of the first $800 of the participant's
contribution. No employer contribution was made in 1999. A participant's
interest in both employee and employer contributions and earnings thereupon are
fully vested at all times.
Employee and employer contributions are invested in guaranteed investment
contracts, certain mutual funds or Common Stock of the Corporation, as
determined by the participants. With respect to the individuals listed in the
Summary Compensation Table, each of Messrs. Gabelli, Dolan, and Hurwich,
deferred $10,000 under the Lynch Corporation Plan during 1999, which amounts
have been included for each individual in the Summary Compensation Table.
Benefits
The Corporation provides medical life insurance and disability benefits to
the executive officers that are generally available to Corporation employees.
The amount of perquisites, as determined in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission relating to executive compensation, did not
exceed 10% of salary and bonus for fiscal 1999.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
The following table sets forth compensation received by Mr. Gabelli for the
last ten years as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lynch Corporation
(including September 1 - December 31, 1999 from Lynch Interactive):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Salary 90,000 90,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 325,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000
Bonus 0 0 100,000 250,000 0 625,000 0 0 0 0
</TABLE>
During 1999 Mr. Gabelli performed the usual functions of the chief
executive officer of a company and was, and continues to be, particularly
involved in the development of acquisition, investment and financial strategies.
After considering the substantial increase in the size and scope of the
Corporation, improved financial performance as reflected by the increase in
private market value as well as public market value, and improved return on
shareholder equity, the Lynch Corporation Compensation Committee recognized that
Mr. Gabelli's 1994 and prior years' compensation was materially below that of
chief executive officers of comparable companies. Therefore, that Committee
increased Mr. Gabelli's salary to $500,000 per year effective July 1, 1995, with
no raise since then. Effective in 2000, the $500,000 salary will be split, with
$150,000 to be paid by the Corporation and $350,000 to be paid by Lynch
Interactive. 1999 was a year of strategic accomplishments, including the Spin
Off and the sale by Spinnaker of its tape operations. However, 1999 was also a
year of certain disappointments including the profitability of certain
manufacturing operations and The Morgan Group, Inc. (part of the Interactive
Spin Off). Mr. Gabelli made substantial contributions to the Corporation's
performance; however, no bonus was awarded to Mr. Gabelli for 1999. In addition,
that Committee recognizes the role of leadership, particularly that of Mr.
Gabelli, in developing existing businesses and in making strategic acquisitions.
On March 9, 2000, in order to more closely identify Mr. Gabelli's interests with
those of the Corporation and its stock price, the Corporation authorized,
subject to shareholder ratification, the sale of 100,000 shares of stock to Mr.
Gabelli at $30 per share, a premium of approximately 14.8% above the closing
price of stock on March 9, 2000. In 1997, the Committee granted Mr. Gabelli
25,000 units under the Lynch Corporation's Phantom Stock Plan. See Termination
of the Lynch Phantom Stock Plan at page 10 and the Summary Compensation Table at
page 6 for amounts paid to Mr. Gabelli upon such termination. Previously, the
Corporation authorized the sale by the Corporation to Mr. Gabelli of $625,000 of
Common Stock in March 1996 (equal to Mr. Gabelli's 1995 bonus), which resulted
in the purchase of 10,373 shares, and in January 1994, the Corporation sold Mr.
Gabelli 100,000 shares at the then market price.
Ralph R. Papitto, Chairman of the Executive Compensation and Benefits
Committee
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on the
Common Stock of the Corporation for the last five fiscal years ended December
31, 1999 with the cumulative total return over the same period on the broad
market, as measured by the American Stock Exchange Market Value Index, and on a
peer group, as measured by a composite index based on the total returns earned
on the stock of the publicly traded companies included in the Media General
Financial Services database under the three Standard Industrial Classification
(SIC) codes within which the Corporation conducts the bulk of its business
operations; SIC Code 4813, Telephone Communications, except Radio Telephone (105
companies, SIC Code 267, Converted Pager and Paperboard Products, except Boxes
(33 companies) and SIC Code 4213, Trucking, except Local (52 companies). The
data presented in the graph assumes that $100 was invested in the Corporation's
Common Stock and in each of the indexes on December 31, 1994 and that all
dividends were reinvested.
On September 1 1999, the Corporation spun off Lynch Interactive
Corporation which owned the multimedia and services businesses previously owned
by the Corporation. As a result, the return for 1999 is distorted and not
comparable. On September 1, 1999, the Corporation's stock traded without giving
effect to the Spin Off and closed at $87. On September 2, 1999, giving effect to
the Spin Off, the Corporation's stock closed at $33 and Lynch Interactive's
stock closed at $56. On December 31, 1999, the Corporation's stock closed at $25
13/16 and Lynch Interactive's stock closed at $99 7/8.
INVESTMENT OF $100 DOLLARS ON DECEMBER 31, 1994
WITH REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS
[OBJECT OMITTED]
<TABLE>
COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN OF
COMPANY, PEER GROUP AND BROAD MARKET
FISCAL YEAR ENDING
<CAPTION>
COMPANY/INDEX/MARKET 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Lynch Corp ............ 100.00 195.00 235.00 276.67 235.00 86.04
Peer Group Index....... 100.00 111.34 120.01 145.92 167.29 228.09
AMEX Market Index ..... 100.00 128.90 136.01 163.66 161.44 201.27
</TABLE>
The Industry Index Chosen was:
A Composite of SIC Codes - 267, 4213 and 4813
The Broad Market Index Chosen was:
American Stock Exchange
Item 2
TO CONSIDER AND VOTE ON THE SALE OF 100,000 SHARES OF STOCK TO MR. GABELLI
Subject to ratification by shareholders as described below, Mr. Gabelli
purchased 100,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value, from the Corporation at
$30 per share, for a total consideration of $3,000,000, pursuant to a
Subscription Agreement dated as of March 9, 2000. The purchase price of $30 per
share was $3.875 higher than the $26.125 closing price of the stock of the
American Stock Exchange on March 9, 2000. This represented a premium of 14.8%.
In addition, if the Corporation had sold 100,000 shares of its stock through an
investment banker, the shares would presumably have been sold at a discount from
the public market price. Conversely, to yield $30 per share, if the shares were
sold in an underwritten transaction, the prevailing commission would be 6% and
the Corporation would have had to obtain approximately $32 per share to net $30
per share.
On April 12, 2000, the closing price of the stock on the American Stock
Exchange was $28.75. The sale and purchase increased the number of shares of
Common Stock personally owned directly by Mr. Gabelli, as determined under the
rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, from 259,190 shares to 359,190.
In addition, 70,000 shares are owned by a limited partnership in which Mr.
Gabelli is the general partner and has an approximate 6% beneficial interest.
See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" at pages 4
and 5 above.
The 100,000 shares increased the outstanding shares of Common Stock of
the Corporation from 1,410,183to 1,510,183, or by 7.1%. The book value per share
of the Common Stock at December 31, 1999 was $9.03. The average daily trading
volume of the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange for the 30 day period
from February 8, 2000, through March 9, 2000 was 959 shares, and the high and
low sales prices of the common Stock on such Exchange for that period were
$30.50 and $25.75, respectively.
The shares acquired by Mr. Gabelli are "restricted securities" as
defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and generally
may not be sold or transferred for a period of one year and thereafter only in
accordance with the volume, manner of sale and other limitations of Rule 144 so
long as Mr. Gabelli is deemed to be an affiliate of the Corporation. IF THE SALE
IS NOT RATIFIED, MR. GABELLI WILL RETURN THE SHARES TO THE CORPORATION IN
EXCHANGE FOR $3,000,000, THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE, PLUS INTEREST. There are
no preemptive rights with respect to the Common Stock.
Subject to ratification by shareholders, the Board of Directors approved
the sale on March 9, 2000 (with Mr. Gabelli not participating in the decision).
The closing price of the Corporation's common stock on the American Stock
Exchange on that date was $26.125. The Board of Directors believes that it is in
the best interest of the Corporation for Mr. Gabelli to own additional shares of
the Corporation, thereby more closely identifying Mr. Gabelli's interests with
those of the Corporation and its stock price. The additional funds available to
the Corporation will be used for general corporate purposes, including possible
acquisitions. See the Summary Compensation Table on page 6, the Option/SAR
Tables on page 7 and the Executive Compensation and Benefits Committee Report on
Executive Compensation at pages 8-12 for additional information on compensations
and employee benefit plans, including "Chief Executive Officer Compensation at
pages 11-12 for a description of certain previous stock sales by the Corporation
to Mr. Gabelli.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (OTHER THAN MR. GABELLI WHO IS MAKING NO RECOMMENDATION)
RECOMMENDS A VOTE IN FAVOR OF RATIFICATION OF THE SALE.
Ratification of the sale requires the affirmative vote of a majority of
the shares of Common Stock of the Corporation voting on the proposition,
excluding any abstentions. Mr. Gabelli has agreed that he will not vote his
personal shares against ratification of the sale. Otherwise, he has not
indicated how he intends to vote the shares beneficially owned by him; however,
he has indicated that the 100,000 shares purchased by him will not be voted, but
will count for quorum purposes.
Item 3
AMENDMENTS TO THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE BONUS PLAN
General
In 1997, the Corporation adopted the Principal Executive Bonus Plan
(the "Plan") to provide the chief executive officer of the Corporation and, if
so designated, certain other key employees with a performance-based Annual Bonus
(as defined below) for calendar years beginning January 1, 1997.
The Plan is designed to satisfy Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Section 162(m) of the Code denies a
deduction by an employer for certain compensation in excess of $1 million per
year paid by a publicly held corporation to the chief executive officer and the
four other most highly compensated executive officers who are employed at the
end of the fiscal year. Certain compensation, including compensation paid based
on the achievement of preestablished performance goals, is excluded from this
deduction limit. For compensation to qualify for this exclusion, the material
terms pursuant to which the compensation is to be paid, including the
performance goals, must be disclosed to, and approved by, the shareholders in a
separate vote prior to the payment.
Proposed Amendments
The proposed amendments to the Plan (i) would permit any participant to
be awarded not more than 80% of the bonus pool, (ii) make participation by the
chief executive officer discretionary with the Plan Committee and (iii) permit
awards to officers who are not employees of the Corporation. The current Plan
(i) provides that no executive officer other than the chief executive officer
can be awarded more than 20% of the bonus pool, (ii) provides for the automatic
participation of the chief executive officer, and (iii) is unclear whether
executive officers of the Corporation who are not employees may participate in
the Plan. As a result of the Spin Off, the executive officers of the Corporation
remained as executive officers of the Corporation but ceased to be employees.
Without the amendment as to bonus pool percentage, the chairman of the board,
who resigned as chief executive officer of the Corporation in January 2000,
would be limited to 20% of the bonus pool. The Amendments were approved by the
Board of Directors on March 9, 2000 (with Mr. Gabelli and Mr. Guzzetti not
voting).
The Plan is being submitted to shareholders so that payments thereunder
will be exempt under Section 162(m) of the Code.
Administration
The Plan is administered by the Executive Compensation and Benefits
Committee, which is currently composed of two members of the Board of Directors
who qualify as "outside directors" under Section 162(m) of the Code (the
"Committee"). The Committee has the authority to designate the executive
officers and key employees eligible to participate in the Plan, establish
Individual Bonus Pool Percentages (as defined below), determine performance
criteria, certify attainment of performance goals and other material terms, to
construe and interpret the Plan and make all other determinations deemed
necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
Eligibility and Participation
It is expected that the new chief executive officer of the Corporation
will not participate in the Plan, although the Committee has the authority to
include him in years after 2000. The Committee may, in its sole discretion,
select other executive officers and key employees of the Company (including
subsidiaries) to be eligible to participate in the Plan for any calendar year.
Only the Chairman of the Board will participate in the Plan in the Year 2000.
Determination of Annual Bonus
Each participant's Annual Bonus under the Plan for each calendar year
will be equal to the participant's Individual Bonus Pool Percentage (as defined
below) multiplied by the achieved Annual Bonus Pool (as defined below) for the
respective calendar year. The Annual Bonus Pool is determined pursuant to an
objective formula or standard based on the attainment of preestablished
performance goals specified by the Committee. The Individual Bonus Pool
Percentage shall be determined by the Committee and be expressed as a percentage
of the Annual Bonus Pool for each calendar year. In no event may the total of
all participants' Individual Bonus Pool Percentages exceed one hundred percent
(100%) of the Annual Bonus Pool for any calendar year. Unless otherwise reduced
by the Committee, payment of a participant's Annual Bonus shall be made only if
and to the extent performance goals for the relevant calendar year are attained.
Performance Goals
The Committee generally has the authority to determine the performance
goals that will be in effect for each calendar year. The performance goals with
respect to the Annual Bonus Pool will be based on the attainment of certain
target levels of, or a percentage increase in, Pre-Tax Profits (as defined
below) in excess of certain target levels or percentages of Shareholders Equity
(as defined below). In addition, the Committee has the authority to incorporate
provisions in the performance goals allowing for adjustments in recognition of
unusual or non-recurring events affecting the Corporation or the financial
statements of the Corporation, or in response to changes in applicable laws,
regulations or accounting principles, to the extent permitted by Section 162(m)
of the Code.
Limits on Annual Bonus
Notwithstanding the attainment of performance goals, the Committee has
the discretion to reduce (but not increase) a participant's Annual Bonus under
the Plan for any calendar year, regardless of the degree of attainment of the
performance goals. In any event, the Maximum Annual Bonus permitted under the
Plan with respect to any calendar year may not exceed in the case of any
participant eighty percent (80%) of an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of
the excess of (a) Pre-Tax Profits (as defined below) for such calendar year less
(b) twenty-five percent (25%) of Shareholders Equity (as defined below).
Pre-Tax Profits means income before income taxes (excluding any
provision for annual bonuses under the Plan and under the Bonus Plan applicable
to other corporate employees), minority interest (if any), extraordinary items
(if any), cumulative changes in accounting (if any) and discontinued operations
(if any) in the Corporation's Statement of Consolidated Income reported in its
annual financial statements, adjusted by (i) minority interest effects on such
pre-tax profits; and (ii) pre-tax effect of income or loss associated with
discontinued operation net of minority interest effects. Shareholders Equity
means the average of shareholders equity at the beginning of the Plan Year and
at the beginning of the two preceding Plan Years, in each case as reported in
the Company's consolidated balance sheet in its annual financial statements
(restated as the result of the Spin Off).
Form and Payment of Annual Bonus
With respect to each participant, payment under the Plan will be made
in cash in an amount equal to the achieved Annual Bonus and may be made only
after attainment of the performance goals has been certified in writing by the
Committee. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee in its sole discretion,
each participant shall, to the extent the applicable performance goals with
respect to the Annual Bonus Pool are attained at the end of each calendar year,
have the right to receive payment of a prorated portion of such participant's
Annual Bonus under the Plan for any calendar year during which the participant's
employment with the corporation is terminated for any reason other than for
"cause" (as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion).
Amendment and Termination of Plan
The Committee may at any time and from time to time alter, amend,
suspend or terminate the Plan in whole or in part; provided, that no amendment
shall, without the prior approval of the shareholders of the Corporation in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware to the extent required under
Code Section 162(m): (i) materially alter the performance goals, (ii) increase
the Maximum Annual Bonus for any calendar year, (iii) change the class of
employees eligible to participate in this Plan, or (iv) implement any change to
a provision of the Plan requiring shareholder approval in order for the Plan to
continue to comply with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment shall affect adversely any of the
rights of any participant, without such participant's consent, under the award
theretofore granted under the Plan.
2000 Performance Award
Only the chairman of the board of the Corporation is participating in
the Plan for calendar year 2000. On March 24, 2000, the Committee set for the
2000 calendar year the performance goals underlying the 2000 Annual Bonus Pool
and the Individual Bonus Pool Percentage for the chairman of the board. The
Committee determined that the 2000 Annual Bonus Pool amount, if any, will be
equal to twenty percent (20%) of the excess of (a) Pre-tax Profits of the
Corporation less (b) twenty-five percent (25%) of the Corporation's Shareholders
Equity. In addition, the Committee determined that the chairman of the board's
Individual Bonus Pool Percentage under the Plan will be equal to eighty percent
(80%) of the 2000 Annual Bonus Pool.
In 1999 the chairman of the Board and chief executive officer, the only
participant in the Plan in 1999, did not receive any annual bonus because the
gain on the sale by Spinnaker of its tape operations was offset by the write
down of the investment in personal communications services. For 1999, the Plan
Committee had determined that the bonus calculation should be made as if the
Spin Off had not occurred until January 1, 2000. For Year 2000 and beyond, the
bonus calculation will be made on the basis of Lynch Corporation performance
without including the performance of Lynch Interactive Corporation. For 2000 and
future years the Plan could result in substantial bonuses if Pre-Tax Profits
increase substantially, including without limitation as a result of the sale or
monetization of a business such as Spinnaker, and/or Shareholders Equity
decreases substantially.
Other Plans
Corporate executives and employees, other than the chief executive
officer, will continue to participate for the 2000 calendar year in the existing
bonus plan which permits the Corporation to use subjective factors, such as
progress towards achievement of strategic in goals and qualitative aspects of
management performance, in addition to the formula, in awarding bonuses.
See the Summary Compensation Table on page 6, the Option/SAR Tables on
page 7 and the Executive Compensation and Benefits Committee Report on Executive
Compensation for additional information on compensations and employee benefit
plans.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (OTHER THAN MR. GABELLI WHO IS MAKING NO RECOMMENDATION)
RECOMMENDS A VOTE IN FAVOR OF APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN.
Approval of this Item 3 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of
the shares of Common Stock of the Corporation voting on the proposition,
excluding any abstentions. Mr. Gabelli has not indicated how he intends to vote
the shares beneficially owned by him.
TRANSACTIONS WITH CERTAIN AFFILIATED PERSONS
Mr. Gabelli is affiliated with various entities which he directly or
indirectly controls and which are engaged in various aspects of the securities
business, such as an investment advisor to various institutional and individual
clients including registered investment companies and pension plans, as a
broker-dealer, and as managing general partner of various private investment
partnerships. During 1999, the Corporation and its subsidiaries engaged in
various transactions with certain of these entities and the amount of
commissions, fees, and other remuneration paid to such entities, excluding
reimbursement of certain expenses related to Mr. Gabelli's employment by the
Corporation (including approximately $69,000 reimbursement (including Lynch
Interactive) in connection with an airplane in part owned by a subsidiary of
Gabelli Capital Partners, Inc.), was less than $60,000.
In 1998, Lynch Corporation entered into a lease for approximately 5,000
square feet in a building in Rye, New York, recently purchased by an affiliate
of Mr. Gabelli. The lease runs through December, 2002, and provides for rent at
approximately $18.00 per square foot, per annum plus a minimum of $2.50 per
square foot per annum for electricity, subject to adjustment for increases in
tax and other operating expenses. The amount of the lease is currently
approximately $8,400 per month. Lynch Interactive become the primary lessee of
such lease at the Spin Off. Effective as of March 1, 2000, Lynch Corporation
entered into a one year lease for approximately 1,150 additional feet of space
at a rent of $2,400 per month.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Representatives of Ernst & Young, the Corporation's auditors for 1999,
are expected to be available at the Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make
a statement if they desire to do so and to answer appropriate questions. The
Corporation has not yet selected a principal auditor for 2000.
SECTION 16(a) REPORTING
Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Acts of 1934, as amended,
requires the Corporation's directors, executive officers and holders of more
than 10% of the Corporation's Common Stock to file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and American Stock Exchange initial reports of ownership and
reports of changes in the ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities
of the Company. Such persons are required to furnish the Corporation with copies
of all Section 16(a) filings. Based solely on the Corporation's review of the
copies of such filings it has received and written representations of directors
and officers, the Corporation believes that during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999, its officers, directors, and 10% shareholders are in
compliance with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them.
PROPOSALS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at the 2000 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders must be received by the Office of the Secretary, Lynch
Corporation, 401 Theodore Fremd Avenue, Rye, NY 10580, by no later than December
20, 2000, for inclusion in the Corporation's proxy statement and form of proxy
relating to the 2001 Annual Meeting.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Board of Directors knows of no other matters which are likely to
come before the Annual Meeting. If any other matters should properly come before
the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying
form of proxy to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
The solicitation of proxies is made on behalf of the Board of Directors
of the Corporation, and the cost thereof will be borne by the Corporation. The
Corporation has employed the firm of Morrow & Co. Inc., 445 Park Avenue, 5th
Floor, New York, New York, 10022 to assist in this solicitation at a cost of
$3,500, plus out-of-pocket expenses. The Corporation will also reimburse
brokerage firms and nominees for their expenses in forwarding proxy material to
beneficial owners of the Common Stock of the Corporation. In addition, officers
and employees of the Corporation (none of whom will receive any compensation
therefor in addition to their regular compensation) may solicit proxies. The
solicitation will be made by mail and, in addition, may be made by telegrams and
personal interviews, and the telephone.
ANNUAL REPORT
The Corporation's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1999, has been sent herewith to each shareholder. Such Annual
Report, however, is not to be regarded as part of the proxy soliciting material.
By Order of the Board of Directors
ROBERT A. HURWICH
Secretary
Dated: April 18, 2000
<PAGE>
LYNCH CORPORATION
This Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors
The undersigned shareholder of LYNCH CORPORATION (the "Corporation")
hereby appoints George E. Fuehrer and Robert A. Hurwich, or any one of them
(each with power to act alone and with power of substitution), Proxies of the
undersigned, with authority to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the
Corporation to be held May 11, 2000 at 3:00 p.m., and at any adjournments
thereof, all the shares of Common Stock of the Corporation which the undersigned
would be entitled to vote if then personally present, upon the matters specified
below, and, in their discretion, upon such other matters that may properly come
before the Annual Meeting, and any adjournments thereof.
The shares represented by this Proxy shall be voted in accordance with
the instructions given by the shareholder, but if no instructions are given,
this Proxy will be voted FOR all of the nominees for Directors listed in Item 1,
FOR ratification of the sale of 100,000 shares of the Corporation's Common Stock
to Mario J. Gabelli in Item 2 and FOR approval of the amendments to the
Principal Executive Bonus Plan in Item 3 and, in the discretion of the Proxies,
with respect to any other matter that is properly brought before the Annual
Meeting.
(continued and to be signed on the reverse side)
<PAGE>
LYNCH CORPORATION
1. Election of Directors Duly Nominated:
FOR WITHHOLD
E. Val Cerutti, Robert E. Dolan, Mario J. Gabelli, Avrum Gray, Louis A. Guzzetti
and Ralph R. Papitto. (INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for one or
more individual nominees, write such name or names on the space provided below.)
2. Ratification of the Sale of 100,000 Shares of Common Stock to Mario J.
Gabelli:
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3. Approval of the Amendments to the Principal Executive Bonus Plan:
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
[ ] [ ] [ ]
Please sign exactly as your name appears on this Proxy. All joint
owners must sign. When acting as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation,
please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized
person. If a partnership, please sign in full partnership name by
authorized person.
Dated:______________________________, 2000
_____________________________________(L.S.)
(Signature of Shareholder)
____________________________________(L.S.)
(Signature of Shareholder)
PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND MAIL THIS PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
