<PAGE> 1
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:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
/ / 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
</TABLE>
Thomas Nelson, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/ $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(i)(2) or
Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
/ / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
14a-6(i)(3).
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
<PAGE> 2
THOMAS NELSON, INC.
501 NELSON PLACE
P.O. BOX 141000
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37214-1000
---------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
---------------------
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting") of Thomas Nelson,
Inc. will be held at the Loews Vanderbilt Plaza, 2100 West End Avenue,
Nashville, Tennessee, at 11:00 a.m., local time, on Thursday, August 22, 1996,
for the following purposes:
1. To elect three directors in Class Three to serve for a term of
three years or until their respective successors are elected and take
office.
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on July 1, 1996, will
be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE COMPLETE,
DATE, SIGN, AND RETURN PROMPTLY THE ENCLOSED PROXY. THE PROXY MAY BE REVOKED AT
ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE EXERCISE THEREOF, AND THE GIVING OF THE PROXY WILL NOT
AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTE IN PERSON.
By order of the Board of Directors.
/s/ SAM MOORE
-------------------------------------
SAM MOORE,
President
Nashville, Tennessee
July 11, 1996
<PAGE> 3
THOMAS NELSON, INC.
501 NELSON PLACE
P.O. BOX 141000
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37214-1000
---------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
---------------------
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors of Thomas Nelson, Inc., a Tennessee
corporation (the "Company"), to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to be held on August 22, 1996 (the "Annual Meeting"), at the time and place and
for the purposes set forth in the accompanying notice, and at any adjournment
thereof. It is expected that this proxy statement, the form of proxy and the
Company's Annual Report to Shareholders will be mailed to shareholders on or
about July 11, 1996.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on July 1, 1996 (the
"Record Date"), are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. On
such date, the issued and outstanding voting securities of the Company consisted
of 16,007,266 shares of Common Stock (the "Common Stock") and 1,112,075 shares
of Class B Common Stock (the "Class B Common Stock"). Each share of Common Stock
and Class B Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote and ten votes,
respectively, on each matter presented for action at the Annual Meeting.
All proxies delivered pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked at any
time prior to the voting thereof by attending the Annual Meeting and electing to
vote in person, by filing with the Secretary of the Company a written
revocation, or duly executing a proxy bearing a later date. The giving of the
proxy will not affect the right of the shareholder to attend the Annual Meeting
and vote in person. If not revoked, all proxies which are properly signed and
returned to the Company will be voted in accordance with instructions contained
thereon. If no instructions are given, the persons named in the proxy will vote
the shares represented thereby FOR the approval of the election as directors of
all nominees set forth under PROPOSAL NO. 1.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information as of the Record Date
with respect to those persons known to the Company to be the beneficial owners
(as defined by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission")) of more than five percent (5%) of the Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock and with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Common Stock
and Class B Common Stock by all directors and nominees, each of the executive
officers named in the Summary Compensation Table and all executive officers and
directors of the Company as a group. Except as otherwise specified, the shares
indicated are presently outstanding, and the Company believes the beneficial
owner has sole voting and investment power over the indicated shares.
<PAGE> 4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT OF AMOUNT OF
COMMON STOCK CLASS B
BENEFICIALLY PERCENT COMMON STOCK PERCENT
# OF BENEFICIALLY OF
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED(1)(2) CLASS OWNED(1)(2) CLASS
- ---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------- ------------ -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sam Moore (3)****................................... 1,616,163 9.8% 557,394 48.8%
S. Joseph Moore(4)****.............................. 218,384 1.4 105,393 9.3
Mellon Bank Corporation (5)......................... 1,985,648 12.4 0
Ariel Capital Management, Inc. (6).................. 981,490 6.1 0
Brownlee O. Currey, Jr.** (7)....................... 182,754 1.1 4,035 *
W. Lipscomb Davis, Jr.** (8)........................ 11,843 * 2,531 *
Robert J. Niebel, Sr.** (8)......................... 25,054 * 3,692 *
Millard V. Oakley** (9)............................. 278,659 1.7 19,542 1.8
Joe M. Rodgers** (10)............................... 10,885 * 0
Cal Turner, Jr.** (7)............................... 12,166 * 0
Andrew J. Young** (11).............................. 4,610 * 0
Joe L. Powers*** (12)............................... 109,998 * 69,612 6.2
Roland Lundy*** (13)................................ 16,903 * 46 *
Byron D. Williamson*** (14)......................... 16,822 * 38 *
All Executive Officers and Directors as a group (17
persons) (15)..................................... 2,710,891 16.0 837,701 71.4
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Indicates less than 1%.
** Director.
*** Named Officer.
**** Director and Named Officer.
(1) Pursuant to the rules of the Commission, shares of Common Stock which
certain beneficial owners presently have the right to acquire pursuant to
the conversion provisions of the Company's 5 3/4% Convertible Subordinated
Notes due 1999 (the "Convertible Notes") are deemed outstanding for the
purpose of computing such beneficial owner's percentage ownership, but are
not deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage
ownership of the other beneficial owners shown in the table. Likewise, the
shares subject to options held by directors and executive officers of the
Company which are exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date are all
deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing such director's or
executive officer's percentage ownership and the percentage ownership of
all directors and executive officers as a group, but are not deemed
outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of the
other beneficial owners in the table. The share information assumes further
that where such individuals can elect to receive either Common Stock or
Class B Common Stock, an election is made to receive Common Stock.
(2) Shares of Class B Common Stock are convertible into an equal number of
shares of Common Stock at the option of the holder, and, wherever
applicable, share information set forth above with respect to the Common
Stock assumes the conversion of all Class B Common Stock by the holders
thereof for an equivalent number of shares of Common Stock which may be so
acquired by conversion during the 60-day period commencing on the Record
Date.
(3) Includes 15,626 shares of Class B Common Stock and 13,333 shares of Class B
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options under the
Company's 1986 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1986 Plan") and the Company's
Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Stock Incentive
Plan"), respectively, 151,250 shares of Common Stock held by two trusts of
which Mr. Moore is trustee and sole beneficiary, and 22,225 shares of
Common Stock and 1,601 shares of Class B Common Stock held by the Company's
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "ESOP"), as to which Sam Moore has sole
voting power. Sam Moore's spouse owns 33,552 shares of Common Stock and
3,435 shares of
2
<PAGE> 5
Class B Common Stock, beneficial ownership of which is disclaimed by Mr.
Moore and which are not included. Sam Moore's address is 501 Nelson Place,
P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee 37214-1000.
(4) Includes 6,250 shares of Class B Common Stock and 10,000 shares of Class B
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options under the 1986
Plan and Stock Incentive Plan, respectively, 22,750 shares of Common Stock
and 36,785 shares of Class B Common Stock held by a trust of which S.
Joseph Moore is a trustee and the sole beneficiary, and 6,540 shares of
Common Stock and 90 shares of Class B Common Stock held by the ESOP, as to
which S. Joseph Moore has sole voting power. S. Joseph Moore's address is
501 Nelson Place, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000.
(5) As reflected in a Schedule 13G filed with the Commission on January 29,
1996, by Mellon Bank Corporation on behalf of its, direct or indirect,
subsidiaries, including Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company, Mellon Bank,
N.A., Mellon Capital Management Corporation, The Dreyfus Corporation, and
Dreyfus Management, Inc. The address of Mellon Bank Corporation is One
Mellon Bank Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15258.
(6) As reflected in a Schedule 13G filed with the Commission on May 10, 1996,
by Ariel Capital Management, Inc. The address of Ariel Capital Management,
Inc. is 307 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60601.
(7) Includes 5,791 shares of Common Stock and 2,000 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of outstanding options under the Company's 1990
Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors (the "Outside Director
Plan") and the Stock Incentive Plan, respectively.
(8) Includes 2,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding
options under the Stock Incentive Plan.
(9) Includes 5,791 shares of Common Stock and 2,000 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of outstanding options under the Outside Directors
Plan and the Stock Incentive Plan, respectively, and 24,375 shares of
Common Stock and 937 shares of Class B Common Stock held by a trust of
which Mr. Oakley is trustee and the sole beneficiary.
(10) Includes 3,810 of Common Stock and 2,000 shares of Common Stock issuable
upon exercise of outstanding options under the Outside Directors Plan and
the Stock Incentive Plan, respectively; the remaining 5,075 shares of
Common Stock are held by a limited partnership of which Mr. Rodgers is
Chairman and his spouse is the general partner and majority owner.
(11) Includes 2,610 shares of Common Stock and 2,000 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of outstanding options under the Outside Directors
Plan and the Stock Incentive Plan, respectively.
(12) Includes 4,688 shares of Class B Common Stock and 3,333 shares of Class B
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options under the 1986
Plan and the Stock Incentive Plan, respectively, and 33,956 shares of
Common Stock and 2,102 shares of Class B Common Stock held by the ESOP, as
to which Mr. Powers has sole voting power. Mr. Power's address is 501
Nelson Place, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee 37214-1000.
(13) Includes 6,250 shares of Common Stock and 5,000 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of outstanding options under the 1986 Plan and the
Stock Incentive Plan, respectively, and 607 shares of Common Stock and 46
shares of Class B Common Stock held by the ESOP, as to which Mr. Lundy has
sole voting power.
(14) Includes 6,250 shares of Common Stock and 5,000 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of outstanding options under the 1986 Plan and Stock
Incentive Plan, respectively, and 534 shares of Common Stock and 38 shares
of Class B Common Stock held by the ESOP, as to which Mr. Williamson has
sole voting power.
(15) Includes an aggregate of 92,871 shares of Common Stock and 4,385 shares of
Class B Common Stock held by the ESOP, and shares issuable upon exercise of
options to purchase 72,230 shares of Common Stock and 61,251 shares of
Class B Common Stock.
3
<PAGE> 6
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Amended and Restated Charter of the Company provides that the Board of
Directors shall be divided into three classes with the classes to be as nearly
equal in size as possible. The current Board of Directors consists of nine
members, with the terms of office of the directors in Class Three expiring at
the Annual Meeting. The incumbent directors whose terms of office extend beyond
this Annual Meeting are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL MEETING
DIRECTOR AT WHICH
NAME CLASS TERM EXPIRES
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Robert J. Niebel, Sr. ......................... Two 1997
Millard V. Oakley.............................. Two 1997
S. Joseph Moore................................ Two 1997
Sam Moore...................................... One 1998
Cal Turner, Jr. ............................... One 1998
Andrew J. Young................................ One 1998
</TABLE>
The Board of Directors has nominated the following persons for election as
directors in Class Three with terms of office of three years expiring at the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in 1999:
Brownlee O. Currey, Jr.
W. Lipscomb Davis, Jr.
Joe M. Rodgers
Each of the nominees is currently a member of the Board of Directors and was
previously elected as a director by the shareholders.
It is intended that proxies received in response to this solicitation will,
unless otherwise specified, be voted in favor of the election of the above
persons as directors of the Company for the terms set forth above and until
their successors are elected and qualified. In case any of these persons is
unable or declines to serve, it is intended, in the absence of contrary
direction, that the proxies will be voted for the balance of those named above
and for substitute nominees selected by the Board of Directors. The Board of
Directors has no reason to expect that any of the nominees will not be available
for election at the Annual Meeting, and therefore does not at this time have any
substitute nominees under consideration.
A plurality of the votes cast by the shares entitled to vote in the
election is required to elect a director. Shareholders have no right to vote
cumulatively for directors, but rather each shareholder may cast one vote for
each share of Common Stock and ten votes for each share of Class B Common Stock
held by such shareholder for each director to be elected. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES.
4
<PAGE> 7
The following table contains additional information concerning the
incumbent directors who will remain in office and the director nominees. Except
as indicated below, each director and nominee has been an employee of the
firm(s) listed below as his principal occupation for more than the past five
years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIRECTOR
NAME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AGE SINCE
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- --- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Brownlee O. Currey, Jr............... Chairman of the Board of The Nashville 67 1984
(C, N & A) Banner Publishing Co.; Director of OCC,
Inc., and A+ Communications, Inc.
W. Lipscomb Davis, Jr................ Partner of Hillsboro Enterprises; 64 1984
(A & C) Director of SunTrust Bank, Nashville,
N.A., American General Corporation, and
Genesco, Inc.
Sam Moore............................ Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive 65 1961
(E & N) Officer, and President of the Company.
S. Joseph Moore...................... Executive Vice President of the Company 33 1995
and President of Thomas Nelson Gift
Division. Previously served as
Divisional Vice President of the
Company in various capacities since
1991. S. Joseph Moore is the son of Sam
Moore.
Robert J. Niebel, Sr................. Senior Vice President of 21st Century 58 1973
(E & A) Christian, Inc.
Millard V. Oakley.................... Businessman managing private investments. 66 1972
(C & N)
Joe M. Rodgers....................... Chairman of The JMR Group; Director of 61 1992
(E) AMR/American Airlines, Inc., BellSouth,
Telecommunications, Gaylord
Entertainment Company, Gryphon,
Holdings, Inc., Lafarge Corp., SunTrust
Bank, Nashville, N.A., Tractor Supply
Co., and Willis Corroon plc. Mr.
Rodgers previously was the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Berlitz
International from December 1991 until
February 1993.
Cal Turner, Jr....................... Chairman, President and Chief Executive 56 1991
(E) Officer of Dollar General Corp.;
Director of First American Corporation
and Shoney's, Inc.
Andrew J. Young...................... Vice Chairman of Law Companies Group; Co- 64 1993
(E) Chairman of Atlanta Committee for
Olympic Games; Director of Delta
Airlines, Inc. and Host Marriott
Corporation. Previously served as Mayor
of Atlanta, Georgia from 1980 to 1990.
</TABLE>
- ---------------
Member of Executive (E), Compensation (C), Nominating (N), Audit (A) Committee
5
<PAGE> 8
NOMINATIONS
In accordance with the Company's Amended Bylaws (the "Amended Bylaws"),
nominations of the persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at
a meeting of shareholders by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, by
any nominating committee or by any shareholder of the Company entitled to vote
for the election of directors at such meeting who complies with the notice
procedures set forth in the Amended Bylaws. To be timely, a shareholder's notice
must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices
of the Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting
of shareholders; provided, however, that in the event that less than 70 days'
notice or prior public disclosure of the date of such meeting is given or made
to the shareholders, notice by the shareholder to be timely must be so received
not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the date on which
such notice of the day of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was
made. The Amended Bylaws require that the notice contain certain information
with respect to the proposed nominee and as to the shareholder giving the
notice. The Company will furnish on request to any shareholder a copy of the
relevant section of the Amended Bylaws.
BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The Board of Directors has four standing committees -- the Executive
Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Audit Committee, and the Nominating
Committee. The Executive Committee has all powers and authority vested in the
Board of Directors, except the power to declare dividends or other corporate
distributions or to remove members of the Board of Directors, but including the
power to amend or repeal bylaws, to submit to shareholders matters that require
shareholders' approval, and to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors or any
committee of the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee reviews and
approves management compensation and administers the Company's retirement and
incentive plans. The Nominating Committee recommends to the Board of Directors
nominees for election to the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee will
consider nominees recommended by the holders of the Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock provided such proposed nominees are submitted to the Company in the
manner and within the time limit for shareholder proposals as set forth in the
immediately preceding paragraph. The Audit Committee recommends to the Board of
Directors the appointment of the independent auditors and reviews with the
auditors' representatives the scope of their examination, their fees, the
results of their examination, and any problems identified by the independent
auditors regarding internal controls, together with their recommendations.
During the last fiscal year, the Board of Directors held six meetings. The
Executive Committee held two meetings, the Compensation Committee held five
meetings, the Nominating Committee held one meeting and the Audit Committee held
nine meetings. Each of the incumbent directors attended at least 75% of the
aggregate of all Board of Director meetings and meetings of committees on which
he served during the last fiscal year.
6
<PAGE> 9
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table provides information as to annual, long-term and other
compensation during fiscal years 1996, 1995 and 1994 for the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and the persons who, in fiscal 1996, were the other four most
highly compensated executive officers of the Company (collectively, the "Named
Officers"):
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION AWARDS
-------------------------
SECURITIES
ANNUAL COMPENSATION UNDERLYING
----------------------------------------- OPTIONS/
NAME AND OTHER ANNUAL RESTRICTED SARS ALL OTHER
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY ($) BONUS ($) COMPENSATION ($) STOCK ($)(1) (#)(2) COMPENSATION ($)
- --------------------- ---- ---------- --------- ---------------- ------------ ---------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sam Moore............ 1996 $316,666 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 160,000 $155,056(3)
President and Chief 1995 275,000 175,000 0 246,875 31,250 173,092
Executive Officer 1994 250,000 100,000 0 0 0 148,203
S. Joseph Moore...... 1996 227,035 0 0 0 110,000 6,762(4)
Executive Vice 1995 153,847 130,000 0 74,063 12,500 7,039
President 1994 120,385 50,000 0 0 0 5,938
Joe L. Powers........ 1996 180,040 0 0 0 55,000 7,018(5)
Executive Vice 1995 169,234 80,000 0 98,750 9,375 7,764
President and 1994 155,869 50,000 0 0 0 7,703
Secretary
Roland Lundy......... 1996 187,605 0 0 0 55,000 7,018(6)
President, Word 1995 184,201 127,000 0 98,750 12,500 8,148
Records & Music 1994 172,196 50,000 48,510(7) 0 0 8,068
Division
Byron D. 1996 187,893 0 9,701(7) 0 55,000 5,263(8)
Williamson......... 1995 167,275 99,000 0 98,750 12,500 5,383
President, 1994 158,694 96,000 0 0 0 4,828
NelsonWord
Publishing Division
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The amounts indicated in this column represent the dollar value of
restricted stock grants earned by the Named Officers under the Stock
Incentive Plan. These restricted stock awards were granted contingently to
Sam Moore in the amount of 25,000 shares and to each of S. Joseph Moore,
Joe L. Powers, Roland Lundy and Byron D. Williamson in the amount of 10,000
shares and could be earned proportionally over fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1996
based on the achievement of pre-established margin contribution objectives
of certain divisions of the Company and/or pre-tax income targets of the
Company for each such year. Shares earned pursuant to these restricted
stock awards are contingent upon the continued employment of the Named
Officer for a period of two fiscal years after the date such shares are
earned. The established performance goals for fiscal 1996 were not achieved
and, therefore, none of the available 32,500 shares were awarded to the
Named Officers. As a result of achieving the performance goals established
for fiscal 1995, the number of shares earned by each of the Named Officers
includes 12,500 shares to Sam Moore, 3,750 shares to S. Joseph Moore and
5,000 to shares to each of Joe L. Powers, Roland Lundy and Byron D.
Williamson. Restricted stock awards made during fiscal 1994 were rescinded
by the Compensation Committee because the target performance vesting
criteria for fiscal 1994 were not met by the Company. In accordance with
rules promulgated by the Commission, the dollar value reflected above was
calculated by multiplying the closing market price of the Common Stock on
the date of grant by the number of restricted shares awarded.
(2) Represents the number of stock options granted (i) under the Company's Stock
Incentive Plan for fiscal 1996 and (ii) under the Company's 1986 Plan for
fiscal 1995. No stock options were granted in fiscal 1994.
(3) Includes $148,038 for fiscal year 1996 relating to amounts paid (net of
taxes) to Sam Moore to enable him to pay the after income tax cost of the
premiums on life insurance maintained on the joint lives of Sam Moore and
his wife. Such payments are contemplated by an agreement between Sam Moore
and the Company, dated May 17, 1991. See "--Employment and Termination
Agreements." Also includes $4,708 contributed to the ESOP and $2,310
contributed to the Company's 401(k) Plan by the Company on behalf of Sam
Moore.
7
<PAGE> 10
(4) Includes $4,708 contributed to the ESOP and $2,054 contributed to the
Company's 401(k) Plan by the Company on behalf of S. Joseph Moore.
(5) Includes $4,708 contributed to the ESOP and $2,310 contributed to the
Company's 401(k) Plan by the Company on behalf of Mr. Powers.
(6) Includes $4,708 contributed to the ESOP and $2,310 contributed to the
Company's 401(k) Plan by the Company on behalf of Mr. Lundy.
(7) Represents moving expenses paid by the Company on behalf of the named
officer.
(8) Includes $4,708 contributed to the ESOP and $555 contributed to the
Company's 401(k) Plan by the Company on behalf of Mr. Williamson.
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
This table provides information as to options granted to the Named Officers
during fiscal year 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
-----------------------------------------------------
PERCENT OF POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
TOTAL VALUE AT ASSUMED ANNUAL
NUMBER OF OPTIONS/ RATES OF STOCK PRICE
SECURITIES SARS GRANTED APPRECIATION FOR OPTION
UNDERLYING TO EMPLOYEES EXERCISE OR TERM
OPTION/SARS IN FISCAL BASE PRICE EXPIRATION -----------------------
NAME GRANTED(#) YEAR ($/SH) DATE 5%($) 10%($)
- --------------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sam Moore.................. 120,000(1) 20.7% $18.375 6/12/05 $1,276,463 $3,293,702
40,000(2) 6.9 18.375 6/12/05 425,488 1,097,901
S. Joseph Moore............ 80,000(1) 13.8 18.375 6/12/05 850,975 2,195,801
30,000(2) 5.2 18.375 6/12/05 319,116 823,426
Joe L. Powers.............. 20,000(1) 3.4 18.375 6/12/05 212,744 548,950
10,000(2) 1.7 18.375 6/12/05 106,372 274,475
Roland Lundy............... 40,000(3) 6.9 18.375 6/12/05 425,488 1,097,901
15,000(4) 2.6 18.375 6/12/05 159,558 411,713
Byron D. Williamson........ 40,000(3) 6.9 18.375 6/12/05 425,488 1,097,901
15,000(4) 2.6 18.375 6/12/05 159,558 411,713
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Options to purchase at the election of the optionee shares of either Common
Stock or Class B Common Stock granted on June 12, 1995, pursuant to the
Stock Incentive Plan. These options vest in three equal annual installments
of 33 1/3% each beginning on the third anniversary of the date of grant.
(2) Options to purchase at the election of the optionee shares of either Common
Stock or Class B Common Stock granted on June 12, 1995, pursuant to the
Stock Incentive Plan. These options vest in three equal annual installments
of 33 1/3% each beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
(3) Options to purchase shares of Common Stock granted on June 12, 1995,
pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan. These options vest in three equal
annual installments of 33 1/3% each beginning on the third anniversary of
the date of grant.
(4) Options to purchase shares of Common Stock granted on June 12, 1995,
pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan. These options vest in three equal
annual installments of 33 1/3% each beginning on the first anniversary of
the date of grant.
8
<PAGE> 11
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table provides information as to the aggregate number of
shares of Common Stock covered by both exercisable and unexercisable stock
options as of March 31, 1996, and the values for the "in-the-money" options,
which represent the positive spread between the exercise price of any such
existing stock options and the year-end price of the Common Stock. No options
were exercised by the Named Officers during the fiscal year ended March 31,
1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED OPTION/SARS OPTIONS/SARS
AT FISCAL YEAR-END (#) AT FISCAL YEAR-END ($)(1)
--------------------------- ---------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sam Moore........................................ 7,813 183,437 $24,962 $ 154,886
S. Joseph Moore.................................. 3,125 119,375 13,984 96,953
Joe L. Powers.................................... 2,344 37,031 10,489 46,464
Roland Lundy..................................... 3,125 64,375 1,875 5,625
Byron D. Williamson.............................. 3,125 64,375 1,875 5,625
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Certain outstanding options are exercisable into either Common Stock or
Class B Common Stock and, where appropriate, the value of unexercised
options reflects gains based on the closing price of the Class B Common
Stock due to its higher market price. On March 31, 1996, the closing price
of the Class B Common Stock and Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange
was $18.875 and $15.00, respectively.
DIRECTORS COMPENSATION
Directors not otherwise employed by the Company receive $1,200 per month
plus $1,000 for attending, in person, each meeting of the Board of Directors or
any committee, when such committee meetings are separately called and held.
Directors attending such meetings by means of a telephone conference call
receive $500 for each meeting. Board members who are employed as officers by the
Company receive no extra compensation for their services as directors or
committee members. All directors are reimbursed by the Company for expenses
incurred by them in connection with their service on the Board of Directors and
committees.
Outside Directors also are eligible to receive stock-based incentive
compensation to more closely align their interests with shareholders of the
Company. The Company has adopted the Outside Directors Plan. Options may be
awarded under the Outside Directors Plan, on or prior to the annual meeting of
shareholders or on initial election to the Board of Directors, to each director
of the Company who files with the Company an irrevocable election to receive
options in lieu of not less than fifty percent (50%) of the retainer fees to be
earned during each fiscal year. The option price for shares granted under the
Outside Directors Plan is $1.00 per share with the number of shares being
determined by dividing the amount of the annual retainer fee by the fair market
value of the shares on the option date less $1.00 per share. In addition,
pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan, each outside director receives a
non-qualified stock option to purchase 2,000 shares of Common Stock on the date
of each annual meeting of shareholders with an exercise price equal to the fair
market value of the Common Stock on such date. The shares subject to such
options vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant and are exercisable
for a period of ten years.
EMPLOYMENT AND TERMINATION AGREEMENTS
The Company has multi-year employment agreements with each Named Officer
that provide for an annual base salary, the opportunity to receive incentive and
bonus compensation, fringe benefits and life insurance. The employment agreement
of each of Sam Moore, S. Joseph Moore and Joe Powers contain certain provisions
that entitle them to receive certain payments in the event of a change in
control of the Company that results in the termination of their employment with
the Company, including a severance payment. Sam Moore's severance payment is
equal to 2.99 times his then current base salary, and each of S. Joseph Moore's
and Joe Powers' severance payment is equal to 2 times their respective then
current base salaries.
9
<PAGE> 12
The Company also has an agreement with Sam Moore which provides that upon
termination of employment for any reason other than as defined in the agreement,
Mr. Moore will receive severance compensation equal to an amount necessary to
fund certain insurance survivorship policies until a net death benefit of
$10,000,000 is attained, or December 31, 2006, whichever is earlier. The policy
proceeds will be paid to a trust established for the benefit of Mr. Moore's
family.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Decisions concerning the compensation of the Company's executives are made
by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Each member of the
Compensation Committee is a non-employee director. The Compensation Committee is
responsible for reviewing and setting the compensation of the Company's senior
executives and for establishing general executive compensation policies for the
Company.
Compensation Philosophy and Policies for All Executive Officers
The Compensation Committee believes that the primary objectives of the
Company's executive compensation policy should be:
- to attract and retain talented executives by providing a compensation
program that is competitive with the compensation provided to executives
at companies of comparable size and position in the publishing, media and
music business, while maintaining compensation within levels that are
consistent with the Company's business plan, financial objectives and
operating performance;
- to provide appropriate incentives for executives to work towards the
achievement of the Company's annual performance targets established in the
Company's business plan; and
- to more closely align the interests of its executives with those of
shareholders by providing long-term incentive compensation in the form of
stock awards and options or other equity-based, long-term incentive
compensation.
The Compensation Committee believes that the Company's executive
compensation policies should be reviewed during the first quarter of the fiscal
year when the financial results of the prior fiscal year become available. The
policies should be reviewed in light of their consistency with the Company's
financial performance, its business plan and its position within the publishing,
media and music industry, as well as the compensation policies of similar
companies in the publishing, media and music business. The compensation of
individual executives should then be reviewed annually by the Compensation
Committee in light of its executive compensation policies for that year.
In setting and reviewing compensation for the executive officers, the
Compensation Committee considers a number of different factors designed to
assure that compensation levels are properly aligned with the Company's business
strategy, corporate culture and operating performance. Among the factors
considered are the following:
- Comparability -- The Compensation Committee considers the compensation
packages of similarly situated executives at companies deemed to be most
comparable to the Company. The objective is to maintain competitiveness in
the marketplace in order to attract and retain the highest quality
executives. This is a principal factor in setting base levels of
compensation.
- Pay for Performance -- The Compensation Committee believes that
compensation should be in part directly linked to operating performance.
To achieve this link with regard to short-term performance, the
Compensation Committee has relied on cash bonuses which have been
determined on the basis of certain objective and subjective factors after
receiving the recommendations of senior management.
- Equity Ownership -- The Compensation Committee believes that an integral
part of the executive compensation program at the Company is equity-based
compensation plans which encourage and create ownership of the Company's
stock by its executives, thereby aligning executives' long-term interests
with those of the shareholders. These long-term incentive programs are
principally reflected in the Company's stock-based incentive plans. The
Compensation Committee believes that significant
10
<PAGE> 13
stock ownership is a major incentive in building shareholder value and
reviews awards of equity-based incentives with that goal in mind.
- Qualitative Factors -- The Compensation Committee believes that in
addition to corporate performance and specific division performance, it is
appropriate to consider in setting and reviewing executive compensation
the personal contributions that a particular individual may make to the
success of the corporate enterprise. Such qualitative factors as
leadership skills, planning initiatives, development skills, public
affairs and civic involvement have been deemed to be important qualitative
factors to take into account in considering levels of compensation.
The Company has significantly changed its product lines and distribution
channels in recent years through internal expansion, as well as through
acquisitions, resulting in an increase in net revenue from $98.3 million in
fiscal 1992 to 308.4 million in fiscal 1996. As a result of this growth and in
connection with the annual review of the Company's executive compensation
policies, the Compensation Committee deemed it appropriate to undertake a
comprehensive review of the Company's executive compensation and benefit
programs for fiscal 1996. The Compensation Committee engaged a nationally
recognized compensation consulting firm (the "Consultant") to assist the
Compensation Committee in its review and to make recommendations to address the
Company's compensation arrangements for the Company's senior executive officers
for fiscal 1996. In connection with this review and in light of the significant
changes in the Company's product lines and distribution channels, the
Compensation Committee determined that the peer group which the Compensation
Committee had utilized for purposes of evaluating compensation for executive
officers for fiscal 1995 should be revised. The new peer group consists of
publishing and media companies, which are closer to the Company in size than the
companies included in the former peer group. The companies in the Company's new
peer group are reflected in the Performance Graph included in this Proxy
Statement (the "Peer Group Index") and were used for purposes of reviewing
compensation policies for executive officers for fiscal 1996.
Compensation of Executive Officers
The Compensation Committee believes that the compensation for each of its
executive officers should consist of a base salary, the potential for an annual
cash bonus and equity-based long-term incentive compensation. The Compensation
Committee has applied the policies described herein to fiscal 1996 compensation
for executive officers, including the Named Officers.
Base Compensation. In determining whether an increase in base compensation
for its executive officers was appropriate for fiscal 1996, the Compensation
Committee reviewed salary ranges recommended by the Consultant and sought the
advice of the Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee subjectively
determined on the basis of discussions with the Chief Executive Officer, a
review of the base compensation of executive officers of comparable companies,
the advice of the Consultant, its experience with the Company and in business
generally, and what it viewed to be appropriate levels of base compensation
after taking into consideration the contributions of each executive officer. As
a result of this review, increases averaging approximately 16% in the base
salaries for the Named Officers for fiscal 1996 were made, with specific
increases varying from approximately 2% to 48%, reflecting the Compensation
Committee's subjective judgment as to the competitive level of the compensation
being paid to each executive, the executive's contribution to the Company's
performance and the increased responsibilities undertaken by the executive
officer. As a result of these increases, base salaries for the Named Officers
were set for fiscal 1996 at approximately the 50th percentile of the base
compensation of executives with similar responsibilities at comparable
companies. The Compensation Committee did not assign any relative weight to the
quantitative and qualitative factors which were applied subjectively in reaching
its base compensation decisions.
Annual Incentive and Bonus Compensation. For fiscal 1996, the Compensation
Committee established performance goals for awarding cash incentive payments,
including targeted pre-tax profits for the Company, improvements in the
Company's return on assets ratio and, for certain Named Officers, pre-determined
margin contributions for specific divisions of the Company. The amount of any
potential award varied with
11
<PAGE> 14
each executive officer. The Company failed to meet the fiscal 1996 performance
goals set by the Compensation Committee; therefore, no executive officer earned
incentive or bonus compensation for fiscal 1996.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation. The Compensation Committee believes the
Company should make it a part of its regular executive compensation policies to
grant annual awards of long-term, equity-based incentives to executive officers
and other key employees as part of the compensation package that is reviewed
annually for each executive officer. In making these awards, the Compensation
Committee establishes guidelines at the time of the annual review and takes into
account the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer prior to approving
annual awards of long-term, equity-based incentive compensation to the other
executive officers.
During fiscal 1995, the Compensation Committee granted to the Named
Officers restricted stock awards for an aggregate of 65,000 shares of Common
Stock, which could be earned proportionately over the next two fiscal years
based on pre-determined margin contributions of certain divisions of the Company
and/or pre-tax income targets for the Company for each of such years. Specific
grants were between 10,000 and 25,000 shares. As a result of the Company
achieving the performance goals established for fiscal 1995, 31,250 of such
shares were earned by the Named Officers in fiscal 1995. Due to the Company's
failure to satisfy the performance goals established for fiscal 1996 by the
Compensation Committee, none of the remaining available 32,500 shares were
earned by the Named Officers in fiscal 1996.
As part of the Compensation Committee's annual review of the Company's
executive compensation policies for fiscal 1996 and based upon the
recommendations of the Consultant, the Compensation Committee determined to
cease the granting of restricted stock awards and to instead grant stock options
with an exercise price based on the fair market value of the Common Stock on the
date of grant as long-term, equity-based incentive compensation to the Company's
management team. Accordingly, during fiscal 1996, the Compensation Committee
considered, with the assistance of the Consultant, the amount of stock option
holdings by its senior executives in relation to the holdings by senior
executives of comparable companies. As a result of this analysis, the
Compensation committee determined in its subjective judgment that additional
option holdings were appropriate and granted to the Named Officers a one-time
stock option grant ("Special Options") to purchase an aggregate of 300,000
shares of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock. The Special Options vest at a
rate of 33 1/3% annually over a three year period beginning on the third
anniversary of the date of grant. In addition, the Compensation Committee
granted to the Named Officers annual stock option awards ("Annual Options") to
purchase an aggregate of 110,000 shares of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock.
The Annual Options vest at a rate of 33 1/3% annually over a three year period
beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Both the Special
Options and the Annual Options are non-qualified options and were granted under
the Stock Incentive Plan. See "-- Option/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year." The
size of the option grant to each Named Officer was determined by the
Compensation Committee based upon an analysis of comparable companies, a
subjective assessment of such Named Officer's performance and his respective
level in the organization.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation. The Compensation Committee reviewed
the performance of the Company and of Sam Moore as its Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and President in determining his compensation for the 1996 fiscal year.
The Compensation Committee took into account the Company's financial performance
compared to companies included in the Peer Group Index, the base compensation of
Mr. Moore relative to the chief executive officers of comparable companies, the
advise of the Consultant and the longevity of Mr. Moore's service to the
Company. In light of these considerations, the Compensation Committee determined
that his base compensation for fiscal 1996 should be increased to $325,000. In
reaching this decision, the Compensation Committee also took into account that
as part of Mr. Moore's compensation the Company paid him an additional $148,038
to enable him to pay the after income tax cost of premiums for life insurance
maintained on the joint lives of Mr. Moore and his wife. This payment was made
pursuant to a previously executed agreement and is conditioned upon Mr. Moore
maintaining in excess of 3,000,000 votes of Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock at all times. See "-- Employment and Termination Agreements." The life
insurance is designed to ensure sufficient liquidity for Mr. Moore's estate so
that the estate would not be forced to sell its significant stock position in
the Company to fund its estate tax liability, thus providing stability in the
market for the Company's securities.
12
<PAGE> 15
Mr. Moore was eligible to receive a cash incentive payment if the Company
achieved certain targeted pre-tax profits and improved its return on assets
ratio set as by the Compensation Committee. Since the Company failed to meet the
performance goals, Mr. Moore did not receive a cash incentive payment award for
fiscal 1996.
The Compensation Committee also believed that it was important for Mr.
Moore to continue to be awarded from time to time long-term, equity-based
incentive compensation. During fiscal 1996, the Compensation Committee granted
Mr. Moore a Special Option and an Annual Option to purchase 120,000 and 40,000
shares, respectively, of either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock. See
"-- Option/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year." The size of the stock option grants
to Mr. Moore was determined by the Compensation Committee based upon a
subjective assessment of Mr. Moore's contributions to the Company. It is the
subjective opinion of the Compensation Committee, based upon the advice of the
Consultant, that even though Mr. Moore already owned a significant amount of the
equity of the Company, the grant of stock options as long-term, equity-based
incentive compensation would provide Mr. Moore with a further incentive to build
shareholder value for the benefit of all shareholders.
Federal Income Tax Deductibility Limitations. Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, enacted as part of the Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act in 1993 ("OBRA"), generally disallows a tax deduction to
public companies for compensation over $1,000,000 paid to the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and four other most highly compensated executive officers.
Compensation paid to these officers in excess of $1,000,000 that is not
performance-based cannot be claimed by the Company as a tax deduction.
The Compensation Committee believes it is appropriate to take into account
the $1,000,000 limit on the deductibility of executive compensation and to seek
to qualify executive compensation awards as performance-based compensation
excluded from the $1,000,000 limit. Stock options and other equity-based
incentives granted under the Company's stock incentive plans qualify as
performance-based compensation. None of the executive officers received
compensation in fiscal 1996 that would exceed the $1,000,000 limit on
deductibility. The Committee has not determined whether it will approve any
compensation arrangements that will cause the $1,000,000 limit to be exceeded in
the future.
July 10, 1996
Millard V. Oakley, Chairman
Brownlee O. Currey, Jr.
W. Lipscomb Davis, Jr.
13
<PAGE> 16
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the five-year cumulative returns of $100
invested on March 31, 1991 in (i) the Common Stock, (ii) the Class B Common
Stock, (iii) Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index (the "S&P Index"), and (iv) the
Peer Group Index, assuming the reinvestment of all dividends. The returns on the
common stock of each member of the Peer Group Index have been weighted to
reflect relative stock market capitalization.
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG THOMAS NELSON, INC. COMMON STOCK,
THOMAS NELSON, INC. CLASS B COMMON STOCK, THE S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX,
AND THE PEER GROUP INDEX(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THOMAS NELSON,
THOMAS NELSON, INC.--
MEASUREMENT PERIOD INC.-- CLASS B PEER GROUP S&P MIDCAP
(FISCAL YEAR COVERED) COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK INDEX 400 INDEX
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1991 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
1992 140.00 147.00 100.00 121.00
1993 169.00 172.00 124.00 141.00
1994 211.00 246.00 141.00 150.00
1995 269.00 268.00 148.00 162.00
1996 206.00 249.00 157.00 209.00
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The Peer Group Index is comprised of the following 18 publicly traded
publishing and media companies:
American Greetings Corp.
BET Holdings, Inc.
Courier Corp.
Day Runner, Inc.
Gaylord Entertainment Co.
Houghton Mifflin Co.
Integrity Music, Inc.
International Family Entertainment, Inc.
Jostens, Inc.
King World Productions, Inc.
Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc.
Meredith Corp.
Plenum Publishing Corp.
Scholastic Corp.
Value Line, Inc.
Waverly, Inc.
Western Publishing Group, Inc.
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires
the Company's executive officers, directors and persons who own more than 10% of
a registered class of the company's equity securities, to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the Commission. Executive officers,
directors and
14
<PAGE> 17
greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by regulations of the Commission
to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) reports so filed.
Based solely upon a review of the Forms 3, 4 and 5 and amendments thereto,
and certain written representations furnished to the Company, the Company
believes that, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, its executive
officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners complied with all
applicable filing requirements, except that Sam Moore, in connection with a
review of his beneficial ownership, detected certain possible deficiencies in
his reporting to the Commission. In order to correct such possible deficiencies,
Sam Moore amended his Annual Statement of Beneficial Ownership on Form 5 for
fiscal years 1994 and 1995, respectively, covering an aggregate of sixteen
transactions and filed five Statements of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on
Form 4 covering an aggregate of sixteen transactions.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Company's financial statements for the year ended March 31, 1996, were
examined by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent certified public accountants.
Representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP are expected to be present at the Annual
Meeting. Such representatives will have the opportunity to make a statement if
they desire to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
In keeping with its past practice, the Board of Directors does not intend
to select independent auditors for the year ending March 31, 1997 until after
the Annual Meeting.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS TO BE
PRESENTED AT 1997 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Shareholder proposals intended to be presented at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held in 1997 must be received in writing by the Company at
its executive offices at 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, Tennessee 37214-1000, not
later than March 17, 1997, in order to be included in the Company's proxy
statement and proxy for that meeting.
METHOD OF COUNTING VOTES
Pursuant to rules promulgated by the Commission, boxes and a designated
blank space are provided on the proxy card for shareholders to mark if they wish
to vote "for," "against" or "withhold authority" (or abstain) to vote for one or
more of the director nominees, and to vote "for," "against" or "abstain" from
voting on any other matters submitted to the shareholders. Under applicable
securities laws, Tennessee law and the Company's charter and bylaws, an
abstention or withholding of authority to vote will have no effect on the
outcome of the election of directors, as such election is determined by the
number of votes cast. Shares represented at the Annual Meeting by proxies
containing instructions to "withhold authority" or abstain will nonetheless be
counted as present for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists at the
Annual Meeting.
A broker non-vote occurs when a broker holding shares registered in a
street name is permitted to vote, in the broker's discretion, on routine matters
without receiving instructions from the client, but is not permitted to vote
without instructions on non-routine matters, and the broker returns a proxy card
with no vote (the "non-vote") on the non-routine matter. Under Tennessee law and
the Company's charter and bylaws, broker non-votes will have no impact on any of
the matters to be submitted to the shareholders, but shares represented by a
proxy card marked with a non-vote would be counted as present for purposes of
determining the existence of a quorum. Under New York Stock Exchange rules, the
election of directors is a matter on which a broker has the discretion to vote
if instructions are not received from the client at least 10 days prior to the
Annual Meeting, but brokers may not have the discretion to vote on any other
proposal in the absence of instructions from their clients.
15
<PAGE> 18
MISCELLANEOUS
The cost of this solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. It
is anticipated that the solicitation will be made primarily by mail, but regular
employees or representatives of the Company may, without additional
compensation, also solicit proxies by telephone, telegram, or personal interview
and arrange for brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries
to send proxies and proxy material to their principals at the Company's expense.
The Board of Directors is not aware of any business other than that
described in this Proxy Statement to be presented for action at the Annual
Meeting, but the persons named in the proxy intend to vote or act with respect
to any other proposal that may be properly brought before the Annual Meeting in
accordance with their judgment.
THE ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1996, IS
BEING MAILED TO ALL SHAREHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS CONTAINED IN THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1996, FILED WITH THE COMMISSION. THE COMPANY
WILL FURNISH WITHOUT CHARGE TO ANY SHAREHOLDER A COPY OF ITS COMPLETE ANNUAL
REPORT ON FORM 10-K, INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES THERETO,
UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO JOE L. POWERS, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY,
THOMAS NELSON, INC., P.O. BOX 141000, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37214-1000.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
THOMAS NELSON, INC.
By Sam Moore, President
July 11, 1996
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<PAGE> 19
Appendix A
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THOMAS NELSON, INC.
501 Nelson Place
Nashville, TN 37214-1000
The undersigned hereby appoints SAM MOORE and JOE L. POWERS, or either of them,
as proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes
them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all the shares of Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock of Thomas Nelson, Inc. held of record by the
undersigned on July 1, 1996, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at
the Loews Vanderbilt Plaza, 2100 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37203 on
Thursday, August 22, 1996, at 11:00 a.m., local time, or any adjournment
thereof.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
/ / FOR all nominees listed below (except as marked to the / / WITHHOLD AUTHORITY (Abstain) to vote for all nominees
contrary below): listed below:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Brownlee O. Currey, Jr. Brownlee O. Currey, Jr.
W. Lipscomb Davis, Jr. Joe M. Rodgers W. Lipscomb Davis, Jr. Joe M. Rodgers
/ / AGAINST all nominees listed below:
Brownlee O. Currey, Jr.
W. Lipscomb Davis, Jr. Joe M. Rodgers
</TABLE>
INSTRUCTION: TO VOTE FOR, AGAINST OR TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY (ABSTAIN) TO VOTE FOR
ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, WRITE THAT NOMINEE'S NAME ON THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW
AND INDICATE WHETHER YOUR VOTE IS FOR, AGAINST OR TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
(ABSTAIN) TO VOTE FOR THAT NOMINEE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the meeting.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY
THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED
FOR THE ELECTION AS DIRECTORS OF ALL THE NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND
RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY
USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
Please sign exactly as name
appears below. When shares are
held by joint tenants, both
should sign. When signing 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
officer. If a partnership,
please sign in partnership name
by authorized persons.
-------------------------------
Signature
-------------------------------
Signature
DATED:
-------------------------, 1996
