<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant [x]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[_] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or
Section 240.14a-12
STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[_] $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or
14a-6(j)(2).
[_] $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:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:*
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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*Set forth the amount on which the filing is calculated and state how it was
determined.
[X] 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:
$125
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
Preliminary Proxy Statement
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(3) Filing Party:
Sterling Software, Inc.
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(4) Date Filed:
January 13, 1995
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Notes:
<PAGE>
STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
8080 NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY
SUITE 1100
DALLAS, TEXAS 75206
January 27, 1995
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
Sterling Software, Inc. to be held at the Energy Club, 8080 North Central
Expressway, Dallas, Texas, on Thursday, March 16, 1995, at 10:00 a.m., local
time.
The attached Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement fully describe the
formal business to be transacted at the Meeting, which includes (i) the
election of three directors of the Company, (ii) the amendment of the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of shares of Common Stock
authorized for issuance from 50,000,000 shares to 75,000,000 shares; and (iii)
the amendment of the Company's Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "Incentive
Plan") and Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan (the "Non-Statutory Plan") to
increase the number of shares of the Company's Common Stock available for
issuance upon the exercise of options granted under the Incentive Plan from
1,750,000 shares to 2,000,000 shares and under the Non-Statutory Plan from
4,000,000 shares to 4,875,000 shares.
The Board of Directors believes that an increase in the number of authorized
shares of Common Stock is in the best interests of the Company and its
stockholders because it would provide greater flexibility to the Board of
Directors to issue additional equity securities, for example, to raise
additional capital or to facilitate possible future acquisitions. The Board of
Directors also believes that an increase in the number of shares available for
grant under the Incentive Plan and the Non-Statutory Plan is in the best
interests of the Company and its stockholders. The continued success of the
Company depends upon its ability to attract and retain highly qualified and
competent key employees and advisors, including officers and directors, and the
Board of Directors believes that stock options enhance that ability and provide
motivation to such individuals to advance the interests of the Company and its
stockholders. As a result of the acquisition of KnowledgeWare, Inc. in November
1994, the number of employees of Sterling Software increased from approximately
3,000 at September 30, 1994 to approximately 3,500 at December 31, 1994, and
management anticipates future growth. The Board of Directors believes that, due
to the limited number of shares of Common Stock that currently remain available
under the Incentive Plan and Non-Statutory Plan, an increase in the number of
shares authorized under such plans is necessary to facilitate the Company's
growth.
Directors and officers of the Company will be present to help host the
Meeting and to respond to any questions that our stockholders may have. I hope
you will be able to attend.
The Company's Board of Directors believes that a favorable vote on each of
the matters to be considered at the Meeting is in the best interests of the
Company and its stockholders and unanimously recommends a vote "FOR" each such
matter. Accordingly, we urge you to review the accompanying material carefully
and to return the enclosed Proxy promptly.
Please sign, date and return the enclosed Proxy without delay. If you attend
the Meeting, you may vote in person even if you have previously mailed a Proxy.
Sincerely,
Sam Wyly
Chairman of the Board
<PAGE>
STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
8080 NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY
SUITE 1100
DALLAS, TEXAS 75206
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MARCH 16, 1995
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the
"Meeting") of Sterling Software, Inc. (the "Company" or "Sterling") will be
held at the Energy Club, 8080 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas, on
Thursday, March 16, 1995, at 10:00 a.m., local time. A Proxy and a Proxy
Statement for the Meeting are enclosed.
The Meeting is for the purpose of considering and acting upon:
(1) The election of three Class B directors for terms expiring in 1998.
(2) A proposal to amend the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to
increase the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance
from 50,000,000 shares to 75,000,000 shares.
(3) A proposal to amend the Company's Incentive Stock Option Plan and Non-
Statutory Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares of the
Company's Common Stock available for issuance upon the exercise of
options granted under the Incentive Stock Option Plan from 1,750,000
shares to 2,000,000 shares, and under the Non-Statutory Stock Option
Plan from 4,000,000 shares to 4,875,000 shares.
(4) Such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting or any
adjournments thereof.
The close of business on January 17, 1995 has been fixed as the record date
for determining stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting
or any adjournments thereof. For a period of at least ten days prior to the
Meeting, a complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Meeting shall
be open to the examination of any stockholder during ordinary business hours at
the offices of the Company at 8080 North Central Expressway, Suite 1100,
Dallas, Texas 75206.
Information concerning the matters to be acted upon at the Meeting is set
forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement.
STOCKHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXPECT TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING IN PERSON ARE
URGED TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ACCOMPANYING
ENVELOPE WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Jeannette P. Meier
Secretary
Dallas, Texas
January 27, 1995
<PAGE>
STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
8080 NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY
SUITE 1100
DALLAS, TEXAS 75206
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MARCH 16, 1995
This Proxy Statement is being first mailed on January 27, 1995 to
stockholders of Sterling Software, Inc. (the "Company" or "Sterling") by the
Board of Directors to solicit proxies (the "Proxies") for use at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting") to be held at the Energy Club, 8080
North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas, on Thursday, March 16, 1995, at 10:00
a.m., local time, or at such other time and place to which the Meeting may be
adjourned.
The purpose of the Meeting is to consider and act upon (i) the election of
three Class B directors for terms expiring in 1998; (ii) a proposal to amend
the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of shares of
Common Stock authorized for issuance from 50,000,000 shares to 75,000,000
shares; (iii) a proposal to amend the Company's Incentive Stock Option Plan
(the "Incentive Plan") and Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan (the "Non-Statutory
Plan") to increase the number of shares of the Company's Common Stock available
for issuance upon the exercise of options granted under the Incentive Plan from
1,750,000 shares to 2,000,000 shares, and under the Non-Statutory Plan from
4,000,000 shares to 4,875,000 shares; and (iv) such other matters as may
properly come before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
All shares represented by valid Proxies, unless the stockholder otherwise
specifies, will be voted FOR (i) the election of the three persons named under
"Election of Directors" as nominees for election as Class B directors of the
Company for terms expiring in 1998; (ii) the proposal to amend the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of shares of Common Stock
authorized for issuance from 50,000,000 shares to 75,000,000 shares; (iii) the
proposal to amend the Incentive Plan and Non-Statutory Plan; and (iv) at the
discretion of the Proxy holders with regard to any other matter that may
properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Where a
stockholder has appropriately specified how a Proxy is to be voted, it will be
voted accordingly.
The Proxy may be revoked at any time by providing written notice of such
revocation to The First National Bank of Boston, Shareholder Services Division,
P.O. Box 1628, Boston, Massachusetts 02105-9903, which notice must be received
prior to 5:00 p.m., local time, March 9, 1995. If notice of revocation is not
received by such date, a stockholder may nevertheless revoke a Proxy if he
attends the Meeting and desires to vote in person.
RECORD DATE AND VOTING SECURITIES
The record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the
Meeting was the close of business on January 17, 1995 (the "Record Date"), at
which time the Company had issued and outstanding approximately 23,376,159
shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value ("Common Stock"), and 200,000 shares of
Series B Junior Preferred Stock ("Junior Preferred"), which Junior Preferred is
entitled to one vote per share with respect to each matter to be acted upon at
the Meeting (the Common Stock and the Junior Preferred are sometimes
collectively referred to herein as the "Voting Shares"). The Voting Shares
constitute the only outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to be
voted at the Meeting.
<PAGE>
QUORUM AND VOTING
The presence at the Meeting, in person or by Proxy, of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding Voting Shares is necessary to constitute a quorum.
Each Voting Share represented at the Meeting, in person or by Proxy, will be
counted toward a quorum. Each Voting Share is entitled to one vote with respect
to each matter (including election of directors) to be voted on at the Meeting.
Approval of the proposal to elect the three nominees to serve as Class B
directors requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
Voting Shares present, in person or by Proxy, at the Meeting, provided that a
quorum is present. Votes may be cast in favor or withheld with respect to such
proposal. Votes that are withheld will be counted toward a quorum, but will be
excluded entirely from the tabulation for such proposal and, therefore, will
not affect the outcome of the vote on such proposal.
Approval of the proposal to amend the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding Voting Shares.
Abstentions on such proposal may be specified and will have the same effect as
a vote against such proposal.
In order to comply with Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"), approval of the proposed amendments to the
Incentive Plan and the Non-Statutory Plan requires the favorable vote of the
holders of a majority of the Voting Shares present, or represented, and
entitled to vote at the Meeting. Under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange
(the "NYSE"), at least a majority of the Voting Shares must be voted with
respect to the proposal to amend the Incentive Plan and Non-Statutory Plan, and
approval of such proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the Voting Shares so voted. Abstentions on such proposal may be
specified and will have the same effect as a vote against such proposal.
PROPOSAL I--ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
There are three Class B directors to be elected for terms expiring at the
Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 1998 or until their successors have
been elected and qualified. It is intended that the names of the persons
indicated in the following table will be placed in nomination and that the
persons named in the Proxy will vote for their election. Each of the nominees
has indicated his willingness to serve as a member of the Board of Directors if
elected; however, in case any nominee shall become unavailable for election to
the Board of Directors for any reason not presently known or contemplated, the
Proxy holders will have discretionary authority in that instance to vote the
Proxy for a substitute. Proxies cannot be voted for more than three nominees.
The nominees are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
<C> <C> <S>
CLASS B NOMINEES--TERMS EXPIRING IN 1998
Phillip A. Moore..................... 52 Executive Vice President, Chief
Technology Officer and Director
Charles J. Wyly, Jr. (1)(2).......... 61 Vice Chairman of the Board and
Director
Michael C. French.................... 51 Director
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
The present directors of the Company whose terms will expire after 1995 are
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
<C> <C> <S>
CLASS C DIRECTORS--TERMS EXPIRING IN 1996
Sam Wyly (1)(2)....................... 60 Chairman of the Board, Chairman
of the Stock Option Committee,
Chairman of the Executive
Committee and Director
Sterling L. Williams (1)(2)........... 51 President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director
Donald R. Miller, Jr. (4)............. 40 Director
CLASS A DIRECTORS--TERMS EXPIRING IN 1997
Robert J. Donachie (3)(4)............. 66 Director
Evan A. Wyly.......................... 33 Vice President and Director
Robert E. Cook (3).................... 53 Director
Francis A. Tarkenton.................. 54 Director
</TABLE>
- --------
(1)Member of the Executive Committee
(2)Member of the Stock Option Committee
(3)Member of the Audit Committee
(4)Member of the 1994 Stock Option Committee
Sam Wyly co-founded Sterling in 1981 and has served as Chairman of the Board
and a director since its formation. In 1963, Mr. Wyly founded University
Computing Company, a computer software and services company, and served as
President or Chairman from 1963 until 1979. Mr. Wyly co-founded Earth Resources
Company, an oil refining and silver and gold mining company, and served as its
Executive Committee Chairman from 1968 to 1980. Mr. Wyly and his brother,
Charles J. Wyly, Jr., bought the 20 restaurant Bonanza Steakhouse chain in
1967. It grew to approximately 600 restaurants by 1989, during which time he
served as Chairman. Mr. Wyly currently serves as Chairman of Michaels Stores,
Inc., a specialty retail chain, and as President of Maverick Capital, Ltd., an
investment fund management company. Sam Wyly is the father of Evan A. Wyly, a
director of Sterling.
Charles J. Wyly, Jr. co-founded Sterling in 1981 and has served as a director
since its formation. Effective November 1984, Mr. Wyly was elected Vice
Chairman of the Board. Mr. Wyly served as an officer and director of University
Computing Company from 1964 to 1975, including President from 1969 to 1973. Mr.
Wyly and his brother, Sam Wyly, founded Earth Resources Company and Charles J.
Wyly, Jr. served as Chairman of the Board from 1968 to 1980. Mr. Wyly served as
Vice Chairman of the Bonanza Steakhouse chain from 1967 to 1989. Mr. Wyly
currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Michaels Stores, Inc. and as
Chairman of Maverick Capital, Ltd. Charles J. Wyly, Jr. is the father-in-law of
Donald R. Miller, Jr., a director of Sterling.
Sterling L. Williams co-founded Sterling in 1981 and has served as President,
Chief Executive Officer and a director of Sterling since its formation. Mr.
Williams also currently serves as a director of Cimage Corporation, a privately
held provider of document management systems, and INPUT, an information
technology market research company.
Phillip A. Moore co-founded Sterling in 1981 and has served as a director
since such time, as Executive Vice President, Technology from July 1993 until
December 1994 and as Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer since
December 1994. Prior to July 1993, Mr. Moore served as Senior Vice President,
Technology of Sterling.
Robert J. Donachie has served as a director of Sterling since May 1983. He
has been principally employed as a private business consultant since March
1981.
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Michael C. French has served as a director of Sterling since July 1992. He
has been a partner with the law firm of Jackson & Walker, L.L.P since 1976.
Since September 1992, Mr. French has served as a director of Michaels Stores,
Inc. Mr. French also currently serves as a Managing Director of Maverick
Capital, Ltd.
Evan A. Wyly has served as a director of Sterling since July 1992 and as a
Vice President of Sterling since December 1994. Mr. Wyly is a Managing Director
of Maverick Capital, Ltd. Prior to joining Maverick Capital, Ltd., Mr. Wyly
served as a Vice President of Michaels Stores, Inc. from December 1991 to
October 1993. In June 1988, Mr. Wyly founded Premier Partners Incorporated, a
private investment firm, and served as President prior to joining Michaels
Stores, Inc. Mr. Wyly also serves as a director of Michaels Stores, Inc. and
Xscribe Corp., a high-technology information management company.
Robert E. Cook has served as a director of Sterling since July 1993. From
1981 until July 1993, Mr. Cook served as Chairman and a director of Systems
Center, Inc., a computer software company formerly listed on the New York Stock
Exchange, which was acquired by Sterling in July 1993 ("Systems Center"), and
from 1981 until February 1993 he served as Chief Executive Officer of Systems
Center. Mr. Cook currently also serves as a director of ROADSHOW International,
Inc., a privately held provider of computer-based routing solutions for private
fleet operations.
Donald R. Miller, Jr. has served as a director of Sterling since September
1993. Mr. Miller has served as Vice President--Market Development of Michaels
Stores, Inc. since November 1990 and as a director of Michaels Stores, Inc.
since September 1992. Prior to November 1990, Mr. Miller served as Director of
Real Estate of Michaels Stores, Inc. Mr. Miller also serves on the Board of
Directors of Xscribe Corp.
Francis A. Tarkenton has served as a director of the Company since November
1994. From December 1986 until November 1994, Mr. Tarkenton served as Chairman
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of KnowledgeWare, Inc.
("KnowledgeWare"), a leading provider of applications development software and
services formerly listed on the NASDAQ National Market System, which was
acquired by Sterling in November 1994. Mr. Tarkenton served as a director of
KnowledgeWare since December 1986 when Tarkenton Software, Inc. ("Tarkenton
Software") was merged with KnowledgeWare. He was a founder and served as
President and a director of Tarkenton Software from its incorporation in 1977
until its merger with KnowledgeWare. Mr. Tarkenton is also a director of Coca
Cola Enterprises, Inc.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
The business of the Company is managed under the direction of the Board of
Directors. The Board meets on a regularly scheduled basis during its fiscal
year to review significant developments affecting the Company and to act on
matters requiring Board approval. It also holds special meetings when an
important matter requires Board action between scheduled meetings. The Board of
Directors or its authorized committees met 26 times and acted by unanimous
written consent 17 times during the 1994 fiscal year. During the 1994 fiscal
year, each member of the Board participated in at least 75% of all Board and
applicable committee meetings held during the period for which he was a
director.
The Board of Directors has established audit, executive and stock option
committees to devote attention to specific subjects and to assist it in the
discharge of its responsibilities. The functions of those committees, their
current members and the number of meetings held during the 1994 fiscal year are
described below.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee recommends to the Board of Directors the
appointment of the firm selected to be independent public accountants for the
Company and monitors the performance of such firm; reviews and approves the
scope of the annual audit and evaluates with the independent public accountants
the Company's annual audit and annual consolidated financial statements;
reviews with management the status of internal accounting controls; evaluates
problem areas having a potential financial impact on the Company which may be
brought to its attention by management, the independent public
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accountants or the Board of Directors; and evaluates public financial reporting
documents of the Company. Messrs. Robert J. Donachie and Robert E. Cook
currently are members of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee met two times
during the 1994 fiscal year.
Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is empowered to act in lieu of
the Board of Directors on any matter except on those matters for which the
Board of Directors has specifically reserved authority to itself and except
those matters specifically reserved to the full Board by law. Messrs. Sam Wyly
(Chairman), Charles J. Wyly, Jr. and Sterling L. Williams currently are members
of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee acted by unanimous written
consent nine times during the 1994 fiscal year. The Executive Committee held
responsibility for determining executive compensation for fiscal 1994.
Stock Option Committee. The Stock Option Committee administers the Company's
Incentive Plan, Non-Statutory Plan and 1992 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan
(the "1992 Non-Statutory Plan"). The Stock Option Committee has the power,
subject to certain restrictions set forth in such plans, to determine from time
to time the individuals to whom options shall be granted, the number of shares
to be covered by each option and the time or times at which options shall be
exercisable. Messrs. Sam Wyly (Chairman), Charles J. Wyly, Jr. and Sterling L.
Williams currently are members of the Stock Option Committee. The Stock Option
Committee met 20 times and acted by unanimous written consent one time during
the 1994 fiscal year.
1994 Stock Option Committee. The 1994 Stock Option Plan Committee (the "1994
Stock Option Committee") administers the Company's 1994 Non-Statutory Stock
Option Plan (the "1994 Non-Statutory Plan"). The 1994 Stock Option Committee
has the power, subject to certain restrictions set forth in the 1994 Non-
Statutory Plan, to determine from time to time the individuals to whom options
shall be granted, the number of shares to be covered by each option and the
time or times at which options shall be exercisable. Messrs. Robert J. Donachie
and Donald R. Miller, Jr. currently are members of the 1994 Stock Option
Committee. The 1994 Stock Option Committee acted by unanimous written consent
two times during the 1994 fiscal year.
The Company does not have a nominating or compensation committee. The
functions customarily attributable to a nominating committee are performed by
the Board of Directors as a whole, and the functions customarily attributable
to a compensation committee generally are performed by the Executive Committee.
PROPOSAL II--INCREASE IN AUTHORIZED COMMON STOCK
The Board of Directors has unanimously approved, subject to the consideration
and approval of the stockholders of the Company, a proposed amendment to the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation increasing the number of shares of
Common Stock authorized for issuance from 50,000,000 shares to 75,000,000
shares.
The Board of Directors believes that this amendment is in the best interests
of the Company and its stockholders because it would provide greater
flexibility to the Board of Directors to issue additional equity securities,
for example, to raise additional capital or to facilitate possible future
acquisitions. Although the Company actively considers mergers, acquisitions and
other transactions that may involve the issuance of additional shares of Common
Stock (any one or more of which may be under consideration or acted upon at any
given time), the Company does not have any agreements, commitments or
understandings that would involve the issuance of additional shares of Common
Stock in amounts that would exceed the number of currently authorized but
unissued shares.
As of December 31, 1994, after giving effect to (i) an aggregate of
10,660,686 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of
options granted or which may be granted under stock option plans of the Company
or assumed by the Company in connection with the acquisitions of Systems Center
and KnowledgeWare, (ii) an aggregate of 312,667 shares of Common Stock reserved
for issuance upon exercise
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<PAGE>
of warrants issued by Sterling or assumed by Sterling in connection with the
acquisitions of Systems Center and KnowledgeWare, and (iii) 4,056,437 shares of
Common Stock reserved for issuance upon conversion of the Company's 5 3/4%
Convertible Subordinated Debentures Due 2003, Sterling had approximately
11,715,000 shares of Common Stock available for issuance. The availability of
an adequate supply of authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock provides
the Company flexibility by allowing shares to be issued, for example, in
connection with possible future financings or acquisitions, without the expense
and delay of a stockholders meeting, unless stockholder approval is otherwise
required.
The Board of Directors has unanimously approved an increase in the number of
shares of authorized Common Stock to 75,000,000 shares and is seeking approval
of such an increase by the stockholders. If the increase is approved,
generally, no stockholder approval would be solicited for the issuance of all
or any portion of such additional shares of Common Stock unless required by law
or any rules or regulations to which the Company is subject, including the
rules of the NYSE. Any issuance which does not require stockholder approval may
be authorized by the Board of Directors. The rules of the NYSE currently
require stockholder approval prior to the taking of the following actions: (i)
the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of property or assets from a director,
officer or substantial security holder of the Company if the number of shares
of Common Stock to be issued in connection with the acquisition exceeds 1% of
the number of shares of Common Stock, or 1% of the voting power, outstanding
prior to the acquisition; (ii) the establishment of a stock option or other
plan pursuant to which Common Stock may be acquired by directors or officers,
except for warrants or rights distributed generally to stockholders of the
Company or broadly-based plans or arrangements including other employees
(unless such warrants, rights, broadly-based plans or arrangements would result
in the issuance of shares in excess of the limitations set forth in (iii)
below); (iii) the issuance of shares of Common Stock, other than a public
offering for cash, if (a) such shares will have voting power equal to or in
excess of 20% of the voting power outstanding prior to the issuance or (b) the
number of shares to be issued will be equal to or in excess of 20% of the
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding prior to the issuance; and (iv) an
issuance of Common Stock that would result in a change of control of the
Company, within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE.
PROPOSAL III--AMENDMENTS TO THE INCENTIVE PLAN AND NON-STATUTORY PLAN
Amendments to the Incentive Plan and Non-Statutory Plan (collectively, the
"Stock Option Plan Amendments") have been unanimously adopted by the Board of
Directors, subject to the approval of stockholders, and are intended to
increase the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance upon
exercise of options granted under the Incentive Plan from 1,750,000 shares to
2,000,000 shares, and under the Non-Statutory Plan from 4,000,000 shares to
4,875,000 shares. Members of the Company's management and Board of Directors
have indicated that they will vote all shares held by them in favor of the
Stock Option Plan Amendments and believe approval would be in the best
interests of the Company and its stockholders.
The Board of Directors believes that the continued success of the Company
depends upon its ability to attract and retain highly qualified and competent
key employees and advisors, including officers and directors, and that stock
options enhance that ability and provide motivation to key employees and
advisors to advance the interests of the Company and its stockholders. As a
result of the acquisition of KnowledgeWare in November 1994, the number of
employees of Sterling Software increased from approximately 3,000 at September
30, 1994 to approximately 3,500 at December 31, 1994, and management
anticipates future growth. Although in connection with such acquisition the
Company assumed the stock option plans of KnowledgeWare (the "KnowledgeWare
Plans"), such plans were assumed for the sole purpose of administering
outstanding options granted by KnowledgeWare. As a result, the Stock Option
Committee does not have authority to make future grants under the KnowledgeWare
Plans. As of December 31, 1994, approximately 65 individuals held options under
the KnowledgeWare Plans. In addition, as of December 31, 1994, only 79,413
shares of Common Stock remained available for grant under the Incentive Plan
and 280,304 shares of Common Stock remained available for grant under the Non-
Statutory Plan. The Company expects to continue to issue options under these
plans in the ordinary course of business and
6
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in connection with possible future acquisitions, to attract, retain and
motivate key employees and advisors in a competitive environment as it deems
such issuances appropriate. The Board of Directors believes that an increase in
the number of shares authorized for issuance under these plans is necessary to
facilitate the Company's growth and for the Company to continue to benefit from
such plans.
GENERAL
The Company's Incentive Plan was adopted in March 1983 by the Company's
stockholders for the benefit of the Company's key employees, including
officers, and since that date, 460 employees have participated in the Incentive
Plan. As of December 31, 1994, approximately 560 persons were eligible for
participation in the Incentive Plan, of which 163 persons were participating.
Options granted pursuant to the Incentive Plan are intended to qualify as
"incentive stock options" within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for favorable tax treatment to
the optionees. The Incentive Plan, as amended to date, provides for the grant
of options to acquire up to 1,750,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock. At
December 31, 1994, options under the Incentive Plan to purchase 958,713 shares
of Common Stock were outstanding and options to purchase 79,413 shares of
Common Stock remained available for grant. Unless extended or earlier
terminated by action of the Board of Directors, the Incentive Plan will
terminate on December 31, 2003.
The Company's Non-Statutory Plan for key employees and advisors, including
officers and directors of the Company, was adopted by the Company's
stockholders in March 1983, and since that date, 133 individuals have
participated in the Non-Statutory Plan. As of December 31, 1994, approximately
625 persons were eligible for participation in the Non-Statutory Plan, of which
21 persons were participating. Options granted pursuant to the Non-Statutory
Plan are not intended to qualify as "incentive stock options" within the
meaning of Section 422 of the Code. The Non-Statutory Plan, as amended to date,
provides for the grant of options to acquire up to 4,000,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock. At December 31, 1994, options under the Non-Statutory
Plan to purchase 2,761,650 shares of Common Stock were outstanding and options
to purchase 280,304 shares of Common Stock remained available for grant. Unless
extended or earlier terminated by action of the Board of Directors, the Non-
Statutory Plan will terminate on December 31, 2011.
The exercise price of each option granted under the Incentive Plan and the
Non-Statutory Plan may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the
Common Stock on the date of grant.
SUMMARY OF THE INCENTIVE PLAN
General
A copy of the Incentive Plan, as proposed to be amended, is attached to this
Proxy Statement as Appendix A. The following is a brief summary of certain
provisions of the Incentive Plan and is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the full text of the Incentive Plan.
Current Provisions of the Incentive Plan. The Board of Directors has
delegated its authority to administer the Incentive Plan to the Stock Option
Committee consisting of Messrs. Sam Wyly (Chairman), Charles J. Wyly, Jr. and
Sterling L. Williams. The Stock Option Committee generally has the authority to
fix the terms and number of options to be granted and the employees to receive
the options. The Incentive Plan provides that options must be exercised within
ten years from the date of grant (or five years in the case of options granted
to employees owning more than 10% of the outstanding capital stock of the
Company). Options issued under the Incentive Plan are generally exercisable in
cumulative annual installments of one-fourth of the shares covered by the grant
commencing one year after the date of grant and generally expire five years
from the date of grant, except in the event of the termination from employment,
disability or death of the optionee. The Incentive Plan provides the Stock
Option Committee with sole discretion to include in each option agreement such
provisions regarding exercisability of options following termination of a
participant's employment for any reason (including termination due to death or
disability) as the Stock Option Committee, in its sole discretion, deems to be
appropriate.
7
<PAGE>
With respect to options granted after December 31, 1986, the maximum
aggregate fair market value (determined at the time the option is granted) of
the Common Stock with respect to which options are exercisable for the first
time by any employee during any calendar year may not exceed $100,000. The
exercise price of each option granted under the Incentive Plan may not be less
than 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant (or
110% in the case of options granted to employees owning more than 10% of the
outstanding capital stock of the Company). The closing price of the Company's
Common Stock on January 23, 1995, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange,
was $36 5/8 per share. The option exercise price may be paid in shares of
Common Stock owned by the option holders, in cash or in any other form of valid
consideration or a combination of any of the foregoing as determined by the
Stock Option Committee in its discretion.
The Incentive Plan currently places the following limitations on options
granted to eligible directors in order to comply with Rule 16b-3 promulgated
under Section 16 of the Exchange Act: (a) the maximum aggregate number of
shares of Common Stock which may be issued pursuant to options granted to all
directors as a group under the Incentive Plan cannot exceed 50% of the
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock for which options may be granted
under the Incentive Plan; (b) the purchase price for shares of Common Stock
acquired pursuant to the exercise, in whole or in part, of any option granted
to a director must be 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the
date of grant of such option; (c) options granted to directors pursuant to the
Incentive Plan may be granted only during the term of the Incentive Plan; (d)
options granted to directors pursuant to the Incentive Plan cannot be
exercisable for a period of twelve calendar months from the date of grant of
such options; and (e) options granted to directors pursuant to the Incentive
Plan must expire no later than five years from the date on which the options
are granted. Upon the Company's adoption of new Rule 16b-3 promulgated under
Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to the Incentive Plan (which is
currently anticipated to occur on or around September 1, 1995), the current
Rule 16b-3 limitations on grants to all directors will be removed.
Proposed Amendment. The Board of Directors has unanimously approved an
amendment to the Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of Common
Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options granted under the
Incentive Plan from 1,750,000 shares to 2,000,000 shares.
Summary of Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Incentive Plan. No
taxable income is realized by a participant and no tax deduction is available
to the Company upon either the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option.
If a participant holds the shares acquired upon the exercise of an incentive
stock option for more than one year after the issuance of the shares upon
exercise of the incentive stock option and more than two years after the date
of the grant of the incentive stock option ("holding period"), the difference
between the exercise price and the amount realized upon the sale of the shares
will be treated as a long-term capital gain or loss and no deduction will be
available to the Company. If the shares are transferred before the expiration
of the holding period, the participant will realize ordinary income and the
Company will be entitled to a deduction on the portion of the gain, if any,
equal to the difference between the incentive stock option exercise price and
the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise or, if less, the
difference between the amount realized on the disposition and the adjusted
basis of the stock, provided, however, that the deduction will not be allowed
if such amount exceeds the annual one million dollar limitation on the
deduction that an employer may claim for compensation of certain executives
pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code (the "Deduction Limitation") and does
not satisfy an exception to the Deduction Limitation. The Incentive Plan is not
currently designed to satisfy an exception to the Deduction Limitation. Any
further gain or loss will be taxable as a long-term or short-term capital gain
or loss depending upon the holding period before disposition. Certain special
rules apply if an incentive stock option is exercised by tendering stock.
The difference between the incentive stock option exercise price and the fair
market value, at the time of exercise, of the Common Stock acquired upon the
exercise of an incentive stock option may give rise to alternative minimum
taxable income subject to an alternative minimum tax. Special rules also may
apply in certain cases where there are subsequent sales of shares in
disqualifying dispositions and to determine the basis of the stock for purposes
of computing alternative minimum taxable income on a subsequent sale of the
shares.
8
<PAGE>
Issuances of Options under the Incentive Plan
The following table sets forth certain information regarding options received
under the Incentive Plan from its inception through December 31, 1994 by (i)
the Company's Chief Executive Officer, (ii) each of the Company's four other
most highly compensated executive officers for fiscal 1994 individually, (iii)
all current executive officers as a group, (iv) all current directors who are
not executive officers as a group, (v) each nominee for election as a director,
(vi) each associate of any of the persons listed in (i)-(v) above, (vii) each
person who has received 5% or more of such options and (viii) all employees,
including current officers who are not executive officers, as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE
AMOUNT OF
COMMON
STOCK
SUBJECT
TO
INCENTIVE
PLAN
OPTIONS
GRANTED
FROM
INCEPTION
THROUGH
DECEMBER
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP 31, 1994(1)
--------------------------- ---------
<C> <S>
Sam Wyly........................................ 0
Sterling L. Williams............................ 0
Werner L. Frank................................. 30,000
Warner C. Blow.................................. 67,307
Charles J. Wyly, Jr............................. 0
Phillip A. Moore................................ 13,000
Michael C. French............................... 0
Donald R. Miller, Jr............................ 0
Evan A. Wyly.................................... 0
All current executive officers as a group....... 287,564
All current directors who are not executive
officers as a group............................ 0
All employees, including current officers who
are not executive officers, as a group (2)..... 2,183,754
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes options that expired or were terminated prior to their exercise
and that became eligible to be regranted under the terms of the Incentive
Plan, except for such options for which replacement options were issued
under the Incentive Plan on or about the date of such termination or
expiration.
(2) Includes options granted to current executive officers and to current
directors who are not executive officers.
The amounts that would be receivable by the individuals or groups named in
the table above under the Incentive Plan as proposed to be amended are not
determinable at this time.
SUMMARY OF THE NON-STATUTORY PLAN
General
A copy of the Non-Statutory Plan, as proposed to be amended, is attached to
this Proxy Statement as Appendix B. The following is a brief summary of certain
provisions of the Non-Statutory Plan and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the full text of the Non-Statutory Plan.
Current Provisions of the Non-Statutory Plan. The Board of Directors has
delegated its authority to administer the Non-Statutory Plan to the Stock
Option Committee consisting of Messrs. Sam Wyly (Chairman), Charles J. Wyly,
Jr. and Sterling L. Williams. The Stock Option Committee generally has the
authority to fix the terms and number of options to be granted and the
individuals to receive the options. Options issued under the Non-Statutory Plan
are generally exercisable in cumulative annual installments of one-fourth of
the shares covered by the grant commencing one year after the date of grant and
generally expire five years from the date of grant, except in the event of the
termination from employment, disability or death of the optionee. The Non-
Statutory Plan provides the Stock Option Committee with sole discretion to
include in each option agreement such provisions regarding exercisability of
options following termination of a participant's employment or service as a
director or advisor for any reason (including termination due to death or
disability) as the Stock Option Committee, in its sole discretion, deems to be
appropriate.
9
<PAGE>
The exercise price of each option granted under the Non-Statutory Plan may
not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date
of grant. The closing price of the Company's Common Stock on January 23, 1995,
as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was $36 5/8 per share. The option
exercise price may be paid in shares of Common Stock owned by the option
holders, in cash or in any other form of valid consideration or a combination
of any of the foregoing as determined by the Stock Option Committee in its
discretion.
The Non-Statutory Plan currently places the following limitations on options
granted to eligible directors in order to comply with Rule 16b-3 promulgated
under Section 16 of the Exchange Act: (a) the maximum aggregate number of
shares of Common Stock which may be issued pursuant to options granted to all
directors as a group under the Non-Statutory Plan cannot exceed 50% of the
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock for which options may be granted
under the Non-Statutory Plan; (b) the purchase price for shares of Common Stock
acquired pursuant to the exercise, in whole or in part, of any option granted
to a director must be 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the
date of grant of such option; (c) options granted to directors pursuant to the
Non-Statutory Plan may be granted only during the term of the Non-Statutory
Plan; (d) options granted to directors pursuant to the Non-Statutory Plan
cannot be exercisable for a period of twelve calendar months from the date of
grant of such options; and (e) options granted to directors pursuant to the
Non-Statutory Plan must expire no later than five years from the date on which
the options are granted. Upon the Company's adoption of new Rule 16b-3
promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to the Non-
Statutory Plan (which is currently anticipated to occur on or around September
1, 1995), the current Rule 16b-3 limitations on grants to all directors will be
removed, and grants under such plan to non-employee directors will be made
solely pursuant to the following formula: each non-employee director elected or
appointed to the Board will receive, at the time of his or her initial election
or appointment, an automatic grant of options to purchase 40,000 shares of
Common Stock. In addition, during the term of the Non-Statutory Plan, each non-
employee director will receive an additional automatic grant of options to
purchase 40,000 shares of Common Stock every five years on the anniversary date
of his or her initial election or appointment to the Board, beginning on the
fifth anniversary of his or her initial election or appointment to the Board;
provided that such non-employee director has served continuously as a director
of the Company since the date of his or her initial election or appointment to
the Board. The exercise price of each option will be equal to the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. Each option will become
exercisable in cumulative annual installments of one-fourth of the shares
covered by the grant commencing one year after the date of grant and will
expire five years from the date of grant; provided that each option will become
immediately exercisable with respect to 100% of the shares covered by the grant
in the event of a change of control. A change of control is deemed to occur (i)
when any person, other than Sam Wyly or Charles J. Wyly, Jr., or an affiliate
of either of them, becomes the beneficial owner of securities of the Company
representing 20% or more of the combined voting power of the Company's
outstanding securities, (ii) if, during any three consecutive years,
individuals who constitute the Board of Directors at the beginning of such
period cease to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or (iii) upon
the occurrence of any event that would be required to be reported in response
to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange
Act (such events are herein referred to as a "Change of Control"). Except for
such automatic grants, non-employee directors will not be eligible to receive
options under the Non-Statutory Plan. The Stock Option Committee will not have
the authority to fix the terms and number of options granted under the Non-
Statutory Plan to non-employee directors.
Proposed Amendment. The Board of Directors has unanimously approved an
amendment to the Non-Statutory Plan to increase the number of shares of Common
Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options granted under the Non-
Statutory Plan from 4,000,000 shares to 4,875,000 shares.
Summary of Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Non-Statutory Plan.
No taxable income generally is realized by the participant upon the grant of a
non-statutory stock option, and no deduction generally is then available to the
Company. Upon exercise of a non-statutory stock option, the excess of the fair
market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price will
be taxable to the participant
10
<PAGE>
as ordinary income. Such amount will also be deductible by the Company unless
such amount exceeds the Deduction Limitation and does not satisfy an exception
to the Deduction Limitation. The Non-Statutory Plan is not currently designed
to satisfy an exception to the Deduction Limitation. The tax basis of shares
acquired by the participant will be the fair market value on the date of
exercise. When a participant disposes of shares acquired upon exercise of a
non-statutory stock option, any amount realized in excess of the fair market
value of the shares on the date of exercise generally will be treated as a
capital gain and will be long-term or short-term, depending on the holding
period of the shares. The holding period commences upon exercise of the non-
statutory stock option. If the amount received is less than such fair market
value, the loss will be treated as a long-term or short-term capital loss,
depending on the holding period of the shares. The exercise of a non-statutory
stock option will not trigger the alternative minimum tax consequences
applicable to incentive stock options.
Issuances of Options under the Non-Statutory Plan
The following table sets forth certain information regarding options received
under the Non-Statutory Plan from its inception through December 31, 1994 by
(i) the Company's Chief Executive Officer, (ii) each of the Company's four
other most highly compensated executive officers for fiscal 1994 individually,
(iii) all current executive officers as a group, (iv) all current directors who
are not executive officers as a group, (v) each nominee for election as a
director, (vi) each associate of any of the persons listed in (i)-(v) above,
(vii) each person who has received 5% or more of such options and (viii) all
employees, including current officers who are not executive officers, as a
group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE
AMOUNT OF
COMMON
STOCK
SUBJECT
TO NON-
STATUTORY
PLAN
OPTIONS
GRANTED
FROM
INCEPTION
THROUGH
DECEMBER
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP 31, 1994(1)
--------------------------- ---------
<C> <S>
Sam Wyly........................................ 0
Sterling L. Williams............................ 640,000
Werner L. Frank................................. 329,000
Warner C. Blow.................................. 357,693
Charles J. Wyly, Jr............................. 0
Phillip A. Moore................................ 230,000
Michael C. French............................... 75,000
Donald R. Miller, Jr............................ 0
Evan A. Wyly.................................... 40,000
All current executive officers as a group....... 3,005,436
All current directors who are not executive
officers as a group............................ 155,000
All employees, including current officers who
are not executive officers, as a group (2)..... 4,064,293
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes options that expired or were terminated prior to their exercise
and that became eligible to be regranted under the Non-Statutory Plan,
except for (i) such options for which replacement options were issued under
the Non-Statutory Plan on or about the date of such expiration or
termination and (ii) such options granted in tandem with options granted
under the Incentive Plan, the terms of which options provided that the
exercise of options issued under one plan would reduce the number of shares
exercisable under the tandem options issued under the other plan on a share
for share basis.
(2) Includes options granted to current executive officers and to current
directors who are not executive officers.
The amounts that would be receivable by the individuals or groups named in
the table above under the Non-Statutory Plan as proposed to be amended are not
determinable at this time.
11
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 1994 regarding
the beneficial ownership of capital stock of the Company by each person known
by the Company to own 5% or more of the outstanding shares of each class of the
Company's capital stock, each director of the Company, the Company's Chief
Executive Officer, each of the Company's four other most highly compensated
executive officers for fiscal 1994 and the directors and executive officers of
the Company as a group. The persons named in the table have sole voting and
investment power with respect to all shares of capital stock owned by them,
unless otherwise noted.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND
NATURE OF PERCENT
NAME OF BENEFICIAL BENEFICIAL OF
OWNER OR GROUP (1) TITLE OF CLASS OWNERSHIP CLASS
------------------ -------------- ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sam Wyly................. Common Stock 995,954(2) 4.2%
Series B Junior Preferred Stock 49,997(3) 25.0%
Charles J. Wyly, Jr...... Common Stock 1,013,590(4) 4.3%
Series B Junior Preferred Stock 124,993(5) 62.5%
Evan A. Wyly............. Common Stock 72,754(6) *
Series B Junior Preferred Stock 25,010 12.5%
The Wyly Group........... Common Stock 1,709,544(7) 7.2%
Series B Junior Preferred Stock 174,990 87.5%
Sterling L. Williams..... Common Stock 1,454,000(8) 5.9%
Phillip A. Moore......... Common Stock 32,149(9) *
Robert J. Donachie....... Common Stock 21,100(10) *
Michael C. French........ Common Stock 27,050(11) *
Warner C. Blow........... Common Stock 57,600(12) *
Werner L. Frank.......... Common Stock 70,937(13) *
Donald R. Miller, Jr..... Common Stock 10,000(14) *
Robert E. Cook........... Common Stock 275,319(15) 1.2%
Francis A. Tarkenton..... Common Stock 229,636(16) *
Lorne House Trust
Limited.................. Common Stock 1,451,588(17) 6.2%
FMR Corp................. Common Stock 2,255,317(18) 9.4%
Edward C. Johnson 3d..... Common Stock 2,255,317(19) 9.4%
Directors and Executive
Officers
as a Group.............. Common Stock 4,216,938(20) 16.3%
Series B Junior Preferred Stock 200,000 100%
</TABLE>
- -------
* Less than 1%.
(1) The address of Sam Wyly, Charles J. Wyly, Jr., Evan A. Wyly, The Wyly
Group and Sterling L. Williams is 8080 North Central Expressway, Suite
1100, Dallas, Texas 75206. The address of Lorne House Trust Limited is
Lorne House, Castletown, Isle of Man, British Isles. The address of FMR
Corp. and Edward C. Johnson 3d is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109.
(2) Includes 257,342 shares directly owned by family trusts of which Sam Wyly
is trustee and an aggregate of 438,612 shares held of record by two
limited partnerships of which Sam Wyly is general partner. Also includes
300,000 shares purchasable pursuant to an option. Does not include an
aggregate of 1,661,725 shares beneficially owned by three separate
irrevocable trusts established by Sam Wyly. Sam Wyly disclaims beneficial
ownership of the excluded shares.
(3) Directly owned by family trusts of which Sam Wyly is trustee.
(4) Includes 307,016 shares directly owned by family trusts of which Charles
J. Wyly, Jr. is trustee and 556,574 shares held of record by two limited
partnerships of which Charles J. Wyly, Jr. is general partner. Also
includes 150,000 shares purchasable pursuant to an option. Does not
include an aggregate
12
<PAGE>
of 789,863 shares beneficially owned by two separate irrevocable non-
grantor trusts established by Charles J. Wyly, Jr. Charles J. Wyly, Jr.
disclaims beneficial ownership of the excluded shares.
(5) Directly owned by family trusts of which Charles J. Wyly, Jr. is trustee.
(6) Includes 20,000 shares purchasable pursuant to an option.
(7) The Wyly Group consists of Sam Wyly, Charles J. Wyly, Jr. and Maverick
Entrepreneurs Fund, Ltd., a limited partnership of which Sam Wyly and
Charles J. Wyly, Jr. are general partners.
(8) Includes 1,450,000 shares purchasable pursuant to options.
(9) Includes 150 shares directly held by Mr. Moore's son.
(10) Includes 20,000 shares purchasable pursuant to an option.
(11) Includes 26,250 shares purchasable pursuant to options and 800 shares held
in a retirement account directed by Michael C. French.
(12) Includes 56,250 shares purchasable pursuant to options.
(13) Includes 69,750 shares purchasable pursuant to options and 90 shares held
in escrow in connection with the Company's acquisition of KnowledgeWare.
(14) All of such shares are purchasable pursuant to an option.
(15) Includes 268,819 shares purchasable pursuant to options. Does not include
33,688 shares purchasable pursuant to options beneficially owned by Mr.
Cook's wife. Mr. Cook disclaims beneficial ownership of the excluded
shares.
(16) Includes 26,449 shares purchasable pursuant to options and 5,734 shares
owned by the Tarkenton Group, Inc., which is wholly owned by Mr.
Tarkenton. Also includes 40,687 shares (including 1,148 of the Tarkenton
Group, Inc. shares) held in escrow in connection with the Company's
acquisition of KnowledgeWare.
(17) Based on an amendment to Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission dated December 7, 1992 and the Company's subsequent
issuance of 983,588 shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of warrants
by Lorne House Trust Limited as trustee of two irrevocable non-grantor
trusts established by Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr., respectively.
(18) Based on an amendment to Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission dated February 11, 1994, which was filed as if all
shares owned by either FMR Corp. or Edward C. Johnson 3d were owned by
both on a joint basis. FMR Corp., through its subsidiaries Fidelity
Management and Research Company and Fidelity Management Trust Company,
owns 617,877 shares by virtue of the assumed conversion of an aggregate of
$17,517,000 principal amount of the Company's 5 3/4% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures due 2003. FMR Corp. has reported sole voting power
with respect to 108,478 shares of Common Stock and sole dispositive power
with respect to 2,255,317 shares of Common Stock.
(19) Based on an amendment to Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission dated February 11, 1994, which was filed as if all
shares owned by either FMR Corp. or Edward C. Johnson 3d were owned by
both on a joint basis. Mr. Johnson is a reporting person by virtue of his
status as Chairman of FMR Corp. Mr. Johnson has reported that he has no
voting power with respect to any shares of Common Stock and has sole
dispositive power with respect to 2,255,317 shares of Common Stock.
(20) In addition to the ownership of the directors and executive officers
listed in the table and more fully described in footnotes (2) through
(16), includes the following shares beneficially owned by executive
officers not named in the table: 242,696 shares purchasable pursuant to
options and 1,324 shares held in escrow in connection with the Company's
acquisition of KnowledgeWare.
13
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth certain information regarding compensation
paid during each of the Company's last three fiscal years to the Company's
Chief Executive Officer and each of the Company's four other most highly
compensated executive officers, based on salary and bonus earned during fiscal
1994.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM COMPENSATION
-----------------------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS PAYOUTS
----------------------------------- --------------------- -------
SECURITIES
RESTRICTED UNDERLYING
NAME AND OTHER ANNUAL STOCK OPTIONS/ LTIP ALL OTHER
PRINCIPAL SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION AWARDS(S) SARS PAYOUTS COMPENSATION
POSITION YEAR ($) ($)(1) ($)(2) ($) (#)(3) ($) ($)(2)
- ---------------------- ---- ------- ------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sterling L. Williams, 1994 650,000 400,000 127,701(4) -- -0- -- 39,771(5)
President, Chief
Executive 1993 600,000 300,000 30,695 -- -0- -- 29,423
Officer and Director 1992 550,000 250,000 33,978 -- 500,000 -- 36,271
Sam Wyly, 1994 770,000(6) 400,000 3,025 -- -0- -- 70,660(7)
Chairman of the Board 1993 710,000(6) 300,000 33,212 -- 300,000 -- 62,581
and Director 1992 650,000(6) 300,000 23,474 -- 667,000 -- 75,198
Charles J Wyly, Jr., 1994 385,000(8) 200,000 582 -- -0- -- 62,718(9)
Vice Chairman of the 1993 355,000(8) 150,000 1,986 -- 150,000 -- 28,385
Board and Director 1992 325,000(8) 150,000 9,543 -- 333,000 -- 26,633
Warner C. Blow, 1994 315,000 246,614(10) -- -- 50,000 -- 4,598(11)
Executive Vice 1993 290,000 170,000 -- -- 100,000 -- 12,823
President 1992 270,000 267,684 -- -- 125,000 -- 6,866
Werner L. Frank, 1994 335,000 190,001(10) -- -- 100,000 -- 18,415(12)
Executive Vice 1993 310,000 158,873 -- -- 125,000 -- 18,710
President 1992 285,000 358,342 -- -- 77,000 -- 17,742
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Reflects bonus earned during the fiscal year. In some instances, all or a
portion of the bonus was paid during the next fiscal year.
(2) Reflects Other Annual Compensation and All Other Compensation earned
during the fiscal year. In some instances, such compensation was paid
during the next fiscal year.
(3) Reflects options to acquire shares of Common Stock. The Company has not
granted stock appreciation rights.
(4) Includes $55,710 paid for medical reimbursement.
(5) Consists of $10,371 in Company contributions to the Company's Savings and
Security Plan and $29,400 in premiums on a universal life insurance policy
for Mr. Williams' benefit.
(6) Includes fees of $385,000, $355,000 and $325,000 paid to Sam Wyly in 1994,
1993 and 1992, respectively, for his service as Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Company.
(7) Consists of $5,914 in Company contributions to the Company's Savings and
Security Plan and $64,746 in premiums on a universal life insurance policy
for Sam Wyly's benefit.
(8) Includes fees of $192,500, $177,500 and $162,500 paid to Charles J. Wyly,
Jr. in 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively, for his service as Vice Chairman
of the Board of Directors of the Company.
(9) Consists of $7,061 in Company contributions to the Company's Savings and
Security Plan and $55,657 in premiums on a universal life insurance policy
for Charles J. Wyly, Jr.'s benefit.
(10) Does not include bonus in the form of incentive travel earned in fiscal
1994, but not yet taken, the cost of which is not yet estimable.
(11) Consists of $4,598 in Company contributions to the Company's Savings and
Security Plan.
(12) Consists of $3,285 in Company contributions to the Company's Savings and
Security Plan and $15,130 in premiums on a universal life insurance policy
for Mr. Frank's benefit.
14
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS DURING 1994 FISCAL YEAR
The following table provides information related to options granted to the
named executive officers during fiscal 1994.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES
OF STOCK PRICE
APPRECIATION FOR OPTION
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS TERM (1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL
SECURITIES OPTIONS/SARS
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR
OPTIONS/SARS EMPLOYEES IN BASE PRICE EXPIRATION
NAME GRANTED (#) (2) FISCAL YEAR ($/SH) (3) DATE 5% ($) 10% ($)
---- --------------- ------------ ----------- -------------- ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sterling L. Williams.... 0 -- -- -- -- --
Sam Wyly................ 0 -- -- -- -- --
Charles J. Wyly, Jr..... 0 -- -- -- -- --
Warner C. Blow.......... 50,000(4) 9.6% $29.00 April 14, 1999 $ 400,608 $ 885,240
Werner L. Frank......... 100,000(4) 19.2% $29.00 April 14, 1999 $ 801,217 $ 1,770,479
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The potential realizable value portion of the foregoing table illustrates
value that might be realized upon exercise of the options immediately prior
to the expiration of their term, assuming the specified compounded rates of
appreciation on the Company's Common Stock over the term of the options.
These numbers do not take into account provisions of certain options
providing for termination of the option following termination of
employment, nontransferability or vesting over periods of up to four years.
(2) Reflects options to acquire shares of Common Stock. The Company has not
granted stock appreciation rights.
(3) The option exercise price may be paid in shares of Common Stock owned by
the executive officer, in cash, or in any other form of valid consideration
or a combination of any of the foregoing, as determined by the Stock Option
Committee in its discretion.
(4) Options become exercisable with respect to 25% of the shares covered
thereby on each of April 14, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998. In the event of a
Change of Control of the Company, however, any unexercisable portion of the
options will become immediately exercisable. The exercise price was equal
to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
15
<PAGE>
OPTION EXERCISES DURING 1994 FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
The following table provides information related to options and warrants
exercised by the named executive officers during the 1994 fiscal year and the
number and value of options and warrants held at fiscal year end. The Company
does not have any outstanding stock appreciation rights.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
OPTIONS/SAR'S OPTIONS/SAR'S
SHARES VALUE AT FY-END (#) AT FY-END ($)(2)
ACQUIRED ON REALIZED -------------------------- -------------------------
NAME EXERCISE (#) ($)(1) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- ------------ ---------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sterling L. Williams.... 11,000(3) $ 295,625 800,000 -- $10,437,500 --
Sam Wyly................ 53,728(4) $1,477,520(5) 300,000(6) -- $ 3,562,500 --
Charles J. Wyly, Jr..... 98,320(7) $2,703,800(8) 150,000(9) -- $ 1,781,250 --
Warner C. Blow.......... 81,250 $1,585,938 56,250 187,500 $ 726,563 $1,850,000
Werner L. Frank......... 98,000(10) $2,352,500 69,750 232,250 $ 900,469 $1,842,656
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Value is calculated based on the difference between the option or warrant
exercise price and the closing market price of the Common Stock on the date
of exercise multiplied by the number of shares to which the exercise
relates.
(2) The closing price for the Company's Common Stock as reported by the New
York Stock Exchange on September 30, 1994 was $31.00. Value is calculated
on the basis of the difference between the option or warrant exercise price
and $31.00 multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock underlying
the option or warrant.
(3) Shares were acquired upon exercise of warrants.
(4) Shares were acquired upon exercise of warrants by two trusts of which Sam
Wyly is trustee.
(5) On April 15, 1992, Sam Wyly transferred to a trust warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 644,725 shares of Common Stock, which warrants were exercised
during fiscal 1994. Value realized upon exercise of the warrants by the
trust was $17,729,938. Sam Wyly disclaims beneficial ownership of the
shares of Common Stock held by such trust.
(6) Does not include currently exercisable options to purchase 667,000 shares
of Common Stock transferred by Sam Wyly to two trusts in fiscal 1993. The
exercise price of each of the options transferred was $18.875 per share.
Sam Wyly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock
subject to the options held by such trusts.
(7) Shares were acquired upon exercise of warrants by five trusts of which
Charles J. Wyly, Jr. was trustee at the time of exercise. Since such time,
the trustee of one of such trusts has been changed from Charles J. Wyly,
Jr. to Sam Wyly. Such trust exercised warrants to purchase 26,864 shares of
Common Stock during fiscal 1994.
(8) On April 15, 1992, Charles J. Wyly Jr. transferred to a trust warrants to
purchase 338,863 shares of Common Stock, which warrants were exercised
during fiscal 1994. Value realized upon exercise of the warrants by the
trust was $9,318,733. Charles J. Wyly Jr. disclaims beneficial ownership of
the shares of Common Stock held by such trust.
(9) Does not include currently exercisable options to purchase 333,000 shares
of Common Stock transferred by Charles J. Wyly, Jr. to a trust in fiscal
1993. The exercise price of each of the options transferred was $18.875 per
share. Charles J. Wyly, Jr. disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of
Common Stock held by such trust.
(10) Shares were acquired upon exercise of warrants.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Messrs. Cook, Donachie, French and Miller were entitled to receive an annual
fee of $25,000 plus $2,500 for each meeting of the Board of Directors and
authorized committee of the Board of Directors that they attended during fiscal
1994. Prior to the commencement of his employment with the Company on May 1,
16
<PAGE>
1994, Evan Wyly received an annual Board of Directors fee of $25,000, a total
of $5,000 for his attendance at two meetings of the Board of Directors and
$12,000 for his services in evaluating investment alternatives. Additionally,
during fiscal 1994, Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr. received annual
directors' fees of $385,000 and $192,500 in their capacities as Chairman and
Vice Chairman of the Board, respectively. Messrs. Williams and Moore do not
receive separate compensation for their service as directors. For fiscal 1995,
Messrs. Cook, Donachie, French, Miller and Tarkenton are entitled to receive an
annual fee of $30,000 plus $3,000 for each meeting of the Board of Directors
and authorized committee of the Board of Directors that they attend. In
addition, all directors of the Company are eligible to receive options under
the Company's stock option plans, except that options under the Incentive Plan
may be granted only to directors who are employees. During fiscal 1994, Mr.
Moore received an option to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock.
Since January 1, 1994, Mr. French has received a non-refundable retainer of
$15,000 per month for his assistance in significant acquisitions and other
matters.
On July 2, 1993, the Company entered into a one year Consultation Agreement
with REC Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation of which Robert E. Cook is
President ("REC"), pursuant to which REC received a fee of $240,000. On July 2,
1994, the Company entered into a two year Consultation Agreement with REC,
pursuant to which REC is entitled to receive a monthly fee of $20,000 for the
term of the agreement. In consideration for such fee, REC must serve in an
advisory capacity to the President of the Company for the purpose of making
certain financial and strategic recommendations. The agreement may be
terminated by REC at any time and by the Company in the event of the death of
Mr. Cook. In addition, Mr. Cook receives $6,000 per year as an employee of the
Company in order to fulfill certain obligations to Mr. Cook in effect prior to
July 1, 1993 (the date on which the Company acquired Systems Center). The Board
of Directors of the Company deems such salary to be in the nature of a deferred
compensation arrangement.
On December 1, 1994, the Company entered into a three year Consultation
Agreement with Francis A. Tarkenton, pursuant to which Mr. Tarkenton is
entitled to receive a monthly fee of $25,000 for the term of the agreement. In
consideration for such fee, Mr. Tarkenton must serve in an advisory capacity to
the President of the Company for the purpose of making certain financial and
strategic recommendations regarding the Company's applications development
business. At the request of the President, Mr. Tarkenton is required to engage
in strategic planning and represent the Company in certain mergers and
acquisitions and at trade shows, user group meetings, quota clubs, professional
association meetings and meetings with prospective and current clients. In
addition, Mr. Tarkenton receives an allowance of $3,000 per month for office
and secretarial assistance relating to the performance of his duties under the
agreement. The agreement may be terminated by Mr. Tarkenton at any time. During
such three year period, Mr. Tarkenton will also be paid $10,000 per year as an
employee of the Company in order to fulfill certain obligations to Mr.
Tarkenton in effect prior to November 30, 1994 (the date on which the Company
acquired KnowledgeWare). Such amount will be deducted from the amounts paid
under the Consultation Agreement.
EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS
On July 7, 1987, the Company entered into agreements with Sam Wyly, Charles
J. Wyly, Jr. and Sterling L. Williams, executive officers of the Company (such
agreement with Sterling L. Williams being sometimes referred to herein as the
"1987 Agreement"), which agreements provide for employment of such persons by
the Company upon the occurrence of a Change of Control. The 1987 Agreement
expires five years after the date of the Change of Control and requires the
Company to pay to such officer, if his employment is terminated within such
five-year period, a sum equal to five times such officer's salary, bonus and
benefits during the twelve-month period immediately preceding termination. The
agreements between the Company and Sam Wyly and the Company and Charles J.
Wyly, Jr. each expire seven years after the date of the Change of Control and
each require the Company to pay such officer, if his employment is terminated
within such seven-year period, a sum equal to seven times such officer's
salary, bonus and benefits during the twelve-month period immediately preceding
termination, provided that such termination payments made pursuant thereto
shall not exceed $6.5 million for Sam Wyly and $3.25 million for Charles J.
Wyly, Jr.
17
<PAGE>
Effective January 1, 1993, the Company entered into an employment agreement
with Sterling L. Williams (the "Employment Agreement"), which provides for an
annual base salary of $600,000 and certain personal benefits plus such bonuses
or other benefits and annual increases on which the Company and Mr. Williams
may agree. Effective October 1, 1993, Mr. Williams' base salary was increased
to $650,000. Upon termination of Mr. Williams' employment by (i) the Company or
(ii) Mr. Williams as a result of a reduction of his compensation or of the
nature or scope of his authority and duties, the Employment Agreement will
automatically be converted into a five-year consulting agreement. In such
event, Mr. Williams shall be entitled to continue receiving compensation and
certain benefits at the levels specified in the Employment Agreement. Prior to
the expiration of its five-year term, the consulting agreement may be
terminated by Mr. Williams at any time and by the Company at Mr. Williams'
death. In the event of termination of Mr. Williams' employment following a
Change of Control, at Mr. Williams' option, the terms of the 1987 Agreement
will govern the termination. In the event of a Change of Control following
conversion of the Employment Agreement into a consulting agreement, Mr.
Williams will have the option of terminating the consulting agreement and,
thereafter, will be entitled to receive in one lump sum the aggregate amount of
all compensation due through the unexpired portion of the five-year consulting
agreement.
On October 1, 1989, the Company entered into an agreement with Warner C.
Blow, an executive officer of the Company (the "1989 Agreement"), which
agreement provides for employment of Mr. Blow by the Company upon a Change of
Control of the Company. The 1989 Agreement expires three years after the date
of the Change of Control and requires the Company to pay Mr. Blow, if his
employment is terminated within such three-year period, a sum equal to 300% of
his salary, bonus and benefits during the twelve-month period immediately
preceding termination.
Effective January 1, 1993, the Company entered into an employment agreement
with Mr. Blow, which agreement provides for the continued compensation of Mr.
Blow in the event that the Company terminates his employment. Such agreement
will expire three years after the date on which notice of termination is given
to Mr. Blow by the Company. Such agreement requires the Company to continue to
pay Mr. Blow, upon his termination from employment by the Company, for 36
months, the salary, bonus and certain benefits in effect prior to his
termination from employment. In the event of termination of employment
following a Change of Control, at Mr. Blow's option, the terms of his 1989
Agreement will govern termination.
Effective December 1, 1994, the Company entered into an employment agreement
with Werner L. Frank, which provides for an annual base salary of $250,000 and
certain personal benefits. Such agreement will continue in effect so long as
Mr. Frank shall live or until terminated by him.
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEES OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Overview and Philosophy. The Company is engaged in a highly competitive
industry. In order to succeed, the Company believes that it must be able to
attract and retain qualified executives. To achieve this objective, the Company
believes that providing executive compensation that is tied in part to
operating performance enables the Company to attract and retain key employees.
During fiscal 1994, the members of the Executive Committee held primary
responsibility for determining executive compensation levels. The Executive
Committee, as part of its review and consideration of executive compensation,
took into account, among other things, the following goals:
. Provision of incentives and rewards that will attract and
retain highly qualified and productive people;
. Motivation of employees to high levels of performance;
. Differentiation of individual pay based on performance;
18
<PAGE>
. Ensuring external competitiveness and internal equity; and
. Alignment of Company, employee and stockholder interests.
To achieve these goals, the Company's executive compensation policies
integrate annual base compensation with bonuses based on operating performance,
with a particular emphasis on attainment of planned objectives, and on
individual initiatives and performance. Compensation through stock options is
designed to attract and retain qualified executives and to ensure that such
executives have a continuing stake in the long-term success of the Company.
When granting stock options, the Stock Option Committee and 1994 Stock Option
Committee (the "Stock Option Committees") evaluate a number of criteria,
including the recipient's level of cash compensation, years of service with the
Company, position with the Company, the number of unexercised options held by
the recipient, and other factors. The Stock Option Committees have not
established a formula to assign specific weights to any of these factors when
making their determinations.
Chief Executive Officer's Compensation for Fiscal 1994. The Company's Chief
Executive Officer, Sterling L. Williams, is compensated in accordance with his
Employment Agreement entered into effective January 1, 1993. Such agreement
provides for an annual base salary of $650,000 and certain benefits plus such
bonuses or other benefits and annual increases on which the Company and Mr.
Williams may agree. Because there was no pre-established formula for
determining Mr. Williams' bonus for fiscal 1994, the Executive Committee
exercised its judgment in awarding Mr. Williams' fiscal 1994 bonus of $400,000.
The Company's fiscal 1994 year-end results reflected record revenue and profit
performance in each of the Company's major worldwide markets. Revenue increased
14% in fiscal 1994 over fiscal 1993, and earnings per share increased 89% in
fiscal 1994 over fiscal 1993 before restructuring charges, an extraordinary
item and the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle recorded in
fiscal 1993. In addition, the Executive Committee took into account Mr.
Williams' key role in several acquisitions by the Company, most notably the
acquisition of KnowledgeWare. Based on these factors, the Executive Committee
concluded that Mr. Williams' outstanding performance for the Company merited
his bonus.
Compensation of Executive Officers. Compensation of the Company's executive
officers is comprised of base salary, annual cash incentive compensation, long-
term incentive compensation in the form of stock options and various benefits.
Each element has a somewhat different purpose and all of the determinations of
the Executive and Stock Option Committees regarding the appropriate form and
level of executive compensation, including compensation of the Chief Executive
Officer, were ultimately judgments based on such committees' ongoing assessment
and understanding of the computer software and services industry, the Company
and the Company's executive officers. In determining salaries for executive
officers in fiscal 1994, the Executive Committee took into account individual
experience and performance of its executive officers, as well as the Company's
operating performance for fiscal 1994 and the attainment of financial and
strategic objectives. Specifically, the Executive Committee and Stock Option
Committees took into consideration the same types of factors (such as revenue
and earnings per share) as considered with respect to the Chief Executive
Officer. In addition, the Company establishes for each fiscal year a plan for
group presidents (the "Group Presidents Plan"), which is based on operating
profits. All group presidents (including, during the Company's fiscal year
1994, Warner Blow and Werner Frank) are eligible to participate in the Group
Presidents Plan and, pursuant to such plan, they receive a salary as well as a
bonus that is calculated as a percentage of the operating profits for their
respective groups. No group president will be eligible for a bonus, however,
unless his or her group meets certain minimum performance criteria. In
addition, because the Group Presidents Plan does not constitute an employment
agreement, a participant's employment and participation in such plan may be
terminated by the Chief Executive Officer at any time.
The Company maintains four stock option plans for its executives, as well as
its key employees and directors, which plans are administered by the Stock
Option Committees. The Incentive Plan and Non-Statutory Plan are discussed
under "Proposal III--Amendments to the Incentive Plan and Non-Statutory Plan."
In May 1992, the Board of Directors adopted the 1992 Non-Statutory Plan. The
1992 Non-Statutory Plan, as amended to date, provides for the grant of options
to acquire up to 4,610,000 shares of the Company's
19
<PAGE>
Common Stock. The 1992 Non-Statutory Plan was adopted as a "broad-based" plan
and, unlike the Incentive Plan and Non-Statutory Plan, it is not intended to
qualify for special treatment under Section 16 of the Exchange Act. The primary
difference between options granted under the 1992 Non-Statutory Plan and the
Incentive Plan and Non-Statutory Plan (in addition to treatment under Section
16) is with respect to transferability of options. Under the 1992 Non-Statutory
Plan, options may be transferred by the optionee upon five days prior written
notice to the Company. The Stock Option Committees believe that the grant of
options aligns executive and stockholder long-term interests by creating a
strong and direct link between executive compensation and stockholder return
and enables executives to develop and maintain a significant long-term
ownership position in the Company's Common Stock. All stock options granted
during fiscal 1994 were granted at fair market value on the date of grant.
In August 1993, as part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, new
Section 162(m) of the Code was enacted, which section provides for an annual
one million dollar limitation on the deduction that an employer may claim for
compensation of certain executives. New Section 162(m) of the Code provides
exceptions to the Deduction Limitation, and it is the intent of the Executive
Committee and the 1994 Stock Option Committee to qualify for such exceptions to
the extent feasible and in the best interests of the Company. The Company's
1994 Non-Statutory Plan is intended to meet the Performance Based Compensation
Exception to the Deduction Limitation. No options were granted under the 1994
Non-Statutory Plan during fiscal 1994.
This report is submitted by the members of the Executive, Stock Option and
1994 Stock Option Committees:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994
STOCK OPTION STOCK OPTION
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE
------------------- -------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Sam Wyly Sam Wyly Robert J. Donachie
Charles J. Wyly, Jr. Charles J. Wyly, Jr. Donald R. Miller, Jr.
Sterling L. Williams Sterling L. Williams
</TABLE>
EXECUTIVE AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During fiscal 1994, the members of the Executive Committee were primarily
responsible for determining executive compensation, and the members of the
Stock Option Committees made decisions related to stock option grants to
executive officers. The following executive officers, who also are members of
the Executive, Stock Option and/or 1994 Stock Option Committees, participated
in deliberations concerning executive officer compensation: Sam Wyly, Charles
J. Wyly, Jr., Sterling L. Williams, Robert J. Donachie and Donald R. Miller,
Jr.
Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr. are executive officers and members of the
Executive Committees, Stock Option Committees and Boards of Directors of both
the Company and Michaels Stores, Inc. Additionally, Sam Wyly and Charles J.
Wyly, Jr. are members of the compensation committee of the Michaels Stores,
Inc. Board of Directors. Accordingly, Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr. have
participated in decisions related to compensation of executive officers of each
of the Company and Michaels Stores, Inc.
During fiscal 1994, Sam Wyly was indebted to the Company for non-interest
bearing advances of $169,027, which were repaid to the Company on December 23,
1993. As of December 31, 1994, Sterling L. Williams was indebted to the Company
for $1,128,993, which represented the then outstanding balance of and accrued
interest on a promissory note executed effective January 1, 1992, and advances
payable to the Company. The promissory note bears interest at an annual rate of
4.69% and is payable in varying installments through its final maturity date at
December 31, 2000. The largest amounts of indebtedness outstanding since the
beginning of the Company's last fiscal year for Sam Wyly and Mr. Williams were
$169,027 and $1,128,993, respectively.
20
<PAGE>
During fiscal 1994, the Company paid $235,899 to Maverick Capital, Ltd.
("Maverick") pursuant to an investment management services agreement, which was
terminated in May 1994. In addition, during fiscal 1994, the Company had
invested $15 million in an investment partnership managed by Maverick, which
investment was withdrawn in May 1994. Maverick is owned by Sam Wyly, Charles J.
Wyly. Jr., Evan A. Wyly and various Wyly family trusts, including a trust for
the benefit of the wife of Donald R. Miller, Jr. In addition, Michael C. French
is a managing director of, and has an income interest in, Maverick.
From time to time the Company leases charter aircraft from a company owned by
Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr., for travel by the Company's senior
management in the course of the Company's business. The Company pays for the
use of such aircraft at competitive market rates. For travel during fiscal
1994, such payments totalled $236,349. Such payments for travel from the
beginning of fiscal 1995 through December 31, 1994 totalled $27,747.
STOCK PERFORMANCE CHART
The following chart compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative
total stockholder return on the Company's Common Stock during the five fiscal
years ended September 30, 1994 with the cumulative total return on the S&P 500
Index and the S&P Computer Software and Services Index. The comparison assumes
$100 was invested on September 30, 1989 in the Company's Common Stock and in
each of the foregoing indices and assumes reinvestment of dividends.
[GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG STERLING SOFTWARE, INC., THE S & P 500 INDEX
AND THE S & P COMPUTER SOFTWARE & SERVICES INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P S&P Computer
Measurement period Sterling 500 Software & Services
(Fiscal Year Covered) Software Index Index
- --------------------- -------- ----- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Measurement PT -
09/89 $100 $100 $100
FYE 09/90 $ 71 $ 91 $ 64
FYE 09/91 $182 $119 $ 99
FYE 09/92 $208 $132 $121
FYE 09/93 $295 $149 $161
FYE 09/94 $382 $155 $192
</TABLE>
- --------
* $100 INVESTED ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1989 IN STOCK OR INDEX--INCLUDING REINVESTMENT
OF DIVIDENDS. FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30.
21
<PAGE>
PENSION PLAN TABLE
Informatics Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan II ("SERP II"). In
connection with its acquisition of Informatics General Corporation in 1985, the
Company has retained the Informatics SERP II. The annual benefit payable upon
retirement at age 65 or above under SERP II is equal to the lesser of the
following amounts: (1) .00167 times the participant's total months of service
times "earnings" (i.e., the average of salary plus any bonuses under other
profit sharing plans for the three consecutive years of highest compensation)
or (2) 50% of "earnings" less the annuity equivalent of the participant's
account balance under the Sterling Software, Inc. Subsidiary Retirement Plan at
the termination of such plan in December 1989 plus the annuity equivalent of
the assumed Company matching contribution under the Company's Savings and
Security Plan for such year. Benefits paid under SERP II are adjusted in the
event of disability or retirement prior to age 65. Benefits are also adjusted
annually, upward or downward, to the extent that the increase or decrease, if
any, in the Consumer Price Index for the preceding calendar year over the
Consumer Price Index for the next preceding calendar year exceeds 5%. As of
December 31, 1994, Mr. Warner Blow had accrued approximately twenty years of
service under SERP II. None of the other executive officers named in the
Summary Compensation Table participate under SERP II. Amounts paid under SERP
II are taxable as income. SERP II is not funded and benefits are paid as they
become due.
The following table shows the estimated annual benefits payable upon
retirement at age 65 to participants in SERP II for the indicated levels of
average annual compensation and various periods of service, assuming no future
changes in such plan and based upon .00167 times the participant's total months
of service times "earnings":
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS OF SERVICE
------------------------------------------
REMUNERATION 15 20 25 30 35
------------ ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$200,000............................. $60,000 $80,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000
225,000............................. 67,500 90,000 112,500 112,500 112,500
250,000............................. 75,000 100,000 125,000 125,000 125,000
300,000............................. 90,000 120,000 150,000 150,000 150,000
350,000............................. 105,000 140,000 175,000 175,000 175,000
400,000............................. 120,000 160,000 200,000 200,000 200,000
</TABLE>
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
During fiscal 1994, Geno P. Tolari, Executive Vice President of the Company,
was indebted to the Company pursuant to a loan that bore interest at an annual
rate of 1% above the prime rate of interest and was due and payable on July 13,
1995. The largest amount of indebtedness outstanding since the beginning of the
Company's last fiscal year for Mr. Tolari was $137,858. Mr. Tolari repaid such
indebtedness to the Company on January 10, 1994.
Jackson & Walker, L.L.P, a law firm of which Michael C. French is a partner,
provides legal services to the Company. Since January 1, 1993, the Company has
not been charged by such firm for any time spent by Mr. French on any Company
matters.
The Company leases office space in Reston, Virginia from a partnership of
which Mr. Cook is general partner and in which Mr. Cook has a 53% interest. The
lease agreement was entered into by Systems Center in May 1985 and will expire
in 2001. Rent payments for the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 1994
totalled $3,543,382. Rent payment from the beginning of fiscal 1995 through
December 31, 1994 totalled $896,442. The Company has no further option to
extend the lease, but does have a right of first offer if the building is
offered for sale.
22
<PAGE>
SECTION 16 REQUIREMENTS
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's directors and
officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the
Company's equity securities, to file initial reports of ownership and reports
of changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
and the New York Stock Exchange. Such persons are required by SEC regulation to
furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it with
respect to fiscal 1994, or written representations from certain reporting
persons, the Company believes that all filing requirements applicable to its
directors, officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of
the Company's equity securities have been complied with, except that Albert K.
Hoover, an executive officer of the Company, filed one late report covering one
transaction.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors has selected Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors
to examine the Company's accounts for the 1995 fiscal year. Representatives of
Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the Meeting with the
opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and to be available to
respond to appropriate questions.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholders may submit proposals on matters appropriate for stockholder
action at subsequent annual meetings of the Company consistent with Rule 14a-8
promulgated under the Exchange Act. For such proposals to be considered for
inclusion in the Proxy Statement and Proxy relating to the 1996 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders, such proposals must be received by the Company not later than
September 29, 1995. Such proposals should be directed to Sterling Software,
Inc., Suite 1100, 8080 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas 75206,
Attention: Secretary.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board of Directors knows of no matter other than those described herein
that will be presented for consideration at the Meeting. However, should any
other matters properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof, it
is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying Proxy to vote in
accordance with their best judgment in the interest of the Company.
MISCELLANEOUS
All costs incurred in the solicitation of Proxies will be borne by the
Company. In addition to the solicitation by mail, officers and employees of the
Company may solicit Proxies by telephone, telegraph or personally, without
additional compensation. The Company may also make arrangements with brokerage
houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for the forwarding of
solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of shares of Common Stock held
of record by such persons, and the Company may reimburse such brokerage houses
and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in connection therewith. In addition, Georgeson & Company has been
retained by the Company to aid in the solicitation of Proxies and will solicit
Proxies by mail, telephone, telegraph and personal interview and may request
brokerage houses and nominees to forward soliciting material to beneficial
owners of Common Stock. For these services, Georgeson & Company will be paid
fees not to exceed $10,000 plus expenses.
23
<PAGE>
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September
30, 1994, which includes financial statements (the "Annual Report"),
accompanies this Proxy Statement. The Annual Report is not to be deemed part of
this Proxy Statement.
A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT, INCLUDING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
SCHEDULES, BUT NOT INCLUDING EXHIBITS, WILL BE FURNISHED AT NO CHARGE TO EACH
PERSON TO WHOM A PROXY STATEMENT IS DELIVERED UPON RECEIPT OF A WRITTEN OR ORAL
REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON ADDRESSED TO STERLING SOFTWARE, INC., ATTN: ANNE VAHALA,
VICE PRESIDENT, INVESTOR RELATIONS, 8080 NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY, SUITE 1100,
DALLAS, TEXAS 75206 (TELEPHONE: (214) 891-8600).
By Order of the Board of Directors
Jeannette P. Meier
Secretary
Dallas, Texas
January 27, 1995
24
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN
(AS AMENDED, THROUGH DECEMBER 19, 1994)
1. Purpose. The purpose of the Incentive Stock Option Plan of Sterling
Software, Inc. (the "Plan") is to provide key employees with a proprietary
interest in Sterling Software, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its
subsidiaries (the "Company") through the granting of options ("Option" or
"Options") to purchase shares of the Company's authorized Common Stock, par
value $0.10 per share ("Common Stock"), in order to:
a. Increase the interest in the Company's welfare of those key employees
who share primary responsibility for the management, growth and protection
of the business of the Company;
b. Furnish an incentive to such employees to continue their services for
the Company; and
c. Provide a means through which the Company may attract able persons to
enter its employment.
It is intended that Options issued pursuant to this Plan shall constitute
incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986.
With respect to persons subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), transactions under the Plan are
intended to comply with all applicable conditions of Rule 16b-3 or its
successors under the Exchange Act. To the extent that any provision of the Plan
or action of the Committee (as defined in Section 2) fails to so comply, it
shall be deemed null and void, to the extent permitted by law and deemed
advisable by the Committee.
2. Administration. The Plan shall be administered by the Board of Directors
of the Company (the "Board of Directors" or "Board") or by a Stock Option
Committee (the "Stock Option Committee") consisting of such number of directors
as are appointed by the Board from time to time in accordance with the
requirements of Rule 16b-3. As used herein, "Committee" shall mean the Board or
the duly appointed Stock Option Committee, as applicable. No member of the
Committee shall take any action with respect to Options granted to such member.
The Board of Directors shall choose an additional member or members of the
Board to serve on the Committee for the sole purpose of making decisions
pursuant to the Plan with regard to the member of the Committee receiving the
Options. Except as otherwise provided by the terms of this Plan or by the
Board, the Committee shall have all the power and authority of the Board
hereunder.
The Committee shall have full and final authority in its discretion, but
subject to the provisions of the Plan, to determine from time to time the
individuals to whom Options shall be granted and the number of shares to be
covered by each Option; to determine the time or times at which Options shall
be granted; to interpret the Plan and the instruments by which Options will be
evidenced; to make, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the
Plan; to determine the terms and provisions of the instruments by which Options
shall be evidenced; with the consent of the Participant (as defined in Section
3), to modify or amend any Option agreement or waive any conditions or
restrictions applicable to any Option or the exercise thereof; and to make all
other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
3. Eligibility. The Committee may, from time to time, select particular
employees from among those key employees of the Company and any subsidiary of
the Company to whom Options are to be granted, and upon the grant of such
Options, the selected employees shall become Participants in the Plan. As used
herein the term "Participant" means an eligible employee as described in this
Section who accepts an Option, or the estate, personal representative or
beneficiary thereof having the right to exercise an Option pursuant to its
terms. Employees are eligible hereunder if they are employed by the Company or
any of its subsidiaries on a full-time basis and are compensated for such
employment by a regular salary. There shall be included as eligible employees
members of the Board who are also salaried officers or employees of the
Company.
A-1
<PAGE>
4. Number of Shares Available for Options. The shares of Common Stock subject
to Options granted pursuant to the Plan shall be either shares of authorized
but unissued Common Stock or shares of Common Stock reacquired by the Company.
Shares that by reason of the expiration of an Option, or for any other reason,
are no longer subject to purchase pursuant to an Option granted under the Plan,
and shares from time to time rendered in payment of the exercise price of
Options, may be made subject to additional Options granted pursuant to the
Plan. The maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued
from time to time pursuant to the exercise of Options granted pursuant to the
Plan shall be 2,000,000; provided that the Committee may adjust the number of
shares available for Options, the number of shares subject to and the exercise
price of Options granted hereunder to effect a change in capitalization of the
Company, such as a stock dividend, stock split, share combination, exchange of
shares, merger, consolidation, reorganization, liquidation, or the like, of or
by the Company.
5. The Grant of Options. Options granted hereunder shall be evidenced by
written stock option agreements containing such terms and provisions as are
recommended and approved from time to time by the Committee, but subject to and
not more favorable than the terms of the Plan. The Committee may from time to
time require additional terms which the Committee deems necessary or advisable.
The Company shall execute stock option agreements upon instruction from the
Committee.
6. Maximum Amount of Stock Subject to Options. The maximum aggregate fair
market value (determined as of the time the Option is granted) of the Common
Stock with respect to which Options are exercisable for the first time by any
employee during any calendar year (under all incentive stock option plans of
the Company and its subsidiaries) shall not exceed $100,000. This limitation
shall apply to all Options granted under the Plan after December 31, 1986.
7. Option Exercise Price. The purchase price of Common Stock subject to an
Option granted pursuant to the Plan shall be determined by the Committee on the
date of the grant. The price shall not be less than 100% of the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the date of the grant of the Option; provided,
however, that if the Participant owns more than 10% combined voting power of
all of the outstanding capital stock of the Company on the date of the grant,
the exercise price shall not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the
Common Stock on the date of grant. The Committee shall determine the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date of the grant, and shall set forth
the determination in its minutes.
8. Exercise of Option.
a. Options granted under the Plan may not be exercisable while there is
outstanding any incentive stock option previously granted to the
Participant. An Option will be considered outstanding until such Option is
exercised in full or expires by reason of lapse of time. This Section 8.a.
shall not apply to any Option granted to any employee pursuant to the Plan
after December 31, 1986.
b. An Option may not be exercised, nor may Common Stock be issued
pursuant to the exercise of an Option, if any requisite action, approval or
consent of any governmental authority of any kind having jurisdiction over
the exercise of the Option shall not have been taken or secured. The term
of each Option shall not be more than ten years from the date of grant;
provided, however, that in the case of a Participant who owns greater than
10% of the Common Stock of the Company at the time the Option is granted,
the term of the Option shall not be more than five years from the date of
grant.
9. Payment. Full payment for Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of the
Option shall be made at the time of exercise. No Common Stock shall be issued
until full payment has been made and a Participant shall have none of the
rights of a stockholder until shares of Common Stock are issued to him. Any
federal, state or local taxes required to be paid or withheld at the time of
exercise shall also be paid or withheld in full prior to any delivery of shares
of Common Stock upon exercise. Payment may be made in cash, in shares of Common
Stock then owned by the Participant, or in any other form of valid
consideration, or a combination of any of the foregoing, as required by the
Committee in its discretion. Shares of Common Stock
A-2
<PAGE>
tendered in payment of the exercise price of any Options may be reissued to the
Participant who tendered the shares of Common Stock as part of the shares of
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of other Options granted from time to time
pursuant to the Plan.
10. Time of Granting of Option. The grant of an Option pursuant to the Plan
shall be deemed to have occurred when the Stock Option Committee shall have
adopted a resolution approving such grant. Such Option shall not be effective
unless granted on or before December 31, 2003.
11. Non-Transferability of Options. Options granted under the Plan shall not
be transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution
and may only be exercised during the lifetime of the Participant by such
Participant.
12. Rights in Event of Death or Disability of Participant. The Committee
shall have discretion to include in each Option agreement such provisions
regarding exercisability of the Options following the death or disability of
the Participant as it, in its sole discretion, deems to be appropriate.
13. Notice Upon Disposition. Participants shall immediately notify the
Company upon sale of any Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an
Option granted under the Plan if such sale occurs within two years from the
date of the grant of the Option, or one year from the date of the exercise of
the Option.
14. Stock Purchased for Investment. At the discretion of the Committee, any
Option agreement may provide that the Option holder shall, by accepting an
Option, represent and agree on behalf of himself and his transferees by will or
the laws of descent and distribution that all shares of Common Stock purchased
upon the exercise of the Option will be acquired for investment and not for
resale or distribution, and that upon each exercise of any portion of an
Option, the person entitled to exercise the same shall furnish evidence
satisfactory to the Company (including a written and signed representation) to
the effect that the shares of Common Stock are being acquired in good faith and
for investment and not for resale or distribution.
15. Termination of Option Rights and Awards. The Committee may provide in
each Option agreement for the circumstances under which Options granted
hereunder may terminate for any reason that the Committee, in its sole
discretion, deems appropriate.
16. Amendment or Discontinuation. The Plan may be amended, altered or
discontinued by the Board or, if the Board has specifically delegated this
authority to the Committee, by the Committee, without approval of the
stockholders; provided that the Board or the Committee shall not have the power
or authority, without approval of the stockholders, to change the employees or
class of employees who are eligible to participate or the aggregate number of
shares which may be issued pursuant to the exercise of the Options. In the
event any law, or any rule or regulation issued or promulgated by the Internal
Revenue Service, Securities and Exchange Commission, National Association of
Security Dealers, Inc., any stock exchange upon which the Common Stock is
listed for trading or other governmental or quasi-governmental agency having
jurisdiction over the Company, its Common Stock or the Plan requires the Plan
to be amended, the Plan will be amended at that time and all Options then
outstanding will be subject to such amendment.
17. Employment. This Plan and any Option granted under this Plan do not
confer upon the Participant any right to be employed or to continue in the
employ of the Company, nor does it in any way interfere with the right of the
Company to terminate the employment of the Participant at any time.
18. No Obligation to Exercise Option. The granting of an Option pursuant to
the Plan shall not impose any obligation upon the Participant to exercise such
Option.
19. Termination. Unless sooner terminated by action of the Board, or, if the
Board has specifically delegated its authority to terminate the Plan to the
Committee, by the Committee, the Plan shall terminate on December 31, 2003, and
no Options may be granted pursuant to the Plan after such date.
A-3
<PAGE>
20. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds derived from the sale of stock pursuant to
Options granted under the Plan shall constitute general funds of the Company.
21. Effective Date of the Plan. The Plan shall become effective and shall be
deemed to have been adopted on December 19, 1994, subject only to ratification
by the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of voting stock
of the Company twelve months before or after such date.
22. Limitations on Options Granted to Directors. The following limitations
shall apply to Options granted to directors in order to comply with Rule 16b-
3(b)(1)(iii) promulgated under the Exchange Act :
a. In addition to the limitations included in Sections 6 and 8 hereof,
the maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued
pursuant to Options granted to all directors as a group under this Plan
shall not exceed 50% of the aggregate shares of Common Stock for which
Options may be granted under the Plan, subject to adjustment as provided in
Section 4 hereof;
b. The purchase price for shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the
exercise, in whole or in part, of any Option shall be 100% of the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant of such Option;
c. Options granted to directors pursuant to the Plan may be granted only
during the term of the Plan;
d. Options granted to directors pursuant to the Plan shall not be
exercisable for a period of twelve calendar months from the date of grant
of such Options; and
e. Options granted to directors pursuant to the Plan shall expire no
later than five (5) years from the date on which the Options are granted.
The limitations set forth in this Section 22 shall cease to apply effective
as of the date of the Company's adoption with respect to this Plan of Rule 16b-
3 as promulgated under the Exchange Act effective May 1991.
STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
By: /s/ Sterling L. Williams
----------------------------------
Sterling L. Williams
President and Chief Executive
Officer
A-4
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B
STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
NON-STATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN
(AS AMENDED, THROUGH DECEMBER 19, 1994)
1. Purpose. The purpose of the Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan of Sterling
Software, Inc. (the "Plan") is to provide key employees and advisors with a
proprietary interest in Sterling Software, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and
its subsidiaries (the "Company") through the granting of options ("Option" or
"Options") to purchase shares of the Company's authorized Common Stock, par
value $0.10 per share ("Common Stock"), in order to:
a. Increase the interest in the Company's welfare of those key employees
and advisors who share primary responsibility for the management, growth
and protection of the business of the Company;
b. Recognize the contributions made by certain key employees and advisors
to the Company's growth during its development stage;
c. Furnish an incentive to such key employees and advisors to continue
their services for the Company; and
d. Provide a means through which the Company may attract able persons to
engage as key employees and advisors.
With respect to persons subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), transactions under the Plan are
intended to comply with all applicable conditions of Rule 16b-3 or its
successors under the Exchange Act. To the extent that any provision of the Plan
or action by the Committee (as defined in Section 2) fails to so comply, it
shall be deemed null and void, to the extent permitted by law and deemed
advisable by the Committee.
2. Administration. The Plan shall be administered by the Board of Directors
of the Company (the "Board of Directors" or "Board") or by a Stock Option
Committee (the "Stock Option Committee") consisting of such number of directors
as are appointed by the Board from time to time in accordance with the
requirements of Rule 16b-3. As used herein, "Committee" shall mean the Board or
the duly appointed Stock Option Committee, as applicable. No member of the
Committee shall take any action with respect to Options granted to such member.
The Board of Directors shall choose an additional member or members of the
Board to serve on the Committee for the sole purpose of making decisions
pursuant to the Plan with regard to the member of the Committee receiving the
Options. Except as otherwise provided by the terms of this Plan or by the
Board, the Committee shall have all the power and authority of the Board
hereunder.
The Committee shall have full and final authority in its discretion, but
subject to the provisions of the Plan, to determine from time to time the
individuals to whom Options shall be granted and the number of shares to be
covered by each Option; to determine the time or times at which Options shall
be granted; to interpret the Plan and the instruments by which Options will be
evidenced; to make, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the
Plan; to determine the terms and provisions of the instruments by which Options
shall be evidenced; with the consent of the Participant (as defined in Section
3), to modify or amend any Option agreement or waive any conditions or
restrictions applicable to any Option or the exercise thereof; and to make all
other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
Non-employee members of the Board ("non-employee directors") shall not be
eligible to receive Options under the Plan except as expressly provided in
Section 22.
3. Participants. The Committee may, from time to time, select particular key
employees and advisors of the Company, or of any subsidiary of the Company, to
whom Options are to be granted, and upon the grant of such Options, the
selected key employees and advisors shall become Participants in the Plan. As
used herein, the term "Participant" means a key employee or advisor who accepts
an Option, or the estate, personal representative or beneficiary thereof having
the right to exercise an Option pursuant to its terms.
B-1
<PAGE>
4. Shares Subject to the Plan. The shares of Common Stock subject to Options
granted pursuant to the Plan shall be either shares of authorized but unissued
Common Stock or shares of Common Stock reacquired by the Company. Shares that
by reason of the expiration of an Option, or for any other reason, are no
longer subject to purchase pursuant to an Option granted under the Plan, and
shares from time to time rendered in payment of the exercise price of Options,
may be made subject to additional Options granted pursuant to the Plan. The
maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued from time
to time pursuant to the Plan shall be 4,875,000; provided that the Committee
may adjust the number of shares available for Options, the number of shares
subject to and the exercise price of Options granted hereunder to effect a
change in capitalization of the Company, such as a stock dividend, stock split,
reverse stock split, share combination, exchange of shares, merger,
consolidation, reorganization, liquidation, or the like, of or by the Company.
5. Grant of Options. Options granted hereunder shall be evidenced by written
stock option agreements containing such terms and provisions as are recommended
and approved from time to time by the Committee, but subject to and not more
favorable than the terms of the Plan. The Committee may from time to time
require additional terms which the Committee deems necessary or advisable. The
Company shall execute stock option agreements upon instruction from the
Committee.
6. Maximum Amount of Stock Subject to Options. Subject to Section 21, the
maximum aggregate fair market value (determined as of the time the Option is
granted) of the Common Stock for which any Participant may be granted Options
in any calendar year shall be determined by the Committee in its discretion.
7. Option Exercise Price. The purchase price of Common Stock subject to an
Option granted pursuant to the Plan shall be no less than the fair market value
of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
8. Restrictions. The Committee may, but need not, at the time of granting of
an Option or at any subsequent time impose such restrictions, if any, on
issuance, voluntary disposition and release from escrow of any Options
including, without limitation, permitting exercise of Options only in
installments over a period of years.
9. Payment. Full payment for Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of an
Option shall be made at the time of exercise. No Common Stock shall be issued
until full payment has been made and a Participant shall have none of the
rights of a shareholder until shares of Common Stock are issued to him. Any
federal, state or local taxes required to be paid or withheld at the time of
exercise shall also be paid or withheld in full prior to any delivery of shares
of Common Stock upon exercise. Payment may be made in cash, in shares of Common
Stock then owned by the Participant, or in any other form of valid
consideration, or a combination of any of the foregoing, as required by the
Committee in its discretion. Shares of Common Stock tendered in payment of the
exercise price of any Options may be reissued to the Participant who tendered
the shares of Common Stock as part of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon
exercise of other Options granted from time to time pursuant to the Plan.
10. Transferability of Options. Options granted under the Plan shall not be
transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, or
pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or Title I of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA"), or the rules thereunder. The
designation by the holder of an Option of a beneficiary shall not constitute a
transfer of the Option.
11. Time of Granting of an Option. The grant of an Option pursuant to the
Plan shall be deemed to have occurred when the Stock Option Committee shall
have adopted a resolution approving such grant.
12. Rights in Event of Death or Disability of Participant. The Committee
shall have discretion to include in each Option agreement such provisions
regarding exercisability of the Options following the death or disability of
the Participant as it, in its sole discretion, deems to be appropriate.
B-2
<PAGE>
13. Termination of Option Rights and Awards. The Committee may provide in
each Option agreement for the circumstances under which Options granted
hereunder may terminate for any reason that the Committee, in its sole
discretion, deems appropriate.
14. Stock Purchased for Investment. At the discretion of the Committee, any
Option agreement may provide that the Option holder shall, by accepting an
Option, represent and agree on behalf of himself and his transferees by will or
the laws of descent and distribution that all shares of Common Stock purchased
upon the exercise of the Option will be acquired for investment and not for
resale or distribution, and that upon each exercise of any portion of an
Option, the person entitled to exercise the same shall furnish evidence
satisfactory to the Company (including a written and signed representation) to
the effect that the shares of Common Stock are being acquired in good faith and
for investment and not for resale or distribution.
15. Amendment or Discontinuation. The Plan may be amended, altered or
discontinued by the Board or, if the Board has specifically delegated this
authority to the Committee, by the Committee, without approval of the
stockholders. In the event any law, or any rule or regulation issued or
promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service, Securities and Exchange
Commission, National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., any stock
exchange upon which the Common Stock is listed for trading or other
governmental or quasi-governmental agency having jurisdiction over the Company,
its Common Stock or the Plan requires the Plan to be amended, the Plan will be
amended at that time and all Options then outstanding will be subject to such
amendment.
16. Employment. This Plan and any Option granted under this Plan do not
confer upon the Participant any right to be employed or to continue employment
with the Company.
17. No Obligation to Exercise Option. The granting of an Option pursuant to
the Plan shall not impose any obligation upon the Participant to exercise such
Option.
18. Termination. Unless sooner terminated by action of the Board or, if the
Board has specifically delegated its authority to terminate the Plan to the
Committee, by the Committee, the Plan shall terminate on December 31, 2011, and
no Options may be granted pursuant to the Plan after such date.
19. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds derived from the sale of stock pursuant to
Options granted under the Plan shall constitute general funds of the Company.
20. Effective Date of the Plan. The Plan shall be effective, as amended, on
December 19, 1994.
21. Limitations on Options Granted to Directors. The following limitations
shall apply to Options granted to directors in order to comply with Rule 16b-
3(b)(1)(iii) promulgated under the Exchange Act :
a. In addition to the limitations included in Section 6 hereof, the
maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued
pursuant to Options granted to all directors as a group under this Plan
shall not exceed 50% of the aggregate shares of Common Stock for which
Options may be granted under the Plan, subject to adjustment as provided in
Section 4 hereof;
b. The purchase price for shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the
exercise, in whole or in part, of any Option shall be 100% of the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant of such Option;
c. Options granted to directors pursuant to the Plan may be granted only
during the term of the Plan;
d. Options granted to directors pursuant to the Plan shall not be
exercisable for a period of twelve calendar months from the date of grant
of such Options; and
B-3
<PAGE>
e. Options granted to directors pursuant to the Plan shall expire no
later than five (5) years from the date on which the Options are granted.
The limitations set forth in this Section 21 shall cease to apply effective
as of the date of the Company's adoption with respect to this Plan of Rule 16b-
3 as promulgated under the Exchange Act effective May 1991 ("New Rule 16b-3").
22. Automatic Grants to Non-Employee Directors. Grants to non-employee
directors on or after the date of the Company's adoption with respect to this
Plan of New Rule 16b-3 shall be solely pursuant to the following formula: each
non-employee director elected or appointed to the Board will receive, at the
time of his or her initial election or appointment, an automatic grant of
Options to purchase 40,000 shares of Common Stock. In addition, during the term
of this Plan, each non-employee director will receive an additional automatic
grant of Options to purchase 40,000 shares of Common Stock every five years on
the anniversary date of his or her initial election or appointment to the
Board, beginning on the fifth anniversary of his or her initial election or
appointment to the Board; provided that such non-employee director has served
continuously as a director of the Company since the date of his or her initial
election or appointment to the Board. The exercise price of each such Option
will be equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of
grant. Each such Option will become exercisable in cumulative annual
installments of one-fourth of the shares covered by the grant, commencing one
year after the date of grant, and will expire five years from the date of
grant; provided that each such Option will become immediately exercisable with
respect to 100% of the shares covered by the grant in the event of a change of
control. A change of control is deemed to occur (i) when any person, other than
Sam Wyly or Charles J. Wyly, Jr., or an affiliate of either of them, becomes
the beneficial owner of securities of the Company representing 20% or more of
the combined voting power of the Company's outstanding securities, (ii) if,
during any three consecutive years, individuals who constitute the Board of
Directors at the beginning of such period cease to constitute a majority of the
Board of Directors or (iii) upon the occurrence of any event that would be
required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation
14A promulgated under the Exchange Act. This section shall not be amended more
than once in any six-month period, other than to comport with changes in the
Code or ERISA, or the rules thereunder.
STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
By: /s/ Sterling L. Williams
----------------------------------
Sterling L. Williams
President and Chief Executive
Officer
B-4
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
PROXY -- ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
The undersigned hereby appoints Sterling L. Williams and Jeannette P.
Meier, each with power to act without the other and with full power of
substitution, as Proxies to represent and to vote, as designated on the
P reverse side, all stock of Sterling Software, Inc. owned by the
undersigned, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Energy
Club, 8080 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas, on Thursday, March 16,
1995, at 10:00 a.m., local time, upon such business as may properly come
R before the meeting or any adjournment thereof including the following as
set forth on the reverse side.
O THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO SPECIFIC DIRECTION IS GIVEN,
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED (i) FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR,
(ii) FOR THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF THE COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF
X INCORPORATION, (iii) FOR THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE INCENTIVE STOCK
OPTION PLAN AND NON-STATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN AND (iv) AT THE DISCRETION
OF THE PROXY HOLDERS WITH REGARD TO ANY OTHER MATTER THAT MAY PROPERLY COME
Y BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.
(Continued, and to be signed and dated on reverse side)
SEE REVERSE SIDE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/X/ Please mark votes as in this example.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1. Election as Directors of the three nominees listed below (except as 2. Approval of the amendment of the Company's
indicated to the contrary below): Certificate of Incorporation to increase the
NOMINEES: number of shares of Common Stock authorized for
Phillip A. Moore, Charles J. Wyly, Jr. and Michael C. French issuance from 50,000,000 shares to 75,000,000
FOR WITHHELD shares.
/ / / / FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
/ / For all nominees / / / / / /
except as noted above
MARK HERE
FOR ADDRESS 3. Approval of amendments to the Incentive Stock
CHANGE AND Option Plan and Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan to
NOTE AT LEFT / / increase the number of shares of Common Stock
available for issuance upon exercise of options
granted thereunder from 1,750,000 to 2,000,000 and
4,000,000 to 4,875,000, respectively.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
/ / / / / /
4. In their discretion on any other matter that may
properly come before the meeting or any adjournment
thereof.
Please date, sign exactly as shown hereon and mail
promptly this proxy in the enclosed envelope. When
there is more than one owner, each should sign. When
signing as an attorney, administrator, executor,
guardian or trustee, please add your title as such. If
executed by a corporation, the proxy should be signed
by a duly authorized officer. If executed by a
partnership, please sign in the partnership name by an
authorized person.
This proxy may be revoked prior to the exercise of the powers conferred by Signature: _______________________ Date _____________
the proxy. Signature: _______________________ Date _____________
</TABLE>
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