<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-
6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section
240.14a-12
XETA CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
XETA CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
5) Total fee paid:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE> 2
XETA
CORPORATION
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of XETA
Corporation will be held at the Tulsa Marriott Southern Hills located at 1902
East 71st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma, on March 20, 1997 at 6:30 p.m., local time,
for the following purposes:
1. To elect six (6) members to the Company's Board of
Directors to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and
until their successors have been elected and qualified;
2. To authorize the Board to effect a stock split by amending
the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, or to effect no stock split,
in the Board's discretion, without further shareholder approval, prior
to the next annual meeting of shareholders.
3. To ratify the selection of Arthur Andersen, LLP, as
independent certified public accountants for the Company for the fiscal
year ending October 31, 1997; and
4. To transact such other business as may properly come
before the meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on February 4, 1997, as
the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and
to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof. Only
shareholders of record at such time will be so entitled to vote. The Company's
Proxy Statement is attached.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR STOCK BE REPRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING REGARDLESS
OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU HOLD. IF YOU DO NOT EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING
IN PERSON, PLEASE SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ACCOMPANYING
ENVELOPE. THE GIVING OF THIS PROXY DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE IN
PERSON IN THE EVENT YOU ATTEND THE MEETING.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Robert B. Wagner
Secretary
February 18, 1997
<PAGE> 3
Table of Contents
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Solicitation of Proxies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Voting Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Election of Directors (Item 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management . . . . . . 4
Executive Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Related Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance . . . . . . . . . . 9
Stock Split Proposal (Item 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Independent Public Accountants (Item 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Financial Information - Incorporated by Reference . . . . . . . . . . 11
Shareholder Proposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Other Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 4
XETA
CORPORATION
4500 South Garnett, Suite 1000
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74146
PROXY STATEMENT
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to shareholders of XETA Corporation
(the "Company") by its Board of Directors to solicit proxies for use at the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 20, 1997, at the Tulsa
Marriott Southern Hills located at 1902 East 71st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma, at
6:30 p.m., local time, or at such other time and place to which the Annual
Meeting may be adjourned.
The purpose of the Annual Meeting is (i) to elect six members to the
Company's Board of Directors to serve for the ensuing year and until their
successors are elected; (ii) to authorize the Board to effect a stock split by
amending the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, or to effect no stock
split, in the Board's sole discretion; (iii) to ratify the selection of Arthur
Andersen, LLP as the Company's independent certified public accountants for the
fiscal year ending October 31, 1997; and (iv) at the discretion of the proxy
holders, to transact any other business that may properly come before the
Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Whether or not you intend to be present at the Annual Meeting, you are urged
to promptly complete and return the accompanying proxy card in the envelope
provided. If you are present at the Annual Meeting and wish to vote your
shares in person, the accompanying proxy will, at your request, be returned to
you at the Annual Meeting. Any shareholder giving a proxy has the power to
revoke it at any time before it is exercised by executing a subsequently dated
proxy, submitting a notice of revocation to the Company, or attending the
Annual Meeting and voting in person.
Proxies properly executed and returned will be voted in accordance with the
specifications marked on the proxy card. Proxies containing no specifications
will be voted in favor of the proposals described in this Proxy Statement.
Abstentions or votes withheld will have the same effect as a vote against the
proposal. Votes will be tabulated by a representative of the Company.
It is expected that this Proxy Statement and the accompanying form of proxy
will first be mailed to shareholders on or about February 18, 1997. The cost
of preparing, assembling and mailing the Notice of Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, Proxy Statement and form of proxy and the solicitation of proxies
will be paid by the Company. The Company will pay the expenses incurred by
brokers, banks and other persons holding stock in their names or the names of
their nominees in forwarding proxy materials to the beneficial owners of such
stock.
VOTING SECURITIES
The Company's only class of voting securities is Common Stock. Shareholders
are entitled to one vote per share of Common Stock held. At the close of
business on February 4, 1997, the record date for the determination of
shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting, there
were 2,187,653 shares of Common Stock outstanding, of which 189,747 shares were
non-voting treasury stock. The presence in person or by proxy of the holders of
a majority of the outstanding shares of voting Common Stock on the record date
is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting.
<PAGE> 5
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(ITEM 1)
Six directors, constituting the entire Board of Directors of the Company,
are to be elected at the Annual Meeting. Members of the Board of Directors are
elected for one year terms. Management's nominees to the Board for the coming
year, all of whom are currently members of the Board, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND AGE POSITIONS WITH COMPANY DIRECTOR SINCE
------------ ---------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Ron B. Barber Director March, 1987
Age 42
Donald T. Duke Director March, 1991
Age 47
Dr. Robert D. Hisrich Director March, 1987
Age 52
Jack R. Ingram President and March, 1989
Age 53 Director
Ronald L. Siegenthaler Executive Vice September, 1981
Age 53 President and Director
Robert B. Wagner Vice President of Finance, March, 1996
Age 35 Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary and Director
</TABLE>
MR. BARBER has served as general counsel to the Company since its
incorporation. He has been a director of the Company since March 1987. Mr.
Barber has been engaged in the private practice of law since October 1980 and
is a shareholder in the law firm of Barber & Bartz, a Professional Corporation,
in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mr. Barber is also a Certified Public Accountant licensed
in Oklahoma. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business
Administration (Accounting) from the University of Arkansas and his Juris
Doctorate Degree from the University of Tulsa.
MR. DUKE has been a director of the Company since March 1991. He is
President of Duke Resources, an oil and gas consulting firm, and a principal in
Tandem Oil and Gas Company, L.L.C. Prior to joining Tandem Oil and Gas
Company, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of Hadson Petroleum
(USA), Inc., a domestic oil and gas subsidiary of Hadson Corporation and was
responsible for all phases of exploration and production, land, accounting,
operations, product marketing and budgeting and planning. Mr. Duke has a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of
Oklahoma.
DR. HISRICH has been a director of the Company since March 1987. He
occupies the A. Malachi Mixon III Chair in Entrepreneurial Studies and is
Professor of Marketing and Policy Studies at the Weatherhead School of
Management at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to
assuming such positions, he occupied the Boviard Chair of Entrepreneurial
Studies and Private Enterprise and was Professor of Marketing at the College of
Business Administration for the University of Tulsa. He is also a marketing
and management consultant. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the
Bovaird Supply Company, Jameson Inn, Inc., and Noteworthy Medical Systems,
Inc., a member of the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Venturing and the
Journal of Small Business Management, and a member of the Board of Directors of
Enterprise Development, Inc. Dr. Hisrich received his Bachelor of Arts Degree
in English and Science from DePaul University and his Master of Business
Administration Degree (Marketing) and Ph.D. in Business Administration
(Marketing, Finance, and Quantitative Methods) from the University of
Cincinnati.
2
<PAGE> 6
MR. INGRAM has been President of the Company since July 1990 and a director
of the Company since March 1989. Mr. Ingram's business experience prior to
joining the Company was concentrated in the oil and gas industry. Mr. Ingram
holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University
of Tulsa.
MR. SIEGENTHALER has been Executive Vice President of the Company since July
1990 and a director of the Company since its incorporation. Since 1974,
through SEDCO Investments, a partnership in which Mr. Siegenthaler is a
partner, and as an individual, Mr. Siegenthaler has been involved as partner,
shareholder, officer, director, or sole proprietor of a number of business
entities with significant involvement in fabrication and marketing of steel,
steel products and other raw material, real estate, oil and gas, and
telecommunications. Mr. Siegenthaler received his Bachelor's Degree in Liberal
Arts from Oklahoma State University.
MR. WAGNER joined the Company in July 1988 as Chief Accounting Officer. He
became the Company's Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer in
March, 1989, and a member of the Board of Directors in March 1996. Mr. Wagner
is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Oklahoma and received his Bachelor
of Science Degree in Accounting from Oklahoma State University.
None of the foregoing nominees has any family relationship to any other
nominee. There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the named
individuals and any other person or persons pursuant to which any of the named
individuals are to be elected as directors.
BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors of the Company held 3 meetings during the fiscal year
ended October 31, 1996. All other action taken by the Board of Directors was
consented to in writing by a memorandum of action in lieu of a meeting, to
which all incumbent directors subscribed. Directors meet their
responsibilities not only by attending Board and committee meetings but also
through communication with members of management on matters affecting the
Company. Robert D. Hisrich, who attended two of the three meetings held by the
Board, was the only director who attended fewer than 75% of the total number
of meetings of the Board of Directors held during the period for which he was a
director.
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee and Compensation Committee,
both of which were established in April 1987. There is no nominating committee
or committee performing the functions of a nominating committee.
The Audit Committee consists of directors Ron B. Barber, Jack R. Ingram and
Donald T. Duke. This Committee advises the Board with respect to the
engagement of independent public accountants and reviews the results of the
annual audit, the adequacy of the Company's internal accounting procedures, and
any transactions between the Company and its officers, directors or entities
controlled by them. The Audit Committee did not meet independently of meetings
of the Board of Directors during fiscal 1996.
The Compensation Committee consists of directors Ron B. Barber, Robert D.
Hisrich and Donald T. Duke. This Committee advises the Board with respect to
the election or appointment of executive officers and makes recommendations to
the Board concerning compensation of executive officers and awards to executive
officers and others under employee incentive plans. The Compensation Committee
did not meet independently of meetings of the Board of Directors during the
1996 fiscal year.
RECOMMENDATION AND VOTE
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" the election of all of the
nominees listed above as directors of the Company. The affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares of the Company Common Stock represented at the Annual
Meeting is required for such approval.
3
<PAGE> 7
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information known to the Company as
of December 31, 1996 regarding beneficial ownership of the Company's Common
Stock, par value $.10 per share, by (i) each person known by the Company to own
more than five percent (5%) of such Common Stock, (ii) each director and
nominee for election as a director of the Company, (iii) each executive officer
named in the Summary Compensation Table, and (iv) all directors and executive
officers of the Company as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND NATURE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL PERCENT OF
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP(1) CLASS
- ------------------- -------------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Jack R. Ingram 384,700 (2) 17.50%
XETA Corporation
4500 S. Garnett, Suite 1000
Tulsa, OK 74146
Ronald L. Siegenthaler 374,669 (3) 17.05%
P.O. Box 571300
Tulsa, OK 74157
SEDCO Investments 171,314 8.57%
P.O. Box 571300
Tulsa, OK 74157
Donald E. Reigel 43,451 (4) 2.13%
XETA Corporation
75 Manhattan Drive, Suite 302
Boulder, CO 80303
Ron B. Barber 31,520 1.58%
One Ten Occidental Place
110 W. 7th Street, Suite 200
Tulsa, OK 74119
Robert B. Wagner 21,800 (5) 1.08%
XETA Corporation
4500 S. Garnett, Suite 1000
Tulsa, OK 74146
Donald T. Duke 11,400 (6) *
1701 Morningstar
Edmond, OK 73034
Robert D. Hisrich 12,900 (7) *
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
All officers and
directors as a
group (10 persons) 949,740 (2)-(8) 37.36%
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------
*Less than 1%
4
<PAGE> 8
(1) Ownership is direct unless otherwise indicated.
(2) Includes 2,500 shares held by Mr. Ingram's wife and options to purchase
200,000 shares of the Company's common stock which are presently
exercisable.
(3) Includes 171,314 shares held by SEDCO Investments, an Oklahoma general
partnership in which Mr. Siegenthaler is a general partner; options to
purchase 200,000 shares which are presently exercisable; and 3,355
shares held by Mr. Siegenthaler's adult son who resides with him. Mr.
Siegenthaler disclaims beneficial ownership over the shares held by his
son.
(4) Includes options to purchase 37,500 shares of the Company's common
stock, which are presently exercisable.
(5) Includes 1,300 shares held by Mr. Wagner as custodian for his minor
children and options to purchase 17,500 shares of the Company's common
stock which are presently exercisable. Excludes options to purchase
7,500 which are not presently exercisable.
(6) Includes options to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company's common stock
which are presently exercisable.
(7) Includes 900 shares held by Dr. Hisrich as custodian for his minor
child, and options to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company's common
stock which are presently exercisable.
(8) Includes 100 shares held by an officer not named in the table, as
custodian for his minor child, and options granted to officers not named
in the table to purchase an aggregate of 69,000 shares which are
presently exercisable.
5
<PAGE> 9
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The executive officers and significant employees of the Company, their ages,
positions held with the Company and length of time in such positions are set
forth below. There are no family relationships between or among any of the
named individuals. There are no arrangements or understandings between any of
the named individuals and any other person or persons pursuant to which any of
the named individuals are to be elected as officers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND AGE POSITIONS WITH COMPANY OFFICER SINCE
------------ ---------------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Jack R. Ingram President, Chief July, 1990
Age 53 Executive Officer and
Director
Ronald L. Siegenthaler Executive Vice President August, 1990
Age 53 and Director
Robert B. Wagner Chief Financial Officer, March, 1989
Age 35 Secretary and Treasurer
Donald E. Reigel Vice President of June, 1995
Age 42 Marketing & Sales
Tom Crofford Vice President of January, 1988
Age 44 Engineering
Thomas A. Luce Vice President of June, 1986
Age 40 Service
Charles R. Rowland Vice President of January, 1984
Age 55 Manufacturing
</TABLE>
A brief description of the business experience of Messrs. Ingram,
Siegenthaler and Wagner is set forth under the section of this Proxy Statement
entitled "Election of Directors."
MR. CROFFORD joined the Company in October 1982 as a design engineer and has
been its Vice President of Engineering since January 1988. Mr. Crofford has
worked in the field of computer engineering since 1977. He is a member of the
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
MR. LUCE joined the Company in November 1982 as Installment Director. He
was later promoted to Director of Installation and Service and became Vice
President of Service in June 1986.
MR. ROWLAND joined the Company in December 1982 as Production Manager and
was promoted to Vice President of Manufacturing in January 1984. Mr. Rowland
has 23 years electronic manufacturing experience, including production testing,
assembly line layout and production control management.
MR. REIGEL joined the Company in June 1993 as PBX Product Sales Manager. He
was promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Sales in June 1995. Prior to
his employment with the Company, Mr. Reigel served as a national accounts sales
manager for WilTel Communications Systems for approximately a year and a half.
He has been active in the development of major national accounts in the
telecommunications industry since 1987. Mr. Reigel received his Bachelor of
Science Degree in Business from the University of Colorado.
6
<PAGE> 10
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of
the Company's President, Executive Vice President and Vice President of
Marketing and Sales who are the only executive officers whose total salary and
bonus exceeded $100,000 during the 1996 fiscal year.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
-------------------------------
(a) (b) (c) (i)
NAME AND ALL
PRINCIPAL OTHER
POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS OTHER COMPENSATION(1)
---------- ---- ------ -------- ---------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Jack R. Ingram 1996 $ 90,000 $235,334 $ $6,000
President 1995 $ 90,000 $229,334 - $6,000
1994 $ 90,000 $138,926 - -
Ronald L. Siegenthaler 1996 $ - $195,334 $ 893,750(2) -
Executive Vice 1995 - $189,334 - -
President 1994 - $ 98,926 - -
Donald E. Reigel 1996 $ 75,000 $103,223 $ 33,602(3) $3,263
Vice President of 1995 $ 75,000 $ 25,444 $ 130,582(3) $6,000
Marketing and Sales 1994 $ 75,000 - $ 65,091(3) -
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Represents the Company's contributions to the employee's account
under the Company's 401(k) plan.
(2) Represents the dollar value of the difference between the price
paid for 100,000 shares of the Company's common stock upon
exercise of stock options and the market value of such security
on the date of exercise.
(3) Represents sales commissions paid to Mr. Reigel.
No stock appreciation rights were granted by the Company to any of the
persons named in the Summary Compensation Table during the Company's fiscal
year ended October 31, 1996. The following table sets forth certain
information regarding unexercised options held by such persons as of the fiscal
year-end.
7
<PAGE> 11
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
FY-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
SHARES ACQUIRED UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED $ IN THE-MONEY OPTIONS
NAME ON EXERCISE (#) VALUE REALIZED ($) OPTIONS AT FY-END (1) AT FY-END
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Jack.RIngram - - 200,000 $1,350,000(2)
Rona.dSiegenthaler 100,000 $ 893,750 200,000 $1,350,000(2)
Dona.dReigel - - 37,500 $ 233,250(3)
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) All of the options held by the persons named in this table were
exercisable at fiscal year end.
(2) Based on the difference between the fair market value of the
securities underlying the options at fiscal year-end and the exercise
price of $1.00 per share.
(3) Based on the difference between the fair market value of the
securities underlying the options at fiscal year-end and the exercise
price of $1.53 per share.
The Company compensates its outside directors $250.00 per meeting attended.
While the Company does not have any formal arrangement to grant stock options
to its directors, the Company has previously granted stock options to all of
its outside directors. Generally, these options are for 10,000 shares, with a
vesting period of one year and an exercise period of ten years. No other
compensation was paid to directors for their services as such during the
Company's 1996 fiscal year.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In 1990 the Company entered into a written employment agreement with Jack R.
Ingram concerning the terms of his compensation as the Company's President and
Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Ingram receives a $90,000 base salary under the
agreement. The agreement also provides for an annual bonus based on the
Company's total sales and after-tax net income, provided the Company's total
sales for the fiscal year exceed $5,000,000. The bonus amount is equal to a
percentage of the Company's after-tax net income, calculated by dividing the
Company's total sales for the year by $5,000,000, and multiplying such factor
by 5%, with the percentage capped at 10% and the dollar amount capped at
$200,000. This bonus is to be paid on or before January 31 each year. The
agreement further provides for a quarterly bonus, not to exceed $10,000 per
quarter, equal to 50% of the Company's quarterly net income. In the event of
the termination of his employment for reasons other than resignation, Mr.
Ingram will receive the full amount of any annual and quarterly bonuses earned
but unpaid through the date of termination. Mr. Ingram will forfeit any unpaid
bonuses in the event of his resignation. Mr. Ingram's employment with the
Company is at-will.
The Company also has a written agreement with Ronald L. Siegenthaler
concerning the terms of his compensation as the Company's Executive Vice
President. Mr. Siegenthaler is compensated on the basis of an annual bonus to
be paid on or before January 31 of each year, calculated upon similar terms as
the annual bonus paid to Mr. Ingram, except that beginning with the 1997 fiscal
year, Mr. Siegenthaler's bonus will be equal to 5% of the Company's after-tax
net income, capped at $100,000 per year. If the Company's total sales drop
below $10,000,000, the percentage used to calculate Mr. Siegenthaler's bonus
will be 2.5%. Mr. Siegenthaler is entitled to receive the full amount of any
unpaid bonus due him upon his termination of employment for any reason,
including resignation. Mr. Siegenthaler is retained by the Company on an at-
will basis.
8
<PAGE> 12
The Company entered into a written agreement with Donald E. Reigel on June
12, 1995, concerning the terms of his employment as Vice President of Marketing
and Sales. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Mr. Reigel receives a
salary of $75,000, plus a commission equal to 0.25% of the Company's monthly
net sales and service revenues. The agreement also provides for an annual
bonus equal to 3% of the increase in the Company's annual net sales and service
revenues over those revenues for the previous fiscal year. Mr. Reigel will
forfeit the right to receive any bonus for the then current fiscal year in the
event of termination of his employment unless he is terminated by the Company
without cause, in which case he will be entitled to receive a bonus, if any, on
a prorated basis.
Mr. Reigel is subject to standard confidentiality restrictions, as well as
to a twelve month non-solicitation agreement upon termination of his employment
for any reason while Jack Ingram remains President of the Company, and a
thirty-day non-solicitation agreement if Mr. Ingram is not President at the
time of Mr. Reigel's termination. There is no set term to Mr. Reigel's
employment by the Company.
RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Mr. Barber, a director of the Company, is a shareholder in the law firm of
Barber & Bartz, a Professional Corporation, general counsel to the Company.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 1996, the Company paid or accrued
legal fees to Barber & Bartz in the approximate amount of $89,000.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Based solely upon a review of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished
to the Company during its most recent fiscal year and Forms 5 and amendments
thereto furnished to the Company with respect to its most recent fiscal year
and/or written representations made to the Company by its directors and
officers and by certain beneficial owners of more than ten percent of its
Common Stock, the Company knows of no director, officer, or beneficial owner of
more than ten percent of the Company's Common Stock who has failed to file on a
timely basis reports of beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock as
required by Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
STOCK SPLIT PROPOSAL
(Item 2)
In March, 1996 the shareholders approved a proposal submitted by the Board
of Directors that authorized the Board in its discretion to effect a stock
split prior to the 1997 Annual Meeting. The Board elected not to effect the
stock split during the past year and its authority to do so under the 1996
shareholder resolution will expire in March of this year. The Board believes
it would be in the best interests of the Company for the Board to maintain the
ability to effect a stock split when it believes prudent to do so, without the
necessity of having to call a special meeting of the shareholders separate from
the annual meeting to vote on such a proposal.
The Board of Directors has therefore approved a resolution which would
authorize the Board to amend Article VI of the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation to effect a stock split of the Company's Common Stock along with
a corresponding reduction in par value, or not amend the Certificate of
Incorporation and effect no stock split, as determined by the Board of
Directors in its discretion (the "Stock Split Proposal"). The Board has
directed that the Stock Split Proposal be submitted to the Company's
shareholders for consideration and approval. Under the terms of the Stock
Split Proposal, the Board of Directors will be granted authority to effect a
single stock split in the future within the confines of the Proposal if the
Board believes that an increase in the number of shares of Common Stock may
improve the trading market for the Common Stock.
If the Stock Split Proposal is approved by shareholders, the Board of
Directors will be given the discretion to effect a stock split, without further
shareholder action, of not less than 5-for-4 nor greater than 2-for-1 (the
"Stock Splits"), or to effect no stock split. The Board of Directors believes
that this latitude is necessary, given the nature of the stock market and the
changing market price of the Common Stock.
9
<PAGE> 13
If the Stock Split Proposal is approved by the shareholders of the Company
at the Annual Meeting, a stock split will be effected only upon a determination
by the Board of Directors that a stock split is in the best interests of the
Company and the shareholders. In connection with any determination by the
Board of Directors to such effect, the Board will also select, at its
discretion, one of the Stock Splits proposed based upon prevailing market
conditions, the likely effect on the market price of the Common Stock, the
quantitative criteria to be maintained by the Company to continue to qualify
its Common Stock for listing on the Nasdaq National Market System, and other
relevant factors. The remaining alternative Stock Splits would be abandoned by
the Board without further action by the shareholders.
Shareholders may approve or reject the proposed Stock Splits in whole but
not in part. The effective date of any stock split will be selected by the
Board of Directors (the "Effective Date") on or prior to the Company's next
Annual Meeting of Shareholders. If no stock split is effected by such date,
the authority of the Board of Directors to declare the stock split will expire.
The Stock Split Proposal also authorizes a corresponding reduction in par
value of the Company's Common Stock in relation to the ratio of the Stock
Splits. The proposed amendments to Article VI of the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation would reduce the par value per share of the Company's Common
Stock from $.10 to $.08, $.075, $.06 and $.05 in the case of a 5-for-4, 4-for-
3, 3-for-2 and 2-for-1 Stock Split, respectively.
The resolution of the Shareholders approving the proposed alternative
amendments to Article VI of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation is
attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix "A".
PURPOSES AND EFFECT OF THE STOCK SPLIT
The purpose of the stock split is to increase the marketability and
liquidity of the Common Stock through greater availability of shares for
purchase and sale and a wider distribution among a larger number of
shareholders. Management believes that an increase in the number of shares
outstanding would encourage and facilitate trades in the Common Stock which
would, it is believed, establish a more liquid market in the Common Stock and
result in a wider distribution of the Common Stock. Although it is not
possible to predict the precise impact the stock split would have on the
trading price of the Company's Common Stock, the stock split would reduce the
per share trading price of the Common Stock, but not necessarily in the same
proportion as the increase in the number of outstanding shares.
All existing rights of shareholders will remain unchanged by the stock
split, and the relative ownership position of any shareholder, except for
immaterial variations caused by the procedures to avoid fractional shares
(discussed below), will remain unchanged. Because the par value of the
Company's Common Stock will be reduced in relation to the ratio of the Stock
Splits, the aggregate par value of the Company's Common Stock and the Company's
paid-in capital and retained earnings will be unaffected. The only change in
the Company's financial statements as a result of a stock split will be the
presentation of earnings per share, which will be reduced proportionately for
any stock split effected for all accounting periods presented.
The stock split, if undertaken in the discretion of the Board, would have
the following effect upon the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
(which was 2,187,653 as of the Record Date, of which 189,747 were treasury
shares), assuming no other change in the number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding after the Record Date, and without taking into account any
reduction in the number of outstanding shares resulting from the procedures for
treatment of fractional shares described below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stock
Stock Split Outstanding
----------- ---------------
<S> <C>
5-for-4 2,734,566
4-for-3 2,916,870
3-for-2 3,281,479
2-for-1 4,375,306
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE> 14
All outstanding stock options on the Effective Date of the stock split would
be proportionately adjusted in the number of shares subject to such rights in
the event of a stock split. As of January 15, 1997, there were 579,987 shares
of the Company's Common Stock subject to stock purchase options. Because the
stock split, if effected, may range from 5-for-4 to 2-for-1 and because the
number of outstanding shares of Common Stock may change prior to the Effective
Date upon the exercise of any outstanding stock options, existing shareholders
cannot now predict the total number of shares of Common Stock that they will
hold after the stock split, or the total number of shares of Common Stock that
will be outstanding after the stock split.
The Company's Common Stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq National
Market System. The new shares to be issued as a result of the stock split will
be included in the Company's listing on Nasdaq. Consummation of the stock
split will have no material federal tax consequences to stockholders.
FRACTIONAL SHARES AND ADDITIONAL SHARE CERTIFICATES
No certificates or script representing fractional share interests will be
issued, and no such fractional interests will entitle the holder thereof to
vote, or to any rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to such
fractional interests. In lieu of any such fractional interests, the Company
will pool all fractional share interests otherwise issuable and make
arrangements with Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services (the "Agent") or other
third party to act as agent for the account of all shareholders who would
otherwise be entitled to receive said fractional shares, to sell such shares on
behalf of such shareholders. As soon as practicable after the Effective Date,
the Agent will sell such interests on the basis of prevailing market prices of
the Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market System at the time
of such sales, and the Agent or the Company will pay to the holders of such
interests their pro rata share of the proceeds derived from the sale of such
fractional interests. All costs of such sale will be borne by the Company.
As soon as practicable following the Effective Date of the stock split, the
Company will mail to each shareholder of record on the Effective Date a share
certificate representing the number of shares of Common Stock that, when
aggregated with each shareholder's present number of shares, will equal the
proportionate increase in the total number of shares held by the stockholder on
the Effective Date. For example, if the Board effects a 5-for-4 stock split,
and a shareholder owns 100 shares of Common Stock on the Effective Date, the
Company will mail to such shareholder a share certificate for 25 shares which,
when added to the shareholder's 100 shares, will represent a total stock
ownership of 125 shares.
RECOMMENDATION AND VOTE
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" the authorization and
approval of this proposal. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the shares of stock of the Company entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Annual Meeting is required to adopt the Stock Split Proposal.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
(Item 3)
The Board of Directors has selected Arthur Andersen, LLP as the independent
public accountants to audit the Company's financial statements for the fiscal
year ending October 31, 1997. Representatives of Arthur Andersen, LLP are
expected to be present at the Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a
statement if they desire to do so and to respond to appropriate questions.
While ratification of the Company's selection of accountants by the Company's
shareholders is not required, in the event of a negative vote on such
ratification, the Company's Board of Directors will reconsider its selection.
Arthur Andersen, LLP audited the Company's financial statements for the year
ended October 31, 1996.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION - INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
A copy of the Company's 1996 Annual Report, which includes the Company's
Form 10-KSB containing all financial statements as well as Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
11
<PAGE> 15
(the "MD&A"), is being provided to the stockholders along with this Proxy
Statement. In regard to the Stock Split Proposal, the Financial Statements
appearing on pages F-1 to F-14 of the Form 10-KSB, and the MD&A appearing on
pages 10 through 13 of the Form 10-KSB, are incorporated herein by reference.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Under regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, shareholders
are entitled to submit proposals on matters appropriate for shareholder action
at subsequent annual meetings of the Company in accordance with those
regulations. In order for shareholder proposals for the Company's next annual
meeting to be eligible for consideration for inclusion in the proxy statement
and proxy relating to such meeting, they must be received by the Company no
later than October 10, 1997. Such proposals should be directed to XETA
Corporation, 4500 South Garnett, Suite 1000, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74146, Attention:
President.
OTHER MATTERS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors knows of no
matter other than those described herein that will be presented for
consideration at the Annual Meeting. However, should any other matters properly
come before the Annual 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.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Robert B. Wagner
Secretary
Tulsa, Oklahoma
February 18, 1997
12
<PAGE> 16
Appendix A
RESOLUTION OF SHAREHOLDERS
RESOLVED, that prior to the Company's next Annual Meeting of Shareholders,
Article VI of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, which currently
authorizes 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, and
500,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share, shall be deleted
and substituted with one of the following alternative provisions to be selected
by the Board of Directors, in its discretion:
IF THE BOARD DECLARES A FIVE-FOR-FOUR STOCK SPLIT:
ARTICLE VI
The total authorized number of shares which the Corporation
shall have authority to issue shall consist of 10,500,000 shares,
10,000,000 shares of which shall be classified as Common Shares of the
par value of $.08 per share, and 500,000 shares of which shall be
classified as Preferred Shares, $.10 par value per share.
Simultaneously with the effective date of this amendment (the
"Effective Date"), each four shares of Common Stock issued and
outstanding on the Effective Date shall automatically and without any
action on the part of the holder thereof be reclassified as and
changed into five shares of the Company's Common Stock, par value $.08
per share.
IF THE BOARD DECLARES A FOUR-FOR-THREE STOCK SPLIT:
ARTICLE VI
The total authorized number of shares which the Corporation
shall have authority to issue shall consist of 10,500,000 shares,
10,000,000 shares of which shall be classified as Common Shares of the
par value of $.075 per share, and 500,000 shares of which shall be
classified as Preferred Shares, $.10 par value per share.
Simultaneously with the effective date of this amendment (the
"Effective Date"), each three shares of Common Stock issued and
outstanding on the Effective Date shall automatically and without any
action on the part of the holder thereof be reclassified as and
changed into four shares of the Company's Common Stock, par value
$.075 per share.
IF THE BOARD DECLARES A THREE-FOR-TWO STOCK SPLIT:
ARTICLE VI
The total authorized number of shares which the Corporation
shall have authority to issue shall consist of 10,500,000 shares,
10,000,000 shares of which shall be classified as Common Shares of the
par value of $.06 per share, and 500,000 shares of which shall be
classified as Preferred Shares, $.10 par value per share.
Simultaneously with the effective date of this amendment (the
"Effective Date"), each two shares of Common Stock issued and
outstanding on the Effective Date shall automatically and without any
action on the part of the holder thereof be reclassified as and
changed into three shares of the Company's Common Stock, par value
$.06 per share.
<PAGE> 17
IF THE BOARD DECLARES A TWO-FOR-ONE STOCK SPLIT:
ARTICLE VI
The total authorized number of shares which the Corporation
shall have authority to issue shall consist of 10,500,000 shares,
10,000,000 shares of which shall be classified as Common Shares of the
par value of $.05 per share, and 500,000 shares of which shall be
classified as Preferred Shares, $.10 par value per share.
Simultaneously with the effective date of this amendment (the
"Effective Date"), each one share of Common Stock issued and
outstanding on the Effective Date shall automatically and without any
action on the part of the holder thereof be reclassified as and
changed into two shares of the Company's Common Stock, par value $.05
per share.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that notwithstanding the approval by the stockholders of
the foregoing proposed alternative amendments, at any time prior to the filing
of any amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation pursuant hereto
effecting either a five-for four, four-for-three, three-for-two or two-for-one
stock split, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion, abandon such
proposed alternative amendments without further action by the shareholders.
<PAGE> 18
Appendix "B"
XETA CORPORATION
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MARCH 20, 1997
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Jack R. Ingram and Ronald L. Siegenthaler, or
either of them, as proxies and attorneys for the undersigned (with full power
to act alone and to designate substitutions), hereby revoking any prior Proxy,
and hereby authorizes them to represent the undersigned and to vote as
designated below, all the shares of Common Stock of XETA Corporation held of
record by the undersigned on February 4, 1997 at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held March 20, 1997, or any adjournment or postponement
thereof.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:
[ ] FOR all nominees listed below [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
RON B. BARBER, DONALD T. DUKE, ROBERT D. HISRICH, JACK R. INGRAM,
RONALD L. SIEGENTHALER, and ROBERT B. WAGNER
(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write
that nominee's name on the space provided below.)
2. PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO EFFECT A
FIVE-FOR-FOUR, FOUR-FOR-THREE, THREE-FOR-TWO, OR TWO- FOR-ONE STOCK SPLIT,
OR TO EFFECT NO STOCK SPLIT, IN THE BOARD'S SOLE DISCRETION, PRIOR TO THE
NEXT ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS.
[ ] For [ ] Against [ ] Abstain
3. PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE SELECTION OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN, LLP AS INDEPENDENT
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE COMPANY FOR THE 1997 FISCAL YEAR.
[ ] For [ ] Against [ ] Abstain
4. IN THEIR DISCRETION ON ANY OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE
MEETING.
This Proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed
herein by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is made, this Proxy
will be voted FOR the three foregoing proposals.
- ------------------------------------ -----------------------------------
(Signature) (Print Name)
- ------------------------------------ -----------------------------------
(Signature) (Print Name)
NOTE: Signature(s) should follow exactly as your name appears on your
stock certificate. In case of joint ownership each owner should sign.
Executors, administrators, guardians, trustees, etc. should add their title as
such and where more than one executor, etc. is named, a majority must sign. If
the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by a duly
authorized officer.
Dated: , 1997.
---------------------------
