UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20509
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:
[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
ELCOTEL, INC.
------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
------------------------------------------------
(Name of person(s) filing proxy statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
__________________
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
__________________
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11: _____________________________
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
_________________________
(5) Total fee paid:________________________
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check the box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid: _____________________________
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
_________________________
(3) Filing Party: _____________________________
(4) Date Filed: _____________________________
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ELCOTEL, INC.
6428 Parkland Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34243
__________________
NOTICE AND PROXY STATEMENT
__________________
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD 9:00 A.M., NOVEMBER 2, 1999
__________________
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Elcotel,
Inc. (the "Company") will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 1999, at 9:00 a.m.,
local time, at the Hyatt Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, Florida
34236 for consideration of and action by the holders of the Company's Common
Stock upon the following matters:
1. The election of a Board of Directors consisting of five directors,
with each director to serve until the next annual meeting of
stockholders or until the election and qualification of his
respective successor;
2. The approval of an amendment to the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation to increase the number of shares of common stock, $.01
par value (the "Common Stock"), authorized for issuance by
10,000,000 shares, from 30,000,000 shares to 40,000,000 shares;
3. The approval of an amendment to the 1991 Stock Option Plan (the
"1991 Plan") to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance
under the 1991 Plan by 500,000 shares, from 2,100,000 shares to
2,600,000 shares;
4. The approval of an amendment to the Directors Stock Option Plan (the
"Directors Plan") to increase the number of shares reserved for
issuance under the Directors Plan by 75,000 shares, from 225,000
shares to 300,000 shares;
5. The ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the
Company's independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending
March 31, 2000; and
6. The transaction of such other business as may properly come before
the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof, and
matters incident to the conduct of the Annual Meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on September 3,
1999 as the record date for the determination of holders of Common Stock of the
Company entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any
adjournment or postponement thereof. The Company's Annual Report to Stockholders
for the year ended March 31, 1999 accompanies this Notice and Proxy Statement.
STOCKHOLDERS (WHETHER THEY OWN ONE OR MANY SHARES AND WHETHER THEY EXPECT TO
ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING OR NOT) ARE REQUESTED TO VOTE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN
PROMPTLY THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, WHICH REQUIRES NO
POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
By Order of the Board of Directors
William H. Thompson
Secretary
Sarasota, Florida
September 15, 1999
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ELCOTEL, INC.
6428 Parkland Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34243
__________________
PROXY STATEMENT
__________________
This Proxy Statement is furnished and is being mailed with the
accompanying proxy on approximately September 15, 1999 to each Stockholder of
record of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), of
Elcotel, Inc. (the "Company") in connection with the solicitation of proxies by
the Board of Directors of the Company, to be voted at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of the Company (the "Meeting") to be held on Tuesday, November 2,
1999, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the Hyatt Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the
Arts, Sarasota, Florida 34236, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof,
for the purposes stated below.
Any person giving a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before
its exercise by a later dated proxy, by a written revocation sent to the
Secretary of the Company or by attendance at the Meeting and voting in person.
Properly executed proxies, received by the Company and unrevoked, will be voted
at the Meeting in accordance with the instructions of the stockholder. If no
specific instructions are given, the shares will be voted by the persons named
in the proxy: (i) FOR the election of the directors nominated by the Board of
Directors; (ii) FOR the approval of the amendment to the Company's Certificate
of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock by
10,000,000 shares, from 30,000,000 shares to 40,000,000 shares; (iii) FOR the
approval of the amendment to the 1991 Stock Option Plan (the "1991 Plan") to
increase the number of shares reserved for issuance under the 1991 by 500,000
shares, from 2,100,000 shares to 2,600,000 shares; (iv) FOR the approval of the
amendment to the Directors Stock Option Plan (the "Directors Plan") to increase
the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Directors Plan by 75,000
shares, from 225,000 shares to 300,000 shares; (v) FOR the ratification of
Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's independent public accountants for the
fiscal year ending March 31, 2000; and (vi) in their discretion, on such other
business as may properly come before the Meeting and matters incident to the
conduct of the Meeting.
VOTING SECURITIES OF THE COMPANY
Only holders of record of Common Stock of the Company at the close of
business on September 3, 1999 are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at,
the Meeting. On that date, the outstanding voting securities of the Company
consisted of 13,499,693 shares of Common Stock. Each share of Common Stock is
entitled to one vote on all matters presented to the Meeting with no right to
vote cumulatively.
The Company's By-laws provide that the presence, in person or by proxy, of
a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of the Common Stock entitled to
vote at the Meeting will constitute a quorum. A quorum, once established, will
not be broken by the withdrawal from the Meeting of enough votes to leave less
than a quorum and the votes present at the Meeting after the establishment of a
quorum will be sufficient to transact all business at the Meeting.
Those nominees for election as directors of the Company at the Meeting who
receive the greatest number of affirmative votes cast by shares of Common Stock
present in person or represented by properly executed proxy will be elected as
directors of the Company. The approval of the amendment to the Company
Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of
Common Stock by 10,000,000 shares will require the affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares of Common Stock outstanding as of the record date. The
approval of the amendment to the 1991 Plan to increase the number of shares
reserved for issuance by 500,000 shares, the approval of the amendment to the
Directors Plan to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance by 75,000
shares and the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the
independent public accountants
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of the Company for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2000 will require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person
or represented by properly executed proxy at the Meeting.
Shares represented by proxies that reflect abstentions or "broker
non-votes" (i.e., shares held by a broker or nominee which are represented at
the Meeting, but with respect to which such broker or nominee is not empowered
to vote on a particular proposal) will be counted as shares that are present and
entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum.
Abstentions are counted as negative votes in tabulations of the votes cast on
proposals presented to stockholders. Broker non-votes will not be counted for
purposes of determining the number of votes cast with respect to the particular
proposal on which the broker has expressly not voted. Broker non-votes with
respect to the proposals in this proxy statement will not be considered votes
cast and accordingly will not affect the determination as to whether a majority
of votes cast has been obtained with respect to a particular matter, other than
with respect to proposal number 2 (the amendment to the certificate of
incorporation), which requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock, for which the practical effect of a broker
non-vote is a vote AGAINST such proposal.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following tables sets forth certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company at September 3, 1999
according to information supplied to the Company by: (i) each person known by
the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the Common Stock; (ii) each of
the current directors of the Company; (iii) each of the executive officers of
the Company named in the Summary Compensation Table under "Executive
Compensation" (the "named executive officers"); and (iv) all current directors
and executive officers of the Company as a group. Under rules adopted by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner
of Common Stock with respect to which he has or shares voting power (which
includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of the security), or
investment power (which includes the power to dispose of, or to direct the
disposition of, the security). A person is also deemed to be the beneficial
owner of shares with respect to which he could obtain voting or investment power
within 60 days, such as upon the exercise of options or warrants. The numbers
and percentages assume for each person or group listed, the exercise of all
warrants and stock options held by such person or group that are exercisable
within 60 days of September 3, 1999, but not the exercise of such warrants and
stock options owned by any other person. Except as otherwise indicated in the
footnotes, the Company believes that the beneficial owners of the Common Stock
listed below have sole investment and voting power with respect to the shares of
Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by them.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
Name and Address Number of Shares Percentage
of Beneficial Owner Beneficially Owned of Class
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wexford Partners Fund, L.P. 2,617,269(1) 19.4%
411 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, Connecticut 06830
Fundamental Management Corporation 959,202(2) 7.1%
4000 Hollywood Boulevard
Suite 610N
Hollywood, Florida 33021
- ------------
(1) Includes 10,000 shares that may be purchased by Mr. Jacobs, a director of
the Company and an affiliate of Wexford Partners Fund, L.P., and 10,000
shares that may be purchased by Mr. Plaumann, a director of the Company
and a consultant to and former employee of Wexford Partners Fund, L.P,
upon exercise of stock options within 60 days as to which Wexford Partners
Fund, L.P. exercises shared voting or investment power.
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Security Ownership of Management
Number of Shares Percentage
Name Beneficially Owned of Class
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tracey L. Gray* 173,284(1) 1.3%
Joseph M. Jacobs* 2,607,269(2) 19.3%
C. Shelton James* 1,174,234(3) 8.6%
Dwight Jasmann* 13,890(4) **
Charles H. Moore* 17,100(5) **
Thomas E. Patton* 15,000(6) **
Mark L. Plaumann* 10,000(7) **
David R.A. Steadman* 82,202(8) **
Eduardo Gandarilla 51,250(9) **
David F. Hemmings 22,500(10) **
Kenneth W. Noack 46,472(11) **
Henry W. Swanson 30,250(12) **
William H. Thompson 72,129(13) **
All directors and executive officers as
as a group (13 persons) 4,315,580(14) 30.9%
* Current director
** Less than 1%.
- ----------------------------------
(1) Includes 39,250 shares that may be purchased upon exercise of stock
options within 60 days. Mr. Gray was also the President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company until his retirement as such effective
June 11, 1999.
(2) Includes 2,597,269 shares held by Wexford Partners Fund, L.P., as to which
shares Mr. Jacobs disclaims beneficial ownership, and 10,000 shares that
may be purchased upon exercise of stock options within 60 days.
(3) Includes 959,202 shares held by Fundamental Management Corporation, as to
which shares Mr. James disclaims beneficial ownership, and 99,412 shares
that may be purchased upon exercise of stock options within 60 days. Mr.
James became the Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company on June 11, 1999 upon the retirement of Mr. Gray.
(4) Includes 11,000 shares that may be purchased upon exercise of stock
options within 60 days.
(5) Includes 75 shares held by Mr. Moore's wife and 25 shares held by Mr.
Moore's daughter.Includes 16,000 shares that may be purchased upon
exercise of stock options within 60 days.
(6) Includes 500 shares held jointly with Mr. Patton's wife. Includes 14,000
shares that may be purchased upon exercise of stock options within 60
days.
(7) Represents 10,000 shares that may be purchased upon exercise of stock
options within 60 days.
(8) Includes 80,250 shares that may be purchased upon exercise of stock
options within 60 days.
(9) Represents 51,250 shares that may be purchased upon exercise of stock
options within 60 days.
(10) Includes 12,500 shares that may be purchased upon exercise of stock
options within 60 days.
(11) Includes 16,812 shares that may be purchased upon exercise of stock
options within 60 days.
(12) Represents 30,250 shares that may be purchased upon exercise of stock
options within 60 days.
(13) Includes 71,500 shares that may be purchased upon exercise of stock
options within 60 days.
(14) Includes a total of 959,202 shares held by Fundamental Management
Corporation, 2,597,269 shares held by Wexford Partners Fund, L.P. and 600
shares held by family members as to which shares the respective officers
and directors disclaim beneficial ownership. Also includes 462,223 shares
that may be purchased upon exercise of stock options within 60 days.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Mr. Tracey L. Gray, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer
until June 11, 1999, is a majority stockholder of NuTel Systems, Inc. ("NuTel"),
a customer of the Company. During the year ended March 31, 1999, the Company's
sales to NuTel aggregated $32,000. At March 31, 1999, notes and accounts
receivable from NuTel amounted to $43,000. The Company's sales to NuTel during
the year ended March 31, 1999 have been made on an arms length basis at sales
prices and terms no more favorable than made to other customers acquiring
similar amounts of products from the Company.
The Company is a party to a stockholders' agreement with Fundamental
Management Corporation ("Fundamental") and Wexford Partners Fund, L.P.
("Wexford"), each of which is a beneficial owner of over 5% of the Company's
outstanding common stock. Pursuant to the stockholders' agreement, the Company
has agreed to file a registration statement with respect to the Company's common
stock owned by Wexford or Fundamental within 45 days after any request by both
Fundamental and Wexford. The Company would generally bear the expenses of such
registration.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
The Company's Board of Directors held twelve meetings during the fiscal
year ended March 31, 1999. Each of the incumbent directors attended or
participated in at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board during
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999.
The Company has a Compensation and Stock Option Committee (the
"Compensation Committee"), presently composed of Messrs. Steadman (Chairman),
Jasmann, Jacobs and Plaumann. The Compensation Committee approves or recommends
to the full Board remuneration arrangements for executive officers and
directors, adoption, changes and administration of compensation and stock option
plans and granting of options or other benefits under such plans. The
Compensation Committee held five meetings during the fiscal year ended March 31,
1999, and each of the then-serving committee members attended or participated in
at least 75% of such meetings.
The Company has an Audit Committee presently composed of Messrs. Moore
(Chairman), Patton and Plaumann, which recommends the independent public
accountants for appointment by the Board of Directors, oversees the Company's
accounting and financial reporting polices, reviews with the independent
accountants the plan and results of auditing engagements, approves the services
rendered by independent accountants, reviews and approves reports filed by the
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and reviews reports
submitted by the accountants including those with respect to the Company's
internal controls. The Audit Committee held two meetings during the fiscal year
ended March 31, 1999, and each of the then-serving committee members, other than
Mr. Jacobs, who was unable to attend one of such meetings, attended or
participated in at least 75% of such meetings.
The Company has a Nominating Committee presently composed of Messrs.
Patton (Chairman), Steadman and Jasmann, which recommends a slate of directors
for election at the annual meeting of stockholders. The Nominating Committee
held no meetings during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999.
The Company's By-laws provide that stockholders may make nominations for
election to the Company's Board of Directors if such nominations are in writing
and delivered to the Secretary of the Company not less than 135 days before the
day and month of the previous year's annual meeting. Thus, nominations for
election to the Board of Directors at the 2000 Annual Meeting must be delivered
to the Secretary by June 20, 2000. The Stockholder making the nomination must
provide information about the persons nominated that is required to be disclosed
in a proxy statement for solicitation of proxies with respect to nominees for
election as directors
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pursuant to the regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Only
those persons nominated by the Board of Directors and by stockholders as
described above shall be voted upon at the Meeting.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Directors who are not employees of the Company receive an annual retainer
fee of $5,000 plus $1,500 for each Board meeting attended, and $500 for each
Board committee meeting attended. Directors are also reimbursed for expenses in
attending Board and Board committee meetings.
Non-employee directors of the Company automatically receive "formula"
stock option grants under the Company's Directors Stock Option Plan. Each
non-employee director first elected to the Board automatically receives an
option to purchase 4,000 shares of Common Stock on the date of his or her
election to the Board. In addition, each non-employee director then serving on a
committee of the Board and each non-employee director then serving as chairman
of a committee of the Board automatically receives on the last day of the fiscal
year (March 31) an option to purchase 1,000 shares of Common Stock with respect
to each such committee and each such chairmanship. In addition, on July 13,
1998, the Directors Stock Option Plan was amended to provide for the grant of
stock options to non-employee directors at the discretion of the Compensation
and Stock Option Committee.
On July 13, 1998, the Company granted options to purchase 5,000 shares of
Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.5625 per share to each non-employee
director (Messrs. Jacobs, Jasmann, Moore, Patton, Plaumann and Steadman)
pursuant to the Company's Directors Stock Option Plan. In addition, on March 31,
1999, the Company granted formula options to Messrs. Jacobs, Jasmann, Moore,
Patton, Plaumann and Steadman pursuant to the Company's Directors Stock Option
Plan to purchase 2,000 shares, 4,000 shares, 4,000 shares, 4,000 shares, 2,000
shares and 5,000 shares of Common Stock, respectively, at an exercise price of
$3.5938 per share. Options granted pursuant to the Directors Stock Option Plan
become fully exercisable one year after the date of grant and expire five years
from the date of grant.
Also, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, the Board approved the
payment of certain additional fees to members of the Compensation Committee and
a Special Acquisition Committee established during the year. Additional fees
paid to each of Messrs. Jasmann, Plaumann and Steadman as members of the
Compensation Committee amounted to $1,000 during the year ended March 31, 1999.
Additional fees paid to Messrs. Jasmann, Moore, Patton and Steadman as members
of the Special Acquisition Committee with respect to the year ended March 31,
1999 aggregated $12,700, $10,200, $10,400 and $19,200, respectively.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Compensation Committee of the Board consisted of Messrs. Dwight
Jasmann, Mark L. Plaumann and David R.A. Steadman during the year ended March
31, 1999. Messrs. Jasmann, Plaumann and Steadman are neither officers nor
employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. During fiscal 1999, no
executive officer of the Company served as a member of the compensation
committee or as director of another entity of which any executive officers
thereof served as a director or member of the Compensation Committee of the
Company. Mr. Steadman was an employee of the Company from December 18, 1997 to
March 31, 1998, and was an employee and Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Technology Service Group, Inc. ("TSG") prior to the Company's acquisition of TSG
on December 18, 1997.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(Proposal 1)
In accordance with the Company's By-laws, the Board of Directors has
reduced the number of directors, effective following the Meeting, from eight
directors to five directors to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of the
Board , and a Board of five directors will be elected to serve until the next
annual meeting of stockholders or until successors to the directors have been
elected and have qualified. Messrs. Steadman,
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Jasmann and Gray are not standing for reelection. All directors are elected
annually. It is the intention of the persons named in the proxy, unless
otherwise directed, to vote all proxies in favor of the election to the Board of
Directors for the nominees listed below, all of whom are presently directors of
the Company. The Board has no reason to believe that any of such nominees will
be unable or unwilling if elected as a director. If any nominee is unable or
declines to serve as a director, the proxies will be voted for any nominee
designated by the present Board of Directors to fill such vacancy.
Nominees for Election as Directors
The Board of Directors has unanimously recommended a slate of nominees for
election as directors at the Meeting. The names of the nominees for directors of
the Company, their ages and certain other information is set forth as follows:
Name Age Director Since
C. Shelton James 59 1990
Joseph M. Jacobs 46 1998
Charles H. Moore 70 1993
Thomas E. Patton 58 1989
Mark L. Plaumann 44 1997
Mr. James, has served as Chairman of the Board since May 1991 and was
appointed as Acting President and Chief Executive Officer effective June 10,
1999. He had previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company from
May 1991 until December 1997 and has been a director of the Company since
December 1990. While Mr. James has devoted a substantial amount of time to the
Company since May 1991, he has also served as Executive Vice President of
Fundamental Management Corporation, an investment management company, since
April 1990, and was appointed President of that company in April 1993. He is a
member of the boards of Cyberguard Corporation, Concurrent Computer Corporation,
DRS Technologies, Technisource, Inc., Fundamental Management Corporation, CSPI
and SK Technologies, Inc. From 1980 to 1989, Mr. James was Executive Vice
President of Gould, Inc., a diversified electronics company, and President of
Gould's Computer Systems Division.
Mr. Jacobs was appointed a director of the Company in February 1998. Mr.
Jacobs has been President of Wexford Management LLC, a manager of several
private investment partnerships including Wexford Partners Fund, L.P., since its
inception in January 1996. From May 1994 to January 1996, he was President and
sole shareholder of Concurrency Management Corporation, the predecessor to
Wexford Management LLC. From 1982 to May 1994, Mr. Jacobs was employed by, and
since 1988 was the President of, Bear Stearns Real Estate Group, Inc.
Mr. Moore has been a director of the Company since December 1993. Mr.
Moore was the Director of Athletics for Cornell University from November 1994
through August 1999. From November 1992 to October 1994, Mr. Moore was Vice
Chairman of Advisory Capital Partners, Inc., an investment advisory firm. From
July 1988 to October 1992, Mr. Moore served as President and Chief Executive
Officer of Ransburg Corporation, a producer of industrial coating systems and
equipment, and from August 1991 to October 1992 as Executive Vice President of
Illinois Tool Works, Inc., a multinational manufacturer of highly engineered
components and systems. Mr. Moore is currently a director of The Sports
Authority and The Turner Corporation, and is Chairman of the Audit Committee of
the United States Olympic Committee.
Mr. Patton has been a director of the Company since July 1989. Mr. Patton
has been a partner in the Washington, D.C. law firm of Tighe, Patton, Tabackman
& Babbin, engaged in civil and criminal business litigation, securities law
enforcement matters, corporate finance and corporate compliance, since August
1994. From 1979 until July 1994, Mr. Patton was a partner in the Washington,
D.C. law office of Schnader, Harrison,
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Segal & Lewis, LLP, engaged in civil and criminal securities litigation and
general business litigation. Mr. Patton also serves on the board of directors of
Information Exchange, Inc., a financial services marketing database company.
Mr. Plaumann became a director of the Company in December 1997. Mr.
Plaumann has been a Managing Director of Greyhawke Capital Advisors LLC, an
investment firm, since June 1998, and a consultant to Wexford Management LLC
since March 1998. From January 1996 to March 1998, Mr. Plaumann was Senior Vice
President of Wexford Management LLC, a manager of several private investment
partnerships. From February 1995 to January 1996, Mr. Plaumann was a Vice
President or director of the predecessor entities of Wexford Management LLC.
From 1990 to January 1995, Mr. Plaumann was a managing director of Alvarez &
Marsal, Inc., a crisis management consulting firm. From 1985 to 1990, he served
in several capacities with American Healthcare Management, Inc., an owner and
operator of hospitals, most recently as its President. From 1974 to 1985, Mr.
Plaumann was with Ernst & Young LLP in several capacities in its auditing and
consulting divisions. Mr. Plaumann is a director of BCAM International, Inc., an
ergonomic technology company, and Vivax Medical Corporation, a manufacturer of
specialty beds and wound care products. Mr. Plaumann was a director of TSG prior
to the acquisition of TSG in December 1997.
Stockholders Agreement
Pursuant to a stockholders' agreement among the Company and Fundamental
Management Corporation and Wexford Partners Fund, L.P., each of which is a
beneficial owner of over 5% of the outstanding common stock of the Company (see
"Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management"), Fundamental
and Wexford has agreed to vote its shares of common stock of the Company in
favor of any nominees for director nominated by the incumbent Board of Directors
of the Company during the period ending after the annual meeting of stockholders
of the Company to which this proxy statement relates. As a result, 3,556,471
shares of Common Stock will be voted by Fundamental and Wexford in favor of the
nominees for directors referred to above.
Executive Officers
Executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors and serve until they
resign or are removed by the Board. In addition to Mr. James listed above who is
the Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the following
persons are also executive officers of the Company:
Name Age Positions and Offices
Eduardo Gandarilla 49 Executive Vice President,
Sales and Marketing
David F. Hemmings 52 Senior Vice President,
Business Development
and Technology/Systems
Development
Kenneth W. Noack 61 Vice President, Operations
William H. Thompson 46 Senior Vice President,
Administration/Finance,
Chief Financial Officer
and Secretary
Mr. Gandarilla was appointed Executive Vice President of Sales and
Marketing in May 1998, having previously served as Vice President of
International Sales and Marketing since October 1996 after joining the Company
in April 1996. From June 1995 until April 1996, he was an international
marketing consultant for Compression Laboratories, Inc., a company, which
manufactures video conferencing equipment. From July 1993 until June 1995, Mr.
Gandarilla was managing director of the business communication systems division
of
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AT&T, based in Mexico. From 1990 until July 1993, he was a managing director for
Gestetner, a distributor of office equipment, also located in Mexico. His
previous employment included managerial positions with various computer system
companies located in Latin America and Paris.
Mr. Hemmings joined the Company in June 1998 as Senior Vice President,
Business Development and Technology/Systems Development. From June 1997 until
May 1998, he was President of NetInvest, LLC, a company developing satellite and
cellular network operations in developing countries worldwide. From July 1993
until May 1997, Mr. Hemmings was Executive Vice President of the worldwide
network and business systems groups for Brite Voice Systems, Inc., a publicly
held voice processing supplier. From 1991 to June 1993, he was Senior Vice
President of Boston Technology, Inc., a publicly held voice mail supplier. His
previous employment included management positions with such organizations as
Sprint and Harris Corporation.
Mr. Noack has served as Vice President of Operations since January 1993,
having joined the Company in July 1992 as Director of Operations. Prior to
joining the Company, he was with AT&T Paradyne Corporation in Largo, Florida
since 1973, and most recently was Vice President and Director of Operations
Planning and Materials.
Mr. Thompson joined the Company as Senior Vice President of
Administration/Finance in December 1997, was elected Secretary in February 1998,
and became the Chief Financial Officer in December 1998. From February 1994 to
December 1997, Mr. Thompson served as Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial
Officer and Secretary of TSG, and from 1990 to 1994, he served as Vice President
of Finance of TSG. Prior to joining TSG, Mr. Thompson held various financial
executive positions with Cardiac Control Systems, Inc., a publicly-held medical
device manufacturer, from 1983 to 1990. From 1974 to 1983, Mr. Thompson, who is
a certified public accountant, held various positions, most recently as Audit
Manager, with PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP, certified public accountants.
AMENDMENT TO CERFIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
(Proposal 2)
The Amendment
At the meeting of the Board on August 24, 1999, the Board approved an
amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company that would increase
the authorized shares of Common Stock from 30,000,000 shares to 40,000,000
shares. At the Annual Meeting, the stockholders of the Company will be asked to
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the following resolution
with respect to such amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company:
RESOLVED, that Article FOURTH of the Certificate of Incorporation of
this Corporation is hereby amended to read in its entirety as
follows:
"FOURTH - The amount of total authorized capital stock of this
corporation is 40,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share."
8
<PAGE>
Reasons for the Amendment
The number of shares of Common Stock issued and reserved for issuance is
approximately 22.9 million shares. The Board believes that it is desirable for
the Company to have additional authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock so
as to provide flexibility to act promptly with respect to acquisitions, public
and private financings, stock dividends and other appropriate purposes. Approval
of the increase now will eliminate the delays and expense that otherwise would
be incurred if stockholder approval were required to increase the authorized
number of shares of Common Stock for possible future transactions involving the
issuance of additional shares.
Effect of the Amendment
Additional shares of Common Stock authorized pursuant to the Amendment may
be issued by the Board at such times, in such amounts and upon such terms as the
Board may determine, without further approval of the stockholders of the
Company, unless such approval is required by law or the rules of the Nasdaq
National Market System. Any such issuance could have a dilutive effect on the
earnings per share, voting power and other interests of the current stockholders
depending on the number of shares issued and the purpose, terms and conditions
of the issuance. Stockholders have no preemptive rights to subscribe to
additional shares when issued.
Required Vote
The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock is required to approve and adopt the Amendment.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT.
AMENDMENT TO 1991 STOCK OPTION PLAN
(Proposal 3)
The 1991 Stock Option Plan was adopted by the Board on July 2, 1991 and
approved by the stockholders of the Company on October 2, 1991. A total of
2,100,000 shares of Common Stock are currently reserved for issuance under the
1991 Stock Option Plan, as amended (the "1991 Plan").
The 1991 Plan provides for the grant to employees of the Company of
incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal
Revenue Code and nonqualified stock options. In recognition of the Company's
need to attract and retain qualified employees in a highly competitive
environment, the Board has approved an amendment to the 1991 Plan, subject to
stockholder approval, to increase the number of shares of Common Stock reserved
for issuance pursuant to the 1991 Plan by 500,000 shares. The stockholders of
the Company are being requested to approve an increase in the number of shares
reserved for issuance under the 1991 Plan by 500,000 shares, from 2,100,000
currently authorized shares to 2,600,000 shares.
The essential features of the 1991 Plan are as follows:
General. At July 31, 1999, 762,041 shares of Common Stock had been issued
upon exercise of options granted under the 1991 Plan, options to purchase
1,243,175 shares of Common Stock were outstanding under the 1991 Plan and 94,784
shares of Common Stock remained available for future grant under the 1991 Plan.
Purpose. The purpose of the 1991 Plan is to enable the Company to obtain
and retain the services of key employees and to provide them with increased
motivation and incentive to exert their best efforts on behalf of the Company by
enlarging their personal stake in its success.
9
<PAGE>
Administration. The 1991 Plan is administered by the Compensation and
Stock Option Committee of the Board (the "Compensation Committee") composed of
at least two directors. The Committee has authority, subject to the terms of the
1991 Plan, to determine the persons to whom options will be granted, whether the
options will be incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options, the
number of shares subject to each option, and the terms and provisions of each
option. Any power granted to the Compensation Committee can be exercised by the
Board and any determination by the Compensation Committee is subject to review
and approval or modification by the Board.
Eligibility. Officers and key employees of the Company and its
subsidiaries are eligible to receive options. The Company estimates that as of
July 31, 1999, there were approximately 90 officers and other key employees of
the Company who were eligible to receive options under the 1991 Plan.
Grant. Subject to certain antidilution provisions for stock dividends,
stock splits or other subdivisions or reclassifications of Common Stock, options
may be granted under the 1991 Plan to purchase not more than 2,100,000 shares of
Common Stock, which limit would be increased to 2,600,000 shares pursuant to the
proposed amendment. If any option expires or terminates without being fully
exercised and before the 1991 Plan terminates, the unpurchased shares subject
thereto are again available for purposes of the 1991 Plan.
Change in Control. The Compensation Committee may provide at any time for
acceleration of exercisability of an option upon the occurrence of a change in
control.
Nontransferability. Options are not transferable by the optionee except by
will or the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of the
optionee, options are exercisable only by the optionee or to the extent such
exercise would not prevent an option from qualifying as an incentive stock
option, by his or her guardian or legal representative.
Duration and Termination of Options. The maximum term of an option granted
under the 1991 Plan is five years, and an option may be exercised at any time
during its term unless the Compensation Committee fixes a specific vesting
period or periods for exercise of any option. Any such vesting period may be
accelerated in the event the optionee's employment is terminated without cause
pursuant to a written agreement approved by the Compensation Committee. An
optionee's rights under any option terminate upon the termination of employment
for any reason other than death, disability or retirement, except that the
Compensation Committee may permit exercise of such option for a period ending
not later than the expiration date of the option as to the total number of
shares purchasable under the option as of the date of termination. The 1991 Plan
provides that in the event of termination of an optionee's employment by reason
of the optionee's death, retirement or disability, any outstanding option held
by such optionee will immediately become exercisable as to the total number of
shares purchasable thereunder and will remain so exercisable at any time prior
to its expiration date or, if earlier, the first anniversary of termination of
the optionee's employment.
Exercise Price. The exercise price per share of Common Stock deliverable
upon the exercise of an option is determined by the Compensation Committee at
the time of grant. However, the exercise price per share under an option may not
be less than the greater of 100% (110% in the case of incentive stock options
granted to optionees who own more than ten percent of the voting power of the
Company) of the fair market value per share on the date the option is granted
and $0.75. On July 31, 1999, the closing price of the Common Stock as reported
on the Nasdaq National Market was $1.50. The exercise price may be paid in cash
or by certified or cashier's check or, to the extent permitted by the Committee,
in shares of Common Stock.
Plan Duration and Amendment. The 1991 Plan will continue in effect until
July 2, 2001, unless earlier suspended or discontinued. The 1991 Plan may be
modified, terminated or amended at any time by the Board except that, without
stockholder approval, the Board may not increase the number of shares of Common
Stock which may be issued under the 1991 Plan or modify the requirements as to
eligibility for participation. The
10
<PAGE>
modification, amendment or termination of the 1991 Plan will not affect the
rights of an optionee under any option previously granted to the optionee unless
the optionee consents thereto.
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations. The following is a brief
summary of the federal income tax consequences of transactions under the 1991
Plan. This summary is not intended to be exhaustive and does not discuss the tax
consequences of a participant's death or provisions of the income tax laws of
any municipality, state or foreign country in which an optionee may reside. As
stated above, the 1991 Plan permits the grant both of options that qualify as
incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code and of nonqualified
options. Options which qualify as incentive stock options are entitled to
special tax treatment if shares purchased pursuant to the exercise of such an
option are not disposed of by the optionee within two years from the date of
granting of the incentive stock option and within one year after the issue of
the shares to the optionee upon exercise of the incentive stock option. If this
condition is satisfied neither the grant nor the exercise of incentive stock
options will result in taxable income to the recipient or in a deduction to the
Company. If cash is used to exercise, the optionee receives a tax basis in the
stock purchased under an incentive stock option equal to the option price. The
optionee realizes, upon subsequent sale or other disposition of stock purchased
pursuant to an incentive stock option, long-term capital gain (or loss) equal to
the excess (or deficiency) of the amount realized upon disposition over such tax
basis. For purposes of the alternative minimum tax, however, the tax treatment
of an incentive stock option is similar to the tax treatment of a nonqualified
stock option described below.
An optionee who transfers shares purchased under an incentive stock option
within the one- or two-year holding period, subject to certain exceptions, will
realize, in the year of such disposition, (a) ordinary income equal to the
excess of (i) the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over
(ii) the option price and (b) capital gain equal to the excess, if any, of the
amount realized upon disposition over the fair market value of the shares on the
date of exercise. If the amount realized on disposition is less than the fair
market value of the shares on the date of exercise and the disposition occurs in
a sale or exchange with respect to which a loss (if sustained) would be
recognized, then the ordinary income realized by the optionee will, in most
cases, be limited to the excess of the amount realized over the option price.
Upon such a disposition, the Company will be entitled to deduct an amount equal
to the ordinary income realized by the optionee.
If an incentive stock option is exercised and the optionee uses previously
owned shares of Common Stock to pay the option price, the optionee's tax basis
will carry over to an equal number of shares purchased. The remaining Common
Stock received upon exercise of the option will receive a zero tax basis. The
optionee will realize no gain or loss as a result of the disposition of the
previously-owned shares, provided, if the shares were purchased under an
incentive stock option, the holding period requirement was satisfied.
The grant of nonqualified stock options will not result in any taxable
income to the recipient or in a deduction by the Company. However, upon exercise
of a nonqualified option, the optionee will realize ordinary income equal to the
excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the
purchase price, and the Company will be entitled to a deduction equal to the
amount the employee is required to treat as ordinary income. If cash is used to
exercise the option, the optionee will receive a tax basis in stock purchased
under a nonqualified option equal to its fair market value at the time of
exercise. On subsequent disposition of the shares, the optionee will realize
capital gain (or loss) equal to the excess (or deficiency) of the amount
realized over such tax basis. The gain or loss will be long-or short-term
depending on the optionee's holding period for the shares.
If a nonqualified option is exercised and the optionee uses
previously-owned shares of the Company's Common Stock to pay the purchase price,
the optionee will realize ordinary income as described above, but will realize
no gain or loss as a result of the disposition of the previously-owned shares,
provided, if the shares were purchased under an incentive stock option, the
holding period requirement was satisfied. The optionee's tax basis will carry
over to an equal number of shares purchased. The remaining shares of Common
Stock will have a tax basis equal to their fair market value.
11
<PAGE>
1991 Plan Benefits. The Company cannot now determine the number of options
to be granted in the future under the 1991 Plan to the named executive officers,
all current officers as a group or all employees (including current officers who
are not executive officers) as a group. See "Executive Compensation--Stock
Option Grants in the Last Fiscal Year and Aggregated Stock Option Exercises in
the Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Values" for the number of stock
options granted to the named executive officers in the fiscal year ended March
31, 1999. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, options to purchase 185,000
shares of Common Stock were granted to all current executive officers as a
group, and options to purchase 561,000 shares of Common Stock were granted to
all employees (including current officers who are not executive officers). On
July 19, 1999, options to purchase 110,000 shares of Common Stock were granted
to all current executive officers as a group, and options to purchase 235,000
shares of Common Stock were granted to all employees (including current officers
who are not executive officers). In addition, on June 10, 1999, options to
purchase 76,750 shares of Common Stock were granted to Mr. James.
Required Vote. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock present in person or by proxy will be
required to approve this amendment to the 1991 Plan.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE 1991 PLAN.
AMENDMENT TO DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN
(Proposal 4)
The Directors Stock Option Plan was adopted by the Board on July 2, 1991
and was approved by the stockholders of Company on October 2, 1991. A total of
225,000 shares of Common Stock are currently reserved for issuance under the
Directors Stock Option Plan, as amended (the "Directors Plan").
The Directors Plan provides for the automatic grant of a specified number
of options to directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company.
Those grants occur at the end of each fiscal year of the Company to then current
non-employee directors based upon the number of Board committees on which such
director then serves and the number of committee chairperson positions then
held. In addition, the Compensation Committee may grant discretionary options to
non-employee directors.
The purpose of the Directors Plan is to enhance the Company's ability to
obtain and retain the services of outside directors and to secure the benefits
arising from those directors having or increasing their equity stake in Company.
The Board approved an amendment to the Directors Plan, subject to stockholder
approval, to increase the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
pursuant to the Directors Plan by 75,000 shares so that the Company would
continue to have sufficient shares available to grant stock options pursuant to
the Directors Plan.
The stockholders of the Company are being requested to approve an increase
in the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Directors Plan by 75,000
shares, from 225,000 shares to 300,000 shares.
The essential features of the Directors Plan are as follows:
General. At July 31, 1999, 90,000 shares of Common Stock had been issued
upon exercise of options granted under the Directors Plan, options to purchase
94,000 shares of Common Stock were outstanding under the Directors Plan and
41,000 shares of Common Stock remained available for future grant under the
Directors Plan.
Purpose. The Directors Plan is intended to secure for the Company and its
stockholders the benefits arising from share ownership by directors and the
incentives created when directors acquire or increase their
12
<PAGE>
equity interest in the Company and to enhance the Company's ability to obtain
and retain the services of non-employee directors.
Administration. The Directors Plan is administered by the Compensation and
Stock Option Committee of the Board (the "Compensation Committee") composed of
at least two directors. The Compensation Committee has authority, subject to the
terms of the Directors Plan, to interpret the provisions of the Directors Plan,
to construe the terms of the options granted thereunder and to prescribe, amend
and rescind rules relating to the Directors Plan. Any power granted to the
Compensation Committee can be exercised by the Board and any determination by
the Compensation Committee is subject to review and approval or modification by
the Board.
Eligibility. Members of the Board who are not employees of the Company are
eligible to receive options under the Directors Plan.
Grant. Each new eligible director receives a one-time grant of an option
to purchase 4,000 shares of Common Stock. On the last business day of each
fiscal year of the Company, each non-employee director receives an option to
purchase 1,000 shares of Common Stock for each committee on which such director
is then serving and an option to purchase 1,000 shares of Common Stock for each
committee on which such director is then serving as chairperson. In addition,
non-employee directors may be granted such discretionary options as the
Compensation Committee may determine. Subject to certain antidilution provisions
for stock dividends, stock splits or other subdivisions or reclassifications of
Common Stock, options may be granted under the Directors Plan to purchase not
more than 225,000 shares of Common Stock in the aggregate, which limit would be
increased to 300,000 shares pursuant to the proposed amendment. If any option
expires or terminates without being fully exercised and before the Directors
Plan terminates, the unpurchased shares subject thereto are again available for
purposes of the Directors Plan.
Change in Control. The Compensation Committee may provide at any time for
acceleration of exercisability of an option upon the occurrence of a change in
control. If an optionee's status as a director terminates within one year after
a change of control (other than by resignation), any outstanding options held by
the director remain exercisable until their respective expiration dates.
Nontransferability. Options are not transferable by the optionee except by
will or the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of the
optionee, options are exercisable only by the optionee or by his or her guardian
or legal representative.
Duration and Termination of Options. The maximum term of an option granted
under the Directors Plan is five years, and an option may be exercised at any
time during its term unless the Compensation Committee fixes a specific vesting
period or periods for exercise of any option. If a grantee's status as director
terminates by reason of death or disability, each option held by the director
under the Directors Plan will become immediately exercisable for the total
number of shares purchasable thereunder and will remain so exercisable until the
earlier of its expiration date and the first anniversary of termination of the
grantee's status as director. If the grantee's status as director terminates for
any reason other than death or disability, each option held by the director
under the Directors Plan will remain exercisable until the earlier of its
expiration date and 30 days after termination of director status, subject to
extension for termination following a change in control as described above.
Exercise Price. The exercise price per share of Common Stock deliverable
upon the exercise of an option is the greater of $2.00 or 100% of the fair
market value per share on the date the option is granted. On July 31, 1999, the
closing price of Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market was
$1.50. The exercise price may be paid in cash or by certified or cashier's check
or, to the extent permitted by the Compensation Committee, in shares of Common
Stock.
13
<PAGE>
Plan Duration and Amendment. The Directors Plan will continue in effect
until July 2, 2001, unless earlier suspended or discontinued. The Directors Plan
may be modified, terminated or amended at any time by the Board except that,
without stockholder approval, the Board may not materially increase the number
of shares which may be issued under the Directors Plan or materially modify the
requirements as to eligibility for participation. The modification, amendment or
termination of the Directors Plan will not affect the rights of an optionee
under any option previously granted to the optionee unless the optionee consents
thereto.
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations. The following is a brief
summary of the federal income tax consequences of transactions under the
Directors Plan. This summary is not intended to be exhaustive and does not
discuss the tax consequences of a participant's death or provisions of the
income tax laws of any municipality, state or foreign country in which an
optionee may reside. The Directors Plan permits the grant only of nonqualified
options. The grant of nonqualified stock options will not result in any taxable
income to the recipient or in a deduction by the Company. However, upon exercise
of a nonqualified option, the optionee will realize ordinary income equal to the
excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the
purchase price, and the Company will be entitled to a deduction equal to the
amount the employee is required to treat as ordinary income. If cash is used to
exercise the option, the optionee will receive a tax basis in stock purchased
under a nonqualified option equal to its fair market value at the time of
exercise. On subsequent disposition of the shares, the optionee will realize
capital gain (or loss) equal to the excess (or deficiency) of the amount
realized over such tax basis. The gain or loss will be long- or short-term
depending on the optionee's holding period for the shares.
If a nonqualified option is exercised and the optionee uses
previously-owned shares of Common Stock to pay the purchase price, the optionee
will realize ordinary income as described above, but will realize no gain or
loss as a result of the disposition of the previously-owned shares. The
optionee's tax basis will carry over to an equal number of shares purchased. The
remaining shares of Common Stock will have a tax basis equal to their fair
market value.
Directors Plan Benefits. The Company cannot now determine the number of
options to be granted in the future under the Directors Plan to all current
directors who are not executive officers as a group, to each nominee for
election as a director or to each associate of such directors or nominees. In
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, options to purchase 51,000 shares of
Common Stock were granted to all current directors who were not executive
officers as a group. See "Compensation of Directors."
Required Vote. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock present in person or by proxy will be
required to approve this amendment to the Directors Plan.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE DIRECTORS PLAN.
14
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the compensation earned for services rendered
during the fiscal years indicated by the Company's Chief Executive Officer and
the four most highly compensated executive officers of the Company other than
the Chief Executive Officer whose salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 during the
fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 and who were serving as executive officers as
of March 31, 1999, and one other executive officer that was not serving as such
as of March 31, 1999 ("named executive officers").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long Term
Compen-
sation
Annual Compensation Awards
------------------------------------- ----------
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (g) (i)
Other Securities
Annual Underlying All Other
Compen- Option/ Compen-
Name and Principal sation SARs sation
Position Year Salary($) Bonus($) ($)(1) (#)(2) ($)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Tracey L. Gray 1999 195,635 - - 50,000 5,168(3)
President and Chief 1998 162,096 66,010 - 41,000 4,621
Executive Officer 1997 148,928 60,450 - - 3,656
Eduardo Gandarilla(4) 1999 215,350 7,500 19,868 35,000 4,371(5)
Executive Vice President 1998 184,453 17,965 - 10,000 2,066
1997 162,123 12,000 44,617 50,000 2,030
David F. Hemmings(6) 1999 118,269 15,000 15,480 50,000 4,054(7)
Senior Vice President 1998 - - - - -
1997 - - - - -
Kenneth W. Noack 1999 105,000 6,000 - 25,000 2,802(8)
Vice President 1998 98,167 16,687 - 8,000 2,580
1997 75,554 13,663 - - 1,961
Henry W. Swanson(9) 1999 117,000 3,534 - 25,000 2,994(10)
Vice President 1998 112,677 16,787 - 8,000 2,066
1997 56,538 - 35,000 40,000 2,030
William H. Thompson(11) 1999 124,282 12,000 17,221 25,000 1,592(12)
Senior Vice President 1998 35,551 3,725 - 30,000 281
1997 - - - - -
</TABLE>
- ------------
Footnotes to Summary Compensation Table
(1) Other annual compensation with respect to Mr. Gandarilla, Mr. Thompson and
Mr. Swanson represents reimbursements of relocation expenses and/or
related income taxes. Other annual compensation with respect to Mr.
Hemmings includes an employment signing bonus of $15,000 and a
reimbursement of relocation expenses of $480.
(2) Represents the number of shares of Common Stock underlying options granted
under the Company's 1991 Stock Option Plan.
(3) Includes the taxable portion of Company paid group term life insurance of
$1,260 and matching contributions of $3,908 made by the Company to the
Company's 401(k) savings plan for the account of the executive.
(4) The salary of Mr. Gandarilla includes sales commissions paid to Mr.
Gandarilla under the sales compensation plan between Mr. Gandarilla and
the Company.
15
<PAGE>
(5) Includes the taxable portion of Company paid group term life insurance of
$174 and matching contributions of $4,197 made by the Company to the
Company's 401(k) savings plan for the account of the executive.
(6) Mr. Hemmings joined the Company on June 1, 1998 as Senior Vice President
of Business Development and Technology/Systems Development.
(7) Includes the taxable portion of Company paid group term life insurance of
$169 and matching contributions of $2,308 made by the Company to the
Company's 401(k) savings plan for the account of the executive. Also
includes $1,577 related to additional life insurance premiums paid by the
Company.
(8) Includes the taxable portion of Company paid group term life insurance of
$702 and matching contributions of $2,100 made by the Company to the
Company's 401(k) savings plan for the account of the executive.
(9) Mr. Swanson serves the Company as the Vice President of Development and
served as the executive officer of the Company's engineering, research and
development activities until June 1, 1998.
(10) Includes the taxable portion of Company paid group term life insurance of
$702 and matching contributions of $2,292 made by the Company to the
Company's 401(k) savings plan for the account of the executive.
(11) Mr. Thompson joined the Company on December 18, 1997 as Senior Vice
President of Administration and Finance upon the acquisition of TSG.
(12) Includes the taxable portion of Company paid group term life insurance of
$260 and matching contributions of $1,332 made by the Company to the
Company's 401(k) savings plan for the account of the executive.
Stock Option Grants in the Last Fiscal Year
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to stock options
to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock that were granted to each of
the named executive officers during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Potential
Realizable Value at
Assumed Annual
Rates of Stock Price
Appreciation
Individual Grants for Option Term(2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g)
% of Total
Number Options
of Granted to
Securities Employees Exercise
Underlying in Fiscal Price Expiration
Name Options(1) Year ($/Share) Date 5% 10%
- ---- ---------- ---- --------- ---- -- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Tracey L. Gray 50,000 9% $ 4.560 7/13/03 $63,027 $139,273
Eduardo Gandarilla 35,000 6% $ 4.560 7/13/03 44,119 97,491
David F. Hemmings 50,000 9% $ 5.090 6/01/03 70,366 155,491
Kenneth W. Noack 25,000 5% $ 4.560 7/13/03 31,513 69,636
Henry W. Swanson 25,000 5% $ 4.560 7/13/03 31,513 69,636
William H. Thompson 25,000 5% $ 4.560 7/13/03 31,513 69,636
</TABLE>
(1) These options were granted at an exercise price equal to the per share
market value of the Common Stock on the grant date. The options become
exercisable twenty-five percent each year beginning one year after the
date of grant.
(2) The potential realizable value is calculated based on the term of the
option (five years) at its date of grant. It is calculated by assuming
that the stock price on the date of grant appreciates at the indicated
annual rate compounded annually for the entire term of the option;
however, the optionee will not actually realize any benefit from the
option unless the market value of the Company's stock price in fact
increases over the option price.
16
<PAGE>
Aggregated Stock Option Exercises in the Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End
Option Values
The following table sets forth for each of the named executive officers certain
information with respect to stock options exercised during the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1999 and the number and value of exercisable and unexercisable options
held by named executive officers as of March 31, 1999. The "Value Realized" on
"Shares Acquired on Exercise" during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 is
based on the difference between the closing market price of the Common Stock on
the exercise date and the option exercise price per share. The "Value of
Unexercised In-the-Money Options at Fiscal Year End" is based on the difference
between the closing market price of the Common Stock on March 31, 1999 ($3.75
per share) and the option exercise price per share.
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
Number of
Securities Value of
Underlying Unexercised
Unexercised In-the-Money
Options at Options at
Shares Fiscal Fiscal
Acquired Year-End Year-End
on Value Exercisable/ Exercisable/
Exercise Realized Unexercisable Unexercisable
Name (#) ($) (#) ($)
- ------------------- ---------- -------- ------------- --------------
Tracey L. Gray 5,000 19,388 49,000/87,000 5,000/0
Eduardo Gandarilla -- -- 27,500/67,500 0/0
David F. Hemmings -- -- 0/50,000 0/0
Kenneth W. Noack 8,000 30,520 20,562/33,188 3,000/0
Henry W. Swanson -- -- 22,000/51,000 0/0
William H. Thompson -- -- 63,073/49,677 88,124/0
Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment and Change in Control
Arrangements
Mr. C. Shelton James. Effective June 10, 1999, the Company and Mr. James
entered into an employment agreement that superceded an employment agreement
between the Company and Mr. James that was effective as of October 20, 1998. The
agreement expires on December 10, 1999, subject to certain extension and renewal
provisions. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. James serves as the acting President
and Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Company, and is paid a salary on an annual basis of $250,000. Mr. James is also
entitled to receive reimbursement of reasonable business expenses, a
non-accountable expense allowance of $2,000 monthly, the same benefits as made
available to the other senior executives on the same terms as such executives
and such bonus, if any, as the Board of Directors determines. In addition,
pursuant to the terms of the agreement, options to purchase 6,250, 20,500 and
50,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock were granted to Mr. James at per
share exercise prices of $6.1875, $6.00 and $4.5625, respectively. Options to
purchase 12,791 shares of Common Stock become exercisable on the 10th of each of
the months beginning in July 1999 and ending in November 1999, with the
remaining options to purchase 12,975 shares becoming exercisable on December 10,
1999. The options expire on various dates through July 13, 2003. The options
vest upon a change in control of the Company, and in the event the employment of
Mr. James is terminated by the Company without cause or upon the death or
disability of Mr. James, the options continue in effect until their expiration
date. The options expire immediately in the event the employment of Mr. James is
terminated by the Company for cause. Further, under the terms of the agreement,
if the Company without cause terminates the agreement, Mr. James is entitled to
receive the amount of compensation and benefits he would otherwise have received
for the remaining term of the agreement. Also, if the Company without cause
17
<PAGE>
terminates the agreement or does not extend or renew the agreement, Mr. James is
entitled to receive compensation during a severance period of three months.
Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. James is indemnified by the Company with
respect to claims made against him as a director, officer and/or employee of the
Company or any subsidiary of the Company to the fullest extent permitted by the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation, its Bylaws and Delaware corporation law.
Pursuant to the former agreement effective on October 20, 1998, Mr. James
served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and an employee of the Company,
and was paid an annual salary of at least $94,000. The agreement had an
expiration date of December 31, 1999, subject to certain earlier termination and
automatic renewal provisions. Under the agreement, the base salary of Mr. James
was subject to annual review for merit and other increases at the discretion of
the Board. Mr. James was also entitled to the same benefits made available to
the other senior executives of the Company on the same terms and conditions as
such executives, and was entitled to receive an annual incentive bonus equal to
50% of base salary if the Company achieved its after tax profit plan for the
year. If the Company was profitable and earned less than its plan, then such
bonus was based on the percentage achievement of the annual plan times 50% of
base salary. If the Company achieved profits in excess of its annual plan, then,
at the discretion of the Board, an additional bonus in excess of 50% of base
salary may have been paid. In addition, the agreement provided that options held
by Mr. James would immediately vest in the event of a change in control of the
Company. If the Company without cause terminated the agreement, Mr. James was
entitled to receive the amount of compensation, bonus and benefits he would
otherwise have received for the remaining term of the agreement or for twelve
months from the date of notice of termination, whichever period was longer.
Mr. Tracey L. Gray. Effective June 11, 1999, the Company and Mr. Gray
entered into a retirement agreement that superceded an employment agreement
between the Company and Mr. Gray that was effective as of October 20, 1998.
Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Gray retired as the President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and as an officer and employee of the Company's
subsidiaries. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Gray became a consultant to
the Company effective June 14, 1999 for a period of 30 days, which is subject to
an extension of up to 30 days upon notice from the acting President and Chief
Executive Officer. During the consulting period, Mr. Gray is entitled to receive
compensation based on an annual salary rate of $200,000, reimbursement of
business expenses and other benefits, other than stock options and bonus
payments, that he was entitled to receive prior to his retirement. In addition,
after the consulting period, Mr. Gray is entitled to receive compensation at a
rate of $75,000 annually for a period of two years and reimbursement of the cost
of medical insurance under the Company's employee medical plan. Further, the
agreement provides that all vested options to purchase shares of the Company's
Common Stock held by Mr. Gray shall remain exercisable until their expiration
dates. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Gray is indemnified by the Company
with respect to claims made against him as a director, officer and/or employee
of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company to the fullest extent permitted
by the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, its Bylaws and Delaware
corporation law.
Pursuant to the former agreement effective as of October 20, 1998, Mr.
Gray was paid an annual salary of at least $200,000. His base salary was subject
to annual review for merit and other increases at the discretion of the Board.
Mr. Gray was also entitled to the same benefits made available to the other
senior executives of the Company on the same terms and conditions as such
executives. In addition, Mr. Gray was entitled to receive an annual incentive
bonus equal to 50% of base salary if the Company achieved its after tax profit
plan for the year. If the Company was profitable and earned less than its plan,
then such bonus was based on the percentage achievement of the annual plan times
50% of base salary. If the Company achieved profits in excess of its annual
plan, then, at the discretion of the Board, an additional bonus in excess of 50%
of base salary may have been paid. Further, the agreement provided that
outstanding options held by Mr. Gray immediately vested and continued in effect
until the termination of such options in accordance with their terms in the
event Mr. Gray's employment was terminated without cause. If the Company without
cause terminated the agreement, Mr. Gray was entitled to receive the amount of
compensation, bonus and benefits he would otherwise have received for the
remaining term of the agreement or for twelve months from the date of notice of
termination, whichever period was longer.
18
<PAGE>
Other Executive Officers. Each of Messrs. Gandarilla, Hemmings, Noack,
Swanson and Thompson entered into an employment agreement with the Company which
became effective as of December 10, 1998 and that continue in effect until
either party to the agreement terminates the agreement with at least 60 days
prior written notice, subject to certain earlier termination provisions.
Pursuant to the agreements, Messrs. Gandarilla, Hemmings, Noack, Swanson and
Thompson are paid annual salaries of at least $155,000, $150,000, $105,000,
$117,000 and $125,000, respectively, and with respect to Mr. Gandarilla
commissions on the basis determined by the Company. Their base salaries are
subject to annual review for merit and other increases at the discretion of the
Board. Messrs. Gandarilla, Hemmings, Noack, Swanson and Thompson are reimbursed
(in accordance with Company policy from time to time in effect) for all
reasonable business expenses incurred by them in the performance of their
duties.
Pursuant to the terms of the agreements, Messrs. Gandarilla, Hemmings,
Noack, Swanson and Thompson are entitled to the same benefits made available to
the other senior executives of the Company and on the same terms and conditions
as such executives. Messrs. Gandarilla, Hemmings, Noack, Swanson and Thompson
are also entitled to receive an annual incentive bonus, if any, as determined or
approved by the Board or the Compensation Committee pursuant to the Company's
incentive compensation plan. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements, Messrs.
Gandarilla, Hemmings, Noack, Swanson and Thompson will be granted such options
to purchase shares of the Company's common stock as approved by the Compensation
Committee.
In addition, pursuant to the terms of the agreements, outstanding options
held by Messrs. Gandarilla, Hemmings, Noack, Swanson and Thompson immediately
vest in the event of a change in control of the Company, including the transfer,
exchange or sale of substantially all of the Company's assets to a
non-affiliated third party, a merger or consolidation of the Company pursuant to
which the stockholders of the Company own less than 50% of the surviving entity
or the entity into which the common stock of the Company is converted or if any
person, other than Wexford Management LLC or its affiliates or Fundamental
Management Corporation or its affiliates, becomes the owner directly or
indirectly of securities of the Company or its successor representing 35% or
more of the combined voting power of the Company's or its successor's securities
then outstanding. Also, vested outstanding options held by Messrs. Gandarilla,
Hemmings, Noack, Swanson and Thompson continue in effect in accordance with
their terms, but not to exceed one year from the date of termination of
employment in the event their employment is terminated other than for cause or
upon death or disability. In addition, if these agreements are terminated by the
Company without cause, Messrs. Gandarilla, Hemmings, Noack, Swanson and Thompson
are entitled to receive the amount of compensation and benefits they would
otherwise have received for a period of six months from the date of termination
and thereafter until they locate employment comparable to their employment at
the date of termination but not for a period longer than twelve months from the
date of termination of employment.
Under the terms of the agreements, Messrs. Gandarilla, Hemmings, Noack,
Swanson and Thompson are indemnified by the Company with respect to claims made
against them as officers and/or employees of the Company or any subsidiary of
the Company to the fullest extent permitted by the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation, its Bylaws and Delaware corporation law.
19
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee is comprised entirely of non-employee directors
who oversee compensation levels and benefits plans to ensure that such levels
and plans are appropriately competitive with the marketplace and aligned with
stockholder interests. The Committee submits reports to the full Board
concerning its activities and decisions. None of these non-employee directors
has interlocking or other relationships with other boards or the Company that
would call into question his independence as a Committee member. This report,
prepared by the Compensation Committee, reflects executive compensation policy
and philosophy applicable to fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 ("fiscal 1999").
Compensation Policy. The Company's executive compensation plans have been
designed to attract, motivate and retain the high-caliber executives necessary
to execute the strategies and plans essential to a technology-based company in
the telecommunications market. The policies and plans are designed to ensure
individual executives receive compensation in direct relationship to their
contribution to key corporate financial and strategic goals that are focused on
short term and long term business success while increasing shareholder values.
The plans are designed to be equitable and to recognize the balance between
short term operating performance and stock performance. The principal components
of executive compensation are base salary, annual incentives and long-term
incentive compensation consisting of stock options. In developing an executive's
total compensation package, the Committee considers each of these key
compensation elements, as well as insurance and limited perquisites.
Salary. The Company has in place a market and performance based salary
structure for its executive employees, and the minimum base salary amount of
executive officers is fixed under the terms of employment agreements.
Determination of appropriate compensation is based on level of responsibility,
scope and impact of decision-making and internal and external comparability. The
Committee authorizes the base salaries and adjustments to base salaries of all
corporate officers based on performance and competitive issues faced by the
Company as it attempts to attract and retain a more talented and experienced
executive team. The Compensation Committee is briefed on comparable officer
compensation in the industry from a variety of salary survey reports and
competitors' officer compensation structure.
Executive salary reviews generally are conducted within a twelve to
twenty-four month cycle. Base salary adjustments may occur at the time of such
reviews and depend on individual performance results, changes in job
responsibilities, competitive forces and the overall financial condition of the
Company.
Short-Term Incentive Compensation. For fiscal 1999, the Compensation
Committee adopted an incentive compensation plan for the senior executive
officers related to overall corporate financial performance. The plan for C.
Shelton James, Chairman of the Board, and Tracey L. Gray, President and Chief
Executive Officer, provided for incentive bonuses of up to 50% of base salary to
be paid based on the Company's performance as measured against key financial
factors, revenues, operating profits and increasing profitability. The
Compensation Committee did not award bonuses to such executives during the year
ended March 31, 1999 based on their overall consideration of the Company's
performance for the fiscal year.
For fiscal 1999, the Compensation Committee adopted an incentive
compensation plan for corporate officers other than Mr. James and Mr. Gray.
Maximum incentive compensation ranging from 20% to 30% of base salary could be
earned by the named executive officers based on the Company achieving operating
performance goals established for revenues, gross margins and operating profits,
and individual objectives related to each officer's area of responsibility.
Recommendations regarding the incentive compensation of each officer were
presented by Mr. Gray once the Company's final financial results were available.
No incentive compensation is payable under the plan unless the Company reports a
profit. The corporate performance goals
20
<PAGE>
and the individual objectives of each officer are approved at the beginning of
each fiscal year following approval of the fiscal year business plan.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation. For fiscal 1999, long-term incentive
compensation consisted of stock options issued under the 1991 Stock Option Plan.
The Compensation Committee generally has elected to grant stock options
annually. The Compensation Committee recognizes the merits and value of stock
ownership by the Company's executives as a basis for retention and aligning the
executive's interests with the stockholders of the Company. The use of stock
option grants has become a key element of the equity based compensation plans
designed to increase the equity interest of the Company's executives and
combined with performance based incentive compensation ensures a balanced
perspective focused on these two objectives. The stock option grants made to the
Company's executives in fiscal 1999 were made based on the subjective judgment
of the Compensation Committee members of the appropriate recognition for such
executives' services during fiscal 1999. Stock options granted during fiscal
1999 have exercise prices equal to the market price of the Company's Common
Stock on the date of grant, vest in one-fourth increments commencing one year
from the date of grant, and expire after five years.
Employment Agreements. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, the
Compensation Committee recommended and the Company entered into employment
agreements with its executive officers and other key employees. These employment
agreements were entered into to provide an incentive to the executives and other
key employees to remain in the employ of the Company, to ensure executive
officers provide adequate notice to the Company upon resignation from their
position with the Company in order to provide for an orderly transition of
responsibilities, to protect the Company against the potential of executives
immediately competing with the Company upon resignation or termination of
employment and to memorialize the Company's policies with respect to
compensation and other matters regarding executive officers and other key
employees during their employment and severance from employ of the Company.
Compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m). Section 162(m) of
the Internal Revenue Code generally disallows a tax deduction to public
companies for compensation over $1 million paid to its chief executive officer
and its four other most highly compensated executives. The compensation payable
by the Company to any one executive officer (including potential income from
outstanding stock options) is currently and for the foreseeable future unlikely
to reach that threshold. Qualifying, performance-based compensation will not be
subject to the deduction limit if certain requirements are met. The Compensation
Committee currently intends to structure stock option grants to executive
officers in a manner that complies with the performance-based requirements of
the statute.
Respectfully submitted,
David R. A. Steadman, Chairman
Joseph M. Jacobs
Dwight Jasmann
Mark L. Plaumann
21
<PAGE>
STOCK PERFORMANCE CHART
The following chart and graph compares the yearly change in cumulative total
stockholder return on the Common Stock during the five years ended March 31,
1999 with the cumulative total return of (i) Standard & Poors 500 Composite
Index, (ii) the Standard & Poors Telephone Index and (iii) the Standard & Poors
Technology Index. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on March 31, 1994 in
the Common Stock and in each of the other indices and assumes reinvestment of
dividends. The Company paid no dividends during the five-year period.
Comparison of Cumulative Total Return
3/31/94 3/31/95 3/31/96 3/31/97 3/31/98 3/31/99
Elcotel, Inc. $100 $108 $138 $164 $152 $ 98
S&P 500 Index 100 116 153 183 271 321
S&P Telephone Index 100 110 142 158 256 289
S&P Technology Index 100 127 171 231 349 560
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG ELCOTEL, INC., THE S&P 500 INDEX,
THE s&p TELEPHONE INDEX AND THE s&p TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX
The above data was represented as a line chart in the printed material
*$100 INVESTED ON 3/31/94 IN STOCK OR INDEX
INCLUDING REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS.
FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31.
22
<PAGE>
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT
OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
(Proposal 5)
The Board of Directors has appointed the Company's present independent
public accountants, Deloitte & Touche LLP, for the fiscal year ending March 31,
2000. This appointment will be submitted to the stockholders of the Company for
ratification at the Meeting.
The submission of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP for
ratification by the stockholders of the Company is not required by law or by the
By-laws of the Company. The Board of Directors is nevertheless submitting it to
the stockholders to ascertain their views. If the Stockholders do not ratify the
appointment, the selection of other independent public accountants will be
considered by the Board of Directors.
Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to be present at the
Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and will have the opportunity to
make a statement if they so desire.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote
for the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
OTHER MATTERS
As of the date hereof, there are no other matters requiring a vote of the
stockholders that the Board of Directors intends to present, or has reason to
believe, others will present at the Meeting. However, if other matters should
properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in
the enclosed proxy to vote in accordance with their best judgment on such
matters.
EXPENSES OF SOLICITATION
Proxies are being solicited hereby on behalf of the Board of Directors. In
addition to the use of the mails, solicitation may be made in person or by
telephone or otherwise by directors, officers and regular employees of the
Company. Such directors, officers and regular employees will not be additionally
compensated for such solicitation, but may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket
expenses incurred in connection therewith. If undertaken, the expense of such
solicitation is expected to be nominal. The Company may retain the services of
third parties to aid in the solicitation of proxies. Request will be made of
brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward the
solicitation material at the expense of the Company to the beneficial owners of
stock held of record by such persons.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
From time to time, stockholders of the Company may submit proposals that
they believe should be voted upon at the annual meeting. Pursuant to Rule 14a-8
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, some stockholder proposals may be
eligible for inclusion in the Company's proxy statement and form of proxy for
its 2000 annual meeting. Any such stockholder proposals must be received by the
Secretary of the Company at its executive offices at 6428 Parkland Drive,
Sarasota, Florida 32243 on or before May 18,2000. The submission of a
stockholder proposal does not guarantee that is will be included in the
Company's proxy statement.
Alternatively, a proposal that the stockholder does not seek to include in
the Company's proxy statement and form of proxy pursuant to Rule 14a-8 may be
submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Company for the 2000 annual meeting
of stockholders not less than 45 days before the date on which the Company first
mailed its proxy materials for the 1999 Annual Meeting, unless the date of the
2000 annual meeting of stockholders is
23
<PAGE>
advanced by more than 30 days or delayed (other than as a result of adjournment)
by more than 30 days from the anniversary of the 1999 Annual Meeting. For the
Company's 2000 annual meeting of stockholders, this means that any such proposal
must be submitted no earlier than August 1, 2000. If the date of the 2000 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed (other than
as a result of adjournment) by more than 30 days from the anniversary of the
1999 Annual Meeting, the stockholder must submit any such proposal a reasonable
time before the Company mails its proxy materials for the 2000 annual meeting.
The stockholder's submission must include certain specified information
concerning the proposal and information as to the stockholder's ownership of
Common Stock of the Company. Proposals not meeting these requirements will not
be entertained at the annual meeting of stockholders. If the stockholder does
not also comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Company may exercise discretionary voting authority
under proxies it solicits to vote in accordance with the best judgment on any
such proposal submitted by a stockholder.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE TO EACH PERSON SOLICITED, WITHOUT CHARGE EXCEPT
FOR EXHIBITS, UPON REQUEST IN WRITING, A COPY OF ITS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K,
INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AS FILED
WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
1999. REQUESTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MR. WILLIAM H. THOMPSON, SECRETARY,
ELCOTEL, INC., 6428 PARKLAND DRIVE, SARASOTA, FLORIDA 34243.
By Order of the Board of Directors
William H. Thompson, Secretary
24
<PAGE>
(Front Side of Proxy Card)
ELCOTEL, INC.
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Joseph M. Jacobs, C. Shelton James,
Charles H. Moore, Thomas E. Patton, and Mark L. Plaumann, or any of them with
full power of substitution, proxies to vote at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of Elcotel, Inc. (the "Company") to be held on Tuesday, November 2,
1999 at 9:00 A.M., local time, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof,
hereby revoking any proxies heretofore given, to vote all shares of common stock
of the Company held or owned by the undersigned as directed on the reverse, and
in their discretion upon such other matters as may come before the meeting.
(To Be Continued And Signed On The Reverse Side)
<PAGE>
(Backside of Proxy Card)
[X] Please mark your
votes as in this
example
Nominees:
1. Election of
[ ] [ ]
FOR WITHHELD Joseph M. Jacobs
C. Shelton James
Charles H. Moore
Thomas E. Patton
Mark L. Plaumann
FOR except vote withheld from the following nominee(s):
- ---------------------------------------------------
2. Approve an amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to
increase the number of authorized shares of common stock, $.01 par value
by 10,000,000 shares to 40,000,000 shares.
[ ] [ ] [ ]
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
3. Approve an amendment to the 1991 Stock Option Plan to increase the number
of shares reserved for issuance by 500,000 shares to 2,600,000 shares.
[ ] [ ] [ ]
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
4. Approve an amendment to the Directors Stock Option Plan to increase the
number of shares reserved for issuance by 75,000 shares to 300,000 shares.
[ ] [ ] [ ]
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
5. Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's
independent accountants for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2000.
[ ] [ ] [ ]
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS AND FOR PROPOSALS 2, 3, 4 and 5. THIS PROXY WILL ALSO BE
VOTED ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
PLEASE VOTE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
SIGNATURE_____________________________________ DATE_______________
SIGNATURE_____________________________________ DATE_______________
NOTE: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign.
When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please
give full title as such.
2
<PAGE>
ELCOTEL, INC.
1991 STOCK OPTION PLAN
1. Definitions
As used in this Plan, the following definitions apply to the terms
indicated below:
1. "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2. A Change of Control means the occurrence of any one or more of the
following events: (i) if any transaction occurs whereby a substantial portion of
the assets of the Company are transferred, exchanged or sold to a non-affiliated
third party other than in the ordinary course of business; (ii) if a merger or
consolidation involving the Company occurs and the stockholders of the Company
immediately before such merger or consolidation do not own immediately after
such merger or consolidation at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding
common stock of the surviving entity or the entity into which the common stock
of the Company is converted; or (iii) if any person (including without
limitation any individual, partnership or corporation) becomes the owner,
directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company or its successor (or a
parent company thereof) representing thirty-five percent (35%) or more of the
combined voting power of the Company's or its successor's (or a parent's, as the
case may be) securities then outstanding.
3. "Committee" means the Compensation and Stock Option Committee appointed
by the Board from time to time to administer the Plan. The Committee shall
consist of at least two persons, who shall be directors of the Company and who
shall not be or have been granted or awarded, while serving on the Committee or
within one year prior thereto, stock, stock options, or stock appreciation
rights pursuant to any plan of the Company or any of its affiliates except a
plan that provides for formula grants or awards.
4. "Company" means Elcotel, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
5. "Fair Market Value" of a Share on a given day means, if the Shares are
traded in a public market, the mean between the highest and lowest quoted
selling prices of a Share as reported on the principal securities exchange on
which the Shares are then listed or admitted to trading, or if not so reported,
the mean between the highest and lowest quoted selling prices of a Share, or the
mean between the highest asked price and the lowest bid price as the case may
be, as reported on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated
Quotation System. If the Shares shall not be so traded, the Fair Market Value
shall be determined by the Committee taking into account all relevant facts and
circumstances.
6. "Grantee" means a person who is either an Optionee or an
Optionee-Shareholder.
<PAGE>
7. "Incentive Stock Option" means an option, whether granted under this
Plan or otherwise, that qualifies as an incentive stock option within the
meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code.
8. "Option" means a right to purchase Shares under the terms and
conditions of this Plan as evidenced by an option certificate or agreement for
Shares in such form, not inconsistent with this Plan, as the Committee may adopt
for general use or for specific cases from time to time.
9. "Optionee" means a person other than an Optionee-Shareholder to whom an
option is granted under this Plan.
10. "Optionee-Shareholder" means a person to whom an option is granted
under this Plan and who at the time such option is granted owns, actually or
constructively, stock of the Company or of a Parent or Subsidiary possessing
more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock of the Company or of such Parent or Subsidiary.
11. "Nonqualified Option" means an Option that is not an Incentive Stock
Option.
12. "Parent" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken
chain of corporations ending with the Company if, at the time of granting an
Option, each of the corporations in the unbroken chain (other than the Company)
owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting
power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in the chain.
13. "Plan" means this Elcotel, Inc. 1991 Stock Option Plan, including any
amendments to the Plan.
14. "Share" means a share of the Company's common stock, par value $.01
per share, either now or hereafter owned by the Company as treasury stock or
authorized but unissued.
15. "Subsidiary" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an
unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if, at the time of
granting an Option, each of the corporations in the unbroken chain (other than
the last corporation in the chain) owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or
more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the
other corporations in the chain.
16. Options shall be deemed "granted" under this Plan on the date on which
the Committee, by appropriate action, approves the grant of an Option hereunder
or on such subsequent date as the Committee may designate.
17. As used herein, the masculine includes the feminine, the plural
includes the singular, and the singular includes the plural.
-2-
<PAGE>
2. Purpose
The purposes of the Plan are as follows.
1. To secure for the Company and its shareholders the benefits arising
from share ownership by those officers and key employees of the Company and its
Subsidiaries who will be responsible for the Company's future growth and
continued success. The Plan is intended to provide an incentive to officers and
key employees by providing them with an opportunity to acquire an equity
interest or increase an existing equity interest in the Company, thereby
increasing their personal stake in its continued success and progress.
2. To enable the Company and its Subsidiaries to obtain and retain the
services of key employees, by providing such key employees with an opportunity
to acquire Shares under the terms and conditions and in the manner contemplated
by this Plan.
3. Plan Adoption and Term
1. This Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the Board, and
Options may be issued upon such adoption and from time to time thereafter;
provided, however, that the Plan shall be submitted to the Company's
shareholders for their approval at the next annual meeting of shareholders, or
prior thereto at a special meeting of shareholders expressly called for such
purpose; and provided further, that the approval of the Company's shareholders
shall be obtained within 12 months of the date of adoption of the Plan. If the
Plan is not approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all
shares present in person or by proxy, at a duly called shareholders' meeting at
which a quorum representing a majority of all voting stock is present in person
or by proxy and voting on this Plan, then this Plan and all Options then
outstanding under it shall forthwith automatically terminate and be of no force
and effect.
2. Subject to the provisions hereinafter contained relating to
amendment or discontinuance, this Plan shall continue to be in effect for ten
(10) years from the date of adoption of this Plan by the Board. No Options may
be granted hereunder except within such period of ten (10) years.
4. Administration of Plan
1. This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Except as
otherwise expressly provided in this Plan, the Committee shall have authority to
interpret the provisions of the Plan, to construe the terms of any Option, to
prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to
determine the terms and provisions of Options granted hereunder, and to make all
other determinations in the judgment of the Committee necessary or desirable for
the administration of the Plan. Without limiting the foregoing, the Committee
shall, to the extent and in the manner contemplated herein, exercise the
discretion granted to it to determine to whom Incentive Stock Options and
Non-qualified Options shall be granted, how many Shares shall be subject to each
such Option, whether a Grantee shall be required to surrender for cancellation
an outstanding Option as a condition to the grant of a new Option, and the
prices at which Shares shall be sold to Grantees.
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<PAGE>
The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any
inconsistency in the Plan or in any Option in the manner and to the extent it
shall deem expedient to carry the Plan into effect and shall be the sole and
final judge of such expediency.
2. No member of the Committee shall be liable for any action taken or
omitted or any determination made by him in good faith relating to the Plan, and
the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Committee and
each other director or employee of the Company to whom any duty or power
relating to the administration or interpretation of the Plan has been delegated
against any cost or expense (including counsel fees) or liability (including any
sum paid in settlement of a claim with the approval of the Committee) arising
out of any act or omission in connection with the Plan, unless arising out of
such person's own fault or bad faith.
3. Any power granted to the Committee either in this Plan or by the
Board, may at any time be exercised by the Board, and any determination by the
Committee shall be subject to review and approval or reversal or modification by
the Board.
5. Eligibility
Officers and key employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries shall be
eligible for selection by the Committee to be granted Options. An employee who
has been granted an Option may, if he or she is otherwise eligible, be granted
an additional Option or Options if the Committee shall so determine.
6. Options
1. Subject to adjustment as provided in Paragraph 13 hereof, Options
may be granted pursuant to the Plan for the purchase of not more than 2,600,000
Shares; provided, however, that if prior to the termination of the Plan, an
Option shall expire or terminate for any reason without having been exercised in
full, the unpurchased Shares subject thereto shall again be available for the
purposes of the Plan.
2. The aggregate fair market value (determined as of the time Options
are granted) of the stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options may be
or become exercisable for the first time by a Grantee during any calendar year
(whether granted under this Plan or any other plan of the Company or any Parent
or Subsidiary corporation) shall not exceed $100,000. To the extent an Incentive
Stock Option may be or become exercisable in violation of this limitation, it
shall be deemed to be a Nonqualified Option.
7. Option Price
The purchase price per Share deliverable upon the exercise of an Option
shall be determined by the Committee, but shall not be less than the greater of:
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(1) 100% of the Fair Market Value of such Share on the date the
Option is granted (110% of the Fair Market Value of such Share on the date
an Incentive Stock Option is granted to an Optionee-Shareholder), and
(2) $0.75.
8. Duration of Options
Each Option and all rights thereunder shall expire and the Option shall no
longer be exercisable on a date not later than five (5) years from the date on
which the Option was granted. Options may expire and cease to be exercisable on
such earlier date as the Committee may determine at the time of grant. Options
shall be subject to termination before their expiration date as provided herein.
9. Conditions Relating to Exercise of Options
1. The Shares subject to any Option may be purchased at any time during
the term of the Option, unless, at the time an Option is granted, the Committee
shall have fixed a specific period or periods in which exercise must take place.
To the extent an Option is not exercised when it becomes initially exercisable,
or is exercised only in part, the Option or remaining part thereof shall not
expire but shall be carried forward and shall be exercisable until the
expiration or termination of the Option. Partial exercise as to whole Shares is
permitted from time to time, provided that no partial exercise of an Option
shall be for a number of Shares having a purchase price of less than $100.
2. No Option shall be transferable by the Grantee thereof other than by
will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and Options shall be
exercisable during the lifetime of a Grantee only by such Grantee or, to the
extent that such exercise would not prevent an Option from qualifying as an
Incentive Stock Option under the Internal Revenue Code, by his or her guardian
or legal representative.
3. Certificates for Shares purchased upon exercise of Options shall be
issued either in the name of the Grantee or in the name of the Grantee and
another person jointly with the right of survivorship. Such certificates shall
be delivered as soon as practical following the date the Option is exercised.
4. An Option shall be exercised by the delivery to the Company at its
principal office, to the attention of its Secretary, of written notice of the
number of Shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised, and of the
name or names in which the certificate for the Shares is to be issued, and by
paying the purchase price for the Shares. The purchase price shall be paid in
cash or by certified check or bank cashier's check. Alternatively, to the extent
permitted by the Committee and in its sole discretion, the purchase price may be
paid by delivering to the Company:
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<PAGE>
(1) Shares (in proper form for transfer and accompanied by all
requisite stock transfer tax stamps or cash in lieu thereof) owned by the
Grantee having a Fair Market Value equal to the purchase price; or
(2) a notarized statement attesting to ownership of the number of
Shares which are intended to be used at Fair Market Value to pay the
purchase price, with the certificate number(s) thereof, and requesting
that only the incremental number of Shares as to which the Option is being
exercised be issued by the Company.
5. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan, no Option may be
exercised unless and until (i) this Plan has been approved by the shareholders
of the Company, and (ii) the Shares to be issued upon the exercise thereof have
been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and applicable state securities
laws, or are, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, exempt from such
registration. The Company shall not be under any obligation to register under
applicable Federal or state securities laws any Shares to be issued upon the
exercise of an Option granted hereunder, or to comply with an appropriate
exemption from registration under such laws in order to permit the exercise of
an Option or the issuance and sale of Shares subject to such Option. If the
Company chooses to comply with such an exemption from registration, the
certificates for Shares issued under the Plan, may, at the direction of the
Committee, bear an appropriate restrictive legend restricting the transfer or
pledge of the Shares represented thereby, and the Committee may also give
appropriate stop-transfer instructions to the transfer agent of the Company.
6. Any person exercising an Option or transferring or receiving Shares
shall comply with all regulations and requirements of any governmental authority
having jurisdiction over the issuance, transfer or sale of securities of the
Company or over the extension of credit for the purposes of purchasing or
carrying any margin securities, or the requirements of any stock exchange on
which the Shares may be listed, and as a condition to receiving any Shares,
shall execute all such instruments as the Committee in its sole discretion may
deem necessary or advisable.
7. Each Option shall be subject to the requirement that if the Committee
shall determine that the listing, registration or qualification of the Shares
subject to such Option upon any securities exchange or under any state or
Federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental or regulatory body,
is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the granting
of such Option or the issuance or purchase of Shares thereunder, such Option may
not be exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, registration,
qualification, consent or approval shall have been effective or obtained free of
any conditions not acceptable to the Committee.
10. Effect of Termination of Employment or Death
1. In the event of termination of a Grantee's employment by reason of
such Grantee's death, disability, or retirement with the consent of the Board or
in accordance with an applicable retirement plan, any outstanding Option held by
such Grantee shall, notwithstanding the extent to which such Option was
exercisable prior to termination of employment, immediately become exercisable
as to the total number of Shares purchasable thereunder. Any such Option shall
remain
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<PAGE>
so exercisable at any time prior to its expiration date or, if earlier, the
first anniversary of termination of the Grantee's employment.
2. In the event of termination of a Grantee's employment for any reason
other than death, disability, or retirement with the consent of the Board or in
accordance with an applicable retirement plan, all rights of any kind under any
outstanding Option held by such Grantee shall immediately lapse and terminate;
provided, however, that the Committee may, in its discretion, elect to permit
exercise for a period ending on the earlier of the expiration date of the Option
absent any such termination of employment and a date thirty days after the
termination of employment as to the total number of Shares purchasable under the
Option as of the date of such termination; and provided further, that the
Committee may, in its discretion, elect to permit exercise until a date
determined by the Committee but not later than the expiration date of the Option
absent any such termination of employment as to the total number of Shares
purchasable under the Option as of the date of such termination, subject to any
further conditions that the Committee may determine.
3. Whether an authorized leave of absence or absence in military or
government service shall constitute termination of employment shall be
determined by the Committee. Transfer of employment between the Company and a
Subsidiary corporation or between one Subsidiary corporation and another shall
not constitute termination of employment.
11. No Special Employment Rights
Nothing contained in the Plan or in any Option shall confer upon any
Grantee any right with respect to the continuation of his or her employment by
the Company or a Subsidiary or interfere in any way with the right of the
Company or a Subsidiary, subject to the terms of any separate employment
agreement to the contrary, at any time to terminate such employment or to
increase or decrease the compensation of the Grantee from the rate in existence
at the time of the grant of an Option.
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<PAGE>
12. Rights as a Shareholder
The Grantee of an Option shall have no rights as a shareholder with
respect to any Shares covered by an Option until the date of issuance of a
certificate to him for such Shares. Except as otherwise expressly provided in
the Plan, no adjustment shall be made for dividends or other rights for which
the record date occurs prior to the date of issuance of such certificate.
13. Anti-dilution Provision
1. In case the Company shall (i) declare a dividend or dividends on its
Shares payable in shares of its capital stock, (ii) subdivide its outstanding
Shares, (iii) combine its outstanding Shares into a smaller number of Shares, or
(iv) issue any shares of capital stock by reclassification of its Shares
(including any such reclassification in connection with a consolidation or
merger in which the Company is the continuing corporation), the number of Shares
authorized under the Plan will be adjusted proportionately. Similarly, in any
such event, there will be a proportionate adjustment in the number of Shares
subject to unexercised Options (but without adjustment to the aggregate option
price).
2. The Committee may provide, either before or at or about the time of
the occurrence of a Change of Control, in any outstanding or newly issued Option
that a Grantee's ri
ght to exercise any such Option shall accelerate as a
consequence of or in connection with a Change of Control. In addition, the
Committee may provide in any outstanding or newly issued Option that a Grantee's
right to exercise any such Option shall accelerate in the event of a termination
of employment of such Grantee without cause pursuant to the terms of a written
agreement between the Company and the Grantee which has been approved by the
Committee.
14. Withholding Taxes
Whenever an Option is to be exercised under the Plan, the Company shall
have the right to require the Grantee, as a condition of exercise of the Option,
to remit to the Company an amount sufficient to satisfy the Company's (or a
Subsidiary's) Federal, state and local withholding tax obligation, if any, that
will, in the sole opinion of the Committee, result from the exercise. In
addition, the Company shall have the right, at the sole discretion of the
Committee, to satisfy any such withholding tax obligation by retention of Shares
issuable upon such exercise having a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise
equal to the amount to be withheld.
15. Amendment of the Plan
The Board may at any time and from time to time terminate or modify or
amend the Plan in any respect, except that, without shareholder approval, the
Board may not (a) increase the number of Shares which may be issued under the
Plan, or (b) modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation under
the Plan. The termination or modification or amendment of the Plan shall not,
without the consent of a Grantee, affect his rights under an Option previously
granted to him or her. With the consent of the Grantee, the Board may amend
outstanding Options in a manner not inconsistent with the Plan.
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<PAGE>
16. Miscellaneous
1. It is expressly understood that this Plan grants powers to the
Committee but does not require their exercise; nor shall any person, by reason
of the adoption of this Plan, be deemed to be entitled to the grant of any
Option; nor shall any rights begin to accrue under the Plan except as Options
may be granted hereunder.
2. All expenses of the Plan, including the cost of maintaining records,
shall be borne by the Company.
17. Governing Law
This Plan and all rights hereunder shall be governed by and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
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<PAGE>
ELCOTEL, INC.
DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN
1. Definitions
As used in this Plan, the following definitions apply to the terms
indicated below:
A. "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
B. A Change of Control means the occurrence of any one or more of the
following events: (i) if any transaction occurs whereby a substantial portion of
the assets of the Company are transferred, exchanged or sold to a non-affiliated
third party other than in the ordinary course of business; (ii) if a merger or
consolidation involving the Company occurs and the stockholders of the Company
immediately before such merger or consolidation do not own immediately after
such merger or consolidation at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding
common stock of the surviving entity or the entity into which the common stock
of the Company is converted; or (iii) if any person (including without
limitation any individual, partnership or corporation) becomes the owner,
directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company or its successor (or a
parent company thereof) representing thirty-five percent (35%) or more of the
combined voting power of the Company's or its successor's (or a parent's, as the
case may be) securities then outstanding.
C. "Committee" means the Compensation and Stock Option Committee appointed
by the Board from time to time to administer the Plan. The Committee shall
consist of at least two persons, who shall be directors of the Company.
D. "Company" means Elcotel, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
E. "Director" means a member of the Board who is not an employee of the
Company.
F. "Fair Market Value" of a Share on a given day means, if the Shares are
traded in a public market, the mean between the highest and lowest quoted
selling prices of a Share as reported on the principal securities exchange on
which the Shares are then listed or admitted to trading, or if not so reported,
the mean between the highest and lowest quoted selling prices of a Share, or the
mean between the highest asked price and the lowest bid price as the case may
be, as reported on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated
Quotation System. If the Shares shall not be so traded, the Fair Market Value
shall be determined by the Committee taking into account all relevant facts and
circumstances.
<PAGE>
G. "Grantee" means a person to whom an Option is granted.
H. "Option" means a right to purchase Shares under the terms and
conditions of this Plan as evidenced by an option certificate or agreement for
Shares in such form, not inconsistent with this Plan, as the Committee may adopt
for general use or for specific cases from time to time.
I. "Plan" means this Elcotel, Inc. Directors Stock Option Plan, including
any amendments to the Plan.
J. "Share" means a share of the Company's common stock, par value $.01 per
share, either now or hereafter owned by the Company as treasury stock or
authorized but unissued.
K. As used herein, the masculine includes the feminine, the plural
includes the singular, and the singular includes the plural.
2. Purpose
The purposes of the Plan are as follows.
A. To secure for the Company and its shareholders the benefits arising
from share ownership by Directors. The Plan is intended to provide an incentive
to Directors by providing them with an opportunity to acquire an equity interest
or increase an existing equity interest in the Company, thereby increasing their
personal stake in its continued success and progress.
B. To enable the Company and its Subsidiaries to obtain and retain the
services of Directors, by providing Directors with an opportunity to acquire
Shares under the terms and conditions and in the manner contemplated by this
Plan.
3. Plan Adoption and Term
A. This Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the Board, and
Options shall be issued from time to time thereafter; provided, however, that
the Plan shall be submitted to the Company's shareholders for their approval at
the next annual meeting of shareholders, or prior thereto at a special meeting
of shareholders expressly called for such purpose; and provided further, that
the approval of the Company's shareholders shall be obtained within 12 months of
the date of adoption of the Plan. If the Plan is not approved by the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of all shares present in person or by proxy,
at a duly called shareholders' meeting at which a quorum representing a majority
of all voting stock is present in person or by proxy and voting on this Plan,
then this Plan and all Options then outstanding under it shall forthwith
automatically terminate and be of no force and effect.
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<PAGE>
B. Subject to the provisions hereinafter contained relating to amendment
or discontinuance, this Plan shall continue to be in effect for ten (10) years
from the date of adoption of this Plan by the Board. No Options may be granted
hereunder except within such period of ten (10) years.
4. Administration of Plan
A. This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Except as otherwise
expressly provided in this Plan, the Committee shall have authority to interpret
the provisions of the Plan, to construe the terms of any Option, to prescribe,
amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to determine the
terms and provisions of Options granted hereunder, and to make all other
determinations in the judgment of the Committee necessary or desirable for the
administration of the Plan. Without limiting the foregoing, the Committee shall,
to the extent and in the manner contemplated herein, exercise the discretion
granted to it to determine how many Shares shall be subject to each
discretionary Option, whether a Grantee shall be required to surrender for
cancellation an outstanding Option as a condition to the grant of a new Option,
and the prices at which Shares shall be sold to Grantees. The Committee may
correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the
Plan or in any Option in the manner and to the extent it shall deem expedient to
carry the Plan into effect and shall be the sole and final judge of such
expediency.
B. No member of the Committee shall be liable for any action taken or
omitted or any determination made by him in good faith relating to the Plan, and
the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Committee and
each other director or employee of the Company to whom any duty or power
relating to the administration or interpretation of the Plan has been delegated
against any cost or expense (including counsel fees) or liability (including any
sum paid in settlement of a claim with the approval of the Committee) arising
out of any act or omission in connection with the Plan, unless arising out of
such person's own fault or bad faith.
C. Any power granted to the Committee may at any time be exercised by the
Board, and any determination by the Committee shall be subject to review and
reversal or modification by the Board on its own motion.
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<PAGE>
5. Options
A. Subject to adjustment as provided in Paragraph 12 hereof, an Option
shall be granted to each Director on the last business day of each fiscal year
of the Company for the purchase of (i) 1,000 Shares for each committee on which
such Director is then serving; and (ii) 1,000 Shares for each committee of which
such Director is then the chairperson. Subject to adjustment as provided in
Paragraph 12 hereof, a new Director shall receive a one-time automatic grant of
an option to purchase 4,000 Shares at the time such Director is either elected
by the shareholders to serve on the Board or appointed by the Board to fill a
vacancy. In addition to the grants of Options mandated by the foregoing
sentences of this Paragraph 5A and subject to adjustment as provided in
Paragraph 12 hereof, a Director may be granted discretionary Options as the
Committee shall determine.
B. Subject to adjustment as provided in Paragraph 12 hereof, Options may
be granted pursuant to the Plan for the purchase of not more than 300,000
Shares; provided, however, that if prior to the termination of the Plan, an
Option shall expire or terminate for any reason without having been exercised in
full, the unpurchased Shares subject thereto shall again be available for the
purposes of the Plan.
6. Option Price
The purchase price per Share deliverable upon the exercise of an Option
shall be determined by the Committee but shall not be less than the greater of:
(1) 100% of the Fair Market Value of such Share on the date the
Option is granted, and
(2) $2.00.
7. Duration of Options
Each Option and all rights thereunder shall expire and the Option shall no
longer be exercisable on a date five (5) years from the date on which the Option
was granted. Options may expire and cease to be exercisable on such earlier date
as the Committee may determine at the time of grant. Options shall be subject to
termination before their expiration date as provided herein.
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<PAGE>
8. Conditions Relating to Exercise of Options
A. The Shares subject to any Option may be purchased at any time during
the term of the Option beginning on the first anniversary date of the date of
the grant of such Option. To the extent an Option is not exercised when it
becomes initially exercisable, or is exercised only in part, the Option or
remaining part thereof shall not expire but shall be carried forward and shall
be exercisable until the expiration or termination of the Option. Partial
exercise as to whole Shares is permitted from time to time, provided that no
partial exercise of an Option shall be for a number of Shares having a purchase
price of less than $1,000.
B. No Option shall be transferable by the Grantee thereof other than by
will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and Options shall be
exercisable during the lifetime of a Grantee only by such Grantee or by his or
her guardian or legal representative.
C. Certificates for Shares purchased upon exercise of Options shall be
issued either in the name of the Grantee or in the name of the Grantee and
another person jointly with the right of survivorship. Such certificates shall
be delivered as soon as practical following the date the Option is exercised.
D. An Option shall be exercised by the delivery to the Company at its
principal office, to the attention of its Secretary, of written notice of the
number of Shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised, and of the
name or names in which the certificate for the Shares is to be issued, and by
paying the purchase price for the Shares. The purchase price shall be paid in
cash or by certified check or bank cashier's check. Alternatively, to the extent
permitted by the Committee and in its sole discretion, the purchase price may be
paid by delivering to the Company:
(1) Shares (in proper form for transfer and accompanied by all
requisite stock transfer tax stamps or cash in lieu thereof) owned by the
Grantee having a Fair Market Value equal to the purchase price; or
(2) a notarized statement attesting to ownership of the number of
Shares which are intended to be used at Fair Market Value to pay the
purchase price, with the certificate number(s) thereof, and requesting
that only the incremental number of Shares as to which the Option is being
exercised be issued by the Company.
E. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan, no Option may be
exercised unless and until (i) this Plan has been approved by the shareholders
of the Company, and (ii) the Shares to be issued upon the exercise thereof have
been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and applicable state securities
laws, or are, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, exempt from such
registration. The Company shall not be under any obligation to register under
applicable Federal or state securities laws any Shares to be issued upon the
exercise of an Option granted hereunder, or to comply with an appropriate
exemption from registration under such laws in order to permit the exercise of
an Option or the issuance and sale of Shares subject to such Option. If the
Company
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<PAGE>
chooses to comply with such an exemption from registration, the certificates for
Shares issued under the Plan, may, at the direction of the Committee, bear an
appropriate restrictive legend restricting the transfer or pledge of the Shares
represented thereby, and the Committee may also give appropriate stop-transfer
instructions to the transfer agent of the Company.
F. Any person exercising an Option or transferring or receiving Shares
shall comply with all regulations and requirements of any governmental authority
having jurisdiction over the issuance, transfer or sale of securities of the
Company or over the extension of credit for the purposes of purchasing or
carrying any margin securities, or the requirements of any stock exchange on
which the Shares may be listed, and as a condition to receiving any Shares,
shall execute all such instruments as the Committee in its sole discretion may
deem necessary or advisable.
G. Each Option shall be subject to the requirement that if the Committee
shall determine that the listing, registration or qualification of the Shares
subject to such Option upon any securities exchange or under any state or
Federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental or regulatory body,
is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the granting
of such Option or the issuance or purchase of Shares thereunder, such Option may
not be exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, registration,
qualification, consent or approval shall have been effective or obtained free of
any conditions not acceptable to the Committee.
9. Effect of Termination of Directorship or Death
A. In the event of termination of a Grantee's status as a Director by
reason of such Grantee's death or disability, any outstanding Option held by
such Grantee shall, notwithstanding the extent to which such Option was
exercisable prior to such termination, immediately become exercisable as to the
total number of Shares purchasable thereunder. Any such Option shall remain so
exercisable at any time prior to its expiration date or, if earlier, only until
the first anniversary of termination of the Grantee's status as a Director.
B. In the event of termination of a Grantee's status as a Director for any
reason other than death or disability, any outstanding Option held by such
Grantee shall remain exercisable at any time prior to the expiration date of
such Option absent termination of Director status or, if earlier, only until the
date thirty days after the termination of Director status; provided, however,
that if such termination of Director status (other than by resignation) occurs
within one year after a Change of Control, any outstanding Option held by such
Grantee shall remain exercisable at any time prior to the expiration date of
such Option absent such termination of Director status.
C. Whether an authorized leave of absence or absence in military or
government service shall constitute termination of status as a Director shall be
determined by the Committee.
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<PAGE>
10. No Special Rights
Nothing contained in the Plan or in any Option shall confer upon any
Grantee any right with respect to the continuation of his or her status as a
Director or interfere in any way with the right of the Company at any time to
terminate such status or to increase or decrease the compensation of the Grantee
from the rate in existence at the time of the grant of an Option.
11. Rights as a Shareholder
The Grantee of an Option shall have no rights as a shareholder with
respect to any Shares covered by an Option until the date of issuance of a
certificate to him for such Shares. Except as otherwise expressly provided in
the Plan, no adjustment shall be made for dividends or other rights for which
the record date occurs prior to the date of issuance of such certificate.
12. Anti-dilution Provision
A. In case the Company shall (i) declare a dividend or dividends on its
Shares payable in shares of its capital stock, (ii) subdivide its outstanding
Shares, (iii) combine its outstanding Shares into a smaller number of Shares, or
(iv) issue any shares of capital stock by reclassification of its Shares
(including any such reclassification in connection with a consolidation or
merger in which the Company is the continuing corporation), the number of Shares
authorized under the Plan will be adjusted proportionately. Similarly, in any
such event, there will be a proportionate adjustment in the number of Shares
subject to unexercised Options (but without adjustment to the aggregate option
price).
B. The Committee may provide, either before or at or about the time of the
occurrence of a Change of Control, in any outstanding or newly issued Option
that a Grantee's right to exercise any such Option shall accelerate as a
consequence of or in connection with a Change of Control.
13. Amendment of the Plan
The Board may at any time and from time to time terminate or modify or
amend the Plan in any respect, except that
(1) without shareholder approval, the Board may not (a) materially
increase the number of securities which may be issued under the Plan or
(b) materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation
under the Plan; and
(2) the Plan provisions governing the amounts and purchase prices of
Shares and the requirements as to eligibility for participation may not be
amended more than once every six (6) months, other than to comport with
changes in the Internal Revenue Code or the rules thereunder.
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<PAGE>
The termination or modification or amendment of the Plan shall not, without the
consent of a Grantee, affect his rights under an Option previously granted to
him or her.
14. Miscellaneous
A. It is expressly understood that this Plan grants powers to the
Committee but does not require their exercise; nor shall any rights begin to
accrue under the Plan except as Options may be granted hereunder.
B. All expenses of the Plan, including the cost of maintaining records,
shall be borne by the Company.
15. Governing Law
This Plan and all rights hereunder shall be governed by and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
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