<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant /X/
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
/ / Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section240.14a-11(c) or
Section240.14a-12
BOSTON ACOUSTICS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE>
[LOGO]
July 9, 1999
BOSTON ACOUSTICS, INC.
300 JUBILEE DRIVE
PEABODY, MA 01960
Dear Stockholders:
It is my pleasure to invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
of Boston Acoustics, Inc. (the "Company"). The Meeting will be held at the
Company on Tuesday, August 10, 1999, at 3:00 p.m.
The notice of meeting and proxy statement which follow describe the business
to be transacted at the Meeting. In addition, we plan to give you a report on
the status of the Company's business. Stockholders will have an opportunity to
comment and ask questions at the Meeting.
It is important that your shares be represented at the Meeting, regardless
of the number you may hold. Therefore, regardless of whether you plan to attend,
please sign, date and return the proxy card as soon as possible. This will not
prevent you from voting your shares in person if you do come to the Meeting.
I look forward to seeing you on August 10th.
Sincerely yours,
[LOGO]
ANDREW G. KOTSATOS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
<PAGE>
BOSTON ACOUSTICS, INC.
300 JUBILEE DRIVE
PEABODY, MA 01960
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
AUGUST 10, 1999, 3:00 P.M.
To The Stockholders:
You are hereby notified that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Boston
Acoustics, Inc. (the "Company") will be held on August 10, 1999 at 3:00 p.m. at
the offices of the Company, 300 Jubilee Drive, Peabody, Massachusetts, to
consider and act upon the following matters:
1. To elect five (5) Directors for the ensuing year.
2. To ratify the action of the Board of Directors in appointing Arthur
Andersen LLP as auditors for the Company.
3. To act upon such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournments thereof.
Even if you plan to attend the Meeting personally, please be sure to sign,
date and return the enclosed proxy in the enclosed envelope to:
BankBoston, N.A.
c/o Boston EquiServe, LP
P. O. Box 8040
Boston, MA 02266-8040
Only stockholders of record on the books of the Company at the close of
business on June 28, 1999 are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the
Annual Meeting and at any adjournments thereof.
By order of the Board of Directors,
JOSEPH D.S. HINKLEY
CLERK
Peabody, Massachusetts,
July 9, 1999
IMPORTANT: IN ORDER TO SECURE A QUORUM AND TO AVOID THE EXPENSE OF ADDITIONAL
PROXY SOLICITATION, PLEASE VOTE, DATE AND SIGN YOUR PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY
IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED EVEN IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING PERSONALLY. IF
YOU DO ATTEND THE MEETING AND DESIRE TO WITHDRAW YOUR PROXY AND VOTE IN PERSON,
YOU MAY DO SO. YOUR COOPERATION IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
<PAGE>
BOSTON ACOUSTICS, INC.
EXECUTIVE OFFICES
300 JUBILEE DRIVE
PEABODY, MA 01960
PROXY STATEMENT
JULY 9, 1999
SOLICITATION AND VOTING OF PROXIES
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy form are being mailed by
Boston Acoustics, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation, (the "Company") to the
holders of record on June 28, 1999 of the Company's outstanding shares of Common
Stock, $.01 par value ("Common Stock"), commencing on or about July 9,1999. The
accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company for use
at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on August 10, 1999 (the
"Meeting") and any adjournments thereof. The cost of solicitation of proxies
will be borne by the Company. Directors, officers and employees may assist in
the solicitation of proxies by mail, telephone, telegraph, and personal
interview without additional compensation.
When a proxy is returned, prior to or at the Meeting, properly signed, the
shares represented thereby will be voted by the proxies named in accordance with
the stockholder's instructions indicated on the proxy card. You are urged to
specify your choices on the enclosed proxy card. If the proxy is signed and
returned without specifying choices, the shares will be voted FOR the election
of Directors as set forth in this Proxy Statement, FOR proposal 2 and in the
discretion of the proxies as to other matters that may properly come before the
Meeting or any adjournments thereof. SENDING IN A PROXY WILL NOT AFFECT A
STOCKHOLDER'S RIGHT TO ATTEND THE MEETING AND VOTE IN PERSON.A proxy may be
revoked by notice in writing delivered to the Clerk of the Company at any time
prior to its use, by a duly-executed proxy bearing a later date, or by voting in
person by ballot at the Meeting. A stockholder's attendance at the Meeting will
not by itself revoke a proxy.
VOTING SECURITIES AND RECORD DATE
The Company has one class of Common Stock outstanding. Each share of Common
Stock is entitled to one vote. The Board of Directors has fixed June 28, 1999 as
the record date for the Meeting. Only holders of record of the Company's Common
Stock on the record date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting.
On August 17, 1998, the stockholders approved a 3-for-2 split of the Company's
Common Stock. This stock split was effected in the form of a stock dividend. The
effect of the stock split has been retroactively reflected in the numbers
contained in this proxy statement. On the record date, there were 5,021,681
shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.
Under Massachusetts law and the Company's By-laws, the presence of holders
of a majority in interest of the issued and outstanding Common Stock entitled to
vote at the Meeting, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a
quorum.
Election of directors is by plurality of the votes cast at the Meeting.
Ratification of the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as the Company's auditors
requires a vote of the majority of the Common Stock represented in person or by
proxy at the Meeting and voting thereon. With regard to the election of
directors, votes may be left blank, cast in favor or withheld; votes that are
left blank will be excluded entirely from the vote and will have no effect.
Votes that are withheld will have the effect of a negative vote. Abstentions may
be specified on all proposals (other than the election of directors) and will be
counted as present for purposes of the proposal on which the abstention is
noted. Because the proposal to ratify the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as
the Company's auditors requires the approval of a
<PAGE>
majority of the votes properly cast at the Meeting, either in person or by
proxy, abstentions will have the effect of a negative vote. Broker non-votes
(i.e., shares held by a broker or nominee which are represented at the Meeting,
but with respect to which the broker or nominee is not empowered to vote on a
particular proposal) will be counted in determining a quorum for each proposal.
However, broker non-votes will be treated as unvoted shares and, accordingly,
will not be counted in determining the outcome of any proposal which requires
the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast.
The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be presented at the
Meeting. If any other matter should be presented at the Meeting upon which a
vote may be taken, shares represented by all proxies received by the Company
will be voted in accordance with the judgement of the persons named as proxies.
The Company's Annual Report to Stockholders, including financial statements
for the fiscal year ended March 27, 1999, is being mailed to Stockholders of
record of the Company concurrently with this Proxy Statement. The Annual Report
to Stockholders is not, however, a part of the proxy soliciting materials. This
Proxy Statement is first being mailed on July 9, 1999.
PROPOSAL NO. 1--ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
One of the purposes of the Meeting is to elect five (5) directors to serve
until the next annual meeting of Stockholders and until their successors shall
have been duly elected and qualified. It is intended that the proxies solicited
by the Board of Directors will be voted in favor of the five (5) nominees named
below, unless otherwise specified on the proxy card. All the nominees are
presently directors of the Company and all of the nominees have consented to be
named and to serve if reelected. Andrew G. Kotsatos, Fred E. Faulkner, Jr.,
George J. Markos, Lisa M. Mooney, and Gerald Walle were previously elected by
the stockholders. Lisa M. Mooney is the sister of Paul F. Reed, an executive
officer.
The Board knows of no reason why any of the nominees will be unavailable or
unable to serve as a director, but in such event, proxies solicited hereby will
be voted for the election of another person or persons to be designated by the
Board of Directors.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE
NOMINEES LISTED BELOW.
The following are summaries of the background and business experience and
descriptions of the principal occupations of the nominees:
Andrew G. Kotsatos (age 59) has been a Director and Assistant Clerk since
co-founding the Company in February 1979. He served as Executive Vice President
of the Company from its inception until April 1986 and as President until
November 1996, when he became Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer. Mr.
Kotsatos previously held positions with two other audio manufacturers, KLH
Research and Development Corporation and Advent Corporation. His last position
at Advent was Audio Products Manager and Chief Speaker Designer.
Fred E. Faulkner, Jr. (age 52) has been a Director of the Company since
December 1986 and has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company since March 1997. Mr. Faulkner was previously employed by the Millipore
Corporation, a leader in separation technology, for 28 years working in a
variety of positions. His last position at Millipore was Vice President of
Technical Operations of Millipore's Microelectronics Division.
George J. Markos (age 50) has been a Director of the Company since August
1996. Mr. Markos has been Senior Vice President and General Counsel of
Yell-O-Glow Corporation, a produce distributor, since
2
<PAGE>
1991. Between 1988 and 1991, Mr. Markos was Senior Counsel and Assistant
Secretary of Norton Company, Inc., a manufacturer of abrasive products and
industrial ceramics.
Lisa M. Mooney, formerly Lisa M. Reed, (age 33) has been a Director of the
Company since May 1996. She was Director of Corporate Planning of the Company
from January 1994 to June 1996. Previously, Mrs. Mooney was a lending officer in
the Global Banking unit of the Bank of Boston. Mrs. Mooney holds an
undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a MBA from Boston
University. Lisa M. Mooney is the sister of Paul F. Reed, an executive officer.
Gerald Walle (age 46) has been a Director of the Company since August 1997.
Mr. Walle has been employed by the Millipore Corporation, a leader in separation
technology, for the past eleven years. Since 1988 he has been Vice President and
General Manager of Millipore's Microelectronics Division. Previously, Mr. Walle
was in internatonal marketing and business development for Bendix Corporation
and Instrumentation Laboratory and strategic planning for Mars & Company. He is
a graduate of the Harvard Business School and Ecole Polytechnique, Paris,
France.
3
<PAGE>
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors met four times during the fiscal year ended March 27,
1999. The Board of Directors has standing Audit and Compensation Committees. The
Board has no nominating committee. All of the directors attended 100% of the
meetings of the Board and of the Board committees on which they served during
the fiscal year ended March 27, 1999.
The Compensation Committee is responsible for evaluating compensation plans
for employees, management and directors, and making recommendations on
compensation to the Board. It currently consists of George J. Markos, Lisa M.
Mooney, and Gerald Walle. The Compensation Committee met once during the fiscal
year ended March 27, 1999. The Audit Committee, which consists of George J.
Markos, Lisa M. Mooney, and Gerald Walle oversees the accounting and audit
functions of the Company, including matters relating to the appointment and
activities of the Company's auditors. The Audit Committee met once during the
fiscal year ended March 27, 1999.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Each Director who is not an officer of the Company is entitled to an annual
fee of $6,000, and an additional annual fee of $1,500 for service on the Audit
Committee and an additional annual fee of $1,000 for service on the Compensation
Committee on which he or she serves. Directors of the Company are entitled to
non-employee stock option grants under the 1997 Stock Plan. During fiscal 1999
no options were granted to any of the Company's directors.
PRINCIPAL AND MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDERS
The following table reflects the number of shares of the Company's Common
Stock beneficially owned as of June 28, 1999 (i) by each person who is known by
the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock, (ii)
by each of the Directors and nominees for Director, (iii) by each of the
executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy
Statement and (iv) by all Directors, nominees for director and executive
officers as a group. In accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner, for
purposes of this table, of any shares of Common Stock if he or she has or shares
voting power or investment power with respect to such security or has the right
to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within sixty days of June 28, 1999.
As used herein "voting power" is the power to vote or direct the voting of
shares, and "investment power" is the power to dispose of or direct the
disposition of shares. Except as indicated in the notes following the table
below, each person named has sole voting and investment power with respect to
the shares listed as being beneficially owned by such individual.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES
BENEFICIALLY PERCENT OF
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED COMMON STOCK
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Andrew G. Kotsatos............................................................ 1,409,861(1) 28.0%
First Union Corporation....................................................... 409,300(2) 8.2%
Capital Management Group
Charlotte, NC 28288-0137
Lisa M. Mooney................................................................ 160,761 3.2%
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES
BENEFICIALLY PERCENT OF
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED COMMON STOCK
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Fred E. Faulkner, Jr.......................................................... 142,446(3) 2.8%
Moses A. Gabbay............................................................... 73,180(4) 1.5%
Debra A. Ricker-Rosato........................................................ 28,615(5) *
Robert L. Spaner.............................................................. 18,750(6) *
Martin J. Harding............................................................. 1,315(7) *
George J. Markos.............................................................. 0 *
Gerald Walle.................................................................. 0 *
All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (10 persons).................. 1,847,903(8) 35.4%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Indicates less than 1% ownership.
(1) Includes (a) 369,728 shares owned by Mr. Kotsatos' wife, individually and as
trustee for the benefit of their children, as to which beneficial ownership
is disclaimed and (b) 16,500 shares issuable upon exercise of certain
options which are currently exercisable or become exercisable within 60 days
of June 30, 1999 ("Currently Exercisable Options").
(2) According to a letter dated February 11, 1999 from Karen F. Knudtsen,
Assistant Vice President and Compliance Officer of First Union Corporation
("First Union"), First Union has sole voting and dispositive power for
385,800 shares and shared voting and dispositive power for 23,500 shares.
These securities are owned by various individual and institutional investors
for which First Union serves as investment adviser with power to direct
investments and/or sole power to vote the securities. For purposes of the
reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
First Union is deemed to be a beneficial owner of such securities; however,
First Union expressly disclaims that it is, in fact, the beneficial owner of
such securities.
(3) Includes (a) 600 shares held by Mr. Faulkner's wife as custodian for their
children as to which beneficial ownership is disclaimed and (b) 134,046
shares issuable upon exercise of Currently Exercisable Options.
(4) Includes (a) 11,317 shares jointly owned by Mr. Gabbay and his son and
11,319 shares jointly owned by Mr. Gabbay and his daughter and (b) 19,500
shares issuable upon exercise of Currently Exercisable Options.
(5) Includes (a) 17,865 shares jointly owned by Ms. Ricker-Rosato and her
husband and (b) 10,750 shares issuable upon exercise of Currently
Exercisable Options.
(6) Includes 18,750 shares issuable upon exercise of Currently Exercisable
Options.
(7) Includes 1,000 shares issuable upon exercise of Currently Exercisable
Options.
(8) Includes (a) 370,328 shares as to which the Directors and named executive
officers disclaimed beneficial ownership as described above and (b) 202,421
shares issuable upon exercise of Currently Exercisable Options. See
footnotes 1 and 3 through 7.
5
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following tables and notes present the compensation received by the
Company's Chief Executive Officer and the five most highly paid executive
officers other than the Chief Executive Officer for each of the last three
fiscal years (the "Named Executive Officers").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL COMPENSATION -------------
----------------------------------- COMPENSATION
OTHER ANNUAL SECURITIES ALL OTHER
FISCAL SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION UNDERLYING COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR(1) ($) ($) ($)(2) OPTIONS(#) ($)
- ---------------------------------------------- ----------- --------- --------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Andrew G. Kotsatos............................ 1999 350,000 39,000 14,023 -- 101,053(3)
(Chief Executive Officer & Treasurer) 1998 250,000 91,875 16,436 18,000 36,858
1997 250,000 85,000 17,533 60,000 36,629
Fred E. Faulkner, Jr.......................... 1999 250,000 90,000 -- -- 5,000(4)
(Chief Operating Officer & & President) 1998 250,000 175,688 -- 168,000 105,000
1997 5,208 1,146 -- --
Moses A. Gabbay............................... 1999 200,000 70,450 3,525 10,000 2,375(4)
(Vice President-Engineering) 1998 195,000 48,379 -- 18,000 2,203
1997 158,750 32,305 -- 37,500 1,870
Robert L. Spaner.............................. 1999 182,885 36,302 -- 5,000 2,223(4)
(Vice President-Sales) 1998 131,154 48,454 -- 15,000 1,582
1997 110,577 22,040 -- 30,000 1,524
Martin J. Harding............................. 1999 118,000 9,680 3,200 5,000 --
(Vice President-Marketing) (5) 1998 105,000 6,300 3,200 3,000 --
Debra A. Ricker-Rosato........................ 1999 109,577 23,246 -- 4,000 1,367(4)
(Vice President-Finance) 1998 102,180 22,710 -- 2,250 1,328
1997 94,609 18,726 -- 3,750 1,111
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Saturday of March.
(2) Reflects car allowances provided by the Company.
(3) Includes $98,678 paid in premiums for three life insurance policies, each
with split dollar arrangements, one covering the life of Mr. Kotsatos and
two policies covering the survivor of Mr. Kotsatos and his spouse. The
Company, Mr. Kotsatos and Mr. Kotsatos' spouse entered into agreements
concerning the life insurance policies pursuant to which the Company will
receive, in the event of the insureds' deaths, an amount equal to the
aggregate amount of its premium payments under the respective policies and
the beneficiary of the policies will receive the excess. Also includes
$2,375 contributed by the Company under a defined contribution plan
established under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended
(the Code).
6
<PAGE>
(4) Reflects Company contributions under a defined contribution plan established
under Section 401(k) of the Code.
(5) During the period November 1996 through April 30, 1999, Mr. Harding was a
consultant to the Company and was compensated in the form of consulting fees
during that time. Mr. Harding has performed the function of Vice
President--Marketing since November 1998 and subsequently on May 1, 1999, he
became an employee of the Company.
OPTION GRANTS IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth certain information concerning grants of
stock options made during the fiscal year ended March 27, 1999 to the Named
Executive Officers:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
-------------------------------------- POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
PERCENT VALUE AT ASSUMED
NUMBER OF OF TOTAL ANNUAL RATES OF
SECURITIES OPTIONS EXERCISE STOCK PRICE
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO OR BASE APPRECIATION FOR
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES PRICE PER OPTION TERM (2)
GRANTED IN FISCAL SHARE EXPIRATION ------------------------
NAME (#) 1999 ($/SH)(1) DATE 5% ($) 10% ($)
- ----------------------------------------------- ---------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Moses A. Gabbay................................ 10,000(3) 15.7 20.25 10/9/05 55,947.02 123,628.28
Robert L. Spaner............................... 5,000(4) 7.8 20.25 10/9/07 27,973.51 61,814.14
Martin J. Harding.............................. 5,000(5) 7.8 20.25 10/9/03 27,973.51 61,814.14
Debra A. Ricker-Rosato......................... 4,000(6) 6.3 20.25 10/9/03 22,378.81 49,451.31
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) All options were granted at an exercise price equal to market value of the
Company's Common Stock on the date of grant as determined by the closing
price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market.
(2) The 5% and 10% assumed annual compound rates of stock price appreciation are
mandated by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not
represent the Company's estimate or projection of future Common Stock
prices.
(3) So long as Mr. Gabbay remains an employee of the Company, options for the
purchase of shares of Common Stock are exercisable in annual installments
equal to one fifth of the total number of shares underlying such options on
each of October 9, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003.
(4) So long as Mr. Spaner remains an employee of the Company, options for the
purchase of shares of Common Stock are exercisable in annual installments
equal to one ninth of the total number of shares underlying such options on
each of October 9, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007.
(5) So long as Mr. Harding remains an employee of the Company, options for the
purchase of shares of Common Stock are exercisable in annual installments
equal to one third of the total number of shares underlying such options on
each of October 9, 1999, 2000, and 2001.
7
<PAGE>
(6) So long as Ms. Ricker-Rosato remains an employee of the Company, options for
the purchase of shares of Common Stock are exercisable in annual
installments equal to one third of the total number of shares underlying
such options on each of October 9, 1999, 2000, and 2001.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION VALUES
The following table sets forth information with respect to the Named
Executive Officers concerning the exercise of options during the last fiscal
year and unexercised options held as of the end of the fiscal year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
SHARES VALUE OPTIONS AT FY-END AT FY-END ($)(2)
ACQUIRED REALIZED -------------------------- --------------------------
NAME ON EXERCISE ($)(1) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- -------------------------------------- ----------- -------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Andrew G. Kotsatos.................... 12,000 216,000 21,000 33,000(3) 76,738 75,213
Fred. E. Faulkner, Jr................. -- -- 134,046 33,954(4) 431,441 67,055
Moses A. Gabbay....................... -- -- 17,000 48,500(5) 78,791 134,708
Robert L. Spaner...................... 15,000 212,625 18,750 31,250(6) 94,687 82,812
Debra A. Ricker-Rosato................ -- -- 10,750 6,750(6) 53,271 (1,208)
Martin B. Harding..................... -- -- 1,000 7,000(7) (83) (11,417)
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Value realized equals fair market value on the date of exercise, less the
exercise price, times the number of shares acquired without deducting taxes
or commissions paid by employee.
(2) Value of unexercised options equals fair market value of the shares
underlying in-the-money options on March 27, 1999 ($18.00 per share), which
was the last trading day of the Company's fiscal year, less exercise price,
times the number of options outstanding.
(3) The exercise prices of these options are $12.83 and $19.89 per share.
(4) The exercise prices of these options are $14.67 and $18.08 per share.
(5) The exercise prices of these options are $11.67, $18.08 and $20.25 per
share.
(6) The exercise prices of these options are $11.67, $13.00, $18.08 and $20.25
per share.
(7) The exercise prices of these options are $18.08 and $20.25 per share.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Lisa M. Mooney, a member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors during the fiscal year ended March 27, 1999, is the sister of Paul F.
Reed, an executive officer. Lisa M. Mooney and Paul F. Reed were the daughter
and son of Francis L. Reed, the former Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer of
the Company, who died on November 16, 1996, and Dorothea T. Reed, a former
director of the Company, who died on January 5, 1997.
NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY SET FORTH IN ANY OF THE COMPANY'S
PREVIOUS FILINGS UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED, THAT MIGHT
8
<PAGE>
INCORPORATE FUTURE FILINGS, INCLUDING THIS PROXY STATEMENT, IN WHOLE OR IN PART,
THE FOLLOWING REPORT AND THE STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH CONTAINED ELSEWHERE HEREIN
SHALL NOT BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO ANY SUCH FILINGS NOR SHALL THEY BE
DEEMED TO BE SOLICITING MATERIAL OR DEEMED FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNDER THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
During the fiscal year ended March 27, 1999, the Compensation Committee of
the Board of Directors was responsible for establishing and administering the
compensation policies which govern annual salary, bonuses, and stock-based
incentives (currently stock options) for directors and officers. The
Compensation Committee met once during the fiscal year and was attended by all
members.
OVERVIEW
The Company has historically established levels of executive compensation
that provide for a base salary intended to allow the Company to hire and retain
qualified management. The Company has also provided annual cash incentive
bonuses based on the Company's performance during the fiscal year to reward
executives for their contributions to the Company's achievements. From time to
time the Company has also granted stock options to executives and key employees
to keep the management focused on the stockholders' interests. The Compensation
Committee believes that the Company's past and present executive compensation
practices provide an overall level of compensation that is competitive with
companies of similar size, complexity and financial performance and that its
executive compensation practices have allowed it to retain key personnel whose
contribution has maintained and increased the Company's profitability.
The Compensation Committee determines the compensation of the executive
officers of the Company and sets policies for and reviews the compensation
awarded to the other officers of the Company. This is designed to ensure
consistency throughout the officer compensation programs. In reviewing the
individual performances of the executive officers (other than the Chief
Executive Officer and President) the Compensation Committee takes into account
the views of the Chief Executive Officer and the President. In fiscal 1999, the
Compensation Committee determined the base salary and bonus for executive
officers, other than for the Chief Executive Officer and the President, based
largely on recommendations by the Company's Chief Executive Officer and
President.
The Compensation Committee expects to review annually the annual and
long-term compensation of all the Company's executives and employees to assure
that all of the Company's executives and employees continue to be properly
motivated to serve the interests of the Company's stockholders.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
BASE SALARY. Base salary is generally set within the ranges of salaries of
executive officers with comparable qualifications, experience and
responsibilities at other companies of similar size, complexity and
profitability taking into account the position involved and the level of the
executive's experience. In addition, consideration is given to other factors,
including an officer's contribution to the Company as a whole. Since fiscal
1998, the base salary for the named executive officers, other than the Chief
Executive Officer and the President, increased on average approximately $19,282.
The Compensation Committee
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awarded such increases to keep the Company a competitive employer and to allow
for increases in the cost of living.
ANNUAL BONUS COMPENSATION. Over the past five fiscal years, the Company has
awarded cash bonuses to its executive officers on a discretionary basis. In
determining bonus awards, the Compensation Committee considers the financial and
nonfinancial achievements of the Company, including revenue growth,
profitability, expansion of the Company's markets and new product introductions.
In fiscal 1999, the Compensation Committee increased the cash bonuses of the
executive officers, generally in proportion to increases in base compensation.
The Compensation Committee believes that bonuses are necessary to keep total
compensation of the Company's executives competitive with executive compensation
at similarly situated companies. It is expected that bonus compensation will
continue to move in parallel with increases in base salary until such time as
the Company's financial results, the individual performance of the executive or
the job market for key executives, warrants a change in the percentage of total
compensation which is comprised of bonuses.
LONG TERM INCENTIVES. Currently, stock options are the Company's primary
long-term incentive vehicle. Stock option awards have been made from time to
time to persons who currently serve as middle and upper level managers,
including the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers named in the
Summary Compensation Table. The size of awards has historically been based on
position, responsibilities, and individual performance. The compensation
Committee believes that the long-term incentives awarded by the Company in
fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996 were generally below the levels found at the
comparable companies. In fiscal 1997, 1998 and 1999, the Company made awards to
middle and upper level managers in an effort to improve this aspect of the
Company's compensation program and will continue to monitor this aspect of
compensation.
The Compensation Committee is aware that the Company's grants of stock
options are less frequent and smaller in size than the grants of many comparable
companies, although the Board believes that the overall mix of compensation
components has been adequate. The Compensation Committee believes that this
aspect of compensation must receive more emphasis in the future to assure that
all of the Company's key employees continue to focus on the profitability of the
Company and, thus, the interests of the Company's stockholders. Accordingly, the
Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors the
authorization of additional stock options for employees.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION.. In determining the compensation of
the Company's Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee considered the
demonstrated leadership he has brought to the Company and the excellent
performance of the Company during fiscal 1997 and 1998. Mr. Kotsatos' salary did
not increase during fiscal 1997 as a result of his assuming the role of Chief
Executive Officer and Treasurer. However, Mr. Kotsatos was awarded options to
purchase 60,000 shares of Common Stock in 1997 and 18,000 shares in 1998 in
recognition of his additional responsibilities. On April 1, 1998 the
Compensation Committee approved an increased in Mr. Kotsatos' salary to $350,000
annually.
Respectfully Submitted by
The Compensation Committee
George J. Markos
Lisa M. Mooney
Gerald Walle
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STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative total return over a
five-year period beginning March 31, 1994 and ending March 27, 1999 of the
Company's Common Stock to the cumulative total return on the Center for Research
in Securities Price ("CRSP") Total Return Index for the NASDAQ Stock Market
(U.S. Companies) ("NASDAQ Market-U.S. Index") and a Company-selected peer group
index that includes: Harmon Industries, Inc., Polk Audio, Inc. and Recoton Corp.
(the "Peer Group Index") The Peer Group Index was formed on a weighted average
basis based on market capitalizations, adjusted at the end of each year.
Cumulative total return is measured assuming an initial investment of $100 on
March 31, 1994 and reinvestment of dividends.
COMPARISON OF 5-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL
RETURN AMONG BOSTON ACOUSTICS, INC.,
THE NASDAQ MARKET-US INDEX AND A PEER GROUP INDEX
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AMONG BOSTON ACOUSTICS, INC.,
THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S.) INDEX AND A PEER GROUP INDEX
BOSTON ACOUSTICS, INC.
3/94 100
3/95 101
3/96 104
3/97 146
3/98 184
3/99 147
<CAPTION>
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
<S> <C> <C>
AMONG BOSTON ACOUSTICS, INC.,
THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S.) INDEX AND A PEER GROUP INDEX
PEER GROUP INDEX NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S.)
3/94 100 100
3/95 118 111
3/96 128 151
3/97 108 168
3/98 156 255
3/99 119 342
</TABLE>
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PROPOSAL NO. 2--RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
The Board of Directors of the Company has appointed Arthur Andersen LLP as
auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending March 25, 2000 and further
directed that management submit the selection of auditors for ratification by
the stockholders. Arthur Andersen LLP were the Company's auditors for the fiscal
year ended March 27, 1999.
Representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP are expected to be present at the
Meeting, with the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and
are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL
TO RATIFY THE CHOICE OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP AS THE COMPANY'S AUDITORS.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires
directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company to file with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and The Nasdaq Stock Market reports of ownership and
changes in ownership of voting securities of the Company and to furnish copies
of such reports to the Company. Based solely on a review of copies of such
reports furnished to the Company or written representations from certain persons
that no reports were required for those persons, the Company believes that all
Section 16(a) filing requirements were complied with during the fiscal year
ended March 27, 1999, except that, through inadvertence Martin J. Harding, an
executive officer, made one late filing on Form 5.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2000 ANNUAL MEETING
Any stockholder proposal intended to be presented for consideration at the
Company's 2000 annual meeting of stockholders, and included in the Company's
proxy statement must be received by the Company not later than March 7, 2000.
Any stockholder desiring to submit a proposal should consult applicable
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
OTHER MATTERS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, management of the Company knows of
no matter not specifically referred to above as to which any action is expected
to be taken at the Annual Meeting. It is intended, however, that the persons
named as proxies will vote the proxies, insofar as the same are not limited to
the contrary, in regard to such other matters and the transaction of such other
business as may properly be brought before the Meeting, as seems to them to be
in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
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SKU#880-PS-99
