<PAGE>
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
OF
MITEK SYSTEMS, INC.
10070 CARROLL CANYON ROAD
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92131
------------------------
TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS OF
MITEK SYSTEMS, INC.
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Mitek Systems, Inc. (the "Company")
will be held at 1:00 p.m., local time, Tuesday, February 11, 1997, at the
Doubletree Club Hotel, 11915 El Camino Real, San Diego, California for the
following purposes:
1. To elect six directors to hold the office during the ensuing year and
until their respective successors are elected and qualified. The Board of
Directors intends to nominate as directors the six persons identified in
the accompanying proxy statement.
2. To ratify the adoption of the Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan.
3. To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's 1997
Auditors.
4. To transact such business as may properly come before the meeting and
any adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on January 3, 1997 as
the record date for determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to
vote at the Annual Meeting and all adjournments thereof. A list of these
stockholders will be open to examination by any stockholder at the meeting and
for ten days prior thereto during normal business hours at the executive offices
of the Company, 10070 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, California 92131.
Enclosed for your convenience is a form of proxy which may be used at the
Annual Meeting and which, unless otherwise marked, authorizes the holders of the
proxy to vote for the proposed slate of directors and as the proxy holder deems
appropriate on any other matter brought before the Annual Meeting.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON. EVEN IF YOU EXPECT TO
ATTEND, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ATTACHED PROXY
PROMPTLY. IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND AND WISH TO VOTE YOUR SHARES PERSONALLY, YOU MAY
DO SO AT ANY TIME BEFORE YOUR PROXY IS VOTED.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
[SIGNATURE]
John F. Kessler
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Date: January 9, 1997
<PAGE>
MITEK SYSTEMS, INC.
10070 CARROLL CANYON ROAD
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92131
------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
FEBRUARY 11, 1997
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors of Mitek Systems, Inc. (the "Company") for use
at its Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") to be held at 1:00
p.m., local time, Wednesday, February 11, 1997, at the Doubletree Club Hotel,
11915 El Camino Real, San Diego, California, and at any adjournments thereof.
At the close of business on January 3, 1997, the record date for determining
stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting, the
Company had issued and outstanding an aggregate of 10,073,638 shares of Common
Stock. Each share of Common Stock will be entitled to one vote on all matters to
be considered at the Annual Meeting. Only shareholders of record at the close of
business on January 3, 1997 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the
meeting.
The foregoing shares represented by all properly executed proxies received
by management in time for the Annual Meeting will be voted at the Annual
Meeting. A stockholder giving a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is
exercised by filing with the Secretary of the Company an instrument revoking it
or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or by written notice to the
Company of the death or incapacity of the stockholder who executed the proxy.
The proxy will also be revoked if the person executing the proxy is present at
the Annual Meeting and elects to vote in person. Unless revoked, the proxy will
be voted as specified.
The persons named as proxies were selected by the Board of Directors. The
Company will pay the expenses of soliciting proxies for the Annual Meeting
including the cost of preparing, assembling and mailing the proxy materials.
Proxies may be solicited personally, by mail, by telephone, by facsimile, or by
telegram, by regularly employed officers and employees of the Company who will
not be additionally compensated therefor. The Company may request persons
holding stock in their names for others, such as brokers and nominees, to
forward proxy materials to their principals and request authority for execution
of the proxy, and the Company will reimburse them for their expenses in
connection therewith.
The Company's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders is included herewith, but
is not incorporated in, and is not part of, this Proxy Statement and does not
constitute proxy-soliciting material. The Company intends to mail this Proxy
Statement and the accompanying material to stockholders of record on or about
January 9, 1997.
PROPOSALS OF SHAREHOLDERS
For proposals of shareholders to be included at the 1998 annual meeting of
shareholders, anticipated to be held in February 1998, such proposals must be
received by the Company not later than September 11, 1997. The acceptance of
such proposals is subject to Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines.
2
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL NO. 1
TO ELECT SIX DIRECTORS TO HOLD THE OFFICE DURING
THE ENSUING YEAR
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to the Bylaws of the Company, the Board of Directors has fixed the
number of authorized directors at six. All six directors are to be elected at
the Annual Meeting, to hold office until the next annual meeting or until their
successors are duly elected. The six nominees receiving the highest number of
votes will be elected. Abstentions or broker non-votes will be counted for the
establishment of a quorum but not as a vote for or against any nominee.
Unless authorization to do so is withheld, it is intended that the persons
named in the enclosed proxy will vote for the election of the nominees proposed
by the Board of Directors, all of whom are presently directors of the Company.
In the event, not presently anticipated, that any of the nominees should become
unavailable for election prior to the Annual Meeting, the proxy will be voted
for a substitute nominee or nominees, if any, designated by the Board of
Directors.
The following table sets forth the names and certain information concerning
the nominees for election to the Board of Directors. All of the nominees named
below have consented to being named herein and to serve, if elected.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ---------------------------------------------------- --- ------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
John M. Thornton (1)(2)............................. 64 Chairman of the Board
John F. Kessler..................................... 47 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Gerald I. Farmer, Ph. D............................. 62 Executive Vice President and Director
James B. DeBello (2)................................ 38 Director
Daniel E. Steimle (1)(2)............................ 48 Director
Sally B. Thornton (1)............................... 62 Director
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Compensation Committee
(2) Audit Committee
DIRECTORS
JOHN M. THORNTON--Mr. Thornton, 64, a director of the Company since March 1986,
was appointed Chairman of the Board as of October 1, 1987. Additionally, he
served as President of the Company from May 1991 through July 1991 and Chief
Executive Officer from May 1991 through February 1992. From 1976 through 1986,
Mr. Thornton served as Chairman of the Board at Micom, Inc. Mr. Thornton was
President of Wavetek Corporation for 18 years. Mr. Thornton is also a director
of Dynamic Instruments, Inc. and Chairman of the Board of Thornton Winery
Corporation. Mr. Thornton is the spouse of Sally B. Thornton, a director.
JOHN F. KESSLER--Mr. Kessler, 47, a director of the Company since August 1993,
was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in April
1994. Prior to his appointment, he was Vice President--Finance/Administration
and Chief Financial Officer of Bird Medical Technologies, Inc., a manufacturer
of medical equipment from November 1992 and also served as Secretary from
January 1993 to April 1994. Prior to joining Bird Medical, Mr. Kessler was Vice
President, Finance/Administration and Chief Financial Officer of Emerald Systems
Corporation, a computer systems company from January 1992 to November 1992. From
July 1980 to July 1991, Mr. Kessler was with Wavetek Corporation serving in
various positions, including Chief Financial Officer during the period of 1987
to 1991.
GERALD I. FARMER, PH.D.--Dr. Farmer, 62, a director of the Company since May
1994, has been Executive Vice President of the Company since November 1992.
Prior to joining the Company, Dr. Farmer worked as
3
<PAGE>
Executive Vice President of HNC Software, Inc. from January 1987 to November
1992. He has held senior management positions with IBM Corporation, Xerox, SAIC
and Gould Imaging and Graphics.
JAMES B. DEBELLO--Mr. DeBello, 38, a director of the Company since November
1994, has been Vice President and Assistant General Manager of Qualcomm Eudora
Internet E-Mail Software Division of Qualcomm, Inc. since November 1996. From
1990 to 1996, he was President of Solectek Corporation in San Diego, California.
He held various positions in the John M. Thornton & Associates group of
companies from July 1986 to April 1990. Prior to that, he was employed by the
Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee coordinating the marketing efforts to
support ticket sales, traffic management and community relations.
DANIEL E. STEIMLE--Mr. Steimle, 48, a director of the Company since February
1987, has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Advanced Fibre
Communications, a telecommunications equipment company, since December 1993.
Prior to that time, Mr. Steimle was Senior Vice President, Operations and Chief
Financial Officer of The Santa Cruz Operation from September 1991 to December
1993. Mr. Steimle served as Director of Business Development for Mentor
Graphics, a software development company, from August 1989 to September 1991.
Prior to that time, Mr. Steimle was the Corporate Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer of Cipher Data Products, Inc., a manufacturer of
data storage equipment.
SALLY B. THORNTON--Ms. Thornton, 62, a director of the Company since April 1988,
has been a private investor for more than six years. She served as Chairman of
Medical Materials, Inc. in Camarillo until February 1996, from 1977 to 1988 she
served as a director of Micom, Inc. and from 1988 to 1995 she served as a
director of Solectek. Ms. Thornton is on the Board of Directors of Thornton
Winery Corporation in Temecula, is a Vice President of Sjogren's Syndrome
Foundation in Port Washington, New York, a Trustee of Stephens College,
Columbia, MO and is a Life Trustee of the San Diego Museum of Art. Ms. Thornton
is the spouse of John M. Thornton, Chairman of the Board.
MEETINGS
The Board of Directors has one regularly scheduled meeting annually,
immediately following and at the same place as the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders. Additional regular meetings may be called as the need arises.
During the 1996 fiscal year, there were four meetings of the Board of Directors.
All directors attended at least 75% of all meetings during the year and the
Board committee meeting of which they were members.
COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors has appointed from among its members two committees
to advise it on matters of special importance to the Company.
The Compensation Committee, which acts as the Administrative Committee for
the 1986, 1988 and 1996 Stock Option Plans, during fiscal 1996 was composed of
John M. Thornton, Sally B. Thornton and Daniel E. Steimle. The Compensation
Committee reviews, analyzes and recommends compensation programs to the Board of
Directors. It also decides to which key employees of the Company either
incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options should be granted. During
fiscal 1996, the Compensation Committee meetings were held concurrently with
Board of Directors meetings.
The Audit Committee, during fiscal 1996, was composed of John M. Thornton,
Daniel E. Steimle and James B. DeBello. The Audit Committee meets with the
independent auditors and officers or other personnel of the Company responsible
for its financial reports. The Audit Committee is charged with responsibility
for reviewing the scope of the auditors examination of the Company and the
audited results of the examination. The Audit Committee is also responsible for
discussing with the auditors the scope, reasonableness and adequacy of internal
accounting controls.
4
<PAGE>
Among other matters, the Audit Committee is also responsible for considering
and recommending to the Board a certified public accounting firm for selection
by it as the Company's independent auditor. The Audit Committee held one meeting
during fiscal 1996.
REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS
The Company does not pay compensation for service as a director to persons
employed by the Company. Outside directors are paid $1,000 for each meeting they
attend.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE ELECTION
OF EACH NOMINEE AS A DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The table below shows, as of November 30, 1996, the amount and class of the
Company's voting stock owned beneficially (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) by (i) each director of
the Company, (ii) the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation
Table, (iii) all directors and executive officers as a group and (iv) each
person known by the Company to own beneficially 5% or more of any class of the
Company's voting stock:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES
OF COMMON STOCK
BENEFICIALLY PERCENT
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OR IDENTITY OF GROUP OWNED OF CLASS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
John M. and Sally B. Thornton....................................................... 2,749,959(1) 26.37%
Daniel E. Steimle................................................................... 34,243(2) .33%
John F. Kessler..................................................................... 280,000(3) 2.68%
Gerald Farmer....................................................................... 106,667(4) 1.02%
James B. DeBello.................................................................... 8,333(5) .08%
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group......................................... 3,179,002(6) 30.49%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) John M. Thornton and Sally B. Thornton, husband and wife, are trustees of a
family trust, and are each directors of the Company.
(2) Represents 14,521 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Steimle and includes
19,722 shares of Common Stock subject to options exercisable within 60 days
of November 30, 1996.
(3) Represents 16,100 shares of Common Stock held by John F. Kessler IRA and
33,900 shares of Common Stock held by John F. and Kerry J. Kessler, tenants
in common, and includes 230,000 shares of Common Stock subject to options
exercisable within 60 days of November 30, 1996.
(4) Represents 10,000 shares of Common Stock held by Dr. Farmer and includes
96,667 shares of Common Stock subject to options exercisable within 60 days
of November 30, 1996. Dr. Farmer is a director and Executive Vice President
of the Company.
(5) Represents 8,333 shares of Common Stock subject to options exercisable
within 60 days of November 1996.
(6) Includes 354,722 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
exercisable within 60 days of November 30, 1996.
Information with respect to beneficial ownership is based on information
furnished to the Company by each person identified above. Each named person
currently has shared voting and investment power with such person's spouse with
respect to the shares beneficially owned, except that Mr. Steimle has sole
voting and investment power with respect to his shares.
5
<PAGE>
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class
of the Company's equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in
ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Officers, directors and
greater than 10% stockholders are required by Securities and Exchange Commission
regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they
file.
Based solely upon its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or
written representations from certain persons reporting that no forms where
required to be filed by those persons, the Company believes that, during the
1996 fiscal year, all filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors,
and greater than 10% beneficial owners, were complied with.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
As members of the Compensation Committee it is our duty to monitor the
performance and compensation of executive officers and other key employees, to
review compensation plans and to administer the Company's Stock Option Plans.
The Company's executive and key employee compensation programs are designed to
attract, motivate and retain the executive talent needed to enhance shareholder
value in a competitive environment. The fundamental philosophy is to relate the
amount of compensation "at risk" for an executive directly to his or her
contribution to the Company's success in achieving superior performance
objectives and to the overall success of the Company. The Company's executive
and key employee compensation program consists of a base salary component, a
component providing the potential for an annual bonus based on overall Company
performance as well as individual performance, and a component providing the
opportunity to earn stock options that focus the executives and key employees on
building shareholder value through meeting longer-term financial and strategic
goals.
In designing and administering its executive compensation program, the
Company attempts to strike an appropriate balance among these various elements,
each of which is discussed in greater detail below.
In applying these elements to arrive at specific amounts or awards, the
members of the Compensation Committee apply their subjective evaluation of these
various factors and arrive at consensus through discussion. While specific
numerical criteria may be used in evaluating achievement of individual or
Company goals, the extent of achieving such goals is then factored in with other
more subjective criteria to arrive at the final compensation or award decision.
BASE SALARY
Base salary is targeted at the fiftieth percentile, consistent with
comparable high technology companies in the same general stage of development
and in the same general industry and geographic area. For this purpose, this
Committee utilizes the wage and salary surveys of the American Electronics
Association and Merchants and Manufacturers Association, industry and area trade
groups of which the Company is a member. This group of companies is not the same
as the peer group chosen for the Stock Performance Graph.
The Company's salary increase program is designed to reflect individual
performance related to the Company's overall financial performance as well as
competitive practice. Salary reviews are typically performed annually in
conjunction with a performance review. Salary increases are dependent upon the
achievement of individual and corporate performance goals.
THE EXECUTIVE AND KEY EMPLOYEE BONUS PLAN
The Executive and Key Employee Bonus Plan is designed to reward Company
executives and other key employees for their contributions to corporate
objectives. Corporate objectives are established as part
6
<PAGE>
of the annual operating plan process. Overall corporate objectives include
target levels of pre-tax, pre-bonus profit and net revenue.
Each eligible employee's award is expressed as a percentage of the
participant's October 1, 1995 base salary. Bonus achievement was dependent upon
meeting or exceeding the company's minimum goals for pre-tax, pre-bonus and net
revenue. For fiscal 1996, the bonus award for each participant at the
achievement of corporate goals in pre-tax, pre-bonus profit and revenue was
99.2% and 81.5%, respectively. No bonus is payable if Company goals are not
reached.
STOCK OPTION PLANS
1986 AND 1988 STOCK OPTION PLANS. The Company's 1986 Stock Option Plan (the
"1986 Plan") authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 630,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock. At September 30, 1996, 331,584 shares of Common Stock
were subject to outstanding options issued pursuant to the 1986 Plan. The 1986
Plan terminated on September 30, 1996 and no additional options may be granted
under that plan. The Company's 1988 Stock Option Plan (the "1988 Plan")
authorizes the Company to grant to its directors, officers and key employees
non-qualified stock options to purchase up to 650,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock. At September 30, 1996, 472,973 shares were reserved for issuance
under the 1988 Plan of which 410,000 were subject to outstanding options and
62,973 remained available for future grants. The Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors (the "Committee") administers the 1986 Plan and the 1988
Plan. The Committee selects the recipients to whom options are granted and
determines the number of shares to be awarded. Options granted pursuant to the
1986 Plan and the 1988 Plan are exercisable at a price determined by the
Committee at the time of grant, but in no event will the option price be lower
than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of the grant.
However, discounted options to directors under the 1988 Plan may be exercisable
at $1.00 per share. Options become exercisable at such times and in such
installations (which may be cumulative) as the Committee provides in the terms
of each individual option agreement. In general, the Committee is given broad
discretion to issue options in exchange and to accept a wide variety of
consideration (including shares of Common Stock of the Company, promissory
notes, or unexercised options) in payment for the exercise price of stock
options.
1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN. The Board of Directors has approved the adoption of
a 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "1996 Plan"). The 1996 Plan authorizes the
issuance of an additional 1,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock
pursuant to the exercise of options granted thereunder. Options granted under
the 1996 Plan are exercisable at a price determined by the Committee at the time
of grant, but in no event will the option price be lower than the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. Subsequent to September 30,
1996, options for 286,250 shares were granted under the 1996 Plan and 713,750
were available for future grants. The options granted vest on a monthly basis
over a three year vesting period and certain of the options are subject to an
accelerated vesting schedule in the event of a change in control of the Company.
The Company's Stock Option Plans (the "Option Plans") authorizes the
granting of options to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock to officers
and key employees of the Company. The Plans are designed to:
1. Encourage and create ownership and retention of the Company's Stock;
2. Balance long-term with short-term decision making;
3. Link the officers' or key employees' financial success to that of the
shareholders;
4. Focus attention on building shareholder value through meeting
longer-term financial and strategic goals; and
5. Ensure broad-based participation of key employees (all employees
currently participate in the Stock Option Plan).
7
<PAGE>
401(K) SAVINGS PLAN
In 1990 the Company established an Employee Savings Plan (the "Savings
Plan") intended to qualify under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code,
which is available to all employees who satisfy the age and service requirements
under the Savings Plan. The Savings Plan allows an employee to defer up to 15%
of the employee's compensation for the pay period as elected in his or her
salary deferral agreement on a pre-tax basis pursuant to a cash or deferred
arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Code (subject to maximums permitted
under federal law). This contribution generally will not be subject to federal
tax until it is distributed from the Savings Plan. In addition these
contributions are fully vested and non-forfeitable . Contributions to the
Savings Plan are deposited in a trust fund established in connection with the
Savings Plan. The Company may make discretionary contributions to the Savings
Plan at the end of each fiscal year as deemed appropriate by the Board of
Directors. Vested amounts allocated to each participating employee are
distributed in the event of retirement, death, disability or other termination
of employment. For fiscal 1996 the Committee determined that participants
employed by the Company would receive a matching contribution equaling 10% of
their fiscal 1996 contributions to the Plan.
OTHER COMPENSATION PLANS
The Company has adopted certain broad-based employee benefit plans in which
executive officers have been permitted to participate. The incremental cost to
the Company of benefits provided to executive officers under these life and
health insurance plans is less than 10% of the base salaries for executive
officers for fiscal 1996. Benefits under these broad-based plans are not
directly or indirectly tied to Company performance.
STOCK OPTIONS GRANTS
The Committee authorized several stock option grants, including one to
Executive Officers and Key Employees, as well as grants for new employees.
SALARY INCREASES
There were no salary increases for Company executive officers during fiscal
1996.
EXECUTIVE AND KEY EMPLOYEE BONUS PLAN AWARDS
In fiscal 1997, the Committee approved the bonus awards for the Company
executive officers and key employees in recognition of the minimum achievement
of the Company pre-tax, pre-bonus and net revenue goals for Fiscal 1996.
ON BEHALF OF THE COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE
JOHN M. THORNTON, CHAIRMAN
8
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Mr. Thornton, an executive officer and employee of the Company, served as a
member of the Company's Compensation Committee. He did not participate in any
discussions regarding his compensation.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table shows the compensation paid by the Company in fiscal
years ended 1994, 1995 and 1996 to its Chief Executive Officer and the other
executive officers who received in excess of $100,000 in salary and bonus during
fiscal 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
------------------------------- NUMBER ALL OTHER
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS OTHER OF OPTIONS COMP.
- --------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John M. Thornton 1996 150,000
Chairman of the Board 1995 150,000
1994 150,000
Gerald I. Farmer, Ph.D. 1996 137,100 41,497 20,000 1,091(1)
Exec. Vice Pres. 1995 137,100 3,428 50,000
1994 137,100
John F. Kessler 1996 140,000 42,375 100,000 1,095(1)
President & CEO 1995 140,000 200,000
1994 59,231
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Consists solely of matching contributions to the Company's 401(k) Plan.
STOCK OPTIONS
The following table shows, as to the individuals named in the Summary
Compensation Table, information concerning stock options granted during the
fiscal year ended September 30, 1996.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
VALUE AT ASSUMED
ANNUAL RATES OF
STOCK PRICE
% OF TOTAL OPTIONS APPRECIATION FOR
OPTIONS GRANTED TO EMPLOYEES IN EXERCISE OR OPTION TERM
GRANTED FY 1996 BASE PRICE EXPIRATION --------------------
(#)(1) (%) ($/SH) DATE 5%($) 10%($)
--------- ----------------------- ------------- ----------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John M. Thornton.................. -0-
Gerald I. Farmer, Ph.D............ 20,000 6.8 $ 1.38 10/5/01 $ 5,948 $ 12,809
John F. Kessler................... 100,000 34.2 $ 1.38 10/5/01 $ 29,740 $ 64,046
--------- --- --------- ---------
Totals............................ 120,000 41.0 $ 35,688 $ 76,855
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Options vest monthly over a three-year period and have a term of six years,
subject to earlier termination on the occurrence of certain events related
to termination of employment In addition, the full vesting of the options is
accelerated in the event of a change in control of the Company.
9
<PAGE>
The following table shows, as to the individuals named in the Summary
Compensation Table information concerning stock options exercised during the
fiscal ended September 30, 1996:
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS AT FY-END IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
NUMBER AT FY-END ($)
EXERCISABLE / EXERCISABLE /
NAME UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE (1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ----------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
John M. Thornton.......................................... 0 / 0 0 / 0
Gerald Farmer, Ph.D....................................... 87,222/ 27,778 256,484 / 75,019
John F. Kessler........................................... 188,334 / 116,666 522,219 / 313,898
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Based on closing bid price of $4.00 as of September 30, 1996 as reported on
the NASDAQ SmallCap Market.
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NASDAQ STOCK MARKET NASDAQ STOCKS (SIC 3570-3579 US COMPANIES)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
MITEK SYSTEMS INC. (US Companies) Computer and Office Equipment
9/30/91 100.0 100.0 100.0
9/30/92 21.3 112.1 105.8
9/30/93 60.0 146.8 112.5
9/30/94 53.3 148.0 127.5
9/30/95 63.0 204.4 235.3
9/30/96 183.6 242.6 318.5
</TABLE>
ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON OCTOBER 1, 1991
ASSUMES DIVIDEND REINVESTED
FISCAL YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 1996
The above graph compares the performance of the Company with that of the
NASDAQ Market Index and Peer Group (based on SIC Code 737--Computer & Data
Processing).
PROPOSAL NO. 2
PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE ADOPTION OF
THE 1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Board adopted the 1996 Stock Option Plan on October 30, 1996, a copy of
that plan is attached hereto as Exhibit A. The Board believes that the Plan will
further assist the Company in attracting, retaining, and motivating the best
qualified directors, officers and other key employees, and will further
10
<PAGE>
enhance the long-term mutuality of interest between the Company's shareholders
and its directors, officers and key employees. The principal features of the
Plan are summarized below.
Under the Plan, the Compensation Committee (the "Committee") of the Board
may grant options to directors, officers and other key employees of the Company
and its subsidiaries. The number of grantees and the number of Common Shares
subject to options awarded to each grantee may vary from year to year. The
maximum number of Common Shares for which an individual may receive awards of
incentive options is limited to 100,000 Common Shares over a one-year period. As
of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Committee determined the identity of
the officers and key employees to whom awards of options may be made under the
Plan or the number and type of such awards that will be made to any such officer
or key employee. The Company estimates that all employees of the Company and its
subsidiaries will be eligible to receive options under the Plan, including the
current Chief Executive Officer and the other most highly compensated current
executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table. The Committee, on
October 30, 1996, approved grants totaling 286,750 Common Shares.
Additionally, each year, on the date of the annual meeting of shareholders,
each Non-employee Director will automatically receive an option to acquire 5,000
Common Shares at the fair market value
thereof on the date the option is granted.
The maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued under the Plan is
1,000,000. The Common Shares may be unissued shares or treasury shares. If there
is a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, or other relevant change
affecting the Company's Common Shares, appropriate adjustments will be made by
the Committee in the number of shares that may be issued in the future and in
the number of shares and price under all outstanding grants made before the
event. If Common Shares under the option are not issued, those Common Shares
will again be available for inclusion in future grants. The awards authorized
under the Plan are subject to applicable tax withholding by the Company.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THIS
PROPOSAL.
PROPOSAL NO. 3
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF AUDITORS
Based upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors
has authorized the firm of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, independent certified public
accountants, to serve as auditors for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1997.
A representative of Deloitte & Touche, LLP will be present at the shareholders'
meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires
to do so. Further, the representative of Deloitte & Touche, LLP will be
available to respond to appropriate questions.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THIS
PROPOSAL.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Annual Meeting is called for the purposes set forth in the attached
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Management is unaware of any matters
for action by stockholders at this meeting other than those described in such
Notice. The enclosed proxy, however, will confer discretionary authority with
respect to matters which are not known to management at the date of printing
hereof and which may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment
thereof. It is the intention of the Company's proxy holders to vote in
accordance with their best judgment on any such matters.
11
<PAGE>
ALL STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE
ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
[SIGNATURE]
JOHN F. KESSLER
PRESIDENT AND CEO
San Diego, California
January 9, 1997
12
<PAGE>
MITEK SYSTEMS, INC.
1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN
1. PURPOSE. This Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") is intended to serve as an
incentive to, and to encourage stock ownership by certain eligible participants
rendering services to Mitek Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and certain
affiliates as set forth below (the "Corporation"), so that they may acquire or
increase their proprietary interest in the Corporation and to encourage them to
remain in the service of the Corporation.
2. ADMINISTRATION.
2.1 COMMITTEE. The Plan shall be administered by the Board of
Directors of the Corporation, or a committee of two or more directors appointed
by the Board of Directors (the "Committee"). The Committee shall select one of
its members as Chairman and shall appoint a Secretary, who need not be a member
of the Committee. The Committee shall hold meetings at such times and places as
it may determine and minutes of such meetings shall be recorded. Acts by a
majority of the Committee in a meeting at which a quorum is present and acts
approved in writing by a majority of the members of the Committee shall be valid
acts of the Committee.
2.2 COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 16B-3. Each member of the Committee shall be
a "non employee director" as that term is defined in Rule 16b-3 ("Rule 16b-3")
promulgated pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act") meaning for purposes of this Plan, that no director
may be a member of the Committee if that director, during the period of such
director's service on the Committee (i) is an officer, employee or consultant of
the Corporation, or (ii) engages in any related party transactions with the
Corporation of a nature which would be required to be disclosed to shareholders
under the provisions of the Exchange Act. The Board of Directors or the
Committee may impose such conditions on the exercise of any option as may be
required to satisfy the requirements of Rule 16b-3 or any successor provision in
effect at the time. All grants under the Plan made to non employee directors
shall be approved by the full Board of Directors or ratified by the shareholders
of the Corporation.
2.3 TERM. If the Board of Directors selects a Committee, the members
of the Committee shall serve on the Committee for the period of time determined
by the Board of Directors and shall be subject to removal by the Board of
Directors at any time. The Board of Directors may terminate the function of the
Committee at any time and resume all powers and authority previously delegated
to the Committee.
2.4 AUTHORITY. The Committee shall have sole discretion and authority
to grant options under the Plan to eligible participants rendering services to
the Corporation or any "parent" or "subsidiary" of the Corporation, as defined
in Section 424 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")
("Parent or Subsidiary"), at such times, under such terms and in such amounts as
it may decide. For purposes of this Plan and any Stock Option Agreement (as
defined below), the term "Corporation" shall include any Parent or Subsidiary,
if applicable. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee
shall have complete authority to interpret the Plan, to prescribe, amend and
rescind the rules and regulations relating to it, to determine the details and
provisions of any Stock Option Agreement, to accelerate any options and to make
all other determinations necessary and advisable for the administration of the
Plan.
2.5 TYPE OF OPTION. The Committee shall have full authority and
discretion to determine, and shall specify, whether the eligible individual will
be granted options intended to qualify as incentive options under Section 422 of
the Code ("Incentive Options") or options which are not intended to qualify
under Section 422 of the Code ("Non-Qualified Options"); provided, however, that
Incentive Options shall only be granted to employees of the Corporation, or a
Parent or Subsidiary thereof, and shall be subject to the special limitations
set forth herein attributable to Incentive Options.
1
<PAGE>
2.6 INTERPRETATION. The interpretation and construction by the
Committee of any provisions of the Plan or of any option granted under the Plan
shall be final and binding on all parties having an interest in this Plan or any
option granted hereunder. No member of the Committee shall be liable for any
action or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any
option granted under the Plan.
3. ELIGIBILITY.
3.1 GENERAL. All directors, officers, employees of and certain persons
rendering services to the Corporation relative to the Corporation's management,
operation or development shall be eligible to receive options under the Plan.
The selection of recipients of options shall be within the sole and absolute
discretion of the Committee. No person shall be granted an Incentive Option
under this Plan unless such person is an employee of the Corporation on the date
of grant. No person shall be granted an option under this Plan unless such
person has executed, if requested by the Committee, the grant representation
letter set forth on Exhibit "A," as such Exhibit may be amended by the Committee
from time to time.
3.2 TERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY.
3.2.1 If an optionee ceases to be employed by the Corporation, is
no longer an officer or member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or
no longer performs services for the Corporation for any reason (other than for
"cause," as hereinafter defined, or such optionee's death), any option granted
hereunder to such optionee shall expire on the 90th day after the occurrence
giving rise to such termination of eligibility (or 1 year in the event an
optionee is "disabled," as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code) or upon the
date it expires by its terms, whichever is earlier. Any option that has not
vested in the optionee as of the date of such termination shall immediately
expire and shall be null and void. The Committee shall, in its sole and absolute
discretion, decide whether an authorized leave of absence or absence for
military or governmental service, or absence for any other reason, shall
constitute termination of eligibility for purposes of this Section.
3.2.2 If an optionee ceases to be employed by the Corporation, is
no longer an officer or member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or
no longer performs services for the Corporation and such termination is as a
result of "cause," as hereinafter defined, then all options granted hereunder to
such optionee shall expire on the date of the occurrence giving rise to such
termination of eligibility or upon the date it expires by its terms, whichever
is earlier, and such optionee shall have no rights with respect to any
unexercised options. For purposes of this Plan, "cause" shall mean an optionee's
personal dishonesty, misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty, incompetence,
intentional failure to perform stated obligations, willful violation of any law,
rule, regulation or final cease and desist order, or any material breach of any
provision of this Plan, any Stock Option Agreement or any employment agreement.
3.3 DEATH OF OPTIONEE AND TRANSFER OF OPTION. In the event an optionee
shall die, an option may be exercised (subject to the condition that no option
shall be exercisable after its expiration and only to the extent that the
optionee's right to exercise such option had accrued at the time of the
optionee's death) at any time within six months after the optionee's death by
the executors or administrators of the optionee or by any person or persons who
shall have acquired the option directly from the optionee by bequest or
inheritance. Any option that has not vested in the optionee as of the date of
death or termination of employment, whichever is earlier, shall immediately
expire and shall be null and void. No option shall be transferable by the
optionee other than by will or the laws of intestate succession.
3.4 LIMITATION ON INCENTIVE OPTIONS. No person shall be granted any
Incentive Option to the extent that the aggregate fair market value of the Stock
(as defined below) to which such options are exercisable for the first time by
the optionee during any calendar year (under all plans of the Corporation as
determined under Section 422(d) of the Code) exceeds $100,000.
4. IDENTIFICATION OF STOCK. The Stock, as defined herein, subject to the
options shall be shares of the Corporation's authorized but unissued or acquired
or reacquired common stock (the "Stock"). The aggregate number of shares subject
to outstanding options shall not exceed 1,000,000 shares
2
<PAGE>
of Stock (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 6). If any option granted
hereunder shall expire or terminate for any reason without having been exercised
in full, the unpurchased shares subject thereto shall again be available for
purposes of this Plan.
5. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS. Any option granted pursuant to the
Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement in such form as the
Committee shall from time to time determine, which agreement shall comply with
and be subject to the following terms and conditions:
5.1 NUMBER OF SHARES. Each option shall state the number of shares of
Stock to which it pertains.
5.2 OPTION EXERCISE PRICE. Each option shall state the option exercise
price, which shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that (i)
the exercise price of any Incentive Option shall not be less than the fair
market value of the Stock, as determined by the Committee, on the date of grant
of such option, (ii) the exercise price of any Incentive Option granted to an
employee who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all
classes of the Corporation's stock, as determined for purposes of Section 422 of
the Code, shall not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the Stock, as
determined by the Committee, on the date of grant of such option, and (iii) the
exercise price of any Non-Qualified Option shall not be less than the fair
market value of the Stock, as determined by the Committee, on the date of grant
of such option.
5.3 TERM OF OPTION. The term of an option granted hereunder shall be
determined by the Committee at the time of grant, but shall not exceed ten years
from the date of the grant. The term of any Incentive Option granted to an
employee who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all
classes of the Corporation's stock, as determined for purposes of Section 422 of
the Code, shall in no event exceed five years from the date of grant. All
options shall be subject to early termination as set forth in this Plan. In no
event shall any option be exercisable after the expiration of its term.
5.4 METHOD OF EXERCISE. An option shall be exercised by written notice
to the Corporation by the optionee (or successor in the event of death) and
execution by the optionee of an exercise representation letter in the form set
forth on Exhibit "B," as such Exhibit may be amended by the Committee from time
to time. Such written notice shall state the number of shares with respect to
which the option is being exercised and designate a time, during normal business
hours of the Corporation, for the delivery thereof ("Exercise Date"), which time
shall be at least 30 days after the giving of such notice unless an earlier date
shall have been mutually agreed upon. At the time specified in the written
notice, the Corporation shall deliver to the optionee at the principal office of
the Corporation, or such other appropriate place as may be determined by the
Committee, a certificate or certificates for such shares. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Corporation may postpone delivery of any certificate or
certificates after notice of exercise for such reasonable period as may be
required to comply with any applicable listing requirements of any securities
exchange. In the event an option shall be exercisable by any person other than
the optionee, the required notice under this Section shall be accompanied by
appropriate proof of the right of such person to exercise the option.
5.5 MEDIUM AND TIME OF PAYMENT. The option exercise price shall be
payable in full on or before the option Exercise Date in any one of the
following alternative forms:
5.5.1 Full payment in cash or certified bank or cashier's check;
5.5.2 A Promissory Note (as defined below);
5.5.3 Full payment in shares of Stock of the Corporation having a
fair market value on the Exercise Date in the amount equal to the option
exercise price;
5.5.4 Through a special sale and remittance procedure pursuant to
which the optionee shall concurrently provide irrevocable written instruction to
(a) a Corporation-designated brokerage firm to effect the immediate sale of the
purchased shares and remit to the Corporation, out of the sale proceeds
3
<PAGE>
available on the settlement date, sufficient funds to cover the aggregate
exercise price payable for the purchased shares plus all applicable Federal,
state and local income and employment taxes required to be withheld by the
Corporation by reason of such exercise and (b) the Corporation to deliver the
certificates for the purchased shares directly to such brokerage firm in order
to complete the sale.
5.5.5 A combination of the consideration set forth in Sections
5.4.1, through 5.4.4 equal to the option exercise price; or
5.5.6 Any other method of payment complying with the provisions of
Section 422 of the Code with respect to Incentive Options, provided the terms of
payment are established by the Committee at the time of grant and any other
method of payment established by the Committee with respect to Non-Qualified
Options.
5.6 FAIR MARKET VALUE. The fair market value of a share of Stock on
any relevant date shall be determined in accordance with the following
provisions:
5.6.1 If the Stock of the Corporation at the time is neither listed
nor admitted to trading on any stock exchange nor traded in the over-the-counter
market, then the fair market value shall be determined by the Committee after
taking into account such factors as the Committee shall deem appropriate.
5.6.2 If the Stock of the Corporation is not at the time listed or
admitted to trading on any stock exchange but is traded in the over-the-counter
market, the fair market value shall be the mean between the highest bid and
lowest asked prices (or, if such information is available, the closing selling
price) of one share of Stock of the Corporation on the date in question in the
over-the-counter market, as such prices are reported by the National Association
of Securities Dealers through its NASDAQ system or any successor system. If
there are no reported bid and asked prices (or closing selling price) for the
Stock of the Corporation on the date in question, then the mean between the
highest bid price and lowest asked price (or the closing selling price) on the
last preceding date for which such quotations exist shall be determinative of
fair market value.
5.6.3 If the Stock of the Corporation is at the time listed or
admitted to trading on any stock exchange, then the fair market value shall be
the closing selling price of one share of Stock of the Corporation on the date
in question on the stock exchange determined by the Committee to be the primary
market for the Stock of the Corporation, as such price is officially quoted in
the composite tape of transactions on such exchange. If there is no reported
sale of Stock of the Corporation on such exchange on the date in question, then
the fair market value shall be the closing selling price on the exchange on the
last preceding date for which such quotation exists.
5.7 PROMISSORY NOTE. Subject to the requirements of applicable state
or Federal law or margin requirements, and if provided in the Stock Option
Agreement, payment of all or part of the purchase price of the Stock may be made
by delivery of a full recourse promissory note ("Promissory Note"). The
Promissory Note shall be executed by the optionee, made payable to the
Corporation and bear interest at such rate as the Committee shall determine, but
in no case less than the minimum rate which will not cause under the Code (i)
interest to be imputed, (ii) original issue discount to exist, or (iii) any
other similar results to occur. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee,
interest on the Note shall be payable in quarterly installments on March 31,
June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year. A Promissory Note shall
contain such other terms and conditions as may be determined by the Committee;
provided, however, that the full principal amount of the Promissory Note and all
unpaid interest accrued thereon shall be due not later than five years from the
date of exercise. The Corporation may obtain from the optionee a security
interest in all shares of Stock issued to the optionee under the Plan for the
purpose of securing payment under the Promissory Note and may retain possession
of the stock certificates representing such shares in order to perfect its
security interest.
4
<PAGE>
5.8 RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. An optionee or successor shall have no
rights as a shareholder with respect to any Stock underlying any option until
the date of the issuance to such optionee of a certificate for such Stock. No
adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in
cash, securities or other property) or distributions or other rights for which
the record date is prior to the date such Stock certificate is issued, except as
provided in Section 6.
5.9 MODIFICATION, EXTENSION AND RENEWAL OF OPTIONS. Subject to the
terms and conditions of the Plan, the Committee may modify, extend or renew
outstanding options granted under the Plan, or accept the surrender of
out-standing options (to the extent not exercised) and authorize the granting of
new options in substitution therefor.
5.10 VESTING AND RESTRICTIONS. The Committee shall have complete
authority and discretion to set the terms, conditions, restrictions, vesting
schedules and other provisions of any option in the applicable Stock Option
Agreement. In addition, the Committee shall have complete authority to require
conditions and restrictions on any Stock issued pursuant to this Plan.
5.11 OTHER PROVISIONS. The Stock Option Agreements shall contain such
other provisions as the Committee shall deem advisable.
6. ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION.
6.1 SUBDIVISION OR CONSOLIDATION. Subject to any required action by
shareholders of the Corporation, the number of shares of Stock covered by each
outstanding option, and the exercise price thereof, shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Stock of
the Corporation resulting from a subdivision or consolidation of shares or the
payment of a stock dividend (but only on the Stock) or any other increase or
decrease in the number of such shares effected without receipt of consideration
by the Corporation. Any fraction of a share subject to option that would
otherwise result from an adjustment pursuant to this Section shall be rounded
downward to the next full number of shares without other compensation or
consideration to the holder of such option.
6.2 CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS. Upon a sale or exchange of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, a merger or consolidation in
which the Corporation is not the surviving corporation, a merger, reorganization
or consolidation in which the Corporation is the surviving corporation and
shareholders of the Corporation exchange their stock for securities or property,
a liquidation of the Corporation, or similar transaction ("Capital
Transaction"), this Plan and each option issued under this Plan, whether vested
or unvested, shall terminate, unless such options are assumed by a successor
corporation in a merger or consolidation 15 days prior to such Capital
Transaction; provided, however, that unless the outstanding options are assumed
by a successor corporation in a merger or consolidation, subject to terms
approved by the Committee, all optionees will have the right, until 15 days
prior to such Capital Transaction, to exercise all vested options. The Committee
may (but shall not be obligated to) (i) accelerate the vesting of any option or
(ii) apply the foregoing provisions, including but not limited to termination of
this Plan and options granted pursuant to the Plan, in the event there is a sale
of 51% or more of the stock of the Corporation in any two year period or a
transaction similar to a Capital Transaction.
6.3 ADJUSTMENTS. To the extent that the foregoing adjustments relate
to stock or securities of the Corporation, such adjustments shall be made by the
Committee, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and
conclusive.
6.4 ABILITY TO ADJUST. The grant of an option pursuant to the Plan
shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Corporation to make
adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations or changes of its capital or
business structure or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate, sell or
transfer all or any part of its business or assets.
6.5 NOTICE OF ADJUSTMENT. Whenever the Corporation shall take any
action resulting in any adjustment provided for in this Section, the Corporation
shall forthwith deliver notice of such action to
5
<PAGE>
each optionee, which notice shall set forth the number of shares subject to the
option and the exercise price thereof resulting from such adjustment.
6.6 LIMITATION ON ADJUSTMENTS. Any adjustment, assumption or
substitution of an Incentive Option shall comply with Section 425 of the Code,
if applicable.
7. NONASSIGNABILITY. Options granted under this Plan may not be sold,
pledged, assigned or transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws
of intestate succession, and may be exercised during the lifetime of the
optionee only by such optionee. Any transfer in violation of this provision
shall void such option, and any Stock Option Agreement entered into by the
optionee and the Corporation regarding such option shall be void and have no
further force or effect. No option shall be pledged or hypothecated in any way,
nor shall any option be subject to execution, attachment or similar process.
8. NO RIGHT OF EMPLOYMENT. Neither the grant nor exercise of any option
nor anything in this Plan shall impose upon the Corporation or any other
corporation any obligation to employ or continue to employ any optionee. The
right of the Corporation and any other corporation to terminate any employee
shall not be diminished or affected because an option has been granted to such
employee.
9. TERM OF PLAN. This Plan is effective on the date the Plan is adopted by
the Board of Directors and options may be granted pursuant to the Plan from time
to time within a period of ten (10) years from such date, or the date of any
required shareholder approval required under the Plan, if earlier. Termination
of the Plan shall not affect any option theretofore granted.
10. AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN. The Board of Directors of the Corporation may,
subject to any required shareholder approval, suspend, discontinue or terminate
the Plan, or revise or amend it in any respect whatsoever with respect to any
shares of stock at that time not subject to options.
11. APPLICATION OF FUNDS. The proceeds received by the Corporation from
the sale of Stock pursuant to options may be used for general corporate
purposes.
12. RESERVATION OF SHARES. The Corporation, during the term of this Plan,
shall at all times reserve and keep available such number of shares of Stock as
shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
13. NO OBLIGATION TO EXERCISE OPTION. The granting of an option shall not
impose any obligation upon the optionee to exercise such option.
14. WITHHOLDING TAXES. Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in
this Plan or any Stock Option Agreement, the exercise of any option shall be
conditioned upon payment by such optionee in cash, or other provisions
satisfactory to the Committee, of all local, state, federal or other withholding
taxes applicable, in the Committee's judgment, to the exercise or to later
disposition of shares acquired upon exercise of an option.
15. PARACHUTE PAYMENTS. Any outstanding option under the Plan may not be
accelerated to the extent any such acceleration of such option would, when added
to the present value of other payments in the nature of compensation which
becomes due and payable to the optionee would result in the payment to such
optionee of an excess parachute payment under Section 280G of the Code. The
existence of any such excess parachute payment shall be determined in the sole
and absolute discretion of the Committee.
16. SECURITIES LAWS COMPLIANCE. Notwithstanding anything contained herein,
the Corporation shall not be obligated to grant any option under this Plan or to
sell, issue or effect any transfer of any Stock unless such grant, sale,
issuance or transfer is at such time effectively (i) registered or exempt from
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), and (ii)
qualified or exempt from qualification under the California Corporate Securities
Law of 1968 and any other applicable state securities laws. As a condition to
exercise of any option, each optionee shall make such representations as
6
<PAGE>
may be deemed appropriate by counsel to the Corporation for the Corporation to
use any available exemption from registration under the Act or qualification
under any applicable state securities law.
17. RESTRICTIVE LEGENDS. The certificates representing the Stock issued
upon exercise of options granted pursuant to this Plan will bear the following
legends giving notice of restrictions on transfer under the Act and this Plan,
as follows:
(a) THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN ISSUED OR
TRANSFERRED IN A TRANSACTION WHICH WAS NOT REGISTERED UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION
AFFORDED BY SUCH ACT. NO SALE OR TRANSFER OF THESE SHARES SHALL BE MADE,
NO ATTEMPTED SALE OR TRANSFER SHALL BE VALID, AND THE ISSUER SHALL NOT BE
REQUIRED TO GIVE ANY EFFECT TO ANY SUCH TRANSACTION UNLESS (A) SUCH
TRANSACTION SHALL HAVE BEEN DULY REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR (B) THE
ISSUER SHALL HAVE FIRST RECEIVED AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO IT
THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
(b) Any other legends required by applicable state securities laws as
determined by the Committee.
18. NOTICES. Any notice to be given under the terms of the Plan shall be
addressed to the Corporation in care of its Secretary at its principal office,
and any notice to be given to an optionee shall be addressed to such optionee at
the address maintained by the Corporation for such person or at such other
address as the optionee may specify in writing to the Corporation.
As adopted by the Board of Directors on October 31, 1996.
MITEK SYSTEMS, INC., a Delaware
corporation
By:
--------------------------------------
John Kessler, President
7
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
, 1996
Mitek Systems, Inc.
10070 Carroll Canyon Road
San Diego, California 92131
Re: 1996 Stock Option Plan
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is delivered to Mitek Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Corporation"), in connection with the grant to (the "Optionee") of an
option (the "Option") to purchase shares of common stock of the
Corporation (the "Stock") pursuant to the Mitek Systems, Inc. 1996 Stock Option
Plan dated October , 1996 (the "Plan"). The Optionee understands that the
Corporation's receipt of this letter executed by the Optionee is a condition to
the Corporation's willingness to grant the Option to the Optionee.
The Optionee acknowledges that the grant of the Option by the Corporation is
in lieu of any and all other promises of the Corporation to the Optionee,
whether written or oral, express or implied, regarding the grant of options or
other rights to acquire Stock. Accordingly, in anticipation of the grant of the
Option, the Optionee hereby relinquishes all rights to such other rights, if
any, to acquire stock of the Corporation.
In addition, the Optionee makes the following representations and warranties
with the understanding that the Corporation will rely upon them in the
Corporation's determination of whether the grant of the Option meets the
requirements of the "private offering" exemption provided in Section 25102(f) of
the California Corporations Code and certain exemptions provided under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
1. The Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and
Agreement. The Optionee has carefully reviewed the Plan and Agreement.
2. The Option and the Stock will be acquired by the Optionee for
investment only, for the Optionee's own account, and not with a view to or
for sale in connection with any distribution of the Option or the Stock. The
Optionee will not take, or cause to be taken, any action which would cause
the Optionee, or any entity or person affiliated with the Optionee, to be
deemed an underwriter with respect to the Option or the Stock.
3. The Optionee either:
a. has a preexisting personal or business relationship with the
Corporation or any of its officers, directors or controlling persons of a
nature and duration as would allow the Optionee to be aware of the
character, business acumen, general business and financial circumstances
of the Corporation or of the person with whom such relationship exists;
or
b. by reason of the Optionee's business or financial experience, or
the business or financial experience of the Optionee's professional
advisor who is unaffiliated with and is not compensated by the
Corporation or any affiliate or selling agent of the Corporation,
directly or indirectly, the
Exhibit A--Page 1
<PAGE>
Optionee has the capacity to protect the Optionee's interests in
connection with the grant of the Option and the purchase of the Stock.
4. The Optionee acknowledges that an investment in the Corporation
represents a speculative investment and a high degree of risk. The Optionee
acknowledges that the Optionee has had the opportunity to obtain and review
all information from the Corporation necessary to make a reasonably informed
investment decision and that the Optionee has had all questions asked of the
Corporation answered to the reasonable satisfaction of the Optionee. The
Optionee is able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Option
and the Stock.
5. The grant of the Option has not been accompanied by the publication
of any advertisement.
6. The Optionee understands and acknowledges that the Stock has not
been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or qualified under the California Corporate Securities Law of 1968.
The Optionee understands and acknowledges that the Stock may not be sold
without compliance with the registration requirements of federal and
applicable state securities laws unless an exemption from such laws is
available. The Optionee understands that the Certificate representing the
Stock shall bear the legends set forth in the Plan.
7. The Optionee understands and acknowledges that the Option and the
Stock are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
8. The Optionee understands and agrees that, at the time of exercise of
any part of the Option for Stock, the Optionee may be required to provide
the Corporation with additional representations, warranties and/or covenants
similar to those contained in this letter.
9. The Optionee is a resident of the State of .
10. The Optionee will notify the Corporation immediately of any change
in the above information which occurs before the Option is exercised in full
by the Optionee.
The foregoing representations and warranties are given on , 1996
at .
OPTIONEE:
--------------------------------------
Exhibit A--Page 2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
, 1996
Mitek Systems, Inc.
10070 Carroll Canyon Road
San Diego, California 92131
Re: 1996 Stock Option Plan
To Whom It May Concern:
I (the "Optionee") hereby exercise my right to purchase shares of
common stock (the "Stock") of Mitek Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Corporation"), pursuant to, and in accordance with, the Mitek Systems, Inc.
Stock Option Plan dated October , 1996 (the "Plan") and Stock Option Agreement
(the "Agreement") dated , 1996. As provided in such Plan, I deliver
herewith payment as set forth in the Plan in the amount of the aggregate option
exercise price. Please deliver to me at my address as set forth above stock
certificates representing the subject shares registered in my name (and
(spouse), as (style of vesting)).
The Optionee hereby represents as follows:
1. The Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and
Agreement. The Optionee has carefully reviewed the Plan and Agreement.
2. The Optionee either:
(a) has a preexisting personal or business relationship with the
Corporation or any of its officers, directors or controlling persons of a
nature and duration as would allow the undersigned to be aware of the
character, business acumen, general business and financial circumstances
of the Corporation or of the person with whom such relationship exists;
or
(b) by reason of the Optionee's business or financial experience or
the business or financial experience of the Optionee's professional
advisor(s) who is (are) unaffiliated with and is (are) not compensated by
the Corporation or any affiliate or selling agent of the Corporation,
directly or indirectly, has the capacity to protect the Optionee's
interests in connection with the purchase of nonqualified stock options
of the Corporation and Stock issuable upon the exercise thereof.
3. The Optionee is able to bear the economic risk of his investment in
the stock options of the Corporation and an investment in the Stock issuable
upon exercise thereof.
4. The Optionee acknowledges that an investment in the Corporation
represents a speculative investment and a high degree of risk. The Optionee
acknowledges that the Optionee has had the opportunity to obtain and review
all information from the Corporation necessary to make a reasonably informed
investment decision and that the Optionee has had all questions asked of the
Corporation answered to the reasonable satisfaction of the Optionee.
5. The grant of Options for Stock and the exercise of the Options has
not been accompanied by the publication of any advertisement.
6. The Optionee understands and acknowledges that the Stock has not,
and will not, be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or
qualified under the California Securities
Exhibit B--Page 1
<PAGE>
Law of 1968. The Optionee understands and acknowledges that the Stock may
not be sold without compliance with the registration and qualification
requirements of federal and applicable state securities laws unless
exemptions from such laws are available. The Optionee understands that the
certificates representing the Stock shall bear the legends set forth in the
Plan.
7. The Optionee is a resident of the State of .
8. The Optionee hereby is purchasing for the Optionee's own account and
not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution of the
nonqualified stock options of the Corporation or any Stock issuable upon
exercise thereof.
The foregoing representations and warranties are given on , 1996
at .
OPTIONEE:
--------------------------------------
Exhibit B--Page 2
<PAGE>
PROXY
MITEK SYSTEMS, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
FEBRUARY 11, 1997
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints John F. Kessler and Gerald I. Farmer as
proxies, each with power to act without the other and with power of
substitution, and hereby authorizes them to represent and vote, as designated
on the other side, all the shares of stock of Mitek Systems, Inc. standing in
the name of the undersigned with all power which the undersigned would
possess if present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to
be held February 11, 1997 or any adjournment thereof.
(CONTINUED, AND TO BE MARKED, DATED AND SIGNED, ON THE OTHER SIDE)
FOLD AND DETACH HERE
[LOGO] ANNUAL
MEETING OF
STOCKHOLDERS
FEBRUARY 11, 1997
Doubletree Club Hotel
11915 El Camino Real
San Diego, California
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN Please mark
BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE your votes as /X/
VOTED FOR PROPOSAL 1. indicated in
this example
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS NOMINEES: James B. DeBello, Gerald I. Farmer, John F. Kessler,
FOR all nominees WITHHOLD Daniel E. Steimie, John M. Thornton and Sally B. Thornton
listed to the right AUTHORITY
except as marked To vote for all (INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write that
(to the contrary) nominees listed nominee's name in the space provided below.)
to the right
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ / / /
2. Ratify 1996 Stock Option Plan. 3. Ratify the appointment of Deloitte & 4. In their discretion, the
Touche LLP as auditors. Proxies are authorized to vote
upon such other business as may
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN properly come before the
meeting.
/ / / / / / / / / / / /
Please sign exactly as name appears below. When
shares held by joint tenants, both should sign.
When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee, or guardian, please give full title as such.
If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name
by President or other authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by
authorized person.
Date: , 199
-----------------------
----------------------------------
(Signature)
----------------------------------
(Signature if held jointly)
</TABLE>
PLEASE SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
---------------------------------------------------------------
FOLD AND DETACH HERE
ADMISSION TICKET
ANNUAL MEETING
OF
MITEK SYSTEMS, INC.
STOCKHOLDERS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1997
1:00 P.M.
DOUBLETREE CLUB HOTEL
11915 EL CAMINO REAL
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGENDA
* Election of Directors
* Ratify 1996 Stock Option Plan
* Ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as auditors
* Report on the progress of the corporation
* Informal discussion among stockholders in attendance
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
