CURATIVE HEALTH SERVICES, INC.
Corporate Headquarters
150 Motor Parkway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
April 24, 1998
To the Holder of the Common Stock of
CURATIVE HEALTH SERVICES, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
The 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Curative Health Services,
Inc. will be held on Thursday, May 28, 1998 at 10:00 a.m., New York time, at the
Company's corporate offices located at 150 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, New York
11788, for the following purposes:
1. To nominate and elect seven (7) directors for terms expiring at
the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders;
2. To vote on proposed amendment to the Curative Technologies, Inc.
1991 Stock Option Plan, as amended, to increase the number of
shares of the Company's Common Stock authorized for issuance
pursuant to options granted thereunder from 2,456,695 to
3,156,695.
3. To vote on proposed amendment to the Non-Employee Director Stock
Option Plan to increase the number of shares of the Company's
Common Stock authorized for issuance pursuant to options granted
thereunder from 125,000 to 250,000.
4. To transact such other business as may properly be brought before
the Meeting.
It is important that your stock be represented at the Meeting
regardless of the number of shares that you hold. Whether or not you plan to
attend the Meeting in person, please complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy
and return it promptly in the accompanying postage-paid envelope.
By Order of the Board of Directors
JOHN C. PRIOR
Secretary
1
<PAGE>
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation
of proxies by the Board of Directors of Curative Health Services, Inc. (the
"Company"), for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting") to be
held Thursday, May 28, 1998, at 10:00 a.m., New York time, at the Company's
corporate offices located at 150 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, New York 11788, and
any adjournment thereof, for the purposes set forth in the Notice of Meeting.
The shares represented by proxies in the form solicited will be voted in the
manner indicated by a stockholder. In the absence of instructions, the proxies
will be voted for the election of the nominees named in this Proxy Statement and
for the management proposals discussed herein and in accordance with the
judgment of the persons named in the proxy as to any other matters that properly
come before the meeting.
The mailing address of the executive office of the Company is 150 Motor
Parkway, Hauppauge, New York 11788. This Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy
are being furnished to stockholders of the Company on or about April 24, 1998.
Returning your completed proxy will not prevent you from voting in
person at the Meeting should you be present and wish to do so. You may revoke
your proxy any time before the exercise thereof by written notice to the
Secretary of the Company, by the return of a new proxy to the Company, or by
voting in person at the Meeting. Shares voted as abstentions on any matter (or a
"withhold vote for" as to directors) will be counted as shares that are present
and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum at the
Meeting and as unvoted, although present and entitled to vote, for purposes of
determining the approval of each matter as to which the shareholder has
abstained. If a broker submits a proxy which indicates that the broker does not
have discretionary authority as to certain shares to vote on one or more
matters, those shares will be counted as shares that are present and entitled to
vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum at the Meeting, but
will not be considered as present and entitled to vote with respect to such
matters.
Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 8, 1998 are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting. The issued and outstanding
capital stock of the Company entitled to vote as of April 8, 1998 consisted of
12,692,204 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share (the "Common
Stock"). Each issued and outstanding share of Common Stock is entitled to one
vote.
A copy of the Company's Annual Report for the year ended December 31,
1997 is being furnished to each stockholder with this Proxy Statement.
PROPOSAL #1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Section 3.02 of the Company's By-laws provides that the number of
members of the Board of Directors shall be seven or such other number as shall
be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors or the
stockholders. The Board of Directors has by resolution set the number of
directors at seven.
The Company's By-laws provide that nominations of persons for election
as directors are to be made at a meeting of stockholders called for that
purpose, whether at the direction of the Board of Directors or by a stockholder
as provided in the By-laws. Seven directors are to be elected at the Meeting,
each to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until his
successor is elected and qualified. The affirmative vote of a majority of the
shares of Common Stock present in person or by proxy and eligible to vote at the
Meeting is required to elect a nominee as director. The persons named in the
accompanying proxy will vote for the election of the nominees described herein,
unless authority to vote is withheld. The Board of Directors has been informed
that each of the nominees has consented to being named as a nominee and is
willing to serve as a director if elected; however, if any nominee should
decline or become unable to serve as a director for any reason, the proxy may be
voted for such other person as the proxies shall, in their discretion,
determine.
2
<PAGE>
The following table lists the persons to be nominated for election as
directors and their offices in the Company, if any:
Name Position
John Vakoutis President and Chief Executive Officer; Director
Gerardo Canet Director
Daniel A. Gregorie, MD Director
Lawrence Hoff Director
Timothy I. Maudlin Director
Gerard Moufflet Director
Lawrence J. Stuesser, Jr. Chairman of the Board and Director
Set forth below is certain information about each nominee for director
of the Company, including each such person's name, age and principal occupations
for the last five years.
John Vakoutis, 50, has served as President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company since April 1995 and director of the Company since November 1994.
Mr. Vakoutis joined the Company in November 1994 as an Executive Vice President
and President, Wound Care business. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Vakoutis
spent ten years at Critical Care America ("CCA"), a New York Stock Exchange
listed home infusion therapy company. In his role as Senior Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer of CCA, Mr. Vakoutis was responsible for re-engineering
product delivery methods and developing strategic partnerships with hospitals
and physician groups.
Gerardo Canet, 52, has been a director of the Company since July 1991.
Since February 1994, Mr. Canet has served as President and Chief Executive
Officer and a director of IntegraMed America, Inc., a publicly traded health
services concern. From November 1993 until his resignation from the Company in
January 1994, Mr. Canet served as Executive Vice President and President, Wound
Care business. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and President,
Wound Care Center(R) Division of the Company since April 1989 and as Secretary
since December 1990. For 10 years prior to joining the Company, Mr. Canet served
as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and a director of Kimberly
Quality Care, Inc., and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Quality
Care, Inc., a predecessor of Kimberly Quality Care, Inc., a provider of home
health care services.
Daniel A. Gregorie, MD, 48, has been a director of the Company since
October 1996. Since October 1997 he has been an independent health care
consultant. From June 1989 to October 1997, Dr. Gregorie served as President and
Chief Executive Officer of ChoiceCare Corporation, a public company in the HMO
and managed care business. In 1996, Dr. Gregorie became a director of ChoiceCare
and in 1997 served as Chairman until October 1997. From 1988 to 1989 Dr.
Gregorie was President of Physician Management Services, Inc. of Hartford,
Connecticut. Dr. Gregorie served as President, Chief Executive Officer and
Regional Medical Director of Northeast Permanente Medical Group of Hartford,
Connecticut from 1982 to 1988 and Vice President and Associate Regional Medical
Director of Capital Area Permanente Medical Group of Washington, D.C. from 1980
to 1982. Dr. Gregorie is also a director of Cross Medical Products, Inc.
3
<PAGE>
Lawrence Hoff, 69, has been a director of the Company since September 1990.
Mr. Hoff was President and Chief Operating Officer of Upjohn Company until his
retirement in January 1990. Mr. Hoff who was employed at Upjohn for 39 years,
became its President in 1984, Vice President and General Manager of the Domestic
Pharmaceutical Operations in 1974 and served as a director from 1973 until
Upjohn's merger with Pharmacia in 1995. Mr. Hoff is also a director of
MedImmune, Inc., Alpha Beta Technologies, Inc., and previously served as a
director of the American Diabetes Association. Mr. Hoff currently serves in
various capacities in charitable organizations and was Chairman of the
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association in 1987.
Timothy I. Maudlin, 47, has been a director of the Company since 1984, and
served as Secretary of the Company from November 1984 to December 1990. Mr.
Maudlin served as President of the Company from October 1985 through December
1986. Mr. Maudlin has been the Managing General Partner of Medical Innovation
Partners, a venture capital firm, since 1988 and since 1982 he has been an
officer of the affiliated management company of Medical Innovation Partners. Mr.
Maudlin is also a director of IVI Publishing, Inc.
Gerard Moufflet, 54, has been a director of the Company since November
1989. Since 1989, Mr. Moufflet has served as Senior Vice President of Advent
International Corporation, a venture capital firm. Prior to joining Advent, Mr.
Moufflet served as Corporate Vice President in charge of various Baxter
International European operations and spent 17 years in marketing, financial and
general management positions with that company's European businesses.
Lawrence J. Stuesser, Jr., 56, has been a director of the Company since
May 1993 and has served as Chairman of the Board since July 1995. Since June
1996 Mr. Stuesser has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of
Computer People, Inc. From August 1993 to May 1996 he was a private investor and
independent business consultant. Mr. Stuesser served as Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Kimberly Quality Care, Inc., a provider of home health care
services, from January 1991 to July 1993. Prior to that he was the Chief
Executive Officer of that company since its formation in September 1987. Mr.
Stuesser is also a director of IntegraMed America, Inc., American Retirement
Corporation and Delphi Group plc.
4
<PAGE>
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee, a
Compensation Committee, a Nominating Committee, a Regulatory Committee and a
Stock Option Committee. The Audit Committee consists solely of outside
directors, and its members during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997
("Fiscal 1997") were Messrs. Canet (as Chairman) and Moufflet. The Audit
Committee generally reviews the scope of the audit with the independent public
accountants and meets with them for the purpose of reviewing the results of the
audit subsequent to its completion. The members of the Compensation Committee
during Fiscal 1997 were Messrs. Stuesser (as Chairman), Maudlin and Dr.
Gregorie. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the compensation,
including bonuses and benefits (other than the grant of stock options), of the
executive officers of the Company. The members of the Regulatory Committee
during Fiscal 1997 were Mr. Hoff (as Chairman) and Dr. Gregorie. The Regulatory
Committee was formed to review and advise the Board on regulatory and clinical
issues. The members of the Nominating Committee are Messrs. Stuesser (as
Chairman) and Vakoutis. The Nominating Committee will consider nominees for
director recommended by stockholders. In order to have nominees considered,
stockholders must provide the Nominating Committee with written notice of such
proposal not later than 60 days following the end of the fiscal year to which
the next annual meeting of stockholders relates, together with such nominee's
name, age, address, principal occupations for the preceding 10 years, and a
brief statement in support of such nominee. The Nominating Committee is under no
obligation to accept a nominee proposed by a stockholder pursuant to the
foregoing procedure. All nominations ultimately made by the Nominating Committee
are in such committee's sole discretion. In the alternative, a stockholder may
nominate persons for election as directors by following the procedures set forth
in the Company's By-laws. The members of the Stock Option Committee during
Fiscal 1997 were Messrs. Moufflet (as Chairman) and Hoff. The Stock Option
Committee, both of the members of which are "non-employees directors" (as
defined by Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) was
established to make all determinations regarding the administration of the
Company's Stock Option Plan including determining persons to whom options shall
be awarded, the number and purchase price of the shares covered by each option
and all other terms and conditions of the Option award.
During Fiscal 1997 the Board of Directors met five times; the Stock
Option Committee met four times; the Audit Committee met two times and the
Compensation Committee met four times; the Nominating Committee met once; and
the Regulatory Committee did not have a meeting. Each director attended at least
75% of all meetings of the Board and applicable committees held during Fiscal
1997.
Compensation of Directors
In 1997 each non-employee director was paid an annual retainer of
$12,000, $1,000 for each Board meeting attended, $350 for each Board meeting
participated in by means of conference telephone, and reimbursement for
expenses. Additionally, non-employee directors received an annual retainer of
$1,500 for serving on each Committee except the Stock Option Committee for which
a retainer fee of $750 is paid and the Nominating Committee for which no fee is
paid. Non-employee directors also received a fee of $500 for each Committee
meeting, except for meetings held on the same date as a Board meeting. In
addition, in consideration for his service as Chairman of the Board, Mr.
Stuesser was paid $48,000 in lieu of the annual retainer, committee or meeting
fees.
During 1993, the Company established a Director Share Purchase Program
(the "Program") to encourage ownership of its common stock by its directors.
Under the program, each non-employee director can elect to forego receipt of
annual retainer and meeting fees in cash and, in lieu thereof, receive shares of
Common Stock having a market value at the date of issuance equal to the cash
payment.
During 1995, the Company established a Non-Employee Director Stock
Option Plan (the "Plan"). The purpose of the Plan is to promote the success of
the Company by attracting and retaining non-employee directors by supplementing
their cash compensation and providing a means for such directors to increase
their holdings of common stock. The Company believes it is important that the
interest of the directors be aligned with those of its shareholders and that the
Plan strengthens that link. The Plan provides for an automatic initial of
options to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock, at market value on date of
grant, to a non-employee director upon his or her initial election as a member
of the Board. Further, the Plan provides for the automatic grant of an option to
purchase 5,000 shares of common stock, at market value on date of grant, each
time a non-employee director is re-elected as a member of the Board. Upon their
re-election to the Board in May 1997, the non-employee members of the Board of
Directors were each granted options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at
$27.25 per share.
5
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Set forth below is certain information about each executive officer of
the Company who is not a director of the Company, including name, age and
principal occupations during the past five years. All of the executive officers
of the Company are elected by the Board of Directors to serve until the next
Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors or until their successors are elected
and qualified.
Carol Gleber, 46, has served as Chief Operating Officer since August
1996 and Senior Vice President, Operations since February 1994. From 1989 to
1994 she served as Regional Vice President for the Southwest Region. Ms. Gleber
served as a consultant to the Company from 1987 to 1989 prior to joining the
Company. From 1983 to 1987, Ms. Gleber served as Vice President of VHAE
Consulting Services and was responsible for the National Strategy Practice which
provided services to VHA hospitals and physicians in diversification activities,
including but not limited to HMO/PPO's, Ambulatory and Outpatient Services.
Howard Jones, Ph.D., 61, has served as Senior Vice President of
Technical Services since August 1995. From November 1993 to August 1995 Dr.
Jones served as Executive Vice President and President, Research and
Development. Dr. Jones served as a director of the Company from November 1993 to
May 1996. Prior to joining the Company, Dr. Jones served as Senior Vice
President of Drug Development at Cypros Pharmaceutical Corporation since May
1991, and prior to that as Vice President at Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., since
May 1989. From 1984 to 1989, Dr. Jones served as a Senior Director of research
and administration for Bristol-Myers Squibb Products Division.
John C. Prior, 44, has served as Senior Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer since August 1995. From February 1991 to August 1995 Mr.
Prior served as Vice President of Finance and has been Secretary since October
1993. From July 1987 to February 1991 he served as Controller of the Company.
From 1979 to 1987, Mr. Prior held a variety of positions in the Health Care
Auditing/Consulting Group of KPMG Peat Marwick and was promoted to Senior
Manager in 1984.
Gary Jensen, 56, has served as Vice President Central Region, Wound
Care Business Unit since February 1995, and prior to that as Regional Vice
President, Southeast Region since 1987. From 1985 to 1987, Mr. Jensen served as
President, Jensen & Associates, a health management company. In that capacity,
Mr. Jensen provided management consultation regarding behavioral medicine, as
well as discussions regarding mergers, acquisitions, facility development and
operations.
William C. Tella, 40, has served as Vice President of Corporate
Development and Communications since December 1995. From October 1993 to 1995,
he served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Mr. Tella held the position,
Director of Marketing from November 1987 to 1993. Prior to joining the Company,
Mr. Tella spent three years at Pharmacia Deltec, Inc. ("PDI"), a medical device
company. In his role as Senior Marketing Director at PDI, Mr. Tella was
responsible for product design and development of home infusion technology.
6
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table summarizes the cash and non-cash compensation for
each of the last three fiscal years awarded to or earned by the Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and each of the other executive officers of the Company
whose salary and bonus earned in Fiscal 1997 exceeded $100,000 (the "named
executive officers").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===================================================================================================================
Long Term
Annual Compensation Compensation
------------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Other Securities All
Name and Principal Annual Underlying Other
Position Year Salary Bonus Comp. Options Comp.
($) ($)(1) ($)(2) (#) ($)(3)
===================================================================================================================
===================================================================================================================
John Vakoutis 1997 266,734 282,293 - 260,000 3,200
President & Chief 1996 235,000 284,860 - 55,000 3,525
Executive Officer 1995 198,846 143,500 - 50,000 -
Howard Jones 1997 195,175 110,556 - 5,500 3,200
Sr. Vice President 1996 200,700 173,498 - 12,500 2,858
Technical Services 1995 200,700 76,581 - 17,500 -
Carol Gleber 1997 188,366 169,611 - 110,000 3,200
Sr. Vice President 1996 163,926 157,770 - 17,000 2,308
and Chief Operating 1995 139,080 64,500 - 17,500 -
Officer
John C. Prior 1997 161,423 153,751 - 67,500 3,200
Sr. Vice President 1996 146,000 171,770 - 17,500 2,100
of Finance and 1995 129,500 61,750 - 17,500 -
Chief Financial Officer
William C. Tella(4) 1997 123,452 66,496 - 2,500 2,469
Vice President
Corporate Development
and Communication
</TABLE>
(1) Represents amounts awarded under the Company's Incentive Compensation
Plan for the fiscal year indicated. All such awards are actually paid in
the fiscal year immediately following the year for which the award is
made.
(2) Amounts paid did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or ten percent
(10%) of salary and bonus for any of the named individuals.
(3) Represents company matching contributions to 401k Plan.
(4) Mr. Tella became an executive officer of the Company in December 1997.
7
<PAGE>
Stock Option Tables
The following tables summarize stock option grants and exercises during
Fiscal 1997 to or by the named executive officers, and the value of the options
held by such persons at the end of Fiscal 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Option Grants in Fiscal 1997
================================================================================================================
Potential Realizable Value
at Assumed Annual Rates
of Stock Price Appreciation
Individual Grants for Option Term
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
% of
Number of Total
Securities Options
Underlying Granted to
Options Employees Exercise
Granted in Fiscal Price Expiration
Name (#) Year ($/Sh) Date 5% ($) 10% ($)
=================================================================================================================
John Vakoutis 20,000(1) 3.4% $ 26.25 2/21/2007 $ 330,750 $ 834,750
240,000(2) 41.0% 30.875 9/12/2007 4,668,300 11,781,900
Howard Jones 5,500(1) 0.9% 26.25 2/21/2007 90,956 229,556
Carol Gleber 10,000(1) 1.7% 26.25 2/21/2007 165,375 417,375
100,000(2) 17.1% 30.875 9/12/2007 1,945,125 4,909,125
John C. Prior 7,500(1) 1.3% 26.25 2/21/2007 124,031 313,031
60,000(2) 10.3% 30.875 9/12/2007 1,167,075 2,945,475
William C. Tella 2,500(1) 0.4% 26.25 2/21/2007 41,344 104,344
</TABLE>
(1) The options are exercisable beginning one year from the date of grant
with respect to one-third of the shares and thereafter become exercisable
with respect to the balance of the shares in equal installments on the
last day of each of the eight successive three month periods following
the initial exercisability date.
(2) Options become exercisable upon the earlier of (i) September 1, 2001 as
to 100 percent of the shares, or (ii) as to 1/3 of the shares when the
average market price of the Company's Common Stock over any consecutive
40 trading day period (the "Average Market Price") exceeds 125 percent of
the exercise price of the option, as to another 1/3 of the shares when
the Average Market Price exceeds 145 percent of the exercise price, and
as to the final 1/3 when the Average Market Price exceeds 165 percent of
such exercise price.
8
<PAGE>
OPTION EXERCISES IN FISCAL 1997
AND
VALUE AT END OF FISCAL 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=======================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised Value of Unexercised
Shares Options at In-the Money Options at
Acquired on Value Fiscal Year End (#) Fiscal Year End ($)
Exercise Realized
Name (#) ($) Exercisable/Unexercisable Exercisable/Unexercisable(1)
=======================================================================================================================
=======================================================================================================================
John Vakoutis 47,500 $ 1,150,438 75,000 / 382,500 $ 1,526,250 / $2,798,125
Howard Jones 86,874 1,490,482 2,501 / 46,125 30,716 / 848,234
Carol Gleber 18,550 457,013 8,500 / 134,850 46,750 / 492,000
John C. Prior - - 46,000 / 92,000 1,002,433 / 494,188
William C. Tella - - 13,525 / 14,425 273,788 / 246,100
======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) Calculation is based on the difference between the closing price of the
Common Stock on December 31, 1997 and the exercise price of the options
for each optionee.
9
<PAGE>
Employment and Other Agreements
On October 26, 1994 the Company entered into an employment agreement
with Mr. Vakoutis which was amended effective April 17, 1995 when Mr. Vakoutis
was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. On September 1, 1997 an
amended and restated employment agreement was entered into between Mr. Vakoutis
and the Company. Under the amended and restated employment agreement, Mr.
Vakoutis receives an annual salary of $285,000 and is entitled to participate in
any incentive compensation programs in effect from time to time for executives
of the Company. The salary under the employment agreement is subject to annual
review and increase by the Compensation Committee. The employment agreement has
an initial term of one year and renews automatically for additional one year
periods unless notice of termination is given at least three months prior to
renewal. The Company may terminate the employment agreement at any time with or
without cause upon 30 days' prior written notice to Mr. Vakoutis, and Mr.
Vakoutis may terminate the employment agreement upon 30 days' prior written
notice to the Company. In the event the Company terminates the employment
agreement without cause prior to a change of control (defined below), Mr.
Vakoutis will be entitled to receive a lump sum severance payment equal to two
times Mr. Vakoutis' then current base salary plus the arithmetic average of
payments made to Mr. Vakoutis pursuant to the Company's Executive Bonus
Compensation Program with respect to the three years immediately preceding the
fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs. In addition, to the extent
not otherwise required under the Company's Common Stock Option Plan, any
unvested stock option awards that would have vested during the twelve month
period following the date of termination shall vest and become immediately
exercisable in full. If the employment agreement is terminated (or not renewed)
by the Company without cause or by Mr. Vakoutis for good reason during the
twelve month period immediately following a change in control (or is terminated
or not renewed prior to a change in control at the request or insistence of any
person in connection with a change in control), Mr. Vakoutis shall be entitled
to a lump sum severance payment equal to the sum of the base salary which would
otherwise have been payable for the remainder of the then current term plus an
amount equal to the product of two times the sum of the then current annual base
pay plus the arithmetic average of payments made to Mr. Vakoutis pursuant to the
Company's Executive Bonus Compensation Program with respect to the three fiscal
years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the date of termination
occurs. In addition, to the extent not otherwise required under the Company's
Stock Option Plan, any unvested stock option awards shall vest and become
immediately exercisable in full. The employment agreement also restricts Mr.
Vakoutis from competing with the Company under certain circumstances during his
employment with the Company and for a period of two years thereafter.
On October 21, 1993 the Company entered into an employment agreement
with Dr. Jones pursuant to which Dr. Jones agreed to serve as Executive Vice
President of Research and Development of the Company. Under the employment
agreement, Dr. Jones initially received an annual salary of $185,000, and is
entitled to participate in any incentive compensation program in effect from
time to time for executives of the Company with a minimum bonus of $40,000 in
1994. The salary under the employment agreement is subject to annual review and
increase by the Compensation Committee. The employment agreement had an initial
term through December 1, 1994 and has since been automatically renewed for a
subsequent one year term. The Company may terminate the employment agreement at
any time with or without cause upon 30 days' prior written notice to Dr. Jones.
Dr. Jones may terminate the employment agreement at any time upon 90 days' prior
written notice to the Company. In the event the Company terminates the
employment agreement without cause, Dr. Jones will be entitled to receive
severance payments equal to Dr. Jones' monthly base salary at termination for a
period of nine months after termination of the employment agreement. The
employment agreement grants to Dr. Jones certain stock options and payment of
moving and temporary living expenses. The employment agreement also restricts
Dr. Jones from competing with the Company under certain circumstances during his
employment with the Company and for a period of two years thereafter.
On July 6, 1987, the Company entered into an employment agreement with
Mr. Prior pursuant to which Mr. Prior agreed to serve as Controller of the
Company. The employment agreement had an initial term through June 30, 1988 and
has since been automatically renewed for subsequent one year terms. Mr. Prior
was promoted to Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer in February
1991. On September 1, 1997, the Company entered into an amended and restated
employment agreement with Mr. Prior. Under the employment agreement, Mr. Prior
receives an annual base salary of $175,000 and is entitled to participate in any
incentive compensation program in effect from time to time for executives of the
Company. The salary under the employment agreement is subject to annual review
and increase by the Compensation Committee. The employment agreement has an
initial term of one year and renews automatically for additional one year
periods unless notice of termination is given at least three months prior to
renewal. The Company may terminate the employment agreement at any time with or
without cause upon 30 days' prior written notice to Mr. Prior, and Mr. Prior may
terminate the employment agreement at any time upon 30 days' prior written
notice to the Company. In the event the Company terminates the employment
agreement without cause prior to a change of control (defined below) or elect
not to renew, Mr. Prior will be entitled to receive a lump sum severance payment
equal to Mr. Prior's then current base salary plus the arithmetic average of
payments made to Mr. Prior pursuant to the Company's Executive Bonus
Compensation Program with respect to the three years immediately preceding the
fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs. In addition, to the extent
not otherwise required under the Company's Stock Option Plan, any unvested stock
option awards that would have vested during the twelve month period following
the date of termination shall vest and become immediately exercisable in full.
If the employment agreement is terminated (or not renewed) by the Company
without cause or by Mr. Prior for good reason during the twelve month period
immediately following a change in control (or is terminated or not renewed prior
to a change in control at the request or insistence of any person in connection
with a change in control), Mr. Prior shall be entitled to a lump sum severance
payment equal to the product of two times the sum of the then current annual
base salary plus the arithmetic average of payments made to Mr. Prior pursuant
to the Company's Executive Bonus Compensation Program with respect to the three
fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the date of
termination occurs. In addition, to the extent not otherwise required under the
Company's Stock Option Plan, any unvested stock option awards shall vest and
become immediately exercisable in full. The employment agreement also restricts
Mr. Prior from competing with the Company under certain circumstances during his
employment with the Company and for a period of two years thereafter.
10
<PAGE>
On August 1, 1989, the Company entered into an employment agreement
with Ms. Gleber, pursuant to which Ms. Gleber agreed to serve as Regional Vice
President of the Company. Ms. Gleber was promoted to Senior Vice President,
Wound Care Business in February 1994. On September 1, 1997, the Company entered
into an amended and restated employment agreement with Ms. Gleber. Under the
employment agreement, Ms. Gleber initially received an annual salary of $210,000
and is entitled to participate in any incentive compensation program in effect
from time to time for executives of the Company. The salary under the employment
agreement is subject to annual review and increase by the Compensation
Committee. The employment agreement has an initial term of one year and renews
automatically for additional one year periods unless notice of termination is
given at least three months prior to renewal. The Company may terminate the
employment agreement at any time with or without cause upon 30 days' prior
written notice to Ms. Gleber, and Ms. Gleber may terminate the employment
agreement at any time upon 30 days' prior written notice to the Company. In the
event the Company terminates the employment agreement without cause prior to a
change of control (defined below) or elects not to renew, Ms. Gleber will be
entitled to receive a lump sum severance payment equal to Ms. Gleber's then
current base salary plus the arithmetic average of payments made to Ms. Gleber
pursuant to the Company's Executive Bonus Compensation Program with respect to
the three years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the date of
termination occurs. In addition, to the extent not otherwise required under the
Company's Stock Option Plan, any unvested stock option awards that would have
vested during the twelve month period following the date of termination shall
vest and become immediately exercisable in full. If the employment agreement is
terminated (or not renewed) by the Company without cause or by Ms. Gleber for
good reason during the twelve month period immediately following a change in
control (or is terminated or not renewed prior to a change in control at the
request or insistence of any person in connection with a change in control), Ms.
Gleber shall be entitled to a lump sum severance payment equal to the product of
two times the sum of the then current annual base salary plus the arithmetic
average of payments made to Ms. Gleber pursuant to the Company's Executive Bonus
Compensation Program with respect to the three fiscal years immediately
preceding the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs. In addition,
to the extent not otherwise required under the Company's Stock Option Plan any
unvested stock option awards shall vest and become immediately exercisable in
full. The employment agreement also restricts Ms. Gleber from competing with the
Company under certain circumstances during his employment with the Company and
for a period of two years thereafter.
On November 17, 1987, the Company entered into an employment agreement
with Mr. Tella, pursuant to which Mr. Tella agreed to serve as Director of
Marketing of the Company. The employment agreement may be terminated at any time
by the Company upon 120 days' prior written notice or by Mr. Tella on 90 days'
prior written notice. Under the employment agreement, Mr. Tella initially
received an annual salary of $65,000 and is entitled to participate in any
incentive compensation program in effect from time to time for executives of the
Company. The salary under the employment agreement is subject to annual review
and increase by the Compensation Committee. Also under the employment agreement,
Mr. Tella received an option to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock.
In December 1995, Mr. Tella was promoted to Vice President of Corporate
Development and Communications. On December 17, 1997, the Company entered into
an amendment to its employment agreement with Mr. Tella pursuant to which if the
Company terminates Mr. Tella's employment without cause, Mr. Tella is entitled
to receive his then current base salary prorated on a monthly basis for the nine
month period immediately following date of termination. The amended employment
agreement also restricts Mr. Tella from competing with the Company under certain
circumstances during his employment with the Company and for a period of two
years thereafter.
11
<PAGE>
In August 1995, the outstanding options held by the executive officers
of the Company were amended to provide for the acceleration of vesting of the
options upon a change in control of the Company. For the purpose of these
amendments, the term "change in control" includes a sale of substantially all of
the Company's assets; the acquisition by a person or group of beneficial
ownership of 51% or more of the outstanding Common Stock or the commencement of
a tender offer for such an acquisition; a merger in which the shareholders of
the Company receive shares of another company; a reorganization, merger or other
transaction resulting in the consolidation of the Company with another company
for federal income tax purposes; a change in the member of the Board of
Directors such that a majority of the Board of Directors was not recommended by
the Board of Directors for election by the stockholder; and any other
transaction in which there is a sufficient change in the share ownership of the
Company to change the effective control of the Company.
12
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The graph below compares the cumulative total return on the Company's
Common Stock during the five year period ended December 31, 1997 with the
cumulative total return of the Nasdaq Composite Index and the Nasdaq Health
Services Index (assuming the investment of $100 in each vehicle on January 1,
1993 and reinvestment of all dividends).
COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
NASDAQ US STOCKS, CURATIVE COMMON & NASDAQ HEALTH SERVICES INDICES
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Curative Health NASDAQ NASDAQ
Services, Inc. U.S. Stocks Health Services
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1992 $100.000 $100.000 $100.000
1993 94.444 111.619 107.162
1994 50.000 109.108 114.976
1995 211.111 154.306 146.044
1996 410.185 189.789 146.117
1997 450.000 232.896 148.933
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee")
is responsible for reviewing the performance of the Company's executive officers
and establishing their compensation, including base salary, bonus incentive
compensation and other benefits, if any. The Committee also makes
recommendations as to compensation policies for the overall Company. The
Committee is composed of three independent, non-employee directors. The Stock
Option Committee grants to executive officers and other employees long-term
compensation incentives in the form of stock options pursuant to the Curative
Health Services, Inc. 1991 Stock Option Plan, as amended. The key objectives of
the Committee and the Stock Option Committee in administering executive
compensation are the following:
Aligning the economic interests of executive officers
with both the short-and long-term interests of
stockholders.
Motivating executive officers to undertake strategic
business initiatives and rewarding them accordingly.
Attracting and retaining key executive officers who will
contribute to the long-term success of the Company.
At present, there are three main components of compensation for
executive officers: base salary, short-term incentive compensation in the form
of annual bonuses and long-term incentive compensation in the form of stock
options.
In July 1997, the Committee retained an outside compensation consultant
to conduct a Strategic Compensation Review of the Company's four senior
executive officers including the President and Chief Executive Officer, Senior
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President of Finance and
Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Technical Services. The
review encompassed base salary, annual incentive compensation and long-term
incentive compensation. The review included discussions with selected senior
management executives and members of the Committee and an analysis of
competitive compensation data for senior executives compiled from a 15 company
peer group. As a result of this review, the Committee adjusted the base salary
and stock option grants for certain executives including the President and Chief
Executive Officer as described below.
Base Salary
The Committee sets base salaries for executive officers (including the
President and Chief Executive Officer) with reference to the specific
responsibilities of the executive officer, his or her experience in the
industry, and other competitive factors. The Committee reviews each executive
officer's base salary annually and makes appropriate adjustments depending upon
industry trends in executive salaries, Company financial and operating
performance, and such individual's performance and contribution to the Company's
growth and success. Based upon these factors, the Committee initially increased
the base salaries of the Company's executive officers (other than the President
and Chief Executive Officer) for the year ended December 31, 1997 by an average
of approximately 7.5 percent over their base salaries for the prior year. Based
upon the results and recommendations of the Strategic Compensation Review
discussed above, effective September 1, 1997 the Committee increased the base
salaries of the Company's executive officers included in the review (other than
the President and Chief Executive Officer) by an average of approximately 11
percent over their previously adjusted base salary.
The base salary for Mr. Vakoutis who served as President and Chief
Executive Officer, was initially increased by 10.6 percent for the year ended
December 31, 1997 to $260,000. In determining this salary, the Committee
assessed the factors and criteria enumerated above, as well as Mr. Vakoutis'
role in connection with a number of the Company's accomplishments during the
prior year including, without limitation, the Company's revenue growth of 29
percent and earnings growth of over 200 percent in fiscal 1996 and a record year
in the number of new wound care programs implemented. Based upon this
assessment, the Committee believed that the increase was an appropriate reward
for Mr. Vakoutis' performance. Based upon the results and recommendations of the
Strategic Compensation Review discussed above, effective September 1, 1997 the
Committee increased the base salary of Mr. Vakoutis by 9.6 percent over the
previously adjusted base salary.
14
<PAGE>
Bonus Incentive Compensation
The executive officers of the Company (including the President and
Chief Executive Officer) participate in the Company's Annual Incentive
Compensation Program, pursuant to which each executive officer is eligible to
earn a cash bonus for each fiscal year of the Company equal to a predetermined
percentage of such officer's base salary, as a function of the Company's
achievement of operating earnings goals and certain other milestones.
Furthermore, a predetermined weighing of the earnings goals and certain
milestones is set for each officer. Additionally, the executive officers (except
the Vice President of Wound Care Business Unit) are eligible to participate in
an earnings over-achievement incentive. Based upon the results of the Strategic
Compensation Review discussed above, the Committee, as recommended, maintained
the current target payout structure for the Annual Incentive Compensation
Program.
At the beginning of each fiscal year of the Company, the Board of
Directors approves earnings goals for the Company for such year, and a matrix
containing pre-determined percentages of the executive officers' base salary
that will be paid in the form of a cash bonus if the Company achieves these
targeted goals is approved by the Committee. The percentages increase as the
earnings goals exceed established levels. In addition, at the beginning of each
fiscal year the Committee establishes certain operational milestones for the
Company related to revenue growth, the achievement of healing outcomes of
patients treated at the wound care programs, the opening of specified numbers of
Wound Care programs, other meaningful corporate goals which the Company might
expect to accomplish in such fiscal year and an individual milestone for each
officer. The Committee also establishes a specified percentage of the executive
officers' base salaries that will be paid in relation to the achievement of each
milestone. The earnings goals and the special milestones established by the
Committee will permit the executive officers, except the President and Chief
Executive Officer, to earn up to 60 percent of their base salary in the form of
a cash bonus. Additionally, the executive officers, except the Vice President of
the Central Region, participate in an earnings over-achievement incentive
pursuant to which each executive officer is entitled to earn a cash bonus equal
to a predetermined percent of operating earnings in excess of established
operating earnings goals. The executive officers' actual bonuses are awarded and
paid in the following fiscal year once the Company's financial results and
milestone achievements for the prior fiscal year have been finally determined.
For fiscal 1997, the Company exceeded operating earnings expectations
and as a result, the officers of the Company earned the maximum payout potential
operating earnings portion of the program. The executive officers, except the
President and Chief Executive Officer, on average were awarded 49 percent of
their base salary in the form of cash bonus compensation related to the
operating earnings and milestone achievements for fiscal 1997. Approximately 28
percent related to the achievement of operating earnings goals and 21 percent
related to the accomplishment of special milestones. Additionally, the executive
officers, except the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Vice
President of the Central Region, on average earned $38,232 related to earnings
over-achievement incentive.
The revenue and earnings goals and special milestones described above
permit Mr. Vakoutis, President and Chief Executive Officer, to earn up to 70
percent of his base salary in the form of cash bonus. Additionally, Mr.
Vakoutis' participation in the operating earnings over-achievement incentive
entitles him to earn an amount equal to four percent of operating earnings in
excess of established operating earnings goals. Mr. Vakoutis earned the maximum
payout of 70 percent of his base salary. Approximately 42 percent related to the
achievement of operating earnings goals and 28 percent related to the successful
accomplishment of special milestone enumerated above. Mr. Vakoutis earned an
additional $95,579 related to operating earnings over-achievement incentive.
15
<PAGE>
Stock Options
In 1996, the Company established a Long-Term Incentive Compensation
Program (the "Program") for granting stock options pursuant to the Company's
1991 Stock Option Plan. Such options are granted with a view toward attracting
and retaining executive officers and other employees by giving such persons a
stake in the long-term success of the Company. Stock option grants are made for
an annual performance cycle. The number of shares for an annual grant is
determined by the ratio of the average of the month end market price per share
to a percentage of the base salary or average base salary for each executive
officer. The exercise price for each annual grant is the market price per share
at the close of business on the date grants are approved by the Stock Option
Committee. In fiscal 1997, the executive officers, excluding the President and
Chief Executive Officer, were awarded on average individual stock option grants
equal to the ratio of an average market price of $20 to 60 percent of base
salary. The annual grant for Mr. Vakoutis, President and Chief Executive Officer
was equal to the ratio of the average market price of $20 to 125 percent of his
base salary. Based upon the results and recommendations of the Strategic
Compensation Review discussed above, the Stock Option Committee made additional
grant awards to Mr. Prior, Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial
Officer; Ms. Gleber, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; and Mr.
Vakoutis, President and Chief Executive Officer of 60,000, 100,000 and 240,000
shares respectively.
Deductibility of Executive Compensation
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, sets a
$1.0 million limit on the amount of deductible compensation that can be paid in
any year to an executive officer of the Company. "Qualified performance-based
compensation" (as defined under Section 162(m)) is excluded from the calculation
of this $1.0 million limit. Although the Committee does not believe that the
annual compensation for 162(m) purposes for any of the Company's executive
officers will exceed $1.0 million in fiscal 1997, the Company has taken the
necessary steps to allow stock options granted under the 1991 Stock Option Plan
to qualify as "qualified performance-based compensation" and so be excluded from
this calculation.
Daniel A, Gregorie, MD, Member, Compensation Committee
Lawrence Hoff, Member, Stock Option Committee
Timothy I. Maudlin, Member, Compensation Committee
Gerard Moufflet, Member, Stock Option Committee
Lawrence J. Stuesser, Member, Compensation Committee
16
<PAGE>
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of Common Stock
of the Company as of March 31, 1998 with respect to (1) each person who owned of
record or was known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5 percent of
the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock, (2) each director, (3) each
named executive officer, and (4) all directors and executive officers as a
group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Percentage of
Amount and Nature Common Stock
Name and Address of Beneficial Ownership (1) Outstanding
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dresdner RCM Global Investors L.L.C................ 1,249,500 (2) 9.8%
Four Embarcadaro Center
San Francisco, CA 94111
George D. Bjurman & Associates..................... 733,740 (3) 5.8%
Investment Portfolio Managers
10100 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90067
AMVESCAP PLC....................................... 690,600 (4) 5.4%
11 Devonshire Square
London EC2M4YR
England
Timothy I. Maudlin................................. 7,083 (5) *
Gerardo Canet...................................... 5,001 (5) *
Daniel A. Gregorie, MD............................. - *
Howard Jones....................................... 6,832 (5) *
Lawrence Hoff...................................... 7,183 (6) *
Lawrence J. Stuesser, Jr........................... 31,917 (7) *
John Vakoutis...................................... 51,250 (5) *
Gerard Moufflet.................................... 7,083 (5) *
John C. Prior...................................... 17,151 (8) *
Carol Gleber....................................... 13,250 (5) *
William C. Tella................................... 17,220 (9) *
All directors and executive officers as
a group (12 persons)............................... 164,284 (10) 1.3%
* Ownership does not exceed 1%
</TABLE>
(1) Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table, the persons named in
the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all
shares of Common stock.
17
<PAGE>
(2) Information based on two Schedules 13G dated January 30, 1998, filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission by Dresdner Bank AG ("Dresdner")
and by Dresdner RCM Global Investors L.L.C. ("RCM"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Dresdner, and certain of its affiliates. According to such
Schedules, RCM and its affiliates exercise sole voting power over
1,057,800 of such shares, sole dispositive power over 1,221,500 of such
shares and shared dispositive power over 28,000 of such shares.
(3) Information based on Schedule 13G dated May 16, 1997 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission by George B. Bjurman & Associates and
certain affiliates.
(4) Information based on Schedule 13G dated February 6, 1998, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission by AMVESCAP PLC and certain of its
affiliates.
(5) Represents shares subject to currently exercisable options.
(6) Includes 7,083 shares subject to current exercisable options.
(7) Includes 30,917 shares subject to currently exercisable options.
(8) Includes 12,707 shares subject to currently exercisable options.
(9) Includes 16,479 shares subject to currently exercisable options.
(10) Includes 157,999 shares subject to currently exercisable options by all
directors and executive officers as a group. Does not include 705,717
shares currently unexercisable by directors and officers as a group.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the
Company's directors and executive officers and all persons who beneficially own
more than ten percent of the outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock to
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership
and reports of changes in ownership of such Common Stock. Directors, executive
officers and ten percent or more beneficial owners are also required to furnish
the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) reports filed. Based solely on a
review of the copies of such forms and certain representations, the Company
believes that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its executive
officers, directors and ten percent shareholders were in compliance.
PROPOSAL #2
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE CURATIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
1991 STOCK OPTION PLAN
Proposed Amendments
The Company's Board of Directors has adopted, subject to shareholder
approval, amendments to the Curative Technologies, Inc. 1991 Stock Option Plan,
as amended, (the "Option Plan") to increase the number of shares of Common Stock
available for issuance pursuant to options granted thereunder from 2,456,695 to
3,156,659.
18
<PAGE>
The Board of Directors believes that stock options have been, and will
continue to be, an important compensation element in attracting and retaining
key employees. The Board of Directors believes that the increase in authorized
shares is necessary because of the need to continue to make awards under the
Option Plan to attract and retain key employees.
Summary of Option Plan
Since April 8, 1991, the Company has maintained the Option Plan for the
benefit of employees, directors, consultants and independent contractors
providing valuable services to the Company or its subsidiaries. Upon its
adoption, the Option Plan superseded and replaced the Company's Amended and
Restated 1987 Stock Option Plan (the "Prior Plan"), whereupon all stock options
granted and outstanding under the Prior Plan were deemed granted and outstanding
under the Option Plan. The Option Plan is administered by the Stock Option
Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee). The Committee has the
authority, subject to the provisions of the Option Plan, to determine in its
discretion to whom and the times at which options are to be granted, the number
of shares of Common Stock subject to each option, the option price per share,
the terms of exercise of each option, and certain other terms of each option
agreement. The Committee may also interpret the Option Plan and make all other
determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Option Plan.
The Option Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase up to an
aggregate of 2,456,695 shares of Common Stock, of which 51,258 shares remained
available for grant as of March 31, 1998. Subject to stockholder approval at the
Meeting, the total number of shares that may be granted under the Option Plan
will be increased by 700,000 to 3,156,695. The shares subject to options granted
under the Option Plan may be either authorized but unissued shares, or issued
shares which have been reacquired by the Company. The market value of a share of
Common Stock as of March 31, 1998 was $33.31. If an option under the Option Plan
expires, or for any reason is terminated or unexercised with respect to any
shares, such shares will again be available for options thereafter granted
during the term of the Option Plan. Options granted under the Option Plan may be
incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. As of March 31, 1998,
1,113,803 of the outstanding options granted under the Option Plan were
incentive stock options, and 34,000 of the outstanding options granted under the
Option Plan were non-qualified stock options. The exercise price of any option
may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock at the
date of grant. In each instance, the fair market value of the Common Stock shall
be reasonably determined by the Committee. Shares purchased upon the exercise of
an option are to be paid for in cash or, at the discretion of the Committee,
with shares of Common Stock of the Company or a combination of cash and shares
of Common Stock. Options may not exceed a term of ten years from the date of
grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at the time of grant the optionee
directly or indirectly owns shares of Common Stock of the Company possessing
more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the
Company, then any incentive stock option to be granted to such optionee pursuant
to the Option Plan will have a purchase price of not less than 110% of the fair
market value of the Common Stock at the date of grant and such option will not
be exercisable after five years after the date of grant. An option granted under
the Option Plan may not be transferred by the owner thereof during the
optionee's lifetime. No stock options may be granted under the Option Plan after
December 31, 2000.
The Stock Option Committee has the authority to amend, alter, suspend,
discontinue or terminate the option Plan at any time. However, no amendment or
other modification of the Option Plan may, without stockholder approval: (i)
increase the maximum number of shares subject to the Option Plan; (ii) decrease
the minimum option price per share; (iii) extend the maximum option term; or
(iv) materially modify the eligibility requirements for participation in the
Option Plan. In addition, the Board of Directors may not alter or impair any
option theretofore granted under the Option Plan in a manner detrimental to the
interests of the holder of an option without the consent of such holder.
19
<PAGE>
Federal Income Tax Consequences
This discussion sets forth only general federal tax principles
affecting options which may be granted under the Option Plan. Special rules may
apply to option holders who are subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended.
Under current federal income tax law, there are no federal income tax
consequences to the Company or the option holder upon the granting of an option.
An option holder who exercises an incentive stock option will not
realize income at the time of exercise for purposes of the regular income tax
(although such option holder will realize income at such time for purposes of
the alternative minimum tax in an amount equal to the amount by which the fair
market value of the Common Stock received by the option holder exceeds the
option price paid), and the Company will not be entitled to a tax deduction at
such time. If the option holder holds shares of Common Stock received upon
exercise of an incentive stock option for at least one year after exercise and
two years from the date the incentive stock option was granted, then upon the
sale of such shares, the option holder will realize long-term capital gain and
no tax deduction will be allowed to the Company. If the option holder sells or
otherwise disposes of shares of Common Stock received upon exercise of an
incentive stock option before such holding period is satisfied, then (a) the
option holder will recognize ordinary income at the time of the disposition in
an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the difference between the option price and
the fair market value of the shares at the time the option was exercised, and
(ii) the difference between the option price and the amount realized upon the
disposition of the shares, and such option holder will recognize short-term or
long-term capital gain, depending upon whether the holding period for such
shares is less or more than one year, to the extent of any excess of the amount
realized upon the disposition of the shares over the fair market value of the
shares at the time of exercise of the option, and (b) subject to the general
rules concerning deductibility of compensation, the Company will be allowed a
tax deduction in the amount that, and for its taxable year in which, the option
holder recognizes ordinary income.
Upon the exercise of an option which does not qualify as an incentive
stock option, the option holder generally will realize ordinary income equal to
the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the
shares on the date of exercise. Subject to the general rules concerning
deductibility of compensation and provided that the Company withholds income tax
in respect of such amount, the Company will be allowed a tax deduction in the
amount that, and for its taxable year in which, the option holder recognizes
ordinary income upon the exercise of a non-incentive stock option.
The Option Plan provides that, with the approval of the administrators
of the Option Plan, an option holder may exercise an option by tendering shares
of Common Stock owned by the option holder in lieu of cash, in which case
generally no gain or loss will be recognized by the option holder with respect
to the tendered shares if the option holder has held the tendered shares for the
required holding period, if any. In the case of an incentive stock option, no
income will be recognized by the option holder upon the receipt of additional
shares of Common Stock as a result of such an exercise. In the case of a
non-incentive stock option, the option holder will recognize ordinary income as
a result of such an exercise in an amount equal to the fair market value of that
number of shares equal to the excess of the number of shares received upon
exercise of the option over the number of shares tendered by the option holder.
20
<PAGE>
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE AMENDMENT OF
THE COMPANY'S 1991 STOCK OPTION PLAN. The affirmative vote of a majority of the
shares of Common Stock present in person or by proxy card and eligible to vote
at the meeting is required to approve this proposal.
PROPOSAL #3
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR
STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Company's Board of Directors has adopted, subject to shareholder
approval, amendments to the Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the "Plan")
to increase the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance pursuant
to options granted thereunder from 125,000 to 250,000.
The Company believes it is important that the interests of its
directors be aligned with those of its shareholders and the Plan provides a
means of strengthening that link. The Company believes that the increase in
authorized shares is necessary because of the need to continue to make awards
under the Plan to attract and retain non-employee directors.
Summary of the Plan
Since August 23, 1995, the Company has maintained the Plan for the
benefit of non-employee directors of the Company. The Plan is administered by
the Board which has the authority to adopt such rules and regulations and to
make such determinations that are not inconsistent with the Plan and are
necessary or desirable for its implementation and administration.
The Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase up to an
aggregate of 125,000 shares of Common Stock, of which 40,000 shares remain
available for grant as of March 31, 1998. Subject to shareholder approval at the
Meeting, the total number of shares that may be granted under the Plan will be
increased by 125,000 to 250,000. The market value of a share of common stock as
of March 31, 1998 was $33.31. Shares of common stock covered by expired or
terminated options under the Plan may be used for subsequent awards under the
Plan. As of March 31, 1998, 78,751 of the outstanding options granted under the
Option Plan were non-qualified stock options.
The Plan provides for the automatic initial grants (i) of options to
purchase 10,000 shares to each non-employee director upon his or her initial
election as a member of the Board, and (ii) of options to purchase 5,000 shares
to each non-employee director serving on the Board both at the time of adoption
of this Plan by the Board and at the time of approval of this Plan by the
Company's stockholders. Additionally, the Plan provides for the automatic grant
of an option to purchase 5,000 shares each time a non-employee director is
re-elected as a member of the Board. Assuming the re-election of all of the
nominees for director at the Meeting, the six current non-employee members of
the Board of Directors will be granted options under the Plan for an aggregate
of 30,000 shares of Common Stock as of the date of the Meeting. All options
granted under the Plan expire no later than ten years after the date of grant or
on such earlier date as determined in the event of a reorganization. The
purchase price for the option stock is 100 percent of the fair market value of
the stock on the day the option is granted. Options granted under the Plan
become exercisable with respect to one third of the shares on the first
anniversary of the grant date and thereafter become exercisable with respect to
the balance of the shares in equal installments on the last day of each of the
eight successive three month periods following the first anniversary of the
grant. Under the Plan, in the event of a change of control, all outstanding
options granted under the Plan accelerate and are exercisable in full provided
that no option can be exercised by a participant after the termination date of
the option. Under the Plan, a change in control includes a sale of substantially
all of the Company's assets; the acquisition by a person or group of beneficial
ownership of 51 percent or more of the outstanding Common Stock or the
commencement of a tender offer for such an acquisition; a merger in which the
shareholders of the Company receive shares of another company; a reorganization,
a merger or other transaction resulting in the consolidation of the Company with
another company for federal income tax purposes; and any other transaction in
which there is a sufficient change in the share ownership of the Company to
change the effective control of the Company.
21
<PAGE>
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE AMENDMENT OF
THE COMPANY'S NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN. The affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person or by proxy card and
eligible to vote at the meeting is required to approve this proposal.
OTHER ACTION
The Board of Directors of the Company is not aware at this time of any
other matters which will be presented for action at the Meeting. However, if any
matters other than those referred to above properly come before the meeting, it
is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote such proxy
in accordance with their best judgment.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at the 1999 Annual
Meeting of the Stockholders of the Company must be received by the Company for
inclusion in the Proxy Statement and form of Proxy relating to that meeting no
later than December 31, 1998.
NO INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The information under the headings "Performance Graph" and "Compensation
Committee Report on Executive Compensation" shall not be deemed incorporated by
reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy
Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the
Company specifically incorporates the information by reference, and shall not
otherwise be deemed filed under such acts.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP has acted as independent auditors for the Company since
September 1986. Representatives of that firm are expected to be present at the
Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so
and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.
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SOLICITATION STATEMENT
The cost of this solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company.
Solicitation will be made primarily by mail, but regular employees of the
Company may solicit proxies personally, by telephone or telegram. Brokers,
nominees, custodians and fiduciaries have been requested to forward solicitation
materials to obtain voting instructions from beneficial owners of stock
registered in their names, and the Company will reimburse such parties for their
reasonable charges and expenses in connection therewith.
Hauppauge, New York By Order of the Board of Directors
April 24, 1998
John C. Prior
Secretary
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