<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant / /
Filed by a party other than the Registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
/ / Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section
240.14a-12
United Wisconsin Services, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/ No fee required
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1)
and 0-11
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
401 West Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203
(414) 226-6900
April 15, 1998
To All Shareholders:
You are cordially invited to attend the Company's 1998 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders on May 27, 1998, in Chicago, Illinois.
The Annual Meeting will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. at the Chicago O'Hare
Marriott Hotel located at 8535 West Higgins Road, Chicago, Illinois.
The official Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement and appointment of
proxy form are included with this letter. The matters listed in the Notice of
Annual Meeting are described in detail in the Proxy Statement.
The vote of every shareholder is important to us. Please note that
returning your completed proxy will not prevent you from voting in person at the
Annual Meeting if you wish to do so. Your cooperation in promptly signing,
dating and returning your proxy will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Thomas R. Hefty
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, PRESIDENT
AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
<PAGE>
[UWZ LOGO]
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO THE HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK OF
UNITED WISCONSIN SERVICES, INC.:
The Annual Meeting off the Shareholders (the "Meeting") of United Wisconsin
Services, Inc. (the "Company") will be held at the Chicago O'Hare Marriott Hotel
located at 8535 West Higgins Road, Chicago, Illinois, on Wednesday, May 27, 1998
at 11:00 a.m. local time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect three directors of the Company for terms expiring at the 2001
Annual Meeting of Shareholders;
2. To consider and vote upon a proposal to amend the United Wisconsin
Services, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the "Equity Incentive Plan") to
increase the number of shares available for granting under the Equity
Incentive Plan and increase the number of shares which may be granted
to individual participants under the Equity Incentive Plan; and
3. To transact any other business as may properly come before the Meeting
or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on April 17, 1998, the
record date for the Meeting, are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at
the Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
A copy of the Proxy Statement furnished in connection with the solicitation
of proxies by the Company's Board of Directors for use at the Meeting
accompanies this Notice.
Shareholders who cannot attend in person are requested to date, fill in,
sign and return the enclosed proxy in the envelope provided. You may revoke
your proxy at any time prior to the voting thereof by advising the Secretary of
the Company in writing (by subsequent proxy or otherwise) of such revocation at
any time before it is voted.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO
ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THE
ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY
IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Stephen E. Bablitch,
SECRETARY
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
April 15, 1998
<PAGE>
[UWZ LOGO]
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors of United Wisconsin Services, Inc. (the
"Company" or "UWS") for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the
"Meeting") to be held at the Chicago O'Hare Marriott Hotel located at 8535 West
Higgins Road, Chicago, Illinois, Wednesday, May 27, 1998 at 11:00 a.m. local
time, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof. At the Meeting,
shareholders of the Company will consider and vote upon (i) the election of
three directors of the Company for terms expiring at the 2001 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders; (ii) a proposal to amend the United Wisconsin Services, Inc.
Equity Incentive Plan (the "Equity Incentive Plan") to increase the number of
shares available for granting under the Equity Incentive Plan and to increase
the number of shares which may be granted to individual participants under the
Equity Incentive Plan; and (iii) such other business as may be properly brought
before the Meeting.
Only holders of record of shares of common stock, no par value per share
("Common Stock"), of the Company at the close of business on April 17, 1998, the
record date for the Meeting, are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at
the Meeting. Shareholders will be entitled to one vote for each share of Common
Stock held. On March 31, 1998, there were issued and outstanding 16,544,047
shares of Common Stock.
When you sign and return the enclosed appointment of proxy form, shares of
the Common Stock represented thereby will be voted (i) FOR the nominees for
directors listed on page 3, and (ii) FOR the adoption of the proposed amendments
to the Equity Incentive Plan, unless otherwise indicated on the proxy form. The
Board of Directors expects all nominees for director to be available for
election. In case any nominee for director is not available, the proxy holders
may vote for a substitute. Returning your completed proxy form 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 at any time before it is voted by advising the
Secretary of the Company of such revocation in writing (by subsequent proxy or
otherwise).
The Company knows of no specific matter to be brought before the Meeting
that is not referred to in the Notice of Annual Meeting. If any such matter
properly comes before the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons acting
pursuant to the enclosed appointment of proxy form to vote the shares
represented thereby in accordance with their best judgment.
Directors will be elected at the Meeting by a plurality of the votes cast
at the Meeting. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common
Stock represented at the Meeting is required to amend the Equity Incentive Plan.
Abstentions will be included in the determination of shares present and voting
for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists. Broker non-votes will not
be so included. Neither abstentions nor broker non-votes are counted in
determining whether a proposal has been approved.
Officers and other employees of the Company may solicit proxies by personal
interview, telephone and facsimile, in addition to the use of the mails, but
will receive no additional compensation for such activities. The Company also
has made arrangements with brokerage firms, banks, nominees and other
fiduciaries to forward proxy solicitation materials for shares of the Common
Stock held of record by them to the beneficial owners of such shares. The
Company will reimburse them for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
The Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1997, the
Notice of the Meeting, this Proxy Statement and the accompanying appointment of
proxy form were first mailed to shareholders on or about April 24, 1998.
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of shares of the
Common Stock as of March 31, 1998 by each shareholder known to the Company to
own beneficially more than five percent (5%) of the shares of the Common Stock
outstanding, by each director of the Company, each person nominated to be a
director, each of the executive officers of the Company who appear in the
Summary Compensation Table below, and all directors and officers of the Company
as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, each shareholder listed below has sole
voting and dispositive power with respect to shares of the Common Stock
beneficially owned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENT OF
NAME BENEFICIALLY OWNED(2) CLASS
- ---- -------------------- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Blue Cross & Blue Shield United of Wisconsin (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,261,199 37.9%
Wallace J. Hilliard (1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,401,601 8.3
Ronald A. Weyers (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,197,659 7.1
Heartland Advisors, Inc. (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,103,150 6.7
Thomas R. Hefty (3) (4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90,792 *
Samuel V. Miller (3) (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 634,582 3.7
Roger A. Formisano (3) (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,965 *
C. Edward Mordy (4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52,025 *
Penny J. Siewert (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,970 *
Richard A. Abdoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,800 *
Michael D. Dunham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -0-
James L. Forbes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,500 *
James C. Hickman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,200 *
William R. Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,500 *
Eugene A. Menden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,500 *
William C. Rupp, M.D.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -0- *
Carol N. Skornicka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 *
All directors and executive officers as a group (19 persons) (4) . . . . . . . . 930,545 5.6
</TABLE>
- --------------------
* Amount represents less than 1% of the total shares of the Common Stock
issued and outstanding.
(1) Blue Cross & Blue Shield United of Wisconsin's address is 1515 North
River Center Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212; Mr. Hilliard's address
is P.O. Box 12146, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54307-2146; Mr. Weyer's
address is 3100 AMS Boulevard, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54313; and
Heartland Advisors, Incorporated's address is 790 North Milwaukee
Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202.
(2) Includes the following number of shares covered under options
exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 1998: Mr. Hefty, 69,293; Mr.
Miller, 632,582; Mr. Formisano, 30,774; Mr. Mordy 32,316; Ms. Siewert,
11,000; Mr. Abdoo, 2,000; Mr. Forbes, 2,000; Mr. Hickman, 2,000; Mr.
Johnson, 2,000; Mr. Menden, 2,000; and all directors and officers as a
group, 842,263.
(3) Includes the following shares owned jointly with such person's spouse,
with respect to which such person shares voting power and dispositive
power: Mr. Hefty, 2,000 shares; Mr. Miller, 2,000 shares; and Mr.
Formisano, 3,750 shares.
(4) Includes the following shares held under the Company's 401(k) plan, as
to which such person has dispositive power: Mr. Hefty, 7,999; Mr.
Formisano, 2,441; Mr. Mordy, 5,609; Ms. Siewert, 4,320; and all
directors and officers as a group, 37,069.
Blue Cross & Blue Shield United of Wisconsin ("Blue Cross") owns 37.9% of
the issued and outstanding shares of the Common Stock. Three of the Company's
nine directors are also directors of Blue Cross. It is anticipated that Blue
Cross will vote its shares of the Common Stock in favor of each of the nominees
and in favor of the amendments to the Equity Incentive Plan.
-2-
<PAGE>
ITEM 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Bylaws fix the number of directors at nine. The Board of
Directors is divided into three classes, whose members each serve terms of three
years (and until their successors are elected and qualified). The terms of one
of the three classes expire at each annual meeting of shareholders. Ms.
Skornicka and Messrs. Dunham and Menden are in the class of directors whose
terms expire at the Meeting. They have been nominated to serve as directors for
terms expiring at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2001 and until their
successors are elected and qualified. The terms of Messrs. Forbes and Hickman
and Dr. Rupp will expire at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 1999. The
terms of Messrs. Abdoo, Hefty and Johnson will expire at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders in 2000. There are no family relationships among any of the
directors, nominees and/or executive officers of the Company.
The nominees standing for election have been approved by the Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any nominee
will be unable or unwilling to serve as a director if elected. The name and age
as of March 31, 1998, and certain additional information, as to each such
nominee and each Director serving an unexpired term are as follows:
NOMINEES STANDING FOR ELECTION
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AT THIS MEETING WITH TERMS EXPIRING IN 2001
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND AGE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------ -------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Michael D. Dunham Director of the Company since 1997; Director of
Blue Cross from August 1996 until May
Age: 52 1997; President and a director of Effective
Management Systems, Inc., a developer of
integrated manufacturing and business management
software, since its incorporation in 1978.
Eugene A. Menden Director of the Company since 1991; Director of Blue
Cross from January 1987 until 1992.
Age: 67 Prior to retirement, Director of International
Finance for Marquette Medical Systems, Inc.
(formerly Marquette Electronics, Inc.), a
manufacturer of medical electronic products.
Served as Vice President of Finance for Marquette
Electronics, Inc. from 1970 to 1991, as Treasurer
from 1970 to 1989, and as a director from 1972
until June 1996.
Carol N. Skornicka Director of the Company since 1997; Senior Vice
President - Corporate Development,
Age: 56 Secretary and General Counsel of Midwest Express
Holdings, Inc. and Midwest Express Airlines, Inc.
since March 1998; Vice President, Secretary and
General Counsel of Midwest Express Holdings, Inc.
and Midwest Express Airlines, Inc. since May 1996;
Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Industry,
Labor and Human Relations from 1991 to May 1996;
Director of Astral Aviation, Inc. since May 1996.
CONTINUING DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS WHOSE PRESENT TERMS CONTINUE UNTIL 1999
James L. Forbes Director of the Company since 1991; Director of Blue
Cross since 1974; President and Chief
Age: 65 Executive Officer and Director of Badger Meter,
Inc., a manufacturer of products using flow
measurement technology, since 1985; Director of
Universal Foods Corporation, Firstar Corporation,
and Firstar Trust Company, a subsidiary of Firstar
Corporation.
-3-
<PAGE>
James C. Hickman Director of the Company since 1991; Director of Blue
Cross since December 1986; Director,
Age: 70 Century Investment Management Company; Emeritus
Professor and Emeritus Dean of the School of
Business of the University of Wisconsin-Madison
("UW School of Business") since July 1993;
Professor in the UW School of Business from 1990
to 1993; Dean of the UW School of Business from
1985 to 1990.
William C. Rupp, M.D. Director of the Company since 1997; President and Chief
Executive Officer of Luther/Midelfort
Age: 51 Mayo Health System since 1994; President
of Midelfort Clinic since 1991;
practicing physician in oncology since
1982.
DIRECTORS WHOSE PRESENT TERMS CONTINUE UNTIL 2000
Richard A. Abdoo Director of the Company since 1991; Director of Blue
Cross from 1991 until May 1997;
Age: 54 Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Wisconsin Energy Corporation,
a diversified energy services holding company,
since May 1991; Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of Wisconsin Electric Power
Company since 1990; Director of Wisconsin Energy
Corporation since 1988; Director of Wisconsin
Electric Power Company since 1989; Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer of Wisconsin
Natural Gas Company from 1990 to 1995; Director of
Wisconsin Natural Gas Company from 1989 to 1995;
Director of Marshall & Ilsley Corporation, a bank
holding company, and Sundstrand Corporation.
Thomas R. Hefty Director of the Company since 1983; President of the
Company since 1986 and Chairman of
Age: 50 the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
since 1991; Chairman of the Board and Director of Blue
Cross since 1988; President of Blue Cross since 1982;
Deputy Insurance Commissioner for the Office of the
Commissioner of Insurance for the State of Wisconsin
from 1979 to 1982; Director of Artisan Funds, Inc., an
investment company registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended.
William R. Johnson Director of the Company since 1993; Chairman of
Johansen Capital Investment and
Age: 71 Financial Consulting since 1986; President of
Johansen Capital Associates, Inc., a financial
and investment consultant to corporations and
individuals, since 1984; Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer of National Investment
Services of America, Inc., an investment manager
of pension, profit sharing, and other funds, from
1968 to 1984.
</TABLE>
The affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast is required for the
election of directors. Unless otherwise specified, the shares of the Common
Stock represented by the proxies solicited hereby will be voted in favor of the
election of the above-described nominees. If, at or prior to their election,
any one or more of the nominees is unwilling or unable to serve, the proxies
shall have discretionary authority to select and/or vote for substituted
nominees.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS YOU VOTE FOR THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In 1997, the Board of Directors held four meetings. During 1997, each
director attended at least 75% of these meetings, and the meetings of the
committees of the Board of Directors of which he or she was a member, except
for Mr. Abdoo. The Board of Directors has standing Executive, Finance,
Management Review and Audit Committees.
-4-
<PAGE>
The Executive Committee discharges certain responsibilities of the Board of
Directors when so instructed by the Board and studies proposals and makes
recommendations to the Board. Specifically, the Executive Committee has the
authority to approve long range corporate and strategic plans, advise and
consult with management on corporate policies, approve the annual operating plan
and approve major changes in policy affecting new services and programs. The
Executive Committee held four meetings during 1997. As of the date of the
Meeting, the members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Forbes (Chairman),
Abdoo, Hefty and Hickman.
The Finance Committee approves investment policies and plans and approves
the investment of funds of the Company, consults with management regarding real
estate, accounts receivable and other assets, determines the amounts and types
of insurance carried by the Company, advises and consults with management
regarding selection of insurance carriers and corporate tax policies and
discharges certain other responsibilities of the Board of Directors when so
instructed by the Board. The Finance Committee held four meetings during 1996.
As of the date of the Meeting, the members of the Finance Committee are Messrs.
Hefty, Rupp, Johnson and Ms. Skornicka.
The Management Review Committee evaluates the performance of the Company's
executive officers, approves executive officer development programs, determines
the compensation of the executive officers and reviews management's
recommendations as to the compensation of other key personnel, acts as the
nominating committee for officers and directors and makes recommendations to the
Board of Directors regarding the types, methods and levels of director
compensation, administers the compensation plans for the officers, directors and
key employees, and discharges certain other responsibilities of the Board of
Directors when so instructed by the Board. The Management Review Committee will
consider a nominee for election to the Board of Directors recommended by a
shareholder if the shareholder submits the nomination in compliance with the
requirements of the Company's Bylaws relating to nominations by shareholders.
The Management Review Committee held three meetings during 1997. As of the date
of the Meeting, the members of the Management Review Committee are Messrs.
Forbes, Abdoo, Dunham and Hickman.
The Audit Committee reviews the scope and timing of the audit of the
Company's financial statements and reviews with the Company's independent public
accountants, the Company's management policies and procedures with respect to
auditing and accounting controls. The Audit Committee also reviews with the
independent public accountants the audited financial statements for the Company
and the auditors' reports and management letter . The Audit Committee selects
and engages the Company's independent public accountants and reviews and
approves all related party transactions. In addition, it reviews and evaluates
Conflict of Interest statements and discharges certain other responsibilities of
the Board of Directors when so instructed by the Board. The Audit Committee
held three meetings during 1997. As of the date of the Meeting, the members of
the Audit Committee are Messrs. Menden, Abdoo, Dunham, and Hickman.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Directors who are officers or employees of the Company receive no
compensation as such for service as members of the Board of Directors or
Committees of the Board. A director who is not an officer or employee of the
Company receives a fee of $1,100 for each Board or Committee meeting attended,
and a monthly retainer of $750. In addition, each Committee Chairman receives a
monthly fee of $250. Also, pursuant to the 1995 Director Stock Option Plan of
United Wisconsin Services, Inc., each director has been granted in connection
with his or her services as a director, an option to purchase 3,000 shares of
Common Stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the date of grant.
NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTORS BY SHAREHOLDERS
The Board of Directors will consider a nominee for election to the Board
recommended by a shareholder if the shareholder submits the nomination in
compliance with the requirements of the Company's Bylaws relating to nominations
by shareholders. Article II, Section 1(B) of the Company's Bylaws provides that
if a shareholder desires to make a nomination for the election of directors at
an annual meeting, he or she must give timely written notice of the nomination
to the Secretary of the Company. Notice is timely if received by the Secretary
at the Company's principal office not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days
prior to the last Wednesday in May in the year of the applicable annual meeting.
The notice must set forth the shareholder's name and address as they appear
-5-
<PAGE>
on the Company's books; the class and number of shares of Common Stock
beneficially owned by such shareholder; a representation that such shareholder
is a holder of record of shares entitled to vote at the meeting and intends to
appear at the meeting, in person or by proxy, to make the nomination; the name
and residence address of the nominee; a description of all arrangements or
understandings between the shareholder and the nominee (and any other person or
persons) pursuant to which the nomination is to be made; the written consent of
the nominee to serve if elected and certain other information. The notice must
be signed by the shareholder of record who intends to make the nomination (or
his or her duly authorized proxy or other representative) and must bear the date
of signature of such shareholder or representative. Article II, Section 2(B) of
the Bylaws provides that notices with respect to any nomination for a Board
election to be held at any special meeting must contain all the information set
forth above and must be received by the Secretary of the Company not earlier
than 90 days and not later than the later of 60 days prior to the special
meeting or ten days after notice of such meeting is first given to shareholders.
Shareholders wishing to submit a nomination should review the Bylaw requirements
regarding nominations by shareholders and should communicate with the Secretary,
United Wisconsin Services, Inc., 401 West Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
53203, for further information.
ITEM 2 - APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO
UNITED WISCONSIN SERVICES, INC. EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
The Board of Directors has approved, subject to shareholder approval,
amendments to the Equity Incentive Plan to: (a) increase from 2,750,000 to
4,000,000 the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued thereunder; and
(b) increase the number of shares which may be granted to individual
participants in the Equity Incentive Plan from 100,000 in any three year period
to 250,000 annually.
The increase in the number of shares from 2,750,000 to 4,000,000 is
necessary to permit the grant of options under the Equity Incentive Plan to
active employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates. As of the
date of this Proxy Statement, the Company has not made a determination to grant
any specific options as a result of the proposed amendments to the Equity
Incentive Plan; however, the Company anticipates that options may be granted to
certain executive officers following approval of the amendments.
Currently, options with respect to 2,613,775 shares have been issued with
40,316 shares being forfeited and available for re-granting pursuant to the
Equity Incentive Plan. After the increase in the number of shares authorized
under the Equity Incentive Plan, approximately 1,426,541 options would be
available for future grants under the Equity Incentive Plan. Shareholder
approval of the authorization for the additional options is required by the
terms of the Equity Incentive Plan.
The Equity Incentive Plan will also be amended to increase the number of
shares which may be granted to individual participants during a three year
period. This amendment has been made to allow options issued pursuant to the
Equity Incentive Plan to be considered performance based compensation within the
meaning of Treas. Reg. 1.162-27. Performance based compensation is not subject
to the $1,000,000 limit on compensation which is deductible contained in Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Under the amendment to
the Equity Incentive Plan, the maximum number of shares with respect to which
grants may be made is 250,000 annually.
The following is a summary of the basic terms and provisions of the Equity
Incentive Plan.
The Equity Incentive Plan permits the grant to full-time employees
("Participants") of Incentive Stock Options, Nonqualified Stock Options, Stock
Appreciation Rights ("SARs"), Restricted Stock, Performance Units and
Performance Shares (all as defined in the Equity Incentive Plan).
The purpose of the Equity Incentive Plan is to promote the success and
enhance the value of the Company by linking the personal interests of the
Participants with an incentive for outstanding performance. The Equity Incentive
Plan further is intended to provide flexibility to the Company in its ability to
motivate, attract and retain the services of Participants upon whose judgment,
interest and special effort the successful conduct of its operation is
dependent. The Equity Incentive Plan is administered by the Management Review
Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of Directors. The Committee is
authorized to determine the size and types of awards under the Equity
-6-
<PAGE>
Incentive Plan, the Participants to whom they will be granted, the terms and
conditions of such awards, including the date or dates on which awards become
exercisable either in whole or in part, their expiration date and other matters
in their discretion.
The term of any Incentive Stock Option or Nonqualified Stock Option granted
pursuant to the Equity Incentive Plan shall not exceed ten or twelve years,
respectively (five years in the case of a 10% shareholder granted Incentive
Stock Options), and the option price per share therefor shall not be less than
the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock on the date the option is
granted (110% of the fair market value in the case of a 10% shareholder granted
Incentive Stock Options). Options are not exercisable in any event prior to six
months following the date of grant.
SARs shall have a grant price at least equal to 100% of the fair market
value of the Company's Common Stock if granted independently of any stock
option, or equal to the option price of the related stock option if granted in
connection with a stock option. The term of an SAR granted pursuant to the
Equity Incentive Plan shall not exceed twelve years. SARs are not exercisable in
any event prior to six months following the date of grant.
Restricted Stock may be granted to participants in such amounts as the
Committee shall determine subject to the terms and provisions of the Equity
Incentive Plan. Restricted Stock generally may not be sold or otherwise
transferred for a certain period (based on the passage of time, the achievement
of performance goals or the occurrence of other events as determined by the
Committee). During that period, however, Participants may exercise full voting
rights and shall be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions
with respect to shares of Restricted Stock. Restricted Stock shall not vest in
any event prior to six months following the date of grant.
The number and/or value of Performance Units or Performance Shares that
will be paid to Participants shall be based on the extent to which performance
goals, as determined by the Committee, have been met. The performance goals must
be determined over a period of at least six months. At the time of grant, each
Performance Unit must have an initial value established by the Committee and
each Performance Share shall have an initial value equal to the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
Awards under the Equity Incentive Plan shall immediately vest and/or be
exercisable upon the occurrence of death, disability or retirement, or a Change
in Control (as defined in the Equity Incentive Plan). Subject to the terms of
the Equity Incentive Plan, awards may be exercised within three months after
termination of employment for any reason except death, disability or retirement
(but any awards held by a Participant dismissed for cause will immediately
expire), within one year after the date of death (by the Participant's personal
representative, legatees or heirs) if employed by the Company at such date,
within one year after a Participant's employment with the Company is terminated
by disability, and within three years after a Participant retires (as defined in
the Company's "tax qualified pension plan"). The Committee may permit a
Participant to defer such Participant's receipt of the payment of cash or the
delivery of shares of the Company's Common Stock that would otherwise be due.
The Committee may terminate, amend or modify the Equity Incentive Plan with the
approval of the Board of Directors. Any termination, amendment or modification,
however, which materially (i) increases the total number of shares of Common
Stock which may be issued under the Equity Incentive Plan; (ii) modifies the
eligibility requirements to add a class of persons ("Insiders") subject to
Section 16 of the Exchange Act; or (iii) increases the benefits accruing to
Insiders under the Equity Incentive Plan, must be approved by the shareholders
of the Company.
An optionee will not be deemed to have received taxable income upon the
grant or exercise of any Incentive Stock Option, provided that such shares of
Common Stock are held for at least one year after the date of exercise and two
years after the date of grant. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Company
as a result of the grant or exercise of Incentive Stock Options. An optionee
will be deemed to receive ordinary income upon exercise of Nonqualified Stock
Options in an amount equal to the amount by which the fair market value of the
Company's Common Stock on the exercise date exceeds the exercise price. The
amount of any ordinary income deemed to be received by an optionee due to a
premature disposition of the shares of Common Stock acquired upon the exercise
of an Incentive Stock Option or upon the exercise of a Nonqualified Stock Option
will be a deductible expense for tax purposes for the Company.
-7-
<PAGE>
The proposal must be approved by the affirmative vote of holders of a
majority of the shares of Common Stock represented at the Meeting. Abstentions
and broker non-votes are treated as "no" votes in determining whether the
proposal is approved. The proxies will be voted for or against the proposal, or
as an abstention, in accordance with the instructions specified on the proxy
form. If no instructions are given, proxies will be voted for approval of the
amendment to the Equity Incentive Plan.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE EQUITY
INCENTIVE PLAN.
-8-
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Pursuant to the Service Agreement (as hereinafter described), certain
executive officers of the Company provide services to Blue Cross. Costs and
expenses associated therewith are shared in accordance with the terms of the
Service Agreement. See "Certain Transactions." The following table summarizes
the total compensation paid by the Company or its subsidiaries to the Chief
Executive Officer and the four other most highly compensated executive officers
of the Company for services rendered to the Company and Blue Cross for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
-------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Awards Payouts
------ -------
SECURITIES ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL OTHER ANNUAL UNDERLYING LTIP COMPENSA-
POSITION YEAR SALARY ($) BONUS ($)(1,2) COMPENSATION ($)(4) OPTIONS/SARS (#) PAYOUTS ($)(1) TION ($)(5)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Thomas R. Hefty 1997 $475,008 $ 97,377 $ 7,885 35,000 $ 5,294 $4,000
CHAIRMAN OF THE 1996 410,028 177,542 9,355 30,000 -- 3,750
BOARD, PRESIDENT & 1995 390,024 91,265 6,693 -- 10,832 3,750
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
Samuel V. Miller (6) 1997 500,000 600,000(3) -- -- -- --
EXECUTIVE VICE 1996 500,004 1,500,000(3) 89,169 434,563 -- --
PRESIDENT, PRESIDENT 1995 77,652 83,350(3) -- 198,019 -- --
OF AMERICAN MEDICAL
SECURITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Roger A. Formisano 1997 244,536 22,008 904 25,000 2,894 4,000
EXECUTIVE VICE 1996 235,128 61,604 3,424 15,000 -- 3,750
PRESIDENT & CHIEF 1995 179,840 41,004 4,999 -- 4,406 3,750
OPERATING OFFICER;
PRESIDENT OF
COMPCARE HEALTH
SERVICES INSURANCE
CORPORATION AND
MERIDIAN RESOURCE
CORPORATION
C. Edward Mordy 1997 184,848 20,333 3,385 18,000 2,370 4,000
VICE PRESIDENT & 1996 176,040 55,805 3,106 10,000 -- 3,750
CHIEF FINANCIAL 1995 161,496 18,734 2,567 -- 5,502 3,750
OFFICER
Penny J. Siewert (7) 1997 174,576 18,190 -- 15,000 2,061 4,000
VICE PRESIDENT OF 1996 163,152 53,677 1,737 7,000 -- 3,017
REGIONAL SERVICES 1995 117,388 33,808 -- 7,500 -- 2,935
</TABLE>
- --------------------
(1) Amounts include compensation earned and deferred at the election of
the named executive officer during the fiscal years indicated and paid
subsequent to the end of each fiscal year.
(2) Amounts represent bonuses earned under both the Company's Profit
Sharing Plan and Management Incentive Plan.
(3) Amounts represent bonuses earned by Mr. Miller pursuant to the terms
of his employment agreement with the Company.
(4) Amounts represent reimbursement for the payment of taxes and the
payout for unused personal days. The amounts indicated do not include
perquisites and other personal benefits to the named executive
officers which for each such officer did not exceed the lesser of
$50,000 or 10% of the officer's total annual salary and bonus.
(5) Amounts represent the Company's matching contributions to the
UWSI/BCBSUW 401(k) Plan.
(6) Mr. Miller became an employee of the Company in November 1995, and
compensation information reflects amounts earned since that time.
(7) Ms. Siewert was promoted to an executive officer of the Company on
September 1, 1995.
-9-
<PAGE>
The following table details the options granted to the executive officers listed
in the Summary Compensation Table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
----------------------------------------------------------
# OF SECURITIES % OF TOTAL
UNDERLYING OPTION/ SARS EXERCISE OR POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT ASSUMED
EXECUTIVE OPTIONS/ GRANTED TO BASE PRICE EXPIRATION ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK PRICE
SARS GRANTED (1) EMPLOYEES IN ($/SHARE) DATE APPRECIATION FOR OPTION TERM
FISCAL YEAR
5% ($) 10% ($)
----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Thomas R. Hefty 35,000 19.60% $25.625 01/01/09 $ 713,784 $ 1,917,903
Samuel V. Miller -0- -0- N/A N/A N/A N/A
Roger A. Formisano 25,000 14.00 25.625 01/01/09 509,845 1,369,931
C. Edward Mordy 18,000 10.10 25.625 01/01/09 367,089 986,350
Penny J. Siewert 15,000 8.40 25.625 01/01/09 305,907 821,958
</TABLE>
- --------------------
(1) All options granted vest at the rate of 25% each year on the
anniversary of the grant date. All options listed for Messrs. Hefty,
Formisano, Mordy, and Ms. Siewert were granted on 1/2/97.
No Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs") or options were exercised by any of the
executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table during 1997. The
number of unexercised SARs and options and the total value of unexercised
in-the-money SARs and options at December 31, 1997 are shown in the following
table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FY-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS/SARS AT
OPTIONS/SARS AT FY-END (#) FY-END ($)
NAME EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE(1) EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE
---- ---------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Thomas R. Hefty 66,657 / 83,886 $ 262,763 / $ 310,263
Samuel V. Miller 632,582 / 0 2,288,158 / 0
Roger A. Formisano 24,018 / 44,256 71,081 / 95,769
C. Edward Mordy 32,112 / 38,704 127,788 / 144,412
Penny J. Siewert 5,500 / 24,000 17,688 / 29,625
</TABLE>
- --------------------
(1) Options become immediately exercisable upon change in control of the
Company. A change in control includes: the acquisition by certain
persons or groups of 25% or more of the outstanding Common Stock; a
change in the membership of a majority of the Board of Directors, if
not approved by the incumbent Directors; or the approval by the
Company's shareholders of a plan of liquidation, an agreement to sell
substantially all of the Company's assets, or certain mergers,
consolidations or reorganizations.
-10-
<PAGE>
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
The Company maintains a Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") for, among
others, the executive officers of the Company. The LTIP is administered by the
Company's Management Review Committee. Awards are based on the achievement of
certain growth objectives established at the beginning of each three-year plan
cycle by the Management Review Committee. Goals are set at minimum, target and
maximum levels for each objective. Payout awards are determined at the end of
each three-year plan cycle and are prorated when actual results for any
objective lie between the minimum and maximum goal levels. Payout awards are
based on a percentage of each participant's average base salary range midpoint
during the applicable three-year cycle. The components and maximum payout
potential for the 1997-1999 Plan for Messrs. Hefty, Formisano and Mordy and Ms.
Siewert are: Average Annual Increase in Combined Surplus of Blue Cross and the
Company calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
("GAAP"), 10.00%; Average Annual Increase in Government Programs Reimbursement,
2.5%; Increase in Combined Revenue for Blue Cross and the Company, 4.16%. Mr.
Miller does not participate in the LTIP.
The potential value of payouts under the 1997-1999 LTIP to the listed
executive officers is shown in the following table:
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS-AWARDS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERFORMANCE OR
OTHER PERIOD UNTIL ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS UNDER NON-STOCK
NAME MATURATION OR PAYOUT(1) PRICE-BASED PLANS(2)
----------------------------------------
THRESHOLD TARGET MAXIMUM
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Thomas R. Hefty 3 Years $42,944 $64,383 $107,263
Samuel V. Miller N/A ------ ------
Roger A. Formisano 3 Years 23,038 34,540 57,544
C. Edward Mordy 3 Years 18,643 27,950 56,565
Penny J. Siewert 3 Years 17,809 26,700 44,482
</TABLE>
- --------------------
(1) The 1997-1999 LTIP has been discontinued and the Company anticipates
making a pro rata payout during 1998.
(2) The average midpoint of the named executive's annual base salary range
for the three-year term is calculated using the actual 1997 and 1998
base salary range midpoints and the estimated 1999 base salary range
midpoint. The estimated 1999 midpoint is 4.5% higher than the 1998
actual base salary range midpoint.
DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS
The Company provides a non-contributory defined benefit plan to its
salaried employees pursuant to the UWSI/BCBSUW Salaried Pension Plan ("Salaried
Plan"). The Salaried Plan utilizes a cash balance formula which provides annual
pay credits of 4% plus transition credits of 4% for the number of years of
service on December 31, 1996 (up to 15 years). Interest is credited monthly on
the cash balance account based on the yield on 10-year Treasury securities for
the month of October of the previous year.
In addition, the Company provides to executives defined benefits from the
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"). The SERP provides a total
benefit (taking into account Salaried Plan benefits and Social Security
benefits) of 2% of final 5-year average pay per year of service (up to 30
years).
-11-
<PAGE>
PENSION PLAN TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS OF SERVICE
------------------------------------------------
REMUNERATION 15 20 25 30 or more
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$125,000 $ 37,500 $ 50,000 $ 62,500 $ 75,000
150,000 45,000 60,000 75,000 90,000
175,000 52,500 70,000 87,500 105,000
200,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000
225,000 67,500 90,000 112,500 135,000
250,000 75,000 100,000 125,000 150,000
275,000 82,500 110,000 137,500 165,000
300,000 90,000 120,000 150,000 180,000
400,000 120,000 160,000 200,000 240,000
500,000 150,000 200,000 250,000 300,000
600,000 180,000 240,000 300,000 360,000
</TABLE>
The persons named in the Summary Compensation Table who are participants in the
Salaried Plan and the SERP have the following years of credited service: Mr.
Hefty, fifteen years; Mr. Formisano, six years; Mr. Mordy, twelve years; Ms.
Siewert, twenty-one years. Mr. Miller does not participate in the Salaried Plan
or the SERP.
MANAGEMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT ON
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
INTRODUCTION
The Management Review Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee")
which is comprised of four independent, non-employee directors, establishes and
directs the administration of all programs under which executive benefits are
provided and compensation is paid or awarded to the Company's executive
officers. In addition, the Committee evaluates executive officer performance and
assesses the overall effectiveness of the Company's executive compensation
programs.
COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES
The Company's executive compensation program is designed to closely align
executive compensation with corporate performance and total return to
shareholders. The Company has developed an overall compensation philosophy and
implemented Plans that are designed to tie a significant portion of executive
compensation to the Company's success in meeting specified performance goals and
appreciation in the Common Stock price.
The overall objectives of this compensation philosophy are:
- - To attract and retain the executive talent required to attain the Company's
goals.
- - To motivate these executives to achieve the goals of the Company's business
strategy;
-12-
<PAGE>
- - To link executive and shareholder financial interests through equity-based
long-term incentive plans; and
- - To provide a compensation package that recognizes individual contributions
and overall business results.
Each year the Committee conducts a full review of the Company's executive
compensation program to ensure that pay opportunities are competitive with the
current market and that there is appropriate linkage between Company performance
and executive compensation. During 1997, this process included consultation
with Hewitt Associates ("Hewitt") throughout the year on such issues as base
salaries, stock option awards, and overall compensation. The Committee's review
included a comparison of the Company's executive compensation against a peer
group with which the Company competes for business and executive talent. The
Committee believes that the Company's competitors for executive talent include
many types of companies. Therefore, the Committee evaluates all relevant
sources for executive talent in assessing overall competitiveness. Consequently,
the peer group used for compensation analysis will include, but extend beyond,
the companies noted in the Performance Graph included in this Proxy Statement.
The Company's compensation philosophy has been to set base salaries at
approximately 90% of the market average for comparable positions at comparable
companies. The Company's incentive compensation plans were designed to bring
total compensation to approximately 110% of the market average for comparable
positions at comparable companies for outstanding corporate and individual
performance. This philosophy prevailed in setting base salaries and pay
opportunities for calendar year 1997.
In December 1997, in conjunction with Hewitt, the Company reviewed its
current compensation philosophies and compensation objectives. In addition, the
Company undertook a thorough review of the current Plans in order to assess the
most effective compensation tools for:
- - Linking pay programs to current and future business strategies and
performance; and
- - Attracting, retaining and motivating key executives in the intensely
competitive market for exceptional executive talent, among managed care
employers specifically and all employers generally.
As a result of this review, the Committee took particular note that UWS
executive compensation had fallen below levels deemed appropriate by the
Committee when compared to peer group compensation levels. Accordingly, the
Committee decided to set compensation opportunities at the 50th percentile of
the market for comparable positions at comparable companies. In the future, the
Company's compensation programs will be designed to be dependent on performance,
and individual pay delivered from these programs may be higher or lower than the
50th percentile of the market depending on that performance.
ELEMENTS OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The elements of executive compensation include base salary, profit sharing,
an annual performance-based management incentive plan and long-term incentives
(including both the long-term incentive plan and nonqualified Common Stock
options). The Committee's decisions with respect to each of these elements are
discussed below. While the elements of compensation described in this Report are
considered separately, the Committee takes into account the full compensation
package afforded by the Company to the individual, including salary, incentive
compensation, pension benefits, supplemental retirement benefits, insurance and
other benefits. In reviewing the individual performance of the executives whose
compensation is detailed in this Proxy statement, the Committee takes into
account the views of Mr. Hefty, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, for
positions other than his own.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, limits a
publicly held corporation's deductions for certain executive compensation in
excess of $1 million in taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993. Certain
performance-based compensation is excepted from the $1 million limitation. In
1997, none of the Company's executives received compensation in excess of $1
million for purposes of Section 162 (m) and all 1997 executive compensation is
fully deductible. This includes the compensation paid to Mr. Miller because
under the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Miller's compensation was
structured using performance-based compensation
-13-
<PAGE>
and compensation deferrals. The Committee has, however, reviewed Section 162 (m)
and considered its impact on the Company's future executive compensation Plans.
BASE SALARY
Base salaries for executive officers are determined initially by evaluating and
comparing the responsibilities of their positions and experiences and by
reference to the competitive marketplace for executive talent. Salary
adjustments are determined by evaluating the performance of the Company and of
each executive and by surveying the industry to determine the average industry
change in executive base salary. In the case of executives with responsibility
for a particular business unit, such unit's financial results are also a major
consideration. The Committee, where appropriate, considers non-financial
performance measures such as increase in market share, gains in administrative
cost efficiency, improvements in product quality, and improvements in relations
with customers, suppliers, and employees.
In establishing 1997 base salaries for the Company's executives, the
Committee considered competitive data which indicated that the base salaries of
the Company's executives were below competitive levels and were determined to be
at approximately 81.5% of estimated market value for the group as a whole.
Accordingly, since the Company's then current compensation philosophy called for
base salaries that were approximately 90% of the market average, executive
officers, excluding the CEO, received base salary increases of between 4% and
7%.
ANNUAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
PROFIT SHARING PROGRAM
The Company annually establishes a Profit Sharing Plan for all employees
who are with the Company for the entire calendar year. The United Wisconsin
Services, Inc. 1997 Profit Sharing Plan (the "Profit Sharing Plan") compensated
employees based on corporate profitability, on individual business unit or
regional area profitability and on the attainment of high levels of customer
satisfaction, all measured against targets set at the beginning of the year.
Under the corporate profitability goal, the Profit Sharing Plan pays each
employee from 0% to 9% of base salary depending on the attainment of specified
profit levels. For employees to receive the 9% payout in 1997, the Company and
Blue Cross had to attain combined net income, excluding net income or loss from
extraordinary items, of $51.8 million or more. If a specified minimum level of
profitability had not been attained, no awards would have been made under any
portion of the Profit Sharing Plan.
Individual business unit or regional area financial performance also was
measured under the "Local Component" of the Plan, with employees eligible to
receive an additional payout of up to 9% of compensation on the "Local
Component." The Profit Sharing Plan also contained a customer satisfaction
modifier which enabled employees to earn up to an additional 3% of annual
compensation for achievement of high customer satisfaction levels, generally in
excess of 93.5%, or which could reduce an award by up to 2% of annual
compensation for poorer levels of customer satisfaction. In total, the Profit
Sharing Plan paid the executives described herein between 1.21% and 1.5% of
annual compensation.
MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE PLAN
The Company's executive officers are eligible for an annual performance
bonus under the Management Incentive Plan. The bonus paid from this Plan has
two components: the Corporate Component and the Individual Performance/Profit
Sharing Component. The Corporate Component is equal to one times the
executive's total payout from the Profit Sharing Plan (two times the Profit
Sharing payout for the CEO) as described above.
The Individual Performance/Profit Sharing Component has two parts. First,
individual performance objectives are established for each eligible executive.
These individual objectives can include both financial and non-financial
measures related to the performance of the business units or corporate
departments for which the executive is responsible. To determine how well
executives other than the CEO have performed on their individual performance
objectives, the Committee considers input from the CEO as well as other relevant
factors. Not all individual
-14-
<PAGE>
performance objectives are quantifiable and the Committee did not assign
quantitative relative weights to different factors or follow mathematical
formulae. Therefore, the Committee used discretion in evaluating the executives'
achievements of their individual performance objectives. Individual performance
objectives are also established for the CEO. The Committee evaluates all
relevant data to determine to what extent Mr. Hefty has met his performance
expectations. Again, the Committee uses its discretion in making this
determination.
The second part of the Individual Performance/Profit Sharing Component is
based on the executive's payout from the Local Component of the 1997 Profit
Sharing Plan. Bonus payments are made according to a schedule that correlates
percentages of base salary paid under the Local Component of the Profit Sharing
Plan with specific bonus amounts.
Bonus amounts can range from 0% to 39% of annual compensation for
executives other than the CEO (up to 21% from the Corporate Component and up to
18% from the Individual Performance/Profit Sharing Component) and from 0% to 72%
of annual compensation for the CEO (up to 42% from the Corporate Component and
up to 30% from the Individual Performance/Profit Sharing Component). For
executives to earn the maximum award, they must have achieved outstanding
results on each of their individual goals; the profitability of the business
unit or regional area to which they are assigned must have reached an
exceptional level; and the Company and Blue Cross must have achieved a combined
return on equity, excluding net income or loss from extraordinary items, of 22%
or more. In 1997, the Company and Blue Cross' combined return on equity, as
defined by the Plan documents, was 0.2%. 1997 performance bonus awards for the
executives discussed herein, other than the CEO, ranged from 7.5% to 9.5% of
annual compensation. These awards were paid in 1998.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
The Company's executive compensation strategy is to provide long-term
compensation at a competitive level for the managed care market.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
The Company employs a Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") for the executive
officers of the Company. The LTIP is based on the achievement of certain growth
objectives, including improved surplus and premium revenue growth. Each year,
the Committee sets annual performance goals for the next three-year Plan cycle.
Goals are set at minimum, target and maximum levels for each objective. Payout
awards are determined at the end of each three-year Plan cycle and are prorated
when actual results for any objective lie between the minimum and maximum goal
levels. Payouts from the 1995-1997 LTIP for the executives discussed herein were
approximately 1.23% of the average midpoint of their annual salary ranges.
Awards payable in 1998 for executives other than the CEO ranged from $2,061 to
$2,894 and are detailed in the LTIP Payouts column of the Summary Compensation
Table contained in this Proxy Statement. Consistent with its review of total
executive compensation, the Committee decided to provide long-term incentive
opportunities solely through equity-based vehicles starting in 1998. The
remaining performance cycles, both 1996-1998 and 1997-1999, under the LTIP will
be discontinued.
STOCK OPTIONS
The Committee is responsible for administering the Company's stock option
program, which is designed to motivate employees to maximize shareholder value
and maintain a medium to long-term perspective. Option grants are made at the
fair market price on the date of grant and become exercisable in equal annual
installments over a four-year term, expiring 12 years after the date of grant.
When determining the size of the option grants made to executives, the
Committee considered the results of the competitive market compensation survey
performed by Hewitt which focuses on the managed care and Blue Cross markets.
The Committee also considers its own evaluation of the executives' past and
prospective contributions to the success of the Company, anticipated performance
requirements and contributions of each executive officer, and historical option
award data. Based on all of this information, the Committee awarded options
exercisable for 25,000, 18,000, and 15,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr.
Formisano, Mr. Mordy and Ms. Siewert, respectively in 1997. The award to the
CEO is discussed below.
-15-
<PAGE>
As discussed previously, in December 1997, the Company, in conjunction with
Hewitt, conducted a thorough review of all of its current compensation programs.
The results of this study demonstrated that UWS's long-term incentive
compensation was significantly below market levels. As a result, the Committee
decided to increase grant sizes in 1998 in order to make UWS's long-term
incentive component of total compensation more competitive when viewed relative
the market, and as mentioned previously, to enhance links between the fortunes
of UWS shareholders and key executives.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
Mr. Hefty's annual cash compensation for 1997 included base salary, profit
sharing, and management incentive bonus for a total of $572,385. As discussed
herein, some elements were paid in 1998 based on 1997 performance.
Mr. Hefty's base salary in 1996 was approximately 79% of the average base
salary for comparable positions, according to the previously mentioned Hewitt
compensation survey. Because the Company's then current compensation philosophy
provided that executive base salaries should be set at approximately 90% of the
market average for comparable positions at comparable companies, Mr. Hefty's
base salary for 1997 was increased to an amount which represented approximately
91% of the December 1996 estimated market value of his position.
In addition to base salary, Mr. Hefty received 1.5% of his base salary
under the Profit Sharing Plan based on the Company's return on equity of 0.2 %
and the Company's Customer Satisfaction levels. Under the Management Incentive
Plan, Mr. Hefty was awarded 19% of his 1997 base salary based on the Company's
and Blue Cross's financial results and his achievement of individual performance
goals set at the beginning of the year.
In determining the individual performance portion of Mr. Hefty's annual
incentive award, the Committee considered several events which evidenced his
personal contributions to the Company and its operating performance. These
factors include the transition in the management team of American Medical
Security Holdings, Inc. (AMS), whereby under Mr. Miller's guidance, there was
steady improvement in the operating profit of AMS and the acquisition of Pan-
American Life Insurance Company; the continued growth in membership in the HMO
units and solid performance in the Valley Health Plan, Unity Health Plans, and
the two northern Wisconsin HMO's; the continuation of strong bottom-line results
and an increase in total enrollment in the speciality managed care unit; and the
introduction of the United 24 product, a combined health, disability, and
worker's compensation plan.
In 1998, Mr. Hefty received a payout of $5,294 from the Company's LTIP for
the 1995 to 1997 performance period and an option to purchase 35,000 shares of
Common Stock.
In addition, the Committee provided Mr. Hefty with a further long-term
incentive opportunity tied to the increase in value in AMS. This arrangement is
described under "Other Executive Arrangements."
CONCLUSION
After its review of the total compensation program for the executives of
the Company, the Committee continues to believe that these executive
compensation policies and practices serve the interests of shareholders and
the Company effectively. We also believe that the various compensation
programs offered are appropriately balanced to provide increased motivation
for executive officers to contribute to the Company's overall future
successes, thereby increasing the value of the Company for the shareholders'
benefit. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the Company's total
compensation program to meet the ongoing needs of the Company.
Submitted by: James L. Forbes, Chairman
Richard A. Abdoo
Michael D. Dunham
James C. Hickman
-16-
<PAGE>
OTHER EXECUTIVE ARRANGEMENTS
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
During 1995, the Company recognized the need to recruit and hire an
executive to direct its interests in its joint venture with American Medical
Security Group, Inc. Due to the specialized knowledge and experience required
for this position, a nationwide search was undertaken. At the end of 1995,
Samuel V. Miller was hired as Executive Vice President of the Company. Mr.
Miller does not participate in the Company's standard executive compensation
programs. His compensation package was determined through employment
negotiations which took into account his extensive experience at the senior
levels of the financial services and insurance industries, his outstanding
skills and his familiarity with the small group health insurance business. His
compensation consists of base salary, an annual performance bonus, and non-
qualified Common Stock options and certain other options.
Mr. Miller's employment contract provides for an annual performance bonus
of not less than $500,000 or more than $1,000,000. The Committee awarded Mr.
Miller a bonus of $600,000 for 1997 based on the Committee's evaluation of his
overall achievements in his management of AMS. Mr. Miller did not receive an
option grant in 1997.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SUPPLEMENTAL COMPENSATION AGREEMENT
In September 1997, the Company entered into a Supplemental Compensation
Agreement with Mr. Hefty, the Chief Executive Officer as incentive for continued
employment, and to reward Mr. Hefty for activities that result in an increase in
the shareholder value of UWS as a result of ownership of AMS.
Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Hefty will be awarded phantom shares
of Common Stock, upon the occurrence of specific triggering events. One such
event is continued employment by Mr. Hefty until his attainment of age 55.
Phantom shares earned by Mr. Hefty will be paid out in cash on the date
that he ceases to be an employee of UWS. However, if Mr. Hefty's employment
terminates prior to age 55, the number of phantom shares to which he is entitled
will be reduced for each full or partial year between his termination date and
the date he would have reached age 55.
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CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
SERVICE AGREEMENT. The Company and Blue Cross have entered into the
Service Agreement with respect to the reciprocal provision of certain services,
including sales and marketing, rental of office space, computerized data
processing, claims processing, and legal, investment, actuarial and other
management services. The company receiving a service is obligated to pay the
provider thereof the approximate cost for the service which varies depending
upon the particular service rendered, determined on either an allocated cost
basis or based upon direct costs. If the recipient can obtain any of the
services under more favorable terms by performing the services itself or by
procuring them from a third party, it is not obligated to renew the Service
Agreement for those services if the provider is unwilling to substantially match
such terms. However, the Company agreed to purchase claims processing services
from Blue Cross pursuant to certain arrangements with Electronic Data Systems
Corporation ("EDS"). Pursuant to the Service Agreement, the Company received
net payments of $5.7 million, $5.8 million and $5.3 million from Blue Cross for
the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. The Service
Agreement is in effect until December 31, 1998 and automatically renews for a
period of one year on each succeeding January 1, subject to negotiation of the
services to be provided and the rates and allocations set forth therein.
Pursuant to Wisconsin law, the Service Agreement is filed with the Office of the
Commissioner of Insurance for the State of Wisconsin for its review to determine
whether the agreement is reasonable and fair to the interests of the insurance
companies which are parties to the agreement.
In 1984, Blue Cross entered into a servicing agreement (the "EDS Servicing
Agreement") whereby EDS would develop integrated processing systems, maintain
computer hardware and software and provide data processing personnel. Key
systems covered by this agreement include claims, membership, actuarial,
commission, general ledger, accounts payable and fixed assets. The term of the
EDS Servicing Agreement runs through December 31, 1999, with an option to
terminate upon one year's prior written notice, deliverable at any time. Blue
Cross will continue to receive services from EDS after expiration or early
termination, for a period of not less than six months and not more than two
years, to migrate its claims processing to a new provider of these services.
Blue Cross recently exercised its early termination rights. The effective date
of the termination will be September 30, 1998, by which time all claim
processing functions will be converted to the computer system operated by Blue
Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina. For the years ended December 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997, the Company paid approximately $3.4 million, $3.5 million and
$3.7 million, respectively, for services pursuant to the EDS Servicing
Agreement.
HEALTH AND OTHER BENEFITS TO THE EMPLOYEES OF BLUE CROSS. Certain
subsidiaries of the Company provide health, life and other insurance benefits to
the employees of Blue Cross. Premium revenue received from Blue Cross for these
services totaled $4.6 million, $4.4 million and $4.5 million in 1995, 1996 and
1997, respectively. In addition, Blue Cross provides health insurance to
certain of the Company's employees.
SECTION 16 COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires
the Company's officers and directors and persons owning in excess of ten percent
of the shares of the Common Stock outstanding to file reports of ownership and
changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
exchange on which the Common Stock is traded. Officers, directors and ten
percent shareholders are also required to furnish the Company with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based upon a review of the information furnished to the Company, the
Company believes that during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, its
officers and directors and Blue Cross complied with all applicable Section 16(a)
filing requirements.
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AUDITORS
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected Ernst & Young
LLP as independent auditors for the Company for the year ending December 31,
1997. Ernst & Young has examined the accounts of the Company since 1988.
Representatives of Ernst & Young will be present at the Meeting, will be
available to respond to questions and may make a statement if they so desire.
OTHER MATTERS
The Company knows of no other matters to come before the Meeting. If any
other matters properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention of the
persons acting pursuant to the accompanying appointment of proxy form to vote
the shares represented thereby in accordance with their best judgment.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Pursuant to Article II of the Company's Bylaws which provides procedures by
which shareholders may raise matters at annual meetings, proposals which
shareholders intend to present at the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must
be received by the Company no later than March 31, 1999 to be presented at that
meeting. To be eligible for inclusion in the proxy material for that meeting,
shareholder proposals must be received by December 19, 1998.
UNITED WISCONSIN SERVICES, INC.
Stephen E. Bablitch
SECRETARY
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
April 15, 1998
A COPY (WITHOUT EXHIBITS) OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, WILL BE PROVIDED WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH RECORD OR
BENEFICIAL OWNER OF THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK AS OF APRIL 17, 1998, ON THE
WRITTEN REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON DIRECTED TO: STEPHEN E. BABLITCH, SECRETARY,
UNITED WISCONSIN SERVICES, INC., 401 WEST MICHIGAN STREET, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
53203.
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