<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant /X/
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to ss. 240.14a-11(c) or ss. 240.14a-12
MEDQUIST INC.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/ No fee required
/ / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
14a-6(i)(3).
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
(A)
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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5) Total fee paid:
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/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
___________________________________________________________________________
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
___________________________________________________________________________
3) Filing Party:
___________________________________________________________________________
4) Date Filed:
___________________________________________________________________________
<PAGE>
MEDQUIST INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
May 31, 2000
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS:
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of MedQuist Inc. will be held on
Wednesday, May 31, 2000 at 11:00 A.M., E.D.T., at The Mansion at Main Street,
Plaza 1000, Voorhees New Jersey 08043 for the following purposes:
1. To elect four directors for a three year term expiring in 2003.
2. To increase the number of shares of Common Stock for issuance
under the Company's 1992 Stock Option Plan by 750,000.
3. To consider and act upon such other matters as may properly come
before the meeting and any adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed April 14, 2000 as the record date for
the determination of shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Only
shareholders of record at the close of business on that date will be entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting.
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person.
Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting in person, you are urged
to sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy. A self-addressed, stamped
envelope is enclosed for your convenience. No postage is required if mailed in
the United States.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
John M. Suender, Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
April 24, 2000
<PAGE>
MedQuist Inc.
Five Greentree Centre, Suite 311
Marlton, New Jersey 08053
---------------
PROXY STATEMENT
---------------
The enclosed proxy is solicited by and on behalf of MedQuist Inc., a
New Jersey corporation (the "Company"), for use at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2000 at 11:00 A.M., E.D.T., at The
Mansion at Main Street, Plaza 1000, Voorhees, New Jersey 08043, and at any
postponement or adjournment thereof. The approximate date on which this Proxy
Statement and the accompanying form of proxy will first be sent or given to
shareholders is April 24, 2000. Sending a signed proxy will not affect the
shareholder's right to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person since the
proxy is revocable. The grant of a later proxy revokes this proxy. The presence
at the meeting of a shareholder who has given a proxy does not revoke the proxy
unless the shareholder files written notice of the revocation with the secretary
of the meeting prior to the voting of proxy or votes the shares subject to the
proxy by written ballot.
The Company will bear the expense of the proxy solicitation. In
addition to solicitation by mail,proxies may be solicited in person or by
telephone, or telecopy by directors, officers or employees of the Company
without additional compensation. The Company is required to pay the reasonable
expenses incurred by record holders of the common stock, no par value per share,
of the Company ("Common Stock") who are brokers, dealers, banks or voting
trustees, or other nominees, for mailing proxy material and annual shareholder
reports to any beneficial owners of Common Stock they hold of record, upon
request of such record holders.
A form of proxy is enclosed. If properly executed and received in time
for voting, and not revoked, the enclosed proxy will be voted as indicated in
accordance with the instructions thereon. If no directions to the contrary are
indicated, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote all shares of
Common Stock in favor of the proposals specified in the notice attached hereto.
The enclosed proxy confers discretionary authority to vote with respect
to any and all of the following matters that may come before the meeting: (i)
matters which the Company does not know about a reasonable time before the proxy
solicitation, and are properly presented at the meeting; (ii) approval of the
minutes of a prior meeting of shareholders, if such approval does not amount to
ratification of the action taken at the meeting; (iii) the election of any
person to any office for which a bona fide nominee is unable to serve or for
good cause will not serve; and (iv) matters incident to the conduct of the
meeting. In connection with such matters, the persons named in the enclosed form
of proxy will vote in accordance with their best judgment.
<PAGE>
The Company had 35,395,042 shares of Common Stock outstanding at the
close of business on April 14, 2000, the record date. The presence, in person or
by proxy, of shareholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes at the
meeting shall constitute a quorum at such meeting. Each share of Common Stock
outstanding is entitled to one vote on each matter which may be brought before
the Annual Meeting. The approval of the proposals specified in the notice
attached hereto, require a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders of the
Company with respect to each proposal. Broker nonvotes or abstentions are not
counted as votes cast. Shareholders do not have appraisal or dissenter rights
with respect to the election of Directors, or with respect to the approval of
the proposals specified in the notice attached hereto.
Executive Officers and Directors
The executive officers and directors of the Company are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year of Term
Name Age Position Expiration
---- --- -------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
David A. Cohen 59 Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of 2002
the Board
John A. Donohoe, Jr. 45 President and Chief Operating Officer and 2001
Director
John R. Emery 43 Senior Vice President, Treasurer and --
Chief Financial Officer
Ronald F. Scarpone 55 Senior Vice President, New Business --
Development
John M. Suender 39 Senior Vice President, General Counsel --
and Secretary
James R. Emshoff(1) 57 Director 2000
William T. Carson, Jr.(3) 67 Director 2001
John T. Casey(2) 54 Director 2001
Richard J. Censits(1) 62 Director 2001
Terrence J. Mulligan(2) 54 Director 2002
A. Fred Ruttenberg(3) 57 Director 2000
Edward L. Samek 62 Director 2000
R Timothy Stack(3) 48 Director 2000
Richard H. Stowe(1) 55 Director 2001
John H. Underwood(2) 41 Director 2002
</TABLE>
(1) Member of Audit Committee
(2) Member of Compensation Committee
(3) Member of Nominating Committee
-2-
<PAGE>
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Company is classified into three classes.
Four directors have terms expiring at the Annual Meeting. These directors are
Messrs. Emshoff, Ruttenberg, Samek and Stack.
If elected, the below mentioned Directors will hold office until the
Annual Meeting in the year indicated or until his successor has been elected and
qualified, unless prior to such a meeting a director shall resign, or his
directorship shall become vacant due to his death or removal.
Nominated for Election with a Term Expiring in 2003:
A. Fred Ruttenberg has been a director of the Company since December
1991. Mr. Ruttenberg has, since September 1986, been a partner in the law firm
of Blank, Rome, Comisky & McCauley, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, which has acted as
special counsel to the Company for certain matters.
Edward L. Samek has been a director of MedQuist since December 11,
1998. He served as director of The MRC Group since 1994 and Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer of The MRC Group since June 1998. The Company
acquired The MRC Group on December 10, 1998. From October 1995 to June 1998, Mr.
Samek served as the Chief Executive Officer of The MRC Group. From July 1996
until June 1998, Mr. Samek also served as President of The MRC Group, and from
July 1996 until February 1997, as a member of the Office of the Chief Executive
Office of The MRC Group. From October 1995 until July 1996, Mr. Samek also
served as Chairman of the Board and President of The MRC Group and, from
December 1994 until October 1995, as Vice Chairman of the Board and Executive
Vice President of The MRC Group. From July 1992 through December 1994, Mr. Samek
served as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of
SecrePhone, Ltd., a provider of medical transcription services. SecrePhone Ltd.
was acquired by The MRC Group in December 1994. Mr. Samek has been a Director of
The Medical Transcription Industry Alliance, the medical transcription trade
association, since its founding in 1993 and was President from 1996-1999. Mr.
Samek is also a Director of MedPlus, Inc.
R. Timothy Stack has been a director of the Company since May 1997.
Since 1987, Mr. Stack has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Borgess Health Alliance, an integrated health delivery and finance system that
includes a 469 bed regional referral center, seven community hospitals, two
long-term care facilities, financing/risk products, a medical foundation and
physician group practices, representing over 1,000 acute care and nursing beds.
Prior to joining Borgess, Mr. Stack served as President and Chief Executive
Officer of South Side Healthcare System from 1981-1987 and as Senior Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer of Central Medical Center and Hospital
from 1979-1981.
-3-
<PAGE>
James R. Emshoff has been a director of the Company since December
1992. Mr. Emshoff also served as our acting President and Chief Executive
Officer from April 1995 through November 1995 and Chairman of the Board of
Directors from November 1995 through July 1996. Since August 1992, Mr. Emshoff
has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IndeCap Enterprises, Inc.,
a firm providing consulting services on corporate restructuring issues and
venture participation in the outsourcing of management service functions. From
February 1991 to August 1992, Mr. Emshoff was Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Wellesley Medical Management Inc., an owner and operator of primary
healthcare centers. From January 1985 to February 1991, Mr. Emshoff was
President and Chief Executive Officer of Citicorp Diners Club. Mr. Emshoff also
serves on the Board of Advisors of MedAssets, Inc. and the Board of Directors of
Healthsync.com Inc.
Continuing Directors with a Term Expiring in 2002:
David A. Cohen joined the Company in May 1994 as President of our
Transcriptions, Ltd. subsidiary and has been an executive officer and director
of the Company since July 1994, our Chief Executive Officer since November 1995
and Chairman of the Board of Directors since July 1996. Mr. Cohen also served as
President of the Company from November 1995 to August 1998. Mr. Cohen joined
Transcriptions, Ltd. in 1973 and served as its Chief Executive Officer for more
than 15 years. In December 1999 Mr. Cohen was elected to the Board of Directors
for Dollar Express.
John H. Underwood has been a director of the Company since July 1994.
Mr. Underwood is currently Managing Director with Pfingsten Partners, L.L.C., a
firm which originates and manages private equity investments in middle market
companies. Prior to joining Pfingsten Partners in December 1996, Mr. Underwood
was, since 1989, a Vice President with Heller Equity Capital Corporation
("Heller") and a Senior Vice President of Heller's parent, Heller Financial,
Inc. From 1986 to 1989, Mr. Underwood served as a Vice President of Citicorp
North America, Inc. as a member of its leveraged capital group.
Terrence J. Mulligan has been a director of the Company since May 1996.
Mr. Mulligan is currently a management consultant and private investor. Mr.
Mulligan had held several senior executive positions with Baxter International,
Inc. from 1986 until his retirement in 1996, including Group Vice President,
Health Systems, from 1994 to 1996, Group Vice President, Multi-Hospital Systems
from 1993 to 1994, and Senior Vice President, Corporate Sales and Marketing from
1988 to 1993. Mr. Mulligan also served on the Senior Management Committee and
the Operating Management Committee at Baxter. Mr. Mulligan currently serves as a
member of the Board of Visitors of the University of Iowa College of Business
Administration and is past President of the University of Iowa Alumni
Association and a Trustee of Lake Forest College. Mr. Mulligan is a member of
the Board of Directors of Physician Dynamics, Inc.
-4-
<PAGE>
Continuing Directors with a Term Expiring in 2001:
William T. Carson, Jr., a director of the Company since January 1991,
is currently a business consultant. In 1988, he co-founded and became Vice
President and corporate secretary of Covenant Bank, Haddonfield, New Jersey,
positions he held until January 1998 when Covenant Bank was acquired by First
Union Bank. Mr. Carson is a director and Vice Chairman of the Coriell Institute
of Medical Research, a genetic research firm and a former director of the
Rutgers University School of Business. He is also a Director of Petrochem, a
private record keeping and inspection company serving the petroleum industry.
John T. Casey, a director of the Company since June 1997, was Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Physician Reliance Network Inc. from October 1997
until July 1999, when it was acquired by US Oncology. PRN was a Dallas-based
provider of management facilities, administration and technical support and
ancillary services necessary to establish and maintain a fully integrated
network of oncology care. Mr. Casey formerly served as President and Chief
Executive Officer of American Medical International from 1991 until 1995, when
it was acquired by Tenet Healthcare. Prior to that, Mr. Casey was Chief
Executive Officer of Samaritan Health Services in Phoenix, Arizona, Methodist
Health Services in Memphis, Tennessee, and Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical
Center in Denver, Colorado. From 1995 until September 1997, Mr. Casey served as
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Intecare.
Richard J. Censits has been a director of the Company since January
1987. Mr. Censits was our Chief Executive Officer from January 1, 1987 until
March 1995, and was President until September 1994. He served as the Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of Campbell Soup Company from 1975 to
1986. Mr. Censits currently serves as a director of Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
John A. Donohoe, Jr. has been a member of the Board of Directors since
May 1998. Mr. Donohoe joined the Company in May 1994 as Executive Vice President
of our Transcriptions, Ltd. subsidiary. Mr. Donohoe became Chief Operating
Officer of the Company in November 1995 and President in August 1998. Mr.
Donohoe was employed by Transcriptions, Ltd. since 1974, serving in numerous
management capacities. Mr. Donohoe served as a member of the Board of Directors
of The Medical Transcription Industry Alliance from 1995 to 1999.
Mr. Stowe has been a director of MedQuist since December 1998 and is
currently a Senior Advisor for Capital Counsel, LLC. He was a director of MRC
from July 1993 until the Company acquired MRC on December 10, 1998. Mr. Stowe
was a partner of Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe from 1979 until January 1999.
Mr. Stowe serves on the Board of Directors of The Cerplex Group, Inc., which
provides repair and parts distribution services for electronic equipment, and
Health Management Systems, Inc., a provider of revenue enhancement services to
health care providers and payors, New American Healthcare Corporation, a company
that services and manages non-urban hospitals, and several private companies.
-5-
<PAGE>
Other Executive Officers:
John R. Emery has been our Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer since
March 1997 and was promoted from Vice President to Senior Vice President in
December 1998. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Emery served in various
executive positions with Integra LifeSciences Corporation beginning in 1994,
most recently as Senior Vice President - Operations and Finance. From 1987
to1994, Mr. Emery served in various operational and financial positions with
Chemical Waste Management, Inc., an environmental remediation firm.
Ronald Scarpone has been Senior Vice President - New Business
Development since December 1998 and a Vice President of the Company since
January 1996. Mr. Scarpone joined the Company in May 1994 as Vice President -
Information Services and served as our Chief Technology Officer until December
1998. Mr. Scarpone was employed by Transcriptions, Ltd. since 1989 and served as
its Vice President of Information Services since September 1993.
John M. Suender has been our General Counsel and Secretary since
September 1992. In December 1998, Mr. Suender was promoted from Vice President
to Senior Vice President. Mr. Suender also serves as Senior Vice President -
Acquisitions of the Company. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Suender was with
the law firm of Pepper, Hamilton, LLP, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Director Compensation
Employee directors (i.e., Messrs. Cohen and Donohoe) are not entitled
to any compensation or stock options for serving on the Board.
The Company has a stock based deferred compensation plan for the Board
of Directors (the "Board Deferred Stock Plan"). Under the Deferred Stock Plan,
each non-employee director of the Company is entitled to receive deferred
compensation in the form of Common Stock having a fair market value of $18,000
on the date of grant (January 1 each year). Common Stock awarded under the
Deferred Stock Plan is issued when a director leaves the Board unless a director
chooses not to defer receipt under a particular grant. If a director chooses not
to defer receipt of the award, the Common Stock is issued as of the date of
grant and the director may elect to receive up to $6,000 of the award in cash. A
director choosing not to defer receipt of the award will nevertheless be
prohibited from selling the Common Stock issued pursuant to the Deferred Stock
Plan until leaving the Board. Fair market value of a particular grant equals the
closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant. In 1999 and 2000,
respectively, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of
grant (January 1) under such plan was $39.50 and $25.813.
Pursuant to the terms of the Company's Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan
for Non-employee Directors, during each calendar year in which a non-employee
director serves, and so long as such director serves in such capacity on June 1
of such calendar year, such director is granted an option to purchase 3,000
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price
-6-
<PAGE>
equal to the Common Stock's fair market value on the date of the grant of the
option, which options are exercisable for a 10-year period commencing on the
one-year anniversary of the grant date. Any Options granted on or after June
1996, to the extent not exercised, terminate two (2) years after the individual
ceases to be a director of the Company but in no event later than the 10 year
expiration date.
Meetings of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors met six (6) times during 1999. The Board of
Directors also acted two (2) times by unanimous written consent. Each director
attended at least 75 percent of meetings of the Board of Directors and Board
Committees which he was a member during 1999 or the period thereof during which
he was a member.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
requires the Company's directors and executive officers, and persons who own
more than ten percent of the Common Stock, to file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in
ownership of the Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company.
Officers, directors and greater than ten-percent shareholders are required under
regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") to
furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms which they file.
To the Company's knowledge, based solely on a review of copies of such
reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other
reports were required, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, all
Section 16(a) filing requirements were satisfied.
Committees of the Board
The Company's Board of Directors has a standing Audit Committee, a
Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee, which currently consists of
Messrs. Censits, Emshoff and Stowe, has the authority and responsibility: to
hire one or more independent public accountants to audit MedQuist's books,
records and financial statements and to review the Company's systems of
accounting (including its systems of internal control); to discuss with such
independent public accountants the results of such audit and review; to conduct
periodically independent reviews of the systems of accounting (including systems
of internal control); and to make reports periodically to the Board of Directors
with respect to its findings. In 1999, the Audit Committee held two (2)
meetings.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee, which currently
consists of Messrs. Underwood (Chairman), Casey, and Mulligan, is responsible
for fixing the compensation
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<PAGE>
of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officer, and making
recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the compensation of
other executive officers and other compensation matters such as with respect to
stock option plans and approving the targets under any bonus plans. The
Compensation Committee currently administers the Stock Option Plan. In 1999, the
Compensation Committee held two (2) meetings.
Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee, which currently
consists of Messrs. Carson (Chairman), Ruttenberg and Stack, makes
recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to management and other
nominees to the Board, reviews shareholder nominees to the Board of Directors
and periodically reports its findings to the Board of Directors. In 1999, the
Nominating Committee held one meeting.
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<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the compensation paid by the Company for
services rendered in all capacities during the calendar years 1997, 1998 and
1999, to its chief executive officer, and to the four most highly-compensated
executive officers (other than the chief executive officer) whose annual salary
and bonus exceeded $100,000 and who were serving at December 31, 1999
(collectively, the "Named Officers").
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long-Term
Annual Compensation Compensation Awards
------------------------------- ---------------------
Securities Underlying All Other(2)
Name Year Salary ($) Bonus ($) Options (#)($)(1) Compensation ($)
---- ---- ---------- --------- --------------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David A. Cohen(3) 1999 $400,000 $300,000 0 $ 4,016
1998 321,154 362,500 70,000 1,675
1997 270,000 135,000 210,000 4,568
John A. Donohoe, Jr.(4) 1999 $300,000 $135,000 0 $ 4,304
1998 228,846 170,000 40,000 1,768
1997 186,346 63,000 60,000 634
John R. Emery(5) 1999 $ 175,000 $ 52,500 0 $10,074
1998 146,346 78,750 20,000 1,562
1997 97,500 24,375 90,000 250
Ronald F. Scarpone(6) 1999 $ 150,000 $ 45,000 0 $ 4,016
1998 139,000 34,750 20,000 1,427
1997 130,419 31,750 30,000 4,498
John M. Suender(7) 1999 $ 160,000 $ 48,000 0 $ 9,400
1998 135,277 74,750 20,000 1,440
1997 118,904 28,625 30,000 3,831
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The number of securities underlying the options reflect a 3-for-2 split of
Common Stock on September 9, 1997 and a 2-for-1 split on June 15, 1998.
(2) Represents employer matching contributions under the Company's 401(k) plan
and premiums paid by the Company on term life insurance and pay out of
unused vacation time.
(3) Mr. Cohen serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
(4) Mr. Donohoe serves as President and Chief Operating Officer.
(5) Mr. Emery serves as Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial
Officer. Mr. Emery joined the Company on March 24, 1997.
(6) Mr. Scarpone serves as Senior Vice President - New Business Development.
(7) Mr. Suender serves as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary.
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<PAGE>
Stock Options Granted
The following table presents information with respect to grants of
stock options pursuant to the Company's option plans during 1999 to the Named
Officers. No stock appreciation rights were granted to any officer of the
Company during 1999.
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Potential Realizable
Value at Assumed
Annual Rates of Stock
Price Appreciation for
Individual Grants Option Terms
----------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------
Number of % of Total
Securities Options
Underlying Options Granted to Exercise or
Granted Employees in Base Price Expiration
Name (# of Shares) Fiscal Year ($ Per Share) Date 5% 10%
---- ------------------ ------------ ------------- ---------- -- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David A. Cohen 0 0% $0 0 $0 $0
John A. Donohoe, Jr. 0 0% $0 0 $0 $0
John R. Emery 0 0% $0 0 $0 $0
Ronald F. Scarpone 0 0% $0 0 $0 $0
John M. Suender 0 0% $0 0 $0 $0
</TABLE>
-10-
<PAGE>
Option Exercises and Holdings
The following table summarizes the aggregate option exercises in the
last fiscal year by each of the Named Officers and fiscal year-end value of
unexercised options on an aggregate basis.
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year
and Fiscal Year-End Option Values
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Shares of Common Value of Unexercised
Stock Underlying Options in-the-Money Options
at Fiscal Year-End at Fiscal Year-End
Shares Acquired Value ---------------------------- ---------------------------
Name on Exercise Realized Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
---- --------------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David A. Cohen 0 $0 374,002 295,998 $6,814,840 $3,808,460
John A. Donohoe 0 $0 228,392 119,000 $4,666,153 $1,505,421
John R. Emery 9,000 $300,265 25,000 70,000 $ 300,483 $ 858,942
Ronald F. Scarpone 0 $0 75,088 70,000 $1,441,427 $1,140,120
John M. Suender 6,522 $172,279 52,000 55,000 $ 906,624 $ 650,817
</TABLE>
- ----------------
(1) Based on the closing price on the Nasdaq Stock Market of $25.813 per share
of Common Stock on December 31, 1999.
Noncompetition Agreements
Messrs. Cohen, Donohoe, Emery and Scarpone are subject to
confidentiality and non-competition agreements. Upon any termination, each has
agreed to retain in confidence and not otherwise to use any confidential or
proprietary information of the Company. Additionally, following any termination
of employment, each is prohibited from competing with the Company or from
soliciting clients, customers or employees of the Company for a period of time
(Messrs. Cohen and Donohoe, 3 years; Mr. Scarpone, 2 years; and Mr. Emery, 1
year).
Severance Arrangements
The Company has a severance plan for certain executive officers. The
plan provides that if a covered executive is terminated for any reason other
than 'cause' (which includes the failure to perform day-to-day duties as
assigned by the Board of Directors) within 12 months after a 'change in
control,' such covered executive is to receive, within 10 days of the
termination, a one time severance payment equal to, in the case of Messrs. Cohen
and Donohoe - 24 months, and in the case of Messrs. Emery, Scarpone and Suender
- - 18 months, all cash compensation awarded to him or her in the fiscal year
immediately prior to such termination or, if such executive's compensation was
higher or would be higher on an annualized basis, in the fiscal year in which
such termination takes place. The term 'change in control' means (a) any
liquidation of the Company, (b) the sale of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company, (c) the acquisition by any person or group of beneficial
ownership of securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power
in the election of directors of the Company (after giving effect to the
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<PAGE>
exercise of any options, warrants or other convertible securities held by such
person or group), (d) the election of a majority of the members of the Board of
Directors as a result of one or more proxy contests within any period of three
years, (e) approval of a merger, consolidation or other business combination by
the Company's shareholders in which a majority of the Board of the surviving
corporation (or its ultimate parent) are not members of the Board of Directors,
(f) commencement of a tender offer to purchase securities representing more than
50% of the combined voting power in the election of directors of the Company
(after giving effect to the exercise of any options, warrants or other
convertible securities held by such person or group).
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Richard J. Censits. The Company and Mr. Censits, a director and former
president and chief executive officer of the Company, entered into an employment
agreement January 1, 1993 and amended January 1, 1996. Under the Agreement, Mr.
Censits is entitled during his lifetime to life insurance, medical, dental and
long-term care coverage for himself and his wife and a retirement benefit of
$75,000 annually. If Mr. Censits dies, his wife is entitled to continue her
medical, dental and long-term care coverage during her lifetime, and the Company
has agreed to loan Mr. Censits' estate the funds necessary to exercise any
options to purchase shares of the Common Stock owned by Mr. Censits at the time
of his death, with the stock held by the Company as collateral. The loan must be
repaid three years after grant or earlier if the stock is sold. The agreement
restricts Mr. Censits from competing with the Company, hiring employees of the
Company or disclosing or using confidential information of the Company so long
as he is receiving benefits under the agreement.
<PAGE>
STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE GRAPH
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
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12/31/95 12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98 12/31/99
__________________ MedQuist
------------------ Nasdaq Composite Index
.................. Medical Services Index*
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------- ---------------- ------------------ --------------- ------------------ ------------------
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Nasdaq 100 123 149 208 387
MedQuist Inc. 100 307 643 1462 956
Medical Services Index 100 83 117 68 71
- -------------------------- ---------------- ------------------ --------------- ------------------ ------------------
</TABLE>
*The Medical Services Index is an equally weighted index and is
comprised of a group of seventeen medical services companies compiled by
BancBoston - Robertson Stephens.
-13-
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors submits the
following report to shareholders on the compensation policies applicable to the
Company's executive officers with respect to compensation reported for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1999. The Compensation Committee Report shall not
be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing with the SEC, except to the
extent said report is specifically incorporated by reference.
Compensation Principles. The Compensation Committee believes that the
Company's executive compensation program is a critical part of the effective
management of its key executives. If the Company is to be successful, its
executive compensation programs must be geared to attract and retain superior
quality employees. Additionally, the executive compensation program should
provide incentives that will reward key executives for pursuing actively the
actions necessary to strengthen the Company's performance and enhancing
shareholder value. To that end, the Company's compensation program for
executives is designed to:
o Promote the execution of the Company's business strategies and
operating objectives
o Link executive compensation with corporate performance
o Align performance objectives with the interest of shareholders
o Encourage a career commitment on the part of executives
Executive Compensation Program. The Company's executive compensation
program for fiscal year 1999 included base salary, short term cash incentive
compensation and option grants pursuant to the terms of the Stock Option Plan.
The Compensation Committee believes that its compensation program has been
successful in the past. Accordingly, the program for 1999 was substantially
similar to the program for 1998. Nevertheless, the Committee engaged an
independent compensation consultant to review executive compensation and, based
upon that analysis, recommended changes in base salary in 1999 for the Named
Officers and a modification of the stock option bonus as described below.
Base Salary. Base salary represents compensation for discharging job
responsibilities and reflects the executive officer's performance over time.
Base salaries may be adjusted to reflect experience, increased responsibilities
and individual performance, as well as to be competitive.
For 1999, base salaries for the Named Officers were determined after
considering the advise and recommendations of an independent compensation
consultant.
Short Term Incentive Compensation. The Company provides short term
incentive compensation designed to reward executives for meeting current
financial goals. In 1999, the short term award for executive officers was based
50% upon the operations of the entire Company and was 50% discretionary. The
discretionary portion of any such bonus is determined
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<PAGE>
by Mr. Cohen for all persons other than himself and Mr. Donohoe and approved by
the Committee. The Committee determines the discretionary portion of the bonus
for Messrs. Cohen and Donohoe and approves the recommendation of Mr. Cohen with
respect to other executive officers.
For fiscal year 1999, all of the Named Officers earned 100% of their
respective short term award. Under the formula portion of the short term award
in 1999, the award was earned 100% if earnings per share met or exceeded
confidential earnings per share goals.
Stock Option Grants. The Company believes it is important to provide
long term incentive compensation to the Named Officers. In addition, the
Committee believes that such compensation should be closely aligned to the
interests of shareholders. The Committee believes stock options are particularly
well designed to achieve these goals because executives gain over time only when
shareholders gain through the appreciation of the market price of the Company's
Common Stock.
To encourage long term performance and retain its most senior
management, the Committee approved grants to the Named Officers on January 3,
2000 that vest in 20% increments over five years. Awards of stock options to
Named Officers are determined pursuant to the same formula described in Short
Term Incentive Compensation above. At the beginning of each year, the Committee
determines the maximum number of options each Named Officer is eligible to
receive if 100% of the award is earned. In 1999, 100% of the Stock Option Bonus
was achieved by each of the Named Officers. 50% of the options granted have an
exercise price equal to the closing price on NASDAQ of the Company's common
stock on the grant date ($24.9375). 25% of the options have an exercise price of
150% ($37.4063) of that price and 25% have an exercise price of 200% ($49.8750)
of that price. Although actually granted on January 3, 2000, the Named Officers
received grants of stock options for performance in 1999 on the foregoing terms
as follows:
Exercise Price Per Share
------------------------------------------
$24.9375 $37.4063 $49.8750
-------- -------- --------
(Number of Securities Underlying Options)
Named Officer
- -------------
David A. Cohen 35,000 17,500 17,500
John A. Donohoe 20,000 10,000 10,000
John R. Emery 10,000 5,000 5,000
Ronald A. Scarpone 10,000 5,000 5,000
John M. Suender 10,000 5,000 5,000
The exercise prices are tiered in order to reward a Named Officer for
substantial increases in the stock price.
-15-
<PAGE>
Chief Executive Officer Compensation. Mr. Cohen's salary of $400,000
was paid in accordance with his employment contract, which was negotiated at
arm's length and reflects increases approved by the Committee. In determining
changes in Mr. Cohen's compensation, the Committee considered an analysis
prepared in 1999 by an independent compensation consultant.
Policy with respect to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Generally, Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, and the proposed
regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, "Section 162(m)"), denies a
deduction to any publicly held corporation, such as the Company, for
compensation paid to a "covered employee" in a taxable year to the extent that
compensation exceeds $1,000,000. A covered employee includes the chief executive
officer on the last day of the taxable year and any other employee whose
compensation is required to be reported in the Summary Compensation Table by
reason of such employee being among the four highest compensated officers for
such taxable year (other than the chief executive officer). The deduction limit
of Section 162(m) applies to any compensation that could otherwise be deducted
in a taxable year, except for enumerated types of payments, including payments
that meet the requirements in Section 162(m) for performance-based compensation.
Under the requirements for performance-based compensation set forth in Section
162(m), compensation will not be subject to the deduction limit if (1) it is
payable on account of the attainment of one or more performance goals; (2) the
performance goals are established by a Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors that is comprised solely of two or more outside directors; (3) the
material terms of the compensation and the performance goals are disclosed to
and approved by shareholders before payment; and (4) the Compensation Committee
certifies that the performance goals have been satisfied before payment.
It is the Compensation Committee's policy that, where practicable, it
will seek to comply with the requirements of Section 162(m) applicable to
performance-based compensation to the extent it determines that it is likely
that the compensation to be paid to any such executive officer will exceed
$1,000,000 per year.
The Compensation Committee consists solely of outside directors in
accordance with Section 162(m).
2000 COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
JOHN H. UNDERWOOD
JOHN T. CASEY
TERRENCE J. MULLIGAN
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS
The Compensation Committee consists entirely of non-employee directors.
None of the Compensation Committee members has any interlocking or other
relationship with the Company that would call into question their independence
with respect to their duties.
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<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of April 19, 2000 (i) by each person
or group known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of
Common Stock, (ii) by each of the Company's Named Officers and directors and
(iii) by all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group. Except
as otherwise noted and subject to community property laws, where applicable,
each beneficial owner of the Common Stock listed below has sole investment and
voting power with respect to their shares of Common Stock.
Shares Beneficially Owned(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number
Name and Address(2) of Shares Percent of Class(3)
------------------- ------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Pilgram Baxter & Associates, Ltd. 2,554,300(4) 7.2%
825 Duportial Road
Wayne, PA 19087
Putnam Investments 1,802,200(5) 5.1%
One Post Office Square
Boston, MA 02109
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. 1,811,569(5) 5.1%
Richard J. Censits 186,009(6) *
688 Annemore Lane
Naples, FL 34108
David A. Cohen 1,582,828(7) 4.4%
William T. Carson, Jr. 94,084(8) *
John T. Casey 21,383(9) *
James R. Emshoff 102,723(10) *
Terrence J. Mulligan 35,865(11) *
A. Fred Ruttenberg 99,223(12) *
Edward L. Samek 400,294(13) 1.1%
R. Timothy Stack 22,457(14) *
Richard H. Stowe 4,153(15) *
John H. Underwood 17,370(16) *
John A. Donohoe 337,894(17) *
John R. Emery 37,143(18)
Ronald F. Scarpone 105,425(19) *
John M. Suender 65,722(20) *
All executive officers and directors
as a group (15 persons) 2,926,564(21) 8.0%
</TABLE>
- --------------------
* Less than 1%
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
Commission, and includes voting or investment power with respect to the
shares beneficially owned. Shares of Common Stock subject to options or
warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after April
19, 2000 are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of
the person holding such options or warrants, but are not deemed
outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
(2) Except where otherwise noted, the address of all persons listed is c/o
MedQuist Inc., Five Greentree Centre, Suite 311, Marlton, New Jersey
08053.
(3) Applicable percentage of ownership as of April 19, 2000 is based upon
35,413,211 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
-17-
<PAGE>
(4) Reflects information set forth in a Schedule 13G filed by Pilgrim, Baxter
& Associates, Ltd.
(5) Reflects information set forth in separate Schedules 13G filed by Putnam
Investments and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., respectively.
(6) Includes 151,300 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Censits' spouse and
3,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options granted to
Mr. Censits.
(7) Includes 374,002 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
options granted to Mr. Cohen. Mr. Cohen owns 1,208,116 shares jointly with
his spouse.
(8) Includes 45,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
options granted to Mr. Carson and 23,350 shares of Common Stock held for
Mr. Carson's benefit in individual retirement accounts.
(9) Includes 18,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
granted to Mr. Casey and 3,383 shares issuable under the Company's
Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "Deferred Stock
Plan").
(10) Includes 59,806 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
options granted to Mr. Emshoff and 3,203 shares issuable under the
Deferred Stock Plan.
(11) Includes 27,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
options to Mr. Mulligan and 5,720 shares issuable under the Deferred Stock
Plan.
(12) Includes 68,200 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
options granted to Mr. Ruttenberg and 8,525 shares issuable under the
Deferred Stock Plan.
(13) Includes 273,794 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
options granted to Mr. Samek and 30,300 owned by the Edward L. Samek
Foundation.
(14) Includes 18,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
granted to Mr. Stack .
(15) Includes 3,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
options granted to Mr. Stowe and 1,153 shares issuable under the Deferred
Stock Plan.
(16) Includes 13,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
options granted to Mr. Underwood and 4,370 shares issuable under the
Deferred Compensation Plan.
(17) Includes 228,392 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
options granted to Mr. Donohoe and 43,000 shares owned by Mr. Donohoe's
children.
(18) Includes 37,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
granted to Mr. Emery.
(19) Includes 90,088 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
options granted to Mr. Scarpone.
(20) Includes 47,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
options granted to Mr. Suender.
(21) Includes 1,227,476 options granted to directors and executive officers,
and 26,354 shares issuable under the Deferred Stock Plan.
-18-
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected Arthur
Andersen to be employed as the Company's independent certified public
accountants to make the annual audit and to report on, as may be required, the
consolidated financial statements which may be filed by the Company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission during the ensuing year.
A representative of Arthur Andersen is expected to be present at the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders and to have the opportunity to make a statement,
if he or she desires to do so, and is expected to be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
PROPOSALS TO APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO
COMPANY'S STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Board of Directors has also approved an increase in the maximum
number of shares issuable under the Stock Option Plan by 750,000 to a total of
5,130,000. The Board of Directors recommends a vote "For" this proposal.
Increase in Authorized Shares under Stock Option Plan
Currently, options for a total of 4,380,000 shares may be issued under
the Stock Option Plan. The amendment increases the maximum number of shares
issuable under the Stock Option Plan by 750,000 to a total of 5,130,000 shares.
No options have been issued to date from said 750,000 shares.
The purpose of the proposed increase is to provide sufficient shares
for future option grants to officer and key employees of the Company. As of
March 20, 2000, the Company had 14,968 shares available for grant under the
Stock Option Plan. The Board of Directors believes that it is in the best
interests of the Company to have sufficient shares available under the Stock
Option Plan to provide options to certain of its officers and key employees.
From January 1, 1999 through February 29, 2000, the Company granted 598,200
options under the Stock Option Plan and it is prudent to increase the number
available for future grants so as to continue to grant options, which is a
critical part of long term compensation. The Board of Directors believes that
the Company and its shareholders significantly benefit from having the Company's
key management employees receive options to purchase the Company's Common Stock
and that the opportunity thus afforded these employees to acquire Common Stock
is an essential element of an effective management incentive program. The Board
of Directors also believes that stock options are very valuable in attracting
and retaining highly qualified management personnel and in providing additional
motivation to management to use their best efforts on behalf of the Company.
Set forth below is a summary of certain significant portions of the
Stock Option Plan.
-19-
<PAGE>
Eligibility and Administration. All officers and key employees of the
Company or any current or future subsidiary (the "Subsidiary"), excluding all
directors who are not employees of the Company, are eligible to receive options
under the Stock Option Plan. The Stock Option Plan currently is administered by
the Compensation Committee (the "Committee"). The Committee determines, among
other things, which officers and key employees of the Company and any
Subsidiary, excluding all directors who are not employees of the Company, will
be granted options under the Stock Option Plan,whether options granted will be
Incentive Options or Non-Qualified Options, the number of shares subject to an
option, the time at which an option is granted, the duration of an option and
the exercise price of an option. The Committee has the exclusive right to adopt
or rescind rules for the administration of the Stock Option Plan, correct
defects and omissions in, reconcile inconsistencies in, and construe the Stock
Option Plan.
Amendment and Termination. Options may not be granted pursuant to the
Stock Option Plan after January 16, 2002. The Board of Directors reserves the
right at any time, and from time to time, to modify or amend the Stock Option
Plan in any way, or to suspend or terminate it, effective as of such date, which
date may be either before or after the taking of such action, as may be
specified by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that such action shall
not affect options granted under the Stock Option Plan prior to the actual date
on which such action occurred. If a modification or amendment of the Stock
Option Plan is required by the Code or the regulations thereunder to be approved
by the shareholders of the Company in order to permit the granting of "Incentive
Stock Options" (as that term is defined in Section 422 of the Code and
regulations thereunder) pursuant to the modified or amended Stock Option Plan,
such modification or amendment shall also be approved by the shareholders of the
Company in such manner as is prescribed by the Code and the regulations
thereunder. If the Board of Directors voluntarily submits a proposed
modification, amendment, suspension or termination for shareholder approval,
such submission shall not require any future modifications, amendments (whether
or not relating to the same provision or subject matter), suspensions or
terminations to be similarly submitted for shareholder approval.
Number of Shares and Adjustment. The aggregate number of shares which
may presently be issued upon the exercise of options granted under the Stock
Option Plan is 4,080,000 shares of Common Stock. The aggregate number and kind
of shares issuable under the Stock Option Plan is subject to appropriate
adjustment to reflect changes in the capitalization of the Company, such as by
stock dividend, stock split or other circumstances deemed by the Committee to be
similar. Any shares of Common Stock subject to options that terminate
unexercised will be available for future options granted under the Stock Option
Plan.
Exercise Price and Terms. The exercise price for Incentive Options
granted under the Stock Option Plan shall be equal to at least the fair market
value of the Common Stock as of the date of the grant of the option, except that
the option exercise price of Incentive Options granted to an individual owning
shares of the Company possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting
power of all classes of stock of the Company must not be less than 110% of the
fair market value as of the date of the grant of the option. The exercise price
for Non-Qualified Options shall be determined by a Committee of the Board of
Directors but, in no event shall the price be less than $1.00 per share. The
market value of a share of Common Stock on April 19, 2000 was $35.00.
-20-
<PAGE>
The aggregate fair market value of the stock determined on the date of
grant with respect to which Incentive Options are exercisable for the first time
by an optionee during any calendar year cannot exceed $100,000.
Unless terminated earlier by the option's terms, Options granted under
the Stock Option Plan will expire ten years after the date they are granted,
except that if Incentive Options are granted to an individual owning shares of
the Company possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all
classes of stock of the Company on the date of the grant, Section 422 of the
Code requires that such options expire five years after the date they are
granted.
Immediate Vesting Upon the Occurrence of Certain Events. The Stock
Option Plan provides that all options vest immediately in the event of (a) the
acquisition, directly or indirectly by any person or group (as such terms are
defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as
in effect on the date hereof (the "1934 Act")), of beneficial ownership (as such
term is defined under Rule 13d-3 of the 1934 Act) of securities representing
50.1% or more of the combined voting power in the election of directors of the
then outstanding securities of the Company or any successor of the Company
(after giving affect to the exercise of any derivative securities held by such
person or group) (the "Voting Power") or (b) the election of a majority of the
Board of Directors as a result of one or more proxy contests within any period
of three (3) years. In such a case, the option holder would become immediately
vested and therefore be able to exercise the option and benefit from any
increase in the Company's stock price.
Payment of Exercise Price. Payment of the option price on exercise of
Incentive Options and Non-Qualified Options may be made in cash, shares of
Common Stock of the Company or a combination of both. Under the terms of the
Stock Option Plan, the Committee could interpret the provision of the Stock
Option Plan which allows payment of the option price in shares of Common Stock
to permit the "pyramiding" of shares in successive, simultaneous exercises. As a
result, an optionee could initially exercise an option in part, acquiring a
small number of shares of Common Stock and immediately thereafter effect further
exercises of the option, using the shares of Common Stock acquired upon earlier
exercises to pay for an increasingly greater number of shares received on each
successive exercise. This procedure could permit an optionee to pay the option
price by using a single share of Common Stock or a small number of shares of
Common Stock to acquire a number of shares of Common Stock.
Termination of Service; Death; Non-Transferability. All unexercised
incentive options will terminate such number of days (not to exceed 90) as
determined by the Compensation Committee after the date either (i) the optionee
ceases to perform services for the Company or a Subsidiary, or (ii) the Company
or a Subsidiary delivers or receives notice of an intention to terminate the
employment relationship, regardless of whether or not a different effective date
of termination is provided in such notice, but this termination date shall not
apply in the cases of disability or death of the optionee (but in no event later
than the expiration date). An incentive optionee who ceases to be an employee
because of a disability must exercise the option within one year after he or she
ceases to be an employee (but in no event later than the expiration date). The
heirs or personal representative of a deceased optionee who could have exercised
an option while alive may exercise
-21-
<PAGE>
such option within one year following the optionee's death (but in no event
later than the expiration date). The Committee can provide that the options may
be transferred to descendants on trusts for the benefits of such descendants.
Otherwise, no option granted under the Stock Option Plan is transferable except
in the event of death by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Stock Option Plan. Set forth
below is a description of the federal income tax consequences to the recipient
of options and the Company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
of the grant and exercise of options awarded under the Stock Option Plan.
Incentive Stock Options Under the Incentive Option Plan and the Stock
Option Plan. Generally, under the Code, an optionee will not realize taxable
income by reason of the grant or the exercise of an Incentive Option (see,
however, discussion of Alternative Minimum Tax below). If an optionee exercises
an Incentive Option and does not dispose of the shares until the later of (i)
two years from the date the option was granted and (ii) one year from the date
of exercise, the entire gain, if any, realized upon disposition of such shares
will be taxable to the optionee as capital gain, and the Corporation will not be
entitled to any deduction. A holding period of more than eighteen months is
required in order to tax such gain at the 20% rate added to the Code by the
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. If an optionee disposes of the shares within the
period of two years from the date of grant or one year from the date of exercise
(a "disqualifying disposition"), the optionee generally will realize ordinary
income in the year of disposition and the Corporation will receive a
corresponding deduction, in an amount equal to the excess of (1) the lesser of
(a) the amount, if any, realized on the disposition and (b) the fair market
value of the shares on the date the option was exercised over (2) the option
price. Any additional gain realized on the disposition will be long-term,
mid-term, or short-term capital gain and any loss will be long-term, mid-term or
short-term capital loss. The optionee will be considered to have disposed of a
share if he sells, exchanges, makes a gift of or transfers legal title to the
share (except transfers, among others, by pledge, on death or to spouses). If
the disposition is by sale or exchange, the optionee's tax basis will equal the
amount paid for the share plus any ordinary income realized as a result of the
disqualifying disposition.
The exercise of an Incentive Option may subject the optionee to the
alternative minimum tax. The amount by which the fair market value of the shares
purchased at the time of the exercise exceeds the option exercise price is an
adjustment for purposes of computing the so-called alternative minimum tax. In
the event of a disqualifying disposition of the shares in the same taxable year
as exercise of the Incentive Option, no adjustment is then required for purposes
of the alternative minimum tax, but regular income tax, as described above, may
result from such disqualifying disposition. Effective January 1, 1994, the
Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1994 replaced the 24% alternative minimum tax rate
on individuals with a two-tier alternative minimum tax rate having an initial
rate of 26% and a second-tier rate of 28% on alternative minimum taxable income
over $175,000.
An optionee who surrenders shares as payment of the exercise price of
his Incentive Option generally will not recognize gain or loss on his surrender
of such shares. The surrender of shares previously acquired upon exercise of an
Incentive Option in payment of the exercise price of another
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<PAGE>
Incentive Option, is, however, a "disposition" of such stock. If the incentive
stock option holding period requirements described above have not been satisfied
with respect to such stock, such disposition will be a disqualifying disposition
that may cause the optionee to recognize ordinary income as discussed above.
Under the Code, all of the shares received by an optionee upon exercise
of an Incentive Option by surrendering shares will be subject to the incentive
stock option holding period requirements. Of those shares, a number of shares
(the "Exchange Shares") equal to the number of shares surrendered by the
optionee will have the same tax basis for capital gains purposes (increased by
any ordinary income recognized as a result of any disqualifying disposition of
the surrendered shares if they were incentive stock option shares) and the same
capital gains holding period as the shares surrendered. For purposes of
determining ordinary income upon a subsequent disqualifying disposition of the
Exchange Shares, the amount paid for such shares will be deemed to be the fair
market value of the shares surrendered. The balance of the shares received by
the optionee will have a tax basis (and a deemed purchase price) of zero and a
capital gains holding period beginning on the date of exercise. The Incentive
Stock Option holding period for all shares will be the same as if the option had
been exercised for cash.
Non-Qualified Options granted by Resolutions of the Board and under the
Stock Option. Plan and the Nonstatutory Plan for Non-Employee Directors and
Chief Executive Officer. Generally, there will be no federal income tax
consequences to either the optionee or the Corporation on the grant of
Non-Qualified Options. On the exercise of a Non-Qualified Option, the optionee
has taxable ordinary income equal to the excess of the fair market value of the
shares acquired on the exercise date over the option price of the shares. The
Corporation will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction (subject to the
limitations contained in Section 162 of the Code) in an amount equal to such
excess.
Upon the sale of stock acquired by exercise of a Non-Qualified Option,
optionees will realize long-term, mid-term, or short-term capital gain or loss
depending upon their holding period for such stock. The Taxpayer Relief Act of
1997 revised the holding periods and tax rates for capital gains. In order to
qualify for the new reduced 20% rate, a holding period of more than twelve
months is required. Capital losses are deductible only to the extent of capital
gains for the year plus $3,000 for individuals.
An optionee who surrenders shares in payment of the exercise price of a
Non-Qualified Option will not recognize gain or loss with respect to the shares
so delivered unless such shares were acquired pursuant to the exercise of an
Incentive Option and the delivery of such shares is a disqualifying disposition.
The optionee will recognize ordinary income on the exercise of the Non-Qualified
Option as described above. Of the shares received in such an exchange, that
number of shares equal to the number of shares surrendered will have the same
tax basis and capital gains holding period as the shares surrendered. The
balance of the shares received will have a tax basis equal to their fair market
value on the date of exercise and the capital gains holding period will begin on
the date of exercise.
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<PAGE>
Limitation on Corporation's Deduction. Section 162(m) of the Code will
generally limit to $1.0 million the Corporation's federal income tax deduction
for compensation paid in any year to its chief executive officer and its four
highest paid executive officers, to the extent that such compensation is not
"performance based." Under Treasury regulations, and subject to certain
transition rules, a stock option will, in general, qualify as "performance
based" compensation if it (i) has an exercise price of not less than the fair
market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant, (ii) is granted under
a plan that limits the number of shares for which options may be granted to an
employee during a specified period, which plan is approved by a majority of the
shareholders entitled to vote thereon, and (iii) is granted by a compensation
committee consisting solely of at least two independent directors. If a stock
option to an executive referred to above is not "performance based", the amount
that would otherwise be deductible by the Corporation in respect of such stock
option will be disallowed to the extent that the executive's aggregate
non-performance based compensation paid in the relevant year exceeds $1.0
million.
New Plan Benefits Table. The amount, if any, of stock options to be
awarded to key employees is determined on an annual basis by the Committee and
is not presently determinable. Information regarding awards to the Named
Officers in 1999 is provided elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. See "Executive
Compensation." There would not have been any difference in the amount of these
grants had they been made under the Stock Option Plan if the amendments were
approved.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is not aware of any other matters which may come
before the Annual Meeting. However, in the event such other matters come before
the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the proxy to vote on
any such matters in accordance with the recommendation of the Board of
Directors.
Shareholder Proposals. If a shareholder wishes to have a proposal
included in the Company's proxy statement for the 2001 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, the proposal must be received at the Company's principal executive
offices by December 1, 2000. To be considered, a recommendation for a Board
nominee must be accompanied by (i) such information regarding the nominee as
would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (ii) a description of any
arrangements or understandings between the recommending shareholder(s) and each
nominee and any other person or entity with respect to such nomination and (iii)
the consent of each nominee to serve as a director if elected.
Shareholders are urged to sign the enclosed proxy, which is solicited
on behalf of the Board of Directors, and return it in the enclosed envelope.
-24-
<PAGE>
EACH PERSON SOLICITED HEREUNDER CAN OBTAIN A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, WITHOUT CHARGE, BY SENDING A WRITTEN
REQUEST TO MEDQUIST INC., FIVE GREENTREE CENTRE, SUITE 311, MARLTON, NEW JERSEY
08053, ATTENTION: SECRETARY.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
John M. Suender, Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
<PAGE>
MedQuist Inc.
Five Greentree Centre
Suite 311
Marlton, New Jersey 08053
This Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby appoints John M. Suender and John R. Emery or
either of them as Proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and
hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse,
all the shares of common stock of MedQuist Inc. held of record by the
undersigned on April 14, 2000, at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held
on May 31, 2000 or any adjournments thereof.
Please sign on the reverse side
<PAGE>
A. / / Please mark your Votes as in this example.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
/ / / / / /
1. Election of Directors
Nominee Term
- ------- ----
A. Fred Ruttenberg (2003)
Edward L. Samek (2003)
R. Timothy Stack (2003)
James R. Emshoff (2003)
For, except vote withheld from the following Nominee(s):
- --------------------------------------------------------
2. AMENDMENT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES UNDER STOCK OPTION PLAN BY
750,000.
3. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the meeting.
This Proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed
herein by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is made, this Proxy will
be voted FOR Proposals 1 and 2.
Please mark, sign date and return Proxy Card Promptly
Using the Enclosed Envelope.
SIGNATURE(S) _________________________________ DATE ____________________________
______________________________________________ DATE ____________________________
SIGNATURE IF HELD JOINTLY
NOTE: Please sign name exactly as it appears above. When shares are held by
joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, as executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a
corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized
officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
