<PAGE>
NETWORK COMPUTING DEVICES, INC.
[LOGO]
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MAY 28, 1997
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
Network Computing Devices, Inc., a California corporation (the "Company"), will
be held at the Company's offices at 301 Ravendale Drive, Mountain View,
California, on Wednesday, May 28, 1997, at 10:00 a.m. for the following
purposes:
1. To elect directors of the Company to serve for the ensuing year and
until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Management's nominees
for Director are Robert G. Gilbertson, Philip Greer, Paul Low, Stephen A.
MacDonald and Peter Preuss.
2. To approve an amendment to the Company's 1989 Stock Option Plan to
increase the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
thereunder by 200,000 shares.
3. To approve an amendment to the Company's Employee Stock Purchase
Plan to increase the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
thereunder by 100,000 shares.
4. To approve an amendment to the Company's 1994 Outside Directors'
Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares of Common Stock reserved
for issuance thereunder by 50,000 shares.
5. To ratify the selection of KPMG Peat Marwick as independent auditors
of the Company for the current fiscal year.
6. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on April 14, 1997, are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. The transfer books will not be
closed.
All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person.
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please mark, sign and date the
enclosed proxy and return it as promptly as possible in the envelope enclosed
for that purpose. Any shareholder attending the meeting may vote in person even
if he has returned a proxy.
By Order of the Board of Directors
[ROBERT G. GILBERTSON SIGNATURE]
Robert G. Gilbertson
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Mountain View, California
April 17, 1997
<PAGE>
NETWORK COMPUTING DEVICES, INC.
350 NORTH BERNARDO AVENUE
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA 94043
------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING
GENERAL
The enclosed proxy is solicited on behalf of Network Computing Devices,
Inc., a California corporation (the "Company"), for use at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held Wednesday, May 28, 1997, at 10:00 a.m., local time, or
at any adjournment thereof, for the purposes set forth herein and in the
accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Annual Meeting will
be held at the Company's offices located at 301 Ravendale Drive, Mountain View,
California. Its telephone number at that address is (415) 694-0650.
These proxy solicitation materials were mailed on or about April 21, 1997 to
all shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
RECORD DATE
Shareholders of record at the close of business on April 14, 1997 are
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. At the record date,
17,097,398 shares of the Company's Common Stock, no par value, were issued and
outstanding.
REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person
giving it at any time before its use by delivery to the Company of a written
notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by
attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.
VOTING
The shares represented by the proxies received will be voted as you direct.
If you give no direction, the shares will be voted as recommended by the Board
of Directors.
Every shareholder voting for the election of directors may cumulate such
shareholder's votes and give one candidate a number of votes equal to the number
of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of shares held by such
shareholder, or distribute the shareholder's votes on the same principle among
as many candidates as the shareholder may select, up to the number of directors
to be elected. However, no shareholder shall be entitled to cumulate votes
unless the name of the candidate or candidates for whom such votes are proposed
to be cast has been placed in nomination prior to the voting and the
shareholder, or any other shareholder, has given notice at the Annual Meeting
prior to the voting of the intention to cumulate the shareholder's votes. On all
other matters, each share of Common Stock has one vote.
SOLICITATION
The Company will bear the entire cost of solicitation, including the
preparation, assembly, printing and mailing of this Proxy Statement, the proxy
and any additional soliciting materials sent to shareholders. The Company has
retained the services of ChaseMellon Shareholders Services, L.L.C. ("Chase") to
aid in the solicitation of proxies, deliver proxy materials to brokers,
nominees, fiduciaries and other custodians for distribution to beneficial owners
of stock and to solicit proxies therefrom. Chase will receive a fee of
approximately $5,000 and reimbursement of all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
In addition, the Company may reimburse brokerage firms and other persons
representing beneficial owners of shares for
<PAGE>
their expenses in forwarding solicitation materials to such beneficial owners.
Proxies may also be solicited by certain of the Company's directors, officers
and regular employees, without additional compensation, personally or by
telephone or telegram.
DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 1998 ANNUAL MEETING
Shareholder proposals intended to be considered at the 1998 Annual Meeting
of Shareholders must be received by the Company no later than January 15, 1998.
Such proposals may be included in next year's proxy statement if they comply
with certain rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC").
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
NOMINEES
A board of five directors will be elected at the Annual Meeting. Unless
otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them
for the five nominees named below, all of whom are currently directors of the
Company. The Company is not aware of any nominee who will be unable or will
decline to serve as a director. In the event that any such nominee is unable or
declines to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, the proxies
will be voted for any nominee who shall be designated by the present Board of
Directors to fill the vacancy. In the event that additional persons are
nominated for election as directors, the proxy holders intend to vote all
proxies received by them in such a manner in accordance with cumulative voting
as will assure the election of as many of the nominees listed below as possible,
and, in such event, the specific nominees to be voted for will be determined by
the proxy holders. In no event will the proxy holders vote proxies for more than
five nominees. The five candidates receiving the highest number of affirmative
votes of the shares voting at the Annual Meeting will be elected directors of
the Company. The term of office of each person elected as a director will
continue until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until such time as his
successor has been duly elected and qualified.
The names of the Company's nominees for director and certain information
about them are set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF NOMINEE AGE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DIRECTOR SINCE
- - --------------------------------------------- --- --------------------------------------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Robert G. Gilbertson......................... 56 President and Chief Executive Officer of the 1996
Company
Philip Greer................................. 61 Senior Managing Principal, Weiss, Peck & 1992
Greer, L.L.C. (an investment management
company)
Paul Low..................................... 64 President and Chief Executive Officer, PRL 1995
Associates (a technology consulting firm)
Stephen A. MacDonald......................... 51 President and Chief Executive Officer Active 1995
Software, Inc. (a software company)
Peter Preuss................................. 54 President, The Preuss Foundation, Inc. (a 1995
non-profit corporation)
</TABLE>
Mr. Gilbertson has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a
director of the Company since May 1996. From 1993 to May 1996, Mr. Gilbertson
served as President and Chief Executive Officer of CMX Systems, Inc., a
manufacturer of precision measurement and positioning products. From 1985 to
1992, Mr. Gilbertson served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Data
Switch Corporation, a manufacturer of high-speed computer and communication
equipment.
2
<PAGE>
Mr. Greer has served as a director of the Company since November 1992. Mr.
Greer has been a principal of Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C., an investment
management company, or its predecessor, since 1970. Mr. Greer is also a director
of Federal Express Corporation and Robert Mondavi Corp.
Dr. Low has served as a director of the Company since December 1995. Dr. Low
has been President and Chief Executive Officer of PRL Associates, a technology
consulting firm, since 1992. Prior to forming PRL Associates, from 1957 to 1992,
Dr. Low served in various capacities at International Business Machines
Corporation ("IBM"), most recently as President of the General Products Division
from 1987 to 1990 and as General Manager, Technology and Products and a member
of IBM's Corporate Management Board from 1990 to 1992. Dr. Low held the title of
Vice President at IBM from 1984 to 1992. Dr. Low is also director of Applied
Materials Corporation, Solectron Corporation, Veeco Instruments, IPAC, Number
Nine and Xionics Corporation, as well as several privately-held corporations.
Mr. MacDonald has served as a director of the Company since May 1995. Mr.
MacDonald has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Active
Software, Inc., a software company, since April 1996. Mr. MacDonald was employed
by Adobe Systems Incorporated, a software company, from 1983 to March 1996,
where he served as Vice President, Sales and Marketing from 1983 to 1989 and as
Senior Vice President and General Manager from 1989 to 1996. Mr. MacDonald is
also a director of Verity, Inc.
Mr. Preuss has served as director of the Company since April 1995 and as
Chairman of the Board since January 1996. Mr. Preuss has served as President of
The Preuss Foundation, Inc., a non-profit corporation that sponsors cancer
research and related seminars and conferences, since it was founded in 1985.
From 1970 to 1986 Mr. Preuss was President and Chairman of the Board of
Integrated Software Systems Corporation, which he founded. Mr. Preuss is
currently a director of Dome Imaging, DepoTech Corporation and Wright
Strategies, and a Regent of the University of California.
There are no family relationships among directors or executive officers of
the Company.
BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors of the Company held eleven meetings during the year
ended December 31, 1996. The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, an
Executive Committee, a Compensation and Stock Committee. The Board of Directors
has no standing nominating committee or committee performing similar functions.
During the year ended December 31, 1996, no director attended fewer than 75% of
the aggregate of (i) all meetings of the Board of Directors (held during the
period in which such director served) and (ii) all meetings of committees of the
Board on which such director served.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors currently consists of Messrs.
Greer and Low. The Audit Committee recommends the engagement of independent
auditors, consults with the independent auditors regarding the scope of annual
audits and reviews the Company's system of internal accounting controls. The
Audit Committee held nine meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996.
In late December 1995, the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
(the "Executive Committee") was formed to focus primarily on technology issues
related to the Company. The Executive Committee currently consists of Messrs.
Preuss and Low. The Executive Committee held five meetings during the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996.
The Compensation and Stock Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Compensation Committee") currently consists of Messrs. Preuss and MacDonald.
The Compensation Committee makes recommendations to the Board regarding
executive compensation and related matters and is responsible for the
administration of option grants under the Company's 1989 Stock Option Plan. The
Compensation Committee held three meetings during the fiscal year ended December
31, 1996.
3
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AND SHARE OWNERSHIP BY MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information known to the Company
relating to the beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock by (i) each
person who is known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii) each executive officer named in the
tables under "Executive Compensation," (iii) each director, and (iv) all
executive officers and directors as a group, as of March 12, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES
NAME AND ADDRESS OWNED (1) PERCENT
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. (2) .................................................. 877,000 5%
1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Robert G. Gilbertson (6).............................................................. 180,533 1%
Lorraine J. Hariton (5)............................................................... 26,501 *
Douglas H. Klein (4).................................................................. 53,280 *
Philip Greer (7)...................................................................... 21,686 *
Paul Low (10)......................................................................... 65,833 *
Stephen A. MacDonald (11)............................................................. 7,500 *
Rudolph G. Morin (13)................................................................. 91,979 *
Janak T. Pathak (3)................................................................... 43,160 *
Peter Preuss (9)...................................................................... 73,333 *
Jack A. Bradley (8)................................................................... 17,916 *
All executive officers and directors as a group (9 persons) (12)...................... 528,531 3.1%
</TABLE>
- - ------------------------
* Less than 1%
(1) Except as indicated and pursuant to applicable community property laws, the
Company believes that all persons named in the table have sole voting and
investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock beneficially
owned by them.
(2) Includes 299,100 shares with respect to which voting power is shared between
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. (the "DFA Fund") and DFA Investment
Dimensions Group Inc. ("DFA Trust"). In their capacities as officers of DFA
Fund and DFA Trust, these persons vote 130,300 shares which are owned by DFA
Fund and 168,800 shares which are owned by DFA Trust. Except as otherwise
noted, DFA Fund has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the
577,900 shares of Common Stock shown as being actually owned by it.
(3) Includes 19,749 shares of Common Stock that may be acquired upon exercise of
stock options that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable
within 60 days of March 12, 1997.
(4) Includes 46,062 shares of Common Stock that may be acquired upon exercise of
stock options that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable
within 60 days of March 12, 1997.
(5) Includes 20,520 shares of Common Stock that may be acquired upon exercise of
stock options that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable
within 60 days of March 12, 1997.
(6) Includes 175,000 shares of Common Stock that may be acquired upon exercise
of stock options that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable
within 60 days of March 12, 1997.
4
<PAGE>
(7) Includes 513 shares held by Mr. Greer as custodian for the benefit of his
daughter, with respect to which Mr. Greer disclaims beneficial ownership.
Also includes 16,875 of shares of Common Stock that may be acquired upon
exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or will become
exercisable within 60 days of March 12, 1997.
(8) Includes 17,916 shares of Common Stock that may be acquired upon exercise of
stock options that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable
within 60 days of March 12, 1997.
(9) Includes 73,333 shares of Common Stock that may be acquired upon exercise of
stock options that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable
within 60 days of March 12, 1997.
(10) Includes 65,833 shares of Common Stock that may be acquired upon exercise
of stock options that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable
within 60 days of March 12, 1997.
(11) Includes 7,500 shares of Common Stock that may be acquired upon exercise of
stock options that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable
within 60 days of March 12, 1997.
(12) Includes 492,623 shares of Common Stock that may be acquired upon exercise
of stock options that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable
within 60 days of March 12, 1997.
(13) Includes 87,500 shares of Common Stock that may be acquired upon exercise
of stock options that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable
within 60 days of March 12, 1997.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
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
10% of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file with the
SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common
Stock and other equity securities of the Company. Officers, directors and
greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by SEC regulation to furnish the
Company with copies of all reports they file under Section 16(a). To the
Company's knowledge, based solely on its review of the copies of such reports
furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports were
required, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers,
directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with during the
year ended December 31, 1996, except that reports relating to grants of options
to Mr. Greer under the Company's 1994 Outside Directors' Stock Option Plan (the
"Directors' Plan") and Mr. Preuss's initial report on Form 3 following his
election to the Board of Directors were filed late. One report related to one
transaction by Rudolph G. Morin's spouse that occurred during the fourth quarter
of 1996 was filed beyond the due date.
5
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY OF CASH AND CERTAIN OTHER COMPENSATION
The following table provides certain summary information concerning
compensation paid or accrued by the Company to or on behalf of the Company's
Chief Executive Officer, each of the four other most highly compensated
executive officers of the Company (determined as of December 31, 1996) and one
additional person who served as Chief Executive Officer during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1996 (collectively, the "Named Officers") for the fiscal
years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL COMPENSATION ------------
---------------------------------------- STOCK
OTHER ANNUAL OPTIONS ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY(1) BONUS COMPENSATION (SHARES)(2) COMPENSATION(3)
- - ------------------------------------- ---- --------- -------- ------------ ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert G. Gilbertson (4) ............ 1996 $196,038 $ 93,269 -- 700,000 $ 2,681
President and Chief Executive
Officer
Lorraine J. Hariton ................. 1996 144,923 100,274 -- 50,000 469
Vice President, Business 1995 140,000 72,944 -- 20,000 353
Development 1994 140,000 7,019 -- 25,000(11) 153
Douglas H. Klein .................... 1996 209,554 50,000 -- 100,000 735
Senior Vice President and Chief 1995 181,207 -- -- -- 353
Technology Officer 1994 135,104 -- -- 86,000(12) 153
Rudolph G. Morin (13) ............... 1996 149,680 74,840 -- 350,000 2,532
Executive Vice President,
Operations & Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
Janak T. Pathak (9) ................. 1996 159,554 107,445 -- 10,000 1,471
Vice President -- Sales 1995 140,000 99,955 -- 10,000 1,270
1994 220,235 12,649 -- 58,000(10) 350
Jack A. Bradley (5) ................. 1996 182,727 -- $120,000(6) -- 3,964
Former President and Chief 1995 191,000 8,000 -- -- 15,344(7)
Executive Officer 1994 158,591 8,086 -- 167,000(8) 319
</TABLE>
- - ------------------------------
(1) Includes amounts (if any) deferred under the Company's 401(k) Plan.
(2) Certain amounts set forth below include options deemed to have been
granted to Named Officers in replacement of previously-outstanding options
that were repriced on November 9, 1994.
(3) Except as otherwise noted, consists of the dollar value of premiums paid
on life insurance for the benefit of the Named Officer.
(4) Mr. Gilbertson joined the Company as an officer in May 1996.
(5) Mr. Bradley's employment with the Company terminated on June 28, 1996.
(6) Represents severance payments made to Mr. Bradley in connection with his
resignation as an executive officer.
(7) Consists of $14,231 paid in lieu of vacation and $1,113 representing the
dollar value paid on life insurance for Mr. Bradley's benefit.
(8) Includes options for 107,000 shares granted in replacement of repriced
options.
(9) Mr. Pathak's employment with the company terminated on January 31, 1997.
(10) Includes options for 38,000 shares granted in replacement of repriced
options.
(11) Consists of options granted in replacement of repriced options.
(12) Includes options for 66,000 shares granted in replacement of repriced
options.
(13) Mr. Morin joined the Company as an officer in May 1996.
6
<PAGE>
STOCK OPTION GRANTS
Except as otherwise noted, the following table contains information
concerning grants of stock options under the Company's 1989 Stock Option Plan
(the "1989 Option Plan") to the Named Officers and a grant to Mr. Gilbertson
outside of the 1989 Option Plan during the year ended December 31, 1996:
OPTION GRANTS IN 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS ANNUAL RATES OF
-------------------------------------------------------- STOCK PRICE
% OF TOTAL APPRECIATION
OPTIONS OPTIONS GRANTED EXERCISE FOR OPTION TERM(1)
GRANTED TO EMPLOYEES IN PRICE EXPIRATION ----------------------
NAME (SHARES)(2) FISCAL YEAR(3) ($/SHARE) DATE 5%($) 10%($)
- - -------------------------- ----------- --------------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert G. Gilbertson
(4)..................... 700,000(5) 30.3% $3.50 5/20/06 $1,540,792 $3,904,669
Lorraine J. Hariton....... 50,000 2.2% $3.50 7/31/06 $ 110,057 $ 278,905
Douglas H. Klein.......... 100,000 4.3% $3.50 7/31/06 $ 220,113 $ 557,810
Rudolph G. Morin (6)...... 350,000 15.2% $3.50 5/28/06 $ 753,398 $1,899,676
Janak T. Pathak........... 10,000 0.4% $3.50 7/31/06 $ 22,011 $ 55,781
Jack A. Bradley........... -- -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
- - ------------------------
(1) Gains are reported net of the option exercise price but before taxes
associated with exercise. These amounts represent certain assumed rates of
appreciation only. Actual gains, if any, on stock option exercises are
dependent on the future performance of the Company's Common Stock, as well
as the optionee's continued employment through the vesting period.
(2) Except as set forth below, each option vests and becomes exercisable to the
extent of 25% of the underlying shares one year following the date of
grant, with the remainder vesting on a monthly basis ratably over the
36-month period thereafter.
(3) The Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of 2,309,570 shares of
Common Stock to employees during the year.
(4) The option vests and becomes exercisable to the extent of 25% of the
underlying shares on the date of grant, an additional 25% on the first
anniversary of the date of grant, with the remaining 50% vesting on a
monthly basis ratably over the 24-month period thereafter.
(5) 435,000 option shares granted under the 1989 Option Plan. The remaining
265,000 were granted outside of a shareholder approved option plan.
(6) The option vests and becomes exercisable to the extent of 25% of the
underlying shares on the date of grant, an additional 25% on May 28, 1997,
the first anniversary of Mr. Morin's date of hire, with the remaining 50%
vesting on a monthly basis ratably over the 24-month period thereafter.
7
<PAGE>
OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END HOLDINGS
The following table provides information with respect to the Named Officers
concerning the exercise of options during 1996 and unexercised options held as
of December 31, 1996:
AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
NUMBER OF OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
SHARES DECEMBER 31, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1996(1)
ACQUIRED ON VALUE --------------------------- ---------------------------
NAME EXERCISE REALIZED(2) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- - ------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert G. Gilbertson..... -- -- 175,000 525,000 $ 1,159,375 $3,478,125
Lorraine J. Hariton...... -- -- 16,771 70,938 $ 98,569 $ 455,863
Douglas H. Klein......... 1,000 $ 6,375 40,540 125,460 $ 253,375 $ 821,625
Rudolph G. Morin......... -- -- 87,500 262,500 $ 579,688 $1,739,063
Janak T. Pathak.......... 21 $ 134 15,310 30,669 $ 89,959 $ 188,660
Jack A. Bradley.......... 23,000 $93,279 18,124 44,876 $ 113,275 $ 280,475
</TABLE>
- - ------------------------
(1) Based on the closing price of $10.125, as reported on The Nasdaq National
Market on December 31, 1996 (the last trading day prior to the fiscal
year-end).
(2) Market price at time of exercise less exercise price.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
The Company pays non-employee directors an annual retainer of $15,000 per
calendar year, payable semiannually, plus a fee of $1,500 for each meeting of
the Board of Directors they attend and $500 for each meeting of a committee they
attend, plus reimbursement for transportation and other expenses incurred in
attending such meetings. In addition, members of the Compensation and Stock
Committee were paid $1,500 per day for services related to the identification
and recruiting of a new Chief Executive Officer. In 1995, Directors Preuss and
Low each received grants under the Company's 1989 Stock Option Plan to purchase
70,000 shares of Common Stock in consideration of their agreement to serve on
the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. The Company pays Directors
Preuss and Low a fee of $1,500 for each meeting of the Executive Committee they
attend. Under the 1994 Outside Directors' Stock Option Plan, each non-employee
director of the Company is granted an initial option for 30,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock, followed by annual grants of options for 7,500 shares
each, subject to the director's continuous service on the Board of Directors. In
1996, the Company paid PRL Associates, a technology consulting firm headed by
Dr. Low, consulting fees of $31,334. No other compensation is furnished to
directors of the Company in their capacity as such.
EMPLOYMENT, SEVERANCE AND CHANGE OF CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
The Company and Robert G. Gilbertson, its President and Chief Executive
Officer, entered into an Employment Agreement on May 17, 1996. The agreement had
an initial two-year term, commencing May 20, 1996, and will be automatically
renewed annually for successive one-year terms unless either party provides
notice of termination at least 60 days prior to the end of the term. The
agreement fixes Mr. Gilbertson's annual salary at $300,000, subject to annual
increases, if any, and provides for an incentive bonus award based on the
achievement of certain financial objectives. The incentive bonus award will be
equal to 50% of base salary when 100% of the financial objectives are met. In
the event overall performance exceeds these financial objectives, the bonus
award is increased by an amount representing a
8
<PAGE>
percentage of annual salary that is 1.5 times the percentage by which these
objectives are exceeded, up to a maximum bonus award equal to 300% of base
salary. The agreement also provides for reimbursement of reasonable
out-of-pocket and ordinary expenses for commuting or relocating to the Mountain
View area and necessary business expenses incurred in performing services as
President and Chief Executive Officer. As part of the agreement, Mr. Gilbertson
has been granted options to purchase 700,000 shares of the Company's Common
Stock. The agreement provides that these options will become fully exercisable
in the event of a change of control of the Company. The agreement provides that
all stock options currently held by Mr. Gilbertson under the Company's 1989
Stock Option Plan and those outside the plan will vest in full and become fully
exercisable in the event of any change in control of the Company after six
months from the employment date. In the event Mr. Gilbertson is terminated other
than for cause, or if he voluntarily terminates his employment because of a
material change in his job duties or title or specified acts of misconduct by
the Company, he is entitled under the agreement to receive a severance payment
equal to his then-current base salary for a period equal to the term of
employment remaining under the agreement (but not less than 12 months) and to
receive up to $40,000 in outplacement assistance.
The Company and Rudolph G. Morin, its Executive Vice President, Operations &
Finance and Chief Financial Officer, entered into an Employment Agreement on May
24, 1996. The agreement had an initial two-year term, commencing May 28, 1996,
and will be automatically renewed annually for successive one-year terms unless
either party provides notice of termination at least 60 days prior to the end of
the term. The agreement fixes Mr. Morin's annual salary at $250,000, subject to
annual increases, if any, and provides for an incentive bonus award based on the
achievement of certain financial objectives. The incentive bonus award will be
equal to 50% of base salary when 100% of the financial objectives are met. In
the event overall performance exceeds these financial objectives, the bonus
award is increased by an amount representing a percentage of annual salary that
is 1.5 times the percentage by which these objectives are exceeded, up to a
maximum bonus award equal to 300% of base salary. The agreement also provides
for reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket and ordinary expenses for
commuting or relocating to the Mountain View area and necessary business
expenses incurred in performing services as Executive Vice President, Operations
& Finance and Chief Financial Officer. As part of the agreement, Mr. Morin has
been granted options to purchase 350,000 shares of the Company's common stock
under the 1989 Stock Option Plan. The agreement provides that these options will
vest in full and become fully exercisable in the event of any change in control
of the Company. In the event Mr. Morin is terminated other than for cause, or if
he voluntarily terminates his employment because of a material change in his job
duties or title or specified acts of misconduct by the Company, he is entitled
under the agreement to receive a severance payment equal to his then-current
base salary for a period equal to the term of employment remaining under the
agreement (but not less than 12 months) and to receive up to $40,000 in
outplacement assistance.
The Company and Jack A. Bradley have entered into a Confidential Separation
Agreement dated June 28, 1996. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Bradley resigned
as Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer and as a Director of the
Company, effective June 28, 1996. The agreement provides that, for a period of
18 months after June 28, 1996, Mr. Bradley will receive severance payments of
$20,000 per month. Under the agreement, Mr. Bradley has agreed to provide
consulting services to the Company through December 1996 to facilitate the
transfer of his responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer and to hold himself
available to provide additional part-time consulting services as needed, on a
schedule consistent with such duties as Mr. Bradley may have as a full-time
employee elsewhere. The agreement also provides that the stock options granted
to Mr. Bradley will continue to vest through December 1997.
CHANGES TO BENEFIT PLANS
The Company has proposed amendments to the 1989 Option Plan, the 1994
Outside Directors' Stock Option Plan (the "Directors' Plan") and to the Employee
Stock Purchase Plan (the "Purchase Plan") to increase the number of shares
reserved for issuance thereunder. The following table sets forth grants of
9
<PAGE>
stock options received under the 1989 Option Plan, nonstatutory options granted
outside of these plans, the Directors' Plan, and the number of shares purchased
in association with the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, from the three of each
plan's adoption through December 31, 1996 by (1) the Named Officers, (2) each
nominee for election as director, (3) all current executive officers as a group,
(4) all current directors who are not executive officers as a group, and (5) all
employees, including all officers who are not executive officers, as a group.
1996 ACTIVITY RELATED TO STOCK PLANS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NONSTATUTORY
OPTIONS GRANTED
1989 STOCK OPTION PLAN OUTSIDE OF PLANS DIRECTORS' PLAN
---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------
EXERCISE PRICE NUMBER EXERCISE PRICE NUMBER EXERCISE PRICE NUMBER
NAME AND POSITION (PER SHARE) OF SHARES (PER SHARE) OF SHARES (PER SHARE) OF SHARES
- - --------------------------- --------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- --------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert G. Gilbertson....... $ 3.50 435,000 $ 3.50 265,000 -- --
Lorraine J. Hariton........ $ 3.50 50,000 -- -- -- --
Douglas H. Klein........... $ 3.50 100,000 -- -- -- --
Rudolph G. Morin........... $ 3.50 350,000 -- -- -- --
Janak T. Pathak............ $ 3.50 10,000 -- -- -- --
Jack A. Bradley............ -- -- -- -- -- --
Philip Greer............... -- -- -- -- $ 3.50 7,500
Paul Low................... -- -- -- -- $ 3.50 7,500
Stephen A. MacDonald....... -- -- -- -- $ 3.50 7,500
Peter Preuss............... -- -- -- -- $ 3.50 7,500
Executive Group (8
persons)................. $ 3.65 1,045,000 $ 3.50 265,000 -- --
Non-Executive Director
Group (4 persons)........ $ 3.50 30,000 -- -- -- --
Non-Executive Officer
Employee Group........... $ 4.00 999,570 -- -- -- --
<CAPTION>
EMPLOYEE STOCK
PURCHASE PLAN
------------------------------
PURCHASE PRICE NUMBER
NAME AND POSITION PER SHARE OF SHARES
- - --------------------------- ----------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Robert G. Gilbertson....... $ 3.72 5,533
Lorraine J. Hariton........ $ 3.69 5,981
Douglas H. Klein........... -- --
Rudolph G. Morin........... -- --
Janak T. Pathak............ $ 3.72 3,790
Jack A. Bradley............ -- --
Philip Greer............... -- --
Paul Low................... -- --
Stephen A. MacDonald....... -- --
Peter Preuss............... -- --
Executive Group (8
persons)................. $ 3.70 17,622
Non-Executive Director
Group (4 persons)........ -- --
Non-Executive Officer
Employee Group........... $ 3.70 205,627
</TABLE>
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION AND STOCK COMMITTEE
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Annual compensation of the Company's executive officers is determined by the
Compensation and Stock Committee (the "Compensation Committee"). The
Compensation Committee recommends the amount of salary and bonus to be paid to
each executive officer, which is subject to approval and ratification by the
Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee is also responsible for
administering the 1989 Option Plan, including the awarding of options under such
plan.
COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY
The Company's compensation programs for executive officers are designed to
align compensation with business objectives and performance and to enable the
Company to attract, retain and reward executive officers who are likely to
contribute to the long-term success of the Company. The Company also believes
that a strong link should exist between executive compensation and the value
received by shareholders.
10
<PAGE>
COMPONENTS OF COMPENSATION
SALARY
In setting base salary levels, the Company initially reviews the salary
structure and pay practice data of other companies in similar industries. In
doing so, the Company compares itself to a group of computer, networking and
systems companies of similar size and capitalization using information compiled
by an independent compensation consulting firm. There are currently
approximately 300 companies in this comparison group.
Salaries are generally reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee and
are subject to increases based on (i) the Compensation Committee's determination
that the individual's level of contribution to the Company has increased since
his or her salary had last been reviewed and (ii) increases in median
competitive pay levels.
The salaries paid to Robert G. Gilbertson and Rudolph G. Morin, the
Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, are
determined in accordance with employment agreements that the Company has entered
into with these persons (the "Employment Agreements"). Under the Employment
Agreements, Messrs. Gilbertson and Morin are entitled to annual salaries of at
least $300,000 and $250,000, respectively, subject to annual increases, if any.
The terms of each of the Employment Agreements were negotiated between the
Company an Messrs. Gilbertson and Morin at arm's length in connection with the
Company's effort to recruit these persons to join the Company. See "Executive
Compensation -- Employment, Severance and Change of Control Arrangements."
BONUS PLAN
During 1996, the Company's Executive Officers participated in a Senior
Manager Incentive Bonus Program (the "Senior Manager Program") in which senior
managers of the Company were paid a percentage of base salary based on the
Company's pretax, prebonus operating income. This bonus program was designed to
align the interests of senior managers with those of shareholders, and to reward
senior managers for contributing to the ongoing financial success of the
Company.
Beginning January 1, 1997, the Company replaced the Senior Manager Program
with the all-employee incentive plan (the "All-Employee Incentive Plan") which
was approved by the Compensation Committee in late 1996. Employees of the
Company, including officers, are eligible to participate in the All-Employee
Incentive Plan. Similar to the Senior Manager Program, the All-Employee
Incentive Plan has been designed to align the interests of employees with those
of shareholders, and to reward employees for contributing to the ongoing
financial success of the Company. The All-Employee Incentive Plan pays
employees, at varying percentages of base salary, a bonus which is funded by a
percentage of the Company's pretax, prebonus operating income.
The bonuses earned by Messrs. Gilbertson and Morin are determined in
accordance with the Employment Agreements, each of which provides for an
incentive bonus award based on the achievement of financial objectives set by
the Compensation Committee for the fiscal year. The bonuses award is equal to
50% of base salary when 100% of the financial objectives are met. In the event
overall performance exceeds these financial objectives, the bonus award is
increased by an amount representing a percentage of base salary that is 1.5
times the percentage by which these objectives are exceeded, up to a maximum
bonus award equal to 300% of base salary. See "Executive Compensation --
Employment, Severance and Change of Control Arrangements."
STOCK OPTION PLAN
As is typical with growing technology companies, a significant component of
the compensation provided to the Company's executive officers is in the form of
equity participation through stock options granted under the 1989 Option Plan.
As a result, the Company's executive officers are directly rewarded
11
<PAGE>
for the Company's success and given an additional incentive to contribute to the
Company's future success and maximize shareholder value. Options granted under
the 1989 Option Plan generally vest over a four-year period, to encourage
employees to remain with the Company on a long-term basis.
In May 1996, the Company granted options for 700,000 shares of Common Stock
to Mr. Gilbertson as part of the compensation package that the Company
negotiated with Mr. Gilbertson to recruit him as its new Chief Executive
Officer. In addition, in connection with the hiring of Mr. Morin as the
Company's new Chief Financial Officer, the Company agreed to grant him an option
to purchase 350,000 shares under the 1989 Option Plan. See "Executive
Compensation -- Employment, Severance and Change of Control Arrangements."
COMPENSATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The compensation payable to Mr. Gilbertson, the Company's President and
Chief Executive Officer, is determined in accordance with Mr. Gilbertson
Employment Agreement, as described in this report. As described above, Mr.
Gilbertson's Employment Agreement provides for an annual incentive bonus award
based on the achievement of financial objectives set by the Compensation
Committee for that fiscal year. The bonus award is equal to 50% of base salary
when 100% of the financial objectives are met. In the event overall performance
exceeds these financial objectives, the bonus award is increased by an amount
representing a percentage of base salary that is 1.5 times the percentage by
which these objectives are exceeded, up to a maximum bonus award equal to 300%
of base salary. In 1996, the Compensation Committee set certain mutually agreed
financial objectives for Mr. Gilbertson. During the portion of the 1996 fiscal
year during which Mr. Gilbertson served as Chief Executive Officer, the
Company's overall performance was equal to 100% of the performance level
represented by the Compensation Committee's financial objectives in the
aggregate. Based on these financial results, the Compensation Committee awarded
Mr. Gilbertson a bonus equal to 50% of his 1996 base salary.
COMPENSATION AND STOCK COMMITTEE
Peter Preuss
Stephen A. MacDonald
12
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Set forth below is a graph indicating cumulative total return at December
31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 on $100 invested, alternatively, in the
Company's Common Stock, the CRSP Total Return Index for the Nasdaq National
Market and the Nasdaq Computer Manufacturing Stocks Index on June 4, 1992 (the
date of the Company's initial public offering):
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NETWORK COMPUTING NASDAQ STOCK MARKET NASDAQ COMPUTER MANUFACTURERS
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Devices, Inc (US Companies) Stocks SIC 3570-3579 US & Foreign
6/4/92 100.0 100.0 100.0
12/31/92 115.4 115.9 126.0
12/31/93 51.9 133.0 119.4
12/30/94 32.7 130.0 131.1
12/29/95 54.8 183.8 206.5
12/31/96 77.9 226.1 277.3
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
6/4/92 12/31/92 12/31/93 12/30/94 12/29/95 12/31/96
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Network Computing Devices, Inc........................ $ 100.0 $ 115.4 $ 51.9 $ 32.7 $ 54.8 $ 77.9
Nasdaq National Market (US Companies)................. $ 100.0 $ 115.9 $ 133.0 $ 130.0 $ 183.8 $ 226.1
Nasdaq Computer Manufacturers Stocks SIC 3570-3579 US
& Foreign........................................... $ 100.0 $ 126.0 $ 119.4 $ 131.1 $ 206.5 $ 277.3
</TABLE>
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
As discussed above, the Company has entered into Employment Agreements with
Robert G. Gilbertson and Rudolph G. Morin, and a Confidential Separation
Agreement with Jack A. Bradley. See "Executive Compensation -- Employment,
Severance and Change of Control Agreements."
The Company's Bylaws provide that the Company shall indemnify its directors
and officers to the full extent permitted by California law. The Company has
entered into indemnification agreements with certain of its officers and
directors containing provisions that may require the Company, among other
things, to indemnify such officers and directors against certain liabilities
that may arise by reason of their status or service as officers or directors
(other than liabilities arising from willful misconduct of a culpable nature),
to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as
to which they could be indemnified and to obtain directors' and officers'
insurance if available on reasonable terms. The Company maintains insurance
covering officers and directors.
13
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL NO. 2
AMENDMENT TO THE 1989 STOCK OPTION PLAN
At the Annual Meeting, the shareholders are being asked to approve an
amendment to the Company's 1989 Stock Option Plan (the "1989 Option Plan") to
increase the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance thereunder
by 200,000 shares, to a total of 5,605,850 shares (which includes shares
previously issued upon the exercise of options granted under the 1989 Option
Plan). Management believes that the availability of additional options to
purchase Common Stock is necessary to attract new key officers and other
employees, and to enable the Company to continue to provide its employees with
equity ownership as an incentive to contribute to the Company's success. The
Board has approved the increase, subject to shareholder approval.
In order to attract and retain appropriate talent during 1996, the Company
granted options for 2,044,570 of Common Stock under the 1989 Option Plan to new
and existing employees. See "Executive Compensation -- Employment, Severance and
Change of Control Arrangements." Moreover, in order for the Company to meet its
short and long term strategic objectives, strengthen its business and improve
operation results it is essential that the Company be able to retain its present
employees and recruit and hire additional key employees and senior executives
and in connection with such retention and hiring efforts the Company expects to
make additional grants under the 1989 Option Plan.
The 1989 Option Plan currently provides for the issuance of 5,405,850 shares
of Common Stock upon the exercise of options granted thereunder. As of March 12,
1997, options for 3,091,610 shares were outstanding at a weighted average
exercise price of $5.27 per share and options for 2,120,711 shares had been
exercised. As of March 12, 1997, the amount of options available to grant are
193,529 shares. The closing price of the Company's Common Stock reported on The
Nasdaq National Market on March 12, 1997 was $11.375 per share.
SUMMARY OF THE 1989 STOCK OPTION PLAN
Set forth below is a summary of the principal features of the 1989 Option
Plan. Such summary is qualified in its entirety by the specific language of the
1989 Option Plan, a copy of which is available to any shareholder upon request.
Additional information concerning options outstanding under the 1989 Option Plan
is set forth under "Executive Compensation."
PURPOSE
The purpose of the 1989 Option Plan is to advance the interests of the
Company and its shareholders by giving employees, non-employee directors and
consultants a proprietary interest in the success of the Company, thus providing
them with an additional incentive to contribute toward the Company's success.
ADMINISTRATION
The 1989 Option Plan is administered by the Board of Directors of the
Company, or by a committee appointed by the Board and consisting of at least two
members of the Board. The 1989 Option Plan is currently being administered by
the Compensation and Stock Committee (the "Compensation Committee") which
consists of two non-employee directors. The interpretation and construction of
any provision of the 1989 Option Plan by the Board or the committee are deemed
to be final and conclusive.
ELIGIBILITY
The 1989 Option Plan provides that options may be granted to employees
(including officers and employee directors), non-employee directors and
consultants of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. The Compensation
Committee selects the participants and determines the number of shares to be
subject to each option.
14
<PAGE>
The 1989 Option Plan provides that the number of shares subject to options
that may be granted under the 1989 Option Plan to any employee during any fiscal
year shall not exceed (i) 500,000 in the case of any employee who serves as a
senior executive officer (i.e., officers with the title Chairman of the Board,
President, Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer) at any time
during such fiscal year or (ii) 250,000 in the case of any other employee. In
addition, the value of the shares subject to all incentive stock options held by
an optionee that become exercisable for the first time during any calendar year
may not exceed $100,000 (determined as of the date of grant).
TERMS OF OPTIONS
Each option is evidenced by a stock option agreement between the Company and
the person to whom such option is granted, which sets forth the terms and
conditions of the option. The following terms and conditions generally apply to
all options, unless the stock option agreement provides otherwise:
EXERCISE OF THE OPTION. The optionee must earn the right to exercise his
option by continuing to work for the Company. The Compensation Committee
determines when options granted under the 1989 Option Plan may be exercisable.
An option may be exercised by written notice of exercise to the Company
specifying the number of full shares of Common Stock to be purchased (which may
not be less than 10 shares), along with tender of payment to the Company of the
purchase price. Unless otherwise provided in the stock option agreement, the
purchase price of shares purchased upon exercise of an option may be paid by any
of the following means, or by any combination thereof: (i) cash; (ii) check;
(iii) other shares of the Company's Common Stock; (iv) a cashless exercise/sale
procedure (through which the funds to pay for the shares purchased upon exercise
of an option are delivered to the Company by a broker upon receipt of stock
certificates representing the shares being purchased); or (v) a cashless
exercise/loan procedure (through which the funds to pay for the shares purchased
upon exercise of an option are obtained from a margin loan from a broker) on or
before the settlement date for the sale of such shares to the broker.
EXERCISE PRICE. The exercise price of options granted under the 1989 Option
Plan is determined by the Compensation Committee and must not be less than: (i)
the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date the option is granted in
the case of incentive stock options; or (ii) 85% percent of such fair market
value in the case of nonstatutory stock options. Where the participant owns
stock representing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the
Company's outstanding capital stock, the exercise price for a stock option must
not be less than 110% of such fair market value.
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. If an optionee's employment or other service
with the Company terminates for any reason other than permanent and total
disability or death, options under the 1989 Option Plan may be exercised not
later than 30 days after such termination (or such other period of time as is
determined by the Compensation Committee), but may be exercised only to the
extent the options were exercisable on the date of termination, subject to the
condition that no option may be exercised after expiration of its term.
DISABILITY. If an optionee should become permanently and totally disabled
while employed by or engaged in other service for the Company, or within 90 days
after termination of employment or other service, and such employment or other
service was not interrupted from the date of the option grant through the date
of disability or termination, options may be exercised at any time within 90
days following the date of disability, but only to the extent the options were
exercisable on the date of termination or disability, whichever occurs first,
subject to the condition that no option may be exercised after expiration of its
term.
DEATH. If an optionee should die while employed by or engaged in other
service to the Company, or within 90 days after termination of employment or
other service, and such employment or other service was not interrupted from the
date of the option grant through the date of death or termination, options may
be exercised at any time within six months following the date of death, but only
to the extent the
15
<PAGE>
options were exercisable on the date of termination or death, whichever occurs
first, subject to the condition that no option may be exercised after expiration
of its term.
TERMINATION OF OPTIONS. All options granted under the 1989 Option Plan
expire on the date specified in the option agreement, but in no event shall the
term of such options exceed 10 years. However, no options granted under the 1989
Option Plan to any participant who owns stock possessing more than 10% of the
total combined voting power of the Company's outstanding capital stock may have
a term exceeding five years from the date of grant.
NONTRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS. An option is not transferable by the
optionee other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and is
exercisable during his lifetime only by him, or in the event of his death, by a
person who acquires the right to exercise the option by bequest or inheritance
or by reason of the death of the optionee.
OTHER PROVISIONS. The option agreement may contain such other terms,
provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the 1989 Option Plan as may be
determined by the Compensation Committee.
ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION
In the event of any change in the Company's capital structure (whether by
reason of any recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, combination of
shares or other similar change in corporate structure), appropriate adjustments
shall be made in the number of shares subject to each option and the per share
exercise price therefor.
Unless otherwise determined by the Board, upon the dissolution or
liquidation of the Company, all outstanding options granted prior to April 27,
1992 shall terminate, provided that all optionees shall be given not less than
10 days notice of such event and the vesting and exercisability of each
outstanding option shall be accelerated so that the optionee may, within such
ten-day period, exercise up to the entire unexercised portion of the options.
Upon any merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving
corporation, all outstanding options granted prior to April 27, 1992 shall
either be assumed by the surviving entity or shall be subject to acceleration
and subsequent termination as set forth above if the required notice has been
given. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, upon the dissolution or
liquidation of the Company, all outstanding options granted on or after April
27, 1992 shall terminate if they are not exercised, but there will be no
acceleration of the vesting provisions of such options. Upon any merger or
consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation, all
outstanding options granted on or after April 27, 1992 shall either be assumed
by the surviving entity or shall terminate, unless otherwise determined by the
Board.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE 1989 OPTION PLAN
The Board of Directors may amend the 1989 Option Plan at any time or from
time to time or may terminate it without the approval of the shareholders;
provided, however, that shareholder approval is required for any amendment that
increases the maximum number of shares for which options may be granted, changes
the standards of eligibility, or materially increases the benefits which may
accrue to participants under the 1989 Option Plan. However, no such action by
the Board of Directors or shareholders may alter or impair any option previously
granted under the 1989 Option Plan. In any event, the 1989 Option Plan shall
terminate in April 1999.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
provides favorable federal income tax treatment for "incentive stock options."
When an option granted under the 1989
16
<PAGE>
Option Plan qualifies as an incentive stock option, the optionee does not
recognize income for federal income tax purposes upon grant or exercise of the
incentive stock option (unless the alternative minimum tax applies as discussed
below). The Company is not allowed a deduction for federal income tax purposes
as a result of the exercise of the incentive stock option regardless of the
applicability of the alternative minimum tax. Upon a sale of the shares
(assuming that the sale occurs no sooner than two years after the grant of the
option and one year after the receipt of the shares by the optionee), any gain
or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes.
The favorable federal income tax consequences described above will not apply
to the extent the optionee disposes of the shares acquired within one year of
the date of exercise or two years of the date of grant of the option
(hereinafter a "disqualifying disposition"). In the event of a disqualifying
disposition, the optionee generally will recognize ordinary income in the year
of disposition equal to the amount by which the fair market value of the stock
at the date of exercise exceeds the exercise price. Any additional gain will be
long-term capital gain if the optionee has held the stock for more than 12
months. If a loss is recognized, there will be no ordinary income and such a
loss will be a capital loss. A different rule for measuring income upon a
disqualifying disposition may apply if the optionee is also an officer, director
or 10% shareholder of the Company.
ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX FOR NON-CORPORATE TAXPAYERS
The excess of the stock's fair market value over the exercise price of an
incentive stock option, which is generally not subject to tax at the time of
exercise, is treated as an item of income in determining an individual
taxpayer's alternative minimum tax liability. In determining alternative minimum
tax liability in subsequent years, however, the optionee will be entitled to
increase the basis of the stock by the amount of this income adjustment.
Furthermore, if there is a disqualifying disposition of the stock in the year of
exercise, the alternative minimum taxable income adjustment will be limited to
the gain on the sale.
NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTIONS
Options granted under the 1989 Option Plan that do not qualify as incentive
stock options are considered "nonstatutory" stock options and will not qualify
for any special tax benefits to the optionee. Because the Company's stock
options are not deemed to have a readily ascertainable value, the optionee will
not recognize any taxable income at the time he or she is granted a nonstatutory
option. However, upon exercise of a nonstatutory stock option, the optionee will
recognize ordinary income measured by the excess of the then fair market value
of the shares over the option price. Upon a sale of the shares by the optionee,
any difference between the sale price and the exercise price, to the extent not
recognized as ordinary income, will be treated as capital gain or loss.
The income recognized by an optionee who was an employee at the time of
grant will be treated as wage compensation and will be subject to federal and
state income tax and F.I.C.A. withholding by the Company out of the current
earnings paid to the optionee.
COMPANY TAX DEDUCTIONS
The Company generally will be allowed a tax deduction to the extent and in
the year that compensation income is recognized by the optionee upon the
exercise of nonstatutory stock options, provided the Company has withheld income
taxes in accordance with the law. The Company receives no deduction in
connection with the exercise of an incentive stock option. In the event of a
disqualifying disposition, however, the Company will be allowed a deduction for
the amount of income recognized by the optionee with respect to his exercise for
the tax year of the Company in which the disqualifying disposition occurs.
The foregoing summary of the effect of current federal income taxation upon
optionees and the Company with respect to the grant of options for, and the
purchase and subsequent disposition of, shares under the 1989 Option Plan does
not purport to be complete, and reference is made to the applicable
17
<PAGE>
provisions of the Code. The foregoing summary also does not reflect provisions
of the income tax laws of any state or foreign jurisdiction in which optionees
may reside, and does not address prospective estate, gift and other tax
consequences of acquiring stock under the 1989 Option Plan.
REQUIRED VOTE
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common
Stock present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting
is required for the approval of the above amendment to the 1989 Option Plan.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of
determining the presence of a quorum. Abstentions will have the same effect as a
negative vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR"
THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE 1989 STOCK OPTION PLAN.
PROPOSAL NO. 3
AMENDMENT OF THE EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
At the Annual Meeting, shareholders are being asked to approve an amendment
to the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Purchase Plan") to increase
the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance thereunder by 100,000
shares, to a total of 1,250,000 shares. As of March 12, 1997, 899,118 shares of
Common Stock had been purchased under the Purchase Plan, at an average purchase
price of $5.30 per share, and 250,882 shares remained available for purchase.
Employee stock purchase plans of this type are a standard and competitive
perquisite in high technology companies. The Company believes that the Purchase
Plan is necessary to attract and retain qualified employees, and that the
increase is necessary to ensure that there will be a sufficient number of shares
issuable thereunder to satisfy near term requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE PURCHASE PLAN
GENERAL
The Purchase Plan was adopted by the Company's Board of Directors and
shareholders in March 1992. An aggregate of 1,150,000 shares of Common Stock
have been reserved for issuance under the Purchase Plan. Subject to shareholder
approval, the Board of Directors has approved an amendment to increase the
number of shares reserved for issuance under the Purchase Plan by 100,000
shares, to a total of 1,250,000 shares.
The Purchase Plan, and the rights of participants to make purchases
thereunder, is intended to qualify as an "employee stock purchase plan" under
Sections 421 and 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. See "Federal Income Tax
Consequences" below.
The Purchase Plan is not qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code and is not subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Purchase Plan is to enable the Company to offer
incentives to its employees, so as to attract and retain the best available
officers and employees for positions of substantial responsibility, and to
promote the success of the Company's business.
18
<PAGE>
ADMINISTRATION
The Purchase Plan may be administered by the Board of Directors or by a
committee appointed by the Board (the "Committee") and is currently being
administered by the Board of Directors. Members of the Board of Directors who
are eligible employees are permitted to participate in the Purchase Plan;
however, no member of the Committee, while serving as such, shall be eligible to
participate in the Purchase Plan. All costs and expenses incurred in plan
administration are paid by the Company without charge to participants.
ELIGIBILITY
Any individual (including officers and employee directors) who is
customarily employed by the Company or a designated subsidiary for at least 20
hours per week and more than five months per calendar year is eligible to
participate in the Purchase Plan.
No employee is permitted to purchase shares under the Purchase Plan if such
employee owns, directly or indirectly (including stock purchasable under any
outstanding purchase rights), five percent or more of the total combined voting
power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries. In addition, purchase options granted to a participant under the
Purchase Plan (and all other purchase plans of the Company and its subsidiaries)
may not permit such individual to purchase Common Stock having a fair market
value of more than $25,000 (valued at the time each purchase right is granted)
during any one calendar year.
OFFERING DATES
The Purchase Plan is implemented in one-year offering periods beginning on
each June 1 and ending on May 31 of the following year. The Board or Committee,
at its discretion, may redesignate the commencement and termination date of
subsequent offering periods and may designate special short offering periods in
connection with such redesignations, but no such redesignation shall affect an
offering period in progress.
Each offering is divided into two six-month "purchase periods" during which
contributions are made through payroll deductions and at the end of which (the
"Purchase Date") shares are issued based on the contributions made during the
purchase period. A purchase period commencing on December 1 ends on the
following May 31. A purchase period commencing on June 1 ends on the following
November 30.
GRANT OF OPTION; PURCHASE OF STOCK
At the beginning of an offering period, each participant is granted a
purchase option to purchase up to the number of shares equal to the
participant's accumulated payroll deductions at the end of each purchase period
(at the rate designated by such employee, not to exceed an amount equal to 10%
of the participant's compensation during the applicable purchase period) divided
by 85% of the fair market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock at the
beginning of the offering period. If the total number of shares that would
otherwise be subject to options exceeds the number of shares then available
under the Purchase Plan (after deduction of all shares for which options have
been exercised or are then outstanding), the Company will make a pro rata
allocation of the shares remaining available for option grant in as uniform a
manner as shall be practicable and as it shall determine to be equitable.
Executing the enrollment agreement to participate in the Purchase Plan does
not obligate the employee to make the stock purchase; the enrollment agreement
is merely an election by the employee to have shares placed under option to him.
Unless the employee's participation is withdrawn as provided in the Purchase
Plan, his option for the purchase of shares will be exercised automatically at
each Purchase Date, and the maximum number of full shares subject to option that
are purchasable with the accumulated payroll deductions in his account will be
purchased for him at the applicable option price. Any cash
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remaining to the credit of a participant's account under the Purchase Plan after
the purchase of shares at the end of an offering period is returned to the
participant without interest.
PURCHASE PRICE
The purchase price of the Common Stock acquired at the end of a purchase
period will be equal to the lesser of (i) 85% of the fair market value per share
of Common Stock on the date on which such offering period begins or (ii) 85% of
the fair market value per share of Common Stock on the Purchase Date. The fair
market value of the Common Stock shall be the opening sales price as reported on
The Nasdaq National Market on the date of determination.
PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE; PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
The purchase price of the shares to be acquired under the Purchase Plan is
accumulated by payroll deductions over the offering period. The deductions may
not exceed 10% of the total compensation which a participant receives during the
offering period, and shall not be less than $10.00 per month. A participant may
discontinue his participation in the Purchase Plan (see "Withdrawal from the
Purchase Plan" below) or may decrease, but not increase, his rate of payroll
deductions at any time during the offering period. Payroll deductions for a
participant shall commence on the first payday following the commencement of the
offering period and shall continue until altered or terminated as provided in
the Purchase Plan.
All payroll deductions made for a participant are credited to his account
under the Purchase Plan and are deposited with the general funds of the Company.
All payroll deductions received or held by the Company under the Purchase Plan
may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the Company shall not
be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions.
NONASSIGNABILITY
Purchase rights will be exercisable only by the participant. No purchase
rights, including but not limited to accumulated payroll deductions and any
rights with regard to the exercise of a purchase option or to receive shares
under the Purchase Plan, may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise
disposed of in any way (other than upon death of a participant as provided in
the Purchase Plan) for any reason.
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PURCHASE PLAN
A participant may terminate his participation in the Purchase Plan and his
interest in the then-current offering period in whole, but not in part, by
giving written notice to the Company of his election to withdraw all of the
accumulated payroll deductions credited to his account under the Purchase Plan.
Such withdrawal may be elected by a participant at any time prior to the end of
the applicable offering period. Any withdrawal by the participant of his
accumulated payroll deductions for a given offering period automatically
terminates the participant's interest in that offering period of the Purchase
Plan. A participant's withdrawal from an offering period will not have any
effect upon his eligibility to participate in subsequent offerings under the
Purchase Plan or in any similar plan which may hereafter be adopted by the
Company.
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
Termination of a participant's employment for any reason, including
retirement or death, or the failure of the participant to remain in the
continuous employ of the Company or any designated subsidiary for at least 20
hours per week during the applicable offering period, cancels his participation
in the Purchase Plan immediately. In such event, the payroll deductions credited
to the participant's account will be returned to him or, in the case of death,
to the person or persons entitled thereto as provided in the Purchase Plan.
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ADJUSTMENT UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION
In the event that any change is made to the Company's outstanding Common
Stock (whether by reason of any recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split,
combination of shares, or other similar change in corporate structure effected
without receipt of consideration), appropriate adjustments will be made to (i)
the class and maximum number of shares purchasable under the Purchase Plan, (ii)
the class and maximum number of shares purchasable per participant under any
outstanding purchase right or over the term of the Purchase Plan, and (iii) the
class and number of shares purchasable and the price per share payable under all
outstanding purchase rights.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PURCHASE PLAN
The Purchase Plan will terminate upon the earlier of (i) March 12, 2012 or
(ii) the date on which all shares available for issuance thereunder are sold
pursuant to exercised purchase rights. However, the Board may from time to time
alter, amend, suspend or discontinue the provisions of the Purchase Plan. If
such right is exercised by the Company, then the Purchase Plan will terminate in
its entirety and no further purchase rights will be granted or exercised
thereunder.
The Board may not, without shareholder approval, (i) increase the number of
shares issuable under the Purchase Plan, except in connection with certain
changes in the Company's capital structure, (ii) permit payroll deductions at a
rate in excess of 10% of the participant's compensation rate, (iii) materially
increase the benefits accruing to participants under the Plan, or (iv)
materially modify the requirements for eligibility to participate in the
Purchase Plan.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The Purchase Plan, and the right of participants to make purchases
thereunder, is intended to qualify under the provisions of Sections 421 and 423
of the Internal Revenue Code. Under these provisions, no income will be taxable
to a participant at the time of grant or exercise of a purchase option. As
summarized below, a participant may become liable for tax upon disposition of
the shares acquired, and the method of taxation will depend upon the
participant's holding period.
In order to receive the favorable Federal income tax consequences associated
with the Purchase Plan, the participant generally must not sell or dispose of
the shares acquired upon exercise of the purchase option within two years from
the grant date (the first day of the offering period) or within 12 months after
the Purchase Date. If the participant satisfies these requirements, then the
lesser of (a) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of
sale or disposition over the option price, or (b) the excess of the fair market
value of the shares at the grant date over the option price (which is computed
as if exercised on the grant date), will be treated as ordinary income to the
participant. Any further gain upon the sale or disposition will generally be
taxed as a long-term capital gain calculated by adding the amount of ordinary
income to the basis of the shares. If the selling price is less than the option
price, there is no ordinary income and the participant would have a long-term
capital loss on the difference.
If the participant fails to satisfy the holding period requirements outlined
above, the disposition of shares of Common Stock he or she receives under the
Purchase Plan generally will be treated as a "disqualifying disposition." In the
event of a disqualifying disposition, the participant generally will recognize
ordinary income in the year of disposition equal to the amount by which the fair
market value of the stock at the date of exercise exceeded the exercise price.
Any additional gain will be long-term or short-term gain, depending on how long
the participant has held the stock. The Company may be allowed a deduction to
the extent of the ordinary income recognizable by the participant. These holding
period requirements do not apply to options exercised or stock transferred after
the participant's death.
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The company is not entitled to a deduction for amounts taxed as ordinary
income to a participant, except to the extent that ordinary income must be
reported upon sales or other dispositions of shares before the expiration of the
holding period described above.
------------------------
The foregoing summary of the effect of current Federal income taxation upon
participants in the Purchase Plan and the Company with respect to the grant of
options for, and the purchase and subsequent disposition by the participant of,
shares under the Purchase Plan does not purport to be complete, and reference is
made to the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. The discussion
of laws herein, is based only on such laws, court decisions and administrative
rulings as of the date hereof. The foregoing summary also does not reflect
provisions of the income tax laws of any state or foreign jurisdiction in which
participants may reside, and does not address prospective estate, gift and other
tax consequences of acquiring stock under the Purchase Plan.
REQUIRED VOTE
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common
Stock present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting
is required for the approval of the above amendment to the Purchase Plan.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of
determining the presence of a quorum. Abstentions will have the same effect as a
negative vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT
THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF
THE AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN.
PROPOSAL NO. 4
AMENDMENT OF THE 1994 OUTSIDE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN
At the Annual Meeting, the shareholders are being asked to approve an
amendment to the Company's 1994 Outside Directors' Stock Option Plan (the
"Directors' Plan") to increase the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for
issuance thereunder by 50,000 shares, to a total 250,000 shares. Management
believes that the ability to grant stock options to outside directors is
important to the Company's ability to contract and retain qualified outside
directors, who are essential to the long-term success of the Company. The Board
has approved the adoption of the Directors' Plan, subject to shareholder
approval.
The Directors' Plan currently provides for the issuance of 200,000 shares of
common stock upon the exercise of options granted thereunder. As of March 12,
1992, options for 157,000 were outstanding at a weighted average price of $5.85
per share. As of March 12, 1997, the amount of options available to grant are
42,500 shares. No shares have been exercised. The closing price of the Company's
Common Stock reported on the Nasdaq National Market on March 12, 1997 was
$11.375 per share.
Management believes that the ability to grant stock options to outside
directors is important to the Company's ability to retain qualified outside
directors and to contract new qualified outside directors, who are essential to
the long-term success of the Company. The Company believes that the number of
remaining shares for issuance under the Directors' Plan will be insufficient to
accomplish these purposes. The Company anticipates that this increase in shares
reserved under the Directors' Plan should meet the Company's goals of retaining
and attracting qualified outside directors.
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SUMMARY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE DIRECTORS PLAN
Set forth below is a summary of the principal features of the Directors'
Plan. Such summary is qualified in its entirety by the specific language of the
Directors' Plan, a copy of which is available to any shareholder upon request.
Only directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company or of any
present or future parent and/or subsidiary corporations of the Company and who
are not affiliates of holders of 10% or more stock of the Company ("Outside
Directors") are eligible to participate in the Directors' Plan. The Directors'
Plan provides that each Outside Director, on the effective date of the plan or
upon such director's initial appointment or election to the Board of Directors,
will receive a one-time grant of an option to purchase 30,000 shares (the
"Initial Grant"). The Directors' Plan further provides that, following receipt
of the Initial Grant, each Outside Director will be granted an option to
purchase 7,500 shares ( an "Additional Grant") on the day immediately following
each Annual Meeting of Shareholders occurring on or after the date six months
after the Initial Grant, provided the optionee has served on the Board
continuously since the Initial Grant. Each option granted pursuant to an Initial
Grant or an Additional Grant becomes exercisable in four equal annual
installments, subject to the optionee's continuous service on the Board of
Directors. Options must have a per share exercise price equal to the fair market
value of a share of the Company's Common Stock on the date of grant. On March
12, 1997, the closing price of the Company's Common Stock as reported on the
Nasdaq National Market was $11.375 per share.
Options granted under the Directors' Plan may be exercised by payment of the
exercise price (1) in cash, by check, or equivalent, (2) by tender to the
Company of shares of the Common Stock of the Company which have a market value
not less than the option price, or (3) by the assignment of the proceeds of a
sale of some or all of the shares being acquired upon the exercise of an option.
Options expire 10 years after the date of grant. During the lifetime of the
optionee, the option may be exercised only by the optionee. An option may not be
transferred or assigned, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
If an optionee ceases to be a director of the Company for any reason except
death or disability, the optionee may exercise his or her options (to the extent
exercisable on the date of termination) within three months after the date of
termination, but in any event not later than the expiration date. If an optionee
ceases to be a director of the Company due to death or disability, the optionee
(or his or her legal representative) may exercise the option (to the extent
exercisable on the date of termination) within 12 months after the date of
termination, but in any event not later than the expiration date. An optionee's
service as a director will be deemed to have terminated on account of death if
the optionee dies within three months after such termination. The portion of an
option which is unexercisable as of the date of termination will be canceled. In
connection with any transfer of control of the Company, any unexercisable
portion of an option shall become immediately exercisable, subject to the
consummation of the transfer of control. Upon consummation of any transfer of
control, any options that have not been assumed or substituted for by the
successor or purchaser of the Company or exercised as of the date of the
transfer of control shall terminate and cease to be outstanding effective as of
the transfer of control date.
The Board of Directors may terminate or amend the Directors' Plan at any
time, provided that without shareholders approval, the Board of Directors may
not amend the Directors' Plan to increase the number of shares covered by the
Directors' Plan or to expand the class of persons eligible to receive options
under the Directors' Plan, and provided further, that the provisions of the
Directors' Plan addressing eligibility to participate and the amount, price and
timing of the option grants generally may not be amended more than once every
six months.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
Options granted under the Directors' Plan are nonstatutory stock having no
special tax status. An optionee generally recognizes no taxable income as the
result of the grant of such an option. Upon exercise
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of the option, the optionee normally recognizes ordinary income with respect to
the acquired shares in the amount of the difference between the option price and
the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise. Such ordinary
income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. Upon
the sale of stock acquired by the exercise of a nonstatutory stock option, any
gain or loss, based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market
value of the shares on the date of recognition of income, will be taxed as
long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending upon the length of time
the optionee has held the stock from the date of recognition of income. No tax
deduction is available to the Company with respect to the grant. The Company
should be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income
recognized by the optionee as a result of the exercise of the option.
REQUIRED VOTE
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common
Stock present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting
is required for the approval of the above amendment to the Directors' Plan.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of
determining the presence of a quorum. Abstentions will have the same effect as a
negative vote. Broker non-votes, on the other hand, will have no effect on the
outcome of the vote.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS
VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE 1994 OUTSIDE
DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN.
PROPOSAL NO. 5
The Board of Directors has selected KPMG Peat Marwick LLP ("KPMG") as the
independent auditors of the Company for the current fiscal year. The selection
of the independent auditors is being submitted to the shareholders for
ratification at the Annual Meeting. In the event that ratification by the
shareholders of the selection of KPMG as the Company's independent auditors is
not obtained, the Board of Directors will reconsider such selection.
KPMG has audited the Company's financial statements since 1988. Its
representatives are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, will have the
opportunity to make a statement if they so desire, and will be available to
respond to appropriate questions.
The ratification of the selection of KPMG will require the affirmative vote
of not less than a majority of the shares of the Company's Common Stock
represented and voting at the Annual Meeting.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE
"FOR" THE RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF KPMG.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Company currently knows of no other matters to be submitted at the
Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, it
is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote the
shares they represent as the Board of Directors may recommend.
Dated: April 17, 1997 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NETWORK COMPUTING DEVICES, INC.
1997 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
The undersigned shareholder of Network Computing Devices, Inc., a
California Corporation, hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual
Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement, each dated April 21, 1997, and
the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and
hereby appoints Robert G. Gilbertson and Joseph L. Ramirez, or either of
them, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, with full power to each of substitution,
on behalf and in the name of the undersigned, to represent the undersigned at
the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Network Computing Devices, Inc.,
to be held on May 28, 1997, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at 301 Ravendale
Drive, Mountain View, California, and at any adjournment(s) thereof, and to
vote all shares of Common Stock which the undersigned would be entitled to
vote if then and there personally present, on the matters set forth on the
reverse side.
CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE
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^ FOLD AND DETACH HERE ^
<PAGE>
PLEASE MARK
/X/ YOUR CHOICES
LIKE THIS
FOR* AGAINST
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS / / / /
Nominees
Robert G. Gilbertson, Philip Greer, Paul Low, Stephen A. MacDonald, Peter
Preuss
- - -------------------------------------------------
For all nominees, except as noted above
* FOR all nominees listed or, in the discretion of the proxies, for such
other persons as may be nominated if any such nominees does not or
cannot stand for election (except as indicated).
2. Proposal to approve an amendment to the 1989 Stock Option Plan to increase
the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance thereunder by
200,000 shares.
FOR AGAINST
/ / / /
3. Proposal to approve an amendment to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan to
increase the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
thereunder by 100,000 shares.
FOR AGAINST
/ / / /
4. Proposal to approve an amendment to the Company's 1994 Outside Directors'
Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares of Common Stock
reserved for issuance thereunder by 50,000 shares.
FOR AGAINST
/ / / /
5. Proposal to ratify the appointment of KPMG Peat Marwick as the independent
auditors of the Company.
FOR AGAINST
/ / / /
6. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
matter or matters that may properly come before the meeting and any
adjournment thereof.
FOR AGAINST
/ / / /
This Proxy should be marked, dated, signed by the shareholder(s) exactly as his
or her name appears hereon, and returned promptly in the enclosed envelope.
Persons signing in a fiduciary capacity should so indicate. If shares are held
by joint tenants or as community property, both should sign.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL
BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF NAMED DIRECTORS, FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE 1989
STOCK OPTION PLAN, FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN, FOR
THE AMENDMENT OF THE OUTSIDE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN, AND FOR THE
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK AS THE INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS OF THE COMPANY.
Signature(s) Date
----------------------------------------- -----------------
Note: Please sign as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When
signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please
give full title as such.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
^ FOLD AND DETACH HERE ^
