<PAGE>
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 [_]
[_]CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE
Check the appropriate box: COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY
RULE 14a-6(e)(2))
[_] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to (S)240.14a-11(c) or (S)240.14a-12
SEMTECH CORPORATION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(i)(2) or
Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
[_] $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:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
[LOGO OF SEMTECH]
April 26, 1996
DEAR STOCKHOLDER:
This year's Annual Meeting ("Meeting") of Stockholders of Semtech
Corporation (the "Company") will be held on June 6, 1996, at 1:00PM at the
Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Boulevard, Westlake Village, California
91361 (Westlake Boulevard exit off the 101 Freeway).
The formal notice of the meeting and Proxy Statement are enclosed. This year
we are seeking to elect six Directors to hold office until the next Annual
Meeting (or until their successors are duly elected and qualified) and to
approve the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as the Company's independent
public accountants for the ensuing year.
In addition to these two proposals, we are presenting an important issue for
stockholder consideration. We are seeking approval of an amendment to the
Company's 1994 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan. This proposal is integral to
the Company's plan for enhancing design and applications capabilities. The
market for top design and applications people in the analog segment is
competitive. The Company's ability to attract talented individuals is
dependent upon our ability to offer them the opportunity, through their
dedication and creativity, to participate in increases in stockholder values.
In addition to aligning the interests of our employees with those of our
stockholders, these options also generate cash through their exercise and cash
from the tax deductions generated by this program.
The Company is requesting that shareholders approve this amendment to
increase the number of shares reserved for issuance under this plan by 800,000
shares. The Company currently has only 100,000 options available to grant to
new and existing employees. These stock options will be allocated primarily to
new design and applications engineers, employees of potential future
acquisitions, other strategic new employees and existing employees.
If you do not plan to be present at the meeting, we urge you to complete and
return the enclosed proxy card promptly. Prompt return of the enclosed proxy
by stockholders may save the Company the necessity and expense of further
solicitation to ensure a quorum at the meeting. A prepaid return envelope is
provided to you for that purpose. We look forward to meeting those of you who
are able to attend the meeting and discussing any questions which you may
have.
Sincerely,
/s/ John D. Poe
John D. Poe
President and Chief
Executive Officer
<PAGE>
[LOGO OF SEMTECH]
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF STOCKHOLDERS
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Semtech
Corporation will be held at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake
Boulevard, Westlake Village, California 91361 (Westlake Boulevard exit off the
101 Freeway), on Thursday, June 6, 1996 at 1:00PM Los Angeles time, for the
following purposes:
1. To elect six Directors to hold office until the next Annual Meeting or
until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
2. To ratify and approve the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as the
independent public accountants for the Company.
3. To approve an amendment to the Company's 1994 Long-Term Stock Incentive
Plan to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan
by 800,000 shares.
4. To transact any other business which may properly come before the Meeting
or any adjournment or postponements thereof.
The record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice
of and to vote at the Annual Meeting was the close of business on April 12,
1996.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR STOCK BE REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING. IF YOU DO NOT
EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND
PROMPTLY RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN ORDER THAT YOUR SHARES MAY BE VOTED.
A return envelope is enclosed for your convenience.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ David G. Franz, Jr.
David G. Franz, Jr.
Vice President of Finance
and Secretary
Newbury Park, California
April 26, 1996
<PAGE>
SEMTECH CORPORATION
652 MITCHELL RD, NEWBURY PARK, CA 91320
----------------
PROXY STATEMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION
This statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies
for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Semtech Corporation (the
"Company") to be held on June 6, 1996 and at any postponement or adjournment
or adjournments thereof. The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of
Directors of the Company and the cost of such solicitation will be borne by
the Company. In addition to the primary solicitation by mail, certain
directors, officers or regular employees of the Company may solicit proxies by
telephone, telegraph, facsimile, or in person. The mailing of proxy materials
will commence on or about April 26, 1996. The Company will request known
nominees to forward proxy materials to the beneficial owners of Company
shares, and will pay the nominees' reasonable expenses in so doing upon
request.
Any stockholder desiring additional proxy materials should contact: David G.
Franz, Jr., Vice President of Finance and Secretary, Semtech Corporation (805)
498-2111.
As of the close of business on April 12, 1996, the record date, 6,027,085
shares of record of common stock, $0.01 par value (the "Common Stock"), were
issued and outstanding. Each stockholder of record on April 12, 1996 is
entitled to one vote per share. However, in electing directors, a stockholder
may cumulate his or her votes by casting a number of votes equal to the number
of directors to be elected, multiplied by the number of votes to which the
stockholder's shares are entitled; or the stockholder may distribute his or
her votes using the same principle among as many nominees as the stockholder
sees fit. The nominees receiving the highest number of votes, up to the number
of directors to be elected, will be elected. The affirmative vote of the
holders of at least a majority of the shares of Common Stock represented in
person or by proxy at the Meeting and entitled to vote at the Meeting will be
required to ratify the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as the Company's
independent public accountants.
Approval of the amendment to the 1994 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the
voting shares on such amendment.
Proxies will be received and tabulated by the Company's transfer agent.
Votes cast in person at the Meeting will be tabulated by an election inspector
appointed by the Company. Abstentions and "broker non-votes" are each included
in the determination of the number of shares present and voting, with each
tabulated separately. Abstentions are counted in tabulations of the votes cast
on proposals presented to the stockholders, whereas broker non-votes are not
counted for purposes of determining whether a proposal has been approved.
The enclosed proxy may be revoked at any time before it is exercised by
filing with the Company a written notice of revocation or by presenting at or
before the meeting a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. A stockholder
may also revoke a proxy by attending the Meeting and voting in person. The
proxies will be voted in accordance with the stockholder's directions on the
enclosed form of proxy. If no directions are given, proxies will be voted in
favor of our "for" each of the proposals hereinafter stated.
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following are all persons known to the Company who own beneficially more
than 5% of the Common Stock as of January 28, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES
OF COMMON STOCK PERCENT
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIALLY OWNED OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER AS OF JANUARY 28, 1996 CLASS(2)
------------------- ---------------------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Teledyne, Inc. ................................. 950,763(5) 15.9%
John D. Poe
c/o Semtech Corporation........................ 358,133(1) 6.0%
Michael Himes
c/o Semtech Santa Clara, Inc................... 630,226 10.5%
Gardner Lewis Asset Management.................. 351,700(3) 5.9%
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A........................... 312,900(4) 5.2%
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes outstanding options to purchase 10,833, which were exercisable as
of January 28, 1996, or within 60 days from such date.
(2) Each of the respective percentages are calculated using a figure of
6,005,090 shares outstanding as of January 28, 1996, adjusted as required
by rules promulgated by the SEC.
(3) Gardner Lewis Asset Management holds dispositive power over all shares
shown, and sole voting power over 322,100 shares. The address of Gardner
Lewis Asset Management is 285 Wilmington, Chadds Ford, PA 19317. The table
is based upon information supplied in a Schedule 13G dated February 9,
1996.
(4) Wells Fargo holds dispositive power over all shares shown, and sole voting
power over 302,400 shares. The address of Wells Fargo is 464 California
St., San Francisco, CA 94163. The table is based upon information supplied
in a Schedule 13G dated February 6, 1996.
(5) Teledyne hold dispositive power over all shares shown. The address of
Teledyne is 1891 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(PROPOSAL NO. 1)
Six directors are to be elected at the Meeting, each to serve until the
following Annual Meeting or until a successor is elected and qualified. Five
of the nominees named below were elected to their present terms of office by
the stockholders. One of the existing directors, Mr. James T. Schraith, was
elected by the board during the last year. All of the nominees have consented
to be named and have indicated their intent to serve if elected. Unless a
proxy directs otherwise, it is intended that the proxies solicited by
management will be voted for the election of the nominees listed in the
following table, subject (in the event cumulative voting is in effect) to the
right of the proxyholders to cumulate their votes and distribute them among
the nominees in their discretion or to drop nominees to ensure election of the
greatest number of nominees. If any nominee should refuse or be unable to
serve, the proxyholders will vote the shares for such other person, if any, as
shall be designated by the Board of Directors. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES LISTED BELOW.
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), requires the Company's directors, executive officers and
holders of more than 10% of the Company's Common Stock to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of
changes of ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the
Company. The Company is aware of only two owners of more than 10% of its
Common Stock, Teledyne, Inc. and Michael Himes. The Company believes that
during the fiscal year ended January 28, 1996, its officers and directors,
Teledyne, Inc. and Michael Himes complied with all Section 16(a) filing
requirements. In making these statements the Company has relied on its review
of Forms 3, 4 and 5 provided to the Company with respect to its most recent
fiscal year by its officers and directors, Teledyne, Inc. and Michael Himes.
2
<PAGE>
The chart below indicates the number of shares and exercisable stock options
held by each director and by the directors and officers as a group as of
January 28, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BENEFICIAL
OWNERSHIP OF
COMMON STOCK(1)
-------------------
DIRECTOR
NAME OFFICE AGE SINCE NUMBER %(2)
---- ------ --- -------- --------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John D. Poe President, Chief Executive 44 1985 358,133(3) 6 .0%
Officer and Director
Rock N. Hankin Director, Member of the Audit 49 1988 10,000(4) *
Committee and Compensation and
Stock Option Committee
Allen H. Orbuch Director, Member of the Audit 67 1991 18,000(4) *
Committee and Compensation and
Stock Option Committee
James P. Burra Director, Member of the Audit 53 1991 13,000(4) *
Committee and Compensation and
Stock Option Committee
Jack O. Vance Director Nominee 71 1995 4,500(5) --
James T. Schraith Director, Member of the Audit 38 1995 2,500(5) --
Committee and Compensation and
Stock Option Committee
All Executive Officers
and Directors as a
Group (9 persons) 495,348(6) 8.1%
</TABLE>
- --------
* Less than 1%
(1) Unless otherwise indicated below, each nominee has sole voting and
investment power with respect to the shares listed.
(2) Each of the respective percentages is based upon the 6,005,090 shares
outstanding as of January 28, 1996, plus, if applicable, the shares which
each officer and director has the right to acquire within 60 days thereof
through the exercise of stock options.
(3) Includes 10,833 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
days of January 28, 1996.
(4) Includes 8,000 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
days of January 28, 1996.
(5) Includes 2,500 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
days of January 28, 1996.
(6) Includes 113,465 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
days of January 28, 1996.
BACKGROUND OF NOMINEES
Mr. Poe has been President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the
Company since October 1985. Since that date Mr. Poe has also served as
Managing Director of the Company's subsidiary, Semtech, Ltd. In addition, Mr.
Poe currently serves as sole Director and President of the Company's wholly
owned subsidiaries, Semtech Corpus Christi Corporation and Semtech Santa
Clara, Inc.
Mr. Hankin has been a Director of the Company since May 1988. He currently
serves as Senior Partner of Hankin & Co., a diversified business advisory
firm, where he has held such position since June 1986. Mr. Hankin also serves
on the Board of Directors Alpha Microsystems, House of Fabrics, Sparta, Inc.
and Quidel.
3
<PAGE>
Mr. Orbuch has been a Director of the Company since March 1991. He currently
serves as a management consultant. He retired in 1994 from his position as
Group Executive of Teledyne, Inc. He had served in that position for more than
five years.
Mr. Burra has been a Director of the Company since March 1991. Since June
1989 Mr. Burra has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of W. D.
Adam Co., Inc., a manufacturer selling a proprietary line of vacuum formed,
high density polyethylene containers.
Mr. Vance became a Director of the Company in April 1995. Mr. Vance is a
retired Managing Director of the Los Angeles office of McKinsey & Company, a
management consulting firm. He now runs his own firm, Management Research,
Inc., which serves a few selective clients. Mr. Vance has authored 30 articles
on subjects such as corporate planning and strategy. Mr. Vance is also a
director of several other corporations, including International Rectifier
Corporation, International Technology Corporation and the Vencor Corporation.
Mr. Schraith became a Director of the Company in June 1995. Mr. Schraith is
currently President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Cerplex
Group, Inc., a provider of repair and logistics outsourcing services to high
technology companies. From 1987 to 1995, Mr. Schraith was employed at AST
Research, Inc. most recently serving as President, Chief Operating Officer and
Director.
COMMITTEES AND COMPENSATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The Company has a standing Compensation and Stock Option Committee and an
Audit Committee. The Company has no nominating committee. During the Company's
last fiscal year the Board of Directors held four regular meetings and five
special meetings. During such fiscal year each of the incumbent Directors
attended 75% or more of the sum of the number of such meetings plus the number
of meetings of the Committees of which such person is a member. It is expected
that the Board will meet on a regular basis during the ensuing year.
Compensation and Stock Option Committee
The Compensation and Stock Option Committee, as comprised of Mr. Hankin, Mr.
Burra, Mr. Schraith, Mr. Vance and Mr. Orbuch met four times during fiscal
year 1996. The Compensation and Stock Option Committee administers the
Company's 1986 Stock Option Plan, the 1987 Stock Option Plan, the 1994 Long-
Term Stock Incentive Plan and the 1994 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option
Plan. It also makes recommendations to the Board on incentive compensation,
stock options and other compensation matters.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee, which consisted of Mr. Hankin, Mr. Burra, Mr. Orbuch,
Mr. Schraith and Mr. Vance met two times during fiscal year 1996. The Audit
Committee makes recommendations concerning the engagement of the Company's
independent auditors, consults with the independent auditors concerning the
audit plan, reviews the comments and recommendations resulting from the
auditor's report and management letter and reviews the Company's accounting
and control policies and procedures.
Compensation
In fiscal 1996, Directors who were not employees of the Company were paid
$2,500 for each Board meeting attended, $1,500 for each special meeting
attended, a $500 monthly retainer, and were reimbursed for their actual
expenses incurred in attending the meeting. Directors do not receive separate
compensation for committee meetings attended. Directors who are Company
employees are not paid fees or additional compensation for attending Board or
committee meetings. Mr. Poe is currently the only employee on the Board.
4
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
No member of the Compensation Committee was, during fiscal year 1996, an
officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or was formerly
an officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. During fiscal year 1996,
no executive officer of the Company served as a director or member of the
compensation committee or other board committee performing equivalent
functions, or in the absence of such committee, the entire board of another
entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Committee.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table shows, as to the Chief Executive Officer and each of the
executive officers of the Company who received total compensation from the
Company and its subsidiaries in excess of $100,000 for the fiscal year ended
January 28, 1996 (the "Named Executive Officers"), information concerning
compensation paid for services to the Company in all capacities during the
fiscal years ended January 28, 1996, January 29, 1995, and January 30, 1994:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG-TERM
---------------------------- ----------
OTHER STOCK ALL
FISCAL SALARY ANNUAL OPTIONS OTHER
NAME AND TITLE YEAR ($)(1) BONUS($) COMP.($)(2) AWARDED(#) COMP.($)(3)
-------------- ------ ------- -------- ----------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John D. Poe 1996 180,119 65,175 10,327 10,000 113,580
President and CEO 1995 165,006 0 11,465 15,000 24,108
1994 171,353 0 11,036 0 22,952
Raymond E. Bregar 1996 132,342 38,728 10,239 10,000 22,535
Executive Vice 1995 123,989 0 10,674 35,000 17,907
President 1994 128,758 0 10,103 0 17,320
David G. Franz, Jr. 1996 91,096 24,600 9,778 8,000 17,179
Vice President and 1995 78,479 0 9,994 10,000 3,489
CFO 1994(4) 31,699 0 18,315 25,000 0
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Salaries for fiscal years 1996, 1995 and 1994 reflect 26, 26, and 27 pay
periods, respectively.
(2) "Other Annual Compensation" includes (a) premiums on life insurance, (b)
auto allowance, and (c) relocation payments to Mr. Franz of $15,000 in
1994.
(3) "All Other Compensation" for 1996, 1995 and 1994 includes, respectively,
(a) Company contributions to 401K savings plan of $4,325, $4,260 and
$4,125 on behalf of Mr. Poe, $4,121, $2,991 and $2,855 on behalf of Mr.
Bregar, $2,805, $1,555 and $0 on behalf of Mr. Franz, and (b) deferred
compensation of $24,505, $19,848 and $18,827 for Mr. Poe, $18,414, $14,916
and $14,465 for Mr. Bregar and $14,374, $1,934 and $0 for Mr. Franz, and
(c) income of $84,750 related to debt relief for Mr. Poe in 1996.
(4) Compensation disclosure relates to partial year. Mr. Franz joined the
Company in August of 1993.
5
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table shows, as to the individuals named in the Summary
Compensation Table above, information concerning stock options granted during
the fiscal year ended January 28, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL
REALIZABLE
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS VALUE AT ASSUMED
---------------------------------------------- ANNUAL RATES OF
NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL STOCK
SECURITIES OPTIONS APPRECIATION
UNDERLYING GRANTED EXERCISE FOR OPTION TERM
OPTIONS TO EMPLOYEES PRICE EXPIRATION ----------------
NAME GRANTED IN FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARE) DATE 5% 10%
---- ---------- -------------- --------- ---------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John D. Poe............. 10,000 2.15% $7.75 3/2/05 $48,739 $123,515
Raymond E. Bregar....... 10,000 2.15% $7.75 3/2/05 $48,739 $123,515
David G. Franz, Jr...... 8,000 1.72% $7.75 3/2/05 $38,891 $ 98,812
</TABLE>
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN
LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table shows, as to the individual named in the summary
Compensation Table above, information concerning stock options exercised
during the fiscal year ended January 28, 1996, the number of unexercised
options and the value of "in-the-money" unexercised options.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
SHARES NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
ACQUIRED OPTIONS AT FY END(#) AT FY END ($)(1)
ON VALUE ------------------------- -------------------------
NAME EXERCISE(#) REALIZED ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John D. Poe............. 0 0 7,500 17,500 $ 138,281 $264,531
Raymond E. Bregar....... 35,000 $580,750 57,500 27,500 $1,050,781 $442,031
David G. Franz, Jr. .... 10,833 $120,622 8,333 23,833 $ 155,221 $390,284
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Based upon the $20.375 per share closing price of the Company's common
stock on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange on January 26, 1996.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
To:The Board of Directors
The Compensation Committee (the "Committee"), a committee composed entirely
of Directors who have never served as officers of the Company, determines and
administers the compensation of the Company's executive officers. This report,
prepared by the Committee, sets forth the Company's compensation policies for
the year ended January 28, 1996, as such policies affected the Company's
executive officers.
COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY. At the direction of the Board of Directors and
pursuant to the charter of the Committee, the Committee endeavors to ensure
that the compensation programs for executive officers of the Company and its
subsidiaries are effective in attracting and retaining key executives
responsible for the success of the Company and are administered in an
appropriate fashion in the long-term interests of the Company and its
stockholders. The Committee seeks to align total compensation for senior
management with corporate performance.
The Committee believes that the Company's overall financial performance
should be an important factor in the total compensation of the Company's
executive officers. At the executive officer level, the Committee has a policy
that a proportion of total compensation should consist of variable,
performance-based components, such as bonuses, which can increase or decrease
to reflect changes in corporate and individual performance. These incentive
compensation programs are intended to reinforce management's commitment to
enhancement of profitability and stockholder value. The performance goals upon
which payment to the Company's executive officers are based include net
income, cash flow, new order generation and returns on assets.
6
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION PROGRAM. The Company has a comprehensive compensation program
which consists of cash compensation, both fixed and variable, and equity-based
compensation. The program has three principal components which are intended to
attract, retain, motivate and reward executives who are expected to manage
both the short-term and long-term success of the Company. These components
are:
Cash-Based Compensation
Base Salary--Base salary is predicated on industry and peer group
comparisons and on performance judgments as to the past and expected future
contribution of the individual executive officer. In general, salaries are set
made based on median salaries for similar executives of similar sized
companies in the high technology industry.
Bonuses--The Company has a discretionary key employee incentive pool
pursuant to which executive officers and a limited number of key employees may
receive annual cash bonuses. Targets for sales growth and operating income
influence the amount of the pool. Individual payments are made based on the
Company's achievement of these targets and upon the individual's personal and
departmental performance.
Equity-Based Compensation
Stock Options--Stock options are granted periodically to provide additional
incentive to executives and other key employees to work to maximize long-term
total return to stockholders. The options vest over three- and four-year
periods to encourage option holders to continue in the employ of the Company.
In granting options, the Committee takes into account the number of shares and
outstanding options held by the individual.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION. In accordance with the compensation
philosophy, stated above, and the Company's results, Mr. Poe's base salary
during fiscal year 1996 was $180,000 which represents a 9% increase over
fiscal 1995. His base salary is designed to be competitive with base salaries
paid to other chief executive officers of corporations with similar revenues
and scope of operations. Additionally, Mr. Poe was paid a bonus of $65,175
during fiscal 1996 because performance thresholds were met during fiscal 1995.
During fiscal year 1995, a special incentive compensation plan was
authorized for Mr. Poe. This incentive plan provides that interest and
principal owed by Mr. Poe to the Company will be forgiven by the Company in
the amount of 5% of the Company's pre-tax earnings. The Plan further provides
that up to 50% of the amount earned by Mr. Poe can by applied to taxes arising
from this incentive. This incentive is paid annually, after the close of the
fiscal year. The term of this plan is for fiscal 1995 through fiscal 1997. As
of January 28, 1996, Mr. Poe owed the Company $281,000. For fiscal 1996, Mr.
Poe qualified for principal, interest relief, and gross up for the applicable
taxes of $497,000. The incentive payment, which was based on fiscal 1996
performance, was approved and paid by the Board of Directors on February 29,
1996. After application of this amount Mr. Poe's debt to the Company is
$32,000. This program will be terminated when the balance reaches $0. It is
anticipated that this will occur in the first quarter of fiscal 1997.
SUMMARY
The Committee believes that a fair and motivating compensation program plays
a critical role in the performance of the Company. The Committee reviews this
program on an ongoing basis to evaluate its continued effectiveness.
Compensation Committee
James P. Burra Rock N. Hankin
Allen H. Orbuch James T. Schraith
Jack O. Vance
7
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
The following performance chart shows the value of an investment of $100 on
January 30, 1990 in cash of (I) the Company's Common Stock, (ii) the Nasdaq
Stock Market, and (iii) the Nasdaq Electronic Components Sub-Index. All values
assume reinvestment of the full amount of all dividends and calculated as of
January 30 of each year. Note that historic stock price performance is not
necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG SEMTECH CORP., NASDAQ STOCK MARKET AND NASDAQ ELECTRONIC STOCKS
PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Measurement Period SEMTECH NASDAQ STOCK NASDAQ
(Fiscal Year Covered) CORP. MARKET ELECTRONIC STOCKS
- -------------------- ---------- ------------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Measurement Pt- 1991 $100 $100 $100
FYE 1992 $142 $153 $143
FYE 1993 $179 $173 $213
FYE 1994 $146 $199 $267
FYE 1995 $383 $190 $291
FYE 1996 $1,358 $268 $465
</TABLE>
This section is not "soliciting material," and is not deemed filed with the
SEC and is not incorporated by reference in any filing of the Company under
the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act whether made before or after the date hereof and
irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.
8
<PAGE>
APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENT
OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
(PROPOSAL NO. 2)
The firm of Arthur Andersen LLP (formerly known as Arthur Andersen & Co.),
certified accountants, has been the Company's independent accountants since
the Company's inception and has been selected by the Board of Directors to
serve as its independent accountants for the fiscal year ending January 26,
1997. Professional services rendered by Arthur Andersen LLP for the fiscal
year ended January 28, 1996 consisted of an audit of the Company's financial
statements, consultation on interim financial statements, services related to
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, meetings with the
Company's Audit Committee and consultation on various matters relating to
accounting and financial reporting. The Audit Committee of the Board of
Directors met periodically with representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP during
the past fiscal year. The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Hankin,
Burra, Orbuch, Schraith and Vance.
Representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP are expected to be present at the
Meeting. They will have the opportunity to make a statement, if they so
desire, and respond to appropriate questions from stockholders. THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE AUDITORS.
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO 1994 LONG-TERM STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
(PROPOSAL NO. 3)
The 1994 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the "Employee Plan") was adopted by
the Board of Directors and approved by the stockholders in 1994. The Employee
Plan initially reserved 300,000 common shares for grant. At last year's Annual
Meeting an amendment was approved to increase the number of common shares
reserved to 700,000 (an increase of 400,000 shares).
The Company has determined that equity participation for employees is
critical to the Company's ability to recruit, reward and retain employees and
consultants. The Company uses stock options to create an organization which
employees will remain dedicated to for long periods of time. The Company
competes directly with other analog semiconductor companies for experienced
personnel and must be able to offer comparable packages, which include equity
participation, to attract the caliber of individuals that the Company believes
is necessary to remain competitive.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYEE PLAN
The amendment to the Employee Plan that the stockholders are being asked to
approve at the Meeting is an increase in the shares reserved for issuance
under the Employee Plan by 800,000 shares, bringing the total shares reserved
for issuance under the Employee Plan to 1,500,000 shares.
Approval of the amendment to the 1994 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting shares. THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE 1994
LONG-TERM STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN. PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WILL BE VOTED FOR THIS PROPOSAL UNLESS A VOTE AGAINST THE PROPOSAL OR
ABSTENTION IS SPECIFICALLY INDICATED.
9
<PAGE>
The following description of the Employee Plan is qualified in its entirety
by reference to the full text of the Plan.
PURPOSE AND ELIGIBILITY
The purpose of the Employee Plan is to enable the Company and its
subsidiaries to attract, retain and motivate its officers and key employees by
providing for or increasing their proprietary interests in the Company and to
align their interests with those of the Company's stockholders. All key
employees and officers who are employees will be eligible for selection as a
participant in the Employee Plan. The determination of which employees are key
employees will be made from time to time by the plan administrators. Non-
employee consultants to the Company who are deemed to be of key significance
to the Company may also be eligible for awards. In determining which employees
and consultants (collectively, "Participants") will be granted awards under
the Employee Plan, the plan administrators will take into account the duties
of the Participants, their present and potential contributions to the Company
and other factors deemed relevant by such administrators.
ADMINISTRATION
The Employee Plan is administered by a committee appointed by the Board
consisting of at least two disinterested directors ("Employee Plan
Committee"). The Employee Plan Committee is currently the Compensation
Committee of the Board, which is composed solely of "outside" directors within
the meaning of Section 162(m)(4)(C)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code (the
"Code"). Subject to the provisions of the Employee Plan, the Employee Plan
Committee has full and final authority to select the types of awards (the
"Awards") and the persons to whom awards will be granted thereunder, to grant
such awards and to determine the terms and provisions of such awards and the
number of shares to be sold or issued pursuant thereto. The Employee Plan
Committee is also empowered to adopt, amend and rescind such rules and
regulations as, in its opinion, may be advisable in the administration of the
Employee Plan. Members of the Employee Plan Committee are not eligible to
participate in the Employee Plan.
LIMITATION ON AWARDS
The maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may be granted under the
Employee Plan may not exceed 700,000 shares (or 1,500,000 if the amendment is
approved) of Common Stock subject to proportionate adjustment in certain
circumstances. Any shares of Common Stock subject to issuance upon exercise of
a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right (" SAR"), but which are not issued
because of a surrender, lapse, expiration or termination of any such Stock
Option or SAR prior to issuance of the shares, or any shares subject to an SAR
exercised for cash, shall once again be available as shares for which Awards
may be granted under the Employee Plan. On April 12, 1996 the closing price of
the Company's Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market System was $11.00 per
share.
The maximum number of shares which may be granted during the life of the
plan to any Participant is twenty percent (20%) of the number of shares
available under the plan. The maximum dollar value in cash which may be
awarded during any Performance Period (as defined in the Employee Plan) to any
Participant is twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).
PLAN AWARDS
The Employee Plan authorizes the Employee Plan Committee to grant various
types of benefits to Participants. In general, Awards under the Employee Plan
are not restricted to any specified form or structure. The following
arrangements or benefits are authorized under the Employee Plan so long as
their terms and conditions are consistent with the provisions of the Employee
Plan: Stock Options, Stock Bonus Awards, Performance Shares, and SARs.
10
<PAGE>
Shares of Common Stock awarded pursuant to Performance Shares or Stock Bonus
Awards, to the extent they are not fully accrued, and Stock Options and SARs
may not be sold, disposed of, transferred, pledged or hypothecated, other than
by the laws of descent and distribution. If a Participant ceases to be an
employee or consultant, such Participant may have the right to exercise his or
her Stock Options and SARs as of the date of such cessation.
In the event of certain sales, mergers or consolidations of the Company in
which the Company is not the surviving entity, the Employee Plan and each
outstanding Award will terminate, but each Participant will have certain
rights with respect to their Awards to the extent they have accrued to date.
In addition, in the event of a "Change of Control" as defined by the Employee
Plan, the Employee Plan Committee may, among other things, accelerate the
vesting and remove the restrictions on all outstanding Awards.
PLAN APPROVAL AND DURATION
The Employee Plan was approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock, present in
person or by proxy, at the 1994 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company.
Unless previously terminated by the Employee Plan Committee, the Employee
Plan will terminate 10 years after its adoption, but such termination will not
affect any Award previously made or granted under the Employee Plan.
AMENDMENTS
The Employee Plan Committee may amend, suspend or terminate the Employee
Plan, provided that no amendment of the Employee Plan may, unless approved by
the stockholders of the Company, materially increase the benefits accruing to
Participants under the Employee Plan, materially increase the number of shares
of Common Stock that may be issued under the Employee Plan, materially modify
the requirements as to the eligible class of persons permitted to participate
in the Employee Plan or materially modify certain performance objectives.
Furthermore, no amendment, suspension or termination of the Employee Plan may,
without the consent of the affected Participant, alter the terms of any
outstanding Award under the Employee Plan.
TAX TREATMENT
The following is a brief description of the federal income tax treatment,
which generally will apply to options granted under the Employee Plan, as in
effect on the date hereof. The Code provides favorable tax treatment for
incentive stock options. Generally, a Participant is not subject to regular
federal income tax and the Company is not entitled to a deduction upon the grant
or the exercise of an incentive stock option during employment or within three
months after termination of employment. However, the amount by which the fair
market value of the shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of
an incentive stock option exceeds the exercise price generally will be included
in the Participant's alternative minimum taxable income and may be subject to
the 24% federal alternative minimum tax for the taxable year in which the
incentive stock option is exercised. In addition, if the Participant sells the
shares acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option at any time within
(a) one year after the date of transfer of shares to the Participant pursuant to
the exercise of such incentive stock option or (b) two years after the date of
grant of such incentive stock options, the Participant generally will recognize
ordinary income for regular federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to
the excess, if any, of the lesser of the sales price or the fair market value on
the date of exercise over the exercise price of such incentive stock options,
and the Company will generally be entitled to a tax deduction in an amount of
the ordinary income amount recognized by the Participant. Any gain in excess of
the ordinary income amount recognized by the Participant in such circumstances
will be short-term or long-term capital gain, depending upon the Participant's
holding period for the stock sold. If the employee holds the Common Stock
acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option in excess of the holding
periods noted above, then the subsequent sale of the Common Stock will give rise
to long-term capital gain or loss.
11
<PAGE>
The grant of a non-qualified stock option is generally not a taxable event
for the recipient. Upon exercise of the non-qualified stock option, the holder
generally will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of
the fair market value of the stock acquired upon exercise (determined as of
the date of exercise) over the exercise price of such non-qualified stock
option, and the Company will be entitled to a deduction equal to such amount.
A Participant's new basis in the Common Stock acquired upon exercise of a non-
qualified stock option will generally be the fair market value of the shares
on the date of exercise. Upon a subsequent disposition of such shares of
Common Stock, the Participant will ordinarily realize a capital gain or loss
to the extent of any intervening appreciation or depreciation. If a
Participant disposes of the Common Stock more than one year after the date of
such exercise, such capital gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital
gain or loss.
Participants who are officers, directors or 10% stockholders of the Company,
and thus subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, should be aware of
significant tax consequences under Section 83 of the Code.
THE FOREGOING IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE EFFECT OF FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
UPON THE OPTIONEE AND THE COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO THE GRANT AND EXERCISE OF
OPTIONS UNDER THE EMPLOYEE PLAN, DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE, AND DOES NOT
DISCUSS THE INCOME TAX LAWS OF ANY STATE OR FOREIGN COUNTRY IN WHICH AN
OPTIONEE MAY RESIDE.
ANNUAL REPORTS
The Company hereby undertakes to provide upon written request a copy of the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the financial statements and
the schedules thereto, for the fiscal year ended January 28, 1996 without
charge to any person whose proxy is solicited by this statement. Such written
request is to be directed to Gisela Auchter, Semtech Corporation, 652 Mitchell
Road, Newbury Park, California 91320-2289.
OTHER MATTERS
The management of the Company knows of no other matters that may properly
be, or which are likely to be, brought before the meeting. However, if any
other matters are properly brought before the meeting, the persons named in
the enclosed proxy or their substitutes will vote in accordance with their
best judgment on such matters.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholder proposals for the 1997 Annual Meeting must be received by the
Company no later than December 27, 1996 in order to be considered for
inclusion in the Company's proxy materials.
By Order of the Board of Directions
/s/ David G. Franz, Jr.
David G. Franz, Jr.
Vice President of Finance
and Secretary
Dated: April 26, 1996
12
<PAGE>
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SEMTECH CORPORATION
The undersigned stockholder of Semtech Corporation hereby appoints John D.
Poe and David G. Franz, Jr., and each of them, as attorneys and proxies for the
undersigned, each with full power to act without the other and with the power of
substitution to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
of Semtech Corporation to be held on June 6, 1996 at 1:00 p.m., Los Angeles
time, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, and to vote all of the
shares of Common Stock of Semtech Corporation which the undersigned is entitled
to vote in accordance with the instructions below and on the reverse hereof;
provided however, that such proxies, or either of them shall have the power to
cumulate votes and distribute them among the nominees listed below as they see
fit, and to drop any of such nominees, in order to ensure the election of the
greatest number of such nominees.
(CONTINUED, AND TO BE MARKED, DATED AND SIGNED, ON THE OTHER SIDE)
<PAGE>
Please mark
your vote [X]
as this
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR
ITEMS 1, 2, and 3. WITHHELD
FOR FOR ALL
ITEM 1-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS [_] [_]
Nominees:
James P. Burra John D. Poe
Rock N. Hankin James T. Schraith
Allen H. Orbach Jack O. Vance
WITHHELD FOR: (Write that nominee's name in the space
provided below.)
- -----------------------------------------------------
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
Item 2-APPOINTMENT [_] [_] [_]
OF INDEPENDENT
ACCOUNTANTS
Item 3-APPROVAL OF AN
AMENDMENT TO
1994 LONG-TERM [_] [_] [_]
STOCK INCENTIVE
PLAN
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
