<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission
Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
</TABLE>
Rural/Metro 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] No fee required.
[ ] 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 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(4) Date Filed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
RURAL/METRO CORPORATION
------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
NOVEMBER 18, 1999
------------------------
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Rural/Metro Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, will be held at 10:00 a.m. (local time), on November 18, 1999, at
the Renaissance Worthington Hotel, 200 Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas, for the
following purposes:
1. To elect two directors for three-year terms expiring in 2002.
2. To ratify the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as our independent
auditors for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000.
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment thereof.
The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the proxy
statement accompanying this notice.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on September 28, 1999
are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. To
assure your representation at the meeting, however, you are urged to mark, sign,
date, and return the enclosed proxy as promptly as possible in the
postage-prepaid envelope enclosed for that purpose. Any stockholder attending
the meeting may vote in person even if he or she previously has returned a
proxy.
Sincerely,
/s/ Louis G. Jekel
Louis G. Jekel
Secretary
Scottsdale, Arizona
September 30, 1999
<PAGE> 3
RURAL/METRO CORPORATION
8401 EAST INDIAN SCHOOL ROAD
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA 85251
------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
------------------------
VOTING AND OTHER MATTERS
GENERAL
The enclosed proxy is solicited on behalf of Rural/Metro Corporation, a
Delaware corporation, by our board of directors for use at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held at 10:00 a.m. (local time), on November 18, 1999, or at
any adjournment thereof, for the purposes set forth in this proxy statement and
in the accompanying notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The meeting will
be held at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel, 200 Main Street, Fort Worth,
Texas.
These proxy solicitation materials were first mailed on or about October 1,
1999, to all stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting.
VOTING SECURITIES AND VOTING RIGHTS
Stockholders of record at the close of business on September 28, 1999, are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. On the record date, there were
issued and outstanding 14,577,468 shares of our common stock.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the
total number of shares of common stock outstanding constitutes a quorum for the
transaction of business at the meeting. Each stockholder voting at the meeting,
either in person or by proxy, may cast one vote per share of common stock held
on all matters to be voted on at the meeting. Assuming that a quorum is present,
the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock present in
person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote is required
(i) to elect two directors for three-year terms expiring in 2002, and (ii) to
ratify the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as our independent auditors for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000.
Votes cast by proxy or in person at the meeting will be tabulated by the
election inspectors appointed for the meeting and will determine whether a
quorum is present. The election inspectors will treat abstentions as shares that
are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a
quorum, but as unvoted for purposes of determining the approval of any matter
submitted to the stockholders for a vote. If a broker indicates on the proxy
that it does not have discretionary authority as to certain shares to vote on a
particular matter, those shares will not be considered as present and entitled
to vote with respect to that matter.
VOTING OF PROXIES
When a proxy is properly executed and returned, the shares it represents
will be voted at the meeting as directed. If no specification is indicated, the
shares will be voted (i) "for" the election of the nominees set forth in this
proxy statement, and (ii) "for" the ratification of the appointment of Arthur
Andersen LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending June 30,
2000.
<PAGE> 4
REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
Any person giving a proxy may revoke the proxy at any time before its use
by delivering to us written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy
bearing a later date or by attending the meeting and voting in person.
SOLICITATION
We will pay the costs of this solicitation. In addition, we may reimburse
brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of shares for
expenses incurred in forwarding solicitation materials to beneficial owners.
Proxies also may be solicited by certain of our directors and officers,
personally or by telephone, without additional compensation.
ANNUAL REPORT AND OTHER MATTERS
The 1999 Annual Report to Stockholders, which was mailed to stockholders
with or preceding this proxy statement, contains financial and other information
about our activities, but is not incorporated into this proxy statement and is
not to be considered a part of these proxy soliciting materials. The information
contained in the "Report of the Human Resource/Compensation/Organization
Committee of the Board of Directors" below and "Company Performance Graph" below
shall not be deemed "filed" with the Securities and Exchange Commission or
subject to Regulations 14A or 14C or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
WE WILL PROVIDE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH STOCKHOLDER OF
RECORD AS OF THE RECORD DATE, A COPY OF OUR ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1999 AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.
ANY EXHIBITS LISTED IN THE FORM 10-K REPORT ALSO WILL BE FURNISHED UPON REQUEST
AT THE ACTUAL EXPENSE WE INCUR IN FURNISHING SUCH EXHIBITS. ANY SUCH REQUESTS
SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO OUR SECRETARY AT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICES SET FORTH IN THIS
PROXY STATEMENT.
2
<PAGE> 5
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS, DIRECTORS
AND OFFICERS
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to
beneficial ownership of our common stock on September 28, 1999, except as
indicated, by (i) each director and each nominee for director; (ii) the
executive officers set forth in the Summary Compensation Table under the section
entitled "Executive Compensation;" (iii) all of our directors and executive
officers as a group; and (iv) each person known by us to be the beneficial owner
of more than 5% of our common stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT
BENEFICIALLY
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED(1)(2)(3) PERCENT(2)
- ------------------------ -------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
DIRECTORS AND NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:
John B. Furman.............................................. 252,339(4) 1.7
Robert E. Ramsey............................................ 556,773(5) 3.8
Jack E. Brucker............................................. 62,334(6) *
William R. Crowell.......................................... 158,979(7) 1.1
Mark E. Liebner............................................. 247,499(8) 1.7
James H. Bolin.............................................. 224,076(9) 1.5
Mary Anne Carpenter......................................... 12,500(10) *
Cor J. Clement.............................................. 35,750(11) *
Louis G. Jekel.............................................. 141,799(12) 1.0
William C. Turner........................................... 28,000(13) *
Louis A. Witzeman........................................... 147,148(14) 1.0
Henry G. Walker............................................. 15,000(15) *
Warren S. Rustand........................................... 295,249(16) 2.0
Robert T. Edwards........................................... 214,060(17) 1.5
Executive officers and directors as a group (14 persons).... 2,451,943 15.2
5% STOCKHOLDERS:
ESOP........................................................ 903,282(18) 5.8
Wellington Management Company, LLC.......................... 1,391,500(19) 9.6
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Less than 1%
(1) Except as indicated, and subject to community property laws when applicable,
the persons named in the table above have sole voting and investment power
with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by
them.
(2) The percentages shown are calculated based upon 14,577,468 shares of common
stock outstanding on September 28, 1999. The number and percentages shown
include the shares of common stock actually owned as of September 28, 1999
and the shares of common stock that the identified person or group had a
right to acquire within 60 days after September 28, 1999. In calculating the
percentage of ownership, shares are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose
of computing the percentage of shares of common stock owned by such person,
but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the
percentage of shares of common stock owned by any other stockholders.
(3) Excludes the following fully vested shares of common stock held by the ESOP
for the benefit of the following individuals: four shares for Mr. Brucker,
376 shares for Mr. Crowell, 22,918 shares for Mr. Edwards, 5,664 shares for
Mr. Jekel, 1,035 shares for Mr. Liebner, four shares for Mr. Ramsey, and
3
<PAGE> 6
45 shares for Mr. Rustand. These persons have sole voting power with respect
to the shares held in their account by the ESOP.
(4) Includes 250,339 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock
options.
(5) Includes 63,250 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock
options. Does not include 315,253 shares held by the Ramsey SW Revocable
Trust dated August 31, 1999, Robert L'Ecuyer, Trustee, for which Mr. Ramsey
disclaims beneficial ownership.
(6) Represents shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options.
(7) Includes 141,793 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock
options.
(8) Includes 185,780 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock
options.
(9) Includes 166,401 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock
options and 53,509 shares held by the Bolin Revocable Trust UA dated
February 27, 1996, James H. Bolin and Sandra L. Bolin, Trustees.
(10) Represents shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options.
(11) Includes 11,250 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock
options.
(12) Includes 67,500 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock
options; 3,175 shares held by the Louis G. Jekel Charitable Remainder Trust
UA dated March 1, 1996; and 71,124 shares held by a partnership of which
Mr. Jekel is the beneficial owner.
(13) Includes 20,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock
options.
(14) Includes 36,062 shares held by the Louis A. Witzeman, Jr. Family Investment
Limited Partnership, of which 6,650 shares are held for the benefit of
other family members. Also includes 61,875 shares of common stock issuable
upon the exercise of stock options.
(15) Represents shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options.
(16) Includes 266,250 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock
options. Mr. Rustand served as our Chief Executive Officer and President
until his resignation in August 1998.
(17) Includes 187,980 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock
options. Mr. Edwards served as our Executive Vice President until his
retirement in January 1999.
(18) The address of the Rural/Metro Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan is
c/o Rural/Metro Corporation, 8401 East Indian School Road, Scottsdale,
Arizona 85251.
(19) Represents 1,391,500 shares of common stock beneficially owned by
Wellington Management Company, LLP ("WMC"). WMC has shared voting power
with respect to 749,500 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to
1,391,500 shares of common stock. All shares of our common stock are owned
of record by clients of WMC, for which it serves as investment adviser. No
such client is known to have such right or power with respect to more than
5% of common stock. The address of WMC is 75 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109. Beneficial ownership information is based upon a
Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as of
February 9, 1999.
PROPOSAL TO ELECT DIRECTORS
NOMINEES
Our certificate of incorporation provides that the number of directors
shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors or
stockholders. Presently, the number of directors is fixed at eight and that
number of directors is divided into three classes, with one class standing for
election each year for three-year terms. The Board of Directors has nominated
MR. JEKEL and MR. TURNER for re-election as Class II directors for three-year
terms expiring in 2002 or until their respective successors are elected and
qualified.
Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies
received by them for each of the nominees named above. In the event that any of
the nominees is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the
meeting, the proxies will be voted for a nominee, if any, designated by the
current Board of
4
<PAGE> 7
Directors to fill the vacancy. It is not expected that either of the nominees
will be unable or will decline to serve as a director.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" the nominees named above.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our directors
and nominees for director:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERM
NAME AGE POSITION EXPIRES
- ---- --- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
John B. Furman............ 55 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director 2001
Cor J. Clement............ 51 Chairman of the Board and Director (3) 2000
Robert E. Ramsey.......... 53 Executive Vice President and Director 2001
Louis G. Jekel............ 58 Vice Chairman of the Board, Secretary and Director 1999
William C. Turner......... 70 Director (1)(2)(3)(4) 1999
Henry G. Walker........... 52 Director (1)(3)(4) 2000
Mary Anne Carpenter....... 54 Director (1)(4) 2001
Louis A. Witzeman......... 74 Director (1)(2) 2001
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Member of the Human Resource/Compensation/Organization Committee.
(2) Member of the Nominating Committee.
(3) Member of the Executive Committee.
(4) Member of the Audit Committee.
JOHN B. FURMAN has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer
since August 1998 and has been a member of our Board of Directors since November
1998. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Furman was a Senior Member and Chairman
of the business law and financial services group of O'Connor, Cavanagh,
Anderson, Killingsworth & Beshears, a professional association, a Phoenix,
Arizona-based law firm, which he joined in December 1983. As a member of that
firm, Mr. Furman served as our primary outside counsel for more than 10 years,
representing us in substantially all of our acquisitions and capital market
activities. From April 1978 to December 1983, he was Associate General Counsel
for Waste Management, Inc.
COR J. CLEMENT has served as Chairman of our Board of Directors since
August 1998 and as a member of our Board of Directors since May 1992. Mr.
Clement served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors from August 1994 to
August 1998. Mr. Clement served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of
NVD, an international provider of security and industrial fire protection
services headquartered in the Netherlands, from February 1980 until his
retirement in January 1997.
ROBERT E. RAMSEY has served as our Executive Vice President since August
1998 and as a member of our Board of Directors since June 1997. He served as our
Senior Vice President from June 1997 until August 1998. Prior to that time, Mr.
Ramsey served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Southwest
companies, which he founded in 1982. The Southwest companies were purchased by
us in June 1997.
LOUIS G. JEKEL has served as our Secretary and as a member of our Board of
Directors since 1968 and as Vice Chairman of our Board of Directors since August
1998. Mr. Jekel directs our Wildland Fire Protection Operations with the State
of Arizona and the federal government. Mr. Jekel is a partner in the law firm of
Jekel & Howard, Scottsdale, Arizona.
WILLIAM C. TURNER has been a member of our Board of Directors since
November 1993. Mr. Turner is currently Chairman and Chief Executive of Argyle
Atlantic Corporation, an international merchant banking and management
consulting firm; a director of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company; a director of
Microtest, Inc.; a trustee and executive committee member of the United States
Council for International Business; and a Trustee and past Chairman of the
American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird). Mr. Turner
is also a former United States Ambassador and permanent representative to the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
5
<PAGE> 8
HENRY G. WALKER has been a member of our Board of Directors since September
1997. Since April 1997, he has served as President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Sisters of Providence Health System, comprised of hospitals, long-term
care facilities, physician practices, managed care plans, and other health and
social services. From 1996 to March 1997, Mr. Walker served as President and
Chief Executive Officer of Health Partners of Arizona, a state-wide managed care
company. From 1992 to 1996, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer
of Health Partners of Southern Arizona, a healthcare delivery system. Mr. Walker
is a member of the National Advisory Council of the Healthcare Forum, and also
serves as a director of Consolidated Catholic Healthcare, a private non-profit
company.
MARY ANNE CARPENTER has been a member of our Board of Directors since
January 1998. Since January 1993, Ms. Carpenter has served as Executive Vice
President and Executive Committee member of First Health Group Corp., a publicly
traded managed health care company. From October 1991 until January 1993, Ms.
Carpenter served as Senior Vice President, and from July 1986 through October
1991, as Vice President of First Health Group Corp. Ms. Carpenter is a board
member of the American Association of Health Plans and has served on panels for
several other national health care organizations.
LOUIS A. WITZEMAN is the founder of our company. Mr. Witzeman has served
as a member of our Board of Directors since our formation in 1948, currently
serving as Chairman of the Board Emeritus. Mr. Witzeman served as our Chief
Executive Officer until his retirement in 1980.
Directors hold office until their successors have been elected and
qualified. All officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. There
are no family relationships among any of our directors or officers.
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our bylaws authorize the Board of Directors to appoint among its members
one or more committees composed of one or more directors. As of October 1, 1999,
the Board of Directors had appointed the following standing committees: a Human
Resource/Compensation/Organization Committee; a Nominating Committee; an
Executive Committee; and an Audit Committee.
The Human Resource/Compensation/Organization Committee. The Human
Resource/Compensation/Organization Committee reviews and acts on matters
relating to compensation levels and benefit plans for our key executives. The
Human Resource/Compensation/Organization Committee also reviews the succession
planning for key executive personnel, monitors employee relations issues, and
oversees senior management structure. The Committee held three formal meetings
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999.
Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee met separately at one
formal meeting during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999. The Nominating
Committee reviews credentials of existing and prospective directors and selects
classes of directors.
Executive Committee. The Executive Committee met separately at one formal
meeting during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999. The Executive Committee acts
as a liaison between management and the Board of Directors. At times the Board
of Directors empowers the Executive Committee to take certain actions on behalf
of the Board of Directors between regularly scheduled meetings.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee met separately at three formal
meetings during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999. The Audit Committee reviews
the annual financial statements and significant accounting issues and the scope
of the audit with our independent auditors and is available to discuss with the
auditors any other audit related matters that may arise during the year.
Our Board of Directors held a total of four meetings during the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1999. Each of the directors attended at least 75% of the
aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors, and
(ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which
such director was a member.
6
<PAGE> 9
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION
Officers who serve on the Board of Directors receive no additional
compensation. We paid a director's fee in fiscal 1999 to Mr. Clement of $45,000
plus reimbursement for expenses for each Board or committee meeting attended.
Messrs. Jekel and Witzeman receive compensation for consulting services, which
includes serving on the Board of Directors. Companies owned by Mr. Ramsey
received certain lease payments. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions." James H. Bolin, a former director, received compensation pursuant
to a consulting agreement. See "Executive Compensation -- Employment Agreements
and Stock Grant Agreements" and "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions." We pay all other non-employee Board members an annual retainer of
$15,000 plus $1,000 for each Board meeting attended, $500 for each Board meeting
participated in telephonically, $500 for each committee meeting attended, and
$250 for each committee meeting participated in telephonically. We also pay
$2,500 annually to any non-employee chairman of each of the committees of the
Board of Directors. Under the terms of our 1992 Plan, non-employee directors
receive (i) stock options to purchase 10,000 shares upon their first election to
the Board of Directors and options to purchase 2,500 shares at the meeting of
the Board of Directors held immediately after the annual meeting of stockholders
(except that the Chairman of the Board receives stock options to acquire 5,000
shares), and (ii) each year each non-employee Board member receives stock
options to acquire a number of shares equal to 1,000 shares for each $0.05
increase in our earnings per share over the previous fiscal year, subject to a
maximum of 5,000 shares of stock per non-employee Board member. See "Executive
Compensation -- 1992 Stock Option Plan."
In fiscal 1999, the Company granted to the following individuals options to
purchase the following shares of common stock: 148,005 to Mr. Furman, 41,250 to
Mr. Ramsey, 15,000 to Mr. Edwards, 5,000 to Mr. Clement, and 2,500 to each of
Messrs. Bolin, Jekel, Turner, Walker, Witzeman, and Ms. Carpenter. The options
have exercise prices ranging from $6.63 to $11.81 per share.
7
<PAGE> 10
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY OF CASH AND OTHER COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the total compensation received for services
rendered to us in all capacities for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1997, 1998,
and 1999 by our Chief Executive Officer and our four most highly compensated
executive officers who were in office at June 30, 1999. The table also sets
forth this information for our former Chief Executive Officer and another
executive officer who were no longer with our company at June 30, 1999, whose
aggregate cash compensation exceeded $100,000.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM
COMPENSATION
-----------------------
AWARDS
-----------------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION RESTRICTED SECURITIES
----------------------------- STOCK UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
SALARY BONUS AWARD(S) OPTIONS COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION AT YEAR-END YEAR ($)(1) ($)(1) ($)(2) (#) ($)(3)
- --------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John B. Furman....................... 1999 $239,270 -- -- 148,005 $ 80,769(5)
Chief Executive Officer and
President(4)
Robert E. Ramsey..................... 1999 $238,460 -- -- 41,250 --
Executive Vice President 1998 $201,154 -- -- 20,000 --
Jack E. Brucker...................... 1999 $250,000 $ 25,000 $45,000(7) 39,000 $ 65,559(8)
Senior Vice President and Chief 1998 $139,423 -- -- 21,000 $ 10,109(8)
Operating Officer(6)
Mark E. Liebner...................... 1999 $239,461 -- -- 33,600 $ 3,200
Senior Vice President, Chief 1998 $192,706 -- -- 20,000 $ 3,200(9)
Financial Officer and Treasurer 1997 $163,474 $ 27,797 -- 34,763 $ 3,000
William R. Crowell................... 1999 $208,788 -- -- 30,900 $ 3,200
Senior Vice President 1998 $161,774 -- -- 20,000 $ 3,200(9)
1997 $151,105 $ 26,492 -- 30,851 $ 2,670
Warren S. Rustand.................... 1999 $333,915(11) -- -- -- $108,200(13)
Former Chief Executive Officer 1998 $407,267(14) $145,125(12) -- 22,500 $108,200(9)(13)
and Former President(10) 1997 $386,000(15) $172,317(12) -- 22,500 $105,000(13)
Robert T. Edwards.................... 1999 $269,584(17) -- -- 15,000 $ 3,200
Former Executive Vice 1998 $245,068 -- -- 22,500 $ 3,200(9)
President(16) 1997 $217,000 $ 21,766 -- 49,230 $ 3,000
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Other annual compensation did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of
the total salary and bonus for any of the officers listed.
(2) At June 30, 1999, Messrs. Rustand, Edwards, Liebner, and Crowell held
27,500, 4,166, 52,500, and 5,000 shares of common stock, respectively,
subject to certain transfer and forfeiture restrictions. The fair market
value of such shares at June 30, 1999 was $264,688, $40,098, $505,313, and
$48,125, respectively. See "Executive Compensation -- Employment Agreements
and Stock Grant Agreements."
(3) Unless otherwise indicated, consists of company-matching contributions to
our 401(k) plan paid in cash.
(4) Mr. Furman became our President and Chief Executive Officer in August 1998.
(5) Represents additional compensation pursuant to an employment agreement with
Mr. Furman.
(6) Mr. Brucker became our Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in
December 1997.
(7) Represents fair market value of restricted stock grants that vested in
December 1998.
(8) We paid Mr. Brucker $10,109 in fiscal 1998 and $62,359 in fiscal 1999 for
relocation costs, including moving expenses and closing costs on the sale
of his former residence.
8
<PAGE> 11
(9) Represents or includes 449 shares of common stock contributed to our 401(k)
plan on September 1, 1998 as our matching contribution.
(10) Mr. Rustand was President and Chief Executive Officer of our company until
his resignation in August 1998.
(11) Includes $273,415 of severance payments made to Mr. Rustand under his
Severance Agreement.
(12) Includes cash awards paid to Mr. Rustand of $145,125 in fiscal 1998 and
$126,557 in fiscal 1997 to pay tax liabilities in connection with the
vesting of a previously awarded stock grant.
(13) We paid $105,000 in insurance premiums in each of fiscal 1997, 1998, and
1999 under an agreement with Mr. Rustand to assist in purchasing split
dollar life insurance.
(14) Includes $100,000 in salary earned by Mr. Rustand in fiscal 1998 but
deferred to a future year.
(15) Includes $100,000 in salary earned by Mr. Rustand in fiscal 1997 but
deferred to a future year.
(16) Mr. Edwards served as our Executive Vice President until his retirement in
January 1999. Mr. Edwards was engaged by us as a special consultant through
June 1999. See discussion at "Executive Compensation -- Employment
Agreements and Stock Grant Agreements."
(17) Includes $134,969 of severance payments made to Mr. Edwards under his
Severance Agreement.
OPTION GRANTS
The following table represents the options granted to the listed officers
in the last fiscal year and the value of the options.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES PERCENT OF
UNDERLYING TOTAL OPTIONS
OPTIONS GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR GRANT DATE
GRANTED EMPLOYEES IN BASE PRICE EXPIRATION PRESENT VALUE
(#) FISCAL YEAR ($/SH) DATE $(4)
---------- ------------- ----------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John B. Furman.................. 100,000(1) 10% 6.63 2008 $189,270
15,500(2) 2% 7.13 2008 $ 41,389
32,505(3) 3% 8.00 2009 $ 74,290
Robert E. Ramsey................ 15,000(2) 1% 7.13 2008 $ 40,054
26,250(3) 3% 8.00 2009 $ 59,994
Jack E. Brucker................. 14,000(2) 1% 7.13 2008 $ 37,383
25,000(3) 2% 8.00 2009 $ 57,138
Mark E. Liebner................. 12,000(2) 1% 7.13 2008 $ 32,043
21,600(3) 2% 8.00 2009 $ 49,367
William R. Crowell.............. 12,000(2) 1% 7.13 2008 $ 32,043
18,900(3) 2% 8.00 2009 $ 43,196
Warren S. Rustand............... -- -- -- --
Robert T. Edwards............... 15,000(2) 1% 7.13 2008 $ 40,054
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The options became exercisable upon their grant in August 1998.
(2) The options vest and become exercisable as follows: one-third at grant date
in August 1998, one-third in August 1999, and one-third in August 2000.
(3) The options became exercisable upon their grant in April 1999.
(4) The hypothetical present value of the options at the date of grant was
determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes
model estimates the present value of an option by considering a number of
factors, including the exercise price of the option, the volatility of our
common stock, the dividend rate, the term of the option, the time it is
expected to be outstanding, and interest rates. The
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<PAGE> 12
Black-Scholes values were calculated using the following assumptions: (a) a
risk-free interest rate of 5.20%; (b) a dividend yield of 0.00%; (c) an expected
life of the option after vesting of 1.33 years; and (d) an expected volatility
of 57.66%.
OPTION EXERCISES AND HOLDINGS
The following table represents certain information respecting the options
held by the listed officers as of June 30, 1999. None of the officers listed
exercised options during fiscal 1999.
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
FISCAL YEAR-END AT FISCAL YEAR-END
(#) ($)(2)
---------------------------- ----------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John B. Furman............................. 137,672 10,333 365,738 25,833
Robert E. Ramsey........................... 51,250 10,000 55,156 25,000
Jack E. Brucker............................ 50,667 9,333 52,293 23,333
Mark E. Liebner............................ 170,947 12,166 45,100 20,000
William R. Crowell......................... 126,960 12,166 40,713 20,000
Warren S. Rustand.......................... 216,250 100,000 -- --
Robert T. Edwards.......................... 178,814 14,166 12,500 25,000
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Calculated based on the market price at exercise multiplied by the number of
options exercised less the total exercise price of the options exercised.
(2) Calculated based on $9.63, which was the closing sales price of our common
stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market on June 30, 1999, multiplied
by the number of applicable shares in-the-money less the total exercise
price.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND STOCK GRANT AGREEMENTS
In August 1998, John B. Furman became our Chief Executive Officer and
President. We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Furman for a
one-year term, which by its terms has been renewed for an additional year. Under
Mr. Furman's employment agreement, he is receiving a base salary of $392,500. In
connection with the agreement, we granted Mr. Furman stock options to purchase
100,000 shares of our common stock under the 1992 Plan. These stock options were
fully vested and exercisable on the date of grant. Under the employment
agreement, we granted Mr. Furman options to purchase an additional 100,000
shares of our common stock upon the renewal of the agreement. Mr. Furman's
employment agreement provides that should we terminate his employment agreement
without cause, or should he terminate his employment agreement for good reason,
he will receive his base salary and additional compensation for the remainder of
the employment term, and $350,000 for one year thereafter. We are currently
negotiating a new employment agreement with Mr. Furman.
Employment agreements with Messrs. Brucker, Liebner, and Crowell expire in
December 1999. The employment agreement with Mr. Ramsey was entered into at the
time of our acquisition of his companies, the Southwest companies, and expires
in 2002. Subject to annual review of the Human
Resources/Compensation/Organization Committee of the Board of Directors, each
agreement provides for a base salary (which currently are as follows: Mr. Ramsey
$257,800; Mr. Brucker $250,000; Mr. Liebner $240,000; and Mr. Crowell,
$210,000), and entitles the executive to participate in stock option plans and
other generally available benefit programs.
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<PAGE> 13
Each executive participates in our management incentive program that
provides bonuses to executive officers and other members of management based
upon our achieving certain financial and operating goals as well as the
achievement of individual objectives established for each participant.
Each employment agreement generally provides for each executive to receive
certain severance benefits if (i) we decide not to renew the agreement for an
additional term; (ii) we terminate the executive without cause; (iii) the
executive terminates the agreement for good reason; or (iv) the executive
becomes disabled and is unable to perform his duties.
Each of the employment agreements (with the exception of Mr. Ramsey's)
generally provide that if we decide not to renew the employment agreement, the
executive will receive his base salary plus certain benefits for one year.
Because Mr. Ramsey's employment agreement was entered into as part of our
acquisition of his companies, the Southwest companies, his contract does not
provide for a renewal term or severance benefits upon termination after June
2000. Should we terminate the executive without cause, the executive will
receive his base salary plus certain benefits for the greater of (i) the
remainder of the contract term or (ii) one year. If the executive terminates the
agreement for good reason, the agreement provides that the executive will
receive his base salary plus certain benefits for one year. Should the executive
become disabled and unable to perform his duties, we will continue to pay the
executive's salary for a period of six months (three months for Mr. Ramsey and
one year for Mr. Furman).
In addition, each agreement provides for us to indemnify the executive for
certain liabilities arising from actions taken within the scope of employment.
Each employment agreement contains restrictive covenants pursuant to which the
executive has agreed not to compete with us or to solicit any of our clients or
employees of for a period of two years (one year for Mr. Furman) after the
executive's employment ceases.
Change of control agreements entered into by Messrs. Furman, Brucker,
Liebner, and Crowell provide that in the event of a change of control and the
surviving entity or individuals in control do not offer such persons employment,
terminate their employment, or such persons terminate their employment for good
reason, such persons will receive two years' severance pay plus certain
benefits, including the acceleration of exercisability of their stock options or
the payment of the value of such stock options in the event they are not
accelerated or replaced with comparable options. For purposes of the change of
control agreements, "good reason" includes a reduction of their respective
duties and/or salary or the surviving entity's failure to assume their
respective employment and change of control agreements. In the case of Mr.
Liebner and Mr. Crowell, they are entitled to receive benefits under the change
of control agreements if they elect to terminate their employment for any or no
reason within two years following a change of control. For purposes of the
change of control agreements, a "change of control" includes (i) the acquisition
of beneficial ownership by certain persons, acting alone or in concert with
others, of 30% or more of the combined voting power of our then outstanding
voting securities; (ii) during any two-year period, our Board members at the
beginning of such period cease to constitute at least a majority thereof (except
that any new Board member approved by at least two-thirds of the Board members
then still in office, who were directors at the beginning of such period, is
considered to be a member of the current Board); or (iii) approval by our
stockholders of certain reorganizations, mergers, consolidations, liquidations,
or sales of all or substantially all of our assets. Mr. Edwards' change of
control agreement terminated January 1, 1999. We are currently negotiating a new
change of control agreement with Mr. Furman.
In conjunction with their employment agreements, each of Messrs. Bolin,
Edwards, Liebner, and Crowell each entered into a Conditional Stock Grant
Agreement. Each stock grant agreement provides for the issuance of shares of
common stock, subject to certain transfer and forfeiture restrictions, and
restricts the executive from transferring any shares issued thereunder until the
lapse of the forfeiture restrictions. Each stock grant agreement also provides
for the forfeiture of all shares issued to the executive thereunder if the
executive leaves our employ for any reason within the two-year period after the
date of the agreement and for the forfeiture of certain shares after such period
if the executive violates the noncompetition or nonsolicitation covenants
contained in the executive's employment agreement.
Mr. Rustand resigned as Chairman of the Board of Directors, President,
Chief Executive Officer, and a Director of the Company in August 1998. Upon his
resignation, we and Mr. Rustand entered into a Severance
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<PAGE> 14
Agreement dated August 24, 1998. Under the severance agreement, Mr. Rustand
receives (i) annual salary of $316,400 through August 2000; (ii) deferred
compensation under a Deferred Compensation Agreement of approximately $65,000
for 1998; (iii) certain health, disability, and other benefits through August
2000; and (iv) certain housing expenses through January 1999. We will continue
to pay the premiums through August 2000 for a life insurance contract for
$2,000,000 pursuant to a split dollar life insurance agreement. In conjunction
with the severance agreement, Mr. Rustand will have until August 24, 2002 to
exercise all of his issued and outstanding stock options with our company. We
will waive any right under those stock option agreements to repurchase shares
acquired by Mr. Rustand upon exercise of the stock options. The restricted stock
granted to Mr. Rustand under the Restricted Stock Agreement will continue to
vest ratably through April 2000; however, as the shares vest, we will not be
obligated to pay any cash award to Mr. Rustand in connection with his federal
and state income tax liability. The severance agreement also provides that Mr.
Rustand will not, in any manner whatsoever, engage in the same or similar
business as us in any geographical service area where we are engaged in business
through August 2000. We and Mr. Rustand executed a mutual release in connection
with his resignation.
Mr. Edwards' employment agreement expired on December 31, 1998. Mr. Edwards
retired as our Executive Vice President on January 1, 1999. Under his employment
agreement, Mr. Edwards was entitled to receive an annual salary of $250,000 and
certain health, disability, and other benefits through December 2000. Mr.
Edwards will have until June 2002 to exercise all of his issued and outstanding
stock options with our company. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Edwards may
not, in any manner whatsoever, engage in the same or similar business as us in
any geographical service area where we are engaged in business through December
2000. Mr. Edwards entered into a consulting agreement with us for a six-month
term, which expired on June 30, 1999. Under the consulting agreement, Mr.
Edwards acted as a special consultant to our President for special assignments.
Under his consulting agreement, Mr. Edwards received a base consulting fee of
$3,500 per month, plus additional hourly fees when Mr. Edwards provided more
than 25 hours of consulting services per month. The consulting agreement did not
alter or modify the Conditional Stock Grant and Repurchase Agreement Mr. Edwards
entered into on May 14, 1993. The consulting agreement provides for the same
noncompete and nonsolicitation provisions as contained in the employment
agreement described above.
Mr. Bolin, our former President, entered into a consulting agreement upon
his retirement and the expiration of his employment agreement on January 1,
1998. His consulting agreement provides that he will be engaged by us as a
special consultant through January 2002 and to serve the balance of his term on
the Board of Directors, which will end in November 1999. The consulting
agreement further provides for an annual base consulting fee of $118,000 and
entitles Mr. Bolin to participate in any benefit plans that we maintain for our
employees. Payment of the consulting fee will continue for the term of the
consulting agreement if Mr. Bolin is terminated without cause or if Mr. Bolin
terminates the consulting agreement for good reason and will continue for 12
months if Mr. Bolin should become disabled. The consulting agreement does not
alter or modify the Conditional Stock Grant and Repurchase Agreement Mr. Bolin
entered into on May 14, 1993, or alter or modify several stock option agreements
previously entered into by Mr. Bolin. The consulting agreement provides for the
same noncompete and nonsolicitation provisions as contained in the employment
agreements described above. The consulting agreement provides that in the event
of a change of control, amounts due under the consulting agreement will be
calculated and paid in one lump sum within 30 days of the effective date of the
change of control. Change of control is defined the same as in the change of
control agreements discussed above.
EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
The ESOP is a tax-qualified employee stock ownership trust for the benefit
of our current and former employees age 21 or over. The ESOP was established in
1978 through the purchase from Louis A. Witzeman, our founder, of approximately
63% of our then outstanding common stock in exchange for real estate and a note
in the principal amount of $728,000, with interest at 10% per annum, which note
has been paid in full. From time to time since the establishment of the ESOP, we
have contributed newly issued shares and treasury shares of common stock and
cash as employer contributions. The ESOP has used these cash contributions to
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<PAGE> 15
pay the note to Mr. Witzeman and to repurchase shares of common stock
distributed from the ESOP. No contributions were made for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999. As of September 28, 1999, there were
approximately 5,600 participants in the ESOP.
Dean P. Hoffman and Barry Landon are the Trustees of the ESOP. Our ESOP
Advisory Committee is responsible for directing the Trustee in the general
administration of the ESOP. With respect to the shares of our common stock held
by the ESOP, the participants in the ESOP are authorized to control how votes
are cast by giving instructions to the Trustee; however, if and to the extent
that the Trustee does not receive participant instructions, the Trustee will
vote the shares in accordance with instructions from our Advisory Committee.
Each participant may control the voting of such shares in the proportion that
the value of that participant's benefit in the ESOP fund bears to the total
value of all benefits therein. The ESOP permits any fully vested employee to
receive an in-service distribution of up to 50% of his or her account balance
while employed by us. An in-service distribution results in deferment of the
receipt of the balance of such employee's account until three years after the
employee's termination of employment other than as a result of the employee's
retirement at the ESOP's normal retirement age, disability, or death.
Participants in the ESOP otherwise may only request distribution of their ESOP
account balance in shares of common stock under certain circumstances including
termination of employment, early retirement, retirement, death, or disability.
In fiscal 1999, 88,704 shares were so distributed. In addition, upon completion
of 10 plan years of service and attainment of age 55, participants have the
right to direct the investment of 25% of their accounts into other diversified
investments.
In July 1999, our board of directors approved an amendment to "freeze" the
ESOP, effective June 30, 1999, with respect to all employees other than members
of collective bargaining agreements that include participation in the ESOP. All
participants' accounts were fully vested as of June 30, 1999. We do not intend
to make any contributions to the ESOP in the future.
1989 STOCK OPTION PLAN
The 1989 Stock Option Plan provides for the granting of nonqualified stock
options. Options may be issued to our key employees and directors. There are
currently outstanding options to acquire 142,625 shares of our common stock
under the 1989 Plan. No additional options will be issued under the 1989 Plan.
The expiration date, maximum number of shares purchasable, and the other
provisions of the options, including vesting provisions, were established at the
time of grant. Options were granted for terms of up to 10 years and become
exercisable in whole or in one or more installments at such time as was
determined by the plan administrator upon the grant of the options. Exercise
prices of options are equal to the fair market value of our common stock at the
time of the grant. In the event of a change of control of our company, all
options will be terminated and the optionholder must be paid in cash the
difference between the fair market value of his or her options and their
exercise price.
1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN
GENERAL
The 1992 Plan, as amended, is divided into two programs: the Discretionary
Grant Program and the Automatic Option Program. The Discretionary Grant Program
provides for the granting of options to acquire our common stock, the direct
granting of our common stock, the granting of stock appreciation rights, or
SARs, and the granting of other cash awards. Options and awards under the 1992
Plan may be issued to executives, key employees, and others providing valuable
services to us. The options issued may be incentive stock options or
nonqualified stock options. We believe that the Discretionary Grant Program
represents an important factor in attracting and retaining executives and other
key employees and constitutes a significant part of the compensation program for
employees. The Automatic Option Program provides for the automatic grant of
options to acquire our common stock. Automatic options are granted to members of
our Board of Directors who are not employed by us. We believe that the Automatic
Option Program promotes our interests by providing such directors the
opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest, or otherwise increase their
proprietary interest, in our company and an increased personal interest in our
continued success and progress.
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<PAGE> 16
If any change is made in the stock subject to the 1992 Plan, or subject to
any option or SAR granted under the 1992 Plan (through merger, consolidation,
reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, split-up, combination of
shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure, or otherwise), the
1992 Plan provides that appropriate adjustments will be made as to the maximum
number of shares subject to the 1992 Plan and the number of shares and exercise
price per share of stock subject to outstanding options. An optionholder will
not have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to optioned shares
until the holder exercises the option.
ELIGIBILITY AND ADMINISTRATION
Options and awards may be granted only to persons who at the time of grant
are either (i) our key personnel (including officers and directors), or (ii)
consultants and independent contractors who provide valuable services to us.
Options that are incentive stock options may be granted only to our key
personnel who are also our employees.
The eligible persons under the Discretionary Grant Program are divided into
two groups, and there will be a separate administrator for each group. One group
consists of eligible persons who are our executive officers and directors and
all persons who own 10% or more of our issued and outstanding stock. The power
to administer the Discretionary Grant Program with respect to those persons may
be vested either with the Board of Directors or with the Senior Committee, a
committee comprised of two or more "Non-Employee Directors" (as that term is
defined in Rule 16(b)(3)(i) under the 1934 Act) who are appointed by the Board.
The Senior Committee, in its sole discretion, may require approval of the Board
of Directors for specific grants of options or awards under the Discretionary
Grant Program. Members of the Senior Committee may participate in the
Discretionary Grant Program as permitted by the rules. The second group consists
of eligible persons who are not our executive officers or directors and those
who do not own 10% or more of our issued and outstanding stock. The power to
administer the Discretionary Grant Program with respect to the second group of
eligible persons may be vested exclusively with our Board of Directors or with a
committee of two or more directors. Each plan administrator will determine (a)
which of the eligible persons in its group will be granted options and awards,
(b) the amount and timing of such grant, and (c) such other terms and conditions
as may be imposed by the plan administrator consistent with the 1992 Plan.
To the extent that granted options are incentive stock options, the terms
and conditions of those options must be consistent with the qualification
requirements set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. The maximum number of
shares of stock with respect to which options or awards may be granted to any
employee during the term of the 1992 Plan may not exceed 25% of the shares of
stock covered by the 1992 Plan.
EXERCISE OF OPTIONS
The expiration date, maximum number of shares purchasable, and other
provisions of the options, including vesting provisions, are established at the
time of grant. Options may be granted for terms of up to 10 years. Options vest
and thereby become exercisable in whole or in one or more installments at such
time as may be determined by the plan administrator upon the grant of the
options. However, a plan administrator has the discretion to provide for the
automatic acceleration of the vesting of any options or awards granted under the
Discretionary Grant Program in the event of a "change in control" as defined in
the 1992 Plan.
The exercise prices of options are determined by the plan administrator,
but if the option is intended to be an incentive stock option, it may not be
less than 100% (110% if the option is granted to a stockholder who at the time
the option is granted owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined
voting power of all classes of our stock) of the fair market value of our common
stock at the time of the grant.
Options or awards granted under the Discretionary Grant Program may be
assigned, encumbered, or otherwise transferred by the optionholder or grantee if
specifically allowed by the plan administrator upon the grant of the option or
award. If any optionholder ceases to be employed by us for a reason other than
disability, death, the optionholder or the optionholder's successor may, within
three months after the termination of employment, exercise some or all of the
vested incentive stock options held by the employee. If the
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<PAGE> 17
optionholder ceases to be employed due to disability, the three-month period is
extended to 12 months. However, termination for cause terminates all options
held by the employee.
Under the 1992 Plan, options that are not incentive stock options and which
are outstanding at the time an optionholder's service to our company will
terminate three months after the date of termination of service, unless
otherwise determined by the plan administrator. If the service to our company
terminates by reason of the optionholder's permanent disability, however, the
options will terminate 12 months after the date of termination of service,
unless otherwise determined by the plan administrator. However, if the
optionholder is discharged for cause, all options held by the optionholder will
terminate immediately.
AWARDS
The plan administrators also may grant awards to eligible persons under the
1992 Plan. Awards may be granted in the form of SARs, stock awards, or cash
awards. Through June 30, 1999, stock awards in the amount of 35,916 shares have
been granted under the 1992 Plan.
Awards granted in the form of SARs entitle the recipient to receive a
payment equal to the appreciation in market value of a stated number of shares
of common stock from the price stated in the award agreement to the market value
of the common stock on the date first exercised or surrendered. The plan
administrators may determine, consistent with the 1992 Plan, such terms,
conditions, restrictions, and limitations, if any, on any SARs.
Awards granted in the form of stock awards entitle the recipient to receive
common stock directly. Awards granted in the form of cash entitle the recipient
to receive direct payments of cash depending on the market value or the
appreciation of the common stock or our other securities. The plan
administrators may determine such other terms, conditions and limitations, if
any, on any awards.
The 1992 Plan provides that it is not intended to be the exclusive means by
which we may issue options or warrants to acquire our common stock, stock
awards, or any other type of award. To the extent permitted by applicable law,
we may issue any other options, warrants, or awards other than under the 1992
Plan without stockholder approval.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AUTOMATIC OPTIONS
The 1992 Plan provides that (i) each year at the meeting of the Board of
Directors held immediately after the annual meeting of stockholders, each
eligible director will be granted an automatic option to acquire 2,500 shares of
common stock (except that the Chairman of the Board will receive an automatic
option to acquire 5,000 shares if the chairman is an eligible director), and
(ii) each year each eligible director will receive an automatic option, or
Formula Option, to acquire a number of shares equal to 1,000 shares for each
$0.05 increase of earnings per share from the prior fiscal year, subject to a
maximum of 5,000 shares of stock per eligible director. Automatic options (other
than the Formula Options) will vest one day prior to the next annual meeting of
stockholders after the applicable grant date unless the next annual meeting of
stockholders occurs less than six months after the applicable grant date, in
which case the automatic option will vest on the first anniversary of the
applicable grant date. Each Formula Option will vest on the first anniversary of
the applicable grant date.
The 1992 Plan provides for the grant to new eligible directors of automatic
options to acquire 10,000 shares of common stock on the date of their first
appointment or election to the Board. The automatic options granted to new
eligible directors vest one day prior to the next annual meeting of stockholders
that occurs after the applicable grant date unless the next annual meeting of
stockholders occurs less than six months after the applicable grant date, in
which case the automatic options become exercisable and vest on the first
anniversary of the applicable grant date. An eligible director is not eligible
to receive the 2,500 share automatic option or the Formula Option if that grant
date is within 30 days of such eligible director receiving the 10,000 share
automatic option.
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<PAGE> 18
The 1992 Plan provides that, in the event of a change in control, all
unvested automatic options will automatically accelerate and immediately vest so
that each outstanding automatic option will become fully exercisable immediately
prior to the effective date of such change in control.
The exercise price per share of stock subject to each automatic option is
equal to the 100% of the fair market value per share on the date of the grant of
the automatic option. Each automatic option expires on the tenth anniversary of
the date of grant. Eligible directors also may be eligible to receive options or
awards under the Discretionary Grant Program or option grants or direct stock
issuances under any four other plans. Cessation of service on the Board
terminates any automatic options for shares that were not vested at the time of
such cessation. Automatic options are nontransferable other than by will or the
laws of descent and distribution on the death of the optionholder and, during
the lifetime of the optionholder, are exercisable only by such optionholder.
DURATION AND MODIFICATION
The 1992 Plan will remain in force until November 5, 2002. Our Board of
Directors at any time may amend the 1992 Plan except that, without the approval
by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares
of our common stock, the Board of Directors may not (i) increase, except in the
case of certain organic changes to our company, the maximum number of shares of
common stock subject to the 1992 Plan, (ii) reduce the exercise price at which
options may be granted or the exercise price for which any outstanding option
may be exercised, (iii) extend the term of the 1992 Plan, (iv) change the class
of persons eligible to receive options or awards under the 1992 Plan, or (v)
materially increase the benefits accruing to participants under the 1992 Plan.
In addition, the Board may not, without the consent of the optionholder, take
any action that disqualifies any option previously granted under the 1992 Plan
for treatment as an incentive stock option or which adversely affects or impairs
the rights of the optionholder of any outstanding option. Despite the foregoing,
the Board of Directors may amend the 1992 Plan from time to time as it deems
necessary in order to meet the requirements of any amendments to Rule 16b-3
under the 1934 Act without the consent of our stockholders.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES FOR STOCK OPTIONS
Certain options granted under the 1992 Plan will be intended to qualify as
incentive stock options under Code Section 422. Accordingly, there will be no
taxable income to an employee when an incentive stock option is granted to him
or her when that option is exercised. The amount by which the fair market value
of the shares at the time of exercise exceeds the option price generally will be
treated as an item of preference in computing the alternate minimum taxable
income of the optionholder. If an optionholder exercises an incentive stock
option and does not dispose of the shares within either two years after the date
of the grant of the option or one year after the date the shares were
transferred to the optionholder, any gain realized upon disposition will be
taxable to the optionholder as a capital gain. If the optionholder does not
satisfy the applicable holding periods, however, the difference between the
option price and the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise of
the option will be taxed as ordinary income, and the balance of the gain, if
any, will be taxed as capital gain. If the shares are disposed of before the
expiration of the one-year or two-year periods and the amount realized is less
than the fair market value of the shares at the date of exercise, the employee's
ordinary income is limited to the amount realized less the option exercise price
paid. We will be entitled to a tax deduction only to the extent the optionholder
has ordinary income upon the sale or other disposition of the shares received
when the option was exercised.
Certain other options issued under the 1992 Plan, including options issued
automatically to the non-employee members of the Board of Directors, will be
nonqualified options. The income tax consequences of nonqualified options will
be governed by Code Section 83. Under Code Section 83, the excess of the fair
market value of the shares of the common stock acquired pursuant to the exercise
of any option over the amount paid for such stock, or Excess Value, must be
included in the gross income of the optionholder in the first taxable year in
which the common stock acquired by the optionholder is not subject to a
substantial risk of forfeiture. In calculating Excess Value, fair market value
will be determined on the date that the substantial risk of forfeiture expires,
unless a Section 83(b) election is made to include the Excess Value in income
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<PAGE> 19
immediately after the acquisition, in which case fair market value will be
determined on the date of the acquisition. Generally, we will be entitled to a
federal income tax deduction in the same taxable year that the optionholder
recognizes income. We will be required to withhold income tax with respect to
income reportable pursuant to Code Section 83 by an optionholder. The basis of
the shares acquired by an optionholder will be equal to the option price of
those shares plus any income recognized pursuant to Code Section 83. Subsequent
sales of the acquired shares will produce capital gain or loss. Such capital
gain or loss will be long term if the stock has been held for one year from the
date of the substantial risk of forfeiture lapsed, or, if a Section 83(b)
election is made, one year from the date the shares were acquired.
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
We have adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP, which allows our
eligible employees to purchase shares of common stock at semi-annual intervals
through periodic payroll deductions. The ESPP is intended to promote superior
levels of performance from, and to encourage stock ownership by, our eligible
employees by increasing their interest in our success. The ESPP is designed to
meet this goal by offering financial incentives for employees to purchase our
common stock, thereby increasing the interest of employees in pursuing our
long-term growth, profitability, and financial success. The Board of Directors
has reserved 450,000 shares of common stock for this purpose. The purchase price
per share is the lower of (i) 85% of the closing price of our common stock on
the offering commencement date, or (ii) 85% of the closing price of our common
stock on the offering termination date. The purchase price is to be paid through
periodic payroll deductions not to exceed 10% of the participant's earnings due
each semi-annual period of participation within the offering period. However, no
participant may purchase more than $25,000 worth of common stock annually. As of
September 28, 1999, we had issued 279,736 shares of common stock under the ESPP.
The purchase right of a participant will terminate automatically in the
event the participant ceases to be an employee of ours, and any payroll
deductions collected from such individual during the semi-annual period in which
such termination occurs will be refunded. However, in the event of the
participant's disability or death, such payroll deduction may be applied to the
purchase of the common stock on the next semi-annual purchase date.
The ESPP provides for annual offerings through the end of July 2003.
401(k) PLAN
We have a contributory retirement plan (the "401(k) Plan") for the majority
of our employees. The 401(k) Plan is designed to provide tax-deferred income to
our employees in accordance with the provisions of Section 401(k) of the
Internal Revenue Code.
The 401(k) Plan provides that each participant may contribute up to 15% of
his or her salary, not to exceed the statutory limit. Matching contributions may
be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors. We have historically
elected to make a fixed matching contribution to each participant's account of
up to 2% of total annual cash compensation received by respective participants.
An additional discretionary matching contribution may also be made in an amount
equal to a percentage determined by the Board of Directors of the contribution
made by participants. Discretionary matching contributions vest over a period of
seven years. All contributions by participants and our fixed matching
contributions vest immediately. Under the terms of the 401(k) Plan, we also may
make discretionary profit sharing contributions. Profit sharing contributions
are allocated among participants based on their annual compensation. Each
participant has the right to direct the investment of his or her funds among
certain named plans. Our contributions may be made in shares of our common
stock.
Upon death, disability, retirement, or the termination of employment,
participants may elect to receive periodic or lump sum payments. Additionally,
amounts may be withdrawn in cases of demonstrated hardship. Amounts contributed
by us to the 401(k) Plan for certain executive officers are set forth in the
Summary Compensation Table under the caption "Executive Compensation."
17
<PAGE> 20
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999, our Human
Resource/Compensation/Organization Committee consisted of Messrs. Walker,
Turner, Witzeman, and Ms. Carpenter, currently directors of the company.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and officers, and
persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to
file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders are
required by Securities and Exchange Commission regulation to furnish us with
copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms received by us
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999, and written representations that no
other reports were required, we believe that each person who, at any time during
such fiscal year, was a director, officer or beneficial owner of more than 10%
of our common stock complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements during
such fiscal year or prior fiscal years.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
We paid approximately $113,000 during the year ended June 30, 1999 for
legal services to Jekel & Howard, of which Mr. Jekel is a principal. Mr. Jekel
is a participant in our ESOP. Mr. Jekel also receives $1,000 per month for
services rendered to us and for serving on the Board of Directors. We may
terminate these services at will. We paid Mr. Jekel $40,000 during the year
ended June 30, 1999 for additional services rendered in connection with our
forestry fire fighting services.
We paid approximately $46,000 during the year ended June 30, 1999 to Louis
A. Witzeman under leases for five fire and ambulance stations. These leases can
be cancelled by us at any time. Mr. Witzeman received $85,000 during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1999 for fire protection and EMS advisory and consulting
services and for serving on the Board of Directors. We also provide Mr. Witzeman
with an automobile for personal use.
During the year ended June 30, 1999, we engaged Mr. Bolin as a special
consultant to our company. The consulting agreement entitles Mr. Bolin to
participate in any benefit plans that we maintain for our employees. We paid Mr.
Bolin approximately $129,000 under this consulting agreement. See "Executive
Compensation -- Employment Agreements and Stock Grant Agreements."
During the year ended June 30, 1999, we engaged Mr. Edwards, a former
officer and director, as a special consultant to our President for special
assignments. We paid Mr. Edwards approximately $52,000 under this consulting
agreement. Mr. Edwards served as our Executive Vice-President and Director until
his retirement in January 1999. See "Executive Compensation -- Employment
Agreements and Stock Grant Agreements."
We paid approximately $1,252,000 during the year ended June 30, 1999 to
companies owned by Robert E. Ramsey under leases for various offices, ambulance
stations, and furniture and equipment assumed in connection with the acquisition
of his companies.
We believe that all of the related party transactions listed above were
provided on terms no less favorable to us than could have been obtained from
unrelated firms or third parties. All future transactions between us and our
officers, directors and principal stockholders are expected to be on terms no
less favorable to us than could be obtained from unaffiliated persons and will
require the approval of our independent directors.
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<PAGE> 21
REPORT OF THE HUMAN RESOURCE/COMPENSATION/ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GENERAL
The Human Resource/Compensation/Organization Committee of the Board of
Directors administers the compensation programs for our executive officers. The
committee is composed exclusively of independent, non-employee directors who are
not eligible to participate in any of management's programs.
The committee presents the following report on the compensation for our
executive officers for fiscal 1999.
OVERVIEW AND PHILOSOPHY
Our executive compensation programs are based on the belief that the
interests of executive officers should be directly aligned with those of the
stockholders. The programs are strongly oriented toward a pay-for-performance
philosophy that includes a significant percentage of variable compensation, and
results in executives accumulating significant equity positions in our common
stock. The committee has established the following principles to guide
development of our compensation programs and to provide a framework for
compensation decisions:
- provide a total compensation package that will attract the best talent to
our company, motivate individuals to perform at their highest levels,
reward outstanding performance, and retain executives whose skills are
critical for building long-term stockholder value;
- establish annual incentives for senior management that are directly tied
to the overall financial performance of our company; and
- implement longer-term incentives that focus executive officers on
managing from the perspective of an owner with an equity stake in the
business, principally by the granting of our stock and stock options.
COMPENSATION PROGRAMS AND PRACTICES
The committee determines salary ranges and incentive award opportunities
for all corporate officers. Our management compensation program consists of cash
and equity based components.
Cash Component: Cash compensation is designed to fluctuate with our
performance. In the years that we exhibit superior performance, cash
compensation is designed to generally be above average levels; when
financial performance is below goal, cash compensation is designed to be
below average competitive levels. This is achieved through the
Management Incentive Plan, or MIP, which is paid out annually only if
predetermined goals are attained.
Base Pay: Base pay guidelines are established for our officers and
managers based on their relative job content. Individual base pay
within the guidelines is based on sustained individual performance
toward achieving our goals. Annual modifications to base pay levels
are proposed by the President and approved by the committee each
August. Base pay modifications for executive officers averaged
approximately 8% in fiscal 1999.
Management Incentive Plan: The MIP is an annual cash incentive plan.
At the beginning of each fiscal year, the overall company's financial
performance targets are established. Incentive payouts are made based
upon achievement of these performance targets. MIP opportunity for
executive officers can be as high as 55% of the executive officer's
base pay.
Equity-based Component: We have a long history of encouraging
employees to become stockholders. In 1989, we implemented our first
stock option plan through which we could grant qualified and
non-qualified stock options to management employees. In 1994, we
implemented our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, whereby shares of our
common stock may be purchased through payroll deductions at 85% of
its market value. We believe that equity-based
19
<PAGE> 22
compensation in the form of stock options and the ESPP links the
interests of management and stockholders by focusing employees and
management on increasing stockholder value. The actual value of such
equity-based compensation depends entirely on the future appreciation
of our stock. The Board grants stock options using criteria
consistent with the level of an executive's anticipated impact on our
goals and objectives. A description of our stock option plans is set
forth under "Executive Compensation." See "Executive
Compensation -- Option Grants" for options granted to executive
officers during fiscal 1999.
COMPENSATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
We use the same factors and criteria described above in making compensation
decisions regarding the Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Furman was compensated
pursuant to his employment agreement. During the fiscal year ended June 30,
1999, Mr. Furman's base pay was $292,500, plus additional compensation of
$100,000 during the first year of employment. See the table under "Executive
Compensation -- Option Grants" for information regarding options granted to Mr.
Furman in fiscal 1999.
COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 162(M)
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, enacted in 1993 and effective
in 1994, generally disallows a tax deduction to public companies for
compensation in excess of $1 million paid to each of the corporation's chief
executive officer and four other most highly compensated executive officers.
Qualifying performance-based compensation is not subject to the deduction limit
if certain requirements are met.
We currently intend to structure the performance-based portion of the
compensation of our executive officers in a manner that complies with Section
162(m).
Members of the Human Resource/
Compensation/Organization Committee
Henry G. Walker
William C. Turner
Mary Anne Carpenter
Louis A. Witzeman
20
<PAGE> 23
COMPANY PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following line graph compares cumulative total stockholder return,
assuming reinvestment of dividends, for: (i) our common stock; (ii) the NASDAQ
Combined Composite Index; and (iii) the Russell 2000 Index. Because we did not
pay dividends on our common stock during the measurement period, the calculation
of the cumulative total stockholder return on the common stock did not include
dividends. The Russell 2000 Index is included because it is comprised of
publicly traded issuers with total market capitalization of between $222.0
million to $1.4 billion, which historically is similar to our total market
capitalization. Because of the small number of publicly traded companies in our
peer group, we do not believe we can reasonably identify a group of peer
issuers. The graph assumes $100 was invested on July 1, 1994.
[RURAL METRO PERFORMANCE GRAPH]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NASDAQ COMBINED
RURAL/METRO CORPORATION COMPOSITE INDEX RUSSELL 2000 INDEX
----------------------- --------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
6/30/94 100.00 100.00 100.00
6/30/95 135.00 132.00 118.00
6/30/96 208.00 168.00 144.00
6/30/97 176.00 204.00 165.00
6/30/98 79.00 268.00 190.00
6/30/99 58.00 381.00 190.00
</TABLE>
21
<PAGE> 24
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors has appointed Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, to audit our consolidated financial statements for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 2000 and recommends that stockholders vote in favor
of the ratification of this appointment. In the event of a negative vote on such
ratification, the Board of Directors will reconsider its selection. The Board of
Directors anticipates that representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP will be
present at the meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they
desire, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholder proposals that are intended to be presented by stockholders at
our annual meeting of stockholders for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, to
be included in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating to such meeting,
must be received by us no later than June 3, 2000. Under the our bylaws, certain
procedures are provided that a stockholder must follow to nominate persons for
election as a director or to introduce an item of business at an annual meeting
of stockholders. To be timely under these procedures, notice of such nomination
or business must be received by us no later than: (i) 60 days prior to the
annual meeting if such meeting is to be held on a day that is between October
19, 2000 and November 18, 2000; (ii) 90 days in advance of the annual meeting if
the meeting is to be held on or after November 18, 2000; or (iii) if the annual
meeting is to be held on another date, on or before the close of business on the
15th day following the date of public disclosure of the date of such meeting.
Pursuant to Rule 14a-4 under the Exchange Act, we intend to retain
discretionary authority to vote proxies with respect to stockholder proposals
for which the proponent does not seek inclusion of the proposed matter in our
proxy statement for the annual meeting to be held during calendar 2000, except
in circumstances where (i) we receive notice of the proposed matter no later
than August 17, 2000, and (ii) the proponent complies with the other
requirements set forth in Rule 14a-4.
OTHER MATTERS
We know of no other matters to be submitted to the meeting. If any other
matters properly come before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons
named in the enclosed proxy card to vote the shares they represent as the Board
of Directors may recommend.
Dated: September 30, 1999
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<PAGE> 25
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RURAL/METRO CORPORATION
1999 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
The undersigned stockholder of RURAL/METRO CORPORATION, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement of the Company, each dated September
30, 1999, and hereby appoints Cor J. Clement and Louis G. Jekel, and each 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
1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, to be held on November 18,
1999, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel, 200 Main
Street, Fort Worth, Texas, and at any adjournment or adjournments thereof, and
to vote all shares of Common Stock that the undersigned would be entitled to
vote if then and there personally present, on the matters set forth below:
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:
[ ] FOR the two nominees listed below, except as indicated
[ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for the two nominees listed below
If you wish to withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, strike a
line through that nominee's name in the list below:
Louis G. Jekel, William C. Turner
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS OF THE COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2000.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
</TABLE>
and upon such other matters that may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournment or adjournments thereof.
(continued, and to be signed, on other side)
<PAGE> 26
(continued from other side)
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO CONTRARY DIRECTION IS
INDICATED, FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS OF THE COMPANY;
AND AS SAID PROXIES DEEM ADVISABLE ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY COME BEFORE THE
MEETING.
A majority of such attorneys or
substitutes as shall be present and
shall act at said meeting or any
adjournment or adjournments thereof
(or if only one shall be present and
act, then that one) shall have and
may exercise all of the powers of
said attorneys-in-fact hereunder
Date: , 1999
---------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE
--------------------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE
(This Proxy should be dated, signed
by the stockholder(s) exactly as his
or 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
stockholders should sign.)
