<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 / /
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
/ / Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section240.14a-11(c) or
Section240.14a-12
COASTCAST 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)(1)
and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE>
COASTCAST CORPORATION
3025 EAST VICTORIA STREET
RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, CALIFORNIA 90221
(310) 638-0595
------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 18, 1999
------------------------
To the Shareholders of COASTCAST CORPORATION:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
Coastcast Corporation, a California corporation (the "Company"), which will be
held at the Company's facility located at 14831 Maple Avenue, Gardena,
California, at 10:00 a.m., California time, on Friday, June 18, 1999, to
consider and act upon the following matters, all as more fully described in the
accompanying Proxy Statement which is incorporated herein by this reference:
1. To elect a board of seven directors to serve until the next annual
meeting of the Company's shareholders and until their successors have
been elected and qualify;
2. To ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's
independent auditors for fiscal year 1999; and
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment thereof.
Shareholders of record of the Company's common stock at the close of
business on April 23, 1999, the record date fixed by the Board of Directors, are
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting.
THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND ARE URGED TO SIGN, DATE, AND OTHERWISE COMPLETE THE
ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. ANY SHAREHOLDER
GIVING A PROXY HAS THE RIGHT TO REVOKE IT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS VOTED.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Norman I. Fujitaki
SECRETARY
Rancho Dominguez, California
April 29, 1999
<PAGE>
COASTCAST CORPORATION
3025 EAST VICTORIA STREET
RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, CALIFORNIA 90221
(310) 638-0595
------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
---------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE PROXY MATERIAL FIRST SENT
TO SHAREHOLDERS: MAY 12, 1999
The following information is given in connection with the solicitation of
proxies for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Coastcast Corporation, a
California corporation (the "Company"), to be held at the Company's facility
located at 14831 Maple Avenue, Gardena, California, at 10:00 a.m., California
time, on Friday, June 18, 1999, and adjournments thereof (the "Meeting"), for
the purposes stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders preceding
this Proxy Statement.
SOLICITATION AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
A form of proxy is being furnished herewith by the Company to each
shareholder, and, in each case, is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors
of the Company for use at the Meeting. The entire cost of soliciting these
proxies will be borne by the Company. The Company may pay persons holding shares
in their names or the names of their nominees for the benefit of others, such as
brokerage firms, banks, depositaries, and other fiduciaries, for costs incurred
in forwarding soliciting materials to their principals. Members of the
Management of the Company may solicit some shareholders in person, or by
telephone, telegraph or telecopy, following solicitation by this Proxy
Statement, but will not be separately compensated for such solicitation
services.
Proxies duly executed and returned by shareholders and received by the
Company before the Meeting will be voted FOR the election of all seven of the
nominee-directors specified herein and FOR the ratification of the selection of
Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's independent auditors for fiscal year
1999, unless a contrary choice is specified in the proxy. If a specification is
indicated as provided in the proxy, the shares represented by the proxy will be
voted and cast in accordance with the specification made. As to other matters,
if any, to be voted on, the persons designated as proxies will take such actions
as they, in their discretion, may deem advisable. The persons named as proxies
were selected by the Board of Directors of the Company and each of them is a
director of the Company.
Under the Company's bylaws and California law, shares represented by proxies
that reflect abstentions or "broker non-votes" (i.e., shares held by a broker or
nominee which are represented at the Meeting, but with respect to which such
broker or nominee is not empowered to vote on a particular proposal) will be
counted as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of
determining the presence of a quorum. Any shares not voted (whether by
abstention, broker non-vote or otherwise) will have no impact on the election of
directors, except to the extent that the failure to vote for an individual
results in another individual receiving a larger proportion of votes. Any shares
represented at the Meeting but not voted (whether by abstention, broker non-vote
or otherwise) with respect to the proposal to ratify the selection of Deloitte &
Touche LLP will have no effect on the vote for such proposal except to the
extent the number of abstentions causes the number of shares voted in favor of
such proposal not to equal or exceed a majority of the quorum required for the
Meeting (in which case the proposal would not be approved).
2
<PAGE>
Your execution of the enclosed proxy will not affect your right as a
shareholder to attend the Meeting and to vote in person. Any shareholder giving
a proxy has a right to revoke it at any time by either (i) a later-dated proxy,
(ii) a written revocation sent to and received by the Secretary of the Company
prior to the Meeting, or (iii) attendance at the Meeting and voting in person.
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The Company has outstanding only common stock, of which 7,928,204 shares
were outstanding as of the close of business on April 23, 1999 (the "Record
Date"). Only shareholders of record on the books of the Company at the close of
business on the Record Date will be entitled to vote at the Meeting. Each share
of common stock is entitled to one vote.
Representation at the Meeting by the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of common stock of the Company, either by personal attendance
or by proxy, will constitute a quorum.
The following table sets forth, as of April 23, 1999, the only persons known
to the Company to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company's
common stock:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF
BENEFICIAL PERCENT OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP(1) CLASS(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Hans and Vivian Buehler .................................. 1,262,800 shs.(3) 15.2%
3025 East Victoria Street
Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221
Jonathan Vannini(4) ...................................... 711,000 shs. 9.0
828 Irwin Drive
Hillsborough, CA 94010
James and Nancy Grosfeld ................................. 541,900 shs.(5) 6.8
20500 Civic Center Drive
Suite 3000
Southfield, MI 48076
Gruber & McBaine Capital ................................. 496,500 shs.(6) 6.3
Management
50 Osgood Place
Penthouse
San Francisco, CA 94133
Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. ........................... 470,800 shs.(7) 5.9
1299 Ocean Avenue
11th Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Except as otherwise indicated and subject to applicable community property
and similar laws, the Company assumes that each named person has the sole
voting and investment power with respect to such person's shares.
(2) Percent of class is based on the number of shares outstanding on the Record
Date plus, in the case of Mr. Buehler, the number of shares which Mr.
Buehler has the right to purchase pursuant to options which are either
currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
(3) Includes 372,500 shares which are subject to options held by Mr. Buehler
which are either currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. Golden
Band, L.P., a California limited partnership, owns of record 944,000 shares
of common stock of the Company. Longview Enterprises, Inc., a California
corporation, is the sole general partner of Golden Band, L.P. and owns a 1%
limited partner interest
3
<PAGE>
in Golden Band, L.P. Mr. and Mrs. Buehler each owns a 50% interest in
Longview Enterprises, Inc. as Co-Trustees of the Buehler Living Trust, dated
August 22, 1990 (the "Trust"). The Trust also owns a 99.07% limited partner
interest in West Main Street, L.P., a California limited partnership, which
owns a 94.16597% limited partner interest in Golden Band, L.P. Mr. and Mrs.
Buehler disclaim the beneficial ownership of 53,900.3 shares held by Golden
Band, L.P. Does not include 111,000 shares held by a charitable foundation
of which Mr. and Mrs. Buehler are directors and officers, beneficial
ownership of which Mr. and Mrs. Buehler disclaim.
(4) Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement, dated November 6, 1998, between the
Company and Mr. Vannini, the Company agreed to: (i) repurchase certain
shares of the Company's common stock, and (ii) reimburse Mr. Vannini for
$400,000 in legal and expenses, in addition to other matters described
herein. In exchange, Mr. Vannini agreed to: (i) abandon his demand for a
special meeting of shareholders and plans for proxy solicitation, (ii)
refrain from acquiring securities which would result in him owning more than
20% of the Company's outstanding shares, (iii) vote his shares in the same
proportion that all other shares are voted, (iv) refrain from contesting or
soliciting proxies, (v) refrain from transferring his shares to more than 5%
shareholders, (v) refrain from activities resulting in a change of control
of the Company or a tender offer for its securities, and (vi) refrain from
initiating or participating in any derivative suit against any officer or
director of the Company.
(5) Based on an Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13G filed on February 18, 1999,
James and Nancy Grosfeld share voting and dispositive power over the 541,900
shares.
(6) Based on a Schedule 13D filed on February 19, 1998, John D. Gruber and J.
Patterson McBaine share voting and dispositive power over 420,000 of such
shares, Mr. Gruber has sole voting and dispositive power over 61,600 of such
shares, and Mr. McBaine has sole voting and dispositive power over 14,900 of
such shares. In addition, Thomas O. Lloyd-Butler and Gruber and McBaine
Capital Management., L.L.C. each share voting and dispositive power over
420,000 of such shares, Lagunitas Partners, a California limited
partnership, shares voting and dispositive power over 201,500 of such
shares, and GMJ Investments, L.P. shares voting and dispositive power over
5,500 of such shares.
(7) Based on a Schedule 13G filed on February 11, 1999, Dimensional Fund
Advisors Inc. has sole voting and dispositive power over the 470,800 shares.
The Company knows of no contractual arrangements which may at a subsequent
date result in a change of control of the Company.
4
<PAGE>
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the shares of
the Company's common stock beneficially owned as of April 23, 1999 by (i) each
director and director nominee, (ii) the executive officers identified in the
Summary Compensation Table below, and (iii) all directors, director nominees and
executive officers of the Company as a group:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND
NATURE OF PERCENT
BENEFICIAL OF
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP(1) CLASS(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Hans H. Buehler.................................................... 1,262,800(3) 15.2%
Robert L. Gates.................................................... 154,012(4) 1.9
George L. Graziadio................................................ 40,000(5) *
Edwin A. Levy...................................................... 31,200(6) *
Lee E. Mikles...................................................... 30,000(7) *
Paul A. Novelly.................................................... 30,000(8) *
Jonathan P. Vannini................................................ 711,000 9.0
Robert C. Bruning(9)............................................... 14,933(10) *
Ramon F. Ibarra.................................................... 67,075(11) *
Jon A. Knartzer(12)................................................ -0- -0-
Richard W. Mora(13)................................................ 4,600 *
Kathleen H. Wainwright............................................. 3,333(14) *
All directors, director nominees and executive officers as a group
(12 persons)..................................................... 2,348,953(15) 27.7%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Except as otherwise indicated and subject to applicable community property
and similar laws, to the best of the Company's knowledge and belief, each
person listed has sole voting and investment power as to shares
beneficially owned by such person.
(2) Percent of class is based on the number of shares outstanding on the Record
Date plus, with respect to each named person or group, as applicable, the
number of shares of common stock, if any, which the listed individual or
group has the right to acquire within 60 days after the Record Date.
Ownership of less than one percent is indicated by an asterisk.
(3) Includes 372,500 shares which are subject to options held by Mr. Buehler
which are either currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
Golden Band, L.P., a California limited partnership, owns of record 944,000
shares of common stock of the Company. Longview Enterprises, Inc., a
California corporation, is the sole general partner of Golden Band, L.P.
and owns a 1% limited partner interest in Golden Band, L.P. Mr. and Mrs.
Buehler each owns a 50% interest in Longview Enterprises, Inc. as
Co-Trustees of the Buehler Living Trust, dated August 22, 1990 (the
"Trust"). The Trust also owns a 99.07% limited partner interest in West
Main Street, L.P., a California limited partnership, which owns a 94.16597%
limited partner interest in Golden Band, L.P. Mr. and Mrs. Buehler disclaim
the beneficial ownership of 53,900.3 shares held by Golden Band, L.P. Does
not include 111,000 shares held by a charitable foundation of which Mr. and
Mrs. Buehler are directors and officers, beneficial ownership of which Mr.
and Mrs. Buehler disclaim.
(4) Includes 16,625 shares owned by Mr. Gates' wife. Mr. Gates disclaims
beneficial ownership of these shares.
(5) Includes 10,000 shares owned by a partnership controlled by Mr. Graziadio
and 30,000 shares which are subject to options which are either currently
exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
(6) All shares are subject to options which are either currently exercisable or
exercisable within 60 days.
5
<PAGE>
(7) All shares are subject to options which are either currently exercisable or
exercisable within 60 days. Does not include 40,000 shares owned by Kodiak
Opportunity, L.P. ("Kodiak"), of which Mikles/ Miller Management, Inc.
("MMI") is the general partner. Mr. Mikles is a principal shareholder of
MMI and disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by Kodiak.
(8) All shares are subject to options which are either currently exercisable or
exercisable within 60 days. Does not include 48,700 shares owned by the
Novelly Exempt Trust, U/I/T dated 8/12/92. Mr. Novelly disclaims beneficial
ownership of these shares.
(9) Mr. Bruning resigned from the Company in March 1999.
(10) Includes 8,333 shares which are subject to options which are either
currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
(11) Includes 35,567 shares which are subject to options which are either
currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
(12) Mr. Knartzer resigned from the Company in October 1998.
(13) Mr. Mora resigned from the Company in November 1998.
(14) All shares are subject to options which are either currently exercisable
or exercisable within 60 days.
(15) Includes 539,733 shares which are subject to options which are either
currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's directors are to be elected at each annual meeting of
shareholders. At the Meeting, seven directors are to be elected to serve until
the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors are elected
and qualify. The nominees for election as directors at the Meeting set forth in
the table below are all recommended by the Board of Directors of the Company and
are all incumbent directors of the Company.
In the event that any of the nominees for director should become unable to
serve if elected, it is intended that shares represented by proxies which are
executed and returned will be voted for such substitute nominee(s) as may be
recommended by the Company's existing Board of Directors.
The seven nominee-directors receiving the highest number of votes cast at
the Meeting will be elected as the Company's directors. Subject to certain
exceptions specified below, shareholders of record on the Record Date are
entitled to cumulate their votes in the election of the Company's directors
(i.e., they are entitled to the number of votes determined by multiplying the
number of shares held by them times the number of directors to be elected) and
may cast all of their votes so determined for one person, or spread their votes
among two or more persons as they see fit. No shareholder shall be entitled to
cumulate votes for a given candidate for director unless such candidate's name
has been placed in nomination prior to the vote and the shareholder has given
notice at the Meeting, prior to the voting, of the shareholder's intention to
cumulate his or her votes. If any one shareholder has given such notice, all
shareholders may cumulate their votes for candidates in nomination.
Discretionary authority to cumulate votes is hereby solicited by the Board of
Directors.
6
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the nominees
for election as directors.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NOMINEE(1) PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AGE
- ------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------- ---
<S> <C> <C>
Hans H. Buehler..................... Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
of the Company 66
Robert L. Gates(3).................. Private investor 67
George L. Graziadio................. President and Chief Executive Officer of Imperial
Bancorp 79
Edwin A. Levy....................... Principal of Levy, Harkins & Co. 61
Lee E. Mikles(2).................... Chairman of Mikles/Miller Management, Inc. 43
Paul A. Novelly(3).................. President of Apex Oil Company, Inc. 55
Jonathan P. Vannini(2)(3)(4)........ Private investor 36
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) The Company does not have a nominating committee of the Board of Directors.
The nominees for election as directors at the Meeting were selected by the
Board of Directors of the Company.
(2) Member of the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of the
Company, currently consisting of two directors, neither of whom is an
employee of the Company. The compensation committee held one meeting during
the last fiscal year of the Company in addition to discussions in meetings
of the Board of Directors. See "Executive Compensation and Other
Information--Report of Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation" for
a discussion of the functions performed by the compensation committee.
(3) Member of the audit committee of the Board of Directors of the Company,
currently consisting of three directors, none of whom is an employee of the
Company. The audit committee held one meeting during the last fiscal year of
the Company in addition to discussions in meetings of the Board of
Directors. The audit committee reviews, acts on, and reports to the Board of
Directors with respect to various auditing and accounting matters, including
the selection of the Company's auditors, the scope of the annual audits, the
nature of non-audit services, fees to be paid to the auditors, the
performance of the Company's auditors, and the accounting practices of the
Company.
(4) Included as a nominee pursuant to a Settlement Agreement, dated November 6,
1998, between the Company and Mr. Vannini.
Mr. Buehler is one of the founders of the Company and has been the Chairman
of the Board and a director since the Company's inception in 1980. He also
served as Chief Executive Officer until Mr. Richard Mora was appointed to that
office on January 1, 1998 and re-assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer
in November 1998. Mr. Buehler has more than 35 years of experience in the
investment-casting business, including more than 25 years of experience in the
manufacture of golf clubheads.
Mr. Gates was a director of the Company from 1980 to 1996 and was an
employee of the Company from 1982 until December 1993, serving as the Chief
Financial Officer from 1990 until his retirement. He re-joined the Board of
Directors in December 1998.
Mr. Graziadio has been a director of the Company since January 1995. Since
1963 he has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Imperial Bancorp,
a bank holding company. He also is a director of Imperial Bancorp. Mr. Graziadio
is the uncle of Mr. Lee Mikles.
Mr. Levy has been a director of the Company since February 1994. He is one
of the founders of, and since 1979 has been a principal of, Levy, Harkins & Co.,
an investment advisory firm. Mr. Levy is also a director of Quintel
Entertainment Corporation.
7
<PAGE>
Mr. Mikles has been a director of the Company since June 1996. He has been
the Chairman of Mikles/ Miller Management, Inc., a professional money management
firm, since October 1992. Mr. Mikles also serves as a director of Imperial
Bancorp and Vista 2000, Inc. Mr. Mikles is the nephew of Mr. Graziadio.
Mr. Novelly has been a director of the Company since December 14, 1994.
Since 1975, Mr. Novelly has been the President of Apex Oil Company, Inc., a
company which together with its subsidiaries is engaged in oil and gas
exploration, transportation, trading and storage, and coal mining. He is also a
director of Imperial Bancorp, a bank holding company, Vista 2000, Inc., and
Intrawest Corporation.
Mr. Vannini has been a director of the Company since December 1998. He is a
private investor who was a general partner at HPB Associates, an investment
partnership, until 1996. He was employed by HPB Associates from August 1987
until March 1996. Since February 1993 he has served as an outside director of
Copart, Inc.
There were six meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company during the
last fiscal year of the Company. Each of the directors of the Company attended
75% or more of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board of
Directors held during the period in which he was a director and the total number
of meetings held by all committees of the Board of Directors on which he served
during such period.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
FEES AND BENEFITS
Each member of the Board of Directors who is not an employee of the Company
receives an annual fee of $10,000, paid in quarterly installments of $2,500, and
a fee of $2,000 for each board meeting attended. The Company also reimburses
directors for expenses related to attending board and committee meetings.
STOCK OPTIONS
Each member of the Board of Directors who is not an employee of the Company
receives automatic grants of options to purchase specified numbers of shares of
common stock of the Company under the Company's 1995 Amended and Restated
Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the "Director Plan"). The Director Plan
provides that an option to purchase 30,000 shares of common stock of the Company
will be granted automatically to each Eligible Director (as defined in the
Director Plan) who first becomes an Eligible Director after December 13, 1995 on
the date on which such director first becomes an Eligible Director.
The Director Plan provides that an option to purchase an additional 10,000
shares of common stock of the Company is granted automatically to each such
director on the third anniversary of the date on which such director first
became an Eligible Director and on each subsequent anniversary of such date if
such director is still an Eligible Director on such anniversary. Pursuant to the
Director Plan, an option to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock of the
Company was granted to each Eligible Director who became a director prior to
December 13, 1995 on the date he first became a director and an option to
purchase an additional 20,000 shares of common stock of the Company was granted
to each such director on December 13, 1995. Pursuant to the Director Plan, an
option to purchase an additional 10,000 shares of common stock of the Company
was granted automatically to each such director on December 13, 1998, and will
be granted on each subsequent December 13 if such director is still an Eligible
Director on such December 13.
8
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION
The following table sets forth information concerning compensation of the
chief executive officer and the four other most highly compensated executive
officers of the Company for each of the last three completed fiscal years:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM
COMPENSATION
-------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION STOCK
---------------------- OTHER ANNUAL OPTION ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION(1) GRANTS(2) COMPENSATION(3)
- --------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------------- ------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Hans H. Buehler ....................... 1998 $ 478,000 $ 0 50,000
Chairman of the Board and Chief 1997 500,000 300,000 200,000(4)
Executive Officer 1996 450,000 350,000 250,000
Richard W. Mora(5) .................... 1998 $ 360,000 $ 0 250,000 $ 511,978(6)
President and Chief Operating Officer 1997 400,000 275,000 50,000(4) 1,041(7)
1996 325,000 250,000 100,000 969(8)
Robert C. Bruning(9) .................. 1998 $ 204,000 $ 0 10,000 $ 636(10)
Chief Financial Officer 1997 195,000 75,000 15,000(4) 731(11)
1996 116,702 45,000 25,000
Jon A. Knartzer(12) ................... 1998 $ 153,000 $ 0 10,000 $ 62,780(13)
Vice President--Operations 1997 175,000 75,000 10,690(4) 1,313(14)
1996 20,194 5,000 15,690
Ramon F. Ibarra ....................... 1998 $ 156,000 $ 20,000 10,000 $ 31,645(15)
Vice President--Manufacturing 1997 160,000 75,000 8,400(16) 2,315(17)
1996 160,000 60,000 -0- 969
Kathleen H. Wainwright ................ 1998 $ 156,000 $ 20,000 10,000 $ 434(18)
Vice President--Sales 1997 140,000 75,000 4,700(3) 1,536(19)
1996 96,000 31,000 10,000 960
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Except where indicated in this table, perquisites and other personal
benefits did not in the aggregate equal or exceed the lesser of $50,000 for
any named individual or 10 percent of the total of annual salary and bonus
reported in this table for such person.
(2) Number of shares of the Company's common stock subject to stock options
granted to the named individual under the Company's employee stock option
plan.
(3) All amounts and the notes thereto are as of December 31 of the applicable
year.
(4) Represents shares subject to an option which was granted in 1996 and
repriced in 1997. The shares subject to options shown in this table as
having been granted in 1996 are reduced by the options which were repriced
in 1997.
(5) Mr. Mora resigned from the Company in November 1998.
(6) Includes $425,000 in severance pay, $36,000 for club membership, $35,000 in
outplacement expenses, $15,690 in life insurance premium payments and
$1,524 of contributions made by the Company to the Company's 401(k)
retirement savings plan, offset by highly compensated employee refund of
$1,236 from calendar year 1997 issued in 1998. The vested portion of the
Company's contribution of $1,524 is $914.
9
<PAGE>
(7) Represents contributions made by the Company to the Company's 401(k)
retirement savings plan of $1,452 offset by highly compensated employee
refund of $411 from calendar year 1996 issued in 1997. The vested portion
of the Company's contribution of $1,452 is $581.
(8) Represents contributions made by the Company to the Company's 401(k)
retirement savings plan, of which $388 is vested and the remainder is
unvested.
(9) Mr. Bruning resigned from the Company in March 1999.
(10) Represents $1,021 of contributions made by the Company to the Company's
401(k) retirement savings plan offset by highly compensated employee
refund of $385 from calendar year 1997 issued in 1998. The vested portion
of the Company's contribution of $1,021 is $408.
(11) Represents contributions made by the Company to the Company's 401(k)
retirement savings plan, of which $146 is vested and the remainder is
unvested.
(12) Mr. Knartzer resigned from the Company in October 1998.
(13) Includes $60,486 in severance pay and $2,294 of contributions made by the
Company to the Company's 401(k) retirement savings plan, of which $918 is
vested and the remainder is unvested.
(14) Represents contributions made by the Company to the Company's 401(k)
retirement savings plan, of which $263 is vested and the remainder is
unvested.
(15) Includes $31,926 for relocation expenses and $1,016 of contributions made
by the Company to the Company's 401(k) retirement savings plan offset by
highly compensated employee refund of $1,297 from calendar year 1997
issued in 1998. All of the Company's contribution of $1,016 is vested.
(16) Represents shares subject to an option which was granted in 1993 and
repriced in 1997.
(17) Includes $2,477 of contributions made by the Company to the Company's
401(k) retirement savings plan offset by highly compensated employee
refund of $162 from calendar year 1996 issued in 1997. All of the
Company's contribution of $2,477 is vested.
(18) Includes $1,551 of contributions made by the Company to the Company's
401(k) retirement savings plan offset by highly compensated employee
refund of $1,117 from calendar year 1997 issued in 1998. All of the
Company's contribution of $1,551 is vested.
(19) Includes $1,825 of contributions made by the Company to the Company's
401(k) retirement savings plan offset by highly compensated employee
refund of $289 from calendar year 1996 issued in 1997. All of the
Company's contribution of $1,825 is vested.
SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
In September 1996, the Company adopted a supplemental executive retirement
plan (the "Plan") to provide deferred compensation benefits to a select group of
management employees. As originally adopted, the Plan provided a maximum
retirement benefit at age 65 (or age 55 under certain circumstances) of 70% of
final average salary, which accrued ratably over ten years of Plan
participation. In December 1998, the Board amended and restated the Plan to
reduce the maximum retirement benefit to 50% of final average salary and include
an offset for estimated retirement benefits provided by Social Security (the
"Retirement Offset"). Additional key employees were also included as
participants. The amendment and restatement of the Plan freezes benefits at the
levels accrued as of December 31, 1997 for all participants as of that date,
except that Hans Buehler voluntarily withdrew as a participant in the Plan and
relinquished all of his accrued benefits under the Plan. Each participant with
an accrued benefit as of December 31, 1997 who continues to be employed after
amendment of the Plan is entitled (subject to vesting and other conditions
imposed by the Plan) to the greater of his or her benefit as of December 31,
1997 (the "Prior Accrued Benefit") or the accrued benefit determined under the
revised benefit formula, which counts service prior to amendment of the Plan for
purposes of determining accrued benefits.
10
<PAGE>
The final average salary is the participant's average annual salary
(excluding bonuses and other non-regular forms of compensation) earned from the
Company (before adjustments for contributions to Company-sponsored employee
benefit plans) during the three highest salary years of the five-year period
ending on the December 31 next preceding the earlier of termination of
employment or the date on which the participant qualifies for retirement.
Benefits do not vest until a participant has participated in the Plan for five
years. The retirement benefit accrues ratably over 25 years of service
(including periods prior to adoption of the Plan and with certain predecessor
employers) at two percent (2%) per year (up to a maximum of 25 years of
service), with the actual retirement benefit being dependent on years of service
with the Company and designated predecessors at the actual time of retirement.
The formula is also subject to the Prior Accrued Benefit and the Retirement
Offset. The following table sets forth approximate annual retirement benefits
for retirement at age 65, expressed as a single life annuity, which would be
payable under the Plan without regard to the Prior Accrued Benefit or the
Retirement Offset:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS OF PARTICIPATION
AVERAGE ANNUAL -------------------------------
COMPENSATION 5 15 25
- -------------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$ 125,000 12,500 37,500 62,500
150,000 15,000 45,000 75,000
175,000 17,500 52,500 87,500
200,000 20,000 60,000 100,000
225,000 22,500 67,500 112,500
250,000 25,000 75,000 125,000
300,000 30,000 90,000 150,000
</TABLE>
Mr. Ibarra and Ms. Wainwright are the only executive officers named in the
Summary Compensation Table who are continuing participants in the Plan. The
other named officers have either relinquished their benefits under the Plan or
have terminated as employees of the Company prior to vesting in any portion of
their accrued benefits. The average salary of Mr. Ibarra and Ms. Wainwright for
purposes of the Plan does not differ substantially from that set forth in the
annual compensation columns of the Summary Compensation Table. Mr. Ibarra has 18
years of benefit accrual service and three years of credited participation
service, and Ms. Wainwright has 10 years of benefit accrual service and two
years of credited participation service under the Plan. The benefits listed in
the table above do not reflect the Social Security Offset or the Prior Accrued
Benefits.
OPTION GRANTS DURING 1998
The following table sets forth information on grants of stock options
pursuant to the employee stock option plan during 1998 to the officers
identified in the Summary Compensation Table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
------------------------------------------------------ AT ASSUMED RATES OF
% OF TOTAL STOCK APPRECIATION FOR
OPTIONS GRANTED OPTION TERM(2)
OPTIONS TO EMPLOYEES EXERCISE EXPIRATION --------------------------
NAME GRANTED(1) IN 1998 PRICE DATE 5% 10%
- ----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------------- --------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Hans Buehler............................. 50,000 10.63 $ 13.625 01/29/08 $ 428,438 $ 1,085,776
Richard Mora............................. 50,000 10.63 13.625 01/29/08 428,438 1,085,776
200,000 42.53 17.188 02/16/08 2,161,844 5,478,688
Robert Bruning........................... 10,000 2.13 13.625 01/29/08 85,688 217,155
Jon Knartzer............................. 10,000 2.13 13.625 01/29/08 85,688 217,155
Ramon Ibarra............................. 10,000 2.13 13.625 01/29/08 85,688 217,155
Kathleen Wainwright...................... 10,000 2.13 13.625 01/29/08 85,688 217,155
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Options become exercisable as to one-third of the option shares two years
after the date of grant and as to an additional one-third of the option
shares each one-year interval thereafter, except for options
11
<PAGE>
granted to Hans Buehler, which become exercisable one year after the date of
grant. Certain transactions relating to a change in control of the Company
may accelerate the vesting of options outstanding at the time.
(2) These columns represent hypothetical future values of the stock purchasable
upon exercise of the options net of the option's exercise price, assuming
that the market price of the Company's common stock appreciates at a five or
ten percent compounded annual rate over the remaining term of the options.
The five and ten percent rates of stock price appreciation are presented as
examples pursuant to the Proxy Rules and do not necessarily reflect
management's assessment of the Company's future stock price performance. The
potential realizable values presented are not intended to indicate the value
of the options.
OPTION EXERCISES IN 1998 AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table sets forth information concerning stock options which
were exercised during, or held at the end of, 1998 by the officers identified in
the Summary Compensation Table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF VALUE OF
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT UNEXERCISED
SHARES DECEMBER 31, 1998(1) IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS(2)
ACQUIRED ON VALUE -------------------------- --------------------------
NAME EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Hans H. Buehler........................... -0- -0- 304,999 67,501 -0- -0-
Richard W. Mora........................... 9,512 $ 96,700 55,487 -0- -0- -0-
Robert C. Bruning......................... -0- -0- 8,333 26,667 -0- -0-
Jon A. Knartzer........................... -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Ramon F. Ibarra........................... 43,342 685,402 29,178 16,389 -0- -0-
Kathleen Wainwright....................... l4,700 29,963 3,333 16,667 -0- -0-
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Shares of common stock.
(2) Value based on closing sale price of $8.75 per share on December 31, 1998.
REPORT OF COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors makes this report on
executive compensation pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company's previous filings
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, that might incorporate future filings, including this Proxy
Statement, in whole or in part, this report and the graph which follows this
report shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filings, and such
information shall be entitled to the benefits provided in Item 402(a)(9).
The Compensation Committee reviews the performance of the executive officers
of the Company, makes recommendations to the Board of Directors as to their
compensation, and reviews the compensation programs for other key employees,
including salary and cash bonus levels. The Compensation Committee also
administers the Company's employee stock option plan (the "Employee Plan") and
authorizes grants of options to officers and other key employees based on
recommendations of Management.
COMPENSATION POLICIES AND PHILOSOPHY
The Company's executive compensation policies are designed to attract,
retain and reward executive officers who contribute to the Company's success, to
provide economic incentives for executive officers to achieve the Company's
business objectives by linking their compensation to the performance of the
Company, to strengthen the relationship between executive pay and shareholder
value and to reward
12
<PAGE>
individual performance. The Company uses a combination of base salary, cash
bonuses, and stock options to achieve these objectives.
The Compensation Committee considers a number of factors, including the
level and types of compensation paid to persons in similar positions by
comparable companies. In addition, the Compensation Committee evaluates
corporate performance by looking at factors such as performance relative to
competitors, performance relative to business conditions and the success of the
Company in meeting its financial objectives. The Compensation Committee also
reviews the performance of each executive officer, including a review of his or
her ability to meet individual performance objectives, demonstration of job
knowledge and skills and the ability to work with others toward the achievement
of the Company's goals.
COMPONENTS OF COMPENSATION
Executive officer salaries are established in relation to a range of
salaries for comparable positions in companies of comparable size and
complexity. The Company seeks to pay salaries to executive officers that are
commensurate with the qualifications, duties and responsibilities and that are
competitive in the marketplace. In making its annual salary recommendations, the
Compensation Committee looks at the Company's financial position and
performance, the contribution of the individual executive officers during the
prior fiscal year in helping to meet the Company's financial and business
objectives as well as the executive officers' performance of their individual
responsibilities.
Cash bonuses are used to provide executive officers with financial
incentives to meet quarterly and annual performance targets of the Company.
Performance targets and bonus recommendations for executives other than the
chairman of the board and the chief executive officer are proposed by the chief
executive officer, reviewed and, when appropriate, revised by the Compensation
Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Personal goals and bonus
recommendations for the chairman of the board and the chief executive officer
are recommended by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board. No cash
bonuses were paid to Hans H. Buehler, Richard W. Mora, Robert C. Bruning or Jon
A. Knartzer, and small bonuses were paid to Ramon F. Ibarra and Kathleen H.
Wainwright for 1998 based on the performance of the Company in 1998.
The Compensation Committee believes that equity ownership by executive
officers provides incentives to build shareholder value and align the interests
of executive officers with the interests of shareholders. Upon hiring executive
officers, the Compensation Committee typically recommends stock option grants to
the officers under the Employee Plan, subject to applicable vesting periods.
Thereafter, the Compensation Committee considers awarding additional grants
under the Employee Plan. The Compensation Committee believes that these
additional grants provide incentives for executive officers to remain with the
Company. Options are granted at the current market price for the Company's
common stock and, consequently, have value only if the price of the Company's
common stock increases over the exercise price. In determining the size of the
periodic grants the Compensation Committee considers prior option grants to the
executive officer, the executive's performance during the current fiscal year
and his or her expected contributions during the succeeding fiscal year.
COMPENSATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The Compensation Committee reviews the performance of the chairman of the
board and the chief executive officer of the Company, as well as other executive
officers of the Company, annually. Neither Mr. Buehler nor Mr. Mora received a
bonus in 1998, based on the performance of the Company in fiscal year 1998. In
February 1998, the Compensation Committee, which administers the Company's
employee stock option plan, approved the grant to Mr. Mora of an option to
purchase 200,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of
$17.189 per share, the market price per share of common stock of the Company on
that date.
13
<PAGE>
Members of the Compensation Committee
Jonathan P. Vannini Lee E. Mikles
SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE PRESENTATION
The graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on the
Company's common stock with the cumulative total return on the Russell 2000 and
a peer group index for the period commencing December 31, 1993 and ending on
December 31, 1998. The data set forth below assumes the value of an investment
in the Company's common stock and each index was $100 on December 31, 1993.
COMPARISON OF TOTAL RETURN
SINCE THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING OF COASTCAST CORPORATION COMMON STOCK
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COASTCAST CORPORATION PEER GROUP RUSSELL 2000
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
12/31/93 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00
12/31/94 $64.83 $70.02 $96.81
12/31/95 $55.86 $31.79 $97.20
12/31/96 $80.01 $32.28 $113.28
12/31/97 $76.55 $30.41 $138.45
12/31/98 $58.98 $17.93 $135.35
TOTAL RETURN ANALYSIS 12/31/93 12/31/94 12/31/95 12/31/96
Coastcast Corporation $100.00 $64.83 $55.86 $80.01
Peer Group $100.00 $70.72 $31.79 $32.28
Russell 2000 $100.00 $96.81 $97.20 $113.28
Source: Carl Thompson Associates www.ctaonline.com (300)
9599677.
Data from Bloomberg Financial Markets
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
12/31/93
12/31/94
12/31/95
12/31/96
12/31/97
12/31/98
TOTAL RETURN ANALYSIS 12/31/97 12/31/98
Coastcast Corporation $76.55 $58.98
Peer Group $30.41 $17.93
Russell 2000 $138.45 $135.35
Source: Carl Thompson Associates www.ctaonline.com (300)
9599677.
Data from Bloomberg Financial Markets
</TABLE>
* Peer Group Index consists of Aldila Inc. and Royal Grip, Inc. through
September 3, 1997, and Aldila Inc. and Royal Precision, Inc. (formerly named
FM Precision, Inc. and successor to Royal Grip, Inc.) from September 3, 1997
through December 31, 1998.
14
<PAGE>
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP serves the Company as its
independent auditors at the direction of the Board of Directors of the Company.
One or more representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to be present
at the Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire
to do so and to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the
selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent auditors for the Company
for fiscal year 1999. This matter is not required to be submitted for
shareholder approval, but the Board of Directors has elected to seek
ratification of its selection of the independent auditors by the affirmative
vote of a majority of the shares represented and voting at the Meeting (which
affirmative vote must equal or exceed a majority of the quorum required for the
Meeting).
Notwithstanding the ratification by shareholders of the appointment of
Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Board of Directors may, if the circumstances dictate,
appoint other independent accountants.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the
Company's directors and executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of
a registered class of the Company's equity securities to file various reports
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange
concerning their holdings of, and transactions in, securities of the Company.
Copies of these filings must be furnished to the Company.
Based on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the Company and
written representations from the Company's executive officers and directors, the
Company notes that Mr. Mora failed to file a Form 4 regarding his sale of 9,512
shares in May 1998. Additionally, the Company notes that Mr. Gates filed a Form
3 late reporting his beneficial ownership of securities upon his appointment as
a director in December 1998.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Shareholders who wish to present proposals for action at the 1999 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders should submit their proposals in writing to the
Secretary of the Company at the address of the Company set forth on the first
page of this Proxy Statement. Proposals must be received by the Secretary no
later than January 7, 2000 for inclusion in next year's proxy statement and
proxy card.
ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
The Annual Report to Shareholders of the Company for the year ended December
31, 1998, including audited consolidated financial statements, has been mailed
to the shareholders concurrently herewith, but such report is not incorporated
in this Proxy Statement and is not deemed to be a part of the proxy solicitation
material.
OTHER MATTERS
Management of the Company does not know of any other matters which are to be
presented for action at the Meeting. Should any other matters come before the
Meeting or any adjournment thereof, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will
have the discretionary authority to vote all proxies received with respect to
such matters in accordance with their collective judgment.
15
<PAGE>
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
A copy of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (exclusive of Exhibits), will be furnished
without charge to any person from whom the accompanying proxy is solicited upon
written request to Corporate Secretary, Coastcast Corporation, 3025 East
Victoria Street, Rancho Dominguez, California 90221. If Exhibit copies are
requested, a copying charge of $.20 per page will be made.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Norman I. Fujitaki
SECRETARY
Rancho Dominguez, California
April 29, 1999
SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO SPECIFY THEIR CHOICES AND TO DATE, SIGN, AND
RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PROMPT RESPONSE IS HELPFUL
AND YOUR COOPERATION WILL BE APPRECIATED.
16
<PAGE>
COASTCAST CORPORATION
3025 EAST VICTORIA STREET
RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, CALIFORNIA 90221
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Hans H. Buehler and Edwin A. Levy as
Proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes
them or either of them to represent and to vote as designated below, all the
shares of common stock of Coastcast Corporation held of record by the
undersigned on April 23, 1999, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be
held on June 18, 1999, or any adjournment thereof.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- FOLD AND DETACH HERE -
<PAGE>
Please mark your votes as
indicated in this example /X/
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR all nominees below WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
(except as marked to the to vote for all nominees
contrary below) / / listed below / /
INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee mark
the lines next to the nominee's name below:
Hans H. Buehler ______ Robert L. Gates ______ George L. Graziadio ______
Edwin A. Levy ______ Lee E. Mikles ______ Paul A. Novelly ______
Jonathan P. Vannini ______
2. RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
/ / / / / /
3. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the meeting.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY
WILL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.
Please sign exactly as name appears below. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, as executor,
administrator, trustee, or guardian, please give full title as such. If a
corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other
authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by
authorized person.
Signature(s) Dated , 1999
-------------------------------------------- ----------
PLEASE READ, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- FOLD AND DETACH HERE -
