SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
File by the Registrant |X|
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant |_|
Check the appropriate box:
|X| Preliminary Proxy Statement |_| Confidential, For Use of the Com-
|_| Definitive Proxy Statement mission Only (as permitted by Rule
|_| Definitive Additional Materials 14a-6(e)(2))
|_| Soliciting Material Pursuant to
Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
SMITH-MIDLAND 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.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE>
SMITH-MIDLAND CORPORATION
Route 28
Midland, Virginia 22728
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To be held on September 17, 1999
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
SMITH-MIDLAND CORPORATION (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, will be held
on Friday, September 17, 1999 at 7:00pm at Fauquier Springs Country Club,
located at 9236 Tournament Drive, Warrenton, Virginia 20186 for the following
purposes:
1. To elect five (5) members of the Board of Directors;
2. To amend the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to affect
a one-for-three, one-for-two, three-for-five, two-for-three or
three-for-four reverse stock split of the Common Stock of the
Company;
3. To ratify and approve additional financing of the Company
through sale of an aggregate of 471,428 shares of Common Stock
of the Company to the President of the Company and the Chief
Operating Officer of a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company,
at a price of $0.70 per share;
4. To ratify and approve the engagement of BDO Seidman, LLP as
independent auditors for the Company for the year ending
December 31, 1999, and
5. To consider and act upon any matters incidental to the
foregoing and any other matters that may properly come before
the meeting or any and all adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on August 19,
1999 as the record date for the determination of Stockholders entitled to notice
of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or adjournments
thereof.
We hope that all Stockholders will be able to attend the Annual Meeting
in person. In order to assure that a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting,
please date, sign and promptly return the enclosed proxy whether or not you
expect to attend the Annual Meeting. A postage-prepaid envelope, addressed to
American Securities Transfer, Incorporated, the Company's transfer agent and
registrar, has been enclosed for your convenience. If you attend the Annual
Meeting, your proxy will, at your request, be returned to you and you may vote
your shares in person.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Rodney I. Smith
Rodney I. Smith
President
Midland, Virginia
August 19, 1999
<PAGE>
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<PAGE>
SMITH-MIDLAND CORPORATION
Route 28
Midland, Virginia 22728
PROXY STATEMENT
For the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To be held on September 17, 1999
The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of
SMITH-MIDLAND CORPORATION (the "Company") for use at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on Friday, September 17, 1999 at 7:00 pm at Fauquier
Springs Country Club, located at 9236 Tournament Drive, Warrenton, Virginia
20186 and at any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
Stockholders of record at the close of business on August 19, 1999 will
be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. On or
about that date, 3,044,798 shares of the Company's Common Stock, $.01 par value
per share (the "Common Stock"), were issued and outstanding. The Company has no
other outstanding voting securities.
Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder to one vote with respect
to all matters submitted to Stockholders at the Annual Meeting. A quorum for the
Annual Meeting is a majority of the shares outstanding. Directors will be
elected by plurality vote. The proposal to amend the Certificate of
Incorporation requires a vote of a majority of votes entitled to be cast at the
meeting. Other proposals to be voted upon by the Stockholders of the Company
require the votes of a majority of shares of Common Stock present at the Annual
Meeting for passage. Abstentions and broker non-votes (the latter of which
result when a broker holding shares for a beneficial holder in "street name" has
not received timely voting instructions on certain matters from such beneficial
holder and the broker does not have discretionary voting power on such matters)
are counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum at
the Annual Meeting. Abstentions are counted in tabulations of the votes cast on
proposals presented to Stockholders, whereas broker non-votes are not counted
for purposes of determining whether stockholder approval for a proposal has been
obtained.
An Annual Report, containing the Company's audited financial statements for the
years ended December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, is being mailed to all
stockholders entitled to vote. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy
were first mailed to Stockholders on or about August 20, 1999.
THE NOMINATED DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION AS A GROUP OWN OR MAY BE
DEEMED TO CONTROL 702,915 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, CONSTITUTING APPROXIMATELY 23%
OF THE OUTSTANDING SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF THE CORPORATION. EACH OF THE
NOMINATED DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS HAS INDICATED HIS INTENT TO VOTE ALL SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY HIM IN FAVOR OF EACH ITEM SET FORTH HEREIN.
<PAGE>
Execution of a proxy will not in any way affect a Stockholder's right
to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person. The proxy may be revoked at any
time before it is exercised by written notice to the Secretary prior to the
Annual Meeting, or by giving to the Secretary a duly executed proxy bearing a
later date than the proxy being revoked at any time before such proxy is voted,
or by appearing at the Annual Meeting and voting in person. The shares
represented by all properly executed proxies received in time for the Annual
Meeting will be voted as specified therein. In the absence of a special choice,
shares will be voted in favor of the election of Directors of those persons
named in this Proxy Statement and in favor of all other items set forth herein.
The Board of Directors knows of no other matter to be presented at the
Annual Meeting. If any other matter should be presented at the Annual Meeting
upon which a vote may be taken, such shares represented by all proxies received
by the Board of Directors will be voted with respect thereto in accordance with
the judgment of the persons named as attorneys in the proxies. The Board of
Directors knows of no matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting that would
give rise to appraisal rights for dissenting stockholders.
Proposal No. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Five directors, constituting the entire Board of Directors, are to be
elected at the Annual Meeting. Each Director of the Corporation is elected at
the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders and serves until his successor is
duly elected by the stockholders. Vacancies and newly created directorships
resulting from any increase in the number of authorized Directors may be filled
by a majority vote of Directors then remaining in office. Officers are elected
by and serve at the direction of the Board of Directors.
Shares represented by all proxies received by the Board of Directors
and not so marked as to withhold authority to vote for an individual Director,
or for all Directors, will be voted (unless on or more nominees are unable or
unwilling to serve) for the election of the nominees named below. The Board of
Directors knows of no reason why any such nominee should be unwilling to serve,
but if such should be the case, proxies will be voted for the election of some
other person or for fixing the number of Directors at a lesser number.
The Board unanimously recommends that stockholders vote FOR election of the five
nominees for Director.
2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
The following table sets forth certain information concerning each nominee for
election as a Director of the Company:
<CAPTION>
Director
Name Age Officer Since Position
- ---- --- ------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Rodney I. Smith 60 1970 Chief Executive Officer, President
and Chairman of the Board of
Directors
Ashley B. Smith 37 1994 Vice President of Sales and
Marketing and Director
Wesley A. Taylor 51 1994 Vice President of Administration
and Director
Andrew Kavounis 74 1995 Director
Barry R. Schimel 57 ---- Nominee for Director
</TABLE>
Background
The following is a brief summary of the background of each Director and
nominee for Director of the Company:
Rodney I. Smith. Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and
President. Rodney I. Smith co-founded the Company in 1960 and became its
President and Chief Executive Officer in 1965. He has served on the Board of
Directors and has been its Chairman since 1970. Mr. Smith is the principal
developer and inventor of the Company's proprietary and patented products. Mr.
Smith is the past President of the National Precast Concrete Association. Mr.
Smith has served on the Board of Trustees of Bridgewater College in Bridgewater,
Virginia since 1986.
Ashley B. Smith. Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Director. Ashley B.
Smith has served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing of the Company since
1990 and as a Director since December 1994. Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor of
Science degree in Business Administration from Bridgewater College. Mr. Ashley
B. Smith is the son of Mr. Rodney I. Smith.
Wesley A. Taylor. Vice President of Administration and Director. Wesley A.
Taylor has served as Vice President of Administration of the Company since 1989
and as a Director since December 1994, and previously held positions as
Controller and Director of Personnel and Administration. Mr. Taylor holds a
Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern State University.
3
<PAGE>
Andrew Kavounis. Director. Andrew Kavounis has served as a Director of the
Company since December 1995. Mr. Kavounis was President of Core Development Co.,
Inc., a privately held construction and development concern from 1991 until he
retired in 1995. From 1989 to 1991, Mr. Kavounis was the Executive Vice
President of the Leadership Group, a Maryland based builder and developer. Prior
to that time, Mr. Kavounis spent 37 years as an executive at assorted
construction and development companies, which included a position as the
National Vice President of Ryland Homes, a privately held company, in which
capacity he was directly responsible for the construction of 17,000 homes
annually, nationwide. Mr. Kavounis received a Bachelor of Science degree in
Chemical Engineering from Presbyterian College, a Bachelor of Science degree in
Civil and Mechanical Engineering from Wofford College, and a Master's degree in
Business Administration from the University of South Carolina.
Barry R. Schimel, CPA, Nominee for Director. Barry R. Schimel, is a nominee for
Director of the Company. Mr. Schimel is a co-founder of The Profit Advisors,
Inc., a financial consulting firm and licensor of financial consulting services,
and has been its President since 1992. Mr. Schimel was also an accountant and
consultant with the firm of Friedman & Fuller from 1992 through September 1996.
Mr. Schimel is a Director of the not-for-profit National Parks Trust and Past
President of the Association of Practicing CPAs. He holds a Bachelor of Science
Degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland and is a Certified Public
Accountant licensed in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia.
4
<PAGE>
GENERAL INFORMATION RELATING TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has both an Audit Committee and a Compensation
Committee. Andrew Kavounis, and Wesley A. Taylor are the members of the Audit
Committee and it is contemplated that Barry R. Schimel will be elected as a
member following his election as a Director. The purposes of the Audit Committee
are to: (i) review the Company's financial results and recommend the selection
of the Company's independent auditors; (ii) review the effectiveness of the
Company's accounting policies and practices, financial reporting and internal
controls; and (iii) review the scope of independent audit coverage, the fees
charged by the independent auditors, any transactions which may involve a
potential conflict of interest and internal control systems. The Audit Committee
did not meet during 1998, rather, these matters were addressed by the Board of
Directors as a whole.
The Compensation Committee consists of Andrew Kavounis and Wesley A.
Taylor. The Compensation Committee was established to set and administer the
policies that govern annual compensation for the Company's executives. Following
review and approval by the Compensation Committee of the compensation policies,
all issues pertaining to executive compensation are submitted to the Board of
Directors for approval. The Compensation Committee negotiates and approves
compensation arrangements for officers, employees, consultants and directors of
the Company, including, but not limited to, the grant of options to purchase the
Common Stock pursuant to the Company's 1994 Stock Option Plan or other plans
which may be established. The Compensation Committee did not meet during 1998;
rather, these matters were addressed by the Board of Directors as a whole.
The Company does not have a standing nominating committee or a
committee performing similar functions.
The Board of Directors formally met three times during 1998 and also
met informally on a number of occasions, voting on corporate actions by written
consent. All of the Company's current directors attended all of the meetings of
the Board of Directors either in person or by telephone.
With the exception of Rodney I. Smith and Ashley Smith, who are father
and son, respectively, no Director or executive officer of the Company is
related by blood, marriage, or adoption to any of the Company's other Directors
or executive officers.
Compensation of Directors
All non-employee Directors receive $500 per meeting as compensation for
their services as Directors and are reimbursed for expenses incurred in
connection with the performance of their duties. All employee Directors, except
Rodney I Smith, receive $250 per meeting as compensation for their services and
are reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their
duties. Rodney I. Smith receives no compensation as a Director, but is
reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his
duties as a Director.
5
<PAGE>
Compensation of Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the compensation paid by the Company for
services rendered for the last three completed fiscal years to the executive
officers of the Company and its subsidiaries whose cash compensation exceeded
$100,000 during 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation Long Term Compensation
Awards Payouts
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i)
- -------------------------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Securities
Other Under- All
Name and Annual Restricted lying Other
Principal Compen- Stock Options/ LTIP Compen-
Position Year Salary Bonus sation Awards SARs Payouts sation
$ $ $ $ (#) $ $
- -------------------------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Rodney I. Smith 1998 175,000 54,500 - - 20,000 - -
President, Chief 1997 170,503 81,500 - - - - -
Executive Officer 1996 175,000 - - - - - -
and Chairman of the
Board.
Thomas J. Deserable 1998 45,867 - 65,508 (1) - 2,000 - -
Former Chief Operating 1997 - - - - - - -
Officer, Smith-Midland 1996 - - - - - - -
Corporation (Virginia)
through 3/16/99
(1) Mr. Deserable received $65,508 in consulting fees prior to commencing
employment as Chief Operating Officer of Smith-Midland Corporation
(Virginia), the primary subsidiary of the Company.
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
The following table summarizes option grants during 1998 to the named
executive officers:
<CAPTION>
Number of % of Total
Securities Options
Underlying Granted to Exercise
Options Employees in or Base Expiration
Name Granted (#) Fiscal Year Price ($/Sh) Date
---- ---------------- ---------------- ------------- -------------
Rodney I. Smith........... 20,000 32.27% 1.00 7/31/06
Thomas J. Deserable....... 2,000 3.23% 1.00 7/31/06
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Year-End Option Values
<CAPTION>
Number of Shares Value of Unexercised
Shares Underlying Unexercised Options In-the-Money Options
Acquired Value at Fiscal Year End (#) at Fiscal Year-End ($)(1)
on Exercise Realized -------------------------------- ------------------------------
Name (#) ($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Rodney I. Smith...... 0 0 0 20,000 0 0
Thomas J. Deserable.. 0 0 0 2,000 0 0
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Value is based on the closing sales price of the Company's Common Stock on
December 31,1998 ($1.00), the last trading day of 1998, less the option
exercise price ($1.00).
6
<PAGE>
Employment Agreement
The Company has entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Rodney I.
Smith, which provides for an annual base salary of $175,000. The present term of
the agreement continues until December 31, 1999, and is thereafter automatically
renewed for successive one year periods unless Mr. Smith or the Company gives
the other party three months prior written notice of non-renewal. Bonuses and
salary increases may be granted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors, as it so determines from time to time. Mr. Smith has voluntarily
reduced his annual base salary by 22.5% to $135,625 temporarily, effective March
8, 1999. Mr. Smith also is entitled to receive benefits offered to the Company's
employees generally. If terminated without cause, Mr. Smith is entitled to
receive as severance pay an amount equal to twenty-four (24) months of his base
salary, less taxes, other required withholdings and any amounts owed to the
Company, payable in accordance with the Company's standard payroll procedures.
In addition, the employment agreement precludes Mr. Smith from competing with
the Company during his employment and for at least one year thereafter, and from
disclosing confidential information. The Company is the owner of and the
beneficiary of three key person life insurance policies on Mr. Smith totaling
$1,400,000, of which $1,000,000 is assigned to the Company's bank.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The Company currently leases approximately three and one half acres of its
Midland Virginia property from Mr. Rodney I. Smith, the Company's President and
a major stockholder, as additional storage space for the Company's and some
customers' finished products. The lease provides for a term that automatically
renews on December 31 of each year unless otherwise canceled by either party.
The lease provides for an annual rent of $6,000.
At December 31, 1998, the Company owned an unsecured note for approximately
$624,387 receivable from Mr. Rodney I. Smith, with a seven year term accruing
interest at a rate of 6% per annum. During 1996, $102,300 of the note was
reduced for the Company's purchase of 40,920 Common Shares from Mr. Smith. On
December 31, 1997, the terms of the note were changed to call for annual
payments of $45,948 beginning on December 31, 1998 and continuing through
maturity on December 31, 2002. Total interest income on this note was
approximately $37,600 and $39,500 for the years ended December 31, 1998 and
1997, respectively.
The Company believes that the above arrangements are on terms at least as
favorable as could be attained from unaffiliated parties. All future
transactions or loans between the Company and its officers, directors, or five
percent shareholders will be on terms no less favorable than could be obtained
from independent third parties.
7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth, as of July 30, 1999, certain
information concerning ownership of the Company's Common Stock by (i) each
person known by the Company to own of record or be the beneficial owner of more
than five percent (5%) of the Company's Common Stock, (ii) each of the Company's
Directors and Director nominee, and (iii) all Directors and Executive Officers
as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, the Stockholders listed in the table
have sole voting and investment powers with respect to the shares indicated.
<CAPTION>
Name and Address of Number of Shares Percentage
Beneficial Owner(1) Beneficially Owned(2) of Class
- ------------------- --------------------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Rodney I. Smith (3)(4)(5)(6) 620,131 20.32
Ashley B. Smith (3)(4)(7) 94,717 3.11
Wesley A. Taylor (8) 7,450 *
Andrew Kavounis (9) 2,000 *
Barry R.Schimel -0- 0.00
All directors and executive officers as a
group (6 persons)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9) 726,964 23.67
- ----------------------------------
* Less than 1%
</TABLE>
(1) The address for each of Messrs. Rodney I. Smith, Ashley B. Smith, Taylor,
and Kavounis, is c/o Smith-Midland Corporation, P. O. Box 300, 5119 Catlett
Road, Midland, VA 22728.
(2) Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, shares of Common Stock that an individual or group has a right
to acquire within 60 days pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants
are deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage
ownership of such individual or group, but are not deemed to be outstanding
for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person
shown in the table.
(3) Rodney I. Smith and Ashley B. Smith are father and son, respectively. Each
of Rodney I. Smith and Ashley B. Smith disclaims beneficial ownership of
the other's shares of Common Stock.
(4) Does not include an aggregate of 98,958 shares of Common Stock held by
Jeremy Smith, Matthew Smith, and Roderick Smith, sons of Rodney I. Smith,
and brothers of Ashley B. Smith, and 112,713 shares held by Merry Robin
Bachetti, sister of Rodney I. Smith and aunt of Ashley B. Smith, for which
each of Rodney I. Smith and Ashley B. Smith disclaims beneficial ownership.
(5) Includes the 100,000 shares of Common Stock that have been deposited into
an irrevocable trust (the "Trust") for the benefit of Hazel Smith, the
income beneficiary of the Trust and former wife of Rodney I. Smith, and
mother of Mr. Smith's children. Mr. Smith is the trustee of the Trust and,
as such, may vote the shares as he deems fit. Includes options to purchase
6,833 shares of Common Stock of the Company exercisable at $1.00 per share.
8
<PAGE>
(6) Does not include 142,857 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Smith has
subscribed as described herein under Proposal No. 3.
(7) Includes options to purchase 8,250 shares of Common Stock of the Company
exercisable at $1.00 per share.
(8) Includes options to purchase 7,450 shares of Common Stock of the Company
exercisable at $1.00 per share.
(9) Includes options to purchase 2,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company
exercisable at $1.00 per share.
Compliance with Section 16(A)
Section 16(a) ("Section 16(a)") of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act"), requires executive officers and Directors and
persons who beneficially own more than ten percent (10%) of the Company's Common
Stock to file initial reports of ownership on Form 3 and reports of changes in
ownership on Form 4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") and any national securities exchange on which the Company's
securities are registered. Executive officers, Directors and greater than ten
percent (10%) beneficial owners are required by the Commission's regulations to
furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the
Company and written representations from the executive officers and Directors,
the Company believes that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to
its executive officers, Directors and greater than ten per cent (10%) beneficial
owners were satisfied, except for the Form 3 and Form 4 filings due for the
following transactions, which filings are currently being prepared:
Form 4 for Andrew Kavounis for the Nov. 5, 1997 grant of non-qualified
stock options,
Form 4 for Bernard Patriacca for the Nov. 5, 1997 grant of
non-qualified stock options,
Form 4 for Rodney I. Smith for the July 31, 1998 grant of non-qualified
stock options,
Form 4 for Rodney I. Smith for the August 4, 1998 grant of
non-qualified stock options,
Form 4 for Ashley Smith for the November 5, 1997 grant of incentive
stock options,
Form 4 for Ashley Smith for the August 4, 1998 grant of incentive stock
options,
Form 4 for Wesley A. Taylor for the November 5, 1997 grant of incentive
stock options,
Form 4 for Wesley A. Taylor for the August 4, 1998 grant of incentive
stock options,
Form 3 for Thomas J. Deserable due upon appointment as Chief Operating
Officer of Smith-Midland Virginia and for the August 4, 1998 grant of
incentive stock options.
9
<PAGE>
BACKGROUND INFORMATION REGARDING PROPOSALS 2 AND 3
The Company's Common Stock has traded on the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") under the symbol "SMID"
and on the Boston Stock Exchange ("BSE") under the symbol "SMC" since December
13, 1995. As of July 23, 1999, there were approximately 52 record holders of the
Company's Common Stock. Management believes there are approximately 500
beneficial owners of the Company's Common Stock.
The Company has been notified by NASDAQ that its securities are
currently being reviewed for compliance with the Nasdaq SmallCap Market
eligibility requirements. As of July 31, 1999, the Company was not in compliance
with all current applicable requirements and the Company believes that it will
have difficulty meeting all the current requirements. In particular, the minimum
per share bid price ($1) requirement and the net tangible asset requirement
(minimum of $2,000,000) are not currently being met.
The Company has been in a precarious financial position since it began
incurring losses on the Bradley Hall building renovation project at the Newark,
New Jersey campus of Rutgers University during the fourth quarter of 1998 and
has been seeking to raise capital for several months.. Proposals No. 2 and No. 3
are being submitted to the stockholders of the Company for approval because the
Company believes that implementation of these proposals will strengthen the
Company financially and help the Company to meet the Nasdaq SmallCap Market
eligibility requirements, although there can be no assurances in this regard.
Proposal No. 2 is an amendment to the Company's certificate of incorporation to
effect a Reverse Stock Split. Proposal No. 3 seeks Stockholder approval for
Stock Subscription Agreements which would authorize sale of Common Stock to the
Company's President and to the Chief Operating Officer of the primary operating
subsidiary of the Company at a price of $0.70 per share. The Company believes
that the higher share price which may result from the Reverse Stock Split and
the sale of Common Stock to Officers of the Company and its subsidiary will help
to generate interest in the Company among investors, help to strengthen the
Company financially, and thereby facilitate future financings. In addition, the
Company anticipates that the Reverse Stock Split, the sale of Common Stock to
Officers of the Company and its subsidiary and other contemplated financings
will enable the Company to maintain the listing of the Common Stock on the
Nasdaq SmallCap Stock Market, although there can be no assurances in this
regard.
Proposal No. 2
PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO EFFECT THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
Reason for Submission to Stockholders
This Proposal is being submitted to stockholders to satisfy the
requirements of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
10
<PAGE>
Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split
The principal reasons to effectuate the Reverse Stock Split are to
increase the number of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock, to reduce
the number of shares of Common Stock that are outstanding, and to increase the
price per share of the Common Stock.
The Company currently is authorized to issue 8,000,000 shares of Common
Stock, of which 3,044,798 shares of Common Stock are issued and outstanding.
There also are outstanding options and warrants to purchase 2,065,718 shares of
Common Stock. In accordance with Stock Subscription Agreements, the Company is
required to issue an additional 471,428 shares of Common Stock, subject to
stockholder approval.
The Company contemplates that the Reverse Stock Split will be a minimum
of three-for-four (with the final determination to be based upon the price of
the Common Stock at the time of the Reverse Stock Split). After a three-for-four
Reverse Stock Split, there would be outstanding approximately 2,283,600 shares
of Common Stock, and options and warrants to purchase 1,549,290 shares of Common
Stock for an aggregate of approximately 3,832,890 shares of Common Stock issued
and outstanding or required to be reserved for issuance. Total shares of Common
Stock authorized for issuance would remain at 8,000,000.
The Company also believes that the higher share price which may result
from the Reverse Stock Split will help to generate interest in the Company among
investors, thereby facilitating future financings. In addition, the Company
anticipates, but there can be no assurance, that the Reverse Stock Split will
enable the Common Stock to maintain its listing on the NASDAQ Stock Market, for
which a minimum $1.00 bid price is required. There can be no assurance, however,
that a higher share price will have such effect or that any financings will be
consummated in the future. The Company reserves the right not to effectuate the
reverse stock split, even if approved by the Stockholders.
Fractional Shares
No fractional shares of Common Stock or scrip representing fractional
shares of Common Stock will be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock
Split. In lieu of issuing fractional shares, each fractional share will be
rounded up to the next highest whole share of Common Stock.
Effects of the Reverse Stock Split
Upon the effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split, the number of shares
owned by each holder of Common stock shall be reduced by the ratio of either
three-for-four, two-for-three, three-for-five, one-for-two, or one-for-three, so
that each such stockholder will thereafter own one share of Common Stock for
every 1 1/3, 1 1/2, 1 2/3, 2 or 3 shares of Common stock he or she owned
immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split.
It is contemplated that the Reverse Stock Split will be a minimum of
three-for-four (with the final determination to be based upon the price of the
Common Stock at the time of the Reverse Stock Split). Assuming a one-for-two
Reverse Stock Split, the principal effect of the Reverse Stock Split will be
that (i) the number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding will be
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reduced from 3,044,798 shares to approximately 1,522,400 shares, (ii) all
outstanding options and warrants entitling the holders thereof to purchase
shares of Common Stock will enable such holders to purchase, upon exercise of
their options and warrants, one half of the number of shares of Common Stock
which such holders would have been able to purchase upon exercise of their
options or warrants immediately preceding the Reverse Stock Split at the same
aggregate price required to be paid therefor upon exercise thereof immediately
preceding the Reverse Stock Split, and (iii) the number of shares included in
the Company's 1994 Stock Option Plan will be reduced to one half of the number
of shares currently included in such Stock Option Plan. The Reverse Stock Split
will not alter the percentage ownership interest in the Company of any
stockholder, except to the extent that the Reverse Stock Split results in a
stockholder of the Company owning a fractional share (see "Reverse Stock Split -
Fractional Shares"). Voting and other rights accompanying the Common Stock will
not be altered.
Pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split, the par value of the Common Stock
will remain $0.01 per share. As a result, on the effective date of the Reverse
Stock Split, the stated capital on the Company's balance sheet attributable to
the Common Stock will be reduced to one half of its present amount (assuming a
one-for-two Reverse Stock Split), and the additional paid-in capital account
shall be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced.
Exchange of Shares
The Reverse Stock Split, if necessary, will be effective at the close
of business on the date of filing of the appropriate certificate of amendment to
the Charter with the Secretary of State of Delaware, unless the Company
specifies otherwise. The record date for the Reverse Stock Split will be the
effective date of the amendment to the Charter (the "Record Date"). On or about
the Record Date, notice of the Reverse Stock Split (the "Split Notice") will be
mailed to each stockholder of record at the most recent address of such
stockholder appearing on the Company's records. The Split Notice shall be
accompanied by a Letter of Transmittal and shall request that each stockholder
surrender his or her existing stock certificate(s) (the "Old Certificate")
evidencing ownership of the pre-Reverse Stock Split Common Stock (the "Old
Common Stock"), together with the Letter of Transmittal, to American Securities
Transfer and Trust Company to be exchanged for a new stock certificate(s)
evidencing ownership of the number of shares of Common Stock resulting from the
Reverse Stock Split (the "New Common Stock"). From and after the Record Date,
all Old Certificates will be deemed to represent only that number of shares of
New Common Stock resulting from the Reverse Stock Split.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The Company believes that the federal income tax consequences of the
Reverse Stock Split will be as follows:
(i) Except as explained in (v) below, no income gain or loss will
be recognized by stockholders on the surrender of their Old
Common Stock or the receipt of their New Common Stock.
(ii) Except as explained in (v) below, the tax basis of the New
Common Stock will equal the tax basis of the Old Common Stock
exchanged therefor.
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(iii) Except as explained in (v) below, the holding period of the
New Common Stock will include the holding period of the Old
Common Stock if such shares were held as capital assets.
(iv) The conversion of the Old Common Stock into the New Common
Stock will produce no taxable income or gain or loss to the
Company.
(v) The federal income tax treatment of the receipt of the
additional fractional interest by a stockholder is not clear
and may result in tax liability not material in amount in view
of the low value of such fractional interest.
The foregoing summary represents the Company's opinion only and is
based on the existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, and existing administrative interpretations thereof, any of which may
be revised retroactively. The Company's opinion is not binding upon the Internal
Revenue Service or the courts, and there can be no assurance that the Internal
Revenue Service or the courts would accept the positions expressed above.
The state and local tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split may
vary significantly as to each stockholder, depending upon the state in which
he/she resides. Stockholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors with
respect to the federal, state, and local tax consequences of the Reverse Stock
Split.
No Right of Appraisal
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, dissenting stockholders are
not entitled to appraisal rights with respect to the Company's proposed
amendment to the Charter to effect the Reverse Stock Split, and the Company will
not provide stockholders with any such right.
Voting Requirement
Approval of the Proposal for the Reverse Stock Split requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of stock representing a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast at the Meeting.
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote FOR the
proposed amendment to the Charter to effect the Reverse Stock Split.
Proposal No. 3
PROPOSAL TO RATIFY STOCK SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENTS FOR
SALE OF COMMON STOCK TO OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY AND A SUBSIDIARY
The Company has been in precarious financial condition since it began
to incur significant losses on the Bradley Hall renovation project at Rutgers
University during the fourth quarter of 1998 and has been seeking to raise
additional capital since the beginning of 1999. In connection with the Company's
efforts to raise additional capital, the Company entered into Stock Subscription
Agreements with the President of the Company and the Chief Operating Officer of
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the primary operating subsidiary of the Company, Smith-Midland Corporation (a
Virginia corporation), to purchase a total of 471,428 shares at a price of $0.70
per share. Mr. Rodney I. Smith, President of the Company, has agreed to purchase
142,857 shares and Mr. Guy M. Schuch, Chief Operating Officer of Smith-Midland
Corporation (a Virginia corporation), has agreed to purchase 328,571 shares. The
aggregate investment of $330,000 will provide working capital to the Company and
assist the Company in its efforts to comply with NASDAQ's $2 million net
tangible asset requirement.
Without giving effect to this transaction, Messrs. Smith and Schuch
beneficially own 20.3 % and 0.0 % of the Common Stock of the Company,
respectively. After giving effect to this transaction, Mssrs. Smith and Schuch
will beneficially own 21.66 % and 9.3 % of the Common Stock of the Company,
respectively.
In addition to supplying much needed additional capital, the Company
believes that the aggregate investment in the Company of approximately $330,000
by these senior officers of the Company and its subsidiary will be viewed
favorably by investment bankers and other potential investors in the Company and
will assist the Company in its efforts to raise additional capital.
The Company and Messrs. Smith and Schuch have agreed that the
consummation of the sale of Common Stock under the Subscription Agreements is
subject both to Stockholder Approval of the Agreements and the Company
maintaining its NASDAQ listing.
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote FOR
approval of the Stock Subscription Agreements for sale of an aggregate of
471,428 shares of Common Stock to the President of the Company and the Chief
Operating Officer of a wholly owned subsidiary.
Proposal No. 4
ACCOUNTING MATTERS AND RATIFICATION OF AUDITORS
The persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote to ratify the
selection of BDO Seidman LLP as independent auditors for the year ending
December 31, 1999 unless otherwise directed by the Stockholders. A
representative of BDO Seidman LLP is expected to be present at the Annual
Meeting, and will have the opportunity to make a statement and answer questions
from Stockholders if he or she so desires.
The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR approval
of BDO Seidman LLP as Independent Public Accountant.
VOTING AT MEETING
The Board of Directors has fixed August 19, 1999 as the record date for
the determination of Stockholders entitled to vote at this meeting. On or about
that date, 3,044,798 shares of Common Stock were outstanding and entitled to
vote.
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SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
The cost of solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Corporation.
In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, officers and employees of
the Corporation may solicit in person or by telephone. The Corporation may
reimburse brokers or persons holding stock in their names, or in the names of
their nominees, for their expense in sending proxies and proxy material to
beneficial owners.
REVOCATION OF PROXY
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, all proxies
received by the Corporation will be effective, notwithstanding any transfer of
the shares to which such proxies relate, unless prior to the Annual Meeting, the
Corporation receives a written notice of revocation signed by the person who, as
of the record date, was the registered holder of such shares. The Notice of
Revocation must indicate the certificate number or numbers of the shares to
which such revocation relates and the aggregate number of shares represented by
such certificate(s).
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
In order to be included in proxy material for the 2000 Annual Meeting,
Stockholders' proposed resolutions must be received by the Corporation no later
than April 24, 2000. The Corporation suggests that proponents submit their
proposals by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the
President of the Corporation.
MISCELLANEOUS
The management does not know of any other matter which may come before
the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters are properly presented to the
Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons names in the accompanying
proxy to vote, or otherwise act, in accordance with their judgment on such
matters.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Rodney I. Smith
Rodney I. Smith
President
Midland, Virginia
August 19, 1999
THE MANAGEMENT HOPES THAT STOCKHOLDERS WILL ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. WHETHER
OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, YOU ARE URGED TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN, AND RETURN THE
ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE. PROMPT RESPONSE WILL GREATLY
FACILITATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MEETING AND YOUR COOPERATION WILL BE
APPRECIATED. STOCKHOLDERS WHO ATTEND THE MEETING MAY VOTE THEIR STOCK PERSONALLY
EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE SENT IN THEIR PROXIES.
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SMITH-MIDLAND CORPORATION
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING
TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 17, 1999
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Rodney I. Smith and Wesley A. Taylor
with full power of substitution to vote for and on behalf of the undersigned at
the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of SMITH-MIDLAND
CORPORATION, to be held at the Fauquier Springs Country Club located at 9236
Tournament Drive, Warrenton, Virginia 22186, on Friday, September 17, 1999 at
7:00 pm, and at any adjournment or adjournments thereof, upon and with respect
to all shares of the Common Stock of the Company upon and with respect to which
the undersigned would be entitled to vote and act if personally present. The
undersigned hereby directs the said Rodney I. Smith and Wesley A. Taylor to vote
in accordance with their judgment on any matters which may properly come before
the meeting, all as indicated in the Notice of the meeting, receipt of which is
hereby acknowledged, and to act on the following matters set forth in such
Notice as specified by the undersigned:
If no direction is made, this Proxy will be voted FOR election of
Directors and FOR proposals 2, 3 and 4.
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(1) Proposal to elect five (5) members of the |_| FOR all nominees listed |_| WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
Board of Directors of the Company. below (except as marked to vote for all
to the contrary below) nominees listed below
</TABLE>
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority for any individual nominee STRIKE such
nominee's name from the list below.
Rodney I. Smith, Ashley B. Smith, Wesley A. Taylor, Andrew Kavounis,
Barry R. Schimel
(2) |_| FOR |_| AGAINST |_| ABSTAIN Proposal to amend the
Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split.
(3) |_| FOR |_| AGAINST |_| ABSTAIN Proposal to ratify stock
subscription agreements for sale of Common Stock to officers of the company and
a subsidiary.
(4) |_| FOR |_| AGAINST |_| ABSTAIN Proposal to ratify and
approve the selection of BDO Seidman, LLP as the independent accountants of the
Company for the year ending December 31, 1999.
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 2, 3 and 4.
(5) In their discretion to transact such other business as may properly come
before the meeting or any adjournment of adjournments thereof. The shares
represented by this proxy will be voted for and in favor of the items set forth
above unless a contrary specification is made.
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Dated ____________________________________
Please mark, date, sign and return the proxy card promptly
using the enclosed envelope. Sign exactly as your name _____________________________________________
appears hereon. Signature
NOTE: When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign.
When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or _____________________________________________
guardian, please give full title as such. If the person named on Signature, if held jointly
the stock certificate is deceased, please submit evidence of your
authority. If a corporation, sign in full corporate name by an _____________________________________________
authorized officer and indicate the office held. If a partnership, Printed Name
please sign in the partnership name by authorized person.
_____________________________________________
Current Address
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