<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 Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12
SOUTHWEST WATER COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[_] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
[_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
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Notes:
<PAGE>
[LETTERHEAD OF SOUTHWEST WATER COMPANY]
April 11, 1997
DEAR STOCKHOLDER:
I am pleased to invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
Southwest Water Company, to be held on THURSDAY, MAY 22, 1997, AT 10:00 A.M. AT
THE HOTEL INTER-CONTINENTAL, LOCATED AT 251 SOUTH OLIVE STREET, LOS ANGELES,
CALIFORNIA. The meeting this year will focus on the election of directors, the
approval of amendments to the Company's Stock Option Plan, and the appointment
of the Company's independent auditors. The accompanying Notice of Meeting and
Proxy Statement describe these proposals. We have also enclosed a copy of our
1996 Annual Report and Form 10-K. I urge you to read this information
carefully.
Please note that this year we have moved the location of the Annual Meeting
to downtown Los Angeles. A map showing the new location is found on the back
cover of this Proxy Statement.
In addition to the formal business to be transacted at the meeting,
management will make a presentation on developments during the past year, and we
will provide an opportunity for comments and questions of general interest to
stockholders. Your Board of Directors and management look forward to greeting
all stockholders able to attend the meeting.
I am delighted you have chosen to invest in Southwest Water Company!
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please complete, sign and
return the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible in the envelope provided.
Your vote is important to us. Returning the signed proxy card will ensure your
representation at the Annual Meeting, whether or not you attend in person.
Sincerely,
ANTON C. GARNIER
Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
[LOGO OF SOUTHWEST WATER COMPANY]
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 22, 1997
To the Stockholders of Southwest Water Company:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of SOUTHWEST
WATER COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), will be held at the Hotel
Inter-Continental, 251 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, California, on Thursday,
May 22, 1997, at 10:00 a.m. local time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect seven directors to serve until the next Annual Meeting of
Stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified;
2. To consider and act upon the Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated
Southwest Water Company Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan to increase
the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance thereunder, to
extend the time period during which options may be granted and to
eliminate certain future shareholder approval requirements;
3. To consider and act upon ratification of the Board of Directors'
appointment of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as the Company's independent auditors
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997; and
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or
any adjournments thereof.
In accordance with the bylaws of the Company, only stockholders of record
at the close of business on March 31, 1997, shall be entitled to vote at this
meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Copies of the Company's Proxy Statement, Annual Report to Stockholders and
Form 10-K accompany this notice.
By order of the Board of Directors
PETER J. MOERBEEK
Secretary
West Covina, California
April 11, 1997
IMPORTANT
PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD SO THAT YOUR
SHARES MAY BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR WISHES AND TO ASSURE THE PRESENCE OF
A QUORUM AT THE MEETING. THE PROMPT RETURN OF YOUR SIGNED PROXY CARD, REGARDLESS
OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES THAT YOU HOLD, WILL AID THE COMPANY IN REDUCING THE
EXPENSE OF ADDITIONAL PROXY SOLICITATION. THE GIVING OF A PROXY DOES NOT AFFECT
YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE IN PERSON IN THE EVENT THAT YOU ATTEND THE MEETING.
<PAGE>
[LOGO OF SOUTHWEST WATER COMPANY]
225 NORTH BARRANCA AVENUE, SUITE 200
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA 91791-1605
____________________
PROXY STATEMENT
MAY 22, 1997
__________
SOLICITATION AND REVOCATION OF PROXY
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors of Southwest Water Company (the "Company") for
use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 22, 1997, or at any
adjournments thereof.
It is expected that the Notice, Proxy Statement and Proxy will be mailed to
stockholders of the Company on or about April 11, 1997. Only stockholders of
record at the close of business on March 31, 1997 (the "Record Date"), will be
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting"). On
March 31, 1997 there were 3,129,622 shares of the Company's Common Stock and
10,341 shares of the Company's Series "A" Preferred stock outstanding. Each
share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote, equal to 3,129,622 votes, and
each share of Preferred stock is entitled to five votes, equal to 51,705 votes,
for a combined 3,181,327 total number of votes at the Meeting. The Company's
Restated Certificate of Incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting;
therefore, a simple plurality of the votes cast will elect all of the directors,
approve the second amendment to the stock option and restricted stock plan and
ratify the appointment of the independent auditors.
Each valid Proxy will be voted at the Meeting and will be cast in
accordance with the stockholders' directions as specified on the Proxy. If no
specification is made, the shares represented by Proxies will be voted FOR the
election of the nominees as directors of the Company, FOR approval of the second
amendment to the stock option and restricted stock plan and FOR ratification of
the appointment of the Company's independent auditors for 1997. Any stockholder
of the Company may revoke a Proxy at any time prior to its use by filing with
the Company, at the address indicated herein, a written notice of revocation, by
filing a completed Proxy bearing a later date, or by voting in person at the
Meeting.
The form of Proxy which accompanies this Proxy Statement is solicited by
the Board of Directors of the Company, and all expenses incident to the
preparation and mailing, or otherwise making available to the stockholders of
the Company, of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxies and this
Proxy Statement, will be borne by the Company. In addition, Proxies may be
solicited by officers, directors and employees of the Company, personally or by
telephone. The Company is a Delaware corporation with its principal executive
offices located at 225 North Barranca Avenue, Suite 200, West Covina, California
91791-1605, Telephone: (818) 915-1551, Facsimile: (818) 915-1558, E-mail:
[email protected].
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide for a Board
of Directors consisting of seven members. It is intended that the persons named
in the Proxy will, unless otherwise instructed, vote for the election of the
seven nominees identified below to serve as directors until the next Annual
Meeting of Stockholders. If any nominee, for any reason currently unknown,
cannot be a candidate for election, the shares represented by valid Proxies will
be voted in favor of the remaining nominees and may be voted for the election of
a substitute nominee recommended by the Board of Directors. Directors are
elected by plurality vote. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not have the
effect of votes in opposition to a director.
Each of the nominees was elected to his current term of office at the last
Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The following biographical summaries and ages as of March 31, 1997 were
furnished to the Company by each of the nominees:
H. FREDERICK CHRISTIE, 63, is a consultant. He retired in 1990 as president and
chief executive officer of the Mission Companies, a subsidiary of SCEcorp (now
Edison International), which oversaw SCEcorp's non-utility businesses. From
1984 to 1987, he served as president of Southern California Edison Company, a
subsidiary of SCEcorp. Mr. Christie is a director of Great Western Financial
Corporation, Great Western Bank, Ultramar Diamond Shamrock, AECOM Technology
Corporation, IHOP Corp., Ducommun Incorporated, Capital Income Builder, Inc.,
Small Cap World Fund, Capital World Growth and Income Fund and American Mutual
Fund. He is a Trustee of American Variable Insurance and New Economy Fund and a
Director or Trustee of 12 fixed income funds of the Capital Research and
Management Company. He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Natural
History Museum of Los Angeles County, and a member of the Board of Councilors
for the School of Public Administration at the University of Southern
California. Mr. Christie was first elected a director in 1996.
MICHAEL J. FASMAN, 87, is an attorney and a partner of the law firm, Allen and
Fasman. Mr. Fasman was first elected a director in 1975.
ANTON C. GARNIER, 56, has been president and chief executive officer of the
Company since 1968. Mr. Garnier was first elected a director in 1968 and was
elected Chairman of the Board in August 1996.
MONROE HARRIS, 75, is a consultant and retired executive vice president and
director of Johns-Manville Corporation. Mr. Harris was first elected a director
in 1963. He resigned from the Board in 1965 when he moved to New York. Mr.
Harris was reelected a director in 1987.
DONOVAN D. HUENNEKENS, 60, is a partner of Huennekens, Quinn & Talcott , a real
estate development company. He is also a director of Bixby Ranch Company, a
trustee of the Mead Foundation and a member of the board of Mead Housing, Inc.
Mr. Huennekens was first elected a director in 1969.
RICHARD KELTON, 67, is president of Bollenbacher & Kelton, Inc., a commercial
and residential developer. He is Vice President of the Board of Trustees of the
Pacific Asia Museum. Mr. Kelton was first elected a director in 1969.
RICHARD G. NEWMAN, 62, is chairman, president and chief executive officer and a
director of AECOM Technology Corporation, the parent of several subsidiaries
that provide architectural, engineering, construction, operations and
maintenance services on an international basis. He also serves on the board of
13 mutual funds managed by the Capital Research and Management Company. Mr.
Newman was first elected a director in 1991.
There are no family relationships between any director and any executive
officer of the Company. None of the entities by whom the foregoing directors are
employed are related to the Company. No director is a director of any other
corporation subject to Sections 12 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 or registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of
1940. No director or executive officer of the Company has been, during the last
five years, involved in a legal proceeding of the type which would require
disclosure herein by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. There are no
arrangements or understandings between any director and any other persons
pursuant to which any director was or is to be selected as a director or nominee
of the Company or of any other company.
2
<PAGE>
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors has five standing committees, described below.
Until May 1996, all elected outside directors served on each of the committees,
with the exception of the Director Stock Option Committee, on which Mr.
Huennekens and Mr. Kelton served.
Beginning May 1996, the Audit Committee was chaired by Mr. Huennekens and
included Messrs. Christie and Newman. During 1996, the Audit Committee held two
meetings. Among its responsibilities, the Audit Committee recommends to the
Board the appointment of the Company's independent auditors for the ensuing
year, reviews with the independent auditors and management the scope and results
of the audit engagement (as well as management's internal audit program),
reviews the adequacy of the Company's internal control procedures and reviews
the independence of the auditors.
Beginning May 1996, the Compensation Committee was chaired by Mr. Harris
and included Messrs. Christie and Newman. During 1996, the Compensation
Committee held four meetings. The Committee is responsible for approving and
reporting to the Board the annual compensation for all executive officers,
including salary, stock options, incentive compensation and other benefits.
Beginning March 1997, the Committee is also responsible for granting stock
awards and stock option grants. The Committee also reviews the Company's non-
qualified benefit plans. The Compensation Committee consists of non-employee
directors. There were no Compensation Committee interlocks.
Beginning May 1996, the Investment/Acquisition Committee was chaired by Mr.
Huennekens and included Messrs. Christie and Kelton. During 1996, the
Investment/Acquisition Committee held no meetings. Among its responsibilities,
the Investment/Acquisition Committee sets overall investment policy with respect
to the Company's short-term funds, provides guidance in the selection of the
Company's banking relationships and analyzes the effects of external economic
conditions on the Company's investment policy. The Committee also provides
direction in the areas of long-term planning, consideration of diversification
alternatives, new business developments, and acquisitions and mergers.
Beginning May 1996, the Nominating Committee was chaired by Mr. Newman and
included Messrs. Fasman and Harris. During 1996, the Nominating Committee held
no meetings. The functions of the Nominating Committee include establishing
criteria for the selection of nominees for election as directors, reviewing the
qualifications of and maintaining information concerning potential nominees,
making recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to nominees for
election as directors at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and, as vacancies
occur on the Board between annual meetings, reviewing on a long-term basis the
size and composition of the Board and investigating and making recommendations
to the Board of Directors with respect to amendments to the Company's Bylaws.
The Nominating Committee will consider recommendations for director nominees
proposed by stockholders. Any recommendations for nominees should be submitted
in writing to Mr. Newman at the Company's principal executive offices.
Beginning May 1996, the Director Stock Option Committee was chaired by Mr.
Huennekens and included Messrs. Christie, Fasman, Harris, Kelton and Newman.
During 1996, the Director Stock Option Committee held one meeting. The Director
Stock Option Committee was formed in 1991 to administer the Company's Stock
Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the "Option Plan"). As of March 1997, the
Board amended the Option Plan and transferred the Director Stock Option
Committee responsibilities to the Compensation Committee. The members of both
the Director Stock Option Committee and the Compensation Committee are qualified
to serve according to the rules issued pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934.
3
<PAGE>
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
For all of 1996, Directors who were not officers of the Company were paid
an annual retainer of $12,000 for service on the Board plus an attendance fee of
$750 for each Board meeting, Committee meeting or long-range planning meeting.
When a Committee meeting is held on the same day as a Board meeting, attendees
receive a fee of $500 for attendance at the Committee meeting. Beginning
January 1, 1997, Directors who are not officers of the Company are paid an
annual retainer of $12,000 for service on the Board plus a fee of $1,000 for
attendance at each Board meeting, Committee meeting or long-range planning
meeting. When a Committee meeting is held on the same day as a Board meeting,
attendees receive a fee of $500 for attendance at the Committee meeting. Also,
beginning January 1, 1997, Committee Chairmen are paid an additional annual fee
of $1,200. Directors who are officers of the Company are not paid any fees or
additional remuneration for service as members of the Board or any Board
Committee.
During 1996, stockholders approved a stock option plan for non-employee
directors (the "Director Option Plan"), which provides for an annual automatic
grant of an option to purchase 1,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock to
eligible non-employee directors of the Company (currently six directors),
beginning with the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and on the date of the
Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders in each subsequent year through 2006.
A new Director shall also be granted an initial option to purchase 1,000 shares
of the Company's Common Stock upon his or her appointment to the Board.
Initially, 50,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock were reserved for
issuance under the Director Option Plan. In December 1996, the Board of
Directors approved a 20 percent stock dividend to stockholders of record on
January 2, 1997. This stock dividend increased the number of shares reserved
for issuance under the Director Option Plan by an additional 10,000 shares and
also changed the annual automatic grant of option shares to 1,200 per director.
Since the Plan was not effective until 1997, no stock options were granted under
this Plan in 1996.
Prior to the approval of the Director Option Plan, the non-employee
directors were granted stock options under a stock option plan (the "1988 Option
Plan") approved by the stockholders in 1988. Information concerning the 1988
Option Plan is set forth on page 15. The following table sets forth summary
information concerning the hypothetical value of option grants made in 1996 to
eligible non-employee directors under the 1988 Option Plan:
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTIONS GRANTED IN 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Potential Realizable
Value at Assumed
Annual Rates of Stock
Price Appreciation for
Individual Grants 10-Year Option Term
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercise
Options or Expiration 5% 10%
Eligible Directors (#) (1) Base Price Date ($) ($)
($/sh.) (2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
H. FREDERICK CHRISTIE 1,320 9.48 2006 7,870 19,943
MICHAEL J. FASMAN 1,320 9.48 2006 7,870 19,943
MONROE HARRIS 1,320 9.48 2006 7,870 19,943
RICHARD G. NEWMAN 1,320 9.48 2006 7,870 19,943
</TABLE>
(1) Options vest 20% per year until fully vested. All options have been
adjusted to reflect a 20% stock dividend on January 2, 1997.
(2) All exercise prices represent fair market value on the date of grant,
after adjusting to reflect a 20% stock dividend on January 2, 1997.
4
<PAGE>
OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END VALUE TABLE
-----------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares
Acquired Number of Value of Unexercised In-the-
Name on Value Unexercised Options Money Options at
Exercise Realized at December 31, 1996 December 31, 1996 (1)
(#) ($) Exercisable/ Unexercisable (#) Exercisable/Unexercisable
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
H. Frederick Christie - - - / 1,320 - / 5,801
Michael J. Fasman 252 636 3,150 / 2,530 4,961 / 14,423
Monroe Harris - - 3,452 / 2,530 7,113 / 14,423
Donovan D. Huennekens - - 3,452 / 454 6,814 / 2,785
Richard Kelton - - 3,452 / 454 6,814 / 2,785
Richard G. Newman - - 2,028 / 2,379 5,409 / 12,897
</TABLE>
(1) Difference between fair market value at fiscal year end of $13.875 and
option exercise price.
At December 31, 1996, the Non-Employee Director Group had 25,201 stock
options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $10.53 per share.
This Group exercised 252 options in 1996.
ATTENDANCE AT BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
During 1996, the Board of Directors held six Board meetings, one
planning meeting and seven Committee meetings. All directors attended 100% of
the combined meetings of the Board and the Committees of the Board on which they
served, with the exception of Mr. Fasman, who attended 64% of the combined
meetings.
5
<PAGE>
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANY'S SECURITIES
BY MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of the Record Date, the number of
shares of each class of equity securities of the Company beneficially owned by
each director of the Company, the chief executive officer of the Company, the
three other most highly compensated executive officers of the Company and its
subsidiaries, and by all directors and officers as a group. All securities are
Common Stock, and except as otherwise indicated, each individual named has sole
investment and voting power with respect to the securities shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL NUMBER
NUMBER OF EXERCISABLE OF SHARES AND
NAME OF SHARES OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
BENEFICIAL OWNER AND BENEFICIALLY BENEFICIALLY OPTIONS PERCENTAGE
CAPACITY WITH COMPANY OWNED OWNED (A) BENEFICIALLY OWNED OF CLASS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
H. Frederick Christie, Director 5,040 264 5,304 *
Michael J. Fasman, Director 4,458 (b) 3,414 7,872 *
Monroe Harris, Director 23,299 (c) 3,716 27,015 *
Donovan D. Huennekens, Director 11,263 3,604 14,867 *
Richard Kelton, Director 31,101 (d) 3,604 34,705 1.1%
Richard G. Newman, Director 8,820 (e) 2,444 11,264 *
Anton C. Garnier, Director, Chairman, 107,698 (f) 47,584 155,282 4.8%
President and Chief Executive Officer
Peter J. Moerbeek, Vice President 3,176 4,440 7,616 *
Finance, CFO and Secretary
Michael O. Quinn, President, 6,434 14,348 20,782 *
Suburban Water Systems
Robert L. Swartwout, President, 842 4,692 5,534 *
New Mexico Utilities, Inc.
All Directors and Officers as a Group 202,131 88,110 290,241 9.0%
(10 persons) (g)
</TABLE>
* Indicates less than one percent of class of stock.
(a) Includes options which become exercisable within 60 days after the Record
Date.
(b) Excludes 10,126 shares of Common Stock held of record by Mr. Fasman's wife,
as trustee. Also excludes 29,082 shares of Common Stock and 147 shares of
Series "A" preferred stock held of record by Mr. Fasman as a co-trustee of
two trusts in which Mr. Fasman has no beneficial interest. Mr. Fasman
disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares.
(c) Includes 18,133 shares held by Mr. Harris and his wife as co-trustees of a
family trust and 1,008 shares held by Mr. Harris' wife.
(d) All of the 31,101 shares are held by Mr. Kelton as trustee of a revocable
trust for his benefit. Mr. Kelton is sole trustee of such trust, and has
sole voting power and investment power with respect to the shares.
(e) All of the 8,820 shares are held by Mr. and Mrs. Newman as trustees of a
revocable trust for their benefit. Mr. Newman is a trustee of such trust,
and has shared voting and investment power with respect to such shares.
(f) Included in the table are 53,138 shares owned by Mr. and Mrs. Garnier as
trustees of a revocable trust for their benefit. Mr. Garnier is a trustee
of such trust and has shared voting and investment power with respect to
the shares. Also included in the table are 40,618 shares representing Mr.
Garnier's proportionate interests in two corporations of which Mr. Garnier
is president and a director. Mr. Garnier has shared voting and investment
power with respect to these two corporations, which own a total of 194,560
shares (6%) of Southwest Water Company Common Stock. Other than his
proportionate interests above, Mr. Garnier disclaims beneficial ownership
of these shares.
(g) Does not include 992 shares beneficially owned by Mr. James E. Furman or
16,548 exercisable options beneficially owned by Mr. Furman (a total of
17,540 shares and exercisable options) at the Record Date. Mr. Furman
resigned his position with the Company on January 7, 1997.
6
<PAGE>
BY OTHERS
The following table identifies each of the persons known to the Company to
own of record and beneficially (as determined pursuant to the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder), as
of the Record Date, more than five percent of any class or series of the
Company's outstanding voting securities, the number of shares of each class or
series so owned, and the percentage of each class or series owned:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS OF NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENTAGE
CLASS OF STOCK BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIALLY OWNED OF CLASS
-------------- ---------------- ------------------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Series "A" Preferred Lincoln National Life Ins. Co 3,607 35%
C/O Banker's Trust
P.O. Box 704, Church Street
Station, New York, NY 10008
</TABLE>
To the knowledge of the Company's management, there are no other beneficial
owners of more than five percent of any class of voting securities of the
Company. The Company's management knows of no arrangements that may hereinafter
result in a change in control of the Company. Neither the foregoing beneficial
owner, nor any director, officer or Company affiliate, nor any of their
respective associates is a party to any legal proceeding adverse to the Company
or any of its subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to the Company or
any of its subsidiaries.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS
AMENDED.
Federal securities laws require the Company's directors and officers, and
persons who own more than 10 percent of a registered class of the Company's
equity securities, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
Nasdaq Stock Market initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in
ownership of any securities of the Company.
To the Company's knowledge, based on a review of the copies of reports
furnished to the Company and written representations made by officers and
directors of the Company, all of the Company's officers, directors and greater-
than-ten-percent beneficial owners made timely filings in accordance with the
Securities and Exchange Commission's Rule 16b-3.
7
<PAGE>
COMPARISON OF THE CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
ON THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK TO CERTAIN INDUSTRY STANDARDS
The following graph compares the cumulative total return to holders of the
Common Stock of the Company during the most recent five fiscal years versus the
average return to investors during the same period achieved by 14 publicly held
water utilities listed in the Edward Jones Water Utility Index and the Standard
and Poor's Index of 500 Companies. The comparison assumes that $100 was invested
in each category on December 31, 1991. The cumulative total return assumes the
reinvestment of dividends. The historical stock performance shown on the graph
is not necessarily indicative of future stock performance.
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG SWWC, WATER UTILITY AND S&P 500 INDEX
PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Measurement Period WATER S&P
(Fiscal Year Covered) SWWC UTILITY 500 INDEX
- --------------------- ---------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Measurement Pt- 1991 $100 $100 $100
FYE 1992 $122.22 $110.75 $107.61
FYE 1993 $ 79.26 $126.18 $118.41
FYE 1994 $ 72.14 $117.55 $120.01
FYE 1995 $ 89.72 $147.89 $164.95
FYE 1996 $160.05 $180.80 $202.73
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Officer Compensation Philosophy
The compensation philosophy for executive officers is to ensure that
compensation be directly linked to continuous improvements in the Company's
financial performance and increases in stockholder value. To implement the
philosophy, the Committee is guided by the following objectives: (1) enable the
Company to attract and retain highly qualified executives, (2) focus executives'
efforts on the fulfillment of Company annual and long-term business objectives
and strategies, and (3) ensure that a portion of executive compensation is
variable, tied to specific performance measures. The Committee has used various
outside consultants in designing the current executive compensation plan.
Executive Compensation
In determining the base salary levels of executives, including the Chief
Executive Officer, the Committee considers individual performance, the
performance of the operations directed by the executive, and the competitive
salary levels of executives in companies of similar size and complexity.
Competitive salary information, obtained primarily through published
compensation surveys, is used to determine the reasonableness of total
compensation, which includes base salary and incentive compensation. For
executives other than the Chief Executive Officer, the Committee also considers
the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer.
Annual Incentive Compensation
The Committee believes that the Company's short-term objectives are
enhanced with annual performance-based incentive compensation for its
executives. Annual incentive awards are based on the attainment of certain
financial objectives for the Company and on an executive's achievement of goals
in his or her area of functional responsibility. Executive performance
objectives include both quantitative and qualitative criteria. As an
executive's level of responsibility increases, a greater portion of potential
total cash compensation is at risk in the form of annual performance-based
incentives.
Financial goals and performance-based measures are established by the
Committee at the beginning of each year. Awards are made at the end of the year
based on actual performance. Each year the Committee establishes a performance
threshold, and no awards are made if the performance threshold is not attained.
In 1996, the actual results for the year exceeded the threshold set by the
Committee, and incentive compensation awards were approved for the Company's
executives.
Long-term Incentive Compensation
The primary purpose of long-term incentives is to encourage and facilitate
personal stock ownership by the executive officers and thus strengthen both
their personal commitment to the Company and a longer term perspective in their
managerial responsibilities. This component of an executive officer's
compensation directly links the officers' interests with those of the Company's
other stockholders. Currently, the primary form of long-term incentive
compensation is non-qualified stock options. The Committee recommends to the
Director Stock Option Committee approval of stock options for all executives and
managers, including the four current executives named in the Summary
Compensation Table.
In determining the number of stock options recommended, the Committee
considers a number of factors including the executive's pay level,
responsibilities in the organization, and ability to significantly improve
future financial results. In addition, the Committee compares the Company's
option grant levels with similar industry practices. In 1996, all of the
Committee's recommendations were approved by the Director Stock Option
Committee.
9
<PAGE>
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
Anton C. Garnier has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company since November 1968 and has been Chairman of the Board since August
1996. The Committee reviewed Mr. Garnier's performance based on the performance
of the Company as a whole and his performance with respect to qualitative and
quantitative objectives approved by the Committee. The Committee reviewed the
continuing improvements in revenues, net income and earnings per share and also
evaluated Mr. Garnier's progress in attaining qualitative objectives in such
areas as investor relations, planning for the Company's long-term future,
financial forecasting, and employee involvement and communications. The
Committee did not use specific weighting factors with respect to qualitative and
quantitative performance measures.
In determining Mr. Garnier's performance for 1996, the Committee gave
particular emphasis to the Company's improved operating results. After the
Committee's deliberations, the Committee increased Mr. Garnier's salary to
$220,000, effective January 1, 1997, and awarded him an incentive compensation
amount of $85,000 for 1996. In addition, the Committee recommended that the
Director Stock Option Committee approve a stock option award for 12,000 shares
of the Company's common stock. The Committee Chairman prepared a CEO
performance evaluation, which was discussed with Mr. Garnier.
Compensation Committee
Monroe Harris (Chairman)
H. Frederick Christie
Richard G. Newman
March 19, 1997
10
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth certain information as to the compensation
paid during the last three fiscal years of the Company to the chief executive
officer of the Company and to the four other most highly compensated executive
officers of the Company and its subsidiaries:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation Long-Term Compensation
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other
Annual Restricted All Other
Name and Compen- Stock Stock Compen-
Principal Salary Bonus sation Awards Options sation
Position Year ($) (1) ($) ($) (2) ($) (3) (#)(4) ($) (5)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ANTON C. GARNIER, 1996 210,000 85,000 - - 12,000 -
Chairman, Chief 1995 198,033 50,000 - - 9,652 -
Executive
Officer and President 1994 194,317 - - - 9,652 -
PETER J. MOERBEEK, 1996 154,500 60,490 - - 7,080 -
Vice President Finance 1995 150,000 10,000 - - 15,120 -
and
Chief Financial Officer - - - - - - -
MICHAEL O. QUINN, 1996 143,700 35,632 - - 2,880 -
President, 1995 134,814 17,105 - - 2,684 -
Suburban Water Systems 1994 124,835 6,900 - - 2,684 -
ROBERT SWARTWOUT 1996 101,800 31,096 - - 2,040 -
President, 1995 95,942 20,000 - - 1,827 -
New Mexico Utilities 1994 88,436 9,720 - - 1,827 -
Inc.
JAMES E. FURMAN (6) 1996 147,600 4,300 - - 5,280 3,072
Former President, 1995 143,325 27,948 - - 5,412 2,987
ECO Resources, Inc. 1994 139,913 - - - 5,412 2,867
</TABLE>
(1) Salary shown in 1995 for Mr. Moerbeek, who joined the Company in August
1995, is annualized based upon a full year of employment.
(2) The aggregate of other annual compensation for each of the named executive
officers does not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of each officer's
annual salary and bonus.
(3) Restricted stock options can no longer be granted. Restricted stock
previously awarded vests 10 years after grant. Should an employee terminate
prior to the vesting of the restricted stock, the stock is subject to
repurchase. Dividends on the restricted stock are paid without restrictions.
At December 31, 1996, the following summarizes cumulative holdings of
restricted stock which have been adjusted for stock dividends of 5% on
January 2, 1996 and 20% on January 2, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares (#) Value at $13.875
per Share
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ANTON C. GARNIER (granted in 1988 and 1989) 13,942 $193,445
MICHAEL O. QUINN (granted in 1988 and 1989) 4,640 64,380
</TABLE>
(4) Options have been adjusted to reflect stock dividends of 20% on January 2,
1997 and 5% on January 2, 1996 and were granted at fair market value at
date of grant.
(5) Represents contributions to Mr. Furman's account in a 401(k) Plan.
(6) Mr. Furman resigned his position with the Company effective January 7, 1997.
11
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE COMPENSATION AGREEMENTS
Pursuant to severance compensation agreements entered into in 1995
between the Company and Messrs. Garnier, Moerbeek, Quinn and Swartwout, the
Company has agreed to provide severance benefits and payments to such
individuals based on 1-1/2 times the average 5-year compensation of such
individuals and payable to an executive if one of the following conditions is
met as to such executive: (1) termination of the executive's employment by his
employer prior to the second anniversary of a change in control other than by
retirement or for death, disability or cause; or (2) termination of executive's
employment by the executive within two years after a change in control for "good
reason" (including assignment of executive to duties inconsistent with
executive's position, duties, responsibilities and status prior to the change in
control, or alternatively, a reduction of salary, a significant reduction in
benefits, an elimination of stock plans or a relocation of employment greater
than 50 miles), without written consent by executive. Under these agreements,
cash severance payments are based upon base salary, auto benefits, bonuses and
certain life insurance premium amounts paid by the employer and are payable
within five days after termination of employment. Cash severance amounts,
assuming termination meets the requirements for a severance payment, as of
December 31, 1996 are as follows: Mr. Garnier -$354,399; Mr. Moerbeek -$290,926;
Mr. Quinn - $216,592; and Mr. Swartwout - $169,667. In addition to the cash
payment, each executive is entitled to certain health insurance benefits with a
value of approximately $11,520 and outplacement services with a maximum benefit
of $4,000. For purposes of the severance compensation agreements, a "change in
control" is generally defined as a change in the person or persons owning,
directly or indirectly, sufficient voting stock to elect the Board of Directors
for the entity which employs an executive. These severance compensation
agreements are in addition to the plans described under the heading "Retirement
Benefits."
Pursuant to an agreement entered into in 1992 between Mr. Swartwout
and New Mexico Utilities, Inc. ("NMUI"), upon a disposition of substantially all
assets of NMUI, Mr. Swartwout is, if he continues his employment with NMUI
through completion of the transaction, entitled to a severance payment of one
percent of the gross disposition price if in excess of $6,000,000, or three
percent of the gross disposition price if in excess of $11,000,000. Upon such a
disposition, Mr. Swartwout would receive a cash payment equal to the greater of
(1) the cash severance payment determined pursuant to his severance compensation
agreement or (2) the amount determined under the NMUI agreement based upon the
gross disposition price of the NMUI assets.
Mr. Furman resigned his position of President and Chief Executive
Officer of ECO Resources, Inc. ("ECO") effective January 7, 1997. As part of a
negotiated severance agreement, Mr. Furman will serve as a Special Assistant to
the President of ECO at a reduced rate of pay until August 31, 1997 and will
serve as a consultant to ECO from September 1, 1997 through December 31, 1998.
ECO estimates that it will pay Mr. Furman approximately $117,000 in 1997 and
$113,000 in 1998. Stock Options granted to Mr. Furman will continue to vest
until August 31, 1997 and, in accordance with the Company's Stock Option Plan,
Mr. Furman's ability to exercise his vested stock options will expire on
November 30, 1997.
12
<PAGE>
OPTIONS GRANTED TO CERTAIN EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Stock options were granted during the Company's most recent fiscal year to
the chief executive officer and other highly compensated officers of the Company
and its subsidiaries as shown below:
STOCK OPTIONS GRANTED IN 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Potential Realizable
Value at Assumed
Annual Rates of Stock
Price Appreciation for
Individual Grants 10-Year Option Term
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% of Total
Options Exercise
Granted to or At 0% At 5% At 10%
Employees Base Annual Annual Annual
Options in Price Expiration Growth Growth Growth
Name (#) (1) Fiscal Year ($/sh.) (2) Date Rate ($) Rate ($) Rate ($)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ANTON C. GARNIER 12,000 28% 9.48 2006 0 71,520 181,320
PETER J. MOERBEEK 7,080 16% 9.48 2006 0 42,197 106,979
MICHAEL O. QUINN 2,880 7% 9.48 2006 0 17,165 43,517
ROBERT L. SWARTWOUT 2,040 5% 9.48 2006 0 12,159 30,824
JAMES E. FURMAN (3) 5,280 12% 9.48 2006 0 31,469 79,781
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL STOCKHOLDERS (4) N/A N/A N/A N/A 0 27,238,639 69,040,973
ALL OPTIONEES (5) 43,260 100% 9.52 2006 0 259,127 656,254
OPTIONEE GAIN AS % OF
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' GAIN N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1% 1%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Options vest 20% per year until fully vested. All options adjusted to
reflect a 20% stock dividend on January 2, 1997.
(2) All exercise prices represent fair market value on the date of grant.
(3) Mr. Furman resigned his position with the Company on January 7, 1997.
(4) Based on total number of shares outstanding at December 31, 1996, adjusted
for a stock dividend on January 2, 1997.
(5) Includes 5,280 options granted to non-employee directors, set forth on page
4 and 8,700 options to non-executive officer employees.
13
<PAGE>
EXERCISE OF OPTIONS BY CERTAIN EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth certain information as to exercised and
unexercised stock options, value realized and value of unexercised options
during the Company's most recent fiscal year by the chief executive officer of
the Company and other highly compensated officers of the Company and its
subsidiaries:
OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END VALUE TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF VALUE OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-
SHARES UNEXERCISED OPTIONS MONEY OPTIONS AT
ACQUIRED ON VALUE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1996 (1)
NAME EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE
(#) ($) (#) ($)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ANTON C. GARNIER - - 41,323 / 25,513 56,262 / 140,275
PETER J. MOERBEEK - - 3,024 / 19,176 20,971 / 115,002
MICHAEL O. QUINN - - 12,699 / 6,637 18,073 / 36,995
ROBERT L SWARTWOUT 630 1,225 2,898 / 5,316 9,287 / 27,848
JAMES E. FURMAN (2) - - 13,327 / 15,377 54,388 / 80,743
</TABLE>
(1) Difference between fair market value at December 31, 1996 of $13.875
and option exercise price.
(2) Mr. Furman resigned his position with the Company on January 7, 1997.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company is a party to a Noncontributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan
(the "Pension Plan"), established on December 31, 1957, which provides
retirement benefits and certain death benefits. All regular full-time and part-
time employees of the Company's corporate office, Suburban Water Systems
("Suburban"), and NMUI who meet all eligibility requirements, including the
completion of one year of service, are eligible to participate in the Pension
Plan.
Four executive officers of the Company and its participating subsidiaries
are covered under the terms of the Pension Plan. The Company and its
participating subsidiaries pay the entire cost of administering the Pension
Plan. No non-employee director is included in the Pension Plan. All of the
trustees and administrators of the Pension Plan are currently officers or
employees of the participating companies. Payments to the Pension Plan by the
Company are computed on an actuarial basis to provide fixed benefits to
employees in the event of retirement at specified ages.
The following table indicates the approximate annual benefits that would
be received by participants in the Pension Plan, based upon the assumptions
indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED ANNUAL BENEFIT FOR YEARS OF SERVICE INDICATED
5-YEAR AVERAGE ----------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION 15 YEARS 20 YEARS 25 YEARS 30 YEARS 35 YEARS
- ------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 80,000 $23,300 $31,000 $ 38,800 $ 46,500 $ 54,300
120,000 35,300 47,000 58,800 70,500 82,300
160,000 47,300 63,000 78,800 94,500 110,300
200,000 59,300 79,000 98,800 118,500 138,300
240,000 71,300 95,000 118,800 142,500 166,300
</TABLE>
The actual maximum amount of compensation that may be recognized for
Pension Plan purposes according to the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") was
$150,000 in 1996. The maximum annual defined benefit in 1996 allowable under the
Code was $120,000. These limits are subject to annual cost of living
adjustments.
14
<PAGE>
The compensation on which benefits under the Pension Plan are based is
limited to salary paid by the Company and certain subsidiaries and excludes
bonuses and other forms of compensation. The amounts used in making the
calculations under the Pension Plan for 1996 are based on July 1, 1996 base
compensation as follows: Anton C. Garnier -$210,000, Peter J. Moerbeek -
$154,500; Michael O. Quinn - $143,700; and Robert L. Swartwout - $101,800. At
December 31, 1995, years of credited service of each of such individuals are 26,
1, 17, and 3 years, respectively. Benefits under the Pension Plan are not
subject to offset for amounts received from social security or other sources.
In 1988, the Company established the Profit-Sharing 401(k) Plan for
Southwest Water Company's Related Companies ("Profit-Sharing Plan") covering
employees of ECO Resources, Inc. ("ECO"). Participants may elect to contribute
up to 15% of their salary to the Profit-Sharing Plan. The Company matches a
participant's contribution for an amount up to 50% of the first 4% of a
participant's salary. Company contributions vest immediately. Company
contributions to the Profit-Sharing Plan were $140,586 in 1996. Mr. Furman was
a member of the Profit-Sharing Plan until his resignation from the Company in
January 1997. The Company made $3,072 in contributions to the Profit-Sharing
Plan during 1996 for Mr. Furman. No other officer of the Company is eligible to
participate in the Profit-Sharing Plan. ECO pays the cost of administering the
Profit-Sharing Plan.
On January 1, 1994, the Company established a 401(k) plan (the "Utility
401(k) Plan") covering the employees of the Company's corporate office, Suburban
and NMUI. Participants may elect to contribute up to 15% of their salary. The
Utility 401(k) Plan does not provide for Company contributions. All named
executive officers of the Company's corporate office, Suburban and NMUI are
eligible to participate in the Utility 401(k) Plan. The Company's corporate
office, Suburban and NMUI pay the cost of administering the Utility 401(k)
Plan.
OTHER COMPENSATION
Information as to compensation paid to directors is included under the
caption "Information Regarding the Board of Directors" under the heading
"Directors' Compensation." Information concerning stock options and restricted
stock issued to officers of the Company is set forth under the headings
"Compensation of Certain Executive Officers," "Options Granted to Certain
Executive Officers" and "Exercise of Options by Certain Executive Officers."
In 1988, the stockholders approved a stock option and restricted stock
plan (the "Option Plan"), which was amended in 1989 to provide for the grant of
stock appreciation rights. All officers and certain directors of the Company
are eligible to receive options under the Option Plan. In 1993, the
stockholders approved another amendment to the Option Plan, which provided for
an increase in the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder from
150,000 to 250,000 and an extension of the period during which options to
purchase shares of the Common Stock of the Company may be granted under the
Option Plan from February 17, 1998, to February 17, 2003. In addition, the
Amendment eliminated any future issuances of restricted stock under the Option
Plan. In December 1995, the Board of Directors approved a five percent stock
dividend to stockholders of record, payable on January 20, 1996, and in December
1996, the Board of Directors approved a 20 percent stock dividend to
stockholders of record, payable on January 20, 1997. These stock dividends
increased the number of shares reserved for issuance by an additional 12,500
shares and 42,000 shares, respectively, increasing the total number of shares
reserved for issuance in the Option Plan to 315,000 shares.
At December 31, 1996, there were a total of 208,486 options outstanding
with a weighted average exercise price of $10.38 per share. A total of 882
options were exercised in 1996.
At December 31, 1996, a total of 24,167 shares of restricted stock had
been issued under the Option Plan, and 18,582 shares were outstanding. Of the
restricted shares issued, 5,585 shares have been released from escrow. Only
those persons specified in footnote 3 of the "Summary Compensation" table held
any restricted stock under the Option Plan as of December 31, 1996.
Additionally, the restrictions with respect to outstanding shares of restricted
stock had not lapsed. Compensation of $238,000 related to the issuance of
18,582 shares of restricted stock is being amortized over the vesting period.
In 1996, $23,800 was recorded as compensation expense.
15
<PAGE>
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Mr. Garnier is the beneficial owner of approximately ten percent of the
outstanding stock and is a director of California Michigan Land and Water
Company ("California Michigan"). East Pasadena Water Company ("East Pasadena"),
a water purveyor, is a wholly owned subsidiary of California Michigan. In 1996,
East Pasadena participated in employee insurance coverage with the Company and
Suburban and reimbursed them an aggregate of $6,776, representing its
proportionate share of the cost of services involved.
East Pasadena is also a party to the Noncontributory Defined Benefit
Pension Plan, and makes contributions and pays administrative fees on the same
actuarial basis as payments by the Company. The Pension Plan owns 363 shares of
California Michigan stock, or 17% of the common shares outstanding.
In 1996, Suburban made a lease payment of $51,947 for the use of water
rights owned by a Garnier family trust. Based upon payments made by other non-
related parties, the lease payments were at market rate.
The foregoing transactions were reviewed and approved by the outside
members of the Board of Directors of the Company. Mr. Garnier did not
participate in the Board's consideration of these transactions.
PROPOSAL 2: SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED
SOUTHWEST WATER COMPANY STOCK OPTION AND RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN
On March 6, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board")
unanimously authorized an amendment (the "Amendment") to the Amended and
Restated Southwest Water Company Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the
"Restated Plan"). Subject to stockholder approval, the Amendment provides for an
increase in the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the
Restated Plan from 315,000 to 515,000 and an extension of the period during
which options may be granted under the Restated Plan from February 17, 2003 to
February 17, 2007. The Amendment also provides, subject to stockholder approval,
for the removal of the requirement to obtain stockholder approval in connection
with future amendments to the Restated Plan which modify the requirements
relating to eligibility to participate in the Restated Plan or extend the period
during which options may be granted under the Restated Plan.
As of March 6, 1997, the Board, the Compensation Committee of the Board
(the "Compensation Committee") and the Director Stock Option Committee of the
Board (the "Option Committee") adopted an amendment to the Restated Plan which
replaced the Option Committee with the Compensation Committee as the body which
administers the Restated Plan. Such amendment did not require stockholder
approval, is currently in effect and is not hereby being submitted for
stockholder approval.
The summary of the provisions of the Amendment and of the Restated Plan
which follows is not intended to be complete, and reference should be made to
the Amendment and the Restated Plan for complete statements of the terms and
provisions. Due to their length, neither the Amendment nor the Restated Plan
are included with this Proxy Statement. To obtain a copy of either document,
send a written request to the Company, at 225 North Barranca Avenue, Suite 200,
West Covina, California, 91791-1605, Attention: Investor Relations.
BACKGROUND AND GENERAL NATURE AND PURPOSE OF THE RESTATED PLAN
The Restated Plan was originally approved by the Board on February 17,
1988 and by the stockholders at the 1988 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the
Restated Plan as then approved and as amended from time to time is referred to
herein as the "Plan"). At the 1989 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the
stockholders approved an amendment authorized by the Board to provide for the
grant of stock appreciation rights pursuant to the Plan. The Plan was then
amended and restated by the Company's Board of Directors on October 22, 1991. On
March 21, 1993, the Board and the Option Committee, respectively, authorized an
amendment (i) to increase the authorized number of shares reserved for issuance
pursuant to the Plan from 150,000 to 250,000 and to extend the period during
which options to purchase shares may be granted under the Plan from February 17,
1998 to February 17, 2003, which amendment was approved by the stockholders on
May 24, 1993, (ii) to eliminate any future grants of stock appreciation rights
or issuances of restricted stock under the Plan and (iii) to amend certain other
provisions of the Plan with respect to the outstanding restricted stock
thereunder. The amendments referred to in clauses (ii) and (iii) of the
preceding sentence did not require stockholder approval. Following the March 21,
1993 amendment, the Company obtained from each holder of a stock appreciation
right a waiver of such right, and no stock appreciation rights are currently
outstanding.
16
<PAGE>
The principal purpose of the Plan is to attract and retain the services
of experienced and capable persons who can make significant contributions to the
further growth and success of the Company and its affiliates. The Plan
authorizes the Company to grant non-qualified options to purchase shares of its
Common Stock to officers, directors and employees of the Company and the
Company's subsidiaries. No incentive stock options may be granted under the
Plan.
The shares available for issuance under the Plan are shares of the
Company's $0.01 par value Common Stock. The Plan provides for appropriate
adjustment in the number and kind of shares for which options may be granted in
the event of a stock split, stock dividend, reorganization or other specified
changes in the capitalization of the Company. On January 20, 1996, the Company
effected a 5% stock dividend, and pursuant to such dividend the Option Committee
increased the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the
Plan from 250,000 shares to 262,500 shares. On January 20, 1997, the Company
effected a 20% stock dividend, and pursuant to such dividend the Option
Committee increased the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan
from 262,500 shares to 315,000 shares. Thus, a maximum of 315,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock are currently reserved for issuance under the Plan, and
515,000 shares will be reserved for issuance if the stockholders approve the
Amendment.
Shares issued pursuant to the Plan may be either previously authorized
but unissued shares or issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company.
Any unexercised or canceled options may be reissued by the Compensation
Committee at a future date.
As of the Record Date, 343,871 options and 32,167 shares of restricted
stock had been granted or issued under the Plan. Of the 343,871 options, 882
shares have been issued and 102,403 have been canceled or terminated without
exercise and may be again be subject to additional options granted under the
Plan. This leaves 240,586 options outstanding as of the Record Date. Of the
32,167 shares of restricted stock issued, 8,000 shares have been forfeited to
the Company and 5,585 shares were released from escrow. This leaves 18,582
restricted shares outstanding as of the Record Date. As of the Record Date,
49,365 shares of Common Stock remain available for future option grants under
the Plan.
The Plan is not subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and is not a qualified plan under
Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Proceeds
received by the Company from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to the Plan will
be used for general corporate purposes.
DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT OF THE RESTATED PLAN
The Amendment increases the number of shares of the Company's Common
Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan from 315,000 shares to 515,000 shares
and extends the period during which options may be granted under the Plan from
February 17, 2003 to February 17, 2007. In addition, the Amendment eliminates
the requirement to obtain stockholder approval in connection with certain
amendments to the Plan which modify the requirements relating to eligibility to
participate in the Plan or extend the period during which options may be granted
under the Plan. To be effective, the Amendment must be approved by the
stockholders.
The Plan constitutes an important part of the Company's compensation
programs. In order to attract and retain the services of experienced and
capable persons who can make significant contributions to the further growth and
success of the Company, the Board and the Compensation Committee believe that it
is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders to approve the
Amendment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RESTATED PLAN
ADMINISTRATION
The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board. The
Compensation Committee is authorized to determine who from the eligible class of
persons shall be granted options, to determine the number of shares to be
subject to such options and to establish the terms and conditions of such
options consistent with the Plan. In addition to administering the Plan, the
Compensation Committee is also authorized to interpret the Plan and restricted
stock and options granted pursuant to the Plan, to adopt such rules for the
administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent
therewith and to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules. Action by the
Compensation Committee under the Plan is taken by a majority vote or written
consent of a majority of its members. The costs of administering the Plan are
paid by the Company.
17
<PAGE>
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
All officers, directors and employees of the Company and the Company's
subsidiaries are eligible to receive options under the Plan. As of the Record
Date, the 240,586 options outstanding had a weighted average exercise price of
$10.77 per share. As of such date, the following groups held the following
options:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF WEIGHTED AVERAGE
GROUP SHARES EXERCISE PRICE
<S> <C> <C>
Executive Officer Group 169,790 $10.49
Non-Employee Director Group 25,201 $10.53
Non-Executive Officer Employee Group 45,595 $11.94
</TABLE>
As of the Record Date, 882 options had been exercised. As of the Record
Date, the last sale price of the Company's Common Stock reported by NASDAQ was
$14.00.
As of the Record Date, 5,585 shares of restricted stock had been released
from escrow due to the attainment of performance goals and 18,582 shares remain
outstanding. The outstanding restricted stock is held by Mr. Garnier (13,942
shares) and Mr. Quinn (4,640 shares). No other person holds any restricted
stock under the Plan.
NON-QUALIFIED OPTIONS
Consideration for the Option. No cash payment is required to be made by
the Optionee in connection with a grant of an option by the Company. However, in
consideration of the granting of an option, the Optionee must agree pursuant to
a written stock option agreement to remain in the employ of the Company or as a
director of the Company (unless the stockholders of the Company fail to reelect
the director within the one-year period) for a period of at least one year after
the option is granted; provided, however, that nothing in the Plan or in any
individual stock option agreement confers, or will confer, upon any employee the
right to continue to be employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or
affects the Company's right to discharge any Optionee at any time for any
reason.
Exercise of Options. Options granted under the Plan are exercisable in
installments in such amounts (which may be cumulative) as the Compensation
Committee shall provide in the terms of each stock option agreement. In general,
the options become exercisable in five cumulative installments of 20% of the
shares covered by the option per year for five years. The expiration date,
maximum number of shares purchasable, the conditions to exercise and the other
provisions of the individual stock option agreements are established by the
Compensation Committee at the time of grant; however, option terms may not
exceed ten years and one day from the date of grant. Except as the Compensation
Committee may otherwise provide with respect to options granted to employees who
are not officers, no option may be exercised in whole or in part during the
first year after such option is granted. No portion of an option which is
unexercisable upon the termination of employment or directorship of the Optionee
for any reason shall thereafter become exercisable.
Options are exercisable in whole or in part by written notice to the
Secretary of the Company, specifying the number of shares being purchased and
accompanied by payment of the purchase price for such shares. The option price
must be paid either (i) in cash or by check, (ii) with the consent of the
Compensation Committee, with shares of the Company's Common Stock owned by the
option holder, or issuable upon exercise of the option, with a fair market value
on the date of delivery equal to the aggregate purchase price of the shares with
respect to which the option or portion is thereby exercised, (iii) with the
consent of the Compensation Committee, by delivery of a full recourse promissory
note bearing interest and payable upon terms prescribed by the Compensation
Committee or (iv) in any combination of the consideration described in the
foregoing clauses (i), (ii) or (iii). The Company will issue and deliver
certificates for shares of Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of any
option after the fulfillment of certain conditions, including the payment to the
Company of all amounts which are required to be withheld under federal, state or
local law in connection with the exercise of the option.
Expiration of Options. Each option shall expire on the date established
by the Compensation Committee, which date may not be later than ten years and
one day from the date of grant. The Compensation Committee may provide in the
terms of an individual option that the option expires immediately upon
termination of employment or directorship, as
18
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applicable. Generally, however, notwithstanding the above, options may be
exercised within one year after an Optionee becomes disabled or dies and within
three months after an Optionee's retirement or discharge without cause.
Option Price. The purchase price of each share of Common Stock covered by
an option is fixed by the Compensation Committee, but may not be less than 100%
of the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock on the date of grant of
the option. For this purpose, the fair market value of the Company's Common
Stock on the date of grant of an option is equal to the last sale price of the
Common Stock reported by NASDAQ on the day preceding the date of grant or the
next preceding day on which a quote occurred. To date, the practice of the
Compensation Committee has been to offer options at fair market value.
Assignment. No option granted under the Plan may be assigned or
transferred by the Optionee except upon death. During the lifetime of the
Optionee, the option may be exercised only by the Optionee.
Stockholder Rights. Holders of options shall not have the rights and
privileges of a stockholder of the Company unless and until a certificate or
certificates representing such shares have been issued by the Company to such
holder.
RESTRICTED STOCK
The Plan was amended to eliminate any future issuances of restricted
stock. All shares of restricted stock issued under the Plan (including any
shares received by holders thereof as a result of stock dividends, stock splits
or any other forms of recapitalization) are subject to the restrictions imposed
in the terms of each individual restricted stock agreement. The Compensation
Committee may, by a resolution, remove any or all of the restrictions imposed by
the terms of a restricted stock agreement. The Secretary of the Company, or
other escrow holder appointed by the Compensation Committee, will retain
physical custody of the stock certificates representing restricted stock issued
under the Plan until all the restrictions imposed under the individual
restricted stock agreement expire or are removed by the Compensation Committee.
Holders of restricted stock are entitled to all of the rights of stockholders
with respect to the restricted shares, subject to the restrictions contained in
the restricted stock agreement, including the right to vote the shares and to
receive dividends paid with respect to the shares.
NONTRANSFERABLE
No option or shares of restricted stock or interest or right therein or
part thereof shall be subject to or liable for the debts, contracts or
engagements of the Optionee or restricted stockholder, as the case may be, or
his or her successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by
transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other
means, whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of
law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable
proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall
be null and void and of no effect; provided, however, that nothing in the Plan
prevents transfers by will or by the applicable laws of descent and
distribution.
The Compensation Committee may impose such restrictions on the
transferability of shares purchasable upon the exercise of options as it deems
appropriate and such restrictions shall be set forth in the individual stock
option agreements. Restricted stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged,
assigned, hypothecated, encumbered or otherwise alienated until all restrictions
are terminated or expire.
DURATION, AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF THE RESTATED PLAN
No option may currently be granted under the Plan after February 17,
2003, and if the stockholders approve the Amendment, this period will be
extended to February 17, 2007. Furthermore, no option may be granted during any
period of suspension or after termination of the Plan, and no future issuances
of restricted stock or grants of stock appreciation rights may be made under the
Plan. The Compensation Committee may at any time amend, suspend or terminate the
Plan, although no amendment, suspension or termination may involuntarily alter
or impair any rights or obligations under previously issued options or
restricted stock. The Plan currently provides that stockholder approval is
required in connection with any amendment to the Plan which would extend the
period during which options may be granted or which would amend or modify the
Plan in a manner requiring stockholder approval pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the
Exchange Act. The Plan also provides that stockholder approval is required in
connection with any amendment to the Plan which would (i) modify the
requirements of eligibility for participation in the Plan or (ii) set the price
at which shares subject to options may be purchased to below 100% of fair market
value of such shares; however, if approved by the stockholders, (i) and (ii)
would no longer require stockholder approval.
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MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, ACQUISITION, LIQUIDATION OR DISSOLUTION
In its absolute discretion, on such terms as it deems appropriate, the
Compensation Committee may provide in the terms of any stock option agreement
that such option cannot be exercised after the merger or consolidation of the
Company with or into another corporation, the acquisition by another corporation
or person of all or substantially all of the Company's assets or 80% or more of
the Company's then outstanding voting stock or the liquidation or dissolution of
the Company. The Compensation Committee may also provide that, for some period
of time prior to any such event, such option shall be exercisable as to all
shares covered thereby.
ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION
In the event that the outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock
are changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other
securities of the Company, or of another corporation, by reason of
reorganization, merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock
split-up, stock dividend or combination of shares, appropriate adjustments may
be made by the Compensation Committee in the number and kind of shares for which
options shall be granted and/or exercised.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
Holders of non-qualified stock options will not realize income for
federal income tax purposes as a result of the grant of the option, but realize
compensation income upon exercise of a non-qualified stock option to the extent
that the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise of the option
exceeds the aggregate option price paid. The option holder's initial tax basis
for shares acquired upon exercise of a non-qualified option will be the
aggregate exercise price paid plus the amount of ordinary income realized by the
holder. The Company will be entitled to a deduction equal to compensation
income realized by the Optionee at the time of exercise of the option. To be
entitled to such deduction, the Company is required to withhold taxes on
ordinary income realized by an option holder upon the exercise of a non-
qualified stock option.
With the consent of the Compensation Committee, an option holder may
exercise his or her options through delivery of shares of the Company's Common
Stock already held by such holder. The Internal Revenue Service in a published
ruling sets forth its position as to the tax consequences of exercising options
with shares of the Company's Common Stock. The ruling holds that when the
Company's Common Stock is used to exercise options, the exchange is separated
into two components -- a tax-free exchange of stock for stock and a payment of
stock as compensation income. Specifically, in the tax-free stock for stock
component, the receipt of shares in an amount equal to the number of shares
surrendered will have no tax consequences to the option holder. The tax basis
and holding period in these new shares would be the same as the Optionee's basis
in and holding period of the surrendered shares. With respect to the number of
shares received in excess of the number of shares surrendered, i.e., the income
component, the option holder will recognize compensation income equal to the
fair market value of the shares received. The option holder's tax basis in
these additional shares will equal the compensation income realized and the
holding period will commence on the day after the exercise date.
Adoption of Proposal 2 will require the affirmative vote of a majority of
the shares voting on the proposal, and abstentions and broker non-votes will not
have the effect of votes in opposition.
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR APPROVAL
OF THE AMENDMENT.
20
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 3: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
The Board of Directors, upon recommendation of its Audit Committee, has
appointed the accounting firm of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP to serve as independent
auditors of the Company for 1997, and proposes the ratification of such
decision. The firm has served as the Company's independent auditors since 1978,
and is familiar with the business and operations of the Company and its
subsidiaries.
Representatives of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP are expected to be present at
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. They will have an opportunity to make a
statement if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to questions.
Adoption of Proposal 3 will require the affirmative vote of a majority of
the shares voting on the proposal, and abstentions and broker non-votes will not
have the effect of votes in opposition.
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR RATIFICATION OF
THE SELECTION OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR 1997.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 1998 ANNUAL MEETING
Any stockholder who desires to submit a proposal to be considered for
inclusion in the Company's Proxy Statement and Proxy relating to its 1998 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders must submit such proposal in writing to be received by
Secretary of the Company no later than December 12, 1997. The Company's address
is set forth on the first page of this Proxy Statement.
OTHER BUSINESS
Your Board of Directors knows of no other business to be presented at the
Annual Meeting, but if other matters do properly come before the Meeting, the
persons named on the enclosed Proxy will have discretionary authority to vote
all Proxies in accordance with their best judgment.
PETER J. MOERBEEK
Secretary
West Covina, California
April 11, 1997
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DIRECTIONS TO
SOUTHWEST WATER COMPANY
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 22, 1997 AT 10:00 A.M.
[MAP APPEARS HERE]
Suggested Route:
Exit the Harbor Frwy. (110) at 4th Street
Take 4th Street east to Olive Street, turn left. Hotel is about 100 yards on the
left side of the street. Circular drive in front - complimentary valet parking.
HOTEL INTER-CONTINENTAL
-----------------------
Located on Bunker Hill At California Plaza
251 South Olive Street
Los Angeles, CA
(213) 617-3300
<PAGE>
PROXY I/we will attend the annual meeting [ ]
SOUTHWEST WATER COMPANY
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS - MAY 22, 1997
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The signatory
of this proxy hereby appoints Anton C. Garnier and Peter J. Moerbeek as Proxies,
each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes them to
represent and to vote as designated below, all the shares of common or preferred
stock of Southwest Water Company held of record by the undersigned on March 31,
1997, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 22, 1997, or any
adjournments thereof.
A vote FOR each director nominee and FOR APPROVAL of each proposal is
unanimously recommended by the Board of Directors.
1. Election as directors of the nominees listed in the accompanying Proxy
Statement.
[ ] FOR all nominees listed below [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for
(except as marked to the contrary all nominees listed below
below)
H. Frederick Christie, Michael J. Fasman, Anton C. Garnier, Monroe Harris,
Donovan D. Huennekens, Richard Kelton and Richard G. Newman
(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write
that nominee's name on the line provided below.)
________________________________________________________________________________
2. Adoption of the Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Southwest
Water Company Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
3. Ratification of the selection of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as the Company's
independent auditors.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
The undersigned hereby ratifies all acts of said proxies hereunder.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY SHALL BE VOTED OR NOT VOTED AS SPECIFIED.
ANY EXECUTED PROXY WHICH CONTAINS NO SPECIFICATION WILL BE VOTED FOR ELECTION OF
EACH DIRECTOR NOMINEE NAMED, FOR ADOPTION OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE STOCK
OPTION AND RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN AND FOR RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF THE
COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.
Please sign exactly as your name appears on this Proxy. If
signing for estates, trusts, corporations or partnerships, titles
or capacities should be stated. Each joint tenant should sign.
______________________________________
Signature
Prepared label includes:
#shares registered, Class of stock
Registered Name ______________________________________
Registered Street Address Signature
Registered City,State,Zip
Date: ___________________, 1997
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
