<PAGE>
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
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 (S) 240.14a-11(c) or (S) 240.14a-12
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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(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:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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[_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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Notes:
Reg. (S) 240.14a-101.
SEC 1913 (3-99)
<PAGE>
[logo of Universal Stainless & Alloy Prod., Inc.]
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc.
600 Mayer Street
Bridgeville, Pennsylvania 15017
April 10, 2000
Dear Stockholders:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc., to be held at 10:00 a.m., local
time, on Tuesday, May 23, 2000, at the Southpointe Golf Club, Canonsburg,
Pennsylvania 15317. The attached Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and
Proxy Statement describe the matters to be acted upon at the Meeting. Please
review them carefully.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. Whether or not you personally plan to attend the
Meeting, please take a few moments now to sign, date and return your proxy in
the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Regardless of the number of shares you own,
your presence by proxy is important to establish a quorum, and your vote is
important for proper corporate governance.
Thank you for your interest in Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc.
Sincerely,
/s/ Clarence M. McAninch
Clarence M. McAninch
President and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
[logo of Universal Stainless & Alloy Prod., Inc.]
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc.
600 Mayer Street
Bridgeville, Pennsylvania 15017
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 23, 2000
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2000
beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Southpointe Golf Club, Canonsburg,
Pennsylvania.
Only holders of common stock at the close of business on March 27, 2000 will
be entitled to vote at the meeting. A list of persons who were stockholders as
of that date and time will be available at the meeting and during the ten (10)
days prior to the meeting, at the principal office of Universal Stainless &
Alloy Products, Inc. Those persons may vote in person or by proxy. At the
meeting we will:
1. Elect a Board of Directors;
2. Ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent
auditors for 2000; and
3. Attend to other business properly presented at the meeting.
Your Board of Directors recommends that you vote in favor of the two proposals
outlined in this proxy statement.
This booklet includes Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. proxy
statement. Enclosed with this booklet are a proxy card and a return envelope
that requires no postage if mailed within the United States. A copy of the
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. 1999 Annual Report to Stockholders
is also enclosed.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Paul A. McGrath
Paul A. McGrath
Director Employee Relations, General Counsel, and Secretary
April 10, 2000
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Proxy Statement
Table of Contents
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders...................................
Background................................................................. 1
Voting Procedures.......................................................... 1
Proposals You May Vote On.................................................. 2
Nominees for the Election as Directors..................................... 3
The Board of Directors..................................................... 3
Committees of the Board of Directors..................................... 4
Director Compensation.................................................... 4
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management............. 5
Executive Compensation..................................................... 6
Summary of Cash and Certain Other Compensation........................... 6
Stock Options............................................................ 7
Employment Agreements.................................................... 7
Report on Executive Compensation........................................... 8
Performance Measurement Comparison......................................... 10
Section 16 (a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance................... 11
Stockholder Proposals...................................................... 11
Other Matters.............................................................. 11
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
April 10, 2000
UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS, INC.
600 MAYER STREET
BRIDGEVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA 15017
----------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
For 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
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BACKGROUND
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying form of proxy are being furnished in
connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of Universal
Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Universal
Stainless"), of proxies to be voted at this Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
This Proxy Statement and form of proxy are first being sent or given to the
stockholders on or about April 10, 2000. The cost of solicitation of proxies
will be borne by Universal Stainless, including expenses incurred in
connection with the preparation and mailing of the proxy statement. The
solicitation will be by mail and may also be made personally and by telephone
by directors, officers and employees of Universal Stainless, without any
compensation, other than their regular compensation as directors, officers or
employees. Arrangements will be made with brokerage houses, bank and other
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for the forwarding of solicitation
material to the beneficial owners of the Common Stock and Universal Stainless
will reimburse them for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in
connection therewith.
VOTING PROCEDURES
Who May Vote
Universal Stainless Common Stock holders of record at the close of business on
March 27, 2000 are entitled to vote. Stockholders have one vote per share on
each matter being voted on.
Voting Methods
Stockholders of record may complete, sign, date and return their proxy cards
in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you do not mark any selections, your
shares will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors.
If you hold your shares in a broker, bank or other nominee account, you are a
"beneficial owner" of Universal Stainless Common Stock. In order to vote your
shares, you must give voting instructions to the "nominee holder" of your
shares. Universal Stainless asks the nominee holders to obtain voting
instructions from the beneficial owners of shares. Proxies that are
transmitted by nominee holders on behalf of beneficial owners will be voted as
instructed by the nominee holder.
Finally, you may vote in person if you attend the meeting.
We urge you to return the proxy card promptly.
Revoking Your Proxy
You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the meeting by:
.Notifying the Secretary of Universal Stainless in writing that you have
revoked your proxy;
.Sending a revised proxy dated later than the earlier proxy; or
.Voting in person at the meeting.
1
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Quorum and Voting Information
A quorum is required to conduct business at the Annual Meeting. As of the
record date, 6,072,516 shares of Universal Stainless Common Stock were issued
and outstanding. A majority of the outstanding shares, present in person or
represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum. If you submit a properly executed
proxy card, even if you abstain from voting, you will be considered part of
the quorum.
Abstentions are counted in tabulations of the votes cast by stockholders on
each proposal (other than with regard to the election of Directors) and will
have the effect of a negative vote. Brokers who hold shares in street name for
customers have the authority to vote only on certain routine matters in the
absence of instruction from the beneficial owners. A broker non-vote occurs
when the broker does not have the authority to vote on a particular proposal.
Under applicable Delaware law, broker non-votes will not be counted for
purposes of determining whether any proposal has been approved.
The affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares of Common Stock represented
in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting is required for the election of
Directors. With regard to the election of Directors, votes may be cast in
favor or withheld; votes that are withheld and broker non-votes will be
excluded entirely from the vote and will have no effect.
Confidential Voting Policy
Universal Stainless maintains a policy of keeping stockholder votes
confidential.
PROPOSALS YOU MAY VOTE ON
1. Election of Directors
There are 5 nominees for election this year. Detailed information on each
nominee is provided under the heading "Nominees for Election as Directors."
All directors are elected annually, and serve a one-year term until the next
Annual Meeting. If any Director is unable to stand for re-election, the Board
may reduce its size or designate a substitute. If a substitute is designated,
proxies voting on the original candidate will be cast for the substituted
candidate.
Your Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR each of the nominee directors.
2. Approval of the Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Independent
Auditors
The Audit Committee has recommended, and the Board has approved, the
appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PWC") as our independent auditors
for 2000. The Board has directed that the selection of the independent
auditors be submitted for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual
Meeting. PWC has served as our independent auditors since Universal Stainless'
inception in 1994. They have unrestricted access to the Audit Committee to
discuss audit findings and other financial matters. Representatives of PWC
will attend the Annual Meeting. They will have the opportunity to make a
statement if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
Stockholder ratification of the selection of PWC as Universal Stainless'
independent auditors is not required by Universal Stainless' By-laws or
otherwise. However, the Board of Directors is submitting the selection of PWC
to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of what it considers to be
good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the
Board of Directors will consider whether or not to retain that firm. Even if
the selection is ratified, the Board of Directors, in its discretion, may
direct the appointment of a different independent accounting firm at any time
during the year if the Board of Directors determines that such a change would
be in the best interest of Universal Stainless and its stockholders.
2
<PAGE>
Audit services provided by PWC during 1999 included an audit of Universal
Stainless' consolidated financial statements, audits of employee benefit plan
financial statements and a review of Universal Stainless' Annual Report and
certain other filings with the SEC and certain other governmental agencies. In
addition, PWC provided various non-audit services to Universal Stainless
during 1999.
Your Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR the approval of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's appointment as independent auditors for 2000.
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS
Clarence M. McAninch, 64, has been President and Chief Executive Officer and a
Director of Universal Stainless since July 1994. Mr. McAninch served as Vice
President, Sales and Marketing, of the Stainless and Alloy Products Division
of Armco Inc. from 1992 to 1994.
Douglas M. Dunn, 57, has been a Director of Universal Stainless since May
1997. Mr. Dunn has been Dean of the Graduate School of Industrial
Administration, Carnegie Mellon University, since July 1996. Prior to July
1996, Mr. Dunn was employed by AT&T for 26 years, most recently serving as
Vice President of Visual Communications and Multimedia Strategy. Since
November 1999 Mr. Dunn served on the board of Solutions Consulting Inc., a
private business consulting company. Mr. Dunn has served on the board of
VocalTec, an internet communications company since January 2000. Mr. Dunn is a
Board member of Fisk University, the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce,
and the Boy Scouts of America.
George F. Keane, 70, has been a Director of Universal Stainless since October
1994. Mr. Keane has been the President of Endowment Advisers, Inc., since
1988. From 1993 to 1996, Mr. Keane served as President Emeritus and Senior
Investment Advisor of both the Common Fund and Endowment Advisers, Inc. Mr.
Keane currently serves on several other boards, including as a Director,
Trigen Energy Corporation since July 1994, United Water Resources since
January 1997; Bramwell Funds, Inc., since August 1994, and Security Capital
Real Estate Mutual Funds since November 1997, and as a Trustee, for Nicholas-
Applegate Investment Trust since January 1993; and Northern Trust Company of
Connecticut since 1991.
Udi Toledano, 49, has been a Director of Universal Stainless since July 1994.
Mr. Toledano has been the President of Millennium 3 Capital, Inc. since
December 1999 and the President of Andromeda Enterprises, Inc. since December
1993. Both are private investment companies. Mr. Toledano has served on boards
of both public and private companies in various fields, including technology,
Internet and healthcare.
D. Leonard Wise, 65, has been a Director of Universal Stainless since October
1994. Mr. Wise currently serves as a Director of Weirton Steel Corporation
since May 1998. Mr. Wise served as the President and Chief Executive Officer
of Carolina Steel Corporation from October 1994 to March 1997.
Unless individual stockholders specify otherwise, each returned Proxy will be
voted "FOR" the election to the Board of Directors of Universal Stainless of
each of the five nominees named above.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of Universal Stainless held four (4) meetings during
the 1999 fiscal year. During the 1999 fiscal year, each of the Committees of
the Board of Directors named below held two meetings. Each director attended
at least 75% of the aggregate meetings of the Board of Directors and
Committees of which he was a member.
3
<PAGE>
Committees of the Board of Directors
The standing Committees of the Board of Directors are the Audit Committee and
Compensation Committee. There is no standing nominating committee for
Directors.
The Audit Committee currently consists of Mr. Keane as Chairman and Messrs.
Dunn, Toledano and Wise. The Audit Committee reviews the scope and timing of
services of Universal Stainless' independent auditors. The Audit Committee
reports on Universal Stainless' financial statements following completion of
the independent auditors' audit, and Universal Stainless' policies and
procedures with respect to internal accounting and financial controls. In
addition, the Audit Committee makes annual recommendations to the Board of
Directors for the appointment of independent auditors for the ensuing year.
The Audit Committee held two (2) meetings during 1999.
The Compensation Committee currently consists of Mr. Toledano as Chairman, and
Messrs. Dunn, Keane, McAninch and Wise. The Compensation Committee reviews and
authorizes the compensation and benefits of all officers of Universal
Stainless, except the President (Mr. McAninch), reviews general policy matters
relating to compensation and benefits of employees of Universal Stainless, and
administers Universal Stainless' 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1994 Plan").
A sub committee of the Compensation Committee currently consists of Mr.
Toledano as Chairman and Messrs. Dunn, Keane and Wise. The sub committee
reviews and authorizes compensation and benefits for the President (Mr.
McAninch) and stock options to be granted to officers of Universal Stainless.
The Compensation Committee and the Compensation Subcommittee each held two (2)
meetings during 1999.
Director Compensation
Members of the Board of Directors of Universal Stainless who are employed by
Universal Stainless presently receive no additional remuneration for acting as
Directors. Universal Stainless compensates its non-employee Directors at the
rate of $15,000 per year, plus $1,000 for each regular meeting of the Board of
Directors attended. In addition, Universal Stainless reimburses Directors for
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with their
attendance at Board of Directors and Committee meetings.
Certain members of the Board of Directors of Universal Stainless are also
eligible for the grant of options under the 1994 Plan. Eligible Directors are
Directors who are not employees of Universal Stainless and do not own in
excess of 5% of outstanding Common Stock. Eligible Directors are granted an
option to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock on the first business day
following each annual meeting of stockholders of Universal Stainless. The per
share exercise price will be equal to the fair market value of a share of
Common Stock on the date the option is granted. One third of the options vest
annually beginning on the grant date and on the following two anniversary
dates. Options granted to Eligible Directors will expire 10 years from the
option grant date. All the current directors who are not employees of
Universal Stainless are Eligible Directors.
If a non-employee Director ceases to serve as a Director of Universal
Stainless, the options that have been previously granted to that Director and
that are vested as of the date of such cessation may be exercised by the
Director after the date that the Director ceases to be a Director of Universal
Stainless. If a non-employee Director dies while a Director of Universal
Stainless, the options that have been previously granted to that Director and
that are vested as of the date of his or her death may be exercised by the
administrator of the Director's estate, or by the person to whom those options
are transferred by will or the laws of descent and distribution. In no event,
however, may any option be exercised after the expiration date of such option.
Messrs. Keane and Wise have each received grants of options to purchase
100,000 shares of Common Stock of Universal Stainless since December 1994.
Messrs. Dunn and Toledano have each received grants of options to purchase
40,000 shares of Common Stock of Universal Stainless since May 1997.
4
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of shares of Common Stock of Universal Stainless, as of March 27,
2000, except as noted below, by (i) each stockholder known to Universal
Stainless to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares
of Common Stock, (ii) each Director of Universal Stainless, (iii) each of the
named executive officers of Universal Stainless, and (iv) all Directors and
officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, Universal Stainless has
been advised that each of the beneficial owners of Common Stock listed below,
based on information furnished by such owners, has sole investment and voting
power with respect to the shares of Common Stock attributed to such owner
below, subject to community property laws where applicable. As of March 27,
2000, 6,072,516 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (/1/)
---------------------------------
Name Number of Shares Percent of Total
- ---- ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc (/2/)...... 740,500 12.19%
A. Bruce Kennedy (/3/)....................... 2,200 *
Douglas M. Dunn (/3/)(/4/)................... 29,999 *
Ellwood Group Investment Corp. (/5/)......... 856,500 14.10%
George F. Keane (/3/)(/4/)(/6/).............. 104,999 1.70%
Clarence M. McAninch (/3/)(/7/).............. 286,692 4.70%
Paul A. McGrath (/3/)(/7/)................... 30,700 *
Parsow Partnership, Ltd and Elkhorn Partners
Limited Partnership (/8/)................... 410,600 6.76%
J & W Seligman & Co. Incorporated
(/9/)(/10/)................................. 607,000 10.00%
Udi Toledano (/3/)(/4/)(/11/)................ 199,727 3.27%
Richard M. Ubinger (/3/)(/7/)................ 38,200 *
D. Leonard Wise (/3/)(/4/)................... 93,999 1.53%
All Officers and Directors as a Group (8
Persons).................................... 786,516 12.27%
</TABLE>
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* Less than 1%.
(1) For purposes of this table, "beneficial ownership" is calculated in
accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
(2) Address is 575 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10167. The information
provided is based solely on a schedule 13G as filed by Bear Stearns Assets
Management Inc., dated February 14, 2000.
(3) Address is c/o Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc., 600 Mayer
Street, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania 15017.
(4) Includes options to purchase 89,999 shares of common stock for each of
Messrs. Keane and Wise, and 29,999 shares of Common Stock for each of
Messrs. Dunn and Toledano that have vested or will vest within sixty (60)
days of the date of this proxy pursuant to Universal Stainless' 1994 Plan
described under the caption "Management--Stock Incentive Plan".
(5) Address is 103 Springer Building, 3411 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE
19810. The information provided is based solely on a schedule 13D
(Amendment No. 8) filed by Ellwood Group Investment Corp., dated October
4, 1999.
(6) Shares of Common Stock are owned by the Keane Family Trust, a living
trust, of which Mr. Keane and his wife are sole trustees, and the survivor
of them is the beneficiary.
(7) Includes options to purchase 31,666, 30,000 and 37,500 shares of Common
Stock for Messrs. McAninch, McGrath and Ubinger, respectively that have
vested or will vest within sixty (60) days of the date of this proxy under
options granted pursuant to Universal Stainless' 1994 Plan described under
the caption "The Board of Directors--Director Compensation".
(8) Address is c/o Alan S. Parsow, General Partner, P.O. Box 818, Elkhorn, NE
68022. The information provided is based solely on schedule 13D (Amendment
No. 1) filed by Parson Partnership Ltd. and Elkhorn Partners Limited
Partnership, dated February 10, 2000.
(9) Address is 100 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017.
(10) J & W Seligman & Co. Incorporated (JWS), as Investment Adviser for
Seligman Value Fund Series, Inc.--Seligman Small-Cap Value Fund (the
Fund), may be deemed to beneficially own the shares reported herein by
the Fund. Accordingly, the shares reported include those shares of Common
Stock of Universal Stainless separately held by the Fund. William C.
Morris, as the owner of a majority of the outstanding voting securities
of (JWS), may be deemed to beneficially own the shares reported herein by
JWS. Accordingly, the shares reported herein by William C. Morris include
those shares separately reported herein by JWS. The information provided
is based solely on a schedule 13G/A as filed by J & W Seligman & Co.
Incorporated, dated February 10, 2000.
(11) Includes shares of Common Stock of Universal Stainless owned by Mr.
Toledano's wife and a certain trust for the benefit of their minor
children.
5
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary of Cash and Certain Other Compensation
The following table provides certain summary information concerning
compensation paid or accrued by Universal Stainless and its subsidiaries, to
or on behalf of Universal Stainless' Chief Executive Officer and each of the
four (4) most highly compensated executive officers of Universal Stainless
(hereinafter referred to as the named executive officers) for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1999:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE (/1/)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long-term
Compensation
Annual Compensation Awards
------------------------------------------- ------------
Securities
Underlying
Other Annual Options SAR All Other
Name and Principal Position Year Salary ($) Bonus ($) Compensation ($) (/2/) (#) (/3/) Compensation ($) (/4/)
- --------------------------- ---- ---------- --------- ---------------------- ------------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Clarence M. McAninch 1999 201,730 45,000 7,110 15,335
President and CEO 1998 202,462 70,000 7,110 10,000 15,335
1997 192,000 90,000 7,110 25,000 15,215
A. Bruce Kennedy 1999 151,730 20,000 1,080
Vice President, 1998 60,577 12,000 24,090
Operations (/5/)
Paul A. McGrath 1999 98,461 26,000 1,080
Director, Employee Relations 1998 88,188 41,000 5,000 1,080
General Counsel and Secretary 1997 78,841 45,000 18,000 960
Richard M. Ubinger 1999 115,084 26,000 1,080
Chief Financial Officer and 1998 114,477 26,000 5,000 1,080
Treasurer 1997 102,935 45,000 20,000 960
</TABLE>
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(1) As to the columns omitted, the answer is none.
(2) The amounts represent reimbursement for the payment of taxes for Mr.
McAninch related to life insurance in which the beneficiary is his spouse.
The dollar value of perquisites paid to the named executive officer does
not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the total of annual salary and
bonus reported for the named executive officer.
(3) Represents securities, underlying options, granted under the 1994 Plan.
(4) For 1999 represents (i) contributions to Universal Stainless' 401(k)
retirement plan of $1,080 for Messrs. McAninch, Kennedy, McGrath and
Ubinger, and (ii) the value of life insurance premiums paid by Universal
Stainless for term life insurance of $14,255 for Mr. McAninch. For 1998,
represents (i) contributions to Universal Stainless' 401(k) retirement
plan of $1,080 for Messrs. McAninch, McGrath, and Ubinger and $90 for Mr.
Kennedy; (ii) value of life insurance premium paid by Universal Stainless
for term life insurance of $14,255 for Mr. McAninch; (iii) Mr. Kennedy
received $24,000 for reimbursement of moving expenses. For 1997,
represents (i) contributions to Universal Stainless' 401(k) retirement
plan of $960 for Messrs. McAninch, McGrath and Ubinger, and (ii) the value
of life insurance premium paid by Universal Stainless for term life
insurance of $14,255 for Mr. McAninch.
(5) Mr. Kennedy became an officer of Universal Stainless in 1998 and was not
employed by Universal Stainless prior to that time.
6
<PAGE>
Stock Options
The following information is in regards to stock options for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1999 held by the named executive officers:
There were no stock options granted to executive officers in the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1999.
Fiscal Year End Option Values (/1/)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Securities Underlying Value of Unexercised In-the-Money
Unexercised Options at December 31, 1999 Options at December 31, 1999 (/2/)
Name Exercisable/Unexercisable Exercisable/Unexercisable
- ---- ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Clarence M. McAninch 31,666/3,334 0/0
Paul A. McGrath 30,000/7,000 0/0
Richard M. Ubinger 37,500/7,500 0/0
</TABLE>
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(1) No Options were exercised in 1999.
(2) Represents the number of shares of Common Stock underlying options
(including options the exercise price of which was more than the market
value of the underlying securities) thus the market price at December 31,
1999 of $6.75 minus the exercise price.
Employment Agreements
On November 15, 1998, Clarence M. McAninch entered into a one-year employment
agreement with Universal Stainless for the position of President and Chief
Executive Officer. Mr. McAninch's employment may be automatically extended for
one-year periods at Universal Stainless' option. Mr. McAninch's employment
agreement provides for a base annual salary of $200,000 and a customary
benefits package, which may be increased annually at the discretion of the
Board of Directors. The employment agreement of Mr. McAninch prohibits him
from (i) competing with Universal Stainless for one year following his
termination of employment with Universal Stainless and (ii) disclosing
confidential information or trade secrets in any unauthorized manner.
Universal Stainless has a keyman life insurance policy in effect, of which
Universal Stainless is the sole beneficiary, on the life of Mr. McAninch
providing $2.0 million in coverage. Mr. McAninch may be eligible for an amount
equal to eighteen months salary determined at the then current base annual
salary rate, upon a change of control of Universal Stainless.
On August 1, 1998, A. Bruce Kennedy accepted employment with Universal
Stainless for the position of Vice President of Operations. Mr. Kennedy's
employment agreement is for one year, which will automatically be extended
annually unless 60 day notice not to extend is given by either party. Mr.
Kennedy's employment agreement provides for a base annual salary of $150,000,
which may be increased at the discretion of the Board of Directors, the
Compensation Committee or the President of Universal Stainless. Mr. Kennedy
may be eligible for an amount equal to one year base salary upon a change of
control of Universal Stainless.
On January 1, 1998, each of Paul A. McGrath and Richard M. Ubinger, entered
into employment agreements with Universal Stainless for the positions of
Director, Employee Relations, General Counsel and Secretary, in the case of
Mr. McGrath, and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, in the case of Mr.
Ubinger. Mr. McGrath's and Mr. Ubinger's employment agreements provide for a
base annual salary of $95,000 and $113,700, respectively, which may be
increased at the discretion of the Board of Directors, the Compensation
Committee or the President of Universal Stainless. Mr. McGrath and Mr. Ubinger
may be eligible for an amount equal to one year base salary upon a change of
control of Universal Stainless.
7
<PAGE>
REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Introduction
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") is
composed of Messrs. Toledano (Chairman), Keane, McAninch, Dunn, and Wise, all
of whom are Directors of Universal Stainless. The Committee is responsible for
the establishment and oversight of Universal Stainless' executive compensation
programs. The following report of the Committee discusses generally Universal
Stainless' executive compensation objectives and policies and their
relationship to Universal Stainless' performance in 1999. A sub committee of
the Compensation Committee currently consists of Mr. Toledano as Chairman and
Messrs. Dunn, Keane and Wise. The sub committee reviews and authorizes
compensation and benefits for the President (Mr. McAninch) and stock options
to be granted to Officers of Universal Stainless. The Compensation Committee
and the Compensation Sub Committee, each held two (2) meetings during 1999.
Executive Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Universal Stainless' executive compensation programs are designed to attract,
retain and motivate highly effective executives and to reward sustained
corporate and individual performance with an appropriate base annual salary
and incentive compensation. Universal Stainless seeks to increase management
ownership of Universal Stainless and to link executive compensation with
stockholder value, achievement of business objectives and corporate
profitability. Each year, the Committee conducts a review of Universal
Stainless' executive compensation programs for appropriateness and
competitiveness.
Universal Stainless' compensation philosophy is to compensate its executive
officers at market-competitive levels for achieving planned performance.
Market comparisons include general industry norms, metals companies, and a
select group of capital-intensive companies that are approximately the same
size as Universal Stainless. More emphasis is placed on general industry than
the steel industry norms. The comparative market group is a representative
sample of organizations used in the performance graph below, but is not
identical due to limitations on available data.
Compensation Program Components
Consistent with Universal Stainless' executive compensation objectives,
Universal Stainless' compensation for its senior management, including
Clarence M. McAninch, Universal Stainless' Chief Executive Officer, consists
of three components: an annual base salary, annual incentive awards and long-
term incentive awards. During the year ended December 31, 1999, and currently,
Universal Stainless' compensation of its senior executives consisted of cash
bonuses, tied to executive performance, position level and/or continuing
employment, and ownership of Universal Stainless' Common Stock. Universal
Stainless encourages stock ownership to create in management, a true ownership
point of view and further to align executive and stockholder interests.
Executives have received, or are currently eligible to receive, stock option
awards based on their individual performances.
Annual Base Salary. Base salaries for executive officers are determined with
reference to a salary range for each position. Salary ranges are determined by
evaluating a particular employee's position and comparing it with what are
believed to be representative prevailing norms for similar positions in
similarly sized companies. Within this salary range, an executive's initial
salary level is determined largely through Committee judgment, based on the
experience of its members. Salaries are set at a level to attract, retain and
motivate superior executives. The Committee determines annual salary
adjustments based on Universal Stainless' performance, the individual
executive's contribution to that performance, prevailing industry norms and
the Committee members' knowledge and experience. Other than Messrs. McAninch,
Kennedy, Ubinger and McGrath, no officer or employee of Universal Stainless
received an annual base compensation in excess of $100,000 for the year ending
December 31, 1999.
Annual Incentive Awards. The executive officers are eligible to receive an
annual bonus that is intended to provide additional compensation for
significant and outstanding achievement during the past year. Messrs.
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Kennedy, McAninch, McGrath and Ubinger may be eligible for a performance-based
annual bonus, in each case up to a maximum amount that equals the executive's
base annual salary.
Long-term Incentive Awards. Long-term incentive compensation is provided by
the grant of options to purchase shares of Common Stock of Universal Stainless
under the 1994 Plan. In considering the awards, the Committee takes into
account such factors as prevailing norms for the ratio of options outstanding
to total shares outstanding, the effect on maximizing long-term stockholder
value, and vesting and expiration dates of each executive's outstanding
options.
Other
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("the Code")
limits the annual deduction that a publicly-held corporation may take for
certain types of compensation paid or accrued with respect to certain
executives to $1 million per year per executive, for taxable years beginning
after December 31, 1993. The Compensation Committee has determined that it is
unlikely that it would require Universal Stainless to pay any amounts in 2000
that would result in the loss of a federal income tax deduction under Section
162(m) of the Code, and accordingly, has not recommended that any special
actions be taken or plans or programs be revised at this time in light of such
tax law provision.
The Compensation Committee
Udi Toledano (Chairman) D. Leonard Wise
Douglas M. Dunn Clarence M. McAninch (non
George F. Keane participating as to his own
compensation)
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PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT COMPARISON*
Rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission require the
presentation of a line graph since the Common Stock has been registered under
Section 12 of the Exchange Act comparing the yearly percentage change in
Universal Stainless' cumulative stockholder return to (i) the cumulative total
return of a broad market equity index and (ii) the cumulative return of either
a published industry index or a self-constructed group of peer issuers that
Universal Stainless believes is relevant to a comparative understanding of its
performance.
The peer group selected by Universal Stainless includes the following
companies: Allegheny Technologies, Inc., Carpenter Technology Corp., Armco
Inc., and The Timken Company (collectively, the "Peer Group").
The Peer Group consists of a number of publicly-traded companies that have
some similarity to Universal Stainless. In particular, the Peer Group
companies are all involved in the distribution and/or manufacture of specialty
metal products in the United States, and each Peer Group company has a
division or unit that competes with Universal Stainless. The operating results
of members of the Peer Group are generally readily available to the public.
[graph appears here]
. The material in this graph is not "solicitation material", is not deemed
filed with the SEC, and is not incorporated by reference in any filing of
Universal Stainless under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether
made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general
incorporation language in any filing. The information in the graph has been
provided by Media General Financial Services.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12/30/1994 12/29/1995 12/31/1996 12/31/1997 12/31/1998 12/31/1999
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Universal Stainless &
Alloy Products, Inc. 100.0 118.06 97.22 161.11 83.33 75.00
Peer Group 100.0 119.58 136.08 175.86 138.06 130.97
Nasdaq Market 100.0 129.71 161.18 197.16 278.08 490.46
</TABLE>
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SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires certain officers of Universal
Stainless and its Directors, and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of
any registered class of Universal Stainless' equity securities, to file
reports of ownership in such securities and changes in ownership with the SEC,
the NASDAQ National Stock Market and Universal Stainless.
Based solely upon Universal Stainless' review of the reports and
representations provided to it by persons required to file reports under
Section 16(a), Universal Stainless believes that during 1999, all of the
Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to Universal Stainless' reporting
officers, Directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were properly and
timely satisfied.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
If a stockholder intends to present a proposal at the 2001 Annual Meeting,
other than through inclusion of such proposal in Universal Stainless' proxy
materials for that meeting, the stockholder must deliver to the Secretary of
Universal Stainless at its principal executive office written notice of such
proposal no later than March 7, 2001. If Universal Stainless does not receive
notice by the required date and such proposal is presented at the 2001 Annual
Meeting, management proxies may use their discretionary voting authority with
respect to such proposal.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors and management know of no matters to be presented at
the Annual Meeting other than those set forth in this Proxy Statement.
However, if any other business is properly brought before the meeting or any
adjournment thereof, the proxy holders will vote in regard thereto in
accordance with their best judgment, insofar as such proxies are not limited
to the contrary.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Paul A. McGrath
Paul A. McGrath
Director Employee Relations, General Counsel and Secretary
Bridgeville, Pennsylvania
April 10, 2000
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PROXY UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS, INC. PROXY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING
OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 23, 2000
The undersigned hereby appoints Clarence M. McAninch and D. Leonard Wise, and
each of them, with full power of substitution, proxies to vote all shares of
common stock, $.001 par value, of Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), for which the undersigned is entitled to
vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held at the
Southpointe Golf Club, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317, on May 23, 2000, at
10:00 a.m., local time, and at any and all adjournments or postponements
thereof.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN THIS PROXY CARD USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE. YOU MAY REVOKE THIS PROXY AT ANY TIME BY FORWARDING TO THE COMPANY A
SUBSEQUENTLY DATED PROXY RECEIVED BY THE COMPANY PRIOR TO THE TAKING OF A VOTE
ON THE MATTERS HEREIN.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY RECOMMENDS VOTES "FOR" EACH OF THE
FOLLOWING:
1. Election of the following nominees as Directors: Douglas M. Dunn, George F.
Keane, Clarence M. McAninch, Udi Toledano, D. Leonard Wise
For all Withhold for Withhold for the following only: (Write the
nominees all nominees names of the nominee(s) in the space below)
[_] [_]
_______________________________________________
2.Approval of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Independent Accountants.
FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_]
THIS PROXY IS CONTINUED ON THE REVERSE SIDE. PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND RETURN
PROMPTLY.
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3. OTHER MATTERS: Discretionary authority is hereby granted with respect to
such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournment or postponement thereof.
THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF
STOCKHOLDERS AND THE PROXY STATEMENT FURNISHED HEREWITH.
Note: Please print and sign your
name exactly as it appears
hereon. When signing as
attorney, agent, executor,
administrator, trustee, guardian
or corporate officer, please
give full title as such. Each
joint owner should sign the
Proxy. If a corporation, please
sign as full corporate name by
president or authorized officer.
If a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized
person.
Date , 2000
----------------------
---------------------------------
Signature (title, if any)
---------------------------------
Signature (if held jointly)
The shares represented by this Proxy will be voted in the manner directed, and
if no instructions to the contrary are indicated, will be
voted FOR the election of the named nominees and approval of the proposals set
forth in the Notice of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
