<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
SURVIVAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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/ $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), 14a-6(i)(2) or
Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
/ / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
14a-6(i)(3).
/ / 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:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
SURVIVAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
2275 RESEARCH BOULEVARD, #100
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND 20850
(301) 926-1800
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To the shareholders of
SURVIVAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.:
Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of shareholders of
Survival Technology, Inc. ("Company") will be held on Thursday, January 11,
1996, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the offices of the Company, located at
2275 Research Boulevard, Rockville, Maryland, 20850 for the following
purposes:
(1) To elect a Board of Directors to serve until the next annual
meeting of shareholders, or until their successors have been elected
and qualified;
(2) To consider and vote upon the ratification of the
selection by the Board of Directors of Price Waterhouse LLP as
independent auditors of the Company for the current fiscal year; and
(3) To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on Monday, November
20, 1995 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournment
or adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors hopes that you will be able to attend this
shareholders' meeting. We look forward to meeting each of you and discussing
with you significant events that have occurred during the Company's last year
and its current prospects. If you are unable to be present in person or to be
otherwise represented, please execute the enclosed proxy and return it at your
earliest convenience in the enclosed envelope. You are urged to read the
enclosed proxy statement, which contains information relevant to the actions to
be taken at the meeting. In addition, in order to facilitate our planning for
the meeting, we would appreciate you indicating on the enclosed proxy card
whether or not you plan to attend the meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Doris L. Geier
CORPORATE SECRETARY
Rockville, Maryland
December 12, 1995
<PAGE>
SURVIVAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
2275 RESEARCH BOULEVARD, #100
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND 20850
(301) 926-1800
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
The Board of Directors ("Board") of Survival Technology, Inc. ("Company"),
the executive offices of which are located at 2275 Research Boulevard,
Rockville, Maryland 20850, hereby solicits your proxy in the form enclosed for
use at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on Thursday, January 11,
1996, or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof. The expenses of soliciting
your proxy will be borne by the Company. This proxy statement and the
accompanying form of proxy are first being released for mailing to shareholders
on or about December 12, 1995.
We urge you to date, sign and mail your proxy promptly to make certain that
your shares will be voted at the meeting. Proxies in the enclosed form that are
received in time for the meeting will be voted at the meeting in accordance with
the instructions, if any, indicated on the proxy card. If no instruction is
given, the proxy will be voted in favor of the nominees for election as
directors specified under "Election of Directors," and in favor of ratification
of the selection of Price Waterhouse LLP as the Company's independent auditors
for the fiscal year ending July 31, 1996 ("fiscal 1996"). Any proxy may be
revoked at any time before it is exercised by giving written notice of such
revocation or delivering a later dated proxy to the Corporate Secretary of the
Company prior to the meeting, or by the vote of the shareholder in person at the
meeting.
VOTING SECURITIES
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on November 20, 1995
will be entitled to vote at this meeting. On November 20, 1995, there were
3,087,713 outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.10 per
share ("Common Stock"), each of which is entitled to one vote.
The presence in person or by proxy at the annual meeting of the holders of
a majority of the shares of Common Stock shall constitute a quorum. Assuming
the presence of a quorum, the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast
by holders of shares of Common Stock is required for the election of directors.
An abstention with respect to any proposal coming before the annual meeting will
be counted as present for purposes of determining the existence of a quorum but
will have the practical effect of a negative vote as to that proposal. In the
event of a broker non-vote with respect to any matter coming before the meeting,
arising from the absence of authorization by the beneficial owner to vote as to
that issue, the proxy will be counted as present for the purpose of determining
the existence of a quorum, but will not be counted as a vote cast on any matter.
<PAGE>
The following table shows the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially
owned by (i) each person known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more
than 5% of the Common Stock, (ii) each current director and each executive
officer named in the Summary Compensation Table (each person named below other
than Mr. Newby), and (iii) by all directors and executive officers as a group as
of November 20, 1995.
OWNERSHIP OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK BENEFICIALLY
-----------------------------------
NAME OWNED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY (1) PERCENT OF CLASS (4)
- ---- ----------------------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Steven T. Newby 168,184(2) 5.5%
c/o Newby & Company
6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 701
Rockville, MD 20852
Bruce M. Dresner 18,450 *
Robert Herzstein 1,928,676(3) 61.7%
c/o Shearman & Sterling
801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20004
James H. Miller 60,831 1.9%
Donald M. Spero 1,500 *
Paul H. Way 9,250 *
Jeffrey W. Church 7,125 *
O. Napoleon Monroe 5,075 *
Glenn F. Wickes, Jr. 4,750 *
All directors and executive officers as a
group (8 persons) 2,035,657 63.0%
* Less than 1%
</TABLE>
(1) Includes the following number of shares issuable upon exercise of
stock options exercisable within 60 days of the record date: Mr. Dresner, 18,450
shares; Mr. Herzstein, 6,000 shares; Mr. Herzstein as personal representative of
the Sarnoff Estate, 32,500 shares; Mr. Miller, 60,000 shares; Mr. Way, 9,250
shares; Mr. Church, 7,125 shares; Mr. Monroe, 2,975 shares; Mr. Spero, 1,500;
Mr. Wickes, 4,750 shares; and all directors and executive officers as a group,
142,550 shares.
(2) Steven T. Newby filed a Schedule 13D with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, dated November 11, 1995 indicating that he has sole voting and
dispositive power over 168,184 shares of Common Stock. The information set
forth in the table above is derived solely from the Schedule 13D filed by Mr.
Newby with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(3) Includes 1,050 shares held by Mr. Herzstein and 1,000 shares held
by Sarnoff family trusts, of which Mr. Herzstein is sole trustee, and
1,888,126 shares held by the Sarnoff Estate, of which Mr. Herzstein is the
personal representative, as to which he may be deemed to have voting and
2
<PAGE>
investment power. Under the terms of Dr. Sarnoff's will, unless they are first
sold, 1,888,126 shares of Common Stock (61.2% of the outstanding shares) held by
the Sarnoff Estate will be distributed to the residuary beneficiary. The
Company has retained an investment banker to explore potential transactions in
light of the desire of the Sarnoff Estate to investigate the liquidation of its
Common Stock. The Stanley J. Sarnoff Endowment for Cardiovascular Science, Inc.
is named as residuary beneficiary in the will.
(4) Based upon 3,087,713 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of November
20, 1995, plus shares of Common Stock issuable within 60 days from the record
date under option to the particular director, executive officer or, in the case
of directors and executive officers as a group, in the aggregate under option to
members of such group.
Mr. Herzstein has advised the Company that he intends to vote the shares as
to which he has voting power for the election as directors of the nominees named
below, and for the ratification of the selection of Price Waterhouse LLP as the
Company's independent auditors for fiscal 1996, which votes would constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business and would be sufficient to elect such
nominees as directors and to ratify such selection.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board has nominated the five persons listed below for election as
directors for the ensuing year. All of the nominees currently are directors of
the Company, having served as indicated in the table. All of the nominees were
last elected at the annual shareholders' meeting held on January 5, 1995. Each
director elected will hold office until the next annual shareholders' meeting
held or until his successor shall be elected and qualified. The Board has no
reason to believe that any nominee for election as a director will not be a
candidate or will be unable to serve, but if either occurs it is intended that
the shares represented by the proxies will be voted for such substituted nominee
or nominees as the Board, in its discretion, may designate.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NOMINEE FOR DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR AGE SINCE RECENT BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- ----------- --- --------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Bruce M. Dresner (1) 47 1985 Since October 1990, Vice President for
Investments, Columbia University, New
York, New York
Robert Herzstein 64 1969 Since April 1989, attorney at law,
Shearman & Sterling, Washington, D.C.
(attorneys)
James H. Miller 57 1989 Since May 1990, Chief Executive Officer
of the Company and since June 1989,
President of the Company; since November
1993, Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Brunswick
Biomedical Corp., Boston, Massachusetts
(medical and emergency care devices)
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Donald M. Spero 56 1994 Since 1992, President of Spero Quality
Strategies, Bethesda, Maryland
(management consulting firm); from 1971
to 1992, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Fusion Systems Corporation,
Rockville, Maryland (industrial curing
and processing systems): Director of
Autoclave Engineers, Inc., Erie,
Pennsylvania
Paul H. Way 58 1987 Since February 1993, President and Chief
Operating Officer of Enterprise
Diversified Holdings Incorporated, the
parent company of Public Service
Enterprise Group's non-utility
businesses; from June 1992 until
February 1993, Senior Vice President of
Enterprise Diversified Holdings
Incorporated; from January 1988 until
May 1992, Senior Vice President of
Corporate Performance, Public Service
Electric and Gas Company, Newark, New
Jersey
</TABLE>
_______________
(1) Mr. Dresner has been on a leave of absence from the Board since June 24,
1993.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 1995 ("fiscal 1995"), the Board of
Directors held seven meetings. All of the incumbent directors were present in
person for all of the meetings of the Board and committees of the Board on which
they serve, except for Mr. Dresner who has been on leave of absence since June
24, 1993.
The Compensation and Stock Option Plan Committee ("Committee") of the Board
presently consists of Messrs. Herzstein and Way. The Committee is empowered to
administer the Company's 1982 Stock Option Plan ("1982 Plan") and its amended
and restated 1986 Stock Option Plan ("1986 Plan"), which includes the power
under the 1986 Plan to grant stock options and stock appreciation rights, and to
award restricted stock and incentive shares. The Committee also is responsible
for the determination of the compensation of the President. The Committee held
two meetings during fiscal 1995.
The Audit Committee of the Board has certain duties relating to the year
end audit, the Company's internal accounting controls and the Company's
relationship with its independent auditors. Messrs. Spero and Way are the
members of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee held two meetings during
fiscal 1995.
In addition, the Board has an Executive Committee, whose present membership
consists of Messrs. Herzstein and Miller. The Executive Committee held one
meeting during fiscal 1995.
4
<PAGE>
The Company does not have a nominating committee or other committee
performing similar functions.
Each of the Company's directors other than Mr. Miller received, during
fiscal 1995, $1,500 for each meeting of the Board personally attended by him
(other than meetings held by telephone conference as to which no fee is paid).
Mr. Way received $10,000 for his services rendered in connection with the sale
of the Company's Medical Device Division in fiscal 1994. In November 1994, the
Board appointed a committee of outside directors (Messrs. Spero and Way) to
oversee the Company's participation in the investigation of potential
transactions to liquidate the Company's stock held by the Sarnoff Estate and to
direct the efforts of the investment banker the Company retained in that
connection. For the extraordinary amount of time that was required by this
project in fiscal 1995, Messrs. Spero and Way were awarded $20,000 and $15,000,
respectively, as approved by the Executive Committee.
Directors of the Company who are not also officers or employees of the
Company or a subsidiary, who have served for at least one year and who will
continue to serve as directors immediately following the annual meeting receive
automatic grants of non-statutory stock options covering 1,300 shares of Common
Stock under the 1986 Plan on the date of each annual meeting. Each person who
becomes a non-employee director receives a stock option covering 6,000 shares of
Common Stock. Options so granted have an exercise price equal to the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant, become exercisable in 25
percent cumulative annual installments and generally expire 10 years from the
date of grant. If a director is removed from office, all options granted to
such director pursuant to the automatic grants will expire immediately upon such
removal. Pursuant to these provisions, Mr. Way was granted options covering
1,300 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $7.625 per share during
fiscal 1995. Mr. Herzstein was eligible to receive such options but declined
the grant. Mr. Dresner was not eligible to receive such options because of his
leave of absence. Mr. Spero was not eligible to receive such options because he
had not served on the Board for at least one year prior to the annual meeting.
FURTHER INFORMATION AS TO MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information as to compensation paid for
services rendered by the Company to the President and Chief Executive Officer
and the three other executive officers of the Company as of July 31, 1995 for
the three fiscal years ended July 31, 1995.
5
<PAGE>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS
------------------- ---------------------
SECURITIES UNDERLYING
SALARY (1) BONUS OPTIONS/SARS ALL OTHER COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL FISCAL ---------- ------- --------------------- ----------------------
POSITION YEAR ($) ($) (#) (2) ($)
- ------------------ ------ ---------- ------- --------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
James H. Miller, 1995 225,000 20,000 8,770
President & CEO 1994 225,000 45,000 15,000 12,608
1993 215,000 60,000 13,909
Jeffrey W. Church, 1995 131,933 6,854
Sr. Vice President, Finance 1994 117,154 7,500 6,073
and CFO 1993 109,500 6,819
O. Napoleon Monroe, 1995 123,517 6,313
Vice President 1994 119,905 5,900 6,075
1993 113,375 7,035
Glenn F. Wickes, Jr., 1995 147,850 10,000(3) 5,637
Sr. Vice President, 1994 123,077 13,000 27,521
Pharmaceutical 1993
Operations
</TABLE>
(1) Includes amounts deferred at the election of the executive officer under
the Company's 401(k) plan.
(2) Includes Company matching contributions under the Company's 401(k) Plan in
the following amounts for fiscal 1995: Mr. Miller, $5,232; Mr. Church
$4,529; Mr. Monroe, $4,198; and Mr. Wickes, $3,246. Also includes
discretionary Company contributions under the Company's profit sharing plan
in the following amounts: Mr. Miller, $1,389 and a Company contribution to
the deferred compensation account of Mr. Miller in the amount of $691; Mr.
Church, $1,192; Mr. Monroe, $1,093; and Mr. Wickes, $1,227. The Company
provides group accidental death and disability and term life insurance to
all its employees who work more than 30 hours per week. The death and
disability benefit and life insurance benefit under the Company's plan is
up to 200% of the insured person's annual compensation (as defined in the
plan), except in the case of certain employees, including the executive
officers named above, with respect to whom benefits are up to 300% of the
insured person's annual income. Premiums paid attributable to such
benefits were as follows: Mr. Miller, $1,458; Mr. Church, $1,133; Mr.
Monroe, $1,022; and Mr. Wickes, $1,164.
(3) The Company agreed to pay the reported bonus in connection with recruiting
and hiring Mr. Wickes in fiscal 1994.
6
<PAGE>
None of the executive officers exercised options during fiscal 1995 and no
stock options were granted to the executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table above during fiscal 1995. The following table
summarizes certain information regarding all outstanding options for the
executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table as of July 31,
1995.
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST
FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING IN-THE-MONEY
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS/ OPTIONS/SARS AT FISCAL
SARS AT FISCAL YEAR-END (#) YEAR-END ($) (1)
--------------------------- ----------------
NAME EXERCISABLE(2) UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---- -------------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
James H. Miller 56,250 18,750
Jeffrey W. Church 11,125 7,375 1,406 4,219
O. Napoleon Monroe 4,475 4,925 1,107 3,318
Glenn F. Wickes, Jr. 3,250 9,750 1,312 3,937
</TABLE>
(1) Value is calculated as the difference between the fair market value of a
share of Common Stock on July 31, 1995 ($7.50 per share) and the exercise
price of the options.
(2) Effective August 27, 1995, Messrs. Church and Monroe had exercisable stock
options expire covering 4,000 and 1,500 shares respectively. Such stock
options were not in-the-money at July 31, 1995 or at the date of
expiration.
EMPLOYMENT AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS
The Company is a party to employment agreements (collectively the
"Agreements" and individually an "Agreement") with each of James H. Miller,
Jeffrey W. Church, and Glenn F. Wickes. Under the Agreements, the Company will
employ Mr. Miller, Mr. Church, and Mr. Wickes as President and Chief Executive
Officer, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, and Vice
President, Pharmaceutical Operations, respectively. The Agreement with Mr.
Miller is effective through April 30, 1998, subject to annual extensions. The
Agreements for Messrs. Church and Wickes are effective through December 31,
1996, subject to annual extensions. If a "Change of Control" (as defined in the
Agreements) occurs during the term of the Agreements, then the Agreements will
continue in effect for the lesser of (i) a period of 36 months beyond the then-
scheduled expiration of the Agreements or (ii) the date of the executive's
retirement. The Agreements provide for a minimum base salary (currently
7
<PAGE>
$225,000 per year for Mr. Miller; $128,720 per year for Mr. Church; and $132,500
per year for Mr. Wickes) and customary benefits. In addition, the Agreements
require the executive to refrain from disclosing confidential information and to
abstain from competing with the Company.
The Company may terminate the Agreements upon disability or retirement or
for "Cause" (as defined in the Agreements). If the Company terminates the
Agreements for any reason other than disability, retirement or Cause, or the
executive terminates the Agreement for "Good Reason," as defined in the
Agreements, each executive will be entitled to receive, a lump sum payment equal
to 200% of his base salary for the preceding 12 months and continued life,
disability, accident and health insurance coverage for up to 24 months. In
addition, all stock options previously awarded under the Company's stock option
plans would become immediately exercisable and any transfer restrictions on
restricted securities would lapse. The Agreements further provide that any
benefits or payments pursuant to these provisions will be reduced to the extent
that such amounts received (together with any other amounts received that must
be included in such determination) would constitute an "excess parachute
payment" as defined in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.
The Company also has entered into agreements (each a "Severance Agreement")
with Mr. Monroe and one other executive (each a "Covered Executive"), which
provide for severance pay and other benefits following a "Change of Control" of
the Company. Under the terms of each Severance Agreement, if, within two years
after a Change of Control, as defined in the Severance Agreement, a Covered
Executive is terminated for reason other than "Cause" or resigns for "Good
Reason," each as defined in the Severance Agreement, the Covered Executive would
be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to 100% of his or her respective
base salary for the 12 months preceding such termination and continue to receive
life, disability, and health insurance coverage for 24 months after such
termination. In addition, all stock options awarded under the Company's stock
option plans would become immediately exercisable and any transfer restrictions
on restricted securities would lapse. The Severance Agreement with Mr. Monroe
expires on November 30, 1996. The Severance Agreement with the other Covered
Executive expired on April 30, 1995 and, by its terms, was automatically
extended for an additional year. The term of each Severance Agreement will be
automatically extended for one additional year on each subsequent April 1 or
November 1, as applicable, unless the Company gives notice by December 31 of the
preceding year of its intention not to extend the term of the Severance
Agreement. If a "Change in Control" has occurred, then notwithstanding any such
notice, each Severance Agreement would continue in effect for a 36 months period
beyond its scheduled expiration.
CERTAIN REPORTS
During fiscal 1995, to the knowledge of the Company, directors and
executive officers of the Company timely filed all required reports with the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") relating to transactions
involving Common Stock of the Company. In making this statement, the Company
has relied on the written representations of its incumbent directors and
officers and copies of the reports that they have filed with the Commission.
8
<PAGE>
REPORT ON COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The Compensation and Stock Option Plan Committee (the "Committee"), which
is comprised of only non-employee directors of the Company, is responsible for
reviewing the performance of the President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"),
determining the form and amount of the CEO's compensation, and administering the
Company's stock option plans.
In connection with its review of Mr. Miller's performance and compensation
for fiscal 1995, the Committee invited Mr. Spero to join in its deliberations.
Thus, the directors present included the entire membership of the Committee, as
well as the entire membership of the Board, other than Mr. Dresner, who
continued to be on leave of absence from the Board, and Mr. Miller. Accordingly,
this Report on Compensation of Executive Officers represents the report of the
entire Board (other than Mr. Dresner and Mr. Miller), rather than just that of
the Committee.
The Board believes that the Company must provide a total CEO compensation
package that will motivate and retain a CEO of outstanding ability who is
capable of directing the strategic focus of the Company. The Committee's CEO
compensation program has three primary components: a base salary, a
discretionary annual bonus award and a long-term incentive award. The factors
and criteria used by the Committee for determining Mr. Miller's compensation for
fiscal 1995 for each of the three components are described below.
BASE SALARY
A range for the base salary is established by reference to competitive
salaries for positions with a similar scope of responsibilities and job
complexities at companies having comparable annual revenues to those of the
Company. The Board gathered both national and regional data with the assistance
of independent compensation consultants. The survey data included data from
companies engaged in non-durable goods manufacturing and all manufacturing, as
well as data for all industries maintained by the consultant. That survey data
then is supplemented with information regarding CEO cash compensation in the
Mid-Atlantic area. Because the selection of comparable companies is determined
primarily from annual revenues and not by line of business, the companies
included in such range are not necessarily those included in the peer group
established to compare total stockholder returns.
The appropriate level of the base salary for Mr. Miller in fiscal 1995
within the established salary range was based on the Board's subjective
assessment of Mr. Miller's performance during both the most recently completed
fiscal year and his tenure with the Company. In making this assessment, the
Committee considered Mr. Miller's contributions to the Company and other
relevant factors, such as demonstrated leadership and management skills. The
Board noted that the Company had continued to be profitable for each quarter of
fiscal 1994 and that net income had improved over the prior fiscal year as a
result of the sale of the medical device division, but that operating results
had not been as strong as in the prior fiscal year. The Board identified a
number of factors affecting operating results that did not relate directly to
Mr. Miller's performance, but considered that the CEO nonetheless has overall
responsibility for corporate performance. The Board also recognized Mr. Miller's
demonstrated leadership and success in redirecting the Company's strategic focus
and attracting commercial
9
<PAGE>
customers and considered Mr. Miller's continued leadership to be beneficial for
the Company. Based on its subjective assessment of Mr. Miller's short-term and
long-term performance, the Board determined to keep Mr. Miller's base salary at
$225,000 for fiscal 1995, which maintained Mr. Miller's base salary at about the
third quartile among comparable companies included in the survey data.
The Board also considered Mr. Miller's service as chief executive officer
of both the Company and Brunswick Biomedical Corporation. The Board concluded
that it would be beneficial to the Company to encourage Mr. Miller to continue
to serve as CEO and that is wished to encourage him to do so.
ANNUAL CASH BONUS
The Board believes that an annual cash bonus, determined and paid after the
fiscal year to which the bonus relates, provides an effective means for
rewarding outstanding individual performance by the CEO during the fiscal year.
The amount of the annual cash bonus is within the sole discretion of the
Committee and/or the Board and is not based on specific measures of corporate or
individual performance. Instead, the annual cash bonus reflects a subjective
evaluation of individual performance and accomplishments during the preceding
fiscal year.
The Board evaluated Mr. Miller's job performance during fiscal 1995, in
awarding the cash bonus reported for fiscal 1995 in the Summary Compensation
Table. The Board noted that the Company had continued to be profitable during
each quarter of the fiscal year, with revenues increasing 2% over fiscal 1994.
The amount awarded as bonus for fiscal 1995 represents approximately 9% of Mr.
Miller's base salary.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
The Board believes that stock options provide a useful incentive for future
performance and for retaining executives of outstanding ability. Stock option
grants also serve to link the interests of the employees and the Company's
stockholders since increases in the value of the stock options are directly tied
to increases in stockholder value.
The Committee's philosophy in administering the Company's stock option
plans is to afford a broad group of non-contract employees an opportunity to
share in the ownership of the Company and the Company's success. Accordingly,
the Committee historically has granted stock options to a broad class of
employees and not limited grants solely to executive officers.
The Board discussed the award of stock options to Mr. Miller and the Board
determined that the Committee would not grant Mr. Miller additional stock
options during fiscal 1995. In May 1995, the Board discussed the stock option
granted to Mr. Miller, under the Company's 1986 Stock Option Plan, in connection
with his initial employment with the Company and the expiration of that option
then scheduled for June 1, 1995. The option covers 25,000 shares of Common Stock
and has an exercise price of $7.50 per share (which was approximately the same
as the then current market price). The Committee approved extending the
expiration date of the option to August 18, 1999.
10
<PAGE>
As described below, the size of stock option grants to executive officers,
other than the CEO is recommended by the CEO and approved by the Committee. The
Company awarded stock options to executive officers in late fiscal 1994; no
stock options were granted to executive officers during fiscal 1995.
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OTHER THAN CEO
The compensation of each of the executive officers, other than the CEO,
generally is determined by the CEO within the context of the Company's Salary
Administration Plan. The Company's Salary Administration Plan was developed by
the Company and an independent compensation consultant and includes position
descriptions for all non-contract employees including the other executive
officers. Each position is assigned a grade level by measuring the position's
requirements for responsibility, creativity, analytical skills, and past job
experience. The CEO approves all direct report position descriptions and
assigned grade levels. With the assistance of independent compensation
consultants, salary ranges within each grade level are established by reference
to competitive salaries for positions with a similar range of responsibilities
at companies having comparable annual revenues to those of the Company. Salary
ranges may be increased each year by a percentage of the Consumer Price Index to
ensure that salary ranges remain competitive. The Company's job performance
appraisal is by "Management by Objectives" which concentrates on results
achieved. Once a year each of the other executive officers and the CEO agree on
objectives of the job. Examples of such objectives are financial growth,
expense reduction, operating within budget, development and commercialization of
quality products, market growth, and product and project management.
The Company's stock option grant structure for employees, including
executive officers other than the CEO, was developed by the Company and an
independent compensation consultant. This structure was based on available
survey data of other companies granting options to a broad group of employees.
For each Company job grade there is a high, medium, and low grade level which
was integrated with the Company performance appraisal ratings. The level of
grants is recommended by the CEO and approved by the Committee. All figures are
reviewed and adjustments made because of specific relevant factors such as date
of hire, promotions, and Common Stock holdings.
Robert Herzstein
Donald M. Spero
Paul H. Way
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Compensation and Stock Option Plan Committee of the Board of Directors
is comprised only of non-employee directors. Messrs. Herzstein and Way
currently serve as members of such
11
<PAGE>
committee. Mr. Herzstein is Chairman of the Board of Directors, a post without
day-to-day managerial responsibilities, which he has held since June 1990.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph shows the cumulative shareholder return on the Company's
Common Stock during the five year period ended July 31, 1995 as compared to (i)
an overall stock market index, the NASDAQ (U.S.) Index, and (ii) a peer group
index, the S&P Medical Products and Supplies Index. The graph assumes that
$100.00 was invested on August 1, 1990, and the yearly points marked on the
horizontal axis correspond to July 31 of the indicated year.
[GRAPH]
SHAREHOLDER VALUE AT FISCAL YEAR END
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Survival Technology, Inc. $100 $213 $133 $84 $77 $67
NASDAQ (U.S.) Index $100 $118 $139 $164 $199 $204
S & P Medical Products
& Supplies Index $100 $185 $213 $171 $132 $205
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Board, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, has selected the
firm of Price Waterhouse LLP as independent auditors of the Company for the
current fiscal year. This nationally known firm has served as the Company's
independent auditors since the organization of the Company in 1969 and has no
direct or indirect financial interest in the Company.
Although not legally required to do so, the Board is submitting the
selection of Price Waterhouse LLP for ratification by the shareholders at the
annual meeting. If a majority of the shares of Common Stock represented in
person or by proxy at the meeting is not voted for ratification (which is not
expected -- see "Voting Securities"), the Board will reconsider its appointment
of Price Waterhouse LLP as independent auditors for the current fiscal year.
A representative of Price Waterhouse LLP will be present at the annual
meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if he desires to do
so. It is anticipated that such representative will be available to respond
to appropriate questions from shareholders.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Company does not presently know of any matters that will be presented
for action at the meeting other than those set forth herein. If other matters
properly come before the meeting, proxies submitted on the enclosed form will be
voted by the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy in accordance with
their best judgment.
ANNUAL REPORTS
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission an Annual
Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 1995, a copy of which will be sent to all
shareholders as of the record date. The Form 10-K report is not part of these
proxy solicitation materials.
1996 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
It presently is contemplated that the fiscal 1996 annual meeting of
shareholders will be held on or about January 9, 1997. In order for any
shareholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in the proxy materials of
the Company for the 1996 annual meeting of shareholders, it must be received by
the Secretary of the Company no later than August 14, 1996. It is urged that
any such proposals be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Doris L. Geier
CORPORATE SECRETARY
Rockville, Maryland
December 12, 1995
13
<PAGE>
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by
the Shareholder. If no direction is given, the Proxy will be voted FOR the
nominees referred to in Item 1. Including any substitute nominee in the case of
unavailability and FOR Item 2. Executors, administrators, trustees, etc., should
so indicate when signing. If the owner is a corporation, an authorized officer
should sign for the corporation and show his title.
PLEASE MARK YOUR CHOICES LIKE THIS / X /
___________________
COMMON
1. With respect to election of Directors.
FOR all of the following WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
nominees (except as to vote for all of the
marked to the contrary). nominees listed below.
/ / / /
Bruce M. Dresner; Robert Herzstein; James H. Miller; Donald M. Spero;
Paul H. Way (or any substitution nominee should any of the above become
unavailable for any reason).
(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee and/or
nominees place a line through the name(s) of such nominee or nominees.)
2. With respect to ratification of the selection of Price Waterhouse LLP as
the Company's independent auditors for the current fiscal year.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
/ / / / / /
3. In their discretion, on any other matter coming before the meeting.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
/ / / / / /
I PLAN TO
ATTEND MEETING
/ /
Date______________________________________
__________________________________________
Signature(s)
__________________________________________
Signature(s)
Note: Please sign as name appears hereon.
Joint owners should each sign. When
signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian,
please give full title as such.
<PAGE>
SURVIVAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS, JANUARY 11, 1996
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned shareholder of Survival
Technology, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of
Delaware, with its main office in Rockville, Montgomery County, Maryland, does
hereby nominate, constitute and appoint Doris L. Geier and James H. Miller, and
each of them, as due and lawful attorneys-in-fact (each of whom shall have full
power of substitution) to vote all shares of Common Stock of said corporation
standing in my name on its books as of the close of business on November 20,
1995, at the annual meeting of its shareholders to be held on January 11, 1996
at 9:00 a.m., or at any adjournment thereof with all powers the undersigned
would possess if personally present, as follows:
(CONTINUED ON OTHER SIDE. PLEASE SIGN AND DATE ON OTHER SIDE,
AND RETURN IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.)
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