<PAGE> 1
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:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[ ] 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-2.
</TABLE>
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than 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 0-12.
(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> 2
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
110 RICHARDS AVENUE
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT 06856-5090
------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 27, 1999
------------------------
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of TRANS-LUX
CORPORATION will be held at the Office of the Corporation, 110 Richards Avenue,
Norwalk, Connecticut, on Thursday, May 27, 1999 at 10:00 A.M. local time for the
following purposes:
1. To elect two directors to serve for a term of three years, in each
case until their successors shall be elected and shall have qualified;
2. To consider and act upon a proposal to recommend to the Board of
Directors the retention of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Corporation's
independent auditors for the ensuing year; and
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The close of business on March 29, 1999 has been fixed as the record date
for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at
the Meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
ANGELA D. TOPPI
Corporate Secretary
Dated: Norwalk, Connecticut
March 29, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please mark, date, sign and return promptly the enclosed proxy so that your
shares may be represented at the Meeting. A return envelope, which requires no
postage if mailed in the United States, is enclosed for your convenience.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 3
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
110 RICHARDS AVENUE
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT 06856-5090
------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
This statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the
Board of Directors of TRANS-LUX CORPORATION (hereinafter called the
"Corporation"), of proxies in the accompanying form to be used at the Annual
Meeting of the Stockholders of the Corporation to be held on Thursday, May 27,
1999, and at any adjournment thereof, for the purposes set forth in the
accompanying notice of the Meeting. It is intended that this Statement and the
proxies solicited hereby be mailed to stockholders no later than April 12, 1999.
A stockholder who shall sign and return a proxy in the form enclosed with this
statement has the power to revoke it at any time before it is exercised by
giving written notice of revocation or a proxy of later date and returning it to
the Corporation, Attention: Secretary, or by voting in person at the Meeting.
Proxies properly executed and received in time for the Meeting will be voted.
The close of business on March 29, 1999 has been fixed as the record date
for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at
the Meeting. There were outstanding as of the close of business on March 29,
1999 and entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting 996,415 shares of
Common Stock and 296,005 shares of Class B Stock. Each outstanding share of
Common Stock is entitled to one vote on all matters voted on at the Meeting and
each outstanding share of Class B Stock is entitled to ten votes on all matters
voted on at the Meeting. The holders of Common Stock and Class B Stock vote
together on all the proposals.
Unless otherwise specified, the proxies in the accompanying form will be
voted in favor of all of the proposals set forth in the Notice of Annual
Meeting. In the discretion of the proxyholders, the proxies will also be voted
for or against such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting. The
Board of Directors is not aware that any other matters are to be presented for
action at the Meeting.
<PAGE> 4
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS, DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth information as of March 29, 1999 (or such
other date specified) with respect to the beneficial ownership of the
Corporation's Class B Stock and Common Stock or shares acquirable within 60 days
of such date by (i) each person known by the Corporation to own more than 5% of
the Corporation's outstanding Class B Stock and/or Common Stock and who is
deemed to be such beneficial owner of the Corporation's Class B Stock and Common
Stock under Rule 13d-3(a)(ii); (ii) each person who is a director of the
Corporation; (iii) each named executive in the Summary Compensation Table; and
(iv) all persons as a group who are executive officers and directors of the
Corporation, and as to the percentage of outstanding shares held by them on that
date.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT PERCENT
BENEFICIALLY PERCENT OF ALL
NAME, STATUS AND MAILING ADDRESS TITLE OF CLASS OWNED OF CLASS CLASSES
-------------------------------- -------------- ------------ -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Richard Brandt............................... Class B Stock 129,195 43.65% 10.00%
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Common Stock 7,136(1) * *
beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Corporation's Class B Stock
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Franklin Resources, Inc...................... Common Stock 1,141,797(2) 53.40% 46.91%
Beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Corporation's Common Stock
777 Mariners Island Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94404
Gabelli Funds, Inc........................... Common Stock 179,557(3) 16.49% 12.96%
Beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Corporation's Common Stock
One Corporate Center
Rye, NY 10580-1434
The Killen Group, Inc........................ Common Stock 397,695(4) 32.41% 26.11%
Beneficial owner of more than 5%
of the Corporation's Common Stock
1199 Lancaster Avenue
Berwyn, PA 19312
Matthew Brandt............................... Class B Stock 38,700 13.07% 2.99%
Senior Vice President and beneficial Common Stock 2,300(5) * *
owner of more than 5% of the
Corporation's Class B Stock
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Thomas Brandt................................ Class B Stock 38,700(6) 13.07% 2.99%
Senior Vice President and beneficial Common Stock 1,354 * *
owner of more than 5% of the
Corporation's Class B Stock
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Steven Baruch................................ Common Stock 1,100(7) * *
Director
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Howard M. Brenner............................ Common Stock 1,500(7) * *
Director
277 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10172
Jean Firstenberg............................. Common Stock 1,420(8) * *
Director
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE> 5
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT PERCENT
BENEFICIALLY PERCENT OF ALL
NAME, STATUS AND MAILING ADDRESS TITLE OF CLASS OWNED OF CLASS CLASSES
-------------------------------- -------------- ------------ -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Allan Fromme, PhD............................ Class B Stock 2,013 * *
Director Common Stock 2,900(9) * *
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Robert Greenes............................... Common Stock 5,056(10) * *
Director
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Gene Jankowski............................... Common Stock 3,000(7) * *
Director
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Victor Liss.................................. Class B Stock 9,728 3.29% *
Director, Vice Chairman, President Common Stock 47,020(11) 4.55% 3.54%
and Chief Executive Officer
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Howard S. Modlin............................. Class B Stock 8,751(12) 2.96% *
Director Common Stock 2,500(12) * *
445 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Michael R. Mulcahy........................... Common Stock 7,303(13) * *
Executive Vice President
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Karl P. Hirschauer........................... Common Stock 3,629(14) * *
Senior Vice President
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Thomas F. Mahoney............................ Common Stock 1,000(15) * *
Senior Vice President
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
All directors and executive officers......... Class B Stock 227,087(16) 76.72% 17.57%
as a group (17 persons) Common Stock 96,368(16) 9.02% 7.06%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The amount includes 7,136 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon conversion
of $100,000 principal amount of the Corporation's 7 1/2% Convertible
Subordinated Notes due 2006 (the "Notes"), and 4,232 shares of Class B
Stock owned by Mrs. Brandt.
(2) Based on Schedule l3G, Amendment No. 1, dated February 6, 1998 and other
telephonic advice by Franklin Resources, Inc., a parent holding company,
Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., principal shareholders of
said company and Franklin Advisers, Inc., an investment adviser, the amount
includes 1,141,797 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon conversion of
$l6,000,000 principal amount of the Notes beneficially owned by one or more
open or closed-end investment companies or other managed accounts which are
advised by direct and indirect investment advisory subsidiaries of Franklin
Resources, Inc., each of which is a registered investment advisor and which
have all voting and investment power over the Notes.
(3) Based on Schedule l3D, Amendment No. 29, dated January 15, 1999 by Gabelli
Funds, Inc., parent holding company and registered investment adviser, the
amount includes 92,557 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon conversion of
$1,297,000 principal amount of the Notes. All securities are held as agent
for the account of various investment company fund accounts managed by such
reporting person. Except under certain conditions, Gabelli Funds, Inc. has
sole voting power and sole dispositive power over such shares.
3
<PAGE> 6
(4) Based on Schedule 13G, Amendment No. 2, dated February 11, 1999 and other
telephonic advice by Killen Group, Inc., a registered investment adviser,
has sole dispositive power of 167,123 shares of Common Stock and sole power
to vote 74,300 of such shares, and its clients for whom the shares were
purchased, have the right to the proceeds of a sale. The amount also
includes 230,572 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon conversion of
$3,231,000 principal amount of the Notes held for such client accounts.
(5) The amount includes 1,820 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options. Mr. Matthew Brandt is Mr. R. Brandt's son.
(6) Mr. Thomas Brandt is Mr. R. Brandt's son.
(7) The amount includes 500 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise of
stock options.
(8) The amount includes 1,000 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options.
(9) The amount includes 2,500 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options.
Dr. Fromme is Mr. R. Brandt's brother-in-law.
(10) The amount includes 2,500 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options.
(11) The amount includes 36,900 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options, and 714 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon conversion
of $10,000 principal amount of the Notes.
(12) The amount includes 2,500 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options, 3,460 shares of Class B Stock owned by Mr. Modlin's
immediate family, and 2,479 shares of Class B Stock held in trust for Mr.
Modlin's immediate family.
(13) The amount includes 4,000 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options.
(14) The amount includes 3,000 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options.
(15) The amount includes 900 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise of
stock options.
(16) The amount includes 63,909 shares of Common Stock which members of the
group have the right to acquire by exercise of stock options (including
director stock options), 10,171 shares of Class B Stock set forth in
footnotes 1 and 12 above and 7,850 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon
conversion of the Notes set forth in footnotes 1 and 11 above.
* Less than l%
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Corporation is divided into three classes
with the term of office of one of the three classes of directors expiring each
year and with each class being elected for a three-year term. Two directors are
to be elected at the May 27, l999 Annual Meeting for a three-year term, and
until their successors have been elected and qualified. Messrs. Greenes and
Modlin nominated for election as directors for a three-year term were each
elected a director of the Corporation at the 1996 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders.
Set forth opposite the name of the nominees and each director is their
principal occupation for the past five years, age, the name and principal
business of any corporation or other organization in which such employment is
carried on, certain other directorships held, the year first elected as a
director and the year in which the term of office for which they are a nominee
or the term of office of such person will expire.
4
<PAGE> 7
Management has no reason to believe that the nominees are not available or
will not serve if elected, but if a nominee should not become available to serve
as a director, full discretion is reserved to the persons named as proxies to
vote for such other persons as may be nominated. Proxies will be voted "FOR" the
nominees unless the stockholder specifies otherwise.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRST
BECAME TERM
NAME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION, OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS AND AGE DIRECTOR EXPIRES
---- ------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NOMINEES -- THREE-YEAR TERM
Robert Greenes.................... Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of 1971 2002
Trans-Lux Corporation; President of Petroconsult,
Inc.; President of East Coast Energy Council;
formerly President and Chief Executive Officer of
Public Fuel Service Inc. and all of its
subsidiaries; 78
Howard S. Modlin.................. Attorney and member of the firm Weisman Celler 1975 2002
Spett & Modlin, P.C.; Director of Fedders
Corporation and General DataComm Industries, Inc.;
67
DIRECTORS -- TWO-YEAR REMAINING TERM
Richard Brandt.................... Chairman of the Board of Trans-Lux Corporation; 1954 2001
Director of Presidential Realty Corporation; Board
member of Taos Talking Picture Festival; Chairman
Emeritus and Trustee of the American Film
Institute; Trustee of American Theatre Wing; 71
Jean Firstenberg.................. Chief Executive Officer and Director of the 1989 2001
American Film Institute; Trustee of Boston
University; 63
Gene Jankowski.................... Chairman of Jankowski Communications System, Inc.; 1994 2001
Chief Executive Officer of JCS New England
Television Network, Inc.; formerly President and
Chairman of the CBS Broadcast Group; Chairman
Emeritus of the American Film Institute; Director
of The Advertising Educational Foundation and
Advisor to the World Press Freedom Foundation; 64
Victor Liss....................... Vice Chairman of the Board, President and Chief 1988 2001
Executive Officer of Trans-Lux Corporation;
Director of Anthem, Inc. and Anthem Blue Cross &
Blue Shield of Connecticut; Trustee of Norwalk
Hospital; 62
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE> 8
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRST
BECAME TERM
NAME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION, OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS AND AGE DIRECTOR EXPIRES
---- ------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
DIRECTORS -- ONE-YEAR REMAINING TERM
Steven Baruch..................... Executive Vice President of Presidential Realty 1994 2000
Corporation; Producer of plays and musicals, among
them Driving Miss Daisy, Angels in America, Love
Letters, Smokey Joe's Cafe and the Broadway
revivals of Damn Yankees, A Funny Thing Happened
on the Way To The Forum and the Sound of Music; 60
Howard M. Brenner................. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HCFP 1997 2000
Brenner Securities LLC, formerly Vice Chairman of
Loewenbaum & Company Incorporated, Vice Chairman
of Southcoast Capital Corporation and President of
Brenner Securities Corporation which was merged
into Southcoast Capital Corporation which changed
its name to Loewenbaum & Company Incorporated;
formerly President of Drexel Burnham Lambert
Incorporated; former member of Board of Governors
of the American Stock Exchange and District 10
Committee (NY) National Association of Securities
Dealers Inc.; 65
Allan Fromme, PhD................. Psychologist, Author, Consultant, Chairman of the 1958 2000
Executive Committee of Trans-Lux Corporation; 83
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE> 9
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth the compensation paid
or awarded for each of the three years in the period ended December 3l, l998 to
the Chief Executive Officer and the Corporation's four other most highly
compensated executive officers.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
-------------------------------------- ------------ ALL OTHER
OTHER ANNUAL OPTIONS COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) COMPENSATION($) GRANTED(#) ($)(1)
--------------------------- ---- --------- -------- --------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Richard Brandt................. 1998 342,471 133,735 70,634 -- 32,435
Chairman of the Board(2) 1997 318,421 123,037 69,830 -- 8,424
1996 105,578 93,163 267,049 -- 14,975
Victor Liss.................... 1998 253,654 199,951 4,850 -- 16,548
Chief Executive Officer, 1997 238,847 185,124 5,150 25,000 8,763
President and Vice Chairman(2) 1996 212,885 133,434 5,150 -- 4,180
Michael R. Mulcahy............. 1998 236,198 84,975 -- 12,500 14,193
Executive Vice President 1997 255,164 30,000 -- -- --
1996 211,760 33,219 -- -- --
Thomas F. Mahoney.............. 1998 143,511 8,438 -- -- --
Senior Vice President of Sales, 1997 138,976 7,813 -- -- --
former Vice President of Sales 1996 128,660 3,463 -- -- --
Karl P. Hirschauer............. 1998 120,461 13,438 -- -- --
Senior Vice President of 1997 112,153 7,813 -- -- --
Engineering 1996 103,846 5,938 -- -- --
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(l) There are no restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights or deferred
long-term incentive payouts. The amounts reflected for Mr. Brandt include
$2,652, $7,874 and $13,764 for tax equalization payments in 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively, resulting from FICA taxes. The amounts reflected for Mr.
Liss represent split dollar life insurance, additional life insurance and
disability insurance premiums. The amount reflected for Mr. Mulcahy
represents split dollar life insurance premiums.
(2) During the period January l, l994 to August l5, l996, the Chairman was not
an executive officer under the Corporation's by-laws and the bonuses and
other annual compensation constituted fees and other payments under his
former consulting agreement with the Corporation. Other annual compensation
for Messrs. Brandt and Liss includes directors fees.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
All matters concerning executive compensation for Mr. Liss, the Chief
Executive Officer, and other executive officers are considered by the
Corporation's Compensation Committee. The salary levels are intended to be
consistent with competitive practice and level of performance. In determining
the total compensation to be paid to the Chief Executive Officer and all other
executive officers, the Compensation Committee considers management's
recommendations based upon past salary levels, contractual obligations where
applicable, experience, capability, duties, normal salary increase levels in
past years, and the Corporation's and respective individual's performance during
the last fiscal year. The Chief Executive Officer's compensation is based upon
the above factors and includes bonuses as described in the section on Employment
Agreements.
7
<PAGE> 10
RETIREMENT PLAN AND SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS
A cash contribution of $309,449 for the individuals listed in the Summary
Compensation Table, (except Mr. Brandt who is not eligible), and all other
eligible employees to the Corporation's retirement plan for 1998 has been made.
Under the supplemental retirement arrangement with Mr. Liss, $97,109, $62,482
and $62,512 was accrued, but not paid in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The Corporation's retirement plan covers all salaried employees over age 21
with at least one year of service who are not covered by a collective bargaining
agreement to which the Corporation is a party. The following table presents
estimated retirement benefits payable at normal retirement date, which normally
is age 65. The amounts shown include estimated Social Security benefits which
would be deducted in calculating benefits payable under such Plan.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED ANNUAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS
BASED ON CREDITED SERVICE YEARS
FINAL AVERAGE SALARY FOR HIGHEST FIVE OF -----------------------------------------------------
THE TEN YEARS PRECEDING RETIREMENT 10 20 30 35 40
- ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$100,000............................... $15,000 $30,000 $45,000 $ 52,500 $ 60,000
125,000............................... 18,750 37,500 56,250 65,625 75,000
150,000............................... 22,500 45,000 67,500 78,750 90,000
200,000(1)............................ 30,000 60,000 90,000 105,000 120,000(2)
</TABLE>
As of January 1, 1999, Messrs. Liss, Mulcahy, Mahoney and Hirschauer had
30, 31, 31 and 19 years of credited service, respectively.
- ---------------
(1) $160,000 is the legislated annual cap on compensation.
(2) $130,000 is the maximum legislated annual benefits payable from a qualified
pension plan.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
During the year 1998, $313,250 in fees for legal services rendered were
paid by the Corporation to the law firm of which Mr. Modlin, a director of the
Corporation, is a member.
A subsidiary of the Corporation loaned an aggregate of $320,385 during the
years 1989 through 1996 to Dr. Fromme, Chairman of the Executive Committee, to
fully pay the premiums on a $500,000 life insurance policy on his life. The
Corporation has received an assignment of the policy as collateral for the
repayment to the extent the proceeds of the policy are in excess of $200,000.
The loans plus accrued interest are repayable solely from the proceeds from the
policy.
Messrs. Matthew Brandt and Thomas Brandt are Senior Vice Presidents of the
Corporation and each is employed by the Corporation at an annual compensation
level of $120,000 plus one quarter of one percent of the Corporation's defined
pre-tax consolidated earnings.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
The Corporation has employment agreements with Messrs. Brandt, Liss,
Mulcahy, Mahoney and Hirschauer expiring on December 3l, 2002, April l, 2002,
May 3l, 2001, May 3l, 2001 and December 31, 1999, respectively. Mr. Brandt's
agreement further provides for a consulting term expiring on December 31, 2007.
The agreements provide for annual compensation of $380,797 (subject to cost of
living adjustments) for Mr. Brandt; $250,000 in l999, plus an additional $l0,000
each year thereafter for Mr. Liss; $l75,000, $195,000 and $215,000 through May
31, l999, 2000 and 2001, respectively, for Mr. Mulcahy; $100,000, $105,000 and
$110,000 through May 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively, for Mr. Mahoney; and
$120,000 in 1999 for Mr. Hirschauer. Each agreement contains graduated bonus
provisions based on the Corporation's defined pre-tax consolidated earnings, not
to exceed $l25,000, $250,000, $125,000, $20,000 and $20,000 in the case of
Messrs. Brandt, Liss, Mulcahy, Mahoney and Hirschauer, respectively. Each
agreement also contains varying disability, death, and, other than Messrs.
Mahoney and Hirschauer, insurance benefits. Mr. Brandt's agreement provides for
profit participations of l 1/2% and 3/4%, respectively of the Corporation's
defined pre-tax consolidated earnings during the employment term and consulting
term, respectively. Mr. Mulcahy's
8
<PAGE> 11
agreement provides for sales override commissions and severance benefits. Mr.
Mahoney's agreement provides for sales override commissions. Messrs. Brandt and
Liss have the right to cancel their agreements if, among other things, in the
case of Mr. Liss, Mr. Liss gives six months early termination notice (after
January 1, 2000) or there is a "change in control" as defined therein or the
Corporation fails to elect him to his present positions and, in the case of Mr.
Brandt, the Corporation fails to elect him to his present position in which case
he has the right to receive the payments for the balance of the term of his
agreement, including certain lump sum payments thereof. The foregoing is a
summary of the agreements and reference is made to the agreements, each of which
has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, for the full terms
thereof.
STOCK OPTION PLANS AND STOCK OPTIONS
The Corporation has two incentive stock option plans which provide for the
grant of incentive stock options at fair market value (or 110% of fair market
value if the optionee owns more than 10% of the Corporation's outstanding voting
securities) on date of grant. Options outstanding are exercisable during the
period one to ten years after date of grant and while the holder is in the
employ of the Corporation. The following tables set forth information as to the
named executive officers with respect to the value realized on exercise of stock
options granted in fiscal 1998, the value realized on exercise of options and
fiscal year end option values.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
VALUE AT ASSUMED
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS ANNUAL RATES
-------------------------------------------------------- OF STOCK PRICE
% OF TOTAL APPRECIATION FOR
OPTIONS GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR OPTION TERM
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN BASE PRICE EXPIRATION ---------------------
NAME GRANTED FISCAL YEAR ($)PER SHARE DATE 5%($) 10%($)
---- ------- ------------------ ------------ ---------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michael R. Mulcahy........ 12,500 100% 9.00 8/31/2008 71,000 179,000
</TABLE>
AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
OPTIONS AT OPTIONS AT
FISCAL YEAR FISCAL YEAR
OPTION EXERCISES END END($)
------------------------------ ------------- ----------------
SHARES ACQUIRED VALUE EXERCISABLE/ EXERCISABLE/
NAME ON EXERCISE REALIZED($) UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE(1)
---- --------------- ----------- ------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Richard Brandt.................... -- -- --/ -- --/ --
Victor Liss....................... 2,000 3,125 36,900/ 7,000 21,094/ --
Michael R. Mulcahy................ 1,500 9,563 4,000/12,500 --/1,563
Thomas F. Mahoney................. 100 550 900/ -- 900/ --
Karl P. Hirschauer................ -- -- 3,000/-- 2,406/--
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Market value of underlying securities at fiscal year end, minus the exercise
price.
9
<PAGE> 12
FIVE YEAR CORPORATE PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the Corporation's total stockholder return
over the five fiscal years ended December 31, 1998 with the Total Return Index
for American Stock Exchange US ("AMEX US"), the Russell 2000 Index ("RUSSELL
2000"), and the American Stock Exchange Market Value Index ("AMEX MKT"). The
American Stock Exchange has ceased to track the AMEX MKT, therefore the
Corporation has selected the AMEX US as the broad-market index. The stockholder
return shown on the graph as "TLX" is not intended to be indicative of future
performance of the Corporation's Common Stock.
COMPARATIVE FIVE YEAR TOTAL RETURNS*
Trans-Lux Corporation, AMEX US Total Return Index, Russell 2000 Index,
AMEX Market Value Index**
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMEX US RUSSELL 2000 AMEX MKT TLX
------- ------------ -------- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
'1993' 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
'1994' 93.26 96.82 90.94 100.16
'1995' 119.99 122.19 114.90 89.21
'1996' 121.90 140.23 122.24 122.08
'1997' 152.43 169.00 148.26 163.18
'1998' 162.59 163.18 101.53
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.
** Peer group consists of the RUSSELL 2000. Assumes $100 investment at the close
of trading on the last trading day preceding the first day of the fifth
preceding fiscal year in TLX Common Stock, AMEX US, RUSSELL 2000 and AMEX
MKT.
10
<PAGE> 13
SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The auditors recommended to be retained by the Board of Directors, Deloitte
& Touche LLP, have advised the Corporation that they have no direct financial
interest or any material indirect financial interest in the Corporation, nor did
they have any connection during the past three years with the Corporation in the
capacity of promoter, underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer or
employee. Such auditors were first retained in l987 as auditors for the
Corporation's l987 fiscal year.
Representatives of such auditors are expected to be at the Meeting of the
stockholders and will be permitted to make a statement to stockholders if they
desire and to respond to any appropriate questions addressed by stockholders to
such representatives. The affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast
at the Meeting by the holders of Common Stock and Class B Stock combined is
required to approve the proposal to recommend the independent auditors.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CERTAIN COMMITTEES
During 1998, the Board of Directors had four meetings. All directors
attended 75% or more of such meetings and of committees of which they were
members. Non-employee directors and the Chairman receive an annual fee of $3,500
and $1,100 for each meeting of the Board attended, while employee directors
receive an annual fee of $2,200 and $450 for each meeting of the Board attended.
The members of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors are
Messrs. Brandt, Greenes, Liss and Modlin and Dr. Fromme. The Executive Committee
is authorized to exercise the powers of the Board of Directors during the
intervals between the meetings of the Board and is from time to time delegated
certain authorizations by the Board in matters pertaining to the Corporation.
The Executive Committee did not hold any formal meetings in 1998. Members of
said Committee receive a fee of $300 for each meeting of the Committee they
attend. Dr. Fromme receives an annual fee of $12,000 as Chairman of the
Executive Committee and for other consulting services, including his
participation in telephonic conferences. Mr. Greenes receives an annual fee of
$6,000 as Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee and for other consulting
services, including his participation in telephonic conferences.
The members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors are
Messrs. Greenes, Jankowski and Modlin and Ms. Firstenberg. The Compensation
Committee reviews compensation and other benefits. The Compensation Committee
held two meetings in 1998. Members of said Committee receive a fee of $300 for
each meeting of the Committee they attend and the Chairman, Mr. Modlin, receives
an annual fee of $2,500.
The members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors are Messrs.
Baruch, Brenner, Greenes and Modlin and Ms. Firstenberg. The Audit Committee
reviews the audit function and material aspects thereof with the Corporation's
independent auditors. The Audit Committee held two meetings in 1998. Members of
said Committee receive a fee of $300 for each meeting of the Committee they
attend and the Chairperson, Ms. Firstenberg, receives an annual fee of $2,500.
The Board of Directors has not established a nominating or similar
committee.
On June 20, 1989, the Board of Directors established a Non-Employee
Director Stock Option Plan which as amended, covers a maximum of 30,000 shares
for grant. Options are for a period of six years from date of grant, are granted
at fair market value on date of grant, may be exercised at any time after one
year from date of grant while a director and are based on years of service, with
a minimum of 500 stock options for each director, an additional 500 stock
options based on five or more years of service, another 500 stock options based
on ten or more years of service and an additional 1,000 stock options based on
twenty or more years of service. Additional stock options are granted upon the
expiration or exercise of any such option which is no earlier than four years
after date of grant, in an amount equal to such exercised or expired options.
11
<PAGE> 14
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
The Corporation's executive officers and directors are required under
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and American Stock Exchange. Copies of those reports must also be furnished to
the Corporation.
Based solely on a review of the copies of reports furnished to the
Corporation and the Corporation's monthly reporting compliance program, the
Corporation believes that during the preceding year, all filing requirements
applicable to executive officers and directors were met.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS -- 2000 ANNUAL MEETING
If any stockholder desires to submit a proposal for action at the 2000
annual meeting, such proposal must be received by the Secretary of the
Corporation on or before November 30, 1999. Nominations for directors at the
2000 annual meeting by stockholders must be in accordance with Article 4(c) of
the Corporation's By-Laws and received on or before January 28, 2000.
COST OF SOLICITATION
The cost of preparing and mailing material in connection with the
solicitation of proxies is to be borne by the Corporation. Solicitation will be
made by the Corporation's regular employees in the total approximate number of
ten. Solicitation will be made by mail, telegram, telephone and in person.
By Order of the Board of Directors
ANGELA D. TOPPI
Corporate Secretary
Dated: Norwalk, Connecticut
March 29, 1999
12
<PAGE> 15
LOGO
LOGO
NOTICE OF
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
AND PROXY STATEMENT
MAY 27, 1999
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
<PAGE> 16
PROXY
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS -- MAY 27, 1999
(SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS)
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned stockholder of TRANS-LUX
CORPORATION hereby constitutes and appoints RICHARD BRANDT, VICTOR LISS and
HOWARD S. MODLIN, and each of them, the attorneys and proxies of the
undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote for and in the name, place
and stead of the undersigned, at the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of said
Corporation, to be held at the office of the Corporation, 110 Richards Avenue,
Norwalk, Connecticut, on May 27, 1999, at 10:00 A.M., and at any adjournment
thereof, the number of votes the undersigned would be entitled to cast if
present for the following matters and, in their discretion, upon such other
matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof:
DIRECTORS RECOMMEND VOTE FOR ITEMS 1 AND 2.
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C> <C>
Item 1 [ ] FOR [ ] NOT FOR Election of Robert Greenes and Howard S. Modlin to serve as
directors for a three-year term, and until their successors
are elected and shall have qualified.
Authority is withheld with respect to the following
nominee:
__________________________________________________________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
Item 2 [ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN Recommended retention of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the
independent auditors for the Corporation for the ensuing
year.
</TABLE>
UNLESS YOU SPECIFY OTHERWISE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE ELECTION OF THE
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS AND "FOR" ITEM 2.
(Continued and to be signed on other side.)
<PAGE> 17
(Continued from other side)
A majority of said attorneys and proxies, or their substitutes at said
meeting, or any adjournments thereof, may exercise all of the powers hereby
given. Any proxy to vote any of the shares with respect to which the undersigned
is or would be entitled to vote, heretofore given to any person or persons other
than the persons named above, is hereby revoked.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has signed and sealed this proxy and
hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the notice of said meeting and proxy
statement in reference thereto, both dated March 29, 1999.
Dated: , 1999
----------------------------
----------------------------------- (L.S.)
Stockholder(s) Signature
----------------------------------- (L.S.)
NOTE: This proxy properly filled in,
dated and signed, should be returned
immediately in the enclosed postpaid
envelope to TRANS-LUX CORPORATION, 110
Richards Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut
06856-5090. If the signer is a
corporation, sign in full the corporate
name by a duly authorized officer. If
signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please
give your full title as such.
