-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, K0pkaH9Y/adk5XuEZvDVf+EJjCWCCHu6iGi1WdQTPf2A/XlROkHUkNMyLChSEXWy wsR4sHLx2hc+0UArtoAyiQ== 0000950005-97-000571.txt : 19970530 0000950005-97-000571.hdr.sgml : 19970530 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950005-97-000571 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: DEF 14A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19970718 FILED AS OF DATE: 19970529 SROS: NASD FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CALIFORNIA MICRO DEVICES CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000800460 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS & ACCESSORIES [3670] IRS NUMBER: 942672609 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: DEF 14A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-15449 FILM NUMBER: 97615842 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 215 TOPAZ ST CITY: MILPITAS STATE: CA ZIP: 95035-5430 BUSINESS PHONE: 4082633214 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 215 TOPAZ STREET STREET 2: 215 TOPAZ STREET CITY: MILPITAS STATE: CA ZIP: 95035-5430 DEF 14A 1 NOTICE OF MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT 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 Sec. 240.14a-11(c) or Sec. 240.14a-12 California Micro Devices Corporation ------------------------------------------------ (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box): /X/ No fee required. / / $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 transactions applies: - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transactions 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: - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 20, 1997 [logo] CALIFORNIA MICRO DEVICES CORPORATION Dear Shareholders: You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Friday, July 18, 1997 at 8:30 a.m., at the Holiday Inn San Jose North, 777 Bellew Drive, Milpitas, California. The first item of business in this year's Shareholders Meeting is a proposal to amend the Company's By-Laws to eliminate cumulative voting. I urge you to vote YES on this proposal. A primary reason for introducing this proposal is that approximately 16.69% of CMD's outstanding common stock is owned by Chan Desaigoudar, the Company's former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. At the Company's Annual Meetings in August 1995 and July 1996, Mr. Desaigoudar caused cumulative voting to be invoked and placed his personal nominee on the Board of Directors, notwithstanding his minority ownership of the Company's common stock. Mr. Desaigoudar's employment with the Company was terminated by the Board of Directors because of the financial scandal that rocked the Company in late 1994. As has been reported by the Company, the 1994 financial scandal resulted in investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission and a class action lawsuit, which was recently settled. In ordering a freeze of Mr. Desaigoudar's CMD common stock (which he is still allowed to vote), the judge in the class action lawsuit found a strong likelihood that the class would recover a substantial judgment against Mr. Desaigoudar for violation of the securities laws. This unusual action of the judge in freezing Mr. Desaigoudar's stock was sustained on appeal. Your Board believes that the elimination of cumulative voting will institute majority rule voting and relatively diminish the future influence of Mr. Desaigoudar on your Company. The majority of the Board of Directors recommends that all shareholders vote for the election of the nominated directors, and for the other proposals presented in this Proxy Statement. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN your proxy card in the enclosed envelope as soon as possible. This will assure that your stock will be voted in accordance with the instructions you have given in your proxy card in the event you are unable to attend. You may, of course, attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person even if you have previously sent in your proxy card. IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT EVERY SHAREHOLDER VOTE. PLEASE SEND IN YOUR PROXY CARD. Very truly yours, /s/ Wade Meyercord WADE MEYERCORD Chairman of the Board CALIFORNIA MICRO DEVICES CORPORATION 215 TOPAZ STREET, MILPITAS, CA 95035 PHONE: (408) 263-3214 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of California Micro Devices Corporation ("CMD") will be held on Friday, July 18,1997, at 8:30 a.m., at the Holiday Inn San Jose North, 777 Bellew Drive, Milpitas, California. The items of business are: 1. Amendment to the bylaws to eliminate cumulative voting. 2. Election of six directors of the Company, to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders. 3. Ratification of the Appointment of Auditors. 4. Amendment of the 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan to increase from 250,000 to 300,000 the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder. 5. Amendment of the 1995 Stock Option Plan amended as of July 26, 1996, to increase from 2,020,000 to 2,370,000 the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder. 6. Amendment of the 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan amended as of July 26, 1996, to increase from 170,000 to 220,000 the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder. 7. Such other matters as may properly come before the meeting. These items are more fully described in the following pages, which are hereby made a part of this Notice. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on May 20, 1997, will be entitled to vote at the meeting. All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. However, to assure your representation at the meeting, you are urged to mark, sign and return the enclosed proxy card as promptly as possible in the postage prepaid envelope enclosed for that purpose. Any shareholder attending the meeting may vote in person even if he or she returned a proxy. Sincerely, /s/ Scott Hover-Smoot SCOTT HOVER-SMOOT Secretary Milpitas, California May 20, 1997 CALIFORNIA MICRO DEVICES CORPORATION PROXY STATEMENT I. GENERAL INFORMATION This Proxy Statement, the accompanying proxy card (the "Proxy Card") and California Micro Devices Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended March 31, 1997 (the "Annual Report"), are being distributed to shareholders commencing on or about June 3, 1997. Whether or not you expect to attend the Company's 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting") in person, the Board of Directors requests that you complete and return your Proxy Card for use at the Annual Meeting and any adjournments thereof. PROXY STATEMENT. This Proxy Statement consists of Sections I through VII, and contains six proposals. These Sections are intended to be read and understood together as one document. PLEASE CAREFULLY READ EACH SECTION. WHO CAN ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. Only shareholders of record of common stock issued by California Micro Devices Corporation ("CMD" or the "Company") at the close of business on May 20, 1997, the Record Date for the Annual Meeting, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. Except as discussed herein, such shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share on each matter to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting. QUORUM AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. As of the Record Date, CMD had issued and outstanding 9,144,473 shares of voting Common Stock, not including 608,696 non-voting shares held in trust as part of the approved class action settlement. The holders of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of Common Stock, present in person or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. The specific vote requirements for the matters being submitted to a shareholders' vote at the Annual Meeting are provided under "Approval of Proxy Statement Items," and the relevant proposals. SUBMISSION OF PROXY CARD. You are urged to sign and date the Proxy Card and return it in the prepaid reply envelope provided for such purpose. THIS WILL IN NO WAY AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTE IN PERSON. A shareholder giving a proxy has the right to revoke it at any time before it is voted by giving notice of such revocation to the Secretary of the Company, by attending the meeting and voting in person, or by returning a later dated proxy. The number of shares designated on the Proxy Card represents the total number of shares held in your name on the Record Date. If you receive more than one proxy card in separate mailings it is an indication that your shares are registered differently in more than one account. ALL Proxy Cards received by you should be signed and mailed by you to ensure that all your shares are voted. VOTING BY PROXY CARD. When you vote by Proxy Card, the following procedure will apply: If you intend to vote by Proxy Card, please cast your vote FOR or AGAINST any proposal by marking the appropriate box. Sign your Proxy Card where indicated, and return it in the enclosed prepaid envelope. When your Proxy Card is returned properly marked and signed, the shares represented thereby will be voted in accordance with your directions. Signed proxies received by CMD on which no contrary instruction has been given will be voted FOR Proposals 1 and 3 through 6 and FOR the nominees recommended by the Board of Directors. IF YOU DO NOT VOTE FOR OR AGAINST A PROPOSAL, AND YOU RETURN YOUR SIGNED PROXY CARD, YOU WILL HAVE VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 3 THROUGH 6 AND FOR THE NOMINEES RECOMMENDED. If you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors' recommendations, simply sign, date and return your proxy card in the envelope provided. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board does not intend to present any matter for action at the Annual Meeting other than the six proposals mentioned above. Copies of proxy solicitation material will be furnished to brokerage houses, fiduciaries, and custodians (the "Named Holders") holding shares in their names which are beneficially owned by others to forward to such beneficial owners. In addition, the Company may reimburse such persons for their cost of forwarding the 1 solicitation material to such beneficial owners. Original solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented, if deemed desirable or necessary, by one or more of telephone, telegram, facsimile, or personal solicitation by directors, officers, or employees of the Company or by solicitors retained by the Company. No additional compensation will be paid to any Company employee, officer, or director for such services. The Company reserves the right, if deemed desirable or necessary, to retain a proxy solicitation firm to deliver soliciting materials to Record Holders for distribution by them to their principals and to assist the Company in collecting proxies from such holders. The costs of these services, exclusive of out-of-pocket costs, is not expected to exceed $12,000. Conduct of the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will be conducted in accordance with those procedures established by the Chairman of the Board of Directors. For the purpose of assuring accurate recording of proceedings, the Company may create an audio or audio video tape of the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will proceed in the same order as the Proposals set out below. If the amendment to the By-Laws to eliminate cumulative voting is approved, cumulative voting will not be available in the election of directors at this meeting. PROCEDURE FOR DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS BY SHAREHOLDERS. The By-Laws of the Company require advance notification of the intent of any shareholder to nominate a person for the position of Director of the Company. The By-Laws require that the Company's Secretary must receive written notice of the intent of any shareholder to nominate a person as a director of the Company not less than thirty days before the date of the Annual Meeting. Pursuant to these amended By-Laws, notice of the intent to nominate must be sent in writing to: California Micro Devices Corporation, Attn.: Scott Hover-Smoot, Secretary, 215 Topaz Street, Milpitas, California 95035. Recommendations must be received by 8:30 AM Pacific Daylight Savings Time, June 18, 1997, and must be accompanied by a statement from the nominee indicating his or her willingness to serve if elected and disclosing his or her principal occupations or employment during the past five years. Any nomination made of a person whose nominee has not complied with this advance notification requirement will be disallowed, and no nomination of such person shall be placed before the shareholders. The Company's nominees for the position of director, included in this Proxy Statement, have already complied with this requirement. APPROVAL OF PROXY STATEMENT ITEMS. Only holders of shares of the Company's Common Stock of record as at the close of business on May 20, 1997, (the "Record Date") are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Except as otherwise provided for herein, each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote on all matters to be voted upon. Votes cast at the Annual Meeting will be counted by an inspector of election, appointed by the Company. The presence, in person or by proxy duly authorized, of the holders of a majority of the voting shares will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting and any continuation or adjournment thereof. Broker non-votes (i.e. shares held by a broker or nominee which are represented at the Annual Meeting, but with respect to which such broker or nominee is not empowered to vote on a particular proposal) will be counted in determining whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. Proposal No. 1 must be approved by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of the Company entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. In determining whether Proposal No. 1 has been approved, abstentions and broker non-votes are, in effect, counted as votes against Proposal No. 1. Cumulative voting will be available in the election of directors at the Annual Meeting unless Proposal No. 1 relating to the elimination of cumulative voting is approved. If Proposal No. 1 is approved, cumulative voting will not be available in the election of directors at the Annual Meeting. Any shares not voted (whether by abstention, broker non-votes or otherwise) will have no impact on the election of directors, except to the extent that the failure to vote for an individual results in another individual receiving a larger portion of votes. Proposals 3 through 6 must be approved by the vote of the holders of a majority of the votes of the shares of the Company represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. In determining whether such proposals have been approved, abstentions and broker non-votes are not counted as votes for or against the proposal. 2 II. MATTERS TO BE VOTED ON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING ELIMINATION OF CUMULATIVE VOTING (PROPOSAL NO. 1) YOUR BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE ELIMINATION OF CUMULATIVE VOTING BY AMENDING THE BY-LAWS The California General Corporation Law now permits a California corporation which is a "listed corporation" to provide, with the approval of its shareholders, for majority rule voting in electing directors in lieu of cumulative voting. The Company is deemed a "listed corporation" because its shares are qualified for trading on the national market system on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System and the Company has at least 800 holders of its equity securities. Prior to the change in the law in 1990, cumulative voting in electing directors was mandatory for California corporations upon proper notice by any shareholder of the Company. By permitting shareholders of California corporations to provide for majority rule voting in electing directors, the new law substantially conforms California corporate law with corporate laws of a majority of other states (including Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas), which either provide that cumulative voting is optional or make no provision for cumulative voting at all. Cumulative voting in the election of directors may be invoked currently by any shareholder of the Company who complies with statutory notice requirements. Cumulative voting entitles shareholders to a number of votes per share of Common Stock equal to the number of directors to be elected, and all nominees are voted upon simultaneously. Holders of shares may cast all of their votes for a single nominee or distribute them among two or more nominees. As a consequence of cumulative voting, shareholders representing a relatively small number of the voting shares have the power to nominate and elect one or more directors. For example, if six directors are to be elected at an annual meeting, shareholders holding as little as 14.29%, and in some cases less, of the voting shares could nominate and elect one director by cumulating and casting their six votes per share only for their single candidate. This is so even if shareholders holding 85.71% of the voting shares are opposed to the election of that candidate and cast their votes to elect six other director candidates. Without cumulative voting, a nominee can not be elected without relatively wide support, because shareholders are entitled to only one vote per share with the nominee receiving the greatest number of votes being elected. Consequently, the holder or holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote in the election of directors will be able to elect all directors of the Company, and holders of a substantial number of the shares, although less than a majority, may not be able to directly elect their own directors. This means that the elimination of cumulative voting will remove Mr. Desaigoudar's nominee from your Board of Directors. Your Board believes that the elimination of cumulative voting is advantageous to the Company and its shareholders because each director of a publicly held corporation has a duty to represent the interest of all shareholders, rather than any specific shareholder or group of shareholders. Directors elected by a minority shareholder or group of shareholders through cumulative voting may be partisans of the particular interest group who elected them rather than representatives of a majority of the shareholders. The election of directors who view themselves as representing a particular minority constituency could introduce an element of discord on the Board of Directors, impair the ability of the directors to work effectively and discourage qualified independent individuals from serving as directors. Providing for majority rule voting in the election of directors by eliminating cumulative voting will help insure that each director acts in the best interest of all shareholders. A primary reason for introducing this proposal is that approximately 16.69% of CMD's outstanding common stock is owned by Chan Desaigoudar, the Company's former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management." At the Company's Annual Meetings in August 1995 and July 1996, Mr. Desaigoudar caused cumulative voting to be invoked and placed his personal nominee on the Board of Directors, notwithstanding his minority ownership of the Company's common stock. Mr. Desaigoudar's employment with the Company was terminated by the Board of Directors because of the financial scandal that rocked the Company in late 1994. As has been reported by the Company, the 1994 3 financial scandal resulted in investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission and a class action lawsuit, which was recently settled. In ordering a freeze of Mr. Desaigoudar's CMD common stock (which he is still allowed to vote), the judge in the class action lawsuit found a strong likelihood that the class would recover a substantial judgment against Mr. Desaigoudar for violation of the securities laws. This unusual action of the judge in freezing Mr. Desaigoudar's stock was sustained on appeal. Your Board believes that the elimination of cumulative voting will institute majority rule voting and relatively diminish the future influence of Mr. Desaigoudar on your Company. At the Annual Meeting, the Company's shareholders will be asked to approve an amendment revising Article III, Section 9 of the Company's By-Laws to read as set forth in Appendix 1 hereto, which Amendment should be reviewed for the exact wording of the proposed amendment. Approval of the proposed amendment to the By-Laws may, under certain circumstances, along with other measures that may be viewed as antitakeover effects, discourage an unfriendly acquisition or business combination that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by the shareholder. In addition, it may render more difficult any attempt by a holder or a group of holders of a significant number of voting shares, but less than a majority, to monitor, change or influence the management or policies of the Company. The Board of Directors believes that this proposal is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and recommends a vote "FOR" approval. Approval of the proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Company's outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. ELECTION OF SIX DIRECTORS (PROPOSAL NO. 2) YOUR BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE ELECTION OF DR. ANGEL JORDAN, JEFFREY KALB, WADE MEYERCORD, STUART SCHUBE, DR. JOHN SPRAGUE AND DONALD WAITE AS DIRECTORS Six directors are to be elected to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until the election and qualification of their successors. The Company's By-Laws provide for not less than five nor more than nine Directors, with the current number of directors fixed at six. If Proposal No. 1 (Elimination of Cumulative Voting) is not approved, shareholders voting for the election of directors may cumulate their votes and give one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of votes to which each shareholder's shares are entitled, or may distribute their votes on the same principle among as many candidates as they choose, provided that votes cannot be cast for more than the total number of directors to be elected at the meeting. However, no shareholder may cumulate votes until the candidate's name has been placed in nomination prior to the voting and at least one shareholder at the meeting has given notice of the intention to cumulate votes prior to the voting. If such notice is given, every shareholder present, in person or by proxy at the meeting, may cumulate votes. Unless otherwise instructed, proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them for the six nominees named below. However, in the case of cumulative voting, proxy holders may cumulate votes in the election of directors, and may allocate the votes among one or more of the nominees as the proxy holders deem appropriate. Five of the six nominees are current directors of the Company: Dr. Angel Jordan, Wade Meyercord, Stuart Schube, Dr. John Sprague, and Jeffrey Kalb. The sixth nominee, Donald Waite, is Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Seagate Technology, Inc. Brief biographies of the nominees are set out below. Additional information regarding their stock ownership and compensation can be found below under Sections III and IV. 4 The following table sets forth the names, ages, and principal occupations for the periods indicated and other directorships of each of the current nominees at the 1997 Annual Meeting.
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS DIRECTOR NAME AGE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS SINCE - --------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Angel G. Jordan 66 University Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering at 1986 Carnegie-Mellon University since 1991; Provost from 1983 to 1991; Dean of Engineering from 1979 to 1983, Carnegie-Mellon University. Jeffrey C. Kalb 54 President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 1995 December 1994. President and Chief Operating Officer of MasPar Computer Corporation (computer systems manufacturer), 1988 to 1993. Vice President of Digital Equipment Corporation (computer systems manufacturer), 1983 to 1987. Wade Meyercord 56 Chairman of the Board since October 1994. President, Meyercord & 1992 Associates, Inc. since 1987 (consulting firm). Chief Executive Officer of Read-Rite Corp. (electronic data storage company), 1984 to 1987. Stuart Schube 57 President, Acorn Ventures, Inc. (venture capital management 1986 company), and General Partner, the Genesis Fund, Ltd. (venture capital management company) since 1986. John L. Sprague 67 President, John L. Sprague Associates since 1987 (consulting 1996 firm). President and Chief Executive Officer, Sprague Electric Company (electronics company), 1981 to 1987. Various other executive management positions at Sprague Electric Company, 1959 to 1981. Director Allmerica Financial Corporation (insurance company) since 1972; Director Aerovox Corporation (capacitor company) since 1989; Director Sipex Corporation, (semiconductor corporation) since 1972. Donald Waite 64 Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief New Financial Officer, Seagate Technology, Inc., a manufacturer of Nominee disc drives, tape drives and storage management software, since 1995. Joined Seagate in 1983 as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer; promoted to Senior Vice President, Finance in 1984. Director, CVC Equipment since 1995.
There are no family relationships among any of the directors and officers. 5 RATIFICATION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT (PROPOSAL NO. 3) YOUR BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE RATIFICATION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS The Board of Directors has selected Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1998, and has further directed that management submit the selection of independent auditors for ratification by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting. Its representatives are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. During the Company's three most recent fiscal years and for the subsequent interim periods, there were no disagreements or reportable events pursuant to Item 304(a) (1) (iv) or (v) of Regulation S-K. Shareholder ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent auditors is not required by the Company's By-Laws or otherwise. The Board of Directors is submitting the selection of Ernst & Young LLP to the shareholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. In the event the shareholders fail to ratify the selection, the Board of Directors will reconsider 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 could be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. 6 AMENDMENT OF THE 1995 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN (PROXY STATEMENT ITEM NO. 4) YOUR BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE AMENDMENT OF THE 1995 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN This amendment is to increase from 250,000 to 300,000 the number of shares reserved for issuance under the previously approved 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Purchase Plan"). The Purchase Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors on February 10, 1995 and ratified by the Shareholders of the Company at the 1995 Annual Meeting. Your Board recommends amending the Purchase Plan to increase the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance thereunder by 50,000, to 300,000, to allow for the employees to continue to share in the growth and prosperity of the Company by providing them with an opportunity to purchase stock in the Company on favorable terms through payroll deductions. As of March 31, 1997, 108,951 shares have been issued under the Purchase Plan. At the Annual Meeting, the Shareholders are being requested to ratify the amendment of the Purchase Plan. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of the Company's Common Stock present, or represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, will be required to ratify the adoption. The Board of Directors believes that this Purchase Plan is necessary to enable the Company to provide meaningful equity incentives to attract, motivate and retain employees and recommends that the Shareholders vote for ratification of this adoption. Proxies solicited by the Board will be voted for this proposal unless shareholders specify otherwise in those proxies. A summary of the principal provisions of the Purchase Plan is set forth below. PURPOSE. The purpose of the Purchase Plan is to attract and retain the best available personnel, to provide additional incentives to the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, to promote the success of the Company's business and to enable the employees to share in the growth and prosperity of the Company by providing them with an opportunity to purchase stock in the Company on favorable terms through payroll deductions. ADMINISTRATION. The Purchase Plan is administered by a committee of the Board of Directors formed pursuant to the Purchase Plan (the "Committee"). Members of the Committee are ineligible to participate under the Purchase Plan. All questions of interpretation of the Purchase Plan are determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, and its determinations are final and binding upon all participants. ELIGIBILITY. Any person who is employed by the Company (or any of its majority-owned subsidiaries) at least 20 hours per week and more than five months in a calendar year is eligible to participate in the Purchase Plan, provided that the employee is employed on the first day of an offering period and subject to certain limitations imposed by section 423(b) of the Code. Based upon the number of employees as of June 30, 1995, approximately 230 employees will be eligible to participate in the Purchase Plan. OFFERING DATES. The Purchase Plan is implemented by establishing option periods. Option periods may be any period up to 27 months. The Board of Directors may alter the duration of the option periods without shareholder approval. The Company has commenced offerings pursuant to the Purchase Plan. PURCHASE PRICE. The purchase price per share at which shares are sold under the Purchase Plan is 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the Common Stock (a) on the date an option is granted or (b) on the date of purchase. The determination of the fair market value of the Common Stock on a grant date is based upon the closing price listed on a stock exchange or on the Nasdaq National Market System as of such date or the immediately preceding trading day, if the applicable valuation date is not a trading day. PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE; PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS. The purchase price of the shares is accumulated by payroll deductions during the offering period. The deductions may not exceed 15% of a participant's eligible compensation. Eligible compensation is interpreted to mean total compensation, including bonuses and commissions, but excluding special payments (such as moving expenses) and income with respect to stock options or other stock purchases. Payroll deductions generally commence on the first payday following the offering date, and continue at the same rate until the last payday of the offering period unless sooner terminated as provided in the Purchase Plan. 7 PURCHASE OF STOCK; EXERCISE OF OPTION. The maximum number of shares placed under option to a participant in an offering is that number determined by dividing the amount of the participant's total payroll deductions which are accumulated during the offering period (not to exceed an amount equal to 15% of the participant's actual eligible compensation during the offering period) by the lower of 85% of the fair market value of the Common Stock at the beginning or end of the offering period, and subject to the further limitation that the number of shares subject to any option granted to an employee shall not exceed the maximum number of shares set by the Board of Directors prior to the beginning of the offering period. In no event shall an employee be entitled to accrue rights to purchase shares under the Purchase Plan at a rate which exceeds $25,000 of the fair market value of such stock (determined at the time the option is granted) for any calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any time, and the maximum shares subject to any option in any one calendar year shall in no event exceed 10,000. WITHDRAWAL. A participant's interest in a given offering may be terminated in whole, but not in part, by signing and delivering to the Company a notice of withdrawal from the Purchase Plan. Such withdrawal may be elected at any time prior to the end of the applicable option period. Any withdrawal by the participant of accumulated payroll deductions for a given offering automatically terminates the participant's participation in that offering. The failure to remain in the continuous employ of the Company for at least 20 hours per week during an offering period will be deemed to be a withdrawal from that offering. In the event of withdrawal, payroll deductions will be returned to a participant, without interest. CAPITAL CHANGES. In the event any change is made in the Company's capitalization, such as a stock split or stock dividend, which results in an increase or decrease in the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock without receipt of consideration by the Company, appropriate adjustments will be made by the Board of Directors in the shares subject to purchase under the Purchase Plan and in the purchase price per share. NON-ASSIGNABILITY. No rights or accumulated payroll deductions of a participant under the Purchase Plan may be pledged, assigned or transferred for any reason and any such attempt may be treated by the Company as an election to withdraw from the Purchase Plan. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN. The Board of Directors may at any time amend or terminate the Purchase Plan, except that such termination shall not affect options previously granted nor may any amendment make any change in an option granted prior thereto which adversely affects the rights of any participant. No amendment may be made to the Purchase Plan without prior approval of the shareholders of the Company if such amendment would increase the number of shares reserved under the plan, materially modify the eligibility requirements or materially increase the benefits which may accrue under the plan. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION. The Purchase Plan, and the right of participants to make purchases thereunder, is intended to qualify under the provisions of Sections 421 and 423 of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). Under these provisions, no income will be taxable to a participant at the time of grant of the option or purchase of shares. Upon disposition of the shares, the participant will be subject to tax and the amount of the tax will depend upon the holding period. If the shares are disposed of by the participant at least two years after the date of option grant (the beginning of the Offering Period) and at least one year after the date of option exercise (the date on which the shares were purchased by the participant), the lesser of (a) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of such disposition over the option price, or (b) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time the option was granted over the option price (which option price will be computed as of the grant date) will be treated as ordinary income, and any further gain will be long-term capital gain. If the shares are disposed of by the participant before two years after the date of option grant or one year after the date of option exercise (a disqualifying disposition), the participant will be taxed in the same manner as holders of nonstatutory options. (See discussion under the 1995 Stock Option Plan.) The Company is not entitled to a deduction for amounts taxed as ordinary income to a participant except to the extent of ordinary income reported by participants upon a disqualifying disposition of shares. The foregoing is only a summary of the effect of federal income taxation upon the participant and the Company with respect to shares purchased under the Purchase Plan and does not purport to be complete, and does not discuss the income tax laws of any municipality, state or foreign country in which an optionee may reside. 8 AMENDMENT OF THE 1995 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN (PROPOSAL NO. 5) YOUR BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE AMENDMENT OF THE 1995 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN This amendment is to increase, from 2,020,000 to 2,370,000, the number of shares reserved for issuance under the previously approved 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan. The Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "1995 Plan") was adopted by the Board on February 10, 1995 and ratified by the shareholders of the Company at the 1995 Annual Meeting. Following shareholder approval on July 26, 1996, a total of 2,020,000 shares of Common Stock were approved for issuance under the 1995 Plan. Your Board recommends amending the Plan to increase the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance thereunder by 350,000, to 2,370,000, to allow for the hiring of additional key employees and to retain presently employed key employees. Of the Company's 2,020,000 authorized shares of Common Stock, 1,914,315 shares were issued and outstanding as if March 31, 1997. The affirmative vote of the holders of the majority of the Company's shares present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting will be required to amend the 1995 Plan. The Board believes that this plan is necessary to enable the Company to provide meaningful equity incentives to attract, motivate, and retain officers and key employees and recommends that the shareholders vote for ratification of this plan. Proxies solicited by the Board will be voted for this proposal unless shareholders specify otherwise on those proxies. A summary of the principal provisions of the 1995 Plan is set forth below. PURPOSES. The purpose of the Company's stock option plans is to attract and retain talented key employees and to align their personal financial interests with those of the Company's shareholders. Generally, options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Common Stock on the date of grant and generally vest over a four year period. This approach is designed to focus key employees on sustainable growth of the Company and the creation of shareholder value over the long term. Stock options are a major component of the compensation package of executive management. ADMINISTRATION. The 1995 Plan is administered by a committee of directors (the "Committee"). The Committee and the Board have the authority to determine the persons to whom options are granted, the number of shares covered by each option, the type of option, the times at which an option may be exercised, the exercise price, the method of payment, and certain other terms. The interpretations and construction of any provision of the 1995 Plan is within the sole discretion of the Committee, whose determination is final and binding. Eligible employees are generally granted options upon commencement of employment and are reconsidered for additional options periodically thereafter. In awarding stock options the Committee and the Board consider individual performance, overall contribution to the Company, retention, the number of unvested stock options and the total number of stock options to be granted. ELIGIBILITY. Options may be granted to any person, including officers and consultants, employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or its successors, but not to any person who, at the time of the grant, is a nonemployee director of the Company. The Committee and the Board selects the optionees and determines the number of shares to be subject to each option granted under the 1995 Plan. TERMS OF OPTIONS. Options granted under the 1995 Plan may be either Incentive Stock Options ("ISOs") as defined in Section 422 of the Code, or nonstatutory stock options and become exercisable in accordance with terms established at the time of grant. Subject to the provisions of the 1995 Plan, all options granted are exercisable on such terms and conditions as the Committee or the Board determines. Each option is evidenced by a stock option agreement between the Company and the optionee setting forth the terms and conditions of the option. The term of an option granted under the 1995 Plan may not exceed ten years. The maximum term of ISOs granted to holders of more than 10% of the outstanding stock of the Company is five years. Each option becomes exercisable in installments as approved by the Committee, and may be exercised on a cumulative basis at any time before expiration. The Company's current standard form of stock option agreement provides for the vesting of the shares subject to the option over a four-year basis with one-quarter 9 vesting one year following the date of grant and the remainder vesting on a quarterly basis over the succeeding three-year period. The Company has however, from time to time, granted options with vesting schedules that are different from the standard vesting described above. The exercise price for ISOs may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of the Company's common stock on the date of grant; the exercise price for nonqualified options may be as low as 85% of fair market value on that date. If the Optionee, at the time an ISO is granted, owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total voting power of all classes of stock, the exercise price may not be less than 110% of the fair market value on the date of grant. The 1995 Plan permits the payment of the exercise price in cash or other property acceptable to the Committee (including shares of the Company's stock). The 1995 Plan provides that options are nonassignable and nontransferable, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and may be exercised only by the employee while he or she is employed by the Company. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, options may be exercised only within three months after termination of employment, or within 12 months following termination of employment due to a permanent and total disability, or by the employee's estate within 12 months after his or her death, provided that such options were exercisable on the date of death or termination of employment. CAPITAL CHANGES. The 1995 Plan provides for appropriate adjustments of the number of shares subject to outstanding options, the exercise price thereof, and the number of shares available for future grants, in the event the Company's Common Stock is changed by reason of a subdivision or consolidation of shares, stock split, or other similar corporate transaction. If the Company merges with or into another corporation, and is not the surviving corporation, and each outstanding option under the 1995 Plan is not assumed by the continuing or surviving corporation, then the vesting of all unvested options shall be accelerated and all options will become immediately exercisable. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE 1995 PLAN. The 1995 Plan terminates on February 10, 2015, or the date when all shares subject to or which may become subject to the 1995 Plan have been purchased under options granted under the 1995 Plan, whichever is earlier, and no further exercise of options may be made after that date. However, all options granted under the 1995 Plan will remain in effect until such options have been satisfied by the issuance of shares or terminated in accordance with the 1995 Plan. The Board may from time to time suspend, terminate, or amend the 1995 Plan in any respect; provided, however, that the Board may not, without the consent of the optionee, amend any outstanding option, or without the approval of the shareholders, materially increase the benefits accruing to participants under 1995 Plan or materially modify the requirement as to eligibility for participation in the 1995 Plan. FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION. If an option granted under the 1995 Plan is an ISO, the optionee will recognize no income upon grant of the option and incur no tax liability due to the exercise of the option unless the optionee is subject to alternative minimum tax. The Company will not be allowed a deduction for federal income tax purposes as a result of the exercise of an ISO regardless of the applicability of the alternative minimum tax. Upon the sale or exchange of the shares at least two years after grant of the option and one year after exercise of the option, a gain will be treated as long-term capital gain. If these holding periods are not satisfied, the optionee will recognize ordinary income equal to the difference between the exercise price and the lower of the fair market value of the stock at the date of the option exercise or the sale price of the stock. A different rule for measuring ordinary income upon such a premature disposition may apply if the optionee is an officer, director, or 10% shareholder of the Company. The Company will be entitled to a deduction in the same amount as the ordinary income recognized by the optionee. Any gain recognized on such a premature disposition of the shares in excess of the amount treated as ordinary income will be characterized as long-term capital gain if the sale occurs more than one year after exercise of the option or as short-term capital gain if the sale is made earlier. Under current law, the maximum long-term capital gain tax rate for individuals is 28% while the maximum ordinary income tax rate for individuals is 39.6%. All options which do not qualify as ISOs are referred to as nonstatutory options. An optionee will not recognize any taxable income at the time he or she is granted a nonstatutory option. However, upon its exercise, the optionee will recognize ordinary income for tax purposes measured by the excess, if any, of the then fair market value of the shares over the exercise price. In certain circumstances, where the shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture when acquired, the date of taxation may be deferred unless the 10 optionee files an election with the Internal Revenue Service under Section 83(b) of the Code within 30 days after the date of exercise. The income recognized by an optionee who is also an employee of the Company will be subject to tax withholding by the Company by payment of cash or out of the current earnings paid to the optionee. Upon resale of such shares by the optionee, any difference between the sale price and the exercise price, to the extent not recognized as ordinary income as provided above, will be treated as capital gain or loss, and will qualify for long-term capital gain or loss treatment if the shares have been held for more than one year. The Company will be entitled to a deduction in the same amount as the ordinary income recognized by the optionee. The foregoing is only a summary of the effect of federal income taxation upon the optionee and the Company with respect to the grant and exercise of options under the 1995 Plan, and does not purport to be complete. The foregoing does not discuss the income tax laws of any municipality, state, or foreign country in which an optionee may reside. 11 AMENDMENT OF THE 1995 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN (PROXY STATEMENT ITEM NO. 6) YOUR BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE AMENDMENT OF THE 1995 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN This amendment is to increase, from 170,000 to 220,000, the number of shares reserved for issuance under the previously approved 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan. The 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan (the "Directors' Plan") was adopted by the Board of Directors on February 10, 1995 and ratified by the shareholders of the Company at the 1995 Annual Meeting. The Directors' Plan is designed to provide non-employee directors with an equity incentive through their proprietary interest in the Company and to encourage them to continue to serve as directors of the Company. Upon the adoption of this plan by the Board on February 10, 1995, each non-employee director received a grant of 10,000 shares. Pursuant to shareholder approved amendment in 1996, a total of 170,000 shares of Common Stock may be issued under the Directors' Plan. The Board recommends amending the Directors' Plan to allow for an the issuance of an additional 50,000 shares, so that the shares that may be issued under the Directors' Plan total 220,000. Of the Company's 170,000 authorized shares of Common Stock, 148,125 shares were issued and outstanding as if March 31, 1997. The affirmative vote of the holders of the majority of the Company's shares present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting will be required to ratify this plan. The Board believes that approval of this amendment to the Directors' Plan is necessary to enable the Company to provide meaningful equity incentives to attract, motivate and retain non-employee directors and recommends that the shareholders vote for approval of the Directors' Plan. Proxies solicited by the Board will be voted for this proposal unless shareholders specify otherwise in those proxies. A summary of the principal provisions of the Directors' Plan are set forth below. PURPOSE. The purpose of the Directors' Plan is to secure for the Company and its shareholders the benefits of the incentive inherent in increased Common Stock ownership by the members of the Board who are not employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and align directors' interest with those of the shareholders. ADMINISTRATION. The Directors' Plan is designed to work automatically. A director joining the Board for the first time receives an option for 15,000 shares. Each director reelected at an Annual Meeting is entitled to receive a grant of 10,000 shares as of the date of the Annual Meeting. Where administration is necessary, it will be provided by the Board of Directors, or the Board may delegate the administration of the Plan to a committee of the Board. The Board has not yet delegated the administration of this Plan. The interpretation and construction of any provision of the Directors' Plan by the plan's administrator is final and conclusive. Members of the Board receive no additional compensation for their services in connection with the administration of the Directors' Plan. ELIGIBILITY. The Directors' Plan provides for the grant of nonstatutory stock options to non-employee directors of the Company. TERMS OF OPTIONS. Each option is evidenced by a stock option agreement between the Company and the optionee setting forth the terms and conditions of the option. The term of an option granted under the plan may not exceed ten years. The option vests as to one-fourth of the shares at the end of the fourth full calendar quarter following the date the option was granted, and as to one-sixteenth of the shares at the end of each of the full calendar quarters thereafter. The exercise price for nonstatutory options granted under the Directors' Plan shall be the fair market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock on the date of grant. The Directors' Plan permits the payment of the exercise price in cash, in exchange for other shares of the Company's stock, by promissory note or other property acceptable to the Committee. The Directors' Plan provides that options are nonassignable and nontransferable, except pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order or by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and may be exercised only 12 by the optionee. If the optionee ceases to be a Director for any reason other than his or her death or disability, the optionee shall have the right to exercise any option held at any time within six months after the date he or she ceases to be a Director as to all or part of the shares that the optionee was entitled to exercise at the date of such termination. In the event of the death of an optionee, the option may be exercised at any time within five years after death, but only to the extent that the option would have been exercisable at the time of death. If an optionee is unable to continue his or her service as a director of the Company as a result of his or her total and permanent disability, the option may be exercised at any time within one year after the date of his or her termination, but only to the extent he or she was entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination. CAPITAL CHANGES. The Directors' Plan provides for appropriate adjustments of the number of shares subject to outstanding options, the exercise price thereof, and the number of shares available for future grants, in the event the Company's shares are changed by reason of a subdivision or consolidation of shares, stock split, or other similar corporate transaction. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE DIRECTORS' PLAN. The Directors' Plan terminates on February 10, 2015, or the date when all shares subject to, or which may become subject to, the Directors' Plan have been purchased under options granted under the Directors' Plan, whichever is earlier and no further exercise of options may be made after that date. However, all options granted under the Directors' Plan will remain in effect until such options have been satisfied by the issuance of shares or terminated in accordance with the Directors' Plan. The Board may amend, alter, suspend or discontinue the Directors' Plan at any time, but such amendment, alteration, suspension or discontinuation shall not adversely affect any stock options then outstanding under the Directors' Plan, without the optionee's consent. Shareholder approval is required for any amendment to the Directors' Plan which would increase the number of shares reserved under the Plan, materially modify the eligibility requirements or materially increase the benefits which may accrue under the plan. Except as otherwise may be required under applicable tax, securities or corporate law, other amendments may be adopted solely with the approval of the Board. FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION. Options granted under the Directors' Plan are nonstatutory options. An optionee will not recognize any taxable income at the time he or she is granted a nonstatutory option. However, upon its exercise, the optionee will recognize ordinary income for tax purposes measured by the excess, if any, of the then fair market value of the shares over the exercise price. Upon resale of such shares by the optionee, any difference between the sale price and the exercise price, to the extent not recognized as ordinary income as provided above, will be treated as capital gain or loss, and will qualify for long-term capital gain or loss treatment if the shares have been held for more than one year. The Company will be entitled to a deduction in the same amount as the ordinary income recognized by the optionee. The foregoing is only a summary of the effect of federal income taxation upon the optionee and the Company with respect to the grant and exercise of options under the Directors' Plan and does not purport to be complete. Further, this summary does not discuss the income tax effect of any municipality, state or foreign country in which an optionee may reside. 13 III. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT The following table sets forth certain information concerning the Company's current directors and executive officers: NAME AGE POSITION - ---------------------- ----- -------------------------------------------- Jeffrey C. Kalb(4) 54 President, Chief Executive Officer, Director John E. Trewin 50 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Nick Bacile 49 Vice President of Marketing Robert Filiault 54 Vice President of Sales John Jorgensen 49 Vice President of Engineering Scott Hover-Smoot 42 General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Arieh Schifrin 58 Vice President, Operations Angel G. Jordan(1)(2) 66 Director Wade Meyercord(1)(4) 56 Chairman of the Board Stuart Schube(1)(3)(4) 57 Director John Sprague(1)(2)(3) 67 Director David Schoon(2) 44 Director - ------------- (1) Member of Special Committee (2) Member of Compensation Committee (3) Member of Audit Committee (4) Member of Nominating Committee Jeffrey C. Kalb has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since December 1994. He has been a director of the Company since September 1995. He was President and Chief Operating Officer of MasPar Computer Corporation, a computer systems manufacturer, from 1988 to 1993. He was Vice President with Digital Equipment Corporation, a computer systems manufacturer, from 1983 to 1987. John E. Trewin has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 1995. He was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The O'Brien Corporation, a coatings manufacturer, from 1990 to 1994 and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ampex Corporation, an electronics equipment and magnetic recording media manufacturer, from 1986 to 1989. Nick Bacile has been Vice President of Marketing since July 1996. He was Vice President of Marketing and Research and Development for Dynacraft Leadframes at National Semiconductor, Director of Marketing Discrete Division, Director North American Business Center, Analog Product from 1990 to 1996. Robert Filiault has been Vice President of Sales since August 1995. He was Vice President of Sales for Burr-Brown Corporation for North America and Asia Pacific area, a manufacturer of precision linear and mixed signal integrated circuits, from 1991 to 1995, and held several positions with North American Philips/Signetics from 1979 to 1991, including Director of Automotive Business and President of Signetics Japan. John Jorgensen has been Vice President of Engineering since November 1995. He held several positions at National Semiconductor Corporation, including Director of Corporate Business Development, Director of DSP Business Unit, and Director of Advanced Networks Division from 1972 to 1995. Arieh Schifrin has been Vice President, Operations since February 1995. He was a management consultant for high technology companies from 1991 to 1995. He was Executive Vice President for Catalyst Semiconductor, a semiconductor company, from 1989 to 1991; Executive Vice President of Xicor, Inc., a semiconductor manufacturing company, from 1980 to 1989; and Operations Manager for Data General Corp., a computer company, from 1977 to 1980. 14 Scott Hover-Smoot has been Corporate Secretary and General Counsel since July 1994. He was Associate and Senior Associate at Berliner, Cohen, a law firm, from 1986 to 1994. Angel G. Jordan has been a Director of the Company since 1986. Dr. Jordan is a University Professor at Carnegie-Mellon University where has been Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering since 1966. He was Provost from 1983 to 1991, Dean from 1979 to 1983. Wade Meyercord is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company and has served on the Board of Directors since 1992. Mr. Meyercord is also President of Meyercord & Associates, a consulting company, since 1987. He was Chief Executive Officer of Read-Rite Corp., an electronic data storage products company, from 1984 to 1987. Stuart Schube has been a Director of the Company since 1986. He has been President of Acorn Ventures, Inc., a venture capital management firm, and General Partner of the Genesis Fund, Ltd., a venture capital investment company, since 1986. David Schoon has been a Director of the Company since September 1995. He is President of Stock Portfolio Management, Inc., a financial consulting firm, since 1992. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Director of Sparton Corporation, an electronic and electromechanical company. John L. Sprague has been a Director of the Company since July 1996. Prior to that time he was a Director of the Company from January 1994 until July 1995. He has been President of John L. Sprague Associates, a consulting company, since 1987. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of Sprague Electric Company, an electronics company, from 1981 to 1987. 15 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of March 31, 1997, by (i) each person (or group of affiliated persons) who is known by the Company to own beneficially 5% or more of the Company's Common Stock; (ii) each of the Company's directors; (iii) the Named Executive Officers (as defined below under "Executive Compensation"); and (iv) all directors and nominee and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise noted, the persons or entities in this table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by them. SHARES BENEFICIALLY BENEFICIAL OWNER(1) OWNED(2) PERCENT - ------------------------------------- ------------------- --------- Chan Desaigoudar(4) 1,625,850(4) 16.69% 490 Santa Rosa Drive Los Gatos, CA 9503 Hitachi Metals, Ltd. 980,000 10.06% 2-1-2 Marunouchi Chiyod-ku, Tokyo 100 Japan Jeffrey C. Kalb(3) 242,456 2.49% John E. Trewin(3) 57,591 * Wade Meyercord(3) 54,675 * Robert Filiault(3) 45,761 * Stuart Schube(3) 45,625 * Angel G. Jordan(3) 42,452 * John Jorgensen(3) 28,125 * Arieh Schifrin(3) 25,312 * John Sprague(3) 9,375 * David Schoon(3) 5,625 * Directors and Executive Officers as a group (12 persons) 571,997 5.87% NOMINEE - ------------- * Less than 1%. (1) Based solely upon information furnished by such individuals or contained in filings made by such beneficial owners with the Securities and Exchange Commission. (2) Includes shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days after March 31, 1997. (3) 215 Topaz Street, Milpitas, California 95035. (4) Based solely upon information furnished by such individuals or contained in filings made by such beneficial owners with the Securities and Exchange Commission excluding reference to Employer 401(k). 16 IV. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE--OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997 ("fiscal 1997"), the Board of Directors of the Company had a Special Committee, an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Nominating Committee. The Special Committee consisted of Messrs. Jordan, Meyercord, Schube, and Sprague. The Special Committee had all of the authority of the Board of Directors to act on any matter except with respect to (i) the approval of any action for which shareholder approval is required under the California Corporations Code; (ii) the filling of vacancies on the Board of Directors or on any committee thereof; (iii) the fixing of compensation for directors; (iv) the adoption, amendment or repeal of any by-law; (v) the amendment or appeal of any resolution of the Board of Directors which by its terms is not so amendable or repealable; (vi) any distribution to shareholders except at a rate or within a price range determined by the Board of Directors; and (vii) the appointment of other committees of the Board of Directors or the members thereof. The Special Committee held one meeting during fiscal 1997. The Audit Committee oversees the Company's accounting and financial reporting policies and internal controls, reviews annual audit reports and management letters and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding appointment of independent auditors. The Audit Committee consisted of Stuart Schube and John Sprague. That Audit Committee held four meetings during fiscal 1997. The Compensation Committee's principal functions are to recommend to the Board the compensation of officers of the Company, to oversee the administration of the Company's stock option plans, and to perform such other duties regarding compensation for employees and consultants as the Board may delegate from time to time. In addition, the Committee reviews and approves recommendations regarding changes in compensation of outside directors. See also "Compensation Committee Report." The present Compensation Committee consists of Angel Jordan, John Sprague and David Schoon. The Compensation Committee held six meetings during fiscal 1997. On April 19, 1996, the Board created a Nominating Committee for the purpose of making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding director nominees to the Board. The Nominating Committee consists of Wade Meyercord, Stuart Schube, and Jeff Kalb. The Nominating Committee held one meeting during fiscal 1997. The Nominating Committee will consider nominees proposed by the shareholders. Any shareholder who wishes to recommend a prospective nominee for the Board of Directors for the Nominating Committee's consideration may do so by giving the candidate's name and qualifications in writing to the Secretary of the Company, 215 Topaz Street, Milpitas, CA 95035. During fiscal 1997, the Board of Directors held seven regular meetings and one special meeting. Each director attended at least 80% of the meetings held during fiscal 1997 which occurred on or after the initiation of their term as a director. Each director who served on the Compensation Committee also attended all of the Committee meetings held during fiscal 1997 which occurred on or after the initiation of his term as a director. Each director who served on the Audit Committee also attended all of the Committee meetings held during fiscal 1997 which occurred on or after the initiation of his term as a director. DIRECTOR COMPENSATION Directors are entitled to be paid, in addition to their out-of-pocket expenses, $500 per month plus $1,000 for each Board Meeting, and $250 for each conference call. 17 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The following table presents the reportable compensation for persons who held the position of CEO and the top four executive officers who received compensation above $100,000 during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997 (the "Named Executive Officers"): SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION -------------- SECURITIES ALL OTHER ANNUAL COMPENSATION UNDERLYING COMPENSATION NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY ($) BONUS ($) OPTIONS (#) ($)(1) - --------------------------- ------ ---------- --------- -------------- -------------- Jeffrey C. Kalb(2) 1997 $268,615 $76,973 40,000 $3,003(1) President and Chief 1996 $240,000 $72,000 None $5,145(1) Executive Officer, Director John E. Trewin(2) 1997 $158,846 $30,300 15,000 $3,631(1) Vice President and 1996 $138,346 $39,696 15,000 $3,652(1) Chief Financial Officer Arieh Schifrin(2) 1997 $154,685 $30,300 15,000 $1,773(1) Vice President, Operations 1996 $138,346 $35,563 15,000 $4,283(1) Robert Filiault(2) 1997 $158,885 $29,014 10,000 $2,171 Vice President, Sales 1996 $116,394 $21,202 90,000 $2,471 John Jorgensen(2) 1997 $144,231 $29,625 15,000 $4,153 Vice President, 1996 $ 66,896 $12,088 75,000 None Engineering - --------------- (1) Company matching contributions to the 401k savings plan and group term life insurance for 1997. (2) Mr. Kalb joined the Company in December 1994. The Company does not have an employment agreement with its Chief Executive Officer or any compensation plan or arrangement with the Chief Executive Officer which results from the resignation, retirement or other termination of employment or from a change in control of the Company other than an agreement that if the Chief Executive Officer is terminated by the Company without cause, he is entitled to severance pay for nine months at the rate of $20,000 per month plus continuation of employee benefits such as medical, dental and disability coverage. Under the terms of their employment agreements, Messrs. Trewin, Schifrin, Filiault and Jorgensen in case of termination without cause, relocation of work location of more than 50 miles, material reduction in job duties, or an involuntary reduction in compensation, are eligible to receive six months severance pay and continuation of employee benefits.
18 STOCK OPTION TABLES The following table shows for each of the Named Executive Officers certain information with respect to stock options granted during the last fiscal period. OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR (TWELVE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997)
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION FOR INDIVIDUAL GRANTS OPTION TERM(1) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- NUMBER OF PERCENT OF SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN BASE PRICE EXPIRATION NAME GRANTED (#) FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARE) DATE 5% ($) 10% ($) - --------------- ------------ --------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- JEFFREY KALB 40,000 8.8% $8.500 4/1/06 $ 211,018 $553,165 JOHN JORGENSEN 15,000 3.3% $6.000 1/24/07 $ 56,601 $143,437 JOHN E. TREWIN 15,000 3.3% $5.875 7/26/06 $ 55,421 $140,449 ARIEH SCHIFRIN 15,000 3.3% $5.875 7/26/06 $ 55,421 $140,449 ROBERT FILIAULT 10,000 2.2% $7.500 10/18/06 $ 47,167 $119,531 - ------------ (1) Potential realizable value is disclosed in response to SEC rules which require such disclosure for illustration only. The values disclosed are not intended to be, and should not be, interpreted by shareholders as representations or projections of the future value of the Company's stock or of the stock price.
The above options are exercisable over a four year period, with 25% exercisable one year after date of grant and the balance exercisable in quarterly installments thereafter. The following table sets forth as to each of the Named Executive Officers, certain information with respect to stock options exercised during the last fiscal year (twelve months ended March 31, 1997) and unexercised options held as of March 31, 1997. AGGREGATED OPTIONS EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTIONS VALUES
NUMBER OF SHARES UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED SHARES VALUE OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT ACQUIRED ON REALIZED FY-END (#) FY-END ($) NAME EXERCISE (#) ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE - --------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- --------------- ------------- --------------- Jeffrey C. Kalb 10,000 $ 19,450 168,000 240,000 $578,760 $689,000 John E. Trewin 0 0 43,125 61,875 $129,188 $151,688 Arieh Schifrin 23,437 $123,981 19,688 61,875 $ 48,447 $151,688 John Jorgensen 0 0 23,437 66,563 $ 0 $ 20,625 Robert Filiault 0 0 37,750 66,250 $ 0 $ 0
BOARD COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") is composed entirely of outside directors appointed by the Board of Directors. The Committee is responsible, on behalf of the Board, for reviewing and approving compensation programs, policies, and plans designed to motivate personnel to achieve Company objectives. One of the key responsibilities of the Committee is to set the compensation 19 annually of the Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO"), upon his evaluation by the Board of Directors. Other responsibilities include: review and approve recommendations from the CEO for the compensation of officers, other senior managers, and key employees; review and approve recommendations regarding stock option grants for specific employees as provided under existing Company plans; review and approve the concept and design of management incentive plans and programs for Company officers, other senior managers, and key employees. An additional responsibility of the Committee is to review and approve recommendations regarding changes in compensation of outside directors. Compensation Philosophy. The Company believes that the management team it has assembled is well suited to increasing shareholder value and contributing to the long-term success of the Company, and the Committee intends to pursue a compensation philosophy consistent with achieving those goals. In structuring the Company's compensation programs, the Committee's goals are to align compensation with the Company's business objectives and performance and to attract, retain and reward executive officers and other key employees who contribute to the long-term success of the Company. Consistent with these goals, the Company's compensation programs include a mix of salary, bonus and stock options. In particular, stock options are used to link executive incentives and the creation of shareholder value. Base Salary. The Committee annually reviews each executive officer's base salary. When reviewing base salaries, the Committee considers individual and corporate performance, levels of responsibility, prior experience, breadth of knowledge and competitive pay practices. Consistent with the Company's current size, the Committee believes current executive salaries are comparable to the average salaries offered by competitive companies. Bonus. The Company's bonus plan provides for bonuses to be awarded to key employees based on specific goals achieved by the Company and the level of contribution to achievement of the goals by the key employees. The bonus plan is designed such that bonuses when combined with salaries create total compensation which is comparable to the average compensation of companies against which the Company competes in hiring and retaining key employees. Bonus awards depend on the extent to which Company and individual performance objectives are achieved. The Company's performance objectives include operating, strategic and financial goals considered critical to the Company's short and long term goals. Options. The purpose of the Company's stock option plans is to attract and retain talented key employees and to align their personal financial interests with those of the Company's shareholders. Options are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Common Stock on the date of grant and generally vest over a four year period. This approach is designed to focus key employees on sustainable growth of the Company and the creation of shareholder value over the long term. Stock options are a major component of the compensation package of executive management. Eligible employees are generally granted options upon commencement of employment and are considered for additional options periodically thereafter. In recommending stock options the Committee considers individual performance, overall contribution to the Company, retention, the number of unvested stock options and the total number of stock options to be granted. Section 162(m) of the Code imposes a limitations on the deductibility for federal income tax purposes of compensation over $1 million paid to certain Named Executive Officers in a taxable year. Compensation above $1 million is not subject to the limitation if it is "performance-based compensation" within the meaning of the Code. The Committee believes that at the present time it is unlikely that the compensation paid to any Named Executive Officer in a taxable year which is subject to the deduction limit will exceed $1 million. Therefore, the Compensation Committee has not yet established a policy for determining which forms of incentive compensation awarded to its Named Executive Officers shall be designed to qualify as "performance-based compensation." The Compensation Committee intends to continue to evaluate the effects of the statute and any fiscal Treasury regulations and to comply with Code Section 162(m) in the future to the extent consistent with the best interests of the Company. CEO Compensation. The Committee uses the same procedures described above in setting the annual salary, bonus, and making recommendations regarding stock option awards for the CEO. The CEO's salary is determined based on comparisons with competitive companies as described above. The Committee believes that the CEO's salary and bonus plan is comparable to the salaries offered to CEOs of competitive 20 companies. In recommending stock options, the Committee considers the CEO's performance, overall contribution to the Company, retention, the number of unvested options and the total number of options to be granted. Conclusion. As a significant portion of the Company's compensation program is linked to Company performance, the Committee believes that compensation is closely tied to increases in long-term shareholder value. The foregoing reports of the Committee shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference the Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under the Acts. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION No member of the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors was at any time during the year ended March 31, 1997, or at any other time an officer or employee of the Company. Currently, no executive officer of the Company serves as a member of compensation committee. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS Mr. Wade Meyercord, Chairman of the Board of Directors since October 27, 1994, has been actively involved in the management of the Company since that date and has been compensated for his services to the extent that his efforts have been over and above the normal duties of an outside director. Compensation for these services totaled approximately $83,375 during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997. 21 V. FIVE-YEAR STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH The following graph compares the five-year cumulative total return on CMD Common Stock, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index ("S&P"), and the S&P Electronics (Semiconductors) Index (excluding CMD). The graph assumes $100 was invested on March 31, 1993, in CMD Common Stock and $100 was invested at that same time in each of the S&P indexes. The comparison assumes that all dividends are reinvested. (CMD Common Stock has not paid dividends.) (The following descriptive data is supplied in accordance with Rule 304(d) of Regulation S-T) TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURNS (Dividends Reinvested) ANNUAL RETURN PERCENTAGE Years Ending Company/Index Mar 93 Mar 94 Mar 95 Mar 96 Mar 97 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S&P 500 Index 15.23 1.47 15.57 32.10 19.82 Electronics(Semicndctr)-500 87.13 34.07 20.08 10.22 82.26
INDEXED RETURNS Years Ending Base Period Company/Index Mar 92 Mar 93 Mar 94 Mar 95 Mar 96 Mar 97 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S&P 500 Index 100 115.23 116.93 135.13 178.51 213.89 Electronics(Semicndctr)-500 100 187.13 250.88 301.26 332.04 605.17
[The following descriptive data is supplied in accordance with Rule 304(d) of Regulation S-T] CMD STOCK PERFORMANCE - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Company/Index Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar 92 93 94 95 96 97 ================================================================================ Closing Price 6.75 7.125 18.25 4.375 9.625 7.375 Annual Return % 5.45 156.14 (76.03) 120.00 (23.38) Index Return 105 270 65 142 109 Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, this chart is not "soliciting material", is not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Officers, directors and greater than ten-percent shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To the Company's knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and written representation that no other reports were required, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors, and greater than ten percent shareholders were complied with, with the exception of Chan Desaigoudar. 22 VI. OTHER BUSINESS The Company knows of no other matters to be submitted at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote the shares they represent in accordance with their judgment. VII. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS TO BE PRESENTED AT NEXT ANNUAL MEETING Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented by such shareholders at next year's Annual Meeting must be received by the Company at its principal office no later than March 20, 1998, and must satisfy the conditions established by the Securities and Exchange Commission for shareholder proposals to be included in the Company's proxy statement for that meeting. FORM 10-K A copy of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended March 31, 1997, is being mailed with this proxy statement to shareholders entitled to notice of the meeting. If exhibit copies are requested, a copying charge of $0.20 per page will be made. Requests should be sent to Investor Relations, California Micro Devices Corporation, 215 Topaz Street, Milpitas, California 95035-5430. By Order of the Board of Directors /s/ Scott Hover-Smoot ---------------------------- Scott Hover-Smoot, Secretary Milpitas, California 23 APPENDIX I AMENDMENT TO BY-LAWS OF CALIFORNIA MICRO DEVICES CORPORATION RESOLVED, that the second paragraph of Article III, Section 9 of the By-Laws of California Micro Devices Corporation is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows: "The election of directors by the shareholders shall not be by cumulative voting. At each election of directors, each shareholder entitled to vote may vote all the shares held by that shareholder for each of the several nominees for director up to the number of directors to be elected. The shareholder may not cast more votes for any single nominee than the number of shares held by that shareholder. This paragraph shall remain effective so long as the corporation is a "listed corporation" within the meaning of Section 301.5(d) of the California General Corporation Law." 24 APPENDIX J - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROXY CALIFORNIA MICRO DEVICES CORPORATION PROXY PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS JULY 18, 1997 SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The undersigned shareholder of California Micro Devices Corporation ("CMD"), hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement, each dated May 20, 1997, and hereby appoints Wade Meyercord and Stuart Schube, and each of them, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, with full power to each of substitution, on behalf and in the name of the undersigned, to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of CMD to be held at the Holiday Inn San Jose North, 777 Bellew Drive, Milpitas, California 95035 on July 18, 1997 at 8:30 a.m. local time, and at any adjournments thereof, and to vote all shares of Common Stock which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if then and there personally present, on the matters set forth below, including the right, subject to the outcome of item number one, in the case of cumulative voting, to allocate the votes in the election of directors among one or more of the nominees as the proxy holders deem appropriate. (Continued, and to be signed on the other side) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [X] Please mark your votes as this 2. To elect six (6) directors to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until the election and FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN qualification of their successors. 1. To amend the bylaws of CMD to eliminate WITHHOLD cumulative voting. [ ] [ ] [ ] FOR FOR ALL ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: 3. To ratify the selection of the firm of NOMINEES: [ ] [ ] Ernst & Young, LLP, as independent [ ] [ ] [ ] Dr. Angel Jordan, Jeffrey Kalb, auditors for the fiscal year ending Wade Meyercord, Stuart Schube, March 31, 1998. Dr. John Sprague, Donald Waite 4. To approve the amendment to the 1995 [ ] [ ] [ ] INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any Employee Stock Purchase Plan. individual nominee, write that nominee's name in the space provided below. 5. To approve the amendment to the 1995 [ ] [ ] [ ] Stock Option Plan. ____________________________________________________ 6. To approve the amendment to the 1995 [ ] [ ] [ ] Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan. and, in their discretion, upon such other matters which may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO CONTRARY DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR OF ALL OF THE MATTERS SET FORTH HEREIN, AND AS SAID PROXIES DEEM ADVISABLE ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. Signature(s)_________________________________________________________________________ Dated _______________________ , 1997 This proxy should be marked, dated and signed by the shareholder(s) exactly as his or her name appears hereon, and returned promptly in the enclosed envelope. Persons signing in a fiduciary capacity should so indicate. If shares are held by joint tenants or as community property, both should sign. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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