def14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
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o Confidential, for use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)).
þ Definitive Proxy Statement.
o Definitive Additional Materials.
o Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12.
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
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SMITH & WESSON HOLDING CORPORATION
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
September 14, 2009
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, a Nevada
corporation, will be held at 9:00 a.m., local time, on Monday, September 14, 2009, at 2375 East
Camelback Road, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona, for the following purposes:
1. To elect directors to serve until our next annual meeting of stockholders and until their
successors are elected and qualified.
2. To ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP, an independent registered public accounting
firm, as the independent auditor of our company for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2010.
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment
of the meeting.
These items of business are more fully described in the proxy statement accompanying this
notice.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on July 20, 2009 are entitled to notice
of and to vote at the meeting.
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting and vote in person. To assure
your representation at the meeting, however, you are urged to vote by proxy as soon as possible
over the Internet or by phone as instructed in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy
Materials or, if you receive paper copies of the proxy materials by mail, you can also vote by mail
by following the instructions on the proxy card. You may vote in person at the meeting even if you
have previously returned a proxy.
Sincerely,
Ann B. Makkiya
Secretary
Springfield, Massachusetts
August 5, 2009
SMITH & WESSON HOLDING CORPORATION
2100 Roosevelt Avenue
Springfield, Massachusetts 01104
PROXY STATEMENT
VOTING AND OTHER MATTERS
General
The enclosed proxy is solicited on behalf of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, a Nevada
corporation, by our Board of Directors for use at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at
9:00 a.m., local time, on Monday, September 14, 2009, or at any adjournment thereof, for the
purposes set forth in this proxy statement and in the accompanying notice. The meeting will be
held at 2375 East Camelback Road, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona.
In accordance with rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission that allow
companies to furnish their proxy materials over the Internet, we are mailing a Notice of Internet
Availability of Proxy Materials instead of a paper copy of our proxy statement and our 2009 Annual
Report to most of our stockholders. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials
contains instructions on how to access those documents and vote over the Internet. The Notice of
Internet Availability of Proxy Materials also contains instructions on how to request a paper copy
of our proxy materials, including our proxy statement, our 2009 Annual Report, and a form of proxy
card. We believe this process will allow us to provide our stockholders the information they need
in a more timely manner, while reducing the environmental impact and lowering our costs of printing
and delivering the proxy materials.
These proxy solicitation materials were first released on or about August 5, 2009 to all
stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting.
Voting Securities and Voting Rights
Stockholders of record at the close of business on July 20, 2009, which we have set as the
record date, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. On the record date, there were
issued and outstanding 59,446,382 shares of our common stock. Each stockholder voting at the
meeting, either in person or by proxy, may cast one vote per share of common stock held on all
matters to be voted on at the meeting.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the total number of
shares of common stock entitled to vote constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at the
meeting. Assuming that a quorum is present, the eight persons receiving the largest number of
for votes of our common stock present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote
(a plurality) will be elected directors; and the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of
our common stock present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote is required for
the ratification of the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm, as the independent auditor of our company for the fiscal year ending April 30,
2010.
Votes cast by proxy or in person at the meeting will be tabulated by the election inspector
appointed for the meeting and will determine whether a quorum is present. The election inspector
will treat abstentions as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining
the presence of a quorum but as unvoted for purposes of determining the approval of any matter
submitted to the stockholders for a vote. If a broker indicates on the proxy that it does not have
discretionary authority as to certain shares to vote on a particular matter, those shares will not
be considered as present and entitled to vote with respect to that matter.
1
Voting of Proxies
When a proxy is properly executed and returned, the shares it represents will be voted at the
meeting as directed. If no specification is indicated, the shares will be voted (1) for the
election of the nominees set forth in this proxy statement and (2) for the ratification of the
appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as the independent auditor of our company for the fiscal year
ending April 30, 2010.
Revocability of Proxies
Any person giving a proxy may revoke the proxy at any time before its use by delivering to us
either a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by attending
the meeting and voting in person.
Solicitation
We will bear the cost of this solicitation. In addition, we may reimburse brokerage firms and
other persons representing beneficial owners of shares for expenses incurred in forwarding
solicitation materials to such beneficial owners. Proxies also may be solicited by certain of our
directors and officers, personally or by telephone or e-mail, without additional compensation.
Annual Report and Other Matters
Our 2009 Annual Report to Stockholders, which was made available to stockholders with or
preceding this proxy statement, contains financial and other information about our company, but is
not incorporated into this proxy statement and is not to be considered a part of these proxy
soliciting materials or subject to Regulations 14A or 14C or to the liabilities of Section 18 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The information contained in the Report of the
Compensation Committee and Report of the Audit Committee shall not be deemed filed with the
SEC or subject to Regulations 14A or 14C or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act.
We will provide, without charge, a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended April 30, 2009 as filed with the SEC to each stockholder of record as of the record date that
requests a copy in writing. Any exhibits listed in the Form 10-K report also will be furnished
upon request at the actual expense we incur in furnishing such exhibits. Any such requests should
be directed to our companys secretary at our executive offices set forth in this proxy statement.
2
PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominees
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws provide that the number of directors shall be fixed
from time to time by resolution of our Board of Directors. The number of directors currently is
fixed at eight. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws provide that all directors are elected at
each annual meeting of our stockholders for a term of one year and hold office until their
successors are elected and qualified.
A board of eight directors is to be elected at this meeting. Unless otherwise instructed, the
proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them for each of the nominees named below. All of
the nominees currently are directors of our company. In the event that any nominee is unable or
declines to serve as a director at the time of the meeting, the proxies will be voted for any
nominee designated by our current Board of Directors to fill the vacancy. It is not expected that
any nominee will be unable or will decline to serve as a director.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote for the nominees listed below.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the nominees for directors of our
company:
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Position |
Barry M. Monheit
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Chairman of the Board |
Robert L. Scott
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Vice Chairman of the Board(1) |
Michael F. Golden
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President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director |
Jeffrey D. Buchanan
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Director (2)(3) |
John B. Furman
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Director (2)(3) |
Mitchell A. Saltz
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Director |
David M. Stone
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Director (1)(3) |
I. Marie Wadecki
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Director (1)(2) |
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Member of the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee.
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Member of the Audit Committee. |
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Member of the Compensation Committee. |
Barry M. Monheit has served as a director of our company since February 2004. Since May 2009,
Mr. Monheit has been a Senior Managing Director of FTI Palladium Partners, a financial consulting
division of FTI Consulting, Inc., a New York Stock Exchange-listed global advisory firm dedicated
to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal,
regulatory, and economic environment. Mr. Monheit was a consultant focusing on financial and
operational issues in the corporate restructuring field from January 2005 until May 2009. From
July 1992 until January 1, 2005, Mr. Monheit was associated in various capacities with FTI
Consulting, Inc., serving as the President of its Financial Consulting Division from May 1999
through November 2001. Mr. Monheit was a partner with Arthur Andersen & Co. from August 1988 until
July 1992, serving as partner-in-charge of its New York Consulting Division and partner-in-charge
of its U.S. Bankruptcy and Reorganization Practice.
Robert L. Scott has served as a director of our company since December 1999. Mr. Scott is the
chairman of the National Shooting Sports Foundation and a Governor of the Sporting Arms and
Ammunition Institute. Mr. Scott served as a consultant to our company from May 2004 until February
2006; President of our company from December 1999 until September 2002; Chairman of our wholly
owned subsidiary, Smith & Wesson Corp., from January 2003 through December 5, 2003; and the
President of Smith & Wesson Corp. from May 2001 until December 2002. From December 1989 to
December 1999, Mr. Scott served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing and later as Vice
President of Business Development of Smith & Wesson Corp. prior to its acquisition by our company.
Mr. Scott is a director of OPT Holdings, a private company marketing hunting accessories.
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Michael F. Golden has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of
our company since December 2004. Mr. Golden was employed in various executive positions with the
Kohler Company from February 2002 until joining our company, with his most recent position being
the President of its Cabinetry Division. Mr. Golden was the President of Sales for the
Industrial/Construction Group of the Stanley Works Company from 1999 until 2002; Vice President of
Sales for Kohlers North American Plumbing Group from 1996 until 1998; and Vice President Sales
and Marketing for a division of The Black & Decker Corporation where he was employed from 1981
until 1996.
Jeffrey D. Buchanan has served as a director of our company since November 2004. Mr. Buchanan
served as a Senior Managing Director of Alare Capital Securities, L.L.C., a registered broker
dealer, from its formation in November 2006 until July 2009. From 2005 to 2006, Mr. Buchanan was
principal of Echo Advisors, Inc., a corporate consulting and advisory firm focusing on mergers,
acquisitions, and strategic planning. Mr. Buchanan served as Executive Vice President of
Three-Five Systems, Inc., a publicly traded electronic manufacturing services company, from June
1998 until February 2005; as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of that company from June 1996
until February 2005; and as Secretary of that company from May 1996 until February 2005. Mr.
Buchanan served as Vice President Finance, Administration, and Legal of that company from June
1996 until July 1998 and as Vice President Legal and Administration of that company from May
1996 to June 1996. Mr. Buchanan served from June 1986 until May 1996 as a business lawyer with
OConnor, Cavanagh, Anderson, Killingsworth & Beshears, a professional association, most recently
as a senior member of that firm. Mr. Buchanan was associated with the international law firm of
Davis Wright Tremaine from 1984 to 1986, and he was a senior staff person at Deloitte & Touche from
1982 to 1984. Mr. Buchanan is a director of Synaptics Incorporated, a Nasdaq Global Select
Market-listed company that is a leading worldwide developer and supplier of custom-designed user
interface solutions, and a director of NuVision U.S., Inc., a privately owned display company.
Three-Five Systems, Inc. filed a voluntary petition for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the U.S.
Bankruptcy Code on September 8, 2005.
John B. Furman has served as a director of our company since April 2004. Since February 2009,
Mr. Furman has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Infinity Resources LLC., a
privately held, early stage, environmental solutions company based in Scottsdale, Arizona that
serves as a single-source provider of recycling programs. Mr. Furman was a consultant to public
and private companies, with a focus on product commercialization, business transactions, and
financial restructurings from July 2005 until February 2009. Mr. Furman served as President and
Chief Executive Officer of GameTech International, a publicly traded company involved in
interactive bingo systems, from September 2004 until July 2005. Mr. Furman served as President and
Chief Executive Officer and a director of Rural/Metro Corporation, a publicly owned provider of
emergency and fire protection services, from August 1998 until January 2000. Mr. Furman was a
senior member of the law firm of OConnor, Cavanagh, Anderson, Killingsworth & Beshears, a
professional association, from January 1983 until August 1998; he was Associate General Counsel of
Waste Management, Inc., a New York Stock Exchange-listed provider of waste management services,
from May 1977 until December 1983; and Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel of the Warner
Company, a New York Stock Exchange-listed company involved in industrial mineral extractions and
processing, real estate development, and solid and chemical waste management, from November 1973
until April 1977. Mr. Furman is a director of MarineMax, Inc., a New York Stock Exchange-listed
company that is the nations largest recreational boat dealer.
Mitchell A. Saltz has served as a director of our company since October 1998. Mr. Saltz is a
private investor. Mr. Saltz served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of our
company from February 1998 through December 5, 2003. Mr. Saltz previously was a strategic investor
and independent consultant.
David M. Stone has served as a director of our company since September 2006. Admiral Stone
has been the President of the Safety and Security for Smart and Connected Communities, a market
adjacency of Cisco Systems Inc., since May 2009. Admiral Stone was the President and Chief
Executive Officer of The Alacrity Homeland Group, a provider of strategic planning, government
affairs, and corporate development services dealing with Homeland Security and critical
infrastructure protection, from January 2006 until May 2008. Admiral Stone also has served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of The Alacrity Solutions Corporation, independent
consultants, since November 2005. Admiral Stone was the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security
for the Transportation Security Administration from December 2003 until June 2005, the Deputy Chief
of Staff at the Transportation Security Administration from August 2003 to December 2003, and the
Homeland Federal Security Director at Los Angeles International Airport from July 2002 until May
2003. Admiral Stone retired in April 2002
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after a 28 year career in the United States Navy achieving the rank of Rear Admiral. Admiral
Stone is a director of BEI Precision Systems, Space Company Inc., and VeriTainer Corporation.
I. Marie Wadecki has served as a director of our company since September 2002. Ms. Wadecki
served as the Corporate Budget Director of the McLaren Health Care Corporation, a Michigan-based
$3.5 billion eight hospital health care system, from January 2001 until her retirement in September
2007. Ms. Wadecki was employed by McLaren for more than 30 years, holding positions of increasing
responsibility. In November 2008, Ms. Wadecki was appointed to the McLaren Foundation Board of
Trustees. Ms. Wadecki is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors, the American
College of Healthcare Executives, and Women Business Leaders of the U.S. Healthcare Industry
Foundation. Since July 2008, Ms. Wadecki maintains the Certificate of Director Education from the
Corporate Directors Institute of the National Association of Corporate Directors.
There are no family relationships among any of our directors and executive officers.
Information Relating to Corporate Governance and the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors has determined, after considering all the relevant facts and
circumstances, that each of Jeffrey D. Buchanan, John B. Furman, Barry M. Monheit, Mitchell A.
Saltz, Robert L. Scott, David M. Stone, and I. Marie Wadecki is an independent director, as
independence is defined by Nasdaq listing standards and the SEC, because they have no
relationship with us that would interfere with their exercise of independent judgment in carrying
out their responsibilities as a director. Michael F. Golden is an employee director.
Our bylaws authorize our Board of Directors to appoint from among its members one or more
committees consisting of one or more directors. Our Board of Directors has established an Audit
Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee, each
consisting entirely of independent directors.
Our Board of Directors has adopted charters for the Audit, Compensation, and Nominations and
Corporate Governance Committees describing the authority and responsibilities delegated to each
committee by our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors has also adopted Corporate Governance
Guidelines, a Code of Conduct, and a Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers. We
post on our website, at www.smith-wesson.com, the charters of our Audit, Compensation, and
Nominations and Corporate Governance Committees; our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of
Conduct, and Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers, and any amendments or
waivers thereto; and any other corporate governance materials contemplated by SEC or Nasdaq
regulations. These documents are also available in print to any stockholder requesting a copy in
writing from our corporate secretary at the address of our executive offices set forth in this
proxy statement.
We regularly schedule executive sessions in which independent directors meet without the
presence or participation of management. The Chairman of the Board of Directors serves as the
presiding director of such executive sessions.
Interested parties may communicate with our Board of Directors or specific members of our
Board of Directors, including our independent directors and the members of our various board
committees, by submitting a letter addressed to the Board of Directors of Smith & Wesson Holding
Corporation c/o any specified individual director or directors at the address of our executive
offices set forth in this proxy statement. Any such letters are sent to the indicated directors.
The Audit Committee
The purpose of the Audit Committee is to oversee the financial and reporting processes of our
company and the audits of the financial statements of our company and to provide assistance to our
Board of Directors with respect to its oversight of the integrity of the financial statements of
our company, our companys compliance with legal and regulatory matters, the independent auditors
qualifications and independence, and the performance of our companys independent auditor. The
primary responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set forth in its charter and include various
matters with respect to the oversight of our companys accounting and financial reporting process
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and audits of the financial statements of our company on behalf of our Board of Directors.
The Audit Committee also selects the independent auditor to conduct the annual audit of the
financial statements of our company; reviews the proposed scope of such audit; reviews accounting
and financial controls of our company with the independent auditor and our financial accounting
staff; and reviews and approves transactions between us and our directors, officers, and their
affiliates.
The Audit Committee currently consists of Messrs. Buchanan and Furman and Ms. Wadecki, each of
whom is an independent director of our company under Nasdaq rules as well as under rules adopted by
the SEC pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Mr. Buchanan serves as the Chairman of the
Audit Committee. The Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Buchanan and Furman
and Ms. Wadecki, whose backgrounds are detailed above, qualifies as an audit committee financial
expert in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC.
The Compensation Committee
The purpose of the Compensation Committee includes determining, or recommending to our Board
of Directors for determination, the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive
officers of our company and discharging the responsibilities of our Board of Directors relating to
compensation programs of our company. The Compensation Committee currently consists of Messrs.
Buchanan, Furman, and Stone, with Mr. Furman serving as Chairman.
The Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee
The purpose of the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee includes the selection or
recommendation to the Board of Directors of nominees to stand for election as directors at each
election of directors, the oversight of the selection and composition of committees of the Board of
Directors, the oversight of the evaluations of the Board of Directors and management, and the
development and recommendation to the Board of Directors of a set of corporate governance
principles applicable to our company. The Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee currently
consists of Messrs. Scott and Stone and Ms. Wadecki. Ms. Wadecki currently chairs the committee.
The Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee will consider persons recommended by
stockholders for inclusion as nominees for election to our Board of Directors if the names,
biographical data, and qualifications of such persons are submitted in writing in a timely manner
addressed and delivered to our companys secretary at the address listed herein. The Nominations
and Corporate Governance Committee identifies and evaluates nominees for our Board of Directors,
including nominees recommended by stockholders, based on numerous factors it considers appropriate,
some of which may include strength of character, mature judgment, career specialization, relevant
technical skills, diversity, and the extent to which the nominee would fill a present need on our
Board of Directors. As discussed above, the members of the Nominations and Corporate Governance
Committee are independent, as that term is defined by the listing standards of Nasdaq.
Board and Committee Meetings
Our Board of Directors held a total of 14 meetings during the fiscal year ended April 30,
2009. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009, the Audit Committee held eight meetings; the
Compensation Committee held seven meetings; and the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee
held four meetings. No director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate of (i) the total number
of meetings of our Board of Directors, and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees
of our Board of Directors on which he or she was a member. We encourage each of our directors to
attend each annual meeting of stockholders. To that end, and to the extent reasonably practicable,
we regularly schedule a meeting of the Board of Directors on the same day as our annual meeting of
stockholders. Seven of our directors attended our 2008 annual meeting of stockholders.
6
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Overview
Our Board of Directors has appointed a Compensation Committee, consisting exclusively of
independent directors. The Compensation Committee is authorized to determine and approve, or make
recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to, the compensation of our Chief Executive
Officer and other executive officers and grant or recommend the grant of stock-based compensation
to our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers under our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan.
The compensation program for executive officers consists primarily of base salary,
performance-based incentive compensation, and long-term incentives in the form of stock-based
compensation, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other
long-term equity incentives. Executives also participate in other benefit plans, including medical
and retirement plans, which generally are available to all regular full-time employees of our
company. We consider each element of compensation collectively with other elements of compensation
when establishing the various forms, elements, and levels of compensation.
Our philosophy is to pay base salaries to executives at levels that enable us to attract,
motivate, and retain highly qualified executives. We establish annual performance-based incentive
compensation programs designed to reward individuals for performance based primarily on our
financial results as well as the achievement of personal and corporate objectives that contribute
to our long-term success in building stockholder value. Grants of stock-based awards are intended
to result in limited rewards if the price of our common stock does not appreciate, but may provide
substantial rewards to executives as our stockholders in general benefit from stock price
appreciation. Grants of stock-based awards also are intended to align the interests of our
executives with those of our stockholders and to align compensation with the price performance of
our common stock. Total compensation levels reflect corporate positions, responsibilities, and
achievement of goals. As a result of our performance-based philosophy to compensation,
compensation levels may vary significantly from year to year and among our various executive
officers. In general, we expect the compensation level of our Chief Executive Officer to be higher
than that of our other executive officers.
The Compensation Committee generally recommends base salary levels for executive officers of
our company at the beginning of each fiscal year and recommends bonuses at the end of each fiscal
year based upon the performance of our company and our executives. The Compensation Committee held
seven meetings during fiscal 2009.
Goals
The goals of our executive compensation program are as follows:
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to attract, retain, and motivate highly qualified executives; |
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to reflect our companys culture and approach to total rewards, which includes
benefits, work environment, and development opportunities; |
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to reflect our philosophy of pay-for-performance; |
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to provide a rational and consistent approach to compensation, which is understood
by senior leadership; |
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to align compensation to the interests of our company as a whole and its
stockholders; and |
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to recognize corporate stewardship and fiscal responsibility. |
Role of the Compensation Committee and Chief Executive Officer
The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors reviews and recommends to the Board of
Directors the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and our other executive officers.
Annually, our
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Compensation Committee evaluates the performance of our Chief Executive Officer and recommends
to our Board of Directors the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer in light of the goals and
objectives of our compensation program for that year. Our Compensation Committee together with our
Chief Executive Officer annually assesses the performance of our other executive officers. Based
on recommendations from our Chief Executive Officer and the determinations of our Compensation
Committee, our Compensation Committee makes recommendations to our Board of Directors regarding the
compensation of our other executive officers.
Compensation Surveys and Compensation Consultants
In determining compensation levels, we periodically review compensation levels in our
geographical area, compensation levels of companies that we deem to be similar to our company
regardless of their location, competitive factors to enable us to attract executives from other
industries, and compensation levels that we deem appropriate to retain and motivate our executives.
From time to time, we retain the services of independent compensation consultants to review a wide
variety of factors relevant to executive compensation, trends in executive compensation, and the
identification of relevant peer companies. The Compensation Committee makes all determinations
regarding the engagement, fees, and services of our compensation consultants, and our compensation
consultants report directly to our Compensation Committee. From time to time, we allow our Chief
Executive Officer to attend portions of the meetings we have with our compensation consultants and
solicit the Chief Executive Officers views on compensation philosophies, particularly as they
apply to other executives.
Base Salary
We target base compensation at levels required to attract, motivate, and retain highly
qualified individuals assuming that they will not receive incentive compensation but reflecting the
possible receipt of incentive compensation. Base salaries for executive officers are established
based on an executives position, responsibilities, skills, and experience. In determining base
compensation, we also take into account individual performance and contributions, future potential,
competitive salary levels for comparable positions at other companies, salary levels relative to
other positions within our company, and corporate needs. The Compensation Committees evaluation
of the foregoing factors is subjective, and the Compensation Committee does not assign a particular
weight to any one factor. Our base salary levels may be lower than base salary levels at other
companies that do not place as much emphasis as we do on paying for performance.
Incentive Compensation
We establish annual performance-based incentive compensation programs for our executives. In
establishing a compensation program for any particular year, we focus on then current corporate
goals. Annual incentive compensation is based on our financial performance and the individual
performance of our executives.
Stock-Based Compensation Grants
We strongly believe in tying executive rewards directly to our long-term success and increases
in stockholder value through grants of stock-based awards. Stock-based awards also enable
executives to develop and maintain a significant stock ownership position in our company. The
amount of stock-based compensation granted takes into account previous grants to an individual.
Historically, our stock-based compensation has been through the grant of stock options and
restricted stock units, or RSUs. We set vesting levels over multiple year periods to encourage
executive retention.
Other Benefits
Executive officers are eligible to participate in benefit programs maintained for all of our
full-time employees. These programs include medical insurance, a qualified defined investment
plan, a non-contributory profit share plan, and a medical program.
8
Deductibility of Executive Compensation
We take into account the tax effect of our compensation. Section 162(m) of the Internal
Revenue Code currently limits the deductibility for federal income tax purposes of compensation in
excess of $1.0 million paid to each of any publicly held corporations chief executive officer and
three other most highly compensated executive officers (excluding the chief financial officer). We
may deduct certain types of compensation paid to any of these individuals only to the extent that
such compensation during any fiscal year does not exceed $1.0 million. Qualifying
performance-based compensation is not subject to the deduction limits if certain requirements are
met. We currently intend to structure the performance-based portion of the compensation of our
executive officers in a manner that complies with Section 162(m).
Accounting Considerations
We account for stock-based employee compensation arrangements in accordance with the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) Share-Based
Payment (SFAS 123(R)). In determining stock-based awards, we consider the potential expense of
those grants under SFAS 123(R) and the impact on our earnings per share.
Policies for the Pricing and Timing of Stock-Based Grants
We set the price of all stock-based awards at the closing price of our common stock on the
Nasdaq Global Select Market on the date of grant. We grant the stock-based compensation to our
executive officers annually on a scheduled date each year. In the case of new hires, grant prices
are determined by the closing price of our common stock on the date the employee reports for
service. We authorize our Chief Executive Officer to grant stock-based compensation to employees
who are not executive officers, subject to limitations on amount and subsequent reporting to the
Compensation Committee.
Fiscal 2009 Compensation
Compensation Consultants
We hired Compensia, Inc. to assist us in the design of our compensation program for fiscal
2009. Compensia identified two groups of companies deemed relevant to us: one group consisted of
industry peers involved in guns, defense, security, and brand name durable goods and one group
consisted of high-performing companies. The industry peer companies were Allied Defense Group,
Argon, Ceradyne, CompuDyne, Cybex International, Directed Electronics, Excel Technology, Force
Protections, II-VI, iROBOT, KVH Industries, LoJack, Meade Instruments, Nautilus, Rockford, Sport
Supply Group, Sturm, Ruget & Company, TASER International, Zumiez, and Zygo. The high-performance
companies were ANSYS, CARBO Ceramics, Ceradyne, Daktronics, Ducommun, Hansen Natural, Hudril,
Intevac, Mobile Mini, Quality Systems, Shuffle Master, Silicon Image, Sonus Networks, SunPower,
Tessera Technologies, TiVo, and Zumez. Compensia provided us with the survey results and an
analysis of our peer companies; determined our position among the peer groups; developed
recommendations and guidelines for the structure of our compensation program; and reviewed the
overall compensation package and advised our Compensation Committee regarding the appropriateness
of our compensation program.
Base Salaries
We instituted increases in base salary for fiscal 2009 for Kenneth W. Chandler and Ann B.
Makkiya, but not for any of our other named executive officers.
Incentive Compensation
Our fiscal 2009 Incentive Compensation Program covering our executive officers established two
thresholds based on our operating profit, as was the case for fiscal 2008 while our fiscal 2007
Incentive Compensation Program also covered sales and return on assets. Meeting an operating
profit threshold of $34,043,400 would result in the establishment of an incentive pool of 1.5% of
our fiscal 2009 operating income.
9
The incentive pool would then be distributed among all of our executive officers based on the
ratio of each executives base salary to the base salary of all executive officers multiplied by a
target bonus percentage of 100% of base salary in the case of the Chief Executive Officer of our
company, 75% of base salary in the case of the Chief Financial Officer of our company, and 50% of
base salary in the case of each other executive officer, subject in each case to an increase in the
target bonus percentage by up to 15% of base salary for individual performance.
Meeting an operating profit threshold of $37,826,000 would result in the Chief Executive
Officer of our company receiving incentive compensation equal to 100% of his base salary, the Chief
Financial Officer of our company receiving incentive compensation equal to 75% of his base salary,
and each other executive officer receiving incentive compensation equal to 50% of base salary,
plus, in each case, an increase in the target bonus percentage by up to 15% of base salary for
individual performance and a percentage of base salary equal to the percentage by which our
operating profit exceeded the operating profit performance criteria in the second threshold.
No incentive compensation was paid to our executive officers for fiscal 2009 as a result of
the failure to achieve either operating profit threshold.
Stock-Based Compensation Grants
For fiscal 2009, our stock-based compensation grants took the form of grants of stock options.
In fiscal 2009, we granted stock options to purchase the following number of shares to the
following named executive officers: 25,000 to Mr. Nichols, 20,000 to Mr. Chandler, 15,000 to Ms.
Makkiya, and 20,000 to John A. Kelly. Pursuant to the grants, each executive officer becomes
vested as to one-third of the stock options on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries
of the date of grant. Each executive officer forfeits the unvested portion, if any, of the stock
options if the executive officers service to our company is terminated for any reason, except as
may otherwise be determined by the administrator of our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan. Upon a change
in control of our company not approved by our Board of Directors, the vesting on any unvested stock
options will accelerate. Stock-based grants for fiscal 2008 and 2007 took the form of grants of
RSUs. We concluded that the grant of stock options rather than RSUs for fiscal 2009 was in the
best interests of our company and its stockholders. See Executive Compensation Grants of
Plan-Based Awards.
Section 162(m)
Our compensation arrangements with any of our executive officers did not exceed the limits on
deductibility under Section 162(m) during our fiscal year ended April 30, 2009.
CEO Compensation
During fiscal 2009, the Compensation Committee evaluated the factors described above in
determining the base salary and other compensation of Michael F. Golden, our President and Chief
Executive Officer. We paid Mr. Golden a base salary during fiscal 2009 in accordance with his
employment agreement. No bonus was paid to Mr. Golden under our fiscal 2009 Incentive Compensation
Program. We paid Mr. Golden a discretionary bonus of $112,500 for fiscal 2009. We did not grant
Mr. Golden any stock options or RSUs during fiscal 2009. See Executive Compensation Grants of
Plan-Based Awards and Employment Agreements.
Discretionary Bonuses
We paid modest discretionary bonuses for fiscal 2009 to each of our executive officers in
recognition of their efforts during an extremely difficult economic climate. See Executive
Compensation Summary of Cash and Other Compensation. The bonuses were granted in recognition of
their efforts in connection with our production and sales ramp during the third quarter and the
resolution of litigation and regulatory matters, as well as their efforts in connection with our
public offering and our acquisition of Universal Safety Response, Inc.
10
REPORT OF THE
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis included in this proxy statement and, based on such review and discussions,
the Compensation Committee recommended to our Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion
and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.
Respectfully submitted,
John B. Furman, Chairman
Jeffrey D. Buchanan
David M. Stone
11
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009, our Compensation Committee consisted of Messrs.
Buchanan, Furman, and Stone. None of these individuals had any contractual or other relationships
with us during such fiscal year except as directors.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary of Cash and Other Compensation
The following table sets forth, for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007,
information regarding compensation for services in all capacities to us and our subsidiaries
received by our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer, and our three other most
highly compensated executive officers.
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Change in |
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Pension |
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Non-Equity |
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Value and |
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Incentive |
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Nonqualified |
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Option |
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Plan |
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Deferred |
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All Other |
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Name and |
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Bonus |
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Stock |
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Awards |
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Compensation |
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Compensation |
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Compensation |
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Principal Position |
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Year |
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Salary (1) |
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(2) |
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Awards (3) |
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(4) |
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(5) |
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Earnings (6) |
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(7) |
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Total (8) |
(a) |
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(b) |
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(c) |
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(d) |
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(e) |
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(f) |
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(g) |
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(h) |
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(i) |
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(j) |
Michael F. Golden |
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2009 |
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$ |
450,000 |
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$ |
112,500 |
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$ |
404,651 |
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$ |
425,646 |
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$ |
31,323 |
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$ |
62,215 |
(9) |
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$ |
1,486,335 |
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President and Chief |
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2008 |
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$ |
450,000 |
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$ |
926,078 |
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$ |
354,277 |
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$ |
20,578 |
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$ |
82,904 |
(9) |
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$ |
1,833,837 |
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Executive Officer |
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2007 |
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$ |
450,000 |
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$ |
184,397 |
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$ |
255,081 |
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$ |
428,900 |
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$ |
50,953 |
(9) |
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$ |
1,369,331 |
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William F. Spengler(10) |
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2009 |
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$ |
269,545 |
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$ |
60,000 |
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$ |
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$ |
484,540 |
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$ |
19,370 |
(11) |
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$ |
833,455 |
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Executive Vice
President, Chief
Financial Officer,and
Treasurer |
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Leland A. Nichols(12) |
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2009 |
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$ |
307,435 |
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$ |
39,085 |
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$ |
108,425 |
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$ |
67,716 |
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$ |
31,323 |
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$ |
19,852 |
(13) |
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$ |
573,836 |
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Senior Vice |
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2008 |
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$ |
310,024 |
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$ |
227,684 |
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$ |
43,136 |
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$ |
20,578 |
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$ |
23,396 |
(13) |
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$ |
624,818 |
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President Sales |
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2007 |
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$ |
278,258 |
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$ |
90,152 |
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$ |
96,534 |
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$ |
277,785 |
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$ |
18,782 |
(13) |
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$ |
761,511 |
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and Marketing |
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Kenneth W. Chandler |
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2009 |
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$ |
246,740 |
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$ |
30,843 |
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$ |
61,461 |
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$ |
56,025 |
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$ |
31,323 |
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$ |
20,252 |
(14) |
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$ |
446,644 |
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Vice President - |
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2008 |
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$ |
234,988 |
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$ |
128,656 |
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$ |
38,345 |
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$ |
20,578 |
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$ |
25,948 |
(14) |
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$ |
448,515 |
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Operations |
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2007 |
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$ |
221,565 |
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$ |
45,079 |
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$ |
96,188 |
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$ |
170,962 |
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$ |
19,738 |
(14) |
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$ |
553,532 |
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Ann B. Makkiya(15) |
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2009 |
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$ |
144,170 |
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$ |
18,021 |
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$ |
37,443 |
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$ |
39,703 |
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$ |
23,245 |
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$ |
6,024 |
(16) |
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$ |
268,606 |
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Vice President, |
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2008 |
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$ |
140,905 |
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$ |
78,879 |
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$ |
15,269 |
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$ |
20,578 |
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$ |
8,435 |
(16) |
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$ |
264,066 |
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Secretary, and |
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2007 |
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$ |
134,831 |
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$ |
60,738 |
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$ |
34,225 |
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$ |
114,512 |
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$ |
7,903 |
(16) |
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$ |
352,209 |
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Corporate Counsel |
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John A. Kelly(17) |
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2009 |
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$ |
247,458 |
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$ |
28,750 |
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$ |
72,332 |
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$ |
56,025 |
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$ |
31,323 |
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$ |
13,808 |
(18) |
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$ |
449,696 |
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Chief Financial |
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2008 |
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$ |
269,984 |
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$ |
150,881 |
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$ |
27,798 |
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$ |
20,578 |
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$ |
56,213 |
(18) |
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$ |
525,454 |
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Officer and |
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2007 |
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$ |
226,815 |
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$ |
45,079 |
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$ |
62,234 |
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$ |
174,146 |
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$ |
19,628 |
(18) |
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$ |
527,902 |
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Treasurer |
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(1) |
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The base salaries set forth in this column reflect salary increases effective as of the first
day of our 2009, 2008, and 2007 fiscal year for each of the named executive officers except
for Mr. Golden. Mr. Golden received a base salary as provided in his employment agreement. |
|
(2) |
|
No discretionary bonuses were paid for fiscal 2008 or 2007. Bonuses were paid pursuant to
our 2007 Incentive Compensation Program but not under our 2008 Incentive Compensation Program
or our 2009 Incentive Compensation Program (see note (5)). |
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(3) |
|
The amounts shown in this column represent the dollar amounts recognized for financial
statement reporting purposes in fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 with respect to the grant date
fair value of RSU awards determined in accordance with SFAS 123(R), and thus may include
amounts from awards granted in previous years. We determine the grant date fair value of each
RSU award using the fair value of our common stock at the close of market on the date of
grant. The compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period. See Note 17 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2009
for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating grant date fair value
pursuant to SFAS 123(R). During fiscal 2009, |
12
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|
Mr.
Golden forfeited 53,334 RSUs because of failure to satisfy performance based targets. There were
no forfeitures of RSUs by any of the named executive officers in fiscal 2008 or 2007. |
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(4) |
|
Stock options were granted to certain of our named executive officers in fiscal 2009. No
stock options were granted to our named executive officers in fiscal 2008 or 2007 except for
those granted to Mr. Golden as provided in his revised employment agreement in November 2007.
We granted RSUs rather than stock options to the named executive officers in fiscal 2008 and
2007. The amounts shown in this column represent the dollar amounts recognized for financial
statement reporting purposes in fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 with respect to the grant date
fair value of stock option awards determined in accordance with SFAS 123(R), and thus may
include amounts from awards granted in previous years. We calculated the original estimated
grant date fair value of each stock option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model. The compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period. See
Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended April 30,
2009 for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in determining the grant date fair
value of our stock option awards pursuant to SFAS 123(R). For further information on these
awards, see the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table in the Executive Compensation section of
this proxy statement. There were no forfeitures of stock options by any of the named
executive officers in fiscal 2009, 2008, or 2007. |
|
(5) |
|
The amount shown in this column constitute payments made under our fiscal 2007 Incentive
Compensation Program and $31,323, $20,578, and $29,367 paid under our profit sharing plan for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007,
respectively, to each named executive officer other than Ms. Makkiya. The amount shown in this column for Ms. Makkiya constitute payments made under
our fiscal 2007 Incentive Compensation Program and $23,245, $20,578, and $29,087 paid to Ms.
Makkiya under our profit sharing plan for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. No
amounts were paid under our fiscal 2008 Incentive Compensation Program or fiscal 2009
Incentive Compensation Program. These amounts were calculated and paid in the year following
when they were earned. See Compensation Discussion and Analysis. |
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(6) |
|
We do not maintain any pension or nonqualified deferred compensation program for executive
officers. |
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(7) |
|
This column sets forth the value of all perquisites. |
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(8) |
|
The dollar value in this column for each named executive officer represents the sum of all
compensation reflected in the previous columns. |
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(9) |
|
Consists of car allowance ($12,000 for each fiscal year), reimbursement for insurance
premiums for disability insurance ($9,603 for each fiscal year), matching contributions to our
defined contribution plan ($5,846 for fiscal 2009, $6,490 for fiscal 2008, and $6,600 for
fiscal 2007), reimbursement of medical insurance premiums ($11,206 for fiscal 2009 and $10,866
for fiscal 2008), income associated with cancellation of executive long-term retirement plan
($20,385 for fiscal 2008), and reimbursement for premiums under a $5.0 million term life
insurance policy ($23,560 for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, and $22,750 for fiscal 2007). |
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(10) |
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Mr. Spengler has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of our
company since July 1, 2008 and Treasurer of our company since September 2008. |
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(11) |
|
Consists of car allowance ($10,000), reimbursement for insurance premiums for disability
insurance ($4,833), and matching contributions to our defined contribution plan ($4,537). |
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(12) |
|
Mr. Nichols has served as Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing since September 2008.
He served as Vice President Sales from April 2006 until September 2008. Mr. Nichols also
served as the Chief Operating Officer of our subsidiary, Smith & Wesson Corp., from April 2006
until September 2008. |
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(13) |
|
Consists of car allowance ($10,800 for each fiscal year), matching contributions to our
defined contribution plan ($6,310 for fiscal 2009, $3,178 for fiscal 2008, and $4,727 for
fiscal 2007), income associated with cancellation of executive long-term retirement plan
($6,676 for fiscal 2008), reimbursement for insurance premiums for disability insurance
($2,742 for each fiscal year), and relocation in 2007. |
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(14) |
|
Consists of car allowance ($10,800 for each fiscal year), matching contributions to our
defined contribution plan ($6,629 for fiscal 2009, $6,385 for fiscal 2008, and $6,115 for
fiscal 2007), income associated with cancellation of executive long-term retirement plan
($5,940 for fiscal 2008), and reimbursement for insurance premiums for disability insurance
($2,823 for each fiscal year). |
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(15) |
|
Ms. Makkiya has served as Vice President since April 2009 and as Secretary and Corporate
Counsel since February 2004. |
13
|
|
|
(16) |
|
Consists of matching contributions to our defined contribution plan ($4,187 for fiscal 2009,
$6,751 for fiscal 2008, and $6,369 for fiscal 2007) and reimbursement for insurance premiums
for disability insurance ($1,837 for fiscal 2009, $1,684 for fiscal 2008, and $1,534 for
fiscal 2007). |
|
(17) |
|
Mr. Kelly served as Chief Financial Officer of our company from February 2004 until July 2008
and as Treasurer of our company from February 2004 until September 2008. |
|
(18) |
|
Consists of car allowance ($10,800 for each fiscal year), matching contributions to our
defined contribution plan ($6,364 for fiscal 2008 and $5,820 for fiscal 2007), income
associated with cancellation of executive long-term retirement plan ($36,041 for fiscal 2008),
and reimbursement for insurance premiums for disability insurance ($3,008 for each fiscal
year). |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to grants of plan-based awards
to the named executive officers for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009.
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
Grant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
Awards: |
|
Option |
|
Exercise |
|
Date Fair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Awards: |
|
or Base |
|
Value of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts |
|
Estimated Future Payouts |
|
of Shares |
|
Number of |
|
Price of |
|
Stock and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under Non-Equity |
|
Under Equity Incentive |
|
of Stock |
|
Securities |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
|
Grant |
|
|
Incentive Plan Awards (4) |
|
|
Plan Awards |
|
or Units |
|
Underlying |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
Name |
|
Date |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
(1) |
|
Options (2) |
|
($/Sh) |
|
(3) |
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
|
(f) |
|
(g) |
|
(h) |
|
(i) |
|
(j) |
|
(k) |
|
(l) |
Michael F. Golden |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William F. Spengler |
|
|
7/1/08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
5.28 |
|
|
$ |
1,320,000 |
|
|
Leland A. Nichols |
|
|
6/2/08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
5.81 |
|
|
$ |
145,250 |
|
|
Kenneth W. Chandler |
|
|
6/2/08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
5.81 |
|
|
$ |
116,200 |
|
|
Ann B. Makkiya |
|
|
6/2/08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
5.81 |
|
|
$ |
87,150 |
|
|
John A. Kelly |
|
|
6/2/08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
5.81 |
|
|
$ |
116,200 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
RSUs granted under our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan vest as to one-third of the RSUs on each of
the first, second, and third anniversaries of the date of grant. The stock underlying vested
RSUs are delivered on June 25th of each year. Each named executive officer forfeits the
unvested portion, if any, of the officers RSUs if the officers service to our company is
terminated for any reason except as may otherwise be determined by the Compensation Committee
as the administrator of our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan. Upon a change in control of our
company not approved by our Board of Directors, the vesting on any unvested RSUs will
accelerate and the delivery of the underlying shares will accelerate. No RSUs were granted to
any of the named executive officers in fiscal 2009. |
|
(2) |
|
The stock option awards were granted under our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan and generally vest
one-third of the options on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant
date. Each named executive officer forfeits the unvested portion, if any, of the officers
options if the officers service to our company is terminated for any reason except as may
otherwise be determined by the Compensation Committee as the |
14
|
|
|
|
|
administrator of our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan. Upon a change in control of our company not
approved by our Board of Directors, the vesting on any unvested options will accelerate.
The stock options granted to Mr. Spengler in connection with his severance and change in
control agreement vest as to one-third of such options on each of the first, second, and
third anniversaries of the date of grant. |
|
(3) |
|
The amounts in this column represent the grant date fair value of each stock and option award
computed in accordance with SFAS 123(R). See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
included in our Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2009 for a discussion of the relevant
assumptions used in calculating the grant date fair value of each stock and option award
pursuant to SFAS 123(R). |
|
(4) |
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation is based on achieving certain financial targets for
the preceding fiscal year. The amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table represent
the actual amounts payable under the 2009, 2008, and 2007 Incentive Compensation Programs
calculated based on the actual fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 financial performance of our
company. These amounts are paid in full in the fiscal year subsequent to when they are
earned. There are no further payments required or allowed pertaining to any program. |
Outstanding Equity Awards
The following table sets forth information with respect to outstanding equity-based awards
held by our named executive officers at April 30, 2009.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Market |
|
Plan Awards: |
|
Plan Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Number |
|
Plan Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
Value of |
|
Number of |
|
Market or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares or |
|
Shares or |
|
Unearned |
|
Payout Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units of |
|
Units of |
|
Shares, |
|
of Unearned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Stock |
|
Units or |
|
Shares, Units or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
That Have |
|
That Have |
|
Other Rights |
|
Other Rights |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options(1) |
|
Options(1) |
|
Unearned |
|
Exercise |
|
Expiration |
|
Not |
|
Not |
|
That Have |
|
That Have |
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Options |
|
Price |
|
Date |
|
Vested(1) |
|
Vested(2) |
|
Not Vested(3) |
|
Not Vested(2) |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
|
(f) |
|
(g) |
|
(h) |
|
(i) |
|
(j) |
|
|
|
|
Michael F.
Golden |
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.47 |
|
|
|
12/6/14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4.46 |
|
|
|
7/19/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72,000 |
|
|
|
144,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
15.00 |
|
|
|
11/12/17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,666 |
|
|
$ |
406,295 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
106,666 |
|
|
$ |
764,795 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William F.
Spengler |
|
|
|
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5.28 |
|
|
|
7/1/18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leland A. Nichols |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.80 |
|
|
|
1/24/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4.46 |
|
|
|
7/19/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5.81 |
|
|
|
6/2/18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,999 |
|
|
$ |
200,753 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kenneth W.
Chandler |
|
|
82,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.55 |
|
|
|
11/16/14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4.46 |
|
|
|
7/19/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4.93 |
|
|
|
11/8/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5.81 |
|
|
|
6/2/18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,333 |
|
|
$ |
109,938 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Market |
|
Plan Awards: |
|
Plan Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Number |
|
Plan Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
Value of |
|
Number of |
|
Market or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares or |
|
Shares or |
|
Unearned |
|
Payout Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units of |
|
Units of |
|
Shares, |
|
of Unearned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Stock |
|
Units or |
|
Shares, Units or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
That Have |
|
That Have |
|
Other Rights |
|
Other Rights |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options(1) |
|
Options(1) |
|
Unearned |
|
Exercise |
|
Expiration |
|
Not |
|
Not |
|
That Have |
|
That Have |
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Options |
|
Price |
|
Date |
|
Vested(1) |
|
Vested(2) |
|
Not Vested(3) |
|
Not Vested(2) |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
|
(f) |
|
(g) |
|
(h) |
|
(i) |
|
(j) |
|
|
|
|
Ann B.
Makkiya |
|
|
13,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4.46 |
|
|
|
7/19/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5.81 |
|
|
|
6/2/18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,999 |
|
|
$ |
71,693 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John A. Kelly |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.18 |
|
|
|
9/18/12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4.46 |
|
|
|
7/19/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5.81 |
|
|
|
6/2/18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,333 |
|
|
$ |
124,278 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Generally, awards of stock options and RSUs under our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan vest
one-third on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the date of grant. |
|
(2) |
|
The market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested and unearned equity
incentive plan awards is determined by multiplying the closing market price of our common
stock at the end of our last completed fiscal year by the number of shares or units of stock
or the amount of unearned equity incentive plan awards, respectively. |
|
(3) |
|
The RSUs granted to Mr. Golden in connection with his revised employment agreement vest as to
one-third of the RSUs on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the date of
grant, provided that (i) our company meets the target for EBITDA less SFAS 123R expense as
established and determined by the Board of Directors for the fiscal year in which the
applicable vesting date occurs, and (ii) Mr. Golden is employed by our company on the
applicable annual anniversary date of the grant. Our company did not meet the target for
fiscal 2009. |
Option Exercises and Vested Stock
The following table describes, for the named executive officers, the number of shares acquired
on the exercise of options and vesting of stock awards and the value realized on exercise of
options and vesting of stock awards during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009.
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTING
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
Value Realized |
|
Number of Shares |
|
Value Realized |
Name |
|
Acquired on Exercise |
|
on Exercise |
|
Acquired on Vesting |
|
on Vesting |
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
Michael F. Golden |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,334 |
|
|
$ |
221,437 |
|
|
William F. Spengler |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leland A. Nichols |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,334 |
|
|
$ |
109,017 |
|
|
Kenneth W. Chandler |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,333 |
|
|
$ |
57,912 |
|
|
Ann B. Makkiya |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,834 |
|
|
$ |
40,032 |
|
|
John A. Kelly |
|
|
375,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,815,000 |
|
|
|
12,333 |
|
|
$ |
63,022 |
|
For option awards, the value realized is computed as the difference between the market price
on the date of exercise and the exercise price multiplied by the number of options exercised. For
stock awards, the value realized is computed as the market price on the later of the date the
restrictions lapse or the delivery date multiplied by the number of shares vested.
Profit Sharing Plan
We maintain a non-contributory profit sharing plan covering substantially all of our
Springfield and Houlton employees, including our executive officers. Employees become eligible to
receive allocations of profit
16
sharing contributions on the first day of the plan year nearest the date in which they
complete one year of eligibility service. We make annual contributions to the plan equal to 15% of
the operating profit of Smith & Wesson Corp. Operating Profit is defined as income before interest,
corporate charges, accruals in excess of cash payments for municipal litigations, and state and
federal income taxes. Our contributions in any year are limited to 15% of the total compensation
paid or accrued in the plan year to all employees who are participants of the plan as of the date
of our contribution. Individual contributions are calculated by taking the total dollar
contribution to be allocated and dividing by the higher of all participants current or five year
average compensation to arrive at a distribution factor. The distribution factor is then
multiplied by the individuals eligible compensation (subject to IRS Section 415 limits).
Pension Benefits
We do not offer any pension benefits for any of our executive officers. We maintain a 401(k)
plan in which our employees may participate.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
We do not provide for any nonqualified deferred compensation for any of our executive
officers.
Employment Agreement
We and Michael F. Golden are parties to a revised employment agreement dated November 12, 2007
providing for the continued employment of Mr. Golden as the President and Chief Executive Officer
of our company through November 30, 2010. The employment agreement provides for Mr. Golden to
receive an annual base salary of $450,000, which is subject to annual review by our Board of
Directors and increases based on performance. Mr. Golden is also eligible to receive an annual
bonus in an amount to be determined by our Board of Directors based upon achievement of performance
goals and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors,
which may not be less than 100% of base at target. In addition, we granted Mr.
Golden (a) an option to purchase 216,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $15.00
per share with one-third of such options vesting on each of the first, second, and third annual
anniversary of the date of grant; and (b) RSUs for 160,000 shares of our common stock with
one-third of such shares vesting on each of the first, second, and third annual anniversary of the
date of grant, provided that (i) our company meets the target for EBITDA less SFAS 123R expense as
established and determined by the Board of Directors for the fiscal year in which the applicable
vesting date for the RSUs occurs, and (ii) Mr. Golden is employed by our company on the applicable
annual anniversary of the date of the grant. Mr. Golden may also receive additional annual awards
based on his performance and on the performance of our company in comparison to the relevant peer
group, with the amount of such awards granted to be determined by our Board of Directors.
The employment agreement also provides for Mr. Golden to receive a car allowance of $1,000 per
month and to participate in any group insurance, pension, retirement, vacation, expense
reimbursement, and other plans, programs, or benefits as may from time to time be provided to other
executive employees of our company. We will also reimburse Mr. Golden for the reasonable insurance
premiums (and any taxes incident thereto) for disability insurance covering up to 75% of his base
salary, for medical and hospitalization insurance for him, his wife, and his children under the age
of 25, and for a $5.0 million term life insurance policy with such beneficiaries as he selects.
The employment agreement provides that either we or Mr. Golden may terminate Mr. Goldens
employment at any time. If Mr. Goldens employment is terminated for reason of disability, death,
by him voluntarily, or by us for cause as a result of certain acts committed by Mr. Golden (as set
forth in the agreement), he will receive no further compensation under the agreement. If we
unilaterally terminate Mr. Goldens employment without cause, Mr. Golden will receive (i) his base
salary, (ii) an amount equal to the average of his bonus paid for each of the two fiscal years
immediately preceding his termination, and (iii) any fringe benefits being received by him at the
date of termination for a period equal to the greater of the remaining employment term under the
agreement or one year after such termination. The total approximate value of payments required to
be paid upon termination without cause as of April 30, 2009 would have been $861,000.
17
If Mr. Goldens employment is terminated for any reason other than a termination by us for
cause, the employment agreement provides that he will receive, for the fiscal year of termination,
any earned bonus, on a pro-rated basis, based on the performance goals actually achieved for the
fiscal year of termination, as determined by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion. If Mr.
Goldens employment is terminated after the first anniversary of the employment agreement for any
reason other than a termination by us for cause, the stock options granted pursuant to the
employment agreement or pursuant to his previous employment agreement that are vested as of the
date of such termination will have a nine-month post-termination exercise period. If Mr. Goldens
employment is terminated for any reason other than a termination by us for cause or due to our
non-renewal of the employment agreement at the end of the term or any yearly extension of such term
or due to non-renewal of the agreement by Mr. Golden with six months advance notice, we will
continue to pay the life insurance premiums on any then existing life insurance policy provided by
our company, up to an annual premium of $20,000, until the third anniversary of the termination of
Mr. Goldens employment. If Mr. Goldens employment is terminated as a result of the non-renewal
of the employment agreement at the end of the term or any yearly extension of such term, Mr. Golden
will receive, for a period of three years following the termination, secretarial support of an
employee of our company at our offices or, at the discretion of our company, a cash payment in lieu
of the secretarial support in the amount of $10,000 per year.
Change in Control Arrangements
Mr. Goldens revised employment agreement provides that, in the event of a change in control
of our company (as defined in the agreement), Mr. Golden may, at his option and upon written notice
to us, terminate his employment, unless (a) the change in control has been approved by our Board of
Directors, (b) the provisions of the employment agreement remain in full force and effect, and (c)
Mr. Golden suffers no reduction in his status, duties, authority, or compensation following the
change in control, provided that Mr. Golden will be considered to suffer a reduction in his status,
duties, or authority if, after the change in control, (i) he is not the chief executive officer of
the company that succeeds to our business, (ii) such companys stock is not listed on a national
stock exchange (such as the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market, or the American
Stock Exchange), or (iii) such company terminates Mr. Golden or reduces his status, duties,
authority, or compensation within one year of the change in control. In the event of such
termination of employment by Mr. Golden, he will receive his base salary, an amount equal to the
average of his bonus paid for each of the two fiscal years immediately preceding his termination,
and any fringe benefits being received by him at the date of termination for a period equal to the
greater of the remaining employment term under the agreement or two years after such termination,
and any stock options and RSUs granted to him pursuant to the employment agreement or his previous
employment agreement will immediately vest. The total approximate value of payments required to be
paid, including the market value of unvested equity awards that would become fully vested, upon a
change in control as of April 30, 2009 would have been $2,799,000.
The Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may accelerate the vesting, exercisability,
lapsing of restrictions, or expiration of deferral of any award, including if we undergo a change
in control, as defined in 2004 Incentive Stock Plan. To date, all stock-based awards have
included change in control provisions. To the extent we undergo a sale of all or substantially all
of our assets, reorganization, merger, or consolidation in which we do not survive, or in which our
securities are exchanged or converted into securities issued by another entity, the plan provides
that outstanding options may be assumed or substituted for in accordance with their terms with the
consent of our Board of Directors or the committee. If the options are not assumed or substituted
for, to the extent applicable, such options will terminate immediately prior to the closing of the
corporate transaction. The committee will give option holders a reasonable period of time prior to
the closing of the corporate transaction to exercise their outstanding vested options.
On June 27, 2008, we entered into a severance and change in control agreement with William F.
Spengler. If Mr. Spenglers employment is terminated for any reason other than a termination by us
for cause (as defined in the agreement), the agreement provides that (a) we will pay Mr. Spengler
his base salary for a period of 12 months following such termination; (b) we will pay Mr. Spengler,
at the same time as bonuses are paid to our other executives, a portion of the bonus earned by Mr.
Spengler pro rata for the period commencing on the first day of our fiscal year for which the bonus
is calculated and ending on the date of such termination; and (c) all unvested stock-based
compensation held by Mr. Spengler shall vest as of the date of such termination. The total
approximate value of payments required to be paid, including the market value of unvested equity
awards that would become fully vested, upon termination without cause as of April 30, 2009 would
have been $793,000.
18
The agreement also provides that, in the event of a change in control of our company, Mr.
Spengler may, at his option and upon written notice to us, terminate his employment with the same
force and effect as if such termination were other than for cause as provided in the agreement,
except that we will pay Mr. Spengler his base salary for a period of 18 months rather than 12
months, unless (a) the change in control has been approved by our Board of Directors, (b) the
provisions of the agreement remain in full force and effect, and (c) Mr. Spengler suffers no
reduction in his status, duties, authority, or compensation following such change in control,
provided that Mr. Spengler will be considered to suffer a reduction in his status, duties, or
authority if, after such change in control, (i) he is not the chief financial officer of the
company that succeeds to our business immediately prior to the change in control; (ii) such
companys common stock is not listed on a national stock exchange (such as the New York Stock
Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market, or the American Stock Exchange); (iii) such company
terminates Mr. Spengler or reduces his status, duties, authority, or compensation within one year
of the change in control; or (iv) as a result of the change in control, Mr. Spengler is required to
relocate out of either Springfield, Massachusetts (or surrounding areas) or Washington, D.C. (or
surrounding areas). The total approximate value of payments required to be paid, including the
market value of unvested equity awards that would become fully vested, upon a change in control as
of April 30, 2009 would have been $953,000.
We are also a party to severance agreements with Leland A. Nichols, Senior Vice President -
Sales and Marketing, and Kenneth W. Chandler, Vice President Operations. The severance
agreements provide that, in the event we terminate Mr. Nichols or Mr. Chandlers employment other
than for cause (as defined in the Severance Agreements), (a) we will pay base salary for a period
of 12 months following such termination, (b) we will pay at the same time as bonuses are paid to
our other executives, a portion of the bonus earned by Mr. Nichols and Mr. Chandler for the period
commencing on the first day of the fiscal year for which the bonus is calculated and ending on the
date of termination, and (c) all unvested stock-based compensation held by them will vest as of the
date of termination. The total approximate value of payments required to be made, including the
market value of unvested equity awards that would become fully vested, upon termination without
cause as of April 30, 2009 would have been $535,000 for Mr. Nichols and $384,000 for Mr. Chandler.
2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Our 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is designed to encourage stock ownership in our company
by our employees, thereby enhancing employee interest in our continued success. The plan was
adopted by our Board of Directors in November 2001 and approved by our stockholders in February
2002. Our Board of Directors amended the plan in May 2004. There are 10,000,000 shares of our
common stock currently reserved for issuance under the plan. The plan is currently administered by
our Board of Directors. Under the plans terms, however, the Board of Directors may appoint a
committee to administer the plan. The plan gives broad powers to the Board of Directors or the
committee to administer and interpret the plan.
The plan permits employees to purchase our common stock at a favorable price and possibly with
favorable tax consequences to the participants. All employees of our company or of those
subsidiaries designated by our Board of Directors who are regularly scheduled to work at least 20
hours per week for more than five months per year are eligible to participate in any of the
purchase periods of the plan. However, any participant who would own, as determined under the
Internal Revenue Code, immediately after the grant of an option, stock possessing 5% or more of the
total combined voting power or value of all classes of the stock of our company will not be granted
an option under the plan. The plan as amended is implemented in a series of successive offering
periods, each with a maximum duration of six months.
All eligible employees automatically are participants. Eligible employees may elect to
participate in the plan on April 1 or October 1 of each year. Subject to certain limitations
determined in accordance with calculations set forth in the plan, a participating employee is
granted the right to purchase shares of common stock on the last business day on or before each
March 31 and September 30 during which the employee is a participant in the plan. Upon enrollment
in the plan, the participant authorizes a payroll deduction, on an after-tax basis, in an amount of
not less than 1% and not more than 20% of the participants compensation on each payroll date.
Payment on the initial purchase date in the first offering period will be a lump-sum payment unless
the participant elects otherwise. Unless the participant withdraws from the plan, the
participants option for the purchase of shares will be exercised automatically on each purchase
date, and the maximum number of full shares subject to the option will be purchased
19
for the participant at the applicable exercise price with the accumulated plan contributions
then credited to the participants account under the plan.
As required by tax law, no participant may receive an option under the plan for shares that
have a fair market value in excess of $25,000 for any calendar year, determined at the time the
option is granted. In addition, no participant may purchase more than 12,500 shares on any
purchase date. No interest is paid on funds withheld, and those funds are used by our company for
general operating purposes.
No plan contributions or options granted under the plan are assignable or transferable. The
expiration date of the plan will be determined by the Board of Directors and may be made any time
following the close of any six-month exercise period, but may not be longer than 10 years from
April 1, 2002. If our company dissolves or liquidates, the offering period will terminate
immediately prior to the consummation of that action, unless otherwise provided by the Board of
Directors. In the event of a merger, a sale of at least 50% of our then outstanding common stock,
or a sale of all or substantially all of our companys assets, each option under the plan will be
assumed or an equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation. If the options under the
plan are not assumed or equivalent options are not substituted by the successor corporation, then
the purchase date for the options will be accelerated to a date prior to the transaction, and on
the closing of the transaction, all outstanding options and the plan will terminate. The
unexercised portion of any option granted to an employee under the plan will automatically
terminate immediately upon the termination for any reason, including retirement or death, of the
employees employment.
The plan provides for adjustment of the number of shares for which options may be granted, the
number of shares subject to outstanding options, and the exercise price of outstanding options in
the event of any increase or decrease in the number of issued and outstanding shares as a result of
one or more reorganizations, restructurings, recapitalizations, reclassifications, stock splits,
reverse stock splits, or stock dividends.
The Board of Directors or the committee may amend, suspend, or terminate the plan at any time,
provided that such amendment may not adversely affect the rights of the holder of an option.
However, the plan may be amended to shorten any outstanding offerings (even if it adversely affects
the option holders) to eliminate or minimize any adverse financial accounting consequences.
Our stockholders will not have any preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for the shares
reserved for issuance under the plan. If any option granted under the plan expires or terminates
for any reason other than having been exercised in full, the unpurchased shares subject to that
option will again be available for purposes of the plan.
2001 Stock Option Plan
Our 2001 Stock Option Plan was designed to attract, motivate, retain, and reward our
employees, officers, directors, and independent contractors by providing them with stock options.
Eligible persons under the plan include key personnel (including directors and executive officers),
consultants, and independent contractors who perform valuable services for us or our subsidiaries.
The plan may be administered by the Board of Directors or a committee of the board. The Board
of Directors or committee determines the persons to receive awards, the type and number of awards
to be granted, the vesting and exercisability of the award, and any other conditions to which the
award is subject.
If any change in our common stock occurs through merger, consolidation, reorganization,
capitalization, stock dividend, split-up, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in
corporate structure, or otherwise, adjustments will be made as to the maximum number of shares
subject to the plan and the number of shares and exercise price per share of stock subject to
outstanding options.
There were outstanding issued but unexercised options to acquire 241,500 shares of our common
stock at an average exercise price of $1.52 per share under the 2001 Stock Option Plan as of April
30, 2009. Options granted after October 1, 2004 are granted under our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan.
20
2004 Incentive Stock Plan
Our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan was adopted by our Board of Directors in May 2004 and approved
by our stockholders in September 2004. The 2004 Incentive Stock Plan was amended by our Board of
Directors in July 2006 and approved by our stockholders in September 2006. The plan is designed to
attract, motivate, retain, and reward our executives, employees, officers, directors, and
independent contractors by providing such persons with annual and long-term performance incentives
to expend their maximum efforts in the creation of stockholder value. Under the plan, we may grant
stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, stock bonuses,
and other stock awards. The persons eligible to receive awards under the plan consist of officers,
directors, employees, and independent contractors. However, incentive stock options may be granted
under the plan only to our employees, including our officers who are employees. There were
outstanding issued but unexercised options to acquire 1,686,763 shares of our common stock at an
average exercise price of $6.20 per share under the plan as of April 30, 2009. There were also
issued and outstanding 346,944 undelivered RSUs under the plan as of April 30, 2009. The material
features of the plan are outlined below.
Shares available for awards; Adjustments. Under the plan, an aggregate number of shares of
common stock equal to the lesser of (1) 15% of the shares of our common stock outstanding from time
to time or (2) 10,000,000 shares is available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the
plan. The number of available shares will be increased by the number of shares with respect to
which awards previously granted under the plan are terminated without being exercised, expire, are
forfeited or cancelled, do not vest, or are surrendered in payment of any awards or any tax
withholding with respect thereto. The plan also provides for adjustment of the number and kind of
shares for which awards may be granted, the number and kind of shares subject to the plans annual
limits, the number and kind of shares subject to outstanding awards, the applicable exercise price
of outstanding awards and any other applicable aspect of an outstanding award, as determined by our
committee, in the event of any increase or decrease in the number of issued and outstanding shares
of our common stock as a result of any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash,
our stock, or other property), recapitalization, forward or reverse split, reorganization, merger,
consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, share exchange, liquidation, dissolution, or
other similar corporate transaction or event that affects our stock or such other securities of
ours or any other issuer.
Administration. The plan is administered by a committee of the Board of Directors. The
committee determines the persons to receive awards, the type and number of awards to be granted,
the vesting and exercisability of the award, and any other conditions to which the award is
subject. Awards may be settled in the form of cash, shares of common stock, other awards, or other
property in the discretion of the committee. The committee, in its discretion, may accelerate the
exercisability, the lapsing of restrictions, or the expiration of deferral or vesting periods of
any award, including such acceleration in connection with a change in control of our company or
upon a termination of service after a change in control.
Stock options and stock appreciation rights. The committee is authorized to grant stock
options, including incentive stock options. In addition, the committee is authorized to grant
stock appreciation rights, which entitle the participant to receive the appreciation in our common
stock between the grant date and the exercise date of the stock appreciation right. The committee
determines the exercise price per share subject to an option and the grant price of a stock
appreciation right. The per share exercise price of an incentive stock option, however, must not
be less than the fair market value of a share of common stock on the grant date. The committee
generally will fix the maximum term of each option or stock appreciation right, the times at which
each stock option or stock appreciation right will be vested and exercisable, and provisions
requiring forfeiture of unexercised stock options or stock appreciation rights at or following
termination of employment or service, except that no incentive stock option may have a term
exceeding ten years. Stock options may be exercised by payment of the exercise price in any form
of legal consideration specified by the committee, including cash, shares (including cancellation
of a portion of the shares subject to the award), outstanding awards, or other property having a
fair market value equal to the exercise price. Options may also be exercisable in connection with
a broker-assisted sales transaction (a cashless exercise) as determined by the committee. The
committee determines methods of exercise and settlement and other terms of the stock appreciation
rights.
Restricted stock. The committee is authorized to grant restricted stock. Restricted stock is
a grant of shares of common stock, which may not be sold or disposed of and which may be forfeited
in the event of certain
21
terminations of employment or service, prior to the end of a restricted period specified by
the committee. A participant granted restricted stock generally has all of the rights of one of
our stockholders, unless otherwise determined by the committee.
Restricted stock units. The committee is authorized to grant restricted stock units, or RSUs.
RSUs are a right to receive a share of our common stock at the end of a specified period (usually
after completion of a vesting schedule relating to continuation of service or achievement of
performance goals), subject to possible forfeiture of the award in the event of certain
terminations of employment or service prior to the end of the specified period.
Bonus stock and other stock-based awards. The committee is authorized to grant shares of
common stock as a bonus free of restrictions for services performed for us or to grant shares of
common stock or other awards in lieu of our obligations to pay cash under the plan or other plans
or compensatory arrangements, subject to such terms as the committee may specify. The committee is
authorized to grant awards under the plan that are denominated or payable in, valued by reference
to, or otherwise based on or related to shares of common stock. Such awards might include
convertible or exchangeable debt securities, other rights convertible or exchangeable into shares
of common stock, purchase rights for shares of common stock, awards with value and payment
contingent upon our performance or any other factors designated by the committee, and awards valued
by reference to the book value of shares of our common stock or the value of securities of or the
performance of specified subsidiaries or business units. The committee determines the terms and
conditions of such awards.
Automatic grants to directors. Under the plan, as long as shares are available for grant
under the plan, we will make automatic grants of options to our directors. On the date a
non-employee director is first appointed or elected to our Board of Directors, we will
automatically grant an option to purchase 25,000 shares to that new director. In addition, each
year we will grant either an option to purchase 10,000 shares of our common stock or 3,000 RSUs to
each non-employee director at the time of our annual meeting of stockholders, provided that such
director did not receive his or her initial automatic grant of an option to purchase 25,000 shares
within 90 days of the date of the annual automatic option grant. The exercise price of the options
is the fair market value of our common stock on the date of the grant. The options vest and become
exercisable as to 1/12 th per month after the date of grant, and expire on the tenth anniversary of
the date of grant. The RSUs vest as to 1/12 th per month after the date of grant, and the stock
underlying vested RSUs is scheduled to be delivered to each non-employee director at his or her
election on (1) the one-year anniversary of the date of grant, (2) the earlier of the three-year
anniversary of the date of grant or the retirement or resignation of the non-employee director as a
member of our Board of Directors, or (3) the retirement or resignation of the non-employee director
as a member of our Board of Directors.
Other terms of awards. Awards may be settled in the form of cash, shares of our common stock,
other awards, or other property in the discretion of the committee. Awards under the plan are
generally granted without a requirement that the participant pay consideration in the form of cash
or property for the grant (as distinguished from the exercise), except to the extent required by
law. The committee may require or permit participants to defer the settlement of all or part of an
award in accordance with such terms and conditions as the committee may establish, including
payment or crediting of interest on deferred amounts. The committee is authorized to place cash,
shares of our common stock, or other property in trusts or make other arrangements to provide for
payment of our obligations under the plan. The committee may condition any payment relating to an
award on the withholding of taxes and may provide that a portion of any shares of our common stock
or other property to be distributed will be withheld (or previously acquired shares of our common
stock or other property be surrendered by the participant) to satisfy withholding and other tax
obligations. Awards granted under the plan generally may not be pledged or otherwise encumbered
and are not transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, or to a
designated beneficiary upon the participants death, except that the committee may, in its
discretion, permit transfers of awards subject to any applicable legal restrictions.
Acceleration of Vesting; Change in Control. The committee, in its discretion, may accelerate
the vesting, exercisability, lapsing of restrictions, or expiration of deferral of any award,
including if we undergo a change in control, as defined in the plan. To the extent we undergo a
sale of all or substantially all of our assets, reorganization, merger, or consolidation in which
we do not survive, or in which our securities are exchanged or converted into securities issued by
another entity, the plan provides that outstanding options may be assumed or substituted for in
accordance with their terms with the consent of our Board of Directors or the committee. If the
options are not assumed or substituted for, to the extent applicable, such options will terminate
immediately prior to
22
the closing of the corporate transaction. The committee will give option holders a reasonable
period of time prior to the closing of the corporate transaction to exercise their outstanding
vested options.
Amendment and termination. Our Board of Directors may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or
terminate the plan or the committees authority to grant awards without further stockholder
approval, except stockholder approval must be obtained for any amendment or alteration if such
approval is required by law or regulation or under the rules of any stock exchange or quotation
system on which shares of our common stock are then listed or quoted. Such amendment or
termination may not materially and adversely affect the rights of any participant with an
outstanding award without the consent of the participant. Unless terminated earlier by our Board
of Directors, the plan will terminate on the earlier of (1) ten years from the date of the later to
occur of (i) the original date the plan was approved by our Board of Directors or our stockholders,
whichever is earlier, or (ii) the date an increase in the number of shares reserved for issuance
under the plan is approved by our Board of Directors (so long as such increase is also approved by
our stockholders), and (2) at such time as no shares of common stock remain available for issuance
under the plan and our company has no further rights or obligations with respect to outstanding
awards under the plan.
23
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
We pay each non-employee director an annual retainer in the amount of $70,000. In fiscal
2009, the non-employee Chairman of the Board and the non-employee Chairman of the Audit Committee
each received an additional $25,000 per year over the standard outside director compensation; the
non-employee Vice Chairman of the Board received an additional $18,000 per year plus a per diem
expense allowance of $1,000 while traveling on behalf of our company at various industry functions;
and the non-employee chairs of the Compensation Committee and the Nominations and Corporate
Governance Committees each received an additional $6,000 per year. We also reimburse each
non-employee director for travel and related expenses incurred in connection with attendance at
Board of Director and committee meetings. Employees who also serve as directors receive no
additional compensation for their services as a director.
Each non-employee director receives an automatic grant of options to acquire 25,000 shares of
our common stock on the date of his or her first appointment or election to our Board of Directors.
In fiscal 2009, each non-employee director also received a grant of options to purchase 10,000
shares of our common stock at the meeting of our Board of Directors held immediately after our 2008
annual meeting of stockholders. In fiscal 2008, each non-employee director also received an
automatic grant of 3,000 RSUs at the meeting of our Board of Directors held immediately following
our 2007 annual meeting of stockholders. In fiscal 2007, each non-employee director received an
automatic grant of options to purchase 10,000 shares of our common stock at the meeting of our
Board of Directors held immediately following our 2006 annual meeting of stockholders.
The following table sets forth the compensation paid by us to each non-employee director for
the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009. Mr. Golden does not receive any compensation for service on
our Board of Directors.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Pension |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Value and |
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned |
|
|
|
|
|
Option |
|
Non-Equity |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Paid in |
|
Stock |
|
Awards |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Compensation |
|
All Other |
|
|
Name |
|
Cash (1) |
|
Awards (2) |
|
(3) |
|
Compensation |
|
Earnings |
|
Compensation (4) |
|
Total |
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
|
(f) |
|
(g) |
|
(h) |
Barry M. Monheit |
|
$ |
95,000 |
|
|
$ |
22,643 |
|
|
$ |
28,597 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
146,240 |
|
|
Robert L. Scott |
|
$ |
114,000 |
|
|
$ |
22,643 |
|
|
$ |
28,597 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
10,069 |
|
|
$ |
175,309 |
|
|
Jeffrey D. Buchanan |
|
$ |
95,000 |
|
|
$ |
22,643 |
|
|
$ |
28,597 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
146,240 |
|
|
John B. Furman |
|
$ |
76,000 |
|
|
$ |
22,643 |
|
|
$ |
28,597 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
127,240 |
|
|
Mitchell A. Saltz |
|
$ |
70,000 |
|
|
$ |
22,643 |
|
|
$ |
28,597 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
10,069 |
|
|
$ |
131,309 |
|
|
David M. Stone |
|
$ |
70,000 |
|
|
$ |
22,643 |
|
|
$ |
28,597 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
121,240 |
|
|
I. Marie Wadecki |
|
$ |
76,000 |
|
|
$ |
22,643 |
|
|
$ |
28,597 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
127,240 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
All fees were paid in cash. |
|
(2) |
|
The amounts shown in this column represent the dollar amounts recognized for financial
statement reporting purposes in fiscal 2009 with respect to the grant date fair value of RSU
awards determined in accordance with SFAS 123(R), and thus may include amounts from awards
granted in previous years. We determine the grant date fair value of each RSU award using the
fair value of our common stock at the close of market on the date of grant. The compensation
expense is recognized over the vesting period. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended April 30,2009 for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating grant date fair value
pursuant to SFAS |
24
|
|
|
|
|
123(R). There were no grants of RSUs to directors in fiscal 2009. As of
April 30, 2009, each of the non-employee directors had the following number of stock awards
outstanding: Barry M. Monheit (3,000); Robert L. Scott (3,000); Jeffrey D. Buchanan (0);
John B. Furman (0); Mitchell A. Saltz (0); David M. Stone (3,000); and I. Marie Wadecki
(3,000). |
|
(3) |
|
The amounts shown in this column represent the dollar amount recognized for financial
statement reporting purposes in fiscal 2009 with respect to the grant date fair value of stock
option awards determined in accordance with SFAS 123(R), and thus may include amounts from
awards granted in previous years. We calculated the original estimated grant date fair value
of each stock option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
The compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period. See Note 17 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2009
for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating grant date fair value
pursuant to SFAS 123(R). The grant date fair value of the stock options granted in fiscal
2009 was as follows for each of the directors: Barry M. Monheit ($44,400); Robert L. Scott
($44,400); Jeffrey D. Buchanan ($44,400); John B. Furman ($44,400); Mitchell A. Saltz
($44,400); David M. Stone ($44,400); and I. Marie Wadecki ($44,400). As of April 30, 2009,
each of the non-employee directors had the following number of stock options outstanding:
Barry M. Monheit (50,000); Robert L. Scott (30,000); Jeffrey D. Buchanan (55,000); John B.
Furman (50,000); Mitchell A. Saltz (135,000): David M. Stone (35,000); and I. Marie Wadecki
(50,000). There were no options granted to directors in fiscal 2008. |
|
(4) |
|
Messrs. Saltz and Scott receive medical and dental coverage under our medical plan. The
amount of this coverage under our COBRA benefits plan is $10,069. |
We lease approximately 2,800 square feet of office space in Scottsdale, Arizona. We
previously maintained our executive offices in Scottsdale before moving those offices to
Springfield, Massachusetts where our principal manufacturing plant is located. We currently
utilize the Scottsdale office for various corporate purposes, including holding board committee and
other business meetings and conducting various corporate acquisition and investor relations
functions. The office also satisfies the requirement to maintain a Scottsdale office contained in
our December 5, 2003 severance agreement entered into with Mr. Saltz in connection with his
resignation as an executive officer of our company. During fiscal 2008, we sublet part of our
Scottsdale office facility to a company partly owned by Mr. Saltz. The sublease is for the
remaining term of the original lease and will reduce our lease expense by approximately $32,000 in
fiscal 2010 and $20,000 in fiscal 2011.
25
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table sets forth information with respect to our common stock that may be issued
upon the exercise of stock options under our equity compensation plans as of April 30, 2009.
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Number |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Securities |
|
|
(b) Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d) Number of Securities |
|
|
|
to be Issued |
|
|
Securities to |
|
|
(c) Weighted |
|
|
Remaining Available for |
|
|
|
Upon |
|
|
be Issued |
|
|
Average |
|
|
Future Issuance Under |
|
|
|
Delivery of |
|
|
Upon |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
Equity Compensation |
|
|
|
Shares for |
|
|
Exercise of |
|
|
of |
|
|
Plans (Excluding |
|
|
|
Restricted |
|
|
Outstanding |
|
|
Outstanding |
|
|
Securities Reflected in |
|
Plan Category |
|
Stock Units |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Columns (a) and (b))(2) |
|
Equity Compensation
Plans Approved by
Stockholders |
|
|
346,944 |
|
|
|
1,928,263 |
|
|
$ |
4.76 |
|
|
|
13,070,796 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Compensation
Plans Not Approved
by Stockholders (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
$ |
1.47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
346,944 |
|
|
|
2,428,263 |
|
|
$ |
5.08 |
|
|
|
13,070,796 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents option granted pursuant to the Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement dated December
6, 2004 between us and our chief executive officer. The option grant vests in equal
installments over five years and has a maximum term of ten years. Unless otherwise set forth
in Mr. Goldens employment agreement, (a) upon termination of employment without cause, the
option (to the extent vested and outstanding) will remain exercisable for three months
following termination of employment; (b) upon termination of employment as a result of death
or mental or physical disability, the option (to the extent vested and outstanding) will
remain exercisable for 12 months after termination of employment; (c) if employment is
terminated for cause, the option immediately terminates; (d) upon a change in control (as
defined in the agreement) not approved by the Board of Directors, the option shall become
fully vested and exercisable. The option may be exercised by payment of cash or, with the
consent of the Company, by promissory note or through a cashless exercise program. |
|
(2) |
|
Under our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan, an aggregate number of shares of our common stock equal
to the lesser of (a) 15% of the shares of our common stock outstanding from time to time or
(b) 10,000,000 shares is available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under such plan.
The number of available shares will be increased by the number of shares with respect to which
awards previously granted under such plan are terminated without being exercised, expire, are
forfeited or cancelled, do not vest, or are surrendered in payment of any awards or any tax
withholding with respect thereto. As of April 30, 2009, the aggregate number of shares of our
common stock available for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2004 Incentive Stock Plan was
4,335,119. Our 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) authorizes the sale of up to
10,000,000 shares of our common stock to employees. As of April 30, 2009 there were 8,735,677
shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our ESPP. |
26
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Board of Directors has appointed an Audit Committee, consisting of three independent
directors. All of the members of the Audit Committee are independent of our company and
management, as independence is defined in applicable rules of Nasdaq and the SEC.
The purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the oversight of our Board of Directors in the
integrity of the financial statements of our company, our companys compliance with legal and
regulatory matters, the independent auditors qualifications and independence, and the performance
of our companys independent auditor. The primary responsibilities of the committee include
overseeing our companys accounting and financial reporting process and audits of the financial
statements of our company on behalf of the Board of Directors.
Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting
process, including the systems of internal controls. The independent auditor is responsible for
auditing the financial statements and expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited
financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles.
In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the committee reviewed the audited financial
statements with management and the independent auditor. The committee discussed with the
independent auditor the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61.
This included a discussion of the auditors judgments as to the quality, not just the
acceptability, of our companys accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be
discussed with the committee under generally accepted auditing standards. In addition, the
committee received from the independent auditor written disclosures and the letter required by
applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent
auditors communications with the committee concerning independence. The committee also discussed
with the independent auditor the auditors independence from management and our company, including
the matters covered by the written disclosures and letter provided by the independent auditor.
The committee discussed with the independent auditor the overall scope and plans for its
audit. The committee met with the independent auditor, with and without management present, to
discuss the results of the examinations, its evaluations of our company, the internal controls, and
the overall quality of the financial reporting. The committee held eight meetings during the
fiscal year ended April 30, 2009.
Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the committee recommended to the Board
of Directors, and the Board of Directors approved, that the audited financial statements be
included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2009 for filing with the
SEC.
The report has been furnished by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.
Jeffrey D. Buchanan, Chairman
John B. Furman
I. Marie Wadecki
27
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, officers, and persons that own more
than 10 percent of a registered class of our companys equity securities to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Directors, officers, and greater than 10 percent
stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish our company with copies of all Section
16(a) forms they file.
Based solely upon our review of the copies of such forms received by us during the fiscal year
ended April 30, 2009, and written representations that no other reports were required, we believe
that each person who, at any time during such fiscal year, was a director, officer, or beneficial
owner of more than 10 percent of our common stock complied with all Section 16(a) filing
requirements during such fiscal year, except that I. Marie Wadecki filed one late report on Form 4
covering a transaction relating to the indirect sale of common stock.
28
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our
common stock on July 20, 2009 by (1) each director, nominee for director, and each named executive
officer of our company, (2) all directors and executive officers of our company as a group, and (3)
each person known by us to own more than 5% of our common stock.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Beneficially Owned |
Name of Beneficial Owner(1) |
|
Number(2) |
|
Percent(2) |
Directors and Executive Officers: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael F. Golden (3) |
|
|
785,622 |
|
|
|
1.31 |
% |
William F. Spengler (4) |
|
|
94,534 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Leland A. Nichols (5) |
|
|
269,314 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Kenneth W. Chandler (6) |
|
|
182,737 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Ann B. Makkiya (7) |
|
|
31,512 |
|
|
|
* |
|
John A. Kelly (8) |
|
|
78,064 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Jeffrey D. Buchanan (9) |
|
|
73,150 |
|
|
|
* |
|
John B. Furman (10) |
|
|
93,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Barry M. Monheit (11) |
|
|
331,800 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Mitchell A. Saltz (12) |
|
|
2,274,550 |
|
|
|
3.82 |
% |
Robert L. Scott (13) |
|
|
115,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
David M. Stone (14) |
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
I. Marie Wadecki (15) |
|
|
67,950 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All directors and executive officers as a group (13 persons) (16) |
|
|
4,432,233 |
|
|
|
7.28 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1% of the outstanding shares of common stock |
|
(1) |
|
Except as otherwise indicated, each person named in the table has the sole voting and
investment power with respect to all common stock beneficially owned, subject to applicable
community property law. Except as otherwise indicated, each person may be reached as follows:
c/o Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, 2100 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, Massachusetts
01104. |
|
(2) |
|
The number of shares shown includes, when applicable, shares owned of record by the
identified persons minor children and spouse and by other related individuals and entities
over whose shares of common stock such person has custody, voting control, or power of
disposition. The percentages shown are calculated based on 59,446,382 shares of common stock
outstanding on July 20, 2009. The numbers and percentages shown include the shares of common
stock actually owned on July 20, 2009 and the shares of common stock that the identified
person or group had the right to acquire within 60 days of such date. In calculating the
percentage of ownership, all shares of common stock that the identified person or group had
the right to acquire within 60 days of July 20, 2009 upon the exercise of options or the
delivery of restricted stock units are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing
the percentage of shares of common stock owned by that person or group, but are not deemed to
be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of the shares of common stock owned
by any other person or group. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 572,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of vested stock options. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 83,334 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of vested stock options. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes 158,334 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of vested stock options. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes 139,667 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of vested stock options. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 18,333 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of vested stock options. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes 56,667 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of vested stock options. |
29
|
|
|
(9) |
|
Includes (a) 55,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of vested stock options,
and (b) 150 shares held indirectly by Mr. Buchanans son. |
|
(10) |
|
Includes (a) 50,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of vested stock options,
(b) 1,000 shares held by K.I.D.S. Properties, LP, and (c) 5,000 shares held by Mr. Furmans
defined benefit pension trust. |
|
(11) |
|
Includes 50,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of vested stock options. |
|
(12) |
|
Includes 135,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of vested stock options. The
shares are held by Mitchell A. Saltz and Sherry L. Noreen, Trustees of the Saltz and Noreen
Revocable Family Trust dated August 5, 2005. |
|
(13) |
|
Includes 30,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of vested stock options. |
|
(14) |
|
Includes 35,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of vested stock options. |
|
(15) |
|
Includes (a) 50,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of vested stock options,
and (b) 15,000 shares held by Ms. Wadeckis spouse. |
|
(16) |
|
Includes 1,433,335 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of vested stock options. |
30
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Unless delegated to the Compensation Committee by the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee
charter requires the Audit Committee to review and approve all related party transactions and to
review and make recommendations to the full Board of Directors, or approve, any contracts or other
transactions with current or former executive officers of our company, including consulting
arrangements, employment agreements, change-in-control agreements, termination arrangements, and
loans to employees made or guaranteed by our company.
Our company has entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and
executive officers. These agreements require us to indemnify such individuals, to the fullest
extent permitted by Nevada law, for certain liabilities to which they may become subject as a
result of their affiliation with our company.
31
PROPOSAL TWO
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The firm of BDO Seidman, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited
the financial statements of our company for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2007, 2008, and 2009.
Our Audit Committee has appointed BDO Seidman, LLP to audit the consolidated financial statements
of our company for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2010 and recommends that stockholders vote in
favor of the ratification of such appointment. In the event of a negative vote on such
ratification, the Audit Committee will reconsider its selection. We anticipate that
representatives of BDO Seidman, LLP will be present at the meeting, will have the opportunity to
make a statement if they desire, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by our auditor
is compatible with maintaining the auditors independence.
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed to our company by BDO Seidman, LLP for the fiscal years ended April
30, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
Audit Fees |
|
$ |
1,219,339 |
|
|
$ |
1,185,998 |
|
Audit-Related Fees |
|
|
27,146 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,246,485 |
|
|
$ |
1,225,998 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit services for fiscal 2008 and 2009 consisted of the audit of our consolidated financial
statements, the audit of our internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, and the review of our quarterly financial statements. In addition, audit services for fiscal 2009 included the audit of the impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets associated
with the acquisition of Thompson Center Holding Corporation.
Audit-related services for fiscal 2009 consisted of work associated with the issuance of a
comfort letter in early fiscal 2010. Audit-related services for fiscal 2008 consisted of work associated with the
issuance of a comfort letter in early fiscal 2009.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies
The charter of our Audit Committee provides that the duties and responsibilities of our Audit
Committee include the pre-approval of all audit, audit related, tax, and other services permitted
by law or applicable SEC regulations (including fee and cost ranges) to be performed by our
independent auditor. Any pre-approved services that will involve fees or costs exceeding
pre-approved levels will also require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. Unless
otherwise specified by the Audit Committee in pre-approving a service, the pre-approval will be
effective for the 12-month period following pre-approval. The Audit Committee will not approve any
non-audit services prohibited by applicable SEC regulations or any services in connection with a
transaction initially recommended by the independent auditor, the purpose of which may be tax
avoidance and the tax treatment of which may not be supported by the Internal Revenue Code and
related regulations.
To the extent deemed appropriate, the Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to
the Chairman of the Audit Committee or any one or more other members of the Audit Committee
provided that any member of the Audit Committee who has exercised any such delegation must report
any such pre-approval decision to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Audit
Committee will not delegate the pre-approval of services to be performed by the independent auditor
to management.
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Our Audit Committee requires that our independent auditor, in conjunction with our Chief
Financial Officer, be responsible for seeking pre-approval for providing services to us and that
any request for pre-approval must inform the Audit Committee about each service to be provided and
must provide detail as to the particular service to be provided.
All of the services provided by BDO Seidman, LLP described above under the caption
Audit-Related Fees were approved by our Audit Committee pursuant to our Audit Committees
pre-approval policies.
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DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholder proposals that are intended to be presented by stockholders at the annual meeting
of stockholders for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2010 must be received by us within the time
periods described below in order to be included in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating
to such meeting. Under our bylaws, stockholders must follow certain procedures to nominate persons
for election as a director or to introduce an item of business at an annual meeting of
stockholders. To be timely under these procedures, notice of such nomination or business related
to our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must comply with the requirements in our bylaws and must
be received by us (a) no earlier than June 16, 2010 and no later than July 16, 2010; or (b) if our
2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is held after October 14, 2010, no earlier than 90 days in
advance of such annual meeting and no later than the close of business on the later of (i) 60 days
prior to such annual meeting or (ii) the 10th day following the date on which public announcement
of the date of such annual meeting is first made.
Pursuant to Rule 14a-4 under the Exchange Act, we intend to retain discretionary authority to
vote proxies with respect to stockholder proposals for which the proponent does not seek to have us
include the proposed matter in the proxy statement for the annual meeting to be held during
calendar 2010, except in circumstances where (1) we receive notice of the proposed matter no later
than June 21, 2010, and (2) the proponent complies with the other requirements set forth in Rule
14a-4.
OTHER MATTERS
We know of no other matters to be submitted to the meeting. If any other matters properly
come before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy card to
vote the shares they represent as our Board of Directors may recommend.
Dated: August 5, 2009
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SMITH & WESSON HOLDING CORPORATION
2100 ROOSEVELT AVENUE
SPRINGFIELD, MA 01104
VOTE BY INTERNET www.proxyvote.com
Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up
until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in
hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an
electronic voting instruction form.
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS
If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by SMITH & WESSON HOLDING CORPORATION
in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements,
proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for
electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and,
when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically
in future years.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions
up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off
date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you
call and then follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid
envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o
Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
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TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW
IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: |
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M16255-P83697 |
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KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS |
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DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION
ONLY |
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
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SMITH & WESSON HOLDING CORPORATION |
For |
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For All |
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To withhold authority to vote for any individual
nominee(s), mark For All Except and write the
number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below.
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All |
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Except |
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Vote On Directors |
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PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: To
elect as directors all of the nominees listed below
to serve until our next annual meeting of
stockholders and until their successors are
elected and qualified: |
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Nominees: |
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01) Barry M. Monheit |
05) John B. Furman |
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02) Robert L. Scott |
06) Mitchell A. Saltz |
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03) Michael F. Golden |
07) David M. Stone |
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04) Jeffrey D. Buchanan |
08) I. Marie Wadecki |
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Vote On Proposals |
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PROPOSAL 2: To ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as the
independent auditor of our company for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2010. |
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and upon such matters which may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
The shares represented by this proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned
stockholder(s). If no directions are made, this proxy will be voted FOR all directors and FOR proposal 2. If any other matters
properly come before the meeting, the person named in this proxy will vote in their discretion. |
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For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and
write them on the back where indicated. |
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NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear(s) on this proxy.
When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as
executor, administrator, attorney, trustee, or guardian, please give full title
as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by
duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership,
please sign in partnership name by authorized person. |
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Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN
BOX] |
Date |
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Signature (Joint Owners) |
Date |
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Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:
The Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com.
M16256-P83697
SMITH & WESSON HOLDING CORPORATION
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2009 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
SEPTEMBER 14, 2009
The undersigned stockholder of SMITH & WESSON HOLDING CORPORATION, a Nevada corporation (the
Company), hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy
Statement of the Company, each dated August 5, 2009, and hereby appoints Barry M. Monheit and
Michael F. Golden, 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
2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, to be held on Monday, September 14, 2009, at
9:00 a.m., local time, at 2375 East Camelback Road, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona, and at any
adjournment or adjournments thereof, and to vote all shares of the Companys Common Stock that the
undersigned would be entitled to vote if then and there personally present, on the matters set
forth on the reverse side.
This Proxy will be voted as directed or, if no contrary direction is indicated, will be voted FOR
the election of the nominee directors; FOR the ratification of the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP
as the independent auditor of the Company; and as said proxies deem advisable on such other matters
as may come before the meeting.
A majority of such proxies or substitutes as shall be present and shall act at the meeting or any
adjournment or adjournments thereof (or if only one shall be present and act, then that one) shall
have and may exercise all of the powers of said proxies hereunder.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEE DIRECTORS AND FOR THE
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF BDO SEIDMAN, LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR OF OUR COMPANY FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING APRIL 30, 2010.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD
PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED REPLY ENVELOPE.
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Address Changes/Comments: |
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(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark the corresponding box on the reverse side.)
CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE.