19 MAC Pt. 1, R. 12.17
Schedule A: Miscellaneous
Cite as 19 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 1, R. 12.17
Schedule A: Miscellaneous
A. Revocability of Proxy
State whether or not the person giving the proxy has the power to revoke it. If the right of
revocation before the proxy is exercised is limited or is subject to compliance with any
formal procedure, briefly describe such limitation or procedure.
B. Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal
Outline briefly any rights of appraisal or similar rights of dissenters with respect to any
matter to be acted upon and indicate any statutory procedure required to be followed by
dissenting security holders in order to perfect such rights. Where such rights may be
exercised only within a limited time after the date of adoption of a proposal, the filing of
a charter amendment or other similar act, state whether the person solicited will be
notified of such date.
C. Persons Making the Solicitation
1. Solicitations Not Subject to Section 13
a. If the solicitation is made by the issuer, so state. Give the name of any
director of the issuer who has informed the issuer in writing that he
intends to oppose any action intended to be taken by the issuer and
indicate the action which he intends to oppose.
b. If the solicitation is made otherwise than by the issuer, so state and give
the names of the persons by whom and on whose behalf it is made.
c. If the solicitation is to be made otherwise than by the use of the mails,
describe the methods to be employed. If the solicitation is to be made by
specially engaged employees or paid solicitors, state
i.
the material features of any contract or agreement for such
solicitation and identify the parties, and
ii.
the cost or anticipated cost thereof.
d. State the names of the persons by whom the cost of solicitation has been
or will be borne, directly or indirectly.
2. Solicitations Subject to Section 13
a. State by whom the solicitation is made and describes the methods
employed and to be employed to solicit security holders.
b. If regular employees of the issuer or any other participant in a solicitation
have been or are to be employed to solicit security holders, describe the
class or classes of employees to be so employed, and the manner and
nature of their employment for such purpose.
c. If specially engaged employees, representatives or other persons have
been or are to be employed to solicit security holders, state;
i.
the material features of any contract or arrangement for such
solicitation and identify the parties,
ii.
the cost or anticipated cost thereof; and
iii.
the approximate number of such employees or employees of any
other person (naming such other person) who will solicit security
holders.
d. State the total amount estimated to be spent and the total expenditures to
date for or in connection with the solicitation of security holders.
e. State by whom the cost of the solicitation will be borne. If reimbursement
will be sought from the issuer, state whether the question of such
reimbursement will be submitted to a vote of security holders.
f. If any such solicitation is terminated pursuant to a settlement between the
issuer and any other participant in such solicitation, describe the terms of
such settlement, including the cost or anticipated cost thereof to the issuer.
D. Interest of Certain Persons in Matters to be Acted Upon
1. Solicitations Not Subject to Section 13. Describe briefly any substantial interest,
direct or indirect, of each of the following persons in any matter to be acted upon,
other than elections to office:
a. If the solicitation is made on behalf of the issuer, each current director or
officer of the issuer.
b. If the solicitation is made otherwise than on behalf of the issuer, any
person who would be a participant in a solicitation (except the issuer, or an
officer, director, or nominee of the issuer).
c. Each nominee for election as a director of the issuer.
d. Each associate of the foregoing persons.
2. Solicitations Subject to Section 13.
a. Describe briefly any substantial interest, direct or indirect, of each
participant (except the issuer) in any matter to be acted upon at the
meeting, and include with respect to each participant the information or an
adequate summary thereof, required by Items (2)(a), (2)(b), 3, 4(b), 4(c) of
Schedule B.
E. Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof
1. State as to each class of voting securities of the issuer entitled to be voted at the
meeting, the number of shares outstanding and the number of votes to which each
class is entitled.
2. Give the date as of which the record of security holders entitled to vote at the
meetingwill be determined. If the right to vote is not limited to security holders of
record on that date, indicate the conditions under which other security holders
may be entitled to votes.
3. If action is to be taken with respect to the election of directors and if the persons
solicited have cumulative voting rights:
a. make a statement that they have such rights,
b. describe such rights,
c. state the conditions precedent to the exercise thereof; and,
d. if discretionary authority to cumulative votes is solicited, so indicate.
4. Furnish the following information as of the most recent practicable date, in
substantially the tabular form indicated, with respect to: any person or group of
persons who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of any
class of securities; and, all directors and nominees, naming them, and directors
and officers of the issuer as a group, without naming them.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Title of Class
Name of Beneficial
Owner
Amount and Nature
Of Beneficial
Ownership
Percent of Class
5. If, to the knowledge of the persons on whose behalf the solicitation is made, a
change in control of the issuer has occurred since the beginning of its last fiscal
year, state the name of the person(s) who acquired control, the amount and the
source of the consideration used by such person or persons, the basis of the
control, the date and a description of the transaction(s) which resulted in the
change of control and the percentage of voting securities of the issuer now
beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the person(s) who acquired control;
and the identity of the person(s) from whom control was assumed. Describe any
arrangements which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of the
issuer.
F. Directors and Executive Officers
If action is to be taken with respect to election of directors, furnish the following
information, in tabular form to the extent practicable, with respect to each person
nominated for election as a director and each person whose term of office will continue
after the meeting. However, if the solicitation is made on behalf of person other than the
issuer, the information required need be furnished only as to nominees of the persons
making the solicitation.
1. Identification of directors and officers. List the names and ages of all directors
and officers of the issuer, and all persons nominated or chosen to become
directors or officers; indicate all positions and offices with the issuer held by each
such person; state his term of office as director and/or officer and period(s) during
which he has served as such; briefly describe any arrangement or understanding
between him and any other person or persons (naming such person(s)) pursuant to
which he was or is to be selected as a director, officer, or nominee.
The information regarding officers need not be furnished in proxy or information
statements provided that such information is furnished in a separate item in the
issuer’s annual report to stockholders.
2. Family relationships. State the nature of any family relationship not more remote
than first cousin between any director, officer, or person nominated or chosen by
the issuer to become a director or officer and also any such family relationship
between any such person and any officer or director of any of the issuer’s parents,
subsidiaries or other affiliates.
3. Business experience. State the principal occupations and employment during the
past five years of each director and each person nominated or chose to become a
director or officer and the name and principal business of any corporation or other
organization in which such occupations and employment were carried on.
4. Directorships. Indicate other directorships held by each director or person
nominated or chosen to become a director.
5. Involvement in certain legal proceedings. Describe any legal proceedings which
have occurred during the past five years or which are pending which are material
to an evaluation of the ability or integrity of any director, or person nominated to
become a director or officer of the issuer.
6. Describe any of the following relationships which exist:
a. If the nominee or director is, or has within the last two full fiscal years
been, an officer, director or employee of, or owns, or has within the last
two full fiscal years owned,directly or indirectly, in excess of a 1 percent
equity interest in any firm, corporation, or other business or professional
entity:
i.
which has made payments to the issuer or its subsidiaries during
the issuer’s last full fiscal year in an aggregate amount in excess of
1 percent of the issuer’s total consolidated gross revenues for its
last full fiscal year;
ii.
to which the issuer or its subsidiaries were indebted at any time
during the issuer’s last fiscal year in an aggregate amount in excess
of 1 percent of the issuer’s total consolidated assets at the end of
such fiscal year;
iii.
to which the issuer or its subsidiaries have made payments during
such entity’s last fiscal year or to which the issuer or its
subsidiaries propose to make payments during such entity’s current
fiscal year in excess of 1 percent of such entity’s consolidated
gross revenues for its last full fiscal year;
iv.
in order to determine whether payments made or proposed to be
made exceed 1 percent of the consolidated gross revenues of any
entity other than the issuer for such entity’s last full fiscal year, it is
appropriate to rely on information provided by the nominee or
director;
v.
in calculating payments for property and services, the following
may be excluded: payments where the rates or charges involved in
the transaction are determined by competitive bids, or the
transaction involves the rending of services as a public utility at
rates or charges fixed in conformity with law or governmental
authority; or,payments which arise solely from the ownership of
securities of the issuer and no extra or special benefit not shared on
a pro rata basis by all holders of the class of securities is received;
vi.
In calculating indebtedness for purposes of subparagraph (ii)
above, debt securities which have been publicly offered, admitted
to trading on a national securities exchange, or quoted on the
automated quotation system of a registered securities association
may be excluded.
b. The nominee or director is a member or employee of, or is associated
with, a law firm which the issuer has retained in the last two full fiscal
years or proposes to retain in the current fiscal year where fees paid or
anticipated to be paid by the issuer are material to either the law firm, the
issuer, or both.
c. The nominee or director is a director, partner, officer or employee of any
investment banking firm which has performed services for the issuer other
than as a participating underwriter in a syndicate in the last two full fiscal
years or which the issuer proposes to have perform services in the current
year; or
d. The nominee or director is a control person of the issuer (other than solely
as a director of the issuer).
7. State whether or not the issuer has standing audit, nominating, and compensation
committees of the Board of Directors, or committees performing similar
functions. If the issuer has such committees, however designated, identify each
committee member, state the number of committee meetings held by each such
committee during the last fiscal year and describe briefly the functions performed
by such committees.
If the issuer has a nominating or similar committee, state whether the committee
will consider nominees recommended by shareholders and, if so, describe the
procedures to be followed by shareholders in submitting such recommendations.
8. State the total number of meetings of the board of directors (including regularly
scheduled and special meetings) which were held during the last full fiscal year.
Name each incumbent director who during the last full fiscal year attended fewer
than 75 percent of the aggregate the total number of meetings of the board of
directors (held during the period for which he has been a director) and the total
number of meetings held by all committees of the board on which he served
(during the periods that he served).
9. If a director has resigned or declined to stand for re-election to the board of
directors since the date of the last annual meeting of shareholders because of a
disagreement with the issuer on any matter relating to the issuer’s operations,
policies or practices and if the director has furnished the issuer with a letter
describing such disagreement and requesting that the matter be disclosed, the
issuer shall state the date of resignation or declination to stand for re-election and
summarize the director’s description of the disagreement.
If the issuer believes that the description provided by the director is incorrect
or incomplete, it may include a brief statement presenting its views of the
disagreement.
10. With respect to those classes of voting stock which participated in the election of
directors at the most recent meeting at which directors were elected:
a. State the percentage of shares present at the meeting and voting or
withholding authority to vote in the election of directors; and
disclose in tabular format the percentage of total shares cast for and
withheld from the for or, where applicable, cast against, each nominee,
which respectively, were voted for and withheld from the vote for, or
voted against, such nominee. When groups of classes or series of classes
vote together in the election of a director or directors, they shall be treated
as a single class for the purpose of the preceding sentence.
b. Instructions.
i.
Calculate the percentage of shares present at the meeting and
voting withholding authority to vote in the election of directors,
referred to in paragraph j(1), by dividing the total shares cast for
and withheld from the vote for or, where applicable, voted against,
the director in respect of whom the highest aggregate number of
shares was cast by the total number of shares outstanding which
were eligible to vote as of the record date for the meeting.
ii.
No information need be given in response to item 6(j) unless, with
respect to any class of voting stock (or group of classes which
voted together), 5% or more of the total shares cast for and
withheld from the vote for or, where applicable, cast against any
nominee were withheld from the vote for or cast against such
nominee.
iii.
If an issuer elects less than the entire board of directors annually,
disclosure is required as to all directors if 5% or more of the total
shares cast for and withheld from, the vote for, or, where
applicable, cast against any incumbent director were withheld
from, or cast against the vote for such director at the meeting at
which he was most recently elected.
iv.
No information need be given in response to item 6(j) if the issuer
has previously furnished to its security holders a report of the
results of the most recent meeting of security holders at which
directors were elected which includes:
1.
a description of each matter voted upon at the meeting and
a statement of the percentage of the shares voting which
were voted for and against each such matter; and
2.
the information which would be called for by this item 6(j).
3.
If an issuer has previously furnished such results to its
security holders, this fact should be set forth in a letter
accompanying the filing of preliminary proxy materials
with the Commissioner.
G. Remuneration of Directors and Officers
Furnish the following information if action is to be taken with regard to: the election of
directors; any bonus, profit sharing or other remuneration plan, contract, or arrangement
in which any director, nominee for election as a director, or officer of the issuer will
participate; any pension or retirement plan in which any such person will participate; or,
the granting or extension to any such person of any options, warrants or rights to
purchase any securities, other than warrants or rights issued to security holders as such,
on a pro rata basis. If the solicitation is made on behalf of persons other than the issuer,
the information required need be furnished only as to nominees of the persons making the
solicitation and associates of such nominees.
1. Current remuneration. Furnish the information required in the table below, in
substantially the tabular form specified, concerning all remuneration of the
following persons and groups for services in all capacities to the issuer and its
subsidiaries during the issuer’s last fiscal year, or, in specified instances, certain
prior fiscal years:
a. Five officers or directors. Each of the five most highly compensated
officers or directors of the issuer as to whom the total remuneration
required to be disclosed in Columns C1 and C2 below, would exceed
$50,000, naming each such person; and
b. All officers and directors. All officers and directors of the issuer as a
group, stating the number of persons in the group without naming them.
c. Specified Tabular Format:
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(C1)
(C2)
Name of
Individual or
Number of
person in
group
Capacities in
which served
Cash and
cash-
equivalent
forms of
remuneration
Aggregate of
contingent
forms of
remuneration
Salaries, fees,
directors’
fees,
commissions
and bonuses
Securities or
property,
insurance
benefits or
reimbursement,
personal
benefits
d. information to be Included: Columns C-1, C-2, and D of the table should
contain with respect to each person or group of persons specified in
subparagraphs (1)(a) and (2)(b) of paragraph G a dollar amount which
reflects the total of all items of remuneration described in the heading to
that column including, but not necessarily limited to, those items set forth
in the subparagraphs of that column.
i.
COLUMN C:Include all Cash and Cash Equivalent Forms of
Remuneration received during the fiscal year and all such amounts
accrued during the fiscal year which, with reasonable certainty,
will be distributed or vested in the future.
ii.
COLUMN C-1: Salaries, Bonuses, Fees, and Commissions:
(a)
All cash remuneration distributed or accrued in the
form of salaries, commissions, bonuses and fees for service
rendered.
(b)
Compensation earned for services performed in the
latest fiscal year even if it is deferred for future payment.
(c)
Payments received in the latest fiscal year but
earned in prior years which were deferred until the latest
year, if such amounts were not shown in an earlier proxy
statement or annual report to stockholders.
iii.
COLUMN C-2: Securities, Property, Insurance Benefits or
reimbursement, Personal Benefits (Perquisites):
(a)
Spread between the acquisition price, if any, and
fair market price of securities or property acquired under
any contract, plan or arrangements.
(b)
Cost of any life insurance premiums, health
insurance premiums and medical reimbursement plans,
Premiums for nondiscriminatory plans generally available
to all salaried employees are excluded.
(c)
Personal benefits (perquisites) not directly related to
job performance, excluding benefits provided on a
nondiscriminatory basis, valued on the basis of cost to the
issuer of providing such benefits.
(1) If unreasonable effort or expense is required to
determine the amounts of personal benefits, they
may be omitted if their aggregate value does not
exceed $10,000 for each other.
(2) If the amount of personal benefits exceeds 10% of
the amount of total remuneration or $25,000,
whichever is less, the amount and a brief
description of the benefits must be disclosed in a
footnote.
(d)
Vested company contributions to thrift, profit
sharing, pension, stack purchase and similar plans.
iv.
COLUMN D: Include all contingent forms of remuneration the
distribution, vesting, and measurement of which is subject to future
events. Report only amounts relating to the latest fiscal year, not
amounts accrued in previous periods.
(a)
Amount expensed for financial reporting purposes
representing nonvested contributions, payments, or accruals
under any pension or retirement plans annuities,
employment contracts, deferred compensation plans
including IRS qualified plans, unless the amount for the
individual cannot be separated in which case a footnote is
required indicating the percentage which contributions to
the plan bear to participants total remuneration.
(b)
The amount expensed for financial reporting
purpose under any incentive compensation plans (long-term
income plans), such as stock appreciation rights, stock
options, performance share plans, where payout is based on
objective standards or stock value.
(1) In subsequent years, if the corporation credits
compensation expense for financial reporting
purposes as a result of a decline in the value of
contingent compensation, Column D may be
reduced by a corresponding amount. A footnote
explaining such action should be included.
(c)
The amount expensed for financial reporting
purposes for any nonvested contribution payment or
accrual to stock purchase plans, profit sharing, and thrift
plans whether or not they are qualified under the Internal
Revenue Code.
(d)
Transactions with Third Parties. Item 7(a), among
other things, includes transactions between the issuer and a
third party when the primary purpose of the transactions is
to furnish remuneration to the persons specified in Item
7(a). Other transactions between the issuer and third parties
in which person specified in Item 7(a) have an interest, or
may realize a benefit, generally are addressed by other
disclosure requirements concerning the interest of
management and others in certain transactions. Item 7(a)
does not require disclosure of remuneration paid to a
partnership in which any officer or director was a partner;
any such transactions should be disclosed pursuant to these
other disclosure requirements, and not as a note to the
remuneration table presented pursuant to Item 7(a).
(e)
Other Permitted Disclosure. The issuer may provide
additional disclosure through a footnote to the table,
through additional columns, or otherwise, describing the
components of aggregate remuneration in such greater
detail as is possible.
2. Proposed remuneration.
a. Briefly describe all remuneration payments proposed to be made in the
future, pursuant to any existing plan or arrangement to the persons and
groups specified in Item 7(a). As to defined benefit or actuarial plans with
respect to which amounts are not included in the table, include a separate
table showing the estimated annual benefits payable upon retirement to
persons in specified remuneration and years-of-service classifications.
b. Information need not be furnished with respect to any group life, health,
hospitalization, or medical reimbursement plans which do not discriminate
in favor of officers or directors of the issuer and which are available
generally to all salaried employees.
3 Remuneration of directors. Describe any standard or special arrangements, stating
amounts, by which directors of the issuer are compensated for services as a
director.
4. Options, warrants, or rights.
a. Furnish the information required by the following table as to all options to
purchase securities from the issuer or its subsidiaries which were granted
to or exercised by the persons and groups specified in Item 7(a) since the
beginning of the issuer’s last fiscal year, and as to all options held by such
persons as of the latest practicable date:
b. The following tabulation shows as to certain directors and officers and as
to all directors and officers as a group:
i.
the amount of options granted since the beginning of the issuer’s
last full fiscal year,
ii.
the amount of shares acquired since that date through the exercise
of options,
iii.
the amount of shares of the same class sold during such period and
iv.
the amount of shares subject to all unexercised options held as of
the most recentpracticable date.
Title of securities
Name Name Name All directors and officers as a
group
Granted—19---to date:
Number of shares
Average per share option price
$
$
$
$
Exercised—19—to date:
Number of Shares
Aggregate option price of options
exercised
$
$
$
$
Sales—19—to date:
Number of Shares
***
Unexercised at 19--:
Number of Shares
Average per share option price
$
$
$
$
In addition, during the period employees were granted option for…..shares at an average price
per share of $.........
***Sales by directors and officers who exercised options during the period 19—to date.
5. Instructions
a. All figures should be adjusted, where applicable, in accordance with the
terms of the options to reflect stock splits and to give effect to share
dividends.
b. Other tabular presentations are acceptable if they include the necessary
data. Tabular presentation may not be needed if only a very few options
have been granted.
c. Market value
i.
Where the total market value on the granting dates of the securities
called for by all options granted during the period specified does
not exceed $10,000 for any officer ordirector named in answer to
Item 7(a), or $40,000 for all officers and directors as a group, this
Item need not be answered with respect to options granted to such
person or group.
ii.
Where the total market value on the dates of purchase of all
securities purchased through the exercise of options during the
period specified does not exceed $10,000 for any such person or
$40,000 for such group, this Item need not be answered with
respect to options exercised by such person or group.
iii.
Where the total market value as of the latest practicable date of the
securities called for by all options held at such time does not
exceed $10,000 for any such person or $40,000 for such group, this
Item need not be answered with respect to options held as of the
specified date by such person or group.
d. The term “option” as used in this paragraph includes all options, warrants
or rights, other than those issued to security holders as such on a pro rata
basis. Where the average price per share iscalled for, the weighted average
price per share shall be given.
e. The extension, re-granting or material amendment of options shall be
deemed the granting of options within the meaning of this paragraph.
f. If the options relate to more than one class of securities, the information
shall be given separately for each such class.
6.
Indebtedness of management.
a. State as to each of the following persons who was indebted to the issuer or
its subsidiaries at any time since the beginning of the last fiscal year of the
registrant, the largest aggregate amount of indebtedness outstanding at any
time during such period, the nature of the indebtedness outstanding and
the transaction in which it was incurred, the amount thereof outstanding as
of the largest practicable date, and the rate of interest paid or charged
thereon:
i.
Each director or officer of the issuer;
ii.
Each nominee for election as a director; and
iii.
Each associate of any such director, officer or nominee.
b. This subparagraph (e) does not apply to: (a) any person whose aggregate
indebtedness did not exceed $10,000 or 1 percent of the issuer’s total
assets, whichever is less, at any time during the period specified or (b)
indebtedness under an insurance policy.
7.
Transactions with management.
a. Describe briefly any transaction since the beginning of the issuer’s last
fiscal year or any presently proposed transactions, to which the issuer or
any of its subsidiaries was or is to be a party, in which any of the
following persons had or is to have a direct or indirect material interest,
naming such person and stating his relationship to the issuer, the nature of
his interest in the transaction and, where practicable, the amount of such
interest.
i.
Any director or officer of the issuer;
ii.
Any nominee for election as a director;
iii.
Any security holder who is known to the issuer to own of record or
beneficially more than ten percent of any class of issuer’s voting
securities; and
iv.
Any relative or spouse of any of the foregoing persons, or any
relative of such spouse, who has the same home as such person
who is a director or officer of any parent or subsidiary of the
issuer.
b. Also, describe briefly any material legal proceedings to which any such
person is a party adverse to the issuer or any of its subsidiaries or has a
material interest adverse to the issuer or any of its subsidiaries.
c. No information need be given in response to this Item 7(f) as to any
remuneration or other transaction reported in response to Item 7(a), (b),
(c), (d), (e), or as to any transaction with respect to which information may
be omitted pursuant to these Items.
d. No information need be given in answer to this Item 7(f) as to any
transaction where:
i.
The rates or charger involved in the transaction are determined by
competitive bids, or at rates or charges fixed in conformity with law
or governmental authority;
ii.
The transaction involves services as a bank depository of funds,
transfer agent, registrar, trustee under a trust indenture, or similar
services;
iii.
The amount involved in the transaction or series of similar
transaction, including all periodic installments in the case of any
lease or other agreement providing for periodic payments or
installments, does not exceed $40,000; or
iv.
The interest of the specified person arises solely from the ownership
of securities of the issuer and the specified person receives no extra
or special benefit not shared on a pro rata basis by all holders of
securities of the class.
e. It should be noted that this item calls for disclosure of indirect, as well as
direct, material interests in transactions. A person who has a position or
relationship with a firm, corporation, or other entity, which engages in a
transaction with the issuer or its subsidiaries may have an indirect interest
in such transaction by reason of such position or relationship. However, a
person shall be deemed not to have a material indirect interestin a
transaction within the meaning of this Item 7(f) where:
i.
The interest arises onlyfrom such person’s position as a director of
another corporation or organization (other than a partnership)
which is a party to the transaction, or
ii.
from both such position and ownership;
iii.
The interest arises only from such person’s position as a limited
partner in a partnership in which he and all other persons specified
in Item 7(f) had an interest percent; or
iv.
The interest of such person arises solely from the holding of an
equity interest (including a limited partnership interest but
excluding a general partnership interest) or a creditor interest in
another person which is a party to the transaction with the issuer or
any of its subsidiaries and the transaction is notmaterial to such
other person
8 Instructions.
a. In describing any transaction involving the purchase of sale of assets by or
to the issuer or any of its subsidiaries, otherwise than in the ordinary
course of business, state the cost of the assets to the purchaser and, if
acquired by the seller within two years prior to the transaction, the cost
thereof to the seller. Indicate the principle followed in determining the
issuer’s purchase or sale price and the name of the person making such
determination.
b. Information shall be furnished in answer to this Item with respect to
transactions not excluded above which involve remuneration from the
issuer or its subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, to any of the specified
persons for services in any capacity unless the interest of such persons for
services in any capacity unless the interest of such persons arises solely
from the ownership individually and in the aggregate of less than 10% of
any class of equity securities of another corporation furnishing the services
to the issuer or itssubsidiaries.
9 Transactions with pension or similar plans.
a. Describe briefly any transactions since the beginning of the issuer’s last
fiscal year, or any presently proposed transactions, to which any pension,
savings or similar plan provided by the issuer, or any of its parents or
subsidiaries was or is to be a party, in which any of the persons specified
in Item 7(f) or the issuer or any of its subsidiaries had or is to have a direct
or indirect material interest naming such person and stating hisrelationship
to the issuer, the nature of his interest in the transaction and, where
practicable, the amount of such interest.
b. No information need be given in answer to paragraph (g) with respect to:
i.
payments to the plan, or payments to beneficiaries, pursuant to the
terms of the plan;
ii.
payment of remuneration for services not in excess of 5 percent of the
aggregate remuneration received by the specified person during the
issuer’s last fiscal year from the issuer and its subsidiaries; or
iii.
any interest of the issuer or any of its subsidiaries which arises
solelyfrom its general interest in the success of the plan.
10. Instructions.
a. Subparagraph to Item 7(f) shall apply to this Item 7(g).
b. Without limiting the general meaning of the term “transaction”, there shall
be included in answer to this item any remuneration received or any loans
received or outstanding during this period, or proposed to be received.
H. Matters Related to Accounting
If the solicitation is made on behalf of the issuer and relates to an annual meetingof
security holders at which directors are to be elected, or financial statements are included,
furnish the following information:
1. If the issuer’s financial statements are not certified by independent public or
certified accountants, so state.
2. If the Board of Directors has no audit or similar committee, so state.
3. If the issuer’s financial statements are certified by independent public or certified
accountants, so state and provide the following information:
a. The name of the principal accountant selected or being recommended to
shareholders for election, approval or ratification for the current year. If no
accountant has been elected or recommended, so state and briefly describe the
reason therefor.
b. The name of the principal accountant for the fiscal year most recently
completed if different from the accountant selected or recommended for the
current year or if no accountant has been elected or recommended for the
current year.
c. If a change or changes in accountants have taken place since the date of the
proxy statement for the most recent annual meeting of shareholders, so state,
and if in connection with such change(s) a material disagreement in
connection with financial disclosure between the accountant and issuer has
occurred, the disagreement shall be described. Prior to filing the preliminary
proxy materials with the Commissioner which contains or amends such
description, the issuer shall furnish the description of the disagreement to any
accountant with whom the disagreement has occurred. If that accountant
believes that the description of the disagreement is incorrect or incomplete, he
may include a brief statement, not to exceed 200 words, in the proxy
statement presenting his view of the disagreement. This statement shall be
submitted to the issuer within ten business days of the date the accountant
receives the issuer’s description.
d. The proxy statement shall indicate whether or not representatives of the
principal accountants for the current year and for the most recently completed
fiscal year are expected to be present at the stockholders’ meeting with the
opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and whether or not
such representatives are expected to be available to respond to appropriate
questions.
e. If any change in accountants has taken place since the date of the proxy
statement for the most recent annual meeting of shareholders, state whether
such change was recommended or approved by:
i.
Any audit or similar committee of the Board of Directors, if the issuer
has such a committee; or
ii.
The Board of Directors, if the issuer has no such committee.
iii.
For the fiscal year most recently completed, describe each professional
service provided by the principal accountant and state the percentage
relationship which the aggregate of the fees for all non-audit services
bear to the audit fees, and, except as provided below, state the
percentage relationship which the fee for each non-audit service bears
to the audit fees. Indicate whether, before each professional service
provided by the principal accountant was rendered, it was approved
by, and the possible effect on the independence of the accountant was
considered by, (1) any audit or similar committee of the Board of
Directors and, (2) for any service not approved by an audit or similar
committee, the Board of Directors.
4. Instructions.
a. For the purposes of this subsection, all fees for services provided in
connection with the audit function (e.g. reviews of quarterly reports) may be
computed as part of the audit fees. Indicate which services are reflected in the
audit fees computation.
b. If the fee for any non-audit service is less than 3 percent of the audit fees, the
percentage relationship need not to be disclosed.
c. Each service should be specifically described. Broad general categories such
as “tax matters” or “management advisory services” are not sufficiently
specific.
d. Describe the circumstances and give details of any services provided by the
issuer’s independent accountant during the latest fiscal year that were
furnished at rates or terms that were not customary.
e. Describe any existing direct or indirect understanding or agreement that places
a limit on current or future years’ audit fees, including fee arrangements that
provide fixed limits on fees that are not subject to reconsideration if
unexpected issues involving accounting or auditing are encountered.
Disclosure of fee estimates is not required.
I. Bonus, Profit Sharing and Other Remuneration Plans: Pension and Retirement Plans
If action is to be taken with respect to any bonus, profit sharing or other remuneration
plan or any pension or retirement plan, furnish the following information.
1. Describe briefly the material features of the plan, identify each class of persons
who will participate therein, indicate the approximate number of persons in each
such class and state the basis of such participation.
2. Furnish such information, in addition to that required by this item and Item 7, as
may be necessary to describe adequately the provisions already made pursuant to
all bonus, profit sharing, pension retirement, stock option, stock purchase,
deferred compensation, or other remuneration or incentive plans, now in effect or
in effect within the past five years, for each director or officer named in answer to
Item 7(a) who may participate in the plan to be acted upon; all present directors
and officers of the issuer as a group, if any director or officer may participate in
the plan, and all employees, if employees may participate in the plan.
3. If the plan to be acted upon can be amended otherwise than by a vote of
stockholders, to increase the cost thereof to the issuer or to alter the allocation of
the benefits as between the directors and officers on the one hand and employees
on the other, state the nature of the amendments which can be so made.
4. With regard to any bonus, profit sharing or other remuneration plan, on which
action is to be taken, furnish the following information.
a. State separately the amounts which would have been distributable under the
plan during the last fiscal year of the issuer (1) to directors and officers and
(2) to employees if the plan had been in effect.
b. State the name and position with the issuer of each person specified in Item
7(a), who will participate in the plan and the amount which each such person
would have received under the plan for the last fiscal year of the issuer if the
plan had been in effect.
5. With regard to any pension or retirement plan on which action is to be taken,
furnish the following information:
a. State the approximate total amount necessary to fund the plan with respect to
past services, the period over which such amount is to be paid and the
estimated annual payments necessary to pay the total amount over such
period, the estimated annual payment to be made with respect to current
services and the amount of such annual payments to be made for the benefit of
directors and employees.
b. State the name and position with the issuer of each person specified in Item
7(a) who will be entitled to participate in the plan, the amount which would
have been paid or set aside by the issuer and its subsidiaries for the benefit of
such person for the last fiscal year of the issuer if the plan had been in effect,
and the amount of the annual benefits estimated to be payable to such person
in the event of retirement at normal retirement date.
6. Instructions.
a. If action is to be taken with respect to the amendment or modification of an
existing plan, the item shall be answered with respect to the plan as proposed
to be amended or modified and shall indicate any material differences from
existing plan.
b. The following instructions shall apply to paragraph (b):
i.
Information need only be given with respect to benefits received or set
aside within the past five years.
ii.
Information need not be included as to payments made for, or benefits
to be received from, group life or accident insurance, group
hospitalization or similar group payments or benefits.
iii.
If action is to be taken with respect to any plan in which directors or
officers may participate, the information called for by Item 7(d) and
shall be furnished for the last five fiscal years of the issuer and any
period subsequent to the end of the latest such fiscal year, in aggregate
amounts for the entire period for each such person and group. If any
named person, or any other director or officer, purchased securities
through the exercise of options during such period, state the aggregate
amount of securities of that class sold during the period by such named
person and by such named person and such other directors and officers
as a group. The information called for by this Instruction is in lieu of
the information since the beginning of the issuer’s last fiscal year
called for by Item 7(d). If employees may participate in the plan to be
acted upon, state the aggregate amount of securities called for by all
options or options granted to employees during the five-year period
and, if the options were other than “restricted” or “qualified” stock
options or options granted pursuant to an “employee stock purchase
plan”, as the quoted terms are defined in section 422 through 424 of
the Internal Revenue Code, state that fact and the weighted average
option price per share. The information called for by this instruction
may be furnished in the form of the table set forth in Item 7(d).
c. If the plan to be acted upon is set forth in a written document, three copies
thereof shall be filed with the Commissioner at the time preliminary copies of
the proxy statement and form of proxy are filed.
d. The information called for by subparagraph (e)(1)(c) or (e)(2)(b) of this Item 7
need not be given as to payments made on an actuarial basis pursuant to any
group pension plan which provides for fixed benefits in the event of
retirement at a specified age or after a specified number of year of service.
J. Options, Warrants, or Rights
If action is to be taken with respect to the granting or extension of any options to
purchase securities of the issuer or any subsidiary, furnish the following information:
1. State the title and amount of securities called for or to be called for by such
options; the prices, expiration dates and other material conditions upon which the
options may be exercised; the consideration received or to be received by the
issuer or subsidiary for the granting or extension of the options; the market value
of the securities called for or to be called for by the options as of the latest
practicable date; and in the case of options, the Federal income tax consequences
of the issuance and exercise of such option tothe recipient and to the issuer.
2. State separately the amount of options received by the following persons, naming
each such person: each director or officer named in answer to Item 7(a); each
nominee for election as a director of the issuer; each associate of such directors,
officers, or nominees; and each other person who received by all directors and
officers of the issuer as a group, without naming them.
3. Furnish such information, in addition to that required by this item and Item 7, as
may be necessary to describe adequately the provision already made pursuant to
all bonus, profit sharing pension, retirement, stock option, stock purchase,
deferred compensation, or other remuneration or incentive plans, now in effect or
in effect within the past five years, for each director or officer named in answer
to Item 7(a) who may participate in the plan to be acted upon; all present directors
and officers of the issuer as a group, if any director or officer may participate in
the plan, and all employees, if employees may participate in the plan.
4. Instructions.
a. For the purpose of this paragraph J, the term option includes any option,
warrant or right.
b. Paragraphs (2) and (3) do not apply to warrants or rights to be issued to
security holders as such on a pro rata basis.
c. Instruction 6 to paragraph Ishall also apply to paragraph (3) of this item.
d. If the options described in answer to this item are issued pursuant to a plan
which is set forth in a written document, three copies thereof shall be filed
with the Commissioner at the time preliminary copies of the proxy statement
and form of proxy are filed.
K. Authorization of Issuance of Securities Otherwise than for Exchange
If action is to be taken with respect to the authorization or issuance of any securities
otherwise than for exchange for outstanding securities of the issuer, furnish the following
information:
1. State the title and amount of securities to be authorized or issued.
2. If the securities are other than additional shares of common stock of a class
outstanding, furnish a brief summary of the following, if applicable: dividend, voting,
liquidation, preemptive, and conversion rights, redemption and sinking fund
provisions, interest rate and date of maturity.
3. Describe briefly the transaction in which the securities are to be issued, including a
statement as to the nature and approximate amount of consideration received or to be
received by the issuer, and the approximate amount devoted to each purpose, as far as
is determinable, for which the net proceeds have been or are to be used. If it is
impracticable to describe the transaction in which the securities are to e issued, state
the reason, indicate the purpose of the authorization of the securities, and state
whether further authorization for the issuance of the securities by a vote of security
holders will be solicited prior to such issuance.
4. If the securities are to be issued otherwise than in a general public offering for cash,
state the reasons for the proposed authorization or issuance and the general effect
thereof upon the rights of existing security holders.
L. Modification or Exchange of Securities
If action is to be taken with respect to the modification of any class of securities of the
issuer, or the issuance or authorization for the issuance of securities of the issuer in
exchange for outstanding securities of the issuer, furnish the following information:
1. If outstanding securities are to be modified, state the title and amount thereof. If
securities are to be issued in exchange for outstanding securities, state the title amount
of securities to be so issued, the title and amount of outstanding securities to be
exchanged therefor and the basis of the exchange.
2. Describe any material differences between the outstanding securities and the modified
or new securities.
3. State the reasons for the proposed modification or exchange and the general effect
thereof upon the rights of existing security holders.
4. Furnish a brief statement as to arrears in dividends or as to defaults in principal or
interest in respect to the outstanding securities which are to be modified or exchanged
and such other information as may be appropriate in the particular case to disclose
adequately the nature and effect of the proposed action.
5. Outline briefly nay other material features of the proposed modification or exchange.
If the plan of the proposed action is set forth in a written document, file copies thereof
with the Commissioner at the time the preliminary proxy material is filed.
M. Mergers, Consolidations, Acquisitions, and Similar Matters
Furnish the following information if action is to be taken with respect to any plan for
the merger or consolidation of the issuer into or with any other person or of any other
person into or with the issuer, the acquisition by the issuer or any of its security holders
of securities of another issuer, the acquisition by the issuer of any other going business or
of the assets thereof, the sale or other transfer of all or any substantial part of the assets of
the issuer, or the liquidation or dissolution of the issuer:
1. Outline briefly the material features of the plan. State the reasons therefor and the
general effect thereof upon the rights of existing security holders. If the plan is set
forth in a written document, file three copies thereof with the Commissioner at the
time preliminary copies of the proxy statement and form of proxy are filed.
2. Furnish the following information as to the issuer and each person which is to be
merged into the issuer or into or with which the issuer is to be merged or consolidated
or the business or assets or to be acquired or which is the issuer of securities to be
acquired by the issuer in exchange for all or a substantial part of its assets or to be
acquired by security holders of the issuer. What is required is information essential to
an investor’s appraisal of the action proposed to be taken.
a. Describe briefly the business of such person.
b. State the location and describe the general character of the plants and other
important physical properties of such person. The description is to be given
from an economic and business standpoint, as distinguished from a legal
standpoint. Portfolio or investment assets of an issuer need not be enclosed.
c. Furnish a brief statement as to dividends in arrears or defaults in principal or
interest in respect of any securities of the issuer or of such person, and as to
the effect of the plan thereon and such other information as may be
appropriate in the particular case to disclose adequately the nature and effect
of the proposed action.
d. Furnish tabulation in columnar form showing the existing and the pro forma
capitalization.
e. Furnish in columnar form for each of the last five fiscal years an historical
summary of earnings and show per share amounts of net earnings, dividends
declared for each year and book value per share at the end of the latest period.
f. Furnish in columnar form for each of the last five fiscal years a combined pro
forma summary of earnings, as appropriate in the circumstances, indicating
the aggregate and per-share earnings for each such year and the pro forma
book value per share at the end of the latest period. If the transaction
establishes a new basis of accounting for assets of any of the persons included
therein, the pro forma summary of earnings shall be furnished only for the
most recent fiscal year and interim period and shall reflect appropriate pro
forma adjustments resulting from such new basis of accounting.
g. To the extent material for the exercise of prudent judgment in regard to the
matter to be acted upon, furnish the historical and pro forma earnings data
specified in (5) and (6) above for interim periods of the current and prior fiscal
years, if available.
3. Instructions.
a. Subparagraph (b) of this Item 13 shall not apply if the plan described in
answer to paragraph (a) involves only the issuer and one or more of its totally-
held subsidiaries.
b. As to each class of securities of the issuer, or of any person specified in
paragraph (b), which is admitted to dealing on a national securities exchange
or with respect to which a market otherwise exists, and which will be
materially affected by the plan, state the high and low sale prices (or, in the
absence of trading in a particular period, the range of the bid and asked prices)
for each quarterly period within two years. This information may be omitted if
the plan involves merely the liquidation or dissolution of the issuer.
N. Financial Statements
1. If action is to be taken with respect to any matter specified in Item 11, 12, 13 above,
furnish financial statements of the issuer and its subsidiaries complying with the
requirements of Section 4(b)(1), (2) and (3) of the Regulation including schedules of
supplementary profit and loss information. Such statements may be omitted with
respect to a plan described in answer to Item 13 if the plan involves only the issuer
and one or more of its totally-held subsidiaries.
2. If action is to be taken with respect to any matter specified in Item 13(b) furnish for
each person specified therein, other than the issuer, financial statements complying
with the requirements of Section 4(b)(1), (2) and (3) of the Regulation.
3. The Commissioner may, upon the request of the issuer, permit the omission of any of
the statements herein required where such statements are not necessary for the
exercise of prudent judgment in regard to any matter to be acted upon, or may permit
the filing in substitution therefor of appropriate statements of comparable character.
The Commissioner may also require the filing of other statements in addition to, or in
substitution for, the statements herein required in any case where such statements for
an adequate presentation of the financial statements are required, or whose statements
are otherwise material for the exercise of prudent judgment in regard to any matter to
be acted upon. In the usual case, financial statements are deemed material to the
exercise of prudent judgment where the matter to be acted upon is the authorization or
issuance of a material amount of senior securities, but are not deemed material where
the matter to be acted upon is the authorization or issuance of common stock,
otherwise than in an exchange, merger or consolidation, acquisition or similar
transaction.
4. The proxy statement may incorporate by reference any financial statements contained
in an annual report sent to security holders with respect to the same meeting as that to
which the proxy statement relates, provided such financial statements substantially
meet the requirements of this Item.
O. Acquisition or Disposition of Property.
If action is to be taken with respect to the acquisition or disposition of any property,
furnish the following information:
1. Describe briefly the general character and location of the property.
2. State the nature and amount of consideration to be paid or received by the issuer or
any subsidiary. To the extent practicably, outline briefly the facts bearing upon the
question of the fairness of the consideration.
3. State the name and address of the transferor or transferee as the case may be, and the
nature of any material relationship of such person to the issuer or an affiliate of the
issuer.
4. Outline briefly any other material features of the contract or transaction.
P. Restatement of Accounts
If action is to be taken with respect to the restatement of any asset, capital, or surplus
account of the issuer, furnishes the following information:
1. State the nature of the restatement and the date as of which it is to be effective.
2. Outline briefly the reasons for the restatement and for the selection of the particular
effective date.
3. State the name and amount of each account (including any reserve accounts) affected
by the restatement and the effect of the restatement thereon. Tabular presentationof
the amounts shall be made when appropriate, particularly in the case of
recapitalization.
4. To the extent practicable, state whether and the extent, if any, to which the
restatement will, as of the date thereof, alter the amount available for distribution to
the holders of equity securities.
Q. Action with Respect to Reports
If action is to be taken with respect to any report of the issuer or of its directors, officers
or committees or any minutes of its stockholders, furnish the following information:
1. State whether or not such action is to constitute approval or disapproval of any of the
matters referred to in such reports or minutes.
2. Identify each of such matters which it is intended will be approved or disapproved
and furnish the information required by the appropriate item or items of this Schedule
with respect to each such matter.
R. Matters Not Required to be Submitted
If action is to be taken with respect to any matter which is not required to be submitted to
a vote of security holders, state the nature of such matter, the reasons for submitting it to
a vote of security holder and what action is intended to be taken by the management in
the event of a negative vote on the matter by the security holders.
S. Amendment of Charter, Bylaws of Other Documents
If action is to be taken with respect to any amendment of the issuer’s charter, bylaws or
other documents as to which information is not required above, state briefly the reasons
for and general effect of such amendment.
Instruction: Where the matter to be acted upon is the classification of directors, state
whether vacancies which occur during the year may be filled by the board of directors to
serve only until the next annual meeting or may be so filled for the remainder of the full
term.
T. Other Proposed Action
`If action is to be taken with respect to any matter not specifically referred to above,
describe briefly the substance of each matter in substantially the same degree of detail as
is required by Items 5 to 19, inclusive, above.
U. Vote Required for Approval
As to each matter which is to be submitted to a vote of security holders, other than
elections to office or the selection or approval of auditors, state the vote required for its
approval.