1
 
                                  SCHEDULE 14A
 
                                 (RULE 14A-101)
 
                    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
 
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
 
          PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
 
                    EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO.   )
 
Filed by the Registrant /X/[X]
 
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant / /[ ]
 
Check the appropriate box:
 
                                             
/ /[ ]  Preliminary Proxy Statement
/ /  Confidential, for Use of the Commission
                                                Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
/X/[X]  Definitive Proxy Statement
/ /[ ]  Definitive Additional Materials
/ /[ ]  Soliciting Material Pursuant to sec.240.14a-11(c)Rule 14a-11(c) or sec.240.14a-12Rule 14a-12
[ ]  Confidential, for the Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
HASBRO, INC. - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name of Registrant as Specified Inin Its Charter) HASBRO, INC. - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)Statement) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): /X/ $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), or 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(i)(2) or Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A. / / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 14a-6(i)(3). / /[X] No fee required. [ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (5) Total fee paid: / /------------------------------------------------------------------------ [ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. / /[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. (1) Amount Previously Paid: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (3) Filing Party: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (4) Date Filed: 2 HASBRO, INC. 1027 NEWPORT AVENUE PAWTUCKET, RHODE ISLAND 02862 MAILING DATE: APRIL 5, 19964, 1997 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS MAY 15, 199614, 1997 Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Hasbro, Inc. (the "Company") will be held at 10:00 A.M. on May 15, 199614, 1997 at the offices of the Company, 1027 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, for the following purposes: 1. To elect fourfive directors of the Company to terms expiring in 1999;2000; 2. To ratify the selection by the Board of Directors of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as independent certified public accountants for the Company for the fiscal year ending December 29, 1996;28, 1997; and 3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Only holders of record of the Common Stock (the "Shareholders") at the close of business on March 29, 1996 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting and any adjournments thereof. Such Shareholders may vote in person or by proxy. The stock transfer books of the Company will not be closed. The Board of Directors recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the election of the fourfive persons nominated in the accompanying Proxy Statement and the ratification of the selection of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as the Company's independent certified public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 29, 1996.28, 1997. Shareholders are urged to attend the meeting in person. If you are not able to do so and wish that your stock be voted, you are requested to complete, sign, date and return the accompanying Proxy in the enclosed envelope. No postage is required if mailed in the United States. By Order of the Board of Directors PHILLIP H. WALDOKS Secretary Dated: April 5, 19964, 1997 3 HASBRO, INC. 1027 NEWPORT AVENUE PAWTUCKET, RHODE ISLAND 02862 Mailing Date: April 5, 19964. 1997 ------------------------ PROXY STATEMENT ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS ------------------------ This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors (the "Board") of Hasbro, Inc. (the "Company") of Proxies to be used at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company, to be held at 10:00 A.M. on May 15, 1996,14, 1997, at the offices of the Company, 1027 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and at any adjournments thereof. If Proxies in the accompanying form are properly executedcompleted and returned, the shares of the Company's common stock, par value $.50 per share (the "Common Stock"), represented thereby will be voted as instructed on the Proxy. If no instructions are given, such shares will be voted for the election of the fourfive persons nominated below and in favor of the ratification of the selection of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as independent certified public accountants for the Company for the fiscal year ending December 29, 1996.28, 1997. VOTING Holders of record (the "Shareholders") of the Common Stock on March 29, 199628, 1997 are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof. As of that date there were 87,125,639128,555,729 shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote and a majority of the outstanding shares will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on all matters to come before the meeting, including the election of directors. Any Proxy may be revoked by a Shareholder prior to its exercise upon written notice to the Secretary of the Company, by submission of a duly executed Proxy bearing a later date or by the vote of a Shareholder cast in person at the meeting. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (Proposal No.(PROPOSAL NO. 1) FourFive directors are to be elected at the Annual Meeting to terms expiring in 1999.2000. The Board has recommended as nominees for election as directors the first fourfive persons named in the table below. All of the nominees are currently directors of the Company. The Board is divided into three classes. The terms of the twelveten remaining directors expire in 19971998 and 1998.1999. Unless otherwise specified in the accompanying Proxy, the shares voted pursuant thereto will be cast for the persons named below as nominees for election as directors. If, for any reason, any of the nominees named below should be unable to serve as a director, it is intended that such Proxy will be voted for the election, in his or her place, of a substituted nominee who would be recommended by management. Management, however, has no reason to believe that any nominee named below will be unable to serve as a director. 4 The following table sets forth as to each nominee and as to each incumbent director whose term of office extends to 19971998 and 19981999 and who is, therefore, not a nominee for election as a director at this Annual Meeting: (i) his or her age; (ii) all positions and offices with the Company; (iii) principal occupation or employment during the past five years; (iv) other directorships of publicly held companies or investment companies; and (v) period of service as a director of the Company. Except as otherwise indicated, each person has had the same principal occupation or employment during the past five years. 4
POSITIONS WITH COMPANY, HAS BEEN PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND HAS BEEN A DIRECTOR TERM NAME AGE OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS DIRECTOR SINCE EXPIRES - -------------------------- ----------------------------- --- ---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------- -------------- ------- NOMINEES FOR TERM EXPIRING IN 1999 Sylvia K. Hassenfeld....... 75 Chairman of the Board, American Jewish 1983 * Joint Distribution Committee, Inc. ("JDC") since 1993. Prior thereto, President of JDC. Norma T. Pace.............. 74 President, Paper Analytics Associates 1984 * (economic consulting) since 1995. Senior Economic Advisor, WEFA Group (economic consulting and planning) since 1992. Prior thereto, President, Economic Consulting and Planning Incorporated. Director, Englehard Corp. Governor, United States Postal Service. E. John Rosenwald, Jr. .... 66 Vice Chairman, The Bear Stearns 1983 * Companies, Inc. (investment bankers). Director, The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. and Frequency Electronics, Inc. Alfred J. Verrecchia....... 53 Chief Operating Officer -- Domestic Toy 1992 * Operations. Director, Old Stone Corp. DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 1997 AND 1998 Alan R. Batkin............. 51 Vice Chairman, Kissinger Associates, 1992 1998 Inc. (geopolitical strategic consulting firm). Director, Infinity Broadcasting Corporation. George R. Ditomassi, Jr. .. 61 Chief Operating Officer, Games and 1992 1997 International. Nominees for Term Expiring in 2000 Harold P. Gordon........... 58Gordon............. 59 Vice Chairman since 1995. Prior thereto, 1988 1997* thereto, Partner, Stikeman, Elliott (law firm). Director, Alliance Communications Corporation, Fonorola Inc. and G.T.C. Transcontinental Group, Ltd. Alex Grass................. 68Grass................... 69 Chairman of the Executive Committee, 1981 1997* Rite Aid Corporation (drug store chain) since 1995. Prior thereto, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Rite Aid Corporation. Chairman of the Board, SuperRite Corporation. Alan G. Hassenfeld......... 47Hassenfeld........... 48 Chairman of the Board, President and 1978 1997* Chief Executive Officer.
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POSITIONS WITH COMPANY, HAS BEEN PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND A DIRECTOR TERM NAME AGE OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS SINCE EXPIRES - ------------------------- --- ---------------------------------------- ---------- -------- Marie Josee Kravis....... 46Kravis........... 47 Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute (public 1995 1997* (public policy analysis) since 1994. Prior thereto, Executive Director, Hudson Institute of Canada. Visiting Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations. Director, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Ford Motor Company, Hollinger International, Inc., The Molson Companies, Ltd., The Seagram Company Ltd. and Unimedia Inc. Preston Robert Tisch......... 71 Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive 1988 * Officer, Loews Corporation since 1994. Prior thereto, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Loews Corporation. Director, Bulova Watch Company, Inc., CNA Financial Corporation, Loews Corporation and Rite Aid Corporation. Directors Whose Terms Expire in 1998 and 1999 Alan R. Batkin............... 52 Vice Chairman, Kissinger Associates, 1992 1998 Inc. (geopolitical strategic consulting firm). Sylvia K. Hassenfeld......... 76 Former Chairman since 1996 and prior 1983 1999 thereto Chairman of the Board, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Inc. ("JDC") since 1993. Prior thereto, President of JDC. Claudine B. Malone....... 59Malone........... 60 President, Financial and Management 1992 1998 Consulting, Inc. Director, Dell Computer Corporation, Hannaford Brothers Co., Houghton Mifflin Company, Lafarge Corp., The Limited, Inc., Lowe's Companies, Inc., Mallinckrodt Group, Inc., Science Applications International Corporation and Union Pacific Resources Corporation. Morris W. Offit.......... 59Offit.............. 60 Chief Executive Officer, Offitbank 1995 1998 (investment management). Director, Aegon, USA, Inc., Cantel Industries, Inc. and Mercantile Bankshares Corporation. Norma T. Pace................ 75 President, Paper Analytics Associates 1984 1999 (economic consulting) since 1995. Senior Economic Advisor, WEFA Group (economic consulting and planning) since 1992. Director, Englehard Corp.
- - --------------- * Nominee
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POSITIONS WITH COMPANY, PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND HAS BEEN A TERM NAME AGE OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS DIRECTOR SINCE EXPIRES - - ----------------------------- --- -------------------------------------- -------------- ------- E. John Rosenwald, Jr........ 67 Vice Chairman, The Bear Stearns 1983 1999 Companies, Inc. (investment bankers). Director, The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc., Frequency Electronics, Inc. and HFS Inc. Carl Spielvogel.......... 67Spielvogel.............. 68 Chairman of the Board and Chief 1992 1998 Executive Officer, United Auto Group, Inc. (operator of multiple-franchise auto dealerships) since 1994. Prior thereto, Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Backer Spielvogel Bates Worldwide, Inc. (advertising) during 1994. Prior thereto, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Backer Spielvogel Bates Worldwide, Inc. Director, Data Broadcasting Inc. and Foamex International Incorporated. Henry Taub............... 68Taub................... 69 Honorary Chairman of the Board and 1986 1998 Chairman of the Executive Committee, Automatic Data Processing Company, Inc. Director, Automatic Data Processing Company, Inc., Bank Leumi Trust Company of New York and Rite Aid Corporation. Preston Robert Tisch..... 70 Co-ChairmanAlfred J. Verrecchia......... 54 Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Executive 1988 1997 Officer, Loews Corporation1992 1999 President -- Global Operations since 1994.1996. Prior thereto, President and Co-Chief ExecutiveChief Operating Officer Loews Corporation.-- Domestic Toy Operations. Director, Bulova Watch Company, Inc., CNA Financial Corporation, Loews Corporation and Rite Aid Corporation.
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POSITIONS WITH COMPANY, HAS BEEN PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND A DIRECTOR TERM NAME AGE OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS SINCE EXPIRES - ------------------------- --- ---------------------------------------- ---------- -------- Old Stone Corp. Paul Wolfowitz........... 52Wolfowitz............... 53 Dean, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced 1995 1998 International Studies, The Johns Hopkins University, since 1994. Prior thereto, Distinguished Visiting Fellow, National Defense University and George F. Kennan Professor of National Security Strategy, National War College during 1993. Prior thereto, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, U.S. Department of Defense. Prior thereto, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia. Director of eleven mutual funds of the Dreyfus Corporation.
* * * Sylvia K. Hassenfeld is the mother of Alan G. Hassenfeld. Those directors who are also executive officers of the Company serve as officers and directors of the Company's various subsidiaries at the request and convenience of the Company. During 1995,1996, the Board held sixeight meetings. Mr. TischOffit attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and the Committee on which he served during 1995.1996. The Executive Committee of the Board, which currently consists of Alan R. Batkin, Alan G. Hassenfeld, Norma T. Pace and E. John Rosenwald, Jr., met once in 1995.1996. The Executive Committee is vested with all of the powers that are held by the Board, except that by law the Executive Committee may not exercise any power of the Board relating to amendment of the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of the Company, adoption of a plan of merger or consolidation, the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all the property or assets of the Company or the voluntary dissolution of the Company. The Executive Committee also performs such functions as are assigned to it by the Board from time to time. The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board, which currently consists of Sylvia K. Hassenfeld, Henry Taub, Preston Robert Tisch and Paul Wolfowitz, met oncedid not meet in 1995.1996. The Nominating 3 6 and Governance Committee makes recommendations for possible additions to the Board.Board and at the request of the Board is authorized to make recommendations regarding the governance of the Board and the Committees thereof. The Nominating and Governance Committee has neither the authority nor the procedures to consider nominees recommended by shareholders. The By-Laws provide that shareholders may nominate directors at an annual meeting by giving notice to the Secretary of the Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the one-year anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting and providing specified information regarding the proposed nominee and each shareholder proposing such nomination. The Audit Committee of the Board, which currently consists of Alex Grass, Claudine B. Malone, Morris W. Offit and Norma T. Pace (Chair), held threesix meetings in 1995.1996. The function of the Audit Committee is to recommend to the Board the accounting firm to serve as the Company's independent auditors and to review with such firm, and with the Company's internal auditors and officers, matters relating to corporate financial reporting procedures and policies, adequacy of financial, accounting and operating controls and the scope of the respective audits performed by the Company's auditors and internal auditors. The Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the Board, which currently consists of Alan R. Batkin, E. John Rosenwald, Jr. (Chair)Marie Josee Kravis and Carl Spielvogel (Chair), held two meetings in 1995.1996. The Compensation and Stock Option Committee has been delegated primary responsibility for establishing and administering senior executive compensation programs (including the Senior Management Annual Performance Plan), is authorized to make grants and awards under the Company's employee stock option plans (including the 1992 Stock Incentive Plan and the Stock Incentive Performance Plan) and considers and recommends Board actions relating to compensation under certain other compensation plans. 4 7 Compensation of DirectorsCOMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS Members of the Board who are not otherwise employed by the Company ("Non-employee Directors") receive a retainer of $25,000 per year and a fee of $1,000 per Board or committee meeting attended, except that if two or more of such meetings are held on the same day, the fee for the first meeting is $1,000 and the fee for each additional meeting is $500. The Chair of the Audit Committee and the Chair of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee each receive an additional retainer of $3,500 per year. Action by written consent is not considered attendance at a meeting for purposes of fees to directors. Pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors (the "Deferred Compensation Plan"), which is unfunded, Non-employee Directors must defer a minimum of 20% of the annual Board retainer fee into a stock unit account, the value of each unit initially being equal to the fair market value of one share of Common Stock as of the end of the quarter in which the compensation being deferred would otherwise be payable. Stock units increase or decrease in value based on the fair market value of the Common Stock. In addition, an amount equal to the cash dividends paid on an equivalent number of shares of Common Stock is credited to each Non-employee Director's stock unit account as of the end of the quarter in which the dividend was paid. Non-employee Directors may defer the remainder of their retainer and/or meeting fees into the stock unit account or an interest account, which bears interest at the five year Treasury rate. The Company makes a deemed matching contribution to the stock unit account equal to 10% of the amount deferred, with one-half of such Company contribution vesting on December 31 of the calendar year in which the deferred compensation otherwise would have been paid and one-half on the next December 31, provided the participant is a director on such vesting date. Unvested Company contributions will automatically vest on death, total disability or retirement by the director at or after the mandatory retirement age then in effect. The current mandatory retirement age for directors is seventy-two, except that directors currently over the age of seventy need not retire prior to the age of eighty.seventy-two. The Deferred Compensation Plan provides that compensation deferred under the Deferred Compensation Plan, whether in the stock unit account or the interest account, will be paid out in cash after termination of service as a director. Directors may elect that compensation so deferred be paid out in a lump sum or in up to ten annual installments, commencing either in the quarter following, or in the January following, the quarter in which service as a director terminates. Under the Hasbro, Inc. Retirement Plan for Directors (the "Retirement Plan"), which is unfunded, each director (who is not otherwise eligible for benefits under the Company's Pension Plan) who has attained the age of sixty-five and completed five years of service on the Board is entitled to receive, beginning at age seventy-two, an annual benefit equal to the annual retainer payable to directors during the year in which the 4 7 director retires (which does not include the fees paid to directors for attendance at meetings). If a director retires on or after the director's seventy-second birthday, the annual benefit will continue for the life of the director. If a director retires between the ages of sixty-five and seventy-two, the number of annual payments will not exceed the retired director's years of service. Upon a Change of Control, as defined in the Retirement Plan, directors and retired directors are entitled to lump-sum payments equal to the present value of their benefits under the Retirement Plan. Under the Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors, approved by shareholders on May 11, 1994, each Non-employee Director then in office received on May 11, 1994, each Non-employee Director who joined the Board after May 11, 1994 received upon becoming a director,Director, and any new Non-employee Director will receive upon becoming a director,Director, a one-time grant of a nontransferable ten year option to purchase 5,0007,500 shares (as adjusted to reflect the 3 for 2 stock split paid in the form of a 50% stock dividend on March 21, 1997) of Common Stock at 110% of the fair market value per share of Common Stock on the date of grant. The options become exercisable at a rate of 20% per year commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant, except that exercisability will be accelerated upon a participant ceasing to be a member of the Board because of permanent disability, death, retirement at the mandatory retirement age then in effect or after a Change of Control, as defined in the Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors. Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and LitigationCERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS, RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND LITIGATION The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Hasbro Canada Inc. ("Hasbro Canada"), leases its manufacturing and warehouse facilities from Central Toy Manufacturing Co. ("CTMC"), a real estate corporation 5 8 which is 25% owned by the estate of Merrill Hassenfeld, a former Chief Executive Officer and director of the Company. Sylvia K. Hassenfeld, a director of the Company, is executrix and a beneficiary of the estate of Merrill Hassenfeld. Total rent paid by Hasbro Canada to CTMC for the lease of manufacturing and warehouse facilities in 19951996 was approximately $579,000 Canadian (approximately $421,000$425,000 U.S.). In management's opinion, these leases are on terms at least as favorable as would otherwise presently be obtainable. During 1994 and 1995,Since January 1, 1996, the Company has paid an aggregate of approximately $397,000 of legal expenses on behalf of George R. Ditomassi, Jr., a director and executive officer of the Company, pursuant to the Company's bylaws and the indemnification provisions of the Rhode Island Business Corporation Act. In 1997, Mr. Ditomassi reimbursed the Company in the aggregate amount of approximately $90,000$48,000 with respect to certain goods and services received in previous years. The Company and Mr. Ditomassi are reviewing whether any further reimbursement is appropriate, and, if so, the amount thereof. The Company and its subsidiaries paid an aggregate of approximately $32,000,000$20,000,000 in royalties to Time Warner Inc. ("Time Warner") and its subsidiaries for the Company's 19951996 fiscal year pursuant to character license agreements entered into at arms-length in the ordinary course of business. It is currently anticipated that royalties to be paid by the Company and its subsidiaries for the 1997 fiscal year ending December 29, 1996 to Time Warner and its subsidiaries pursuant to character license agreements will exceed $60,000. See "Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof". Since January 1, 1996, the Company has paid an aggregate amount of approximately $443,000 to Lindsay Associates for architectural services provided at arms-length in the ordinary course of business in connection with the redesign of the Company's headquarters. Lindsay Boutros-Ghali, an architect, is the principal of Lindsay Associates and the spouse of Adam Klein, an executive officer of the Company. Since December 30, 1996, the Company has paid an aggregate amount of approximately $61,000 to Heidrick & Struggles, an executive recruitment firm, pursuant to an agreement entered into at arms-length in the ordinary course of business. Mr. Thomas Rosenwald is a principal of Heidrick & Struggles and a brother of E. John Rosenwald, Jr., a director of the Company. 5 8 In connection with an unsolicited business combination proposal publicly announced by a third party in January 1996, the Company retained a subsidiary of The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. to assist the Company in evaluating the proposal. E. John Rosenwald, Jr., a director of the Company, is a Directordirector and Vice Chairman of The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. Following the public announcement of the unsolicited business combination proposal described above, seven purported class actions were filed in state court in Rhode Island. These actions, each of which is purportedly brought on behalf of a class consisting of all Company shareholders (other than the defendants)Island against the Company and certain of its officers and directors, allege in substance thatdirectors. In May 1996, all of these actions were voluntarily dismissed by the defendants breached their fiduciary duties by rejecting the unsolicited business combination proposal and/or failing to seek other business combination proposals from third parties. Pursuant to a stipulation, dated February 15, 1996, (i) plaintiffs' counsel will have sixty days to file a consolidated amended complaint in the first-filed action, which is captioned Cohen v. Hassenfeld, et al. and was filed on January 25, 1996, including therein all plaintiffs and claims in each of the actions; (ii) following the filing of the amended complaint, the parties will file stipulations voluntarily dismissing the actions other than the Cohen action withoutwith prejudice and without costs; and (iii) defendants will have sixty days from the dateany consideration, monetary or otherwise, given by or on behalf of any of the filing of the amended complaint to answer or otherwise move with respect thereto and in the interim discovery will be stayed. The Company believes that there is no merit to the plaintiffs' claims and, accordingly, intends to contest them vigorously.defendants. The vote of a majority of those shares present or represented by proxy at the meeting will beAnnual Meeting is required to elect directors. Accordingly, an abstention or broker non-vote will in effect constitute a vote against a nominee. THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE FOURFIVE NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE (PROPOSAL NO. 1). 6 9 COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN AMONG HASBRO, S&P 500 AND RUSSELL 1000 CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY ECONOMIC SECTOR(1) The following graph tracks an assumed investment of $100 on the start dates indicated below in the Company's Common Stock, the S&P 500 Index and the Russell 1000 Consumer Discretionary Economic Sector, assuming full reinvestment of dividends and no payment of brokerage or other commissions or fees. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance.
Russell 1000 Consumer Discretionary Measurement Period EconomicDiscretionary (Fiscal Year Covered) Hasbro S&P 500 Economic Sector 19901991 100 100 100 1991 251 128 146 1992 323 142 171129 111 117 1993 358143 121 124 1994 115 123 118 1995 125 169 141 1996 155 181 1994 288 157 172 1995 312 216 205213 161
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- HASBRO $100 $251 $323 $358 $288 $312 S&P 500 $100 $128 $142 $155 $157 $216 Russell 1000 Consumer Discretionary Economic Sector $100 $146 $171 $181 $172 $205
- - --------------- (1) While the information for Hasbro & the S&P 500 is as of the last trading day in Hasbro's fiscal year, the data for the Russell sectorSector is as of the last trading day in the calendar year. 76 109 REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 19951996 COMPENSATION POLICIES WITH RESPECT TO EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The general goal of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee (the "Committee") with respect to the compensation of executive officers (including those named in the summary compensation table below) is that the Company provide competitive compensation and benefits that - attract and retain capable executives who are important to the success of the Company, - reward them for performance, - provide them with a strong incentive to increase shareholder value, and - accomplish the foregoing in as fair, understandable and cost effectivecost-effective manner as possible. Executive compensation during 19951996 consisted of salary, a management incentive bonus and stock options. In authorizing and approving compensation increases and awards for executive officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer), the Committee relies principally upon the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer. Base salaries for new executive officers are initially determined by evaluating the responsibilities of the position held, the experience of the individual and the competitive marketplace for comparable executive talent. Subsequent yearly adjustments are made by reference to changes in duties and responsibilities, competitive market conditions and personal performance. In approving the increases to base salaries for 1995,1996, the Committee targeted the Company's pay levels to correspond with approximately the 75th percentile of salaries paid by other consumer non-durable products companies surveyed in Management Compensation Services Project 777 Executive Compensation Study, whose participants partially overlap with the companies included in the Russell 1000 Consumer Discretionary Economic Sector (the "Russell Sector") set forth in the above graph. The Frank Russell Company does not publish compensation data for the companies included in the Russell Sector. Approximately 1,3301,370 employees, including executive officers, were eligible for annual management incentive bonuses with respect to fiscal 1995. Individual1996. During 1996, the Committee, upon the recommendations of an outside compensation consultant, approved the establishment of corporate and business unit bonus pools based on fixed formulae keyed to corporate and business unit performance. A certain fixed percentage of a designated amount of corporate pre-tax profits with respect to corporate participants and differing fixed percentages of differing designated amounts of business unit pre-tax profits with respect to all other participants plus a higher fixed percentage of pre-tax profits above the designated fixed amounts of pre-tax profits were put into a pool to fund individual bonus awards. The designated fixed amounts of pre-tax profits for the corporation and individual business units are to increase by a fixed percentage each year with the same lower fixed percentage of pre-tax profits to apply to such higher designated pre-tax profit amount and the higher fixed percentage to apply only if such higher pre-tax profit amount is exceeded. In addition, individual awards to corporate participants are conditioned on the Company's achieving a certain fixed percentage return on equity. Corporate and business unit performance objectives are established atwere principally determined by management and the beginning of the year. Corporate performance objectives are determinedoutside consultant on the basis of a budget review carried out by senior management with respect to each operating unit which formsin turn formed the basis for the 1996 operating plan prepared by senior management and approved by the Board in February of each year. The remainder of this paragraph will outline the bonus programs applicable to executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer, whose bonus is discussed below. See "1995 Compensation of the Chief Executive Officer".1996. Target bonuses for executive officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer) range from 30% to 50%45% of base salary. Formula bonuses in excess of 100% of base salary with maximum bonuses ranging from 60% to 100% of base salary.require special Committee review and approval. The management incentive bonus for executive officers who are deemed to have corporate-wide responsibility (which include all the executive officers named in the summary compensation table below) was based 75% on corporate performance and 25% on individual performance.performance (except for the Chief Executive Officer, see "1996 Compensation of the Chief Executive Officer" below). The management incentive bonus for those individuals deemed to have divisionalbusiness unit responsibility was weighted 25%75% for corporate performance, 50% for divisionalbusiness unit performance and 25% for individual performance. The corporate performance measure for management incentive bonuses with respect to 1995 was based on a targeted net earnings objective, while the divisional performance measure was based primarily on targeted divisional pre-tax earnings objectives. The corporate performance for 1995 fell short of targeted corporate net earnings and most of the divisions fell short of their divisional pre-tax earnings targets. The 19951996 7 10 management bonuses for executive officers were based in part on the applicable corporate and divisional performancesbusiness unit performance and in part on the contribution of the individual. Most of theIn 1996, stock options granted in 1995 were granted to ten senior executives,approximately 530 employees, including all of those named in the summary compensation table below,executive officers, pursuant to the Company's long termemployee stock option plans. The Committee, which was composed solely of "disinterested persons" prior to August 15, 1996 and since that date has been composed solely of "Non-Employee Directors", each as defined in accordance with Rule 16b-3 of the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, granted individual options to executive officers in order to provide an incentive program established in 1993. Pursuantto motivate and retain those individuals who are important to the program, which isCompany's future success. Stock options are designed to supplementalign the Company's regularinterests of executives with those of shareholders, since the executives can only benefit from the options if there is price appreciation in the Common Stock after the date of grant. All stock option 8 11 program, nonqualified options are granted every other yearin 1996 were non-qualified, had an exercise price equal to key executives at 110% ofthe fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant vestingand vest over fivethree years. Under the program, value is provided to the executive only if share appreciation exceeds the premium. The amount of stock options previously awarded and outstanding for each executive officer who is granted options is reviewed by the Committee but is not considered a critical factor in determining the size of any executive stock option award in any year. Options granted were allocated on the basis of individual compensation level, responsibility and performance. During 1994, the Committee adopted a policy that all grantees under the long term incentive program must own Common Stock at certain mandated levels, provided that the grantee will have until the later of October 19, 1999 and five years from the date the individual is awarded his or her first grant under the program to establish his or her share ownership. The level of mandated share ownership ranges from 7,500 to 25,000 shares of Common Stock. 19951996 COMPENSATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER As set forth in the accompanying tables, Mr. Hassenfeld's salary of $927,577$957,900 for 19951996 represented an approximate 2.8%3.3% increase over his 19941995 salary, his management incentive bonus with respect to 19951996 was $220,000,$450,000 which represented approximately 23.7%47% of his 19951996 salary, and in 19951996 he was granted options to purchase 100,00037,500 (as adjusted to reflect the 3 for 2 stock split paid in the form of a 50% stock dividend on March 21, 1997) shares of Common Stock, which represented 13.5%2.0% of all options granted to employees during 1995. Mr. Hassenfeld's percentage of all options granted to employees in 1995 is unusually high because, except for certain isolated grants (principally to new hires or to reflect promotions), there were no grants under the Company's regular stock option program in 1995. Grants under the Company's regular stock option program resumed in 1996. All compensation decisions regarding Mr. Hassenfeld were made by the Committee, which is also composed solely of outside directors in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and distinterested persons in accordance with Rule 16b-3 of the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in all cases without the participation of Mr. Hassenfeld or other executive officers of the Company. In setting Mr. Hassenfeld's 19951996 salary, the Committee took into account comparative data with respect to chief executive officer compensation provided to the Committee with a view towards setting Mr. Hassenfeld's compensation levels at approximately the 75th percentile of other consumer non-durable products companies surveyed. The Committee determined Mr. Hassenfeld's management bonus pursuant to the Company's Senior Management Annual Performance Plan (the "Annual Performance Plan") which was approved by shareholders in 1994. Mr. Hassenfeld is the only participant in the Annual Performance Plan. Under the Annual Performance Plan, the Committee designated a net earnings performance goal for the Company for 1995,1996, which was based on the 19951996 operating plan approved by the Board in February 1995.1996. The target bonus for Mr. Hassenfeld under the Annual Performance Plan is 75% of salary, if 100% of the performance goal is achieved, with a maximum bonus of 150% of salary, if 130% or more of the performance goal is attained. No bonus is payable under the Annual Performance Plan unless at least 70% of the performance goal is attained. More than 70% but less than 100% of the targeted performance goal was achieved by the Company resulting in the bonus paid to Mr. Hassenfeld. The options granted to Mr. Hassenfeld in 1995 were made pursuant to the Company's long term incentive program discussed above.1996 reflected individual compensation level, responsibility and performance. Alan R. Batkin, E. John Rosenwald, Jr. (Chairman)Marie Josee Kravis and Carl Spielvogel (Chairman) as members of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors as of 19951996 fiscal year end. 98 1211 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The following table summarizes compensation paid by the Company for services rendered during 1996, 1995 1994 and 19931994 by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the four most highly compensated executive officersexecutives of the Company other than the Chief Executive Officer: SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
ANNUAL COMPENSATION ---------------------------------- LONG TERM ---------------------------------------OTHER COMPENSATION OTHER ANNUALANNUAL(A) ------------ ALL OTHEROTHER(C) NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION(a) OPTIONS COMPENSATION(b)COMPENSATION OPTIONS(B) COMPENSATION - ---------------------------------- ----- -------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- --------------- ------------ --------------------------- ------------ Alan G. Hassenfeld................ 1995 $927,577 $220,000 $35,295 100,000 $43,448Hassenfeld.................... 1996 $957,900 $450,000 $ 33,493 37,500 $ 44,171 Chairman of the Board, 1995 927,577 220,000 35,295 150,000 43,448 President and Chief Executive Officer 1994 902,286 221,600 34,301 30,00045,000 40,057 President and Chief 1993 872,807 600,000 30,439 210,000 68,070 Executive Officer Alfred J. Verrecchia..............Verrecchia.................. 1996 618,397 160,000 13,465 37,500 30,440 Executive Vice President 1995 597,400 130,000 11,974 70,000105,000 30,347 Chief Operating Officerand President -- Global Operations 1994 496,720 131,200 15,794 20,00030,000 26,081 Domestic Toy Operations 1993 474,196 335,000 13,741 135,000 37,688 George R. Ditomassi, Jr. .........Jr............... 1996 560,577 145,000 15,545 37,500 2,375 Executive Vice President 1995 540,192 165,000 16,945 65,00097,500 2,310 Chief Operating Officerand President -- Corporate Innovation 1994 489,238 172,000 16,000 25,00037,500 2,310 Games and International 1993 468,846 313,000 16,583 135,000 2,248 Harold P. Gordon..................Gordon...................... 1996 528,230 175,000 63,771 37,500 6,215 Vice Chairman 1995 455,650(c)455,650 135,000 17,746 150,000225,000 3,938 Vice Chairman John T. O'Neill...................O'Neill....................... 1996 462,840 175,000 8,599 37,500 25,357 Executive Vice President and 1995 436,450 150,000 10,176 50,00075,000 21,786 Executive Vice President andChief Financial Officer 1994 352,205 120,000 10,096 20,00030,000 16,387 Chief Financial Officer 1993 336,981 200,000 8,294 100,000 25,920
- - --------------- (a) Includes the following amounts which were included in 19951996 taxable income for each named individual in connection with a program whereby a leased automobile, or an automobile allowance, is provided to the executive by the Company: $10,295$8,493 for Mr. Hassenfeld, $10,474$11,715 for Mr. Verrecchia, $10,200 for Mr. Ditomassi, $4,998$9,727 for Mr. Gordon $9,325and $7,749 for Mr. O'Neill, and alsoO'Neill. Also includes the following amounts paid by the Company and included in 19951996 taxable income for each named individual in connection with a program whereby certain financial planning and tax preparation services are provided to the individual and paid for by the Company: $25,000 for Mr. Hassenfeld, $1,500$1,750 for Mr. Verrecchia, $6,745$5,345 for Mr. Ditomassi, $5,300$19,000 for Mr. Gordon, and $850 for Mr. O'Neill. Includes for Mr. Gordon $7,448$35,044 in relocation expenses reimbursed by the Company. Does not include other personal benefits that do not in the aggregate exceed $50,000 in any year for any individual. (b) All share amounts are adjusted to reflect the 3 for 2 stock split paid in the form of a 50% stock dividend on March 21, 1997. (c) Includes, except for Mr. Ditomassi and Mr. Gordon, the executive's pro-rata share of the Company's contribution to the profit-sharing account under the Company's Profit-SharingRetirement Savings Plan (the "Profit-Sharing"Retirement Savings Plan") which is in part contributed to the executive's account in the Profit-SharingRetirement Savings Plan and, to the extent in excess of certain Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the "Code") maximums, deemed allocated to the executive's account in the Company's unfunded Supplemental Benefit Retirement Plan (the "Supplemental Plan"), which in 19951996 amounted to $34,971$44,171 for Mr. Hassenfeld, $20,251$28,065 for Mr. Verrecchia, and $14,226$22,982 for Mr. O'Neill. Includes for each individual, other than Mr. Hassenfeld, and Mr. Gordon, the sum of $2,310,$2,375, which represents the Company's 25% match of sums saved in 19951996 by each named executive pursuant toin his savings account under the Company's Retirement Savings Plan and Supplemental Plan. Also includes $3,840 in premiums paid by the Company in 19951996 for an individual life insurance policiespolicy for Mr. Hassenfeld ($3,227), Mr. Verrecchia ($2,536) and Mr. Gordon ($3,405) and $533 deemed contributed to Mr. Gordon's stock unit account by the Company pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors for the period prior to his becoming an executive officer. (c) Includes $5,333 in retainer and meeting fees deferred into Mr. Gordon's stock unit account in the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors for the period prior to his becoming an executive officer.Gordon. * * * 109 1312 The following table sets forth certain information regarding stock option grants in 19951996 to the executive officers named above:above. All amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 3 for 2 stock split paid in the form of a 50% stock dividend on March 21, 1997. OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
% OF TOTAL NUMBER OF OPTIONS POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT SECURITIES GRANTEDNUMBER OF % OF TOTAL ASSUMED ANNUAL SECURITIES OPTIONS RATES OF STOCK UNDERLYING GRANTED TO PRICE APPRECIATION FOR OPTION OPTIONS EMPLOYEES EXERCISE TERM(a)FOR OPTION TERM(A) GRANTED IN FISCAL PRICE PER EXPIRATION ------------------------------------------------------------ NAME (b) (c)(B)(C) YEAR PER SHARE DATE 0% 5% 10% - --------------------------------------- ------------- -------------------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------- --- ------------------ ---------- Alan G. Hassenfeld..................... 100,000 13.5% $34.9938Hassenfeld........ 37,500 2.0% $ 23.5417 2/16/0515/06 0 $1,682,540 $4,751,960$555,196 $1,406,976 Alfred J. Verrecchia................... 70,000 9.5% 34.9938Verrecchia...... 37,500 2.0% 23.5417 2/16/0515/06 0 1,177,778 3,326,372555,196 1,406,976 George R. Ditomassi, Jr. .............. 65,000 8.8% 34.9938Jr...................... 37,500 2.0% 23.5417 2/16/0515/06 0 1,093,651 3,088,774555,196 1,406,976 Harold P. Gordon....................... 50,000 6.8% 34.9938Gordon.......... 37,500 2.0% 23.5417 2/16/0515/06 0 841,270 2,375,980 100,000(d) 13.5% 31.8125 2/16/05 0 2,000,670 5,070,090555,196 1,406,976 John T. O'Neill........................ 50,000 6.8% 34.9938O'Neill........... 37,500 2.0% 23.5417 2/16/0515/06 0 841,270 2,375,980555,196 1,406,976
- - --------------- (a) Potential realizable value is based on an assumption that the price of the Common Stock appreciates at the annual rates shown (compounded annually) from the date of grant until the end of the ten year option term. These numbers are calculated based on the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not reflect the Company's estimate of future stock price growth. With respect to the options described in footnote (b) below, if the price of the Common Stock appreciates during the term of the option by ten percent or less following the grant date, the value of these options to the executive would be zero. (b) These options other than the options described in footnote (d) below, were granted pursuant to the Company's long term incentive program under the Company's 1992 Stock Incentive Planare non-qualified and were granted at 110% of fair market value on the date of grant. See "Report of the CompensationThirty-three and Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors" above. Twentyone-third percent of these options becomeeach option becomes exercisable on the first anniversary of the date of grant and twentythirty-three and one-third percent becomebecomes exercisable on each anniversary thereafter until fully exercisable. OptionsAll options become fully vested in the event of death, disability andor retirement at the optionee's normal retirement date and are exercisable for a period of one year thereafter. An optionee taking early retirement may, under certain circumstances, exercise all or a portion of the options unvested at his or her early retirement date and may exercise such options for three years thereafter.months or such longer period as the Committee may approve. Upon termination of employment for any other reason, (including early retirement), an optionee may exercise only options vested at the date of the termination may be exercised, and are exercisable for a period of sixthree months following termination. (c) Upon a Change of Control, as defined below, all options become immediately exercisable and, with certain exceptions, will be canceled in exchange for a cash payment in the amount of the difference between the highest price paid for a share of Common Stock in the transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which the Change of Control shall have occurred or, if higher, the highest reported sales price of a share of Common Stock during the sixty-day period immediately preceding the date of the Change of Control. Participants may exercise options and satisfy tax withholding liabilities by payments in cash or by delivery of Common Stock equal to the exercise price and the tax withholding liability. In addition, participants may instruct the Company to withhold shares issuable upon exercise in satisfaction of tax withholding liability. (d) These options are non-qualified and were granted at fair market value on the date of grant. Thirty-three and one-third percent of each option becomes exercisable on the first anniversary of the date of grant and thirty-three and one-third percent becomes exercisable on each anniversary thereafter until fully exercisable. All options become fully vested in the event of death, disability or retirement at the optionee's normal retirement date and are exercisable for a period of one year thereafter. With the consent of the Board, upon the recommendation of the Committee, an optionee taking early retirement may exercise all or a portion of the options unvested at his or her early retirement date and may exercise such options for three months or such longer period as the Board, upon the recommendation of the 11 14 Committee, may approve. Upon termination of employment for any other reason, only options vested at the date of the termination may be exercised, and are exercisable for a period of three months following termination. * * * The following table sets forth as to each of the named executive officers: (a) the number of shares acquired upon exercise of options during fiscal 1995;1996; (b) the value realized (market value on date of exercise less exercise price) upon the exercise of such options during fiscal 1995;1996; (c) the number of exercisable and unexercisable options held on December 31, 1995,29, 1996, the last day of the 19951996 fiscal year; and (d) the value of such options at December 31, 1995.29, 1996. The number of options set forth below correspond to the number of shares to which they relate and have been adjusted to reflect the 3 for 2 stock split paid in the form of a 50% stock dividend on March 21, 1997. 10 13 AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED UNEXERCISED OPTIONS IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT DECEMBER 31, 199529, IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS 1996 AT DECEMBER 31, 199529, 1996 SHARES ACQUIRED VALUE ---------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- NAME ON EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE - -------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------- -------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ------------------------ ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- Alan G. Hassenfeld.........Hassenfeld........... -- -- 220,750 246,000 $1,700,626 $172,750475,125 262,500 $ 3,413,050 $ 746,009 Alfred J. Verrecchia....... -- -- 281,082 166,668 3,585,087 145,168Verrecchia......... 75,000 $1,688,195 447,874 186,250 4,308,664 542,854 George R. Ditomassi, Jr. ...... 31,500 559,125 300,699 182,751 1,660,816 544,312 Harold P. Gordon............. -- -- 153,299 165,001 1,015,029 149,959 Harold P. Gordon...........67,999 202,000 250,493 637,879 John T. O'Neill.............. -- -- 1,000 154,000 -- -- John T. O'Neill............ -- -- 122,548 124,702 903,507 107,368259,849 148,525 1,883,005 428,243
* * * The following table shows the estimated annual benefits payable upon retirement in specified remuneration and years of service classifications under the Company's Pension Plan (the "Pension Plan") and under the Supplemental Plan: PENSION PLAN TABLE
ESTIMATED ANNUAL RETIREMENT BENEFIT BY YEARS OF SERVICE CLASSIFICATION(2) AVERAGE ------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMPENSATION(1) 10 15 20 25 30 35(3) - ---------------- ------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- $ 200,000200,000............. $ 33,333 $ 50,000 $ 66,667 $ 83,333 $100,000 $100,000 400,000400,000............. 66,667 100,000 133,333 166,667 200,000 200,000 800,000800,000............. 133,333 200,000 266,667 333,333 400,000 400,000 1,200,0001,200,000............. 200,000 300,000 400,000 500,000 600,000 600,000 1,600,0001,600,000............. 266,666 400,000 533,333 666,667 800,000 800,000
- - --------------- (1) Covered compensation under the Pension Plan and the Supplemental Plan includes total salaries and bonuses (as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table) for the five highest consecutive years during the ten years preceding retirement ("Average Compensation"). (2) Estimated retirement benefit amounts shown are prior to reduction by an Internal Revenue Service designated amount keyed to a participant's latest three-year average Social Security entitlement. Amounts shown are computed on the single straight-life annuity option. Early retirement, which is permitted up to 10 years prior to the normal retirement date, and other payment options will reduce the annual benefit amount shown. Payments from the Supplemental Plan, which is unfunded, are not subject to provisions of the Code that limit benefits under the Pension Plan. As set forth in the above table and subject to the foregoing, the retirement benefit after thirty years of credited service is generally 50% of Average Compensation, except for certain employees (which include Mr. Ditomassi) who had substantial credited service with Milton Bradley Company prior to its acquisition by the Company, as to which the retirement benefit is 60% of Average Compensation. (3) For purposes of determining benefits under the Pension Plan and the Supplemental Plan, credited years of service cannot exceed 30. 1211 1514 The following table sets forth, as to the five named executive officers, their years of credited service under the Pension Plan and the Supplemental Plan:
CREDITED YEARS OF SERVICE ---------------(A) -------------- Alan G. Hassenfeld.......................................... 22Hassenfeld......................................... 28 Alfred J. Verrecchia....................................... 30 George R. Ditomassi, Jr. ...................................Jr.................................... 30 Alfred J. Verrecchia........................................ 26 Harold P. Gordon............................................ 1Gordon........................................... 2 John T. O'Neill............................................. 9O'Neill............................................ 10
- - --------------- (a) In 1996, the Pension Plan was amended, effective January 1, 1997, to delete a provision which reduced by five years the number of years of credited service of certain classes of Company employees employed prior to 1986. As a result, credited years of service for all named executive officers reflect actual years of service, subject to the 30 year maximum. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS The Company is party to employment agreements with certain executive officers. These agreements (or the form thereof) have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as exhibits to the Company's periodic filings. EightNine executive officers, including the five named executive officers, are parties to employment agreements (the "Agreements") with the Company. The Agreements come into effect only upon a "Change of Control," as defined, and continue for three years after such date (the "Employment Period"). If, during the Employment Period, an executive's employment with the Company is involuntarily terminated other than for "cause," the executive is entitled to three times the executive's average annual base salary and bonus for the five years preceding the Change of Control, plus an amount equal to the shortfall between the actuarial benefit payable to the executive under the Company's retirement plans as a result of the early termination and the amount the executive would have received if the executive had continued in the employ of the Company for the remainder of the Employment Period. The executive and the executive's family would also be entitled to the continuation of medical, welfare, life insurance, disability and other benefits for at least the remainder of the Employment Period. If the executive is subject to the payment of excise tax under Section 280G of the Code, the Company will pay such executive an additional amount so as to place the executive in the same after-tax position such executive would have been in had such excise tax not applied. In addition, the Agreements permit an executive to terminate the executive's employment for "Good Reason" at any time or for any reason during a 30-day period immediately following the first anniversary of the Change of Control and receive the above-described severance benefits. "Good Reason" includes diminution of the executive's responsibilities or compensation, relocation or purported termination otherwise than as expressly permitted by the Agreements. Under certain circumstances, certain payments by the Company pursuant to the Agreements may not be deductible for federal income tax purposes. A "Change of Control" is defined (for purposes of the Agreements, the Retirement Plan and the Company's stock option plans) as the occurrence of certain events, including acquisition by a third party of 20% or more of the Company's outstanding voting securities, a change in the majority of the Board or approval by shareholders of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution of the Company subject, in each case, to certain exceptions. "Cause" is defined (for purposes of the Agreements and the Agreement described in the next succeeding paragraph) as demonstrably willful or deliberate violations of the Employee's responsibilities which are committed in bad faith or without reasonable belief that such violations are in the best interests of the Company, which are unremedied after notice, or conviction of the Employee of a felony involving moral turpitude. Mr. Gordon (the "Employee") has an additional employment agreement, dated as of January 1, 1996 (the "Agreement"), pursuant to which he is receiving,received, effective February 1, 1996, annual salary of $526,000, which salary is subject to upward adjustment thereafter by the Company. The Employee is eligible to participate in the Company's management incentive bonus arrangements (with a target bonus of 45% of base salary, a threshold of 10% and a maximum of 90%), as well as other benefit plans and programs available to senior executives and employees generally. The Company agrees to use its best efforts to cause Employee to be nominated for re-election as a Director upon expiration of his current or any future term and to recommend such re-election. If the Employee's employment terminates for any reason, he will be entitled to a life annuity payment from the 12 15 Company equal to 3.33% of his "Final Average Pay" multiplied by the number of full years employed, payable at age 65, less any amounts payable under the Company's Pension Plan, Supplemental Plan or U.S. Social 13 16 Security. In addition, the Company will maintain a key executive life insurance policy in an amount sufficient to pay a life annuity benefit commencing at age 65 (or termination of employment, if later) of $225,000 per year. If the Employee is terminated by the Company (other than for "cause""Cause") prior to February 1, 2000, he would be entitled to an annual life insurance annuity benefit of $160,714 and may acquire additional years of vested benefits at a cost of $216,480 per year. If he dies before the commencement of the life insurance annuity payments, his beneficiary would receive a lump sum death benefit of $1,500,000 and none of the other life insurance annuity payments would be payable. If he dies after the life insurance annuity payments begin but before the receipt of 240 months of payments, the balance of said 240 months of payments will be made to his beneficiary. If the insurance policy value is insufficient to make the foregoing payments, the Company will make these payments from its general assets. The Employee is entitled to severance pay underIf the Agreement if Employee is terminated (other than for "cause""Cause") prior to January 31, 2000. If the termination occurs prior to January 31, 1998, the amount of severance pay ishe would receive three years of base salary as severance pay, with the amountlength of the severance pay reduced by three months for every additional three months of service thereafter.thereafter until January 31, 2000. In the event of a Change of Control (as defined above), the Employee would be entitled to receive the greater of the severance benefits set forth in the immediately preceding sentence and the amounts payable under his Change of Control employment agreementthe Agreement described in the immediately preceding paragraph.paragraph (the "Change of Control Agreement"). The Agreement also amended the Employee's Change of Control agreementAgreement to make certain clarifying and conforming changes. The Company agreed to provide short-term financing during the Employee's transition to the Company at the Company's cost of borrowing in connection with Employee's Canadian tax obligations or planning opportunities, to pay for the issuance of any letter of credit that may be required by Canadian tax authorities for exit purposes and generally to use its best efforts to provide the necessary financial and legal assistance to eliminate negative effects on the Employee due to differences in the Canadian and U.S. tax systems. The Employee is entitled to relocation benefits under existing policies except that such benefits are provided for both of Employee's Canadian residences. Further, if Employee purchases a primary residence in the United States and is terminated (other than for "cause""Cause") within the first seven years of employment, the Company will provide relocation assistance for such residence including a guarantee of the original purchase price thereof plus the fair market value of any capital improvements. In addition, the Employee shall receive such additional relocation benefits as may be agreed between the chief executive officer and the Employee. The Employee may terminate his employment and collect benefits under the Agreement within one year after any diminution of his responsibilities, removal from or failure to be re-elected to the Board, relocation or any breach by the Company of any of its obligations described above or any other material breach of the Agreement by the Company. "Final Average Pay" is defined in the Agreement as one-fifth of total salaries and bonuses received by the Employee in the five highest consecutive years of employment or if Employee was employed for less than five years, the annualized average of salaries and bonuses. Dan D. Owen, an executive officer of the Company (the "Executive"), who is party to one of the Agreements described above (the "ChangeChange of Control Agreement")Agreements, is also party to a Severance and Settlement Agreement and Release, as amended effective January 1, 1997 (the "Severance Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company would continue to pay the Executive an amount equal to the equivalent of two years'year's base salary in effect on the date of termination, plus applicable bonuses, if the ExecutiveExecutive's employment is terminated voluntarily or involuntarily terminated without cause, is constructively terminated(except for "Cause" or terminatedin the event of death) on or prior to June 30, 1998, less applicable withholdings and, in the case of termination due to disability, less applicable withholdings and disability benefits provided under Company plans. The Executive, as long as he is unemployed, will also continue to participate in the Company's leased automobileauto lease and health insurance programs for one year. In the event of death, the Executive's estate would receive four month's salary. The Executive will not compete with the Company during the period of the Severance Agreement. Upon a "Change of Control," the Executive's Change of Control Agreement will supersede the Severance Agreement. "Cause" is defined in the Severance Agreement as a good faith finding by the Company of a material failure to perform assigned duties, dishonesty, gross negligence or misconduct. "Constructive Termination" means a termination byIn addition, all vested options of the Executive at termination of employment will be exercisable for six months after termination and certain options that would have become vested within one year of a substantial diminution of responsibilities or compensation or a relocation. 14six months following termination would continue to vest and become exercisable for three months after such vesting. 13 1716 VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial OwnersSECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS The following table sets forth information, as of March 15, 199621, 1997 (except as noted), with respect to the ownership of the Common Stock (the only class of outstanding voting securities of the Company) by certain persons known by the Company to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of such stock:
AMOUNT AND NATURE NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL PERCENT OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP(1) OF CLASS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ Alan G. Hassenfeld.................................. 8,234,973(2) 9.4Hassenfeld................................... 12,285,458(2) 9.5 1027 Newport Avenue Pawtucket, RI 02862 TIME WARNER INC..................................... 12,057,561(3) 13.8INC. .................................... 18,086,341(3) 14.1 75 Rockefeller Center New York, NY 10019 FMR CORP............................................ 10,634,706(4) 12.2CORP. ........................................... 17,636,154(4) 13.7 82 Devonshire Street Boston, MA 02109 RUANE, CUNIFF & CO., INC............................ 6,353,754(5) 7.3 767 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10153 THE CAPITAL GROUP COMPANIES, INC.................... 4,502,630(6) 5.2 333 South Hope Street Los Angeles, CA 90071Boston, MA 02109
- - --------------- (1) Based upon information furnished by each shareholder or contained in filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 3 for 2 stock split paid in the form of a 50% stock dividend on March 21, 1997. (2) Includes 3,951,5215,927,281 shares held as sole trustee for the benefit of his mother, 686,098 shares held as personal representative of the Estate of Stephen Hassenfeld, 368,599552,898 shares held as sole trustee of a trust for Mr. Hassenfeld's benefit and presentlycurrently exercisable options to purchase 291,750571,625 shares. Mr. Hassenfeld has sole voting and investment authority with respect to all shares except those described in the following sentence, as to which he shares voting and investment authority. Also includes 240,000726,900 shares owned by The Hassenfeld Foundation, of which Mr. Hassenfeld is an officer and director, as to which shares Mr. Hassenfeld disclaims beneficial ownership, 567,747 shares held as one of the trustees of a charitable lead trust for the benefit of The Hassenfeld Foundation and 68,541102,811 shares held as one of the trustees of a trust for the benefit of his mother and her grandchildren. (3) These shares are owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. ("Time Warner"). In December 1992, Time Warner sold in a public offering approximately $1.65 billion (principal amount at maturity) of Liquid Yield OptionTMOptions(TM) Zero Coupon -- Senior Notes due 2012 ("LYONS(TM)"). Each LYON, whose original issue price was $292.04 and whose principal amount at maturity will be $1,000, is exchangeable at the option of the holder for 7.30110.9515 (rounded to the nearest .0001 of a share) shares of the Common Stock of the Company owned by Time Warner. Time Warner may elect to deliver cash in lieu of Common Stock to any LYON holder who elects to exchange a LYON for Common Stock. The LYONS are not redeemable, and no LYON holder may elect to cause Time Warner to repurchase any LYON, prior to December 17, 1997. In August 1995, Time Warner Financing Trust sold in a public offering 12,057,561 $1.24 Preferred Exchangeable Redemption Cumulative Securities ("PERCS(R)"). Each of the PERCS, whose original issue price was $31, pays cumulative cash distributions of $1.24 per annum and is mandatorily redeemable for cash on December 23, 1997 at the lesser of $54.41 and the average of the closing prices of one share1.5 shares of Common Stock for the five trading day period ending on the trading day immediately preceding December 17, 1997, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid distributions to the mandatory redemption date. Time Warner has the right to pay the redemption price of the PERCS through a combination of shares of Common Stock and cash. As a result of the issuance of the PERCS and the existence of the LYONS described above, Time Warner has stated that it intends to retain possession of its shares of Common Stock until it delivers such shares to satisfy its obligations in respect of either the PERCS or the LYONS. Time Warner retains sole voting and investment authority over these shares. 15 18 (4) FMR Corp. has sole voting power over 620,802740,914 shares, no voting power over 10,013,90416,895,232 shares and sole investment power over 10,634,70617,636,154 shares. Fidelity Management & Research Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR Corp., owns 9,820,50416,508,082 shares of Common Stock as an investment advisor to various investment 14 17 companies. Its holdings include 87,612549,735 and 2,634,5004,077,750 shares of Common Stock owned upon the assumed exchangeconversion of $12,000,000$10,444,000 principal amount of LYONSthe Company's Convertible Subordinated Notes due 1998 (the "Convertible Notes") and 2,634,500the assumed exchange of 2,718,500 PERCS, respectively. Fidelity Management Trust Company, a bank and another wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR Corp., owns 814,2021,128,072 shares as investment manager of institutional accounts. Its holdings include 437,400160,569 and 256,350 shares of Common Stock owned upon assumed conversion of $3,140,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes and the assumed exchange of 437,400 PERCS.170,900 PERCS, respectively. Edward C. Johnson 3d and Abigail P. Johnson may, together with certain Johnson family members and trusts, be deemed to form a controlling group with respect to FMR Corp. The foregoing information is as of JanuaryDecember 31, 1996. (5) Ruane Cuniff & Co., Inc., a broker dealer and investment advisor, has the sole voting authority over 4,932,925 shares and no voting authority over 1,420,829 shares. It shares investment authority as to 3,562,600 shares and has sole investment authority over 2,791,154 shares. The foregoing information is as of December 31, 1995. (6) Certain operating subsidiaries of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. exercise investment discretion over various institutional accounts which hold 4,502,630 shares. Capital Guardian Trust Company, a bank, and one of such operating companies, exercises sole investment discretion over 2,585,460 of said shares. Capital Research and Management Company and Capital International, Inc., registered investment advisors, have sole investment discretion with respect to 1,911,930 and 5,220 shares, respectively. These operating subsidiaries have sole voting power over an aggregate of 1,586,200 shares and have no voting power with respect to 2,916,430 of such shares. Includes 345,680 shares issuable upon conversion of an aggregate of $10,140,000 principal amount of the Company's 6% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 1998 and 733,750 shares owned upon the assumed exchange of $100,500,000 principal amount of LYONS. The foregoing information is as of December 29, 1995. Security Ownership of ManagementSECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT The following table sets forth information, as of March 15, 1996,21, 1997, with respect to the ownership of the Common Stock (the only class of outstanding equity securities of the Company) by each director of the Company, each named executive officer and by all directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole voting and investment authority.
PERCENT COMMON PERCENT OF NAME OF DIRECTOR OR EXECUTIVE OFFICER(1) STOCK CLASS - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ------------------ Barry J. Alperin(2)..................................................... 205,432 * Alan R. Batkin(3)....................................................... 2,750Batkin(2)............................................... 10,971 * George R. Ditomassi, Jr. (4)............................................ 213,638(3)..................................... 370,458 * Harold P. Gordon(5)..................................................... 46,083Gordon(4)............................................. 149,824 * Alex Grass(6)........................................................... 13,411Grass(5)................................................... 26,681 * Alan G. Hassenfeld (7).................................................. 8,234,973 9.4Hassenfeld(6)........................................... 12,285,458 9.5 Sylvia K. Hassenfeld(8)................................................. 280,196Hassenfeld(7)......................................... 789,454 * Marie Josee Kravis...................................................... -- --Kravis(8)........................................... 1,807 * Claudine B. Malone(9)................................................... 2,200........................................... 5,560 * Morris W. Offit(10)..................................................... 1,000............................................. 3,394 * John T. O'Neill (11).................................................... 159,732O'Neill(11)............................................. 267,625 * Norma T. Pace (12)...................................................... 2,690Pace(12)............................................... 8,814 * E. John Rosenwald, Jr.(13).............................................. 92,000...................................... 145,432 * Carl Spielvogel(14)..................................................... 20,867............................................. 36,555 * Henry Taub(15).......................................................... 5,000.................................................. 13,725 * Preston Robert Tisch(16)................................................ 3,500........................................ 7,510 *
16 19
COMMON PERCENT OF NAME OF DIRECTOR OR EXECUTIVE OFFICER(1) STOCK CLASS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------- Alfred J. Verrecchia(17)................................................ 407,658........................................ 632,738 * Paul Wolfowitz(18)...................................................... 1,000.............................................. 5,545 * All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (includes 25 persons)(19)............................................. 9,932,735.................................................. 14,739,480 11.2
- - --------------- * Less than one percent. (1) Information in this table is based upon information furnished by each director and executive officer. All amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 3 for 2 stock split paid in the form of a 50% stock dividend on March 21, 1997. (2) Represents presently exercisable options granted under the Company's employee stock option plans. (3) Includes presentlycurrently exercisable options and options exercisable within sixty days hereof granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors to purchase an aggregate of 2,000 shares. Does not include 2,3784,500 shares as well as 5,346 shares deemed to be held in Mr. Batkin's stock unit account under the Deferred Compensation Plan. (4)(3) Includes presentlycurrently exercisable options granted under the Company's employee stock option plans to purchase 201,466an aggregate of 352,200 shares. (5)15 18 (4) Includes presentlycurrently exercisable options and options exercisable within sixty days hereof granted under the Company's stock option plans to purchase an aggregate of 45,333 shares. Does not include 1,468146,100 shares as well as 2,224 shares deemed to be held in Mr. Gordon's stock unit account under the Deferred Compensation Plan. (6)(5) Includes presentlycurrently exercisable options and options exercisable within sixty days hereof granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors to purchase an aggregate of 2,000 shares. Does not include 7,5004,500 shares owned by the spouse of Mr. Grass, as to which Mr. Grass disclaims beneficial ownership, and 2,254well as 5,065 shares deemed to be held in Mr. Grass' stock unit account under the Deferred Compensation Plan. (7)Does not include 11,250 shares owned by the spouse of Mr. Grass, as to which Mr. Grass disclaims beneficial ownership. (6) See note (2) to the immediately preceding table. (8)(7) Includes presentlycurrently exercisable options and options exercisable within sixty days hereof granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors to purchase an aggregate of 2,0004,500 shares, and 240,000726,900 shares owned by The Hassenfeld Foundation, of which Mrs. Hassenfeld is an officer and director, and as to the shares of which she disclaims beneficial ownership.ownership, and 760 shares deemed to be held in Mrs. Hassenfeld's stock unit account under the Deferred Compensation Plan. Does not include the shares of Common Stock held in trust for Mrs. Hassenfeld's benefit referred to in note (2) to the immediately preceding table or 355table. (8) Represents currently exercisable options granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors to purchase 1,500 shares as well as 307 shares deemed to be held in Mrs. Hassenfeld'sKravis' stock unit account under the Deferred Compensation Plan. (9) Includes presentlycurrently exercisable options and options exercisable within sixty days hereof granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors to purchase an aggregate of 2,000 shares. Does not include 3554,500 shares as well as 760 shares deemed to be held in Ms. Malone's stock unit account under the Deferred Compensation Plan. (10) Represents options currently exercisable and exercisable within sixty days hereof granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors to purchase 1,000 shares. Does not include 113an aggregate of 3,000 shares as well as 394 shares deemed to be held in Mr. Offit's stock unit account under the Deferred Compensation Plan. (11) Includes presentlycurrently exercisable options granted under the Company's employee stock option plans to purchase an aggregate of 158,232252,625 shares. (12) Includes presently exercisable options and options exercisable within sixty days hereof granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors to purchase 2,000 shares. Does not include 1,451 shares deemed to be held in Mrs. Pace's stock unit account under the Deferred Compensation Plan. (13) Includes presentlycurrently exercisable options and options exercisable within sixty days hereof granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors to purchase an aggregate of 2,000 shares.4,500 shares as well as 3,279 shares deemed to be held in Mrs. Pace's stock unit account under the Deferred Compensation Plan. (13) Includes currently exercisable options and options exercisable within sixty days hereof granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors to purchase an aggregate of 4,500 shares as well as 5,932 shares deemed to be held in Mr. Rosenwald's stock unit account under the Deferred Compensation Plan. Does not include shares held by The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. in an investment account. Mr. Rosenwald is Vice Chairman of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. Also does not include 2,735 shares deemed to be held in Mr. Rosenwald's stock unit account under the Deferred Compensation Plan. 17 20 (14) Includes presentlycurrently exercisable options and options exercisable within sixty days hereof granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors to purchase an aggregate of 2,000 shares. Does not include 1,0654,500 shares as well as 2,322 shares deemed to be held in Mr. Spielvogel's stock unit account under the Deferred Compensation Plan. (15) Includes presentlycurrently exercisable options and options exercisable within sixty days hereof granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors to purchase an aggregate of 2,000 shares. Does not include 2,1484,500 shares as well as 4,725 shares deemed to be held in Mr. Taub's stock unit account under the Deferred Compensation Plan. (16) Includes presentlycurrently exercisable options and options exercisable within sixty days hereof granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors to purchase an aggregate of 2,000 shares. Does not include 3554,500 shares as well as 706 shares deemed to be held in Mr. Tisch's stock unit account under the Deferred Compensation Plan. 16 19 (17) Includes presentlycurrently exercisable options granted under the Company's employee stock option plans to purchase 330,249an aggregate of 516,625 shares. Does not include 67,500101,250 shares owned by Mr. Verrecchia's spouse, 1,875 shares owned by one of Mr. Verrecchia's daughters, 1,3502,025 shares owned by Mr. Verrecchia as trustee of a trust for anotherone of his daughters and 525787 shares owned directly by that daughter, and 1,3502,025 shares owned by Mr. Verrecchia as trustee of a trust for a third daughter and 525 shares owned directly by thatanother daughter, as to which in each case Mr. Verrecchia disclaims beneficial ownership. (18) Represents options currently exercisable and exercisable within sixty days hereof granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-employee directors to purchase 1,000 shares. Does not include 708an aggregate of 3,000 shares as well as 2,545 shares deemed to be held in Mr. Wolfowitz's stock unit account under the Deferred Compensation Plan. (19) Of these shares, all directors and executive officers as a group have sole voting and investment power with respect to 9,546,26913,224,685 shares and have shared voting and/or investment power with respect to 386,4661,514,795 shares. Includes 1,702,7452,440,487 shares purchasable by directors and executive officers upon exercise of presentlycurrently exercisable options, or options exercisable within sixty days hereof, granted under the Company's stock option plans. Compliance with Section 16(a) ofplans and 34,419 shares deemed to be held in stock unit accounts under the Exchange ActDeferred Compensation Plan. SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act, as amended, requires the Company's directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the American Stock Exchange initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company. Executive officers, directors and greater than ten-percent shareholders are required by regulation promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To the Company's knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports were required during the last fiscal year ended December 31, 1995,29, 1996, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than ten-percent beneficial owners were complied with.with, except that Mr. Gordon filed a late report in 1997 with respect to his gift of shares and a stock option grant to him in 1996 and amended that report to reflect certain shares deemed to be held in his account under the Deferred Compensation Plan and Mr. Spielvogel filed a late report in 1997 with respect to three purchases of shares in July 1992 and amended a report in 1997 to reflect a gift of shares by him in 1996 and the foregoing purchases. RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF AUDITORS (Proposal No.(PROPOSAL NO. 2) The Board, upon recommendation of the Audit Committee of the Board, has selected KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants, to audit the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 29, 1996.28, 1997. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP has acted as independent certified public accountants for the Company since 1964 and has advised that neither it nor any of its members has any direct financial interest or any material indirect financial interest in the Company or any of its subsidiaries, nor any connection with the Company or any of its subsidiaries during the past three years other than as an independent certified public accountant and in furnishing certain related services. A representative of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to 18 21 make a statement, if so desired, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting is required for approval of Proposal No. 2. Accordingly, both an abstention and a broker non-vote will in effect constitute a vote against Proposal No.2. PROPOSAL NO. 2 ISNo. 2. THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDER VOTE FOR RATIFICATION OF SUCH SELECTION AND THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THIS PROPOSAL.(PROPOSAL NO. 2). 17 20 OTHER BUSINESS Management knows of no other matters that may be presented to the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matter properly comes before the meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, it is intended that Proxies in the accompanying form will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the persons named therein. PROPOSALS BY HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK Any proposal which a shareholder of the Company wishes to have considered for inclusion in the proxy statement and proxy relating to the Company's 19971998 Annual Meeting must be received by the Company at its executive offices no later than December 6, 1996.2, 1997. The address of the Company's executive offices is 1027 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02862. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A copy of the Annual Report of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 199529, 1996 accompanies this Proxy Statement. COST OF SOLICITATION The cost of soliciting Proxies in the accompanying form has been or will be borne by the Company. The Company has retained D.F. King & Co., Inc., at an estimated cost of $4,000 plus reimbursement of expenses, to assist in its solicitation of proxies from brokers, nominees, institutions and individuals. In addition to solicitation by mail, arrangements will be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to send proxies and proxy material to their principals and the Company will reimburse them for any reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith. It is important that your shares be represented at the meeting. If you are unable to be present in person, you are respectfully requested to mark, sign and date the enclosed Proxy and return it in the pre-addressed envelope as promptly as possible. No postage is required if mailed in the United States. By Order of the Board of Directors Phillip H. Waldoks Secretary Dated: April 5, 19964, 1997 Pawtucket, Rhode Island 1918 21 HASBRO, INC. Annual Meeting of Shareholders - May 14,1997 P THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS R The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement of Hasbro, Inc. (the "Company") and hereby appoints ALAN G. HASSENFELD and HAROLD P. GORDON and each of them, with O full power of substitution to each of them, as attorneys and proxies to appear and vote all of the shares of Common Stock standing in the name of the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company, to be X held on May 14, 1997 at 10:00 A.M. at the offices of the Company, 1027 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and at any adjournments thereof. Y UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" PROPOSALS 1 AND 2 AND IN SUPPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS THEREOF. PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE ON REVERSE SIDE AND PROMPTLY MAIL IN ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. SEE REVERSE SIDE 22 HASBRO, INC. P ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS -- MAY 15, 1996 R O THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS X Y The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement of Hasbro, Inc. (the "Company") and hereby appoints ALAN G. HASSENFELD and HAROLD P. GORDON and each of them, with full power of substitution to each of them, as attorneys and proxies to appear and vote all of the shares of Common Stock standing in the name of the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company, to be held on May 15, 1996 at 10:00 A.M. at the offices of the Company, 1027 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and at any adjournments thereof. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" PROPOSALS 1 AND 2 AND IN SUPPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS THEREOF. PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE ON REVERSE SIDE AND PROMPTLY MAIL IN ENCLOSED ENVELOPE
see reverse side 231027 NEWPORT AVENUE PAWTUCKET, RI 02862 April 4, 1997 Dear Fellow Shareholders: You are cordially invited to attend the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Hasbro, Inc. to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 1997 at the Company's worldwide headquarters, 1027 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement contain detailed information as to the formal business to be transacted at the meeting. Your vote matters. Whether or not you plan to attend the 1997 Annual Meeting. It is important that your shares be voted. Accordingly, please complete, sign and date the proxy card attached below and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. You may, of course, attend the 1997 Annual Meeting and vote in person, even if you have previously returned your proxy card. I am looking forward to seeing you there. Sincerely, Alan G. Hassenfeld Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD Detach Here [x] Please mark votes as in this example /X/example. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" PROPOSALS 1 AND 2. 1. Election of Directors:Directors For Terms Expiring in 1999 -- Sylvia K.2000: Harold P. Gordon, Alex Grass, Alan G. Hassenfeld, Norma T. Pace, E. John Rosenwald, Jr.Marie Josee Kravis and Alfred J. Verrecchia.Preston Robert Tisch FOR / / WITHHELD / /[ ] [ ] -------------------------------------- For all nominees except as noted above 2. Ratification of the selection of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as independent accountants of the Company for the 19961997 fiscal year. FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / / ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For all nominees except as noted above[ ] [ ] [ ] 3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. MARK HERE FOR ADDRESS [ ] CHANGE AND NOTE AT LEFT / / Sign exactly as name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing in a representative capacity, please give full title as such. If more than one name is shown, includinginclude the case of joint tenants, each partyperson should sign. Signature: Date ------------------ ---------_______________ Date: ______ Signature: Date ------------------ ---------_______________ Date: ______