FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED
NAME: BOATRACS INC /CA/
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000700941
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL
CLASSIFICATION: COMMUNICATION SERVICES, NEC
IRS NUMBER: 330644381
STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: DEF 14A
SEC ACT: 1934 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-11038
FILM NUMBER: 96547500
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 6440 LUSK BLVD
STREET 2: STE D201
CITY: SAN DIEGO
STATE: CA
ZIP: 92121
BUSINESS PHONE: 6195871981
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 6440 LUSK BLVD
STREET 2: STE D201
CITY: SAN DIEGO
STATE: CA
ZIP: 92101
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FIRST NATIONAL CORP /CA/
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703
</DISCLOSURE-HEADER>
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
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
Check the appropriate box:
Preliminary Proxy Statement Confidential, for
Use of the Commission Only
(as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
X Definitive Proxy Statement
Definitive Additional Materials
Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
Boatracs, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the
Registrant)
(Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
X $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 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).
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: $125
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.: DEF 14A
(3) Filing Party: Registrant
(4) Date Filed: March 27, 1997
BOATRACS, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
to be held on
May 7, 1997
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of the
Stockholders of BOATRACS, Inc., a California corporation (the
"Company"), will be held at QUALCOMM, Inc., 6455 Lusk Boulevard,
San Diego, California 92121 on May 7, 1997, at 2:00 p.m. for the
following purposes:
1. To elect a Board of six Directors;
2. To consider and act upon a proposal to ratify and
approve certain amendments to the BOATRACS, Inc. 1996 Stock
Option Plan; and
3. To consider and act upon any other matters which may
properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournment
thereof.
In accordance with the provisions of the bylaws, the Board
of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 21, 1997,
as the record date for the determination of the holders of Common
Stock entitled to notice of and to vote at said Annual Meeting.
Your attention is directed to the accompanying Proxy
Statement. Stockholders who do not expect to attend the Annual
Meeting in person are requested to date, sign and mail the
enclosed proxy as promptly as possible in the enclosed envelope.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
MICHAEL SILVERMAN
President
San Diego, California
April 1, 1997
PROXY STATEMENT
BOATRACS, INC.
6440 Lusk Boulevard, Suite D201
San Diego, California 92121
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
to be held on
May 7, 1997
I. PROXIES
The enclosed proxy is solicited by and on behalf of the
Board of Directors of BOATRACS, Inc., a California corporation
(the "Company"), for use at the Company's 1997 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on May 7, 1997, at QUALCOMM, Inc., 6455
Lusk Boulevard, San Diego, California 92121 at 2:00 p.m., and at
any and all adjournments thereof (the "Annual Meeting"), for the
purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting
of Stockholders. Any Stockholder has the power to revoke his or
her proxy at any time before it is voted. A proxy may be revoked
by delivering written notice of revocation to the Company at its
principal office, 6440 Lusk Boulevard, Suite D201, San Diego,
California 92121, by a subsequent proxy executed by the person
executing the prior proxy and presented to the Annual Meeting, or
by attendance at the Annual Meeting and voting in person by the
person executing the proxy. The solicitation of proxies is being
made only by use of the mails and the cost thereof will be borne
by the Company. This Proxy Statement and the Annual Report of
the Company for the year ended December 31, 1996, will be mailed
on or about April 2, 1997, to each stockholder of record as of
the close of business on March 21, 1997.
The cost of preparing, assembling and mailing these proxy
materials will be paid by the Company. Following the mailing of
this Proxy Statement, Directors, officers and regular employees
of the Company may solicit proxies by mail, telephone, telegraph
or personal interview. Such persons will receive no additional
compensation for such services. Brokerage houses and other
nominees, fiduciaries and custodians nominally holding shares of
the Company's common stock of record will be requested to forward
proxy soliciting material to the beneficial owners of such
shares, and will be reimbursed by the Company for their
reasonable charges and expenses in connection therewith.
When your proxy is returned properly signed, the shares
represented will be voted in accordance with your directions.
Where specific choices are not indicated, proxies will be voted
in favor of the six persons nominated to be Directors in Proposal
One and in favor of Proposal Two. If a proxy or ballot indicates
that a stockholder or nominee abstains from voting or that shares
are not to be voted on a particular proposal, the shares will not
be counted as having been voted on that proposal, and those
shares will not be reflected in the final tally of the votes cast
with regard to that proposal, although such shares will be
counted as in attendance at the Annual Meeting for purposes of
determining a quorum. Additionally, broker non-votes are not
counted as votes cast on any matter to which they relate.
The presence at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy of
the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock entitled
to vote at the Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business.
No shareholder may cumulate votes unless a shareholder has
announced at the Annual Meeting the intention to do so before the
voting has begun, but if any shareholder makes such an
announcement, all shareholders may cumulate votes. Cumulative
voting rights entitle a shareholder to give one nominee as many
votes as are equal to the number of Directors to be elected,
multiplied by the number of shares owned by such shareholder, or
to distribute his or her votes as the shareholder sees fit among
two or more nominees on the same principle, up to the total
number of nominees to be elected. The six nominees for Director
receiving the highest number of votes at the Annual Meeting from
the holders of Common Stock will be elected.
With respect to voting on Proposal Two, an affirmative vote
of a majority of the shares represented and voting at the Annual
Meeting is required for approval of the matter.
Directors and officers beneficially own approximately 56% of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock. The Directors and
officers have indicated that they intend to vote for each of the
nominees for Director and in favor of Proposal Two. Therefore,
in the absence of cumulative voting, the election of each nominee
as a Director is assured. Further, the approval of Proposal Two
is assured.
II. Voting Securities
The Company had 12,602,310 shares of Common Stock, no par
value (the "Common Stock"), outstanding as of March 21, 1997.
Holders of record of shares of the Common Stock at the close of
business on March 21, 1997, will be entitled to notice of and to
vote at the Annual Meeting and will be entitled to one vote for
each such share so held of record.
Set forth below is certain information concerning the
ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of March 21, 1997, by
(i) all persons known to the Company to be beneficial owners of
more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock, (ii) each Director
of the Company, (iii) each executive officer of the Company, and
(iv) all executive officers and Directors of the Company as a
group. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable
community property and similar laws, the persons named have sole
voting and investment power with respect to the securities owned
by them.
Number of Shares Percent of
Beneficially Owned Outstanding Shares
QUALCOMM Incorporated 1,112,265 9%
6455 Lusk Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92121
Michael Silverman 5,410,716(1) 43
Ilana Silverman 0 *
Annette Friskopp 397,931 3
Dale Fisher 27,001(4) *
Giles Bateman 665,825 6
Luis Maizel 100,921(2) *
Norman Kane 471,667(3) 4
All Directors and Executive
Officers as a group
(7 persons)(5) 7,074,061 56%
______________________
(1) Includes 327,599 shares held by Mr. Silverman's son.
(2) Includes 83,600 shares held by the Maizel Family Trust of
which Mr. Maizel is a trustee and 15,321 shares held in a Retirement
Plan for which Mr. Maizel is a trustee.
(3) Includes 92,150 shares held by the Norman Kane Defined
Benefit Plan of which Dr. Kane has beneficial ownership.
(4) Includes 20,000 shares held in a Family Trust for which Ms.
Fisher is a trustee, and 2,000 shares are held in an IRA account.
(5) Includes shares issuable upon the exercise of options within
sixty days of March 21, 1997 as follows: Ms. Friskopp,
20,000 shares; Ms. Fisher, 5,000 shares; Mr. Bateman, 2,000
shares; Mr. Kane, 2,000 shares; and Mr. Maizel, 2,000 shares.
* Less than 1%
III. Election Of Directors
The persons named below have been nominated by management
for election as Directors of the Company to serve until the 1998
Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their respective
successors are duly elected and qualify.
Unless otherwise instructed, the enclosed proxy will be
voted for election of the nominees listed below, except that the
persons designated as proxies reserve full discretion to cast
their votes for another person recommended by management in the
unanticipated event that any nominee is unable to or declines to
serve.
Name of Nominee Age Position with the Company
Michael Silverman 52 Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer, President, Director
Annette Friskopp 32 Secretary, Director
Giles Bateman 52 Director
Luis Maizel 46 Director
Norman Kane 46 Director
Ilana Silverman 49 Director
Mr. Silverman formed Old BOATRACS in 1990 and served as
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and a Director of
that company from its inception until the merger of BOATRACS,
Inc. ("Old BOATRACS") with the Company (the "Merger"), at which
time he assumed his present positions with the Company. Mr.
Silverman is also a Director of JAYARK Corporation, an importer
and distributor of furniture. Mr. Silverman is a Chartered
Accountant (South Africa) and received a Master of Business
Administration degree from Stanford University.
Ms. Friskopp joined Old BOATRACS in 1991 as Senior Vice
President of Production, Development and Operations and assumed
her present positions with the Company following the Merger. She
became a Director of the Company at the Merger. Prior to Ms.
Friskopp joining Old BOATRACS, she attended Harvard Business
School full-time where a Master of Business Administration degree
was conferred upon her. Ms. Friskopp holds a Bachelor of Science
degree in Accounting with emphasis on International Business from
the University of Nebraska and she has credits from other
universities for her studies in Europe and Asia. She is a
Certified Public Accountant and previously worked in the audit
division of Price Waterhouse.
Mr. Bateman was elected a Director of Old BOATRACS in 1994
and became a Director of the Company upon the Merger. Since 1991,
Mr. Bateman has served as a Director of Comp USA, a superstore
computer retailer, and has served as that company's Chairman
since 1993. Mr. Bateman was a co-founder of The Price Company
and served as Chief Financial Officer and a Director of that
company from 1976 to 1991 and as Vice Chairman from 1986 to 1991.
Mr. Maizel became a Director of the Company in October 1995.
For more than the past five years, Mr. Maizel has been president
of LM Advisors, LM Capital Management, money management firms and
board member of several financial and commercial corporations
both in the U.S. and Mexico. He was born and raised in Mexico
City, holds a BS in Mechanical Electrical Engineering, an MS in
Industrial Engineering from the National University of Mexico and
an MBA from Harvard Business School where he also was a faculty
member.
Dr. Kane became a Director of the Company in October 1995.
Dr. Kane is an orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Diego. For
more than the past five years, Dr. Kane has been the President of
La Jolla Sports Orthopaedic and Knee Surgery Medical Group and a
Director of TRI CITY Orthopedic Medical Group. From 1986-1989,
Dr. Kane was the surgeon for the San Diego Chargers, and in 1988
was the surgeon for the San Diego Soccers.
Ms. Silverman was appointed a Director in March 1996. For
more than the past five years, Ms. Silverman has been active in
charitable and community organizations. She holds a Bachelor of
Arts degree from the University of Natal, South Africa.
There is no family relationship between any of the Company's
Directors and officers, except that Michael Silverman and Ilana
Silverman are married. There are no arrangements or
understandings between any Director or executive officer and any
other person pursuant to which any person has been elected or
nominated as a Director or executive officer. All Directors and
executive officers serve for a term of one year until the next
Annual Meeting of stockholders.
During the year ended December 31, 1996, the Board of
Directors held three meetings where all Directors were present
except Ms. Friskopp who attended two of the meetings. The
Company intends to hold quarterly meetings of its Board of
Directors in the future. The Company presently has a
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors consisting of
Giles Bateman and Michael Silverman. The Compensation
Committee's basic function is to set the salary for employees and
promotions. The Audit Committee, consisting of Giles Bateman and
Norman Kane, advises the Board of Directors as to the selection
of the Company's independent accountants. During 1996, the
Compensation and Audit Committees each held one meeting.
IV. Executive Compensation
Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth for the years indicated
certain compensation of the Company's chief executive officer and
the executive officers of the Company who earned more than
$100,000 in such years.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Annual Compensation
Principal Position Year Salary Bonus
Michael Silverman 1996 $100,000 $0
Chairman, President 1995 $100,000 $0
and Chief Executive 1994 $100,000(1) $0
Officer
Annette Friskopp 1996 $124,961 $31,950
Chief Operating Officer 1995 $107,654 $31,800
1994 $92,654 $0
________________
(1) In 1994, $69,230 of Mr. Silverman's compensation earned was
deferred pursuant to a deferred compensation arrangement
entered into between the Company and Mr. Silverman, increasing
the balance of deferred compensation to $369,230.
In November 1995, a promissory note between the Company and
Michael Silverman, President and Chief Executive Officer, was
entered into, allowing Mr. Silverman to borrow up to $369,230
from the Company. During 1996, it was amended allowing the
Company to offset the loan outstanding balance against the
deferred income balance. The promissory note is collateralized
by deferred income owing to Mr. Silverman in the same amount and
will bear interest at 5.5%. At December 31, 1996, Mr. Silverman
had borrowed $310,000, and interest in the amount of $14,101 had
been accrued. The total outstanding has been offset against the
deferred income as of December 31, 1996.
The Company also provides certain compensatory benefits and
other non-cash compensation to the persons named in the Summary
Compensation Table. The incremental cost to the Company of all
such benefits and other compensation paid in the years indicated
to such named individuals was less than 10% of his or her
reported compensation and also less than $50,000.
The Company entered into an employment agreement with
Michael Silverman, its Chairman, Chief Executive Officer,
President and majority shareholder, effective January 1, 1995.
Under the agreement, Mr. Silverman's annual base compensation is
$100,000, with such increases, bonus compensation and benefits as
the Board of Directors may determine from time to time. The
agreement has a one-year term and automatically renews annually
for successive one- year periods unless terminated by the Board
of Directors upon notice given by November 1 of the prior year.
The agreement is terminable by the Company only for good cause,
as defined in the agreement.
The Company has entered into an Addendum to Stock
Issuance/Employment Agreement effective January 21, 1991, and
amended July 1995, whereby Annette Friskopp's salary from April
to December 1995 was $108,000 and after December 1995 increased
to $120,000 per annum. In addition, beginning January 1995, she
became entitled to a bonus for each unit sold to an end user. In
addition, the Agreement granted Ms. Friskopp an option to acquire
100,000 additional shares of capital stock, which has been
treated as being a grant pursuant to the Company's 1996 Stock
Option Plan at a price equal to the fair market value of such
shares on the date of grant. In December 1996, Ms. Friskopp was
awarded an option to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company's
common stock at an exercise price of $1.125 per share. The
options will vest 20% annually over five years.
The following table sets forth the information
concerning individual grants of stock options and appreciation
rights during the last fiscal year to the Company's chief
executive officer and the executive officers of the Company who
earned more than $100,000 last year.
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
(Individual Grants)
Percent Of
Number of Total Options/
Securities SARs Granted
Underlying To Employees Exercise Or
Options/SARs In Fiscal Base Price
Name Granted (#) Year (S/Sh) Expiration
Michael Silverman ----- ----- ----- -----
Annette Friskopp 100,000 15% $1.00 2003
Annette Friskopp 150,000 22% $1.125 2003
The following table sets forth the information concerning
each exercise of stock options during the last fiscal year by
each of Company's chief executive officer and the executive
officers of the Company who earned more than $100,000 last year
and the fiscal year value of unexercised options.
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FY-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
Number Of
Securities Value Of
Underlying Unexercised
Shares Unexercised In-The-Money
Acquired Options/SARs Options/SARs
On Value At FY-End (#) At FY-End(S)
Exercise Realized Exercisable/ Exercisable/
Name (#) ($) Unexercisable Unexercisable
Michael Silverman ----- ----- ----- -----
Annette Friskopp -0- N/A 0/250,000 0/0
Compensation Committee Interlock and Insider Participation
During fiscal year 1996, Michael Silverman, an officer of
the Company, participated in deliberations of the Company's Board
of Directors concerning executive officer compensation.
Director Compensation
Non-employee directors of the Company receive $500 for each
meeting of the Board of Directors that they attend. Directors are
reimbursed for certain expenses in connection with attendance at
Board and committee meetings. Non-employee Directors participate
in the 1996 Stock Option Plan and each non-employee director was
awarded an option to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company's
common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
requires the Company's executive officers and Directors, and
persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the Company's
stock, to file initial reports of ownership and reports of
changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Executive officers, Directors and greater than 10% beneficial
owners are required by applicable regulations to furnish the
Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely upon a review of the copies of such forms
furnished to the Company and information involving securities
transactions of which the Company is aware, the Company believes
that during the fiscal year ending December 31, 1996, all Section
16(a) filing requirements applicable to its executive officers,
Directors and greater than 10% beneficial stockholders were
complied with, except for a single Form 4, which was filed 10
days late on behalf of Luis Maizel for a Pension Plan transaction
for which Mr. Maizel is a trustee.
V. Certain Transactions
In March 1995, QUALCOMM, the sole supplier of the OmniTRACS
equipment sold by the Company, purchased 1,112,265 shares of the
Company's Common Stock in consideration of a reduction in price
of certain products and services provided by QUALCOMM to the
Company. As a result of such purchase, QUALCOMM owns
approximately 9% of the Company's issued and outstanding Common
Stock.
In March 1995, the Company entered into the License
Agreement with QUALCOMM authorizing QUALCOMM to use, sublicense
and distribute certain interface software developed and owned by
the Company as an enhancement to QUALCOMM's OmniTRACS System. The
License Agreement will terminate upon the termination of the
Distribution Agreement between the Company and QUALCOMM.
In March 1995, the Distribution Agreement between the
Company and QUALCOMM was amended. As a result of such amendment,
the Company obtained exclusive distribution rights in the United
States for marine application of the OmniTRACS System when the
Company purchased a total of 700 MCTs from QUALCOMM during 1996,
subject to certain minimum purchase requirements.
In February 1996, the Company signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (the "MOU") with ALCATEL QUALCOMM, a French
company, which is a joint venture company between the ALCATEL
Group and QUALCOMM. The MOU contemplates BOATRACS operating in
Europe under a similar basis that it operates in the United
States by providing maritime satellite-based communications and
tracking of vessels.
In October 1995, the Company issued 25,000 Common Stock
purchase warrants. The warrants represent the right to purchase
one share of the Company's Common Stock at $1.50 and expires
during October 1998.
VI. Approval of Amendment to 1996 Stock Option Plan
The Board has approved certain amendments to the Plan to
comply with the changes in Section 16 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, which regulates the purchase and sales of the
Company's equity securities by certain insiders. A summary of
the Plan follows, but is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the full text of the Plan, which is attached as Appendix I to
this Proxy Statement.
Shares
There are 1,000,000 shares of the Common Stock authorized
under the Plan. Shares awarded under the Plan may be composed
of, in whole or in part, authorized and unissued shares or
treasury shares. If shares subject to an option under the Plan
cease to be subject to such option, such shares are available for
future distribution under the Plan. At no time during the term
of the Plan, however, may the total number of shares of Common
Stock subject to outstanding options under the Plan, any other
stock option plan or any stock purchase plan, stock bonus plan or
singular plan of the Company in the aggregate exceed 30% of the
total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on the date of
the grant of any option under the Plan.
Administration
The Plan, as amended, will be administered by a compensation
committee or such other committee designated by the Board of
Directors consisting of not less than two Directors, each of whom
is a "non-employee director" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 of
the Securities and Exchange Commission, or if there are not at
least two non-employee directors on the Board of Directors
willing to serve on such compensation committee or other
committee, by the Board of Directors (in any case, the
"Committee"). The Committee structure will be changed to comply
with any future amendments to Rule 16b-3. Subject to the
provisions of the Plan, the Committee will have the authority,
among other things, to set the terms of stock options granted
thereunder, establish rules and regulations which is may deem
appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan and
interpret and make determinations under the Plan.
Participation
Non-Qualified Options (as defined below) may be granted to
any person who is or has agreed to become an officer or other
employee, consultant, adviser, independent contractor or agent
(each of which relationships is hereinafter referred to as a
"Relationship") of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (as
defined in the Plan). Incentive Options (as defined below) may
be granted to any officer or other employee of the Company or a
Subsidiary. The participants under the Plan shall be selected
from time to time by the Committee, in its sole discretion, from
among those eligible.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no optionee may receive in
any year, whether under the Plan or any other plan of the
Company, Incentive Options if the aggregate fair market value
(determined at the time the Incentive Option is granted) of
Common Stock for which Incentive Options are exercisable for the
first time during any calendar year exceeds $100,000.
Grants Under the Plan
The Committee will have the authority to grant stock options
under the Plan.
Stock Options
Options issued under the Plan may be either incentive stock
options ("Incentive Options") under Section 422 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or non- qualified
stock options ("Non-Qualified Options").
Incentive Options and Non-Qualified Options granted under
the Plan expire on such date as is determined by the Committee,
unless earlier terminated as provided in the Plan; provided,
however, that options granted under the Plan must expire within
seven years after the grant date. Notwithstanding the previous
sentence, with respect to Incentive Options, if an optionee owns,
or would be considered to own by reason of Section 424(d) of the
Code, more than 10% of the outstanding Common Stock of the
Company on the grant date and if the Committee fails to fix an
earlier termination date, Incentive Options expire five years
after the grant date. An option is exercisable at such times as
are determined on the grant date by the Committee. An optionee
may exercise a part of the option from the date that part first
becomes exercisable until the option expires or is otherwise
terminated.
The purchase price for shares to be issued to an optionee
with respect to an Incentive Option will be not less than 100% of
the fair market value (as defined in the Plan) of the Common
Stock on the grant date (110% of the fair market value in the
case of Incentive Options granted to a person who on the grant
date owns or is considered to own more than 10% of the
outstanding Common Stock). The purchase price for shares issued
with respect to a Non-Qualified Option will be not less than 85%
of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the grant date.
The exercise price of an option, plus an applicable withholding
tax, is payable in full at the time of delivery of the shares, in
cash or, at the option of the Committee, in shares of the Common
Stock.
Options granted under the Plan are not transferable or
assignable other than by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution. Upon the termination of an optionee's Relationship
with the Company or a Subsidiary by reason other than death or
disability, any options granted to him shall terminate 30 days
from the date on which such Relationship terminates. During such
30-day period, the optionee may exercise any option granted to
him to the extent such option was exercisable on the date of
termination of his Relationship and provided that such option has
not expired or otherwise terminated. The optionee will also be
entitled to exercise a percentage of the options that are not yet
exercisable as determined by a formula based on the length of
service during each period that the options become exercisable.
Except as the Committee may expressly determine otherwise,
upon the termination of an optionee's Relationship by reason of
death or disability, any option granted to him shall terminate
six months after the date of termination of his Relationship
unless by its terms the option shall expire before such date, and
shall only be exercisable to the extent exercisable on its terms
the option shall expire before such date, and shall only be
exercisable to the extent exercisable on the date of termination
of his Relationship. The optionee will also be entitled to
exercise a percentage of the options that are not yet exercisable
as determined by a formula based on the length of service during
each period that the options become exercisable. In the case of
termination by reason of death, the option may be exercised by
the person to whom the optionee's rights under the option shall
pass by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. These
and other terms and conditions of the options will be set forth
in an agreement entered into between the Company and the optionee
at the time an option is granted to such optionee.
Term
The Plan will become effective upon stockholder approval and
will expire by its terms upon the earlier of the expiration of
the eight period measured from the date of the Board's adoption
of the Plan or the date on which all shares available for
issuance under the Plan shall have been issued or canceled
pursuant to the exercise or surrender of options granted under
the Plan.
Amendment
The Plan may be discontinued or amended by the Board of
Directors, except that no amendment or discontinuation may
adversely affect any outstanding award without the written
consent of the recipient of such award. Amendments may be made
without stockholder approval except amendments which would (i)
materially increase the benefits accruing to participants under
the Plan, (ii) increase the number of shares of Common Stock
which may be issued under the Plan, except as permitted under the
adjustment provisions described below, or (iii) materially modify
the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan,
provided, however, that the Board may amend the Plan without
stockholder approval as may be required to comply with federal
and state securities laws.
Adjustments
If the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock is
increased or decreased, or if such shares are exchanged for a
different number or kind of shares or securities of the company
through reorganization, merger, recapitalization,
reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, combination of
shares or other similar transaction the aggregate number of
shares of Common Stock subject to the Plan and the shares of
Common Stock subject to issued and outstanding options under the
Plan, will be appropriately and proportionately adjusted by the
Committee. Any such adjustment in the outstanding options will
be made without change in the aggregate purchase price applicable
to the unexercised portion of the option but with an appropriate
adjustment in the price for each share or other unit of any
security covered by the option.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the dissolution or
liquidation of the Company or upon any reorganization, merger or
consolidation with one or more corporations as a result of which
the Company is not the surviving corporation, or upon a sale of
all or substantially all of the assets of the company to another
corporation or entity, the Plan and each outstanding option shall
terminate; provided, however, that: (i) each option for which no
option has been tendered by the surviving or acquiring
corporation, if any, in accordance with all of the terms of
provision (ii) immediately below will become fully exercisable
immediately before the effective date of such dissolution,
liquidation, merger, consolidation or sale of assets in which the
Company is not the surviving or acquiring corporation; and (iii)
in its sole and absolute discretion, the surviving or acquiring
corporation may, but will not be obligated to tender to any
optionee holding an option, an option or options to purchase
shares of the surviving or acquiring corporation, and such new
option or options will contain such terms and provisions as shall
be required substantially to preserve the rights and benefits of
any option then outstanding under the Plan.
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences
Incentive Options. The Company believes that Incentive
Options which are granted under the Plan will qualify as
incentive stock options within the purview of Section 422 of the
Code. The following is a summary of the principal federal income
tax aspects of Incentive Options.
In general, no income is recognized by an optionee at the
time an Incentive Option is granted, and no income is recognized
by an optionee upon its exercise of the option. If the optionee
makes no disposition of the shares received upon exercise of the
option within two years from the date the option was granted and
one year from the date the shares were issued to the optionee
upon exercise of the option, the optionee will recognize long-
term capital gain or loss when the optionee disposes of the
shares. Such gain or loss will be measured by the difference
between the option price and the amount received for the shares
at the time of
disposition.
If the optionee disposes of shares acquired upon exercise of
an Incentive Option before the expiration of the applicable
holding periods, any amount realized from such disqualifying
disposition will be taxable as ordinary income in the year of
disposition generally to the extent of the lesser of the fair
market value of the shares on the date the option was exercised
or the fair market value at the time of such disposition exceeds
the option price. Any amount realized upon such a disposition in
excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of
exercise will be treated as long-term or short-term capital gain,
depending upon whether the shares have been held for more
than one year.
The tax consequences may vary if an Incentive Option is
exercised by paying the exercise price, in whole or in part, by
the transfer to the Company of shares of common stock. If the
optionee transfers shares of common stock which he or she
received through the exercise of an incentive stock option and
which he or she had not held for the requisite holding period
prior to the transfer, the optionee will recognize income as if
the shares had been sold or exchanged. The basis of the new
shares received pursuant to the exercise would be the optionee's
basis in the tendered shares, plus the amount of income
recognized, plus the amount of cash paid, if any.
The Company will not be allowed a deduction for federal
income tax purposes at the time of the grant or exercise of an
Incentive Option. At the time of a disqualifying disposition by
an optionee, the Company generally will be entitled to a
deduction to the extent that the optionee recognizes ordinary
income.
Non-Qualified Options. An optionee recognizes no income at
the time a Non-Qualified Option is granted under the Plan. An
optionee will recognize ordinary income at the time a Non-
Qualified Option is exercised in an amount equal to the excess of
the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over
the exercise price; provided, however, that if an optionee who is
subject to the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (an officer, director or 10% stockholder)
exercises a Non- Qualified Option within six months of the date
of grant, the optionee will recognize ordinary income on the date
that is six months after the date of grant unless the optionee
makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code to recognize
income at the time of the exercise. The Company generally will
be entitled to a deduction for federal income tax purposes in the
year and in the same amount as the optionee is considered to have
recognized ordinary income in connection with the exercise of a
Non-Qualified Option if provision is made for withholding of
federal income taxes, where applicable.
An optionee will recognize gain or loss on the subsequent
sale of shares acquired upon exercise of a Non- Qualified Option
in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized
and the tax basis of such shares, which will equal the option
price paid plus the amount included in the employee's income by
reason of the exercise of the option. Provided such shares are
held as a capital asset, such gain or loss will be long-term or
short- term capital gain or loss depending upon whether the
shares have been held for more than one year.
The Company has the right to deduct any sums required by
federal, state or local tax laws to be withheld with respect to
the exercise of any Non-Qualified Option from sums owing to the
person exercising the option or, in the alternative, may require
the person exercising the option to pay such sums to the Company
prior to or in connection with such exercise.
Optionees should consult with their own tax advisors
regarding the tax consequences of the Incentive and Non-
Qualified Options.
Vote Required
Approval of the amendment to the Plan requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock present, or represented, and
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the
approval of the amendment to the Plan.
VII. Independent Public Accountants
Deloitte & Touche LLP has acted as the Company's
independent public accountants since the fiscal year ending
December 31, 1994. The Company intends to engage their services
again to perform the 1997 audit. Deloitte & Touche LLP has
advised the Company that they had no direct or indirect financial
interest in the Company and its subsidiaries. Deloitte & Touche
LLP has not indicated to the Company that it is unwilling to
serve again as the Company's independent public accountants. The
Company does not anticipate Deloitte & Touche LLP will attend the
Annual Meeting.
In connection with its audits for the two most recent years
ended December 31, 1996, and the subsequent interim period
through March 31, 1997, there have been no disagreements with
Deloitte & Touche LLP on any matter of accounting principles or
practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or
procedures which disagreements if not resolved to their
satisfaction would have caused them to make reference in
connection with their opinion to the subject matter of the
disagreements.
VIII. Date for Submission of Stockholder Proposals
For 1998 Annual Meeting
Any proposal relating to a proper subject which a
stockholder may intend to present for action at the 1998 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and which such stockholder may wish to
have included in the Company's proxy materials for such meeting
must, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 14a-8 promulgated
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, be received in proper
form by the Company at its principal executive office not later
than January 7, 1998. It is suggested that any such proposal be
submitted by certified mail, return receipt requested.
IX. Other Business
Management is not aware of any matters to come before the
Annual Meeting other than those stated in this Proxy Statement.
However, inasmuch as matters of which management is not now aware
may come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof,
the proxies confer discretionary authority with respect to acting
thereon, and the persons named in such proxies intend to vote,
act, and consent in accordance with their best judgment with
respect thereto. Upon receipt of such proxies (in the form
enclosed and properly signed) in time for voting, the shares
represented thereby will be voted as indicated thereon and in
this Proxy Statement.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
MICHAEL SILVERMAN
President
San Diego, California
April 1, 1997
EXHIBIT I
This Document Constitutes Part of a
Prospectus Covering Securities That
Have Been Registered under The
Securities Act of 1933.
Dated: February 8, 1996
BOATRACS, INC.
1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN
(as amended March 24, 1997)
1. Purposes of the Plan.
The Boatracs, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan")
is intended to promote the interests of Boatracs, Inc., a
California corporation (the "Company"), by providing a
method whereby (i) employees of the Company (or its parent
or subsidiary corporations) responsible for the management,
growth and financial success of the Company (or its parent
or subsidiary corporations), and (ii) non-employees who
provide valuable services to the Company (or its
parent or subsidiary corporations), as determined by the
Plan Administrator, may be offered incentives and rewards
which will encourage them to acquire a proprietary
interest, or otherwise increase their proprietary interest,
in the Company and continue to render services to the
Company (or its parent or subsidiary corporations).
2. Administration of the Plan.
(a) The Plan shall be administered by the Company's Board
of Directors (the "Board") or, to the extent provided by the
Board, a committee (the "Committee") appointed by the Board,
which shall consist of not less than two non-employee directors
(as such term is defined in Rule 16b-3, or any successor rule,
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), who shall serve at
the pleasure of the Board; provided, however, that the Plan may
be administered by the Board. For purposes of the Plan, the term
"Plan Administrator" shall mean the Board, or if the Board
delegates responsibility for any matter to the Committee. The
Board may alter the Plan administration so that the Plan
administration is structured to comply with the rules governing a
discretionary plan under Rule 16b-3.
(b) Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Plan
Administrator shall have full power and authority to select the
Optionees (as defined in Section 3) to be granted the options
under the Plan, and to determine (i) whether each granted option
is to be an incentive stock option ("Incentive Stock Option")
which satisfies the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code") or
a non-statutory Stock Option not intended to meet such
requirements, (ii) the number of shares to be subject to such
option; (iii) the exercise prices of such shares, (iv) the terms
of exercise, (v) the expiration dates and (vi) all other terms
and conditions upon which such option may be exercised. The Plan
Administrator shall have the full power and authority (subject to
the provisions of the Plan) to establish such rules and
regulations as it may deem appropriate for the proper
administration of the Plan and to make such determinations under,
and issue such interpretations of, the Plan and any outstanding
option as it may deem necessary or advisable. Decisions of the
Plan Administrator shall be final and binding on all parties who
have an interest in the Plan or any outstanding option. No
person acting under this subsection shall be held liable for any
action or determination made in good faith with respect to the
Plan or any option granted under the Plan.
(c) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each
Committee member and each director of the Company, and the estate
and heirs of such Committee member or director, against all
claims, liabilities, expenses, penalties, damages or other
pecuniary losses, including legal fees, which such Committee
member or director, his or her estate or heirs may suffer as a
result of his or her responsibilities, obligations or duties in
connection with the Plan, to the extent that insurance, if any,
does not cover the payment of such items.
3. Eligibility for Option Grants.
The persons eligible to receive option grants pursuant to
the Plan ("Optionees") are as follows:
(i) employees of the Company (or its parent or
subsidiary corporations) who render services which
contribute to the success and growth of the Company (or
its parent or subsidiary corporations) or which may
reasonably be anticipated to contribute to the future
success and growth of the Company (or its parent or
subsidiary corporations); and
(ii) non-employees who provide valuable services to the
Company (or its parent or subsidiary corporations).
4. Stock Subject to the Plan.
(a) The stock issuable under the Plan shall be shares
of the Company's authorized but unissued or reacquired
common stock (the "Common Stock"). The aggregate number of
shares which may be issued under the Plan shall not exceed
1,000,000 shares of Common Stock. The total number of
shares issuable under the Plan shall be subject to
adjustment from time to time in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 4.
(b) Should an option be terminated for any reason
without being exercised or surrendered in whole or in part,
the shares subject to the portion of the option not
so exercised or surrendered shall be available for
subsequent option grants under the Plan.
(c) In the event that the outstanding shares of Common
Stock issuable under the Plan as a class are increased or
decreased, or changed into or exchanged for a different
number or kind of shares or securities, as a result of any
Corporate Transactions (as defined in Section 7), stock
splits, stock dividends, or the like affecting the
outstanding Common Stock as a class, then appropriate
adjustments shall be made to the aggregate number of
shares issuable under the Plan and to the number of
shares and price per share of the Common Stock subject to
each outstanding option, in order to prevent the dilution or
enlargement of benefits under such outstanding options.
5. Terms and Conditions of Options.
Options granted pursuant to the Plan shall be authorized by
action of the Plan Administrator and may, at the Plan
Administrator's discretion, be either Incentive Stock Options or
non-statutory Stock Options. Individuals who are not employees
of the Company or its parent or subsidiary corporations may only
be granted non-statutory Stock Options. Each granted option
shall be evidenced by one or more written instruments in a form
approved by the Plan Administrator; provided, however, that each
such instrument shall comply with and incorporate the terms and
conditions specified in this Section 5.
(a) Option Price.
(1) The option price per share (the "Option Price"), (a)
with respect to a non-qualified Stock Option, shall be between
eighty-five percent (85%) and one hundred percent (100%) of the
fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of the
option grant, as determined by the Company on a case by case
basis and (b) with respect to an Incentive Stock Option, shall,
subject to subsection (a)(2) below, be one hundred percent (100%)
of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date
of the option grant.
(2) 10% Shareholder. If any Optionee under the Plan is on
the date of grant of an Incentive Stock Option the owner of stock
(as determined under Section 424(d) of the Internal Revenue Code)
possessing ten percent (10%) or more of the total combined voting
power of all classes of stock of the Company or any one of its
parent or subsidiary corporations (a "10% Shareholder"), then the
option price per share acquired pursuant to exercise of an
Incentive Stock Option shall not be less than one hundred and ten
percent (110%) of the fair market value of a share of Common
Stock on the date of the option grant.
(3) The option price shall become immediately due upon
exercise of the option and shall, subject to the provisions of
the instrument evidencing the grant, be payable in one of the
alternative forms specified below:
(i) full payment in cash or cash equivalents; or
(ii) full payment in shares of Common Stock having a
fair market value on the Exercise Date (as defined below)
in an amount equal to the option price; or
(iii) a combination of shares of Common Stock valued
at fair market value on the Exercise Date and cash or cash
equivalents, equal in the aggregate to the option price; or
(iv) any other form of consideration as the Plan
Administrator may approve.
For purposes of this Section 5(a)(3), the Exercise Date shall be
the first date on which the Company shall have received both
written notice of the exercise of the option and payment of the
option price for the purchased shares of Common Stock.
(4) For all valuation purposes under the Plan, the fair
market value of a share of Common Stock shall be determined in
accordance with the following provisions:
(i) If the Common Stock is not at the time listed or
admitted to trading on any stock exchange but is traded in
the over-the-counter market, the fair market value shall
be the mean between the highest bid and lowest asked
prices (or, if such information is available, the
closing selling price) of one share of Common Stock in the
over-the-counter market, as such prices are reported by
the National Association of Securities Dealers through its
NASDAQ system or any successor system, on the date of the
option grant or Exercise Date, as the case may be. If
there are no reported bid and asked prices (or closing
selling price) for the Common Stock on the date in
question, then the mean between the highest bid price and
lowest asked price (or the closing selling price) on the
last preceding date for which such quotations exist shall
be determinative of fair market value.
(ii) If the Common Stock is at the time listed or
admitted to trading on any stock exchange, then the fair
market value shall be the closing selling price of one
share of Common Stock on the date in question on the stock
exchange determined by the Plan Administrator to be the
primary market for the Common Stock, as such price is
officially quoted in the composite tape of transactions on
such exchange. If there is no reported sale of Common
Stock on such exchange on the date in question, then the
fair market value shall be the closing selling price on the
exchange on the last preceding date for which such
quotation exists.
(iii) If the Common Stock at the time is neither
listed nor admitted to trading on any stock exchange
nor traded in the over-the-counter market, then the fair
market value shall be determined by the Plan Administrator
in accordance with Section 260.140.50 of the California Code
of Regulations or any successor rule.
(b) Option Period. The term of each option shall commence
on the date of grant of the option and shall be seven (7) years,
except that if an Incentive Stock Option is granted to an
Optionee who, immediately before the grant of the Incentive
Stock Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%)
of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the
Company or its parent or subsidiary corporations, the exercise
period specified in the option agreement for which the Incentive
Stock Option thereunder is granted, shall not exceed five years
from the date of grant. Subject to other provisions of the Plan,
(a) each Incentive Stock Option shall be exercisable during its
term as to twenty percent (20%) of the Incentive Stock Option
shares during the twelve (12) months beginning on the first
anniversary of the date of grant, and twenty percent (20%)
thereafter during each of the four (4) next successive twelve
(12) month periods, and (b) each non-qualified Stock Option shall
be exercisable over a five (5) year term, as determined by the
Company on a case by case basis, provided, however, that each non-
qualified Stock Option shall be exercisable at a rate of at least
twenty percent (20%) per year over five (5) years from the date
the non-qualified Stock Option is granted. Additionally, if an
Optionee shall not in any period purchase all of the option
shares which the Optionee is entitled to purchase in such period,
then the Optionee may purchase all or any part of such shares
subject to this Agreement at any time after the end of such
period and prior to the expiration of the option.
(c) Effect of Termination.
(1) Subject to the other provisions of the
Plan, should an Optionee cease to be a service provider to
the Company ("Service Provider"), or employee or director,
for any reason (including death or permanent
disability as defined in Section 105(d)(4) of the
Internal Revenue Code), then any option or options
granted under the Plan to such Optionee and
outstanding on the Cessation Date (as defined below) shall
remain exercisable for a period not to exceed six (6)
months from the date of such cessation of Service
Provider, employee or director, status (the "Cessation
Date"), the specific amount of time to be determined at the
time of granting the option; provided, however, that under
no circumstances shall such options be exercisable after
the expiration date of the option term specified in the
instrument evidencing the option grant. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, such shorter period of exercisability
following the Cessation Date, as determined by the
Company at the time of original grant, shall in no
event be less than: (i) six (6) months in the event
that employment termination is due to the death or
disability of the Optionee and (ii) thirty (30) days in the
event that employment termination is due to any other
reason. Each such option shall, during such six (6) month
or shorter period, be exercisable to the extent of the
number of shares (if any) for which the option is
exercisable on the Cessation Date (the "Vested Shares"),
and to the extent that on the Cessation Date the number of
shares (if any) for which the option is not exercisable
will become exercisable within the following year, the
Optionee may exercise the option for a percentage of such
shares based on the following fraction: the numerator
shall be the number of days from the last anniversary date
of the grant of the option to the Cessation Date and the
denominator shall be the number of days from the last
anniversary date of the grant of the option to the next
anniversary date of the grant of the option. Upon the
expiration of such six (6) month or shorter period or (if
earlier) upon the expiration of the option term, the option
shall terminate and cease to be exercisable.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (c)(1) above, the
Plan Administrator shall have complete discretion,
exercisable either at the time the option is granted or
at the Cessation Date to provide that options held by
such Optionee may be exercised not only with respect to
Vested Shares as of the Cessation Date, but also with
respect to one or more subsequent installments of shares
for which the option would otherwise have become
exercisable had such cessation of Service Provider status
not occurred.
(3) For purposes of the Plan, the Optionee shall
be deemed to be a Service Provider of the Company for so
long as the Optionee renders periodic services to the
Company or one or more of its parent or subsidiary
corporations.
(d) No Employment or Service Contract. Nothing in the
Plan shall confer upon the Optionee any right to continue in the
service of the Company (or any parent or subsidiary corporation
of the Company employing or retaining the Optionee) for any
period of specific duration or interfere with or otherwise
restrict in any way the rights of the Company (or any parent or
subsidiary corporation of the Company employing or retaining
Optionee) or the Optionee, to terminate the service provider
status of Optionee at any time for any reason or no reason
whatsoever, with or without cause.
(e) Stockholder Rights. An Optionee shall have none of the
rights of a stockholder with respect to any shares covered by the
option until such individual shall have duly exercised the
option and paid the option price.
6. Exercise of Options.
(a) Each Option may be exercised in whole or in part (but
not as to fractional shares) by delivering it for surrender or
endorsement to the Company, attention of the Corporate Secretary,
at the Company's principal office, together with payment of the
Exercise Price and an executed Notice and Agreement of Exercise
in the form prescribed by the Company.
(b) Exercise of each Option is conditioned upon the
agreement of the Optionee to the terms and conditions of this
Plan and of such Option as evidenced by the Optionee's execution
and delivery of a Notice and Agreement of Exercise in a form to
be determined by the Committee in its discretion. Such Notice
and Agreement of Exercise shall set forth the agreement of the
Optionee that: (a) no Option Shares will be sold or otherwise
distributed in violation of the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"Securities Act") or any other applicable federal or state
securities laws, (b) each Option Share certificate may be
imprinted with legends reflecting any applicable federal and
state securities law restrictions and conditions, (c) the Company
may comply with said securities law restrictions and issue "stop
transfer" instructions to its Transfer Agent and Registrar
without liability, (d) each Optionee will timely file all reports
required under federal securities laws, and (e) each Optionee
will report all sales of Option Shares to the Company in writing
on a form prescribed by the Company.
(c) No Option shall be exercisable unless and until any
applicable registration or qualification requirements of federal
and state securities laws, and all other legal requirements, have
been fully complied with. The Company will use reasonable efforts
to maintain the effectiveness of a Registration Statement under
the Securities Act for the issuance of Options and shares
acquired thereunder, but there may be times when no such
Registration Statement will be currently effective. The exercise
of Options may be temporarily suspended without liability to the
Company during times when no such Registration Statement is
currently effective, or during times when, in the reasonable
opinion of the Committee, such suspension is necessary to
preclude violation of any requirements of applicable law or
regulatory bodies having jurisdiction over the Company. If any
Option would expire for any reason except the end of its term
during such a suspension, then if exercise of such Option is duly
tendered before its expiration, such Option shall be exercisable
and exercised (unless the attempted exercise is withdrawn) as of
the first day after the end of such suspension. The Company
shall have no obligation to file any Registration Statement
covering resales of Option Shares.
(d) Withholding Taxes. The Company shall have the right
at the time of exercise of any Stock Option to make adequate
provision for any federal, state, local, or foreign taxes which
it believes are or may be required by law to be withheld with
respect to such exercise.
(e) Dollar Limitation. The aggregate fair market value
(determined as of the respective date or dates of grant) of the
Common Stock for which one or more options granted to any
Employee under the Plan (or any other option plan of the Company
or its parent or subsidiary corporations) may for the first time
become exercisable as Incentive Stock Options during any one
calendar year shall not exceed the sum of One Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($100,000). In the event that Section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code is amended to alter the limitation set
forth therein so that following such amendment such limitation
shall differ from the $100,000 limitation set forth above, the
dollar limitation of this Section 6(e) shall be automatically
adjusted accordingly. To the extent the Employee holds two or
more such options which become exercisable for the first time in
the same calendar year, the foregoing limitation on the
exercisability thereof as Incentive Stock Options shall be
applied on the basis of the order in which such options are
granted, and any Incentive Stock Options subject to the
limitations of this Section 6(e) shall be treated as non-
qualified Stock Options subject to the applicable terms and
conditions of the Plan.
7. Corporate Transactions.
(a) In the event of any of the following transactions (a
"Corporate Transaction"):
(i) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is
not the surviving entity, except for a transaction the
principal purpose of which is to change the State of
the Company's incorporation,
(ii) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company, or
(iii) any reverse merger in which the Company is
the surviving entity but in which fifty percent (50%) or
more of the Company's outstanding voting stock is
transferred to holders different from those who held the
stock immediately prior to such merger, then each
outstanding option which is not to be assumed by the
successor corporation or parent thereof (or to be replaced
with a comparable option to purchase shares of the capital
stock of such successor corporation or parent thereof)
automatically shall be accelerated so that each such
option, immediately prior to the specified effective date
for such Corporate Transaction, shall become fully
exercisable with respect to the total number of shares
of Common Stock purchasable under such option. Any such
accelerated options not exercised as of the consummation of
the Corporate Transaction shall terminate and cease to
be exercisable, unless assumed by the successor
corporation or parent thereof (or replaced with a comparable
option to purchase shares of the capital stock of such
successor corporation or parent thereof).
(b) In connection with any Corporate Transaction, the
exercisability of any accelerated options under the Plan as an
Incentive Stock Option shall remain subject to the applicable
dollar limitation of Section 6(e).
(c) The Plan Administrator shall have the right and power
at any time to waive in whole or in part, absolutely or
conditionally, any right of the Company contained in any
instrument or option agreement evidencing any options granted
under the Plan.
(d) The grant of options under the Plan shall in no way
affect the right of the Company to adjust, reclassify, reorganize
or otherwise change its capital or business structure or to
merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate or sell or transfer all
or any part of its business or assets.
8. Amendment of the Plan.
(a) The Board shall have complete and exclusive power and
authority to amend or modify the Plan in any or all respects
whatsoever; provided, however, that no such amendment or
modification shall, without the consent of the holders, adversely
affect rights and obligations with respect to options at the time
outstanding under the Plan; and provided further, that the Board
shall not, without the approval of the stockholders of the
Company where required by law.
(b) The provisions of this Plan pertaining to Incentive
Stock Options are intended to comply with all requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code pertaining to qualification of such
incentive stock options as Incentive Stock Options under the
Internal Revenue Code and all provisions of the Plan with respect
thereto shall be construed in a manner consistent therewith.
9. Effective Date and Term of Plan.
(a) The Plan shall become effective when adopted by the
Board, but no option granted under the Plan shall become
exercisable unless and until the Plan shall have been approved by
the shareholders of the Company. If such shareholder approval is
not obtained within twelve (12) months after the date of the
Board's adoption of the Plan, then all options previously granted
under the Plan shall terminate and no further options shall be
granted. Subject to such limitation, the Plan Administrator may
grant options under the Plan at any time after the Plan effective
date and before the date fixed herein for termination of the
Plan.
(b) Unless sooner terminated in accordance with the
provisions hereof, the Plan shall terminate upon the earlier of
(i) the expiration of the eight (8) year period measured from the
date of the Board's adoption of the Plan or (ii) the date on
which all shares available for issuance under the Plan shall have
been issued or canceled pursuant to the exercise or surrender of
options granted under the Plan.
10. Regulatory Approvals.
The implementation of the Plan, the granting of any
option under the Plan, and the issuance of Common Stock
upon the exercise or surrender of any such option, shall be
subject to the procurement by the Company of all approvals and
permits required by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction
over the Plan, the options granted under the Plan and the
Common Stock issued pursuant to the Plan.
11. Requests for Information.
For additional information about the Plan or the
Plan Administrator, please direct all such requests to the
Chief Financial Officer of Boatracs, Inc., 6440 Lusk
Boulevard, Suite D201, San Diego, CA 92121, telephone number
(619) 587-1981.
12. Financial Reports.
The Company shall deliver financial and other
information regarding the Company, on an annual or other
periodic basis, to each individual holding an outstanding option
under the Plan, to the extent the Company is required to
provide such information pursuant to Section 260.140.46 (or any
successor thereto) of the Rules of the California Corporations
Commissioner.
13. Successors in Interest.
The Company shall not assign or delegate to any other
person this Plan or any rights or obligations under this Plan.
Subject to any restriction on transferability contained in
this Plan, this Plan shall be binding upon and shall inure to
the benefit of the successors-in-interest and assigns of each
party to this Plan. Nothing in this Paragraph shall
create any rights enforceable by any person not a party to
this Plan, except for the rights of the successors-in-
interest and assigns of each party to this Plan, unless such
rights are expressly granted in this Plan to other specifically
identified persons.
14. Governing Law.
This Plan shall be construed in accordance with, and
governed by, the laws of the State of California.
15. Attorney's Fees.
In the event any litigation, arbitration, mediation, or
other proceeding ("Proceeding") is initiated by any party(ies)
against any other party(ies) to enforce, interpret or otherwise
obtain judicial or quasi-judicial relief in connection with
this Plan the prevailing party(ies) in such Proceeding shall be
entitled to recover from the unsuccessful party(ies) all costs,
expenses, and actual attorney's and expert witness fees relating
to or arising out of (a) such Proceeding (whether or not
such Proceeding proceeds to judgment), and (b) any post-
judgment or post-award proceeding including without
limitation one to enforce any judgment or award resulting
from any such Proceeding. Any such judgment or award shall
contain a specific provision for the recovery of all such
subsequently incurred costs, expenses, and actual attorney's and
expert witness fees.
16. Prior Understandings.
This Plan contains the entire agreement between the
parties with respect to the subject matter of the Plan, is
intended as a final expression with respect to such terms as
are included in the Plan, and supersedes all
negotiations, stipulations, understandings, agreements,
representations and warranties, if any, with respect to
such subject matter, which precede or accompany the execution
of the Plan.
17. Arbitration.
All disputes pertaining to this Plan shall be resolved by
the American Arbitration Association pursuant to its rules in
San Diego, California.
18. Option Non-Transferable; Exceptions
This option shall be neither transferable nor assignable
by Optionee other than by will or by the laws of descent
and distribution and may be exercised, during Optionee's
lifetime, only by Optionee.
FORM OF PROXY FRONT
PROXY
SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF BOATRACS, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS--Wednesday May 7, 1997
BOATRACS, INC.
THE UNDERSIGNED hereby appoints Michael Silverman & Luis
Maizel their true and lawful proxies (with full power of
substitution to vote in their name, place and stead all
shares in Boatracs, Inc. that the undersigned owns or is
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be
held May 7, 1997, and at any adjournment thereof, upon the
matters listed below in accordance with the following
instructions:
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Please
specify choices, date, sign and return the proxy in the
enclosed envelope. No postage is required if returned in
the enclosed envelope and mailed in the United States.
(Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on
the other side)
FORM OF PROXY BACK
If any of the following boxes are checked the shares covered
by this proxy will be voted in accordance herewith. If no
box is checked the proxies will be voted for the persons
nominated as directors by the Board of Directors. On other
matters presented, the shares will be voted in accordance
with the persons best judgement.
FOR WITHHELD
ALL FOR ALL
1.ELECTION OF
DIRECTORS // // 2. TO VOTE FOR APPROVAL
NOMINEES: OF THE AMENDMENT TO
THE BOATRACS, INC.
Michael Silverman 1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN
Annette Friskopp FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
Giles Bateman // // //
Norman Kane
Luis Maizel 3. TO TRANSACT ANY OTHER
Ilana Silverman BUSINESS THAT MAY PROPERLY
COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL
MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT
THEREOF.
_________________________________________
For all nominees except as noted above
Receipt of the Boatracs
Inc. Proxy Statement and
Annual Report
for the year ended
December 31, 1996 is hereby
acknowledged. Please vote
my shares as indicated on
the face of this proxy.
Signature(s)_______________________________Date__________________
NOTE: Please sign as name appears hereon. Joint owners should
each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian, please give full title as such.
(BOATRACS, INC. LETTERHEAD)
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
Fiscal 1996 was a building block year for BOATRACS. It
marked the fifth consecutive year of record revenues. In
addition, the company attained several significant
milestones, which will securely position it for future
growth.
Total revenues for 1996 grew 31.3% to $3.5 million up from
$2.7 million in 1995. This reflects a compound growth over
the last five years of 65% from $474,000 to $3,500,000. As
the leading innovator in the marine satellite communications
market, we intend to sustain this momentum by growing within
our existing markets, expanding into new international
markets, and developing new services to generate additional
revenue.
On a geographical breakdown, the company achieved a profit
of $360,000 in the U.S. which was offset by the expenses of
further establishing the European and Canadian markets as
well as research and development.
During 1996, the company continued its commitment to
software development, including e-mail capability, and phone
and fax communications, to provide customers greater
flexibility, enhanced data flow between vessels and base
stations, and increased efficiencies for their operations.
We are anticipating that these software upgrades will
generate an increase in our messaging revenues in the
future. All these expenditures have been charged to revenue
consistent with our past policies.
BOATRACS achieved the following milestones in 1996:
1) We significantly advanced our European sales and
distribution network to support growth in Europe.
2) We successfully reversed the restriction on our
exclusivity with QUALCOMM in the marine arena by exceeding
sales of 700 units. This provides BOATRACS with the
exclusive distribution rights to the Gulf of Mexico and
inland waterways of the U.S.
3) We hosted our first Users Conference in New Orleans in
conjunction with the annual International WorkBoat Show.
This one-day event, which was well received by attendees,
provided our customers the opportunity to interact with each
other and discuss various ways they use the BOATRACS system
to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
4) We participated in a volunteer program between some of
our customers and the National Marine Fisheries Service. We
are hopeful that a successful outcome will generate a
significant expansion of our user base in this target area.
Since the end of our financial year, we have announced a
major contract to supply Deutsche Binnenreederei, Europe's
largest barge company, with an initial order of 105 units
and additional units to follow. This marks our largest
European contract to date and is a tremendous testimony to
our innovative technology.
BOATRACS is progressing so rapidly and favorably because of
its dedicated and enthusiastic team of staff, directors and
professionals. Many of these wonderful people have spent
countless hours doing work, above and beyond what was
expected, to push the company forward and to fulfill all our
customers' needs. I would like to express my personal
gratitude to Annette Friskopp, in particular, who has taken
on the responsibility of growing our European operation
while, at the same time, keeping an eye on all our software
development and worldwide sales.
As the volume of data transmissions increases, both
domestically and internationally, we are positioning
BOATRACS as the technology leader and the preferred provider
for all marine applications worldwide.
/s/ MICHAEL L. SILVERMAN
Michael L. Silverman
President, Chief Executive Officer