SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION/
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant /x/
Filed by a Party Other than the Registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement / / Confidential, for use of the Commission
Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e) (2)
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to sec. 240.14a-11(c) or sec. 240.14a-12
Vernitron Corporation
-----------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/ / $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).
/ / 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:
------------------------------------------------------------------
/X/ 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 off its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid
----------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
----------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
----------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
----------------------------------------
[VERNITRON LOGO]
June 17, 1996
Dear Vernitron Stockholder:
On behalf of the Board of Directors and management, I cordially invite you
to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on July 24, 1996, at 10:00 a.m., at
the offices of Republic National Bank, Lower Level Conference Room, 452 Fifth
Avenue, New York, New York 10018.
The accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement describes the
proposals to be considered at the meeting.
It is important that your shares be represented at the meeting. Whether or
not you plan to attend personally, please complete and mail the enclosed proxy
card in the return envelope.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Stephen W. Bershad
----------------------
Stephen W. Bershad
Chairman of the Board
Chief Executive Officer
[Vernitron Logo]
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
JULY 24, 1996
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Vernitron Corporation (the "Company")
will be held on July 24, 1996 at 10:00 a.m., at the offices of Republic National
Bank, Lower Level Conference Room, 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10018,
for the following purposes:
1. To elect three directors to the Board of Directors;
2. To approve an amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
to effect a one-for-five reverse split of the Company's Common Stock;
3. To ratify the selection of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent
accountants of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31,
1996; and
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on June 17, 1996, will
be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting and any adjournments
thereof. A list of such stockholders will be open for examination by any
stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business
hours, for ten days prior to the meeting at the offices of the Company, 645
Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022.
Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, it is important that your
shares be represented, regardless of the number of shares you hold.
Accordingly, you are encouraged to sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card
in the reply envelope provided as soon as possible.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Elliot N. Konopko
---------------------------
ELLIOT N. KONOPKO
Secretary
June 17, 1996
[Vernitron Logo]
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This proxy statement, which is first being mailed to stockholders on or
about June 17, 1996, is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies
on behalf of the Board of Directors of Vernitron Corporation (the "Company"),
645 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022, for use at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held at 10:00 a.m., on July 24, 1996, and for all
adjournments thereof (the "Annual Meeting"), at the offices of Republic National
Bank, Lower Level Conference Room, New York, New York 10018.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on June 17, 1996, the
record date for the Annual Meeting, will be entitled to notice of and to vote at
the Annual Meeting. As of the record date, 12,758,737 shares of the Company's
common stock, par value $.01 per share ("Common Stock"), were outstanding and
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share of Common Stock is entitled
to one vote.
A majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock constitutes a quorum.
If a share is represented for any purpose at the meeting, it is deemed to be
present for all other matters. Abstentions and shares held of record by a
broker or its nominee ("Broker Shares") that are voted on any matter are
included in determining the number of votes present. Broker Shares that are not
voted on any matter will not be included in determining whether a quorum is
present. The election of each nominee for director, as set forth in Proposal
No. 1 below, and the ratification of the selection of Arthur Andersen LLP as
independent accountants, as set forth in Proposal No. 3 below, each requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast. The approval of the amendment
to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as set forth in Proposal No. 2
below, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock.
Stockholders are encouraged to specify the way they wish to vote their
shares by marking the appropriate boxes on the enclosed proxy. Shares
represented by proxies that are properly executed and returned will be voted as
specified on the proxy. If no choice is specified, the shares will be voted FOR
Proposals 1, 2 and 3 described in this Proxy Statement. A stockholder may
revoke a proxy at any time before it is actually voted by delivering written
notice of revocation to the Secretary of the Company, by submitting a properly
executed proxy bearing a later date, or by attending the meeting and voting in
person.
The Board of Directors does not intend to present any matters for a vote at
the meeting except the proposals described in this Proxy Statement. The persons
named in the proxy will, however, have discretionary voting authority regarding
any other business that may properly come before the meeting.
The expense of preparing, printing and mailing this Proxy Statement and the
related proxy solicitation material will be paid by the Company. Proxies are
being solicited principally by mail; but proxies may also be solicited
personally, by telephone and similar means by directors, officers and regular
employees of the Company without additional compensation. The Company will
reimburse brokerage firms and others for their expenses in forwarding proxy
solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of Common Stock.
1
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's By-Laws provide for a Board of Directors of not less than two
directors, as determined from time to time by resolution of the Board. The
Board currently consists of three directors. As noted above, proxies will be
voted, unless authority is withheld, FOR the election as directors of the three
nominees listed below, who are the current directors, to serve until the next
annual meeting of stockholders and until their respective successors shall be
duly elected and qualified. If any nominee should become unavailable for
election, proxies will be voted, unless authority is withheld, for an alternate
or alternates, if any, designated by the Board. The Board has no reason to
believe that any nominee will become unavailable for election.
The name, age and principal occupation of each nominee, the nominee's
length of service as a director of the Company, the names of the other public
companies of which the nominee is a director and certain other biographical
information are set forth below.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election as directors of
all nominees (Proposal No. 1).
Stephen W. Bershad, 54
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since
December 1986. Prior to joining the Company, he was a Managing Director of
Lehman Brothers and its predecessors, investment banking firms, where he held a
series of senior management positions. Mr. Bershad is a director of EMCOR
Group, Inc.
Anthony J. Fiorelli, Jr., 66
President, Strategic Management Consulting Services, Inc., a management
consulting firm, since December 1985. Prior to that time, Mr. Fiorelli was
President and Chief Executive Officer of General Defense Corporation, a
diversified engineering and manufacturing company. Mr. Fiorelli has been a
director of the Company since February 1988.
Eliot M. Fried, 63
Mr. Fried has been a Managing Director of Lehman Brothers and its
predecessors, investment banking firms, since 1991. Prior to that time he was
Senior Executive Vice President of Lehman Brothers. Currently, he is Co-
Chairman of Lehman Brother's Investment Committee. Mr. Fried is a director of
American Marketing Industries, Inc., Bridgeport Machines, Inc., Energy Ventures,
Inc., Lear Seating Corporation, Sun Distributors, L.P. and Walter Industries
Inc. Mr. Fried has served as a Director of the Company since 1994.
The Board of Directors met four times during 1995. The Audit Committee,
the Compensation Committee and the Stock Incentive Plan Committee are the
standing committees of the Board.
2
The Audit Committee reviews internal and external audit procedures of the
Company. Mr. Fiorelli is a member of the Audit Committee. The Compensation
Committee oversees compensation policies of the Company. Its members are Messrs.
Bershad and Fiorelli. The Stock Incentive Plan Committee administers the
Vernitron Corporation Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan. Mr. Fiorelli is a member
of the Stock Incentive Plan Committee. The Audit Committee and the Compensation
Committee met once in 1995. Each director attended all meetings of the Board
and of the Committees on which the director served.
The compensation of directors is fixed by the Board of Directors.
Directors who are not employees of the Company receive meeting
fees of $2,500 for each Board meeting attended and $1,000 for each committee
meeting attended other than in connection with a Board meeting. Directors
are reimbursed for travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of
their duties.
STOCK OWNERSHIP
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The following table sets forth the number of shares of Common Stock
beneficially owned by the Company's directors individually, and by all
directors and officers as a group, as of April 30, 1996:
Shares Exercisable Total
Owned Stock Shares
Directly or Option Beneficially Percent
Indirectly (1) Shares (2) Owned of Class
-------------- ----------- ------------ --------
Stephen W. Bershad 5,685,157 50,400 5,735,557 44.8%
Anthony J. Fiorelli, Jr.(3) 69,245 -- 69,245 --
Eliot M. Fried (4) -- -- -- --
Directors and Executive
Officers as a group (5 persons) 5,754,402 86,400 5,840,802 45.5%
(1) Does not include 1,066,099 shares of Common Stock owned by the Vernitron
Corporation 401(K) Plan (the "401(K) Plan") as of April 30, 1996. Elliot N.
Konopko and Raymond F. Kunzmann, who are executive officers of the Company, are
the sole trustees of the 401(K) Plan and may be deemed to beneficially own such
shares, although each of them disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.
Mr. Bershad owns 2,731,337 shares of Common Stock directly and 2,953,820 shares
of Common Stock indirectly through SWB Holding Corporation, of which he is the
sole shareholder and Chairman.
(2) Shares covered by stock options exercisable on April 30, 1996, or within 60
days thereafter.
(3) Less than 1% of the total Common Stock outstanding.
(4) Eliot M. Fried is a Managing Director and a Co-Chairman of the Investment
Committee of Lehman, which may be deemed to beneficially own 2,318,705 shares of
Common Stock. See "Principal Stockholders" below. Mr. Fried disclaims
beneficial ownership of such shares.
3
Mr. Bershad also directly owns, as of April 30, 1996, 149,041 shares of $1.20
Cumulative Exchangeable Redeemable Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share
("Preferred Stock"), of the Company, constituting approximately 20.2% of the
outstanding shares of Preferred Stock. No other director or officer owns any
shares of Preferred Stock.
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The Company knows of no person who, as of April 30, 1996, beneficially owned
more than five percent of the Common Stock outstanding, except for Mr. Bershad
and except as set forth below.
Amount and
Name and Address Nature of Percent of
of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership Class
- - ------------------- -------------------- -----------
Lehman Electric Inc.(1) 2,318,705 Shares 18.2%
World Financial Center
200 Vesey Street
New York, NY 10285
Paribas Principal, Inc.(2) 776,388 Shares 5.5%
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Banque Paribas(2) 666,312 Shares 4.7%
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Victor A. Morgenstern 909,000 Shares 7.1%
2 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60602
Vernitron Corporation 401(K) 1,164,879 Shares 9.1%
Plan Vernitron Corporation
645 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(1)Lehman Electric Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Lehman Electric"), is an
investment vehicle. Lehman Brothers Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Lehman
Brothers"), is a registered broker-dealer. Lehman Brothers Group Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("Group"), is a holding company and parent of Lehman
Electric. Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Holdings"),
through its domestic and foreign subsidiaries, is a full line securities firm.
It is the immediate parent of Lehman Brothers and Group. The foregoing entities
(other than Lehman Brothers) may be deemed to beneficially own the 2,318,705
shares of Common Stock directly owned by Lehman Electric. In the ordinary
course of its business on behalf of its customers, Lehman Brothers may purchase
and sell shares of Common Stock.
4
(2)Paribas Principal, Inc. ("PPI") is a New York corporation and Banque Paribas
("Paribas") is a banking corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of
France which maintains branches in a number of jurisdictions, and which is
acting through its Grand Cayman Branch in connection with its investment in the
Company. The principal business of PPI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Paribas
and a small business investment company licensed by the Small Business
Administration under the Small Business Administration under the Small
Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended, is that of making debt and equity
investments in "small concerns" (as defined under the regulations of the Small
Business Administration). Paribas is a subsidiary of Compagnie Financiere de
Paribas ("Compagnie Financiere"), a diversified holding company organized under
the laws of the Republic of France. The operating subsidiaries of Compagnie
Financiere de Paribas engage in a wide variety of banking, financial services,
manufacturing, trading, development and related activities. Through its Grand
Cayman Branch, which is licensed under the laws of the jurisdiction to engage in
banking activities, Paribas engages in lending activities, acceptance of
deposits, international trade financing trading activities.
Paribas' beneficial ownership of 666,312 shares of Common Stock (all of which
Paribas has the option to purchase pursuant to a Warrant issued to it)
constitutes beneficial ownership of 4.7% of the total number of shares of
outstanding Common Stock, and PPI's beneficial ownership of 776,388 shares of
Common Stock (all of which PPI has the option to purchase pursuant to a Warrant
issued to it) constitutes beneficial ownership of 5.5% of the total number of
shares of outstanding Common Stock. Paribas may be deemed to be the beneficial
owner of the shares of Common Stock of the Company owned by PPI and PPI may be
deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares of Common Stock of the Company
owned by Paribas.
Paribas has the sole power to vote or to direct the vote of, and sole power to
dispose or direct the disposition of, zero shares of Common Stock of the
company. Pursuant to its Warrant, Paribas has the right to acquire 666,312
shares of Common Stock, as to which it neither has nor shares voting or
dispositive power as of the date hereof. PPI has sole power to vote or to
direct the vote of, and sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of, zero
shares of Common Stock of the Company. Pursuant to its Warrant, PPI has the
right to acquire 776,388 shares of Common Stock, as to which it neither has nor
shares voting or dispositive power as of the date hereof.
5
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table shows the compensation paid to the Company's executive
officers for services in all capacities for the three years ended December 31,
1995:
Long Term
Annual Compensation Compensation
--------------------------------- ------------- All Other
Bonus Other Annual Options Compensation
Name and Principal Position Year Salary($) ($)(1) Compensation (# of Shares)(2) ($)(3)
- - --------------------------- ---- ---------- ------ ------------ ---------------- -----------------
Stephen W. Bershad.............. 1995 262,500 100,000 - - 9,633
Chairman of the Board and 1994 262,500 150,000 - 21,000 10,810
Chief Executive Officer 1993 262,500 - - - 3,385
Elliot N. Konopko (4)................. 1995 175,000 40,000 - - 7,271
Vice President, General 1994 175,000 55,000 - 15,000 6,318
Counsel and Secretary 1993 175,000 - - - 3,338
Raymond F. Kunzmann (5)........ 1995 135,000 45,000 - - 5,517
Vice President-Finance 1994 120,000 28,000 - 20,000 2,721
and Controller
_____________________
(1)Reflects payments under the Company's bonus plan, which is described in the
"Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation" below.
(2)Reflects awards under the Company's Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, which is
described under "Stock Incentive Plan" below.
(3)Reflects matching contributions under the Company's 401(K) Plan, described
under 401(K) Plan on page 6 of this proxy statement, and payments under the
Company's executive health insurance plan. Vernitron's executive health
insurance plan, which covers only executive officers, provides for the
reimbursement of deductible and coinsurance amounts and certain medical expenses
not covered under Vernitron's basic medical plans.
(4)Mr. Konopko has been Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the
Company since March 1990.
(5)Raymond F. Kunzmann was elected Vice President-Finance and Controller on June
2, 1994. Prior to that time, he was Group Controller at Mannesmann Capital
Corporation, a diversified manufacturing company, from January 1994 until May
31, 1994, and was Controller and held other positions at Lear Siegler, Inc., a
diversified manufacturing/service company, from January 1987 until December
1993.
401(K) Plan
Vernitron currently maintains a 401(K) Salary Reduction Plan (the "401(K) Plan")
which is intended to qualify under Sections 401(a) and 401(K) of the Internal
Revenue Code. All employees who are not members of collective bargaining groups
and who are 21 years of age or older are eligible to participate in the 401(K)
Plan on
6
the first calendar day of the month immediately following the month in which
they complete 1,000 hours of service. All eligible executive officers have
elected to participate in the 401(K) Plan.
Eligible employees electing to participate in the 401(K) Plan may defer a
portion of their compensation on a pre-tax basis, by contributing a percentage
thereof to the 401(K) Plan. The minimum contribution is not less than 3% of
annual gross pay. The maximum is prescribed by the Tax Reform Act of 1986. The
limit for 1995 was $9,240 and will be $9,500 in 1996. The Company made a
matching contribution in Common Stock of the Company in respect of each
employee's 3% contribution in 1995. Eligible employees who elect to
participate in the 401(K) Plan and whose employment began prior to December 1,
1988 are 100% vested in the Company's matching contribution when made. Eligible
employees whose employment began on and after December 1, 1988 are vested in the
Company's matching contribution according to the following schedule: less than
1 year of service - 0%; 1 year of service - 20%; 2 years of service - 40%;
3 years of service - 60%; 4 years of service - 80%; and 5 years of service -
100%.
Stock Incentive Plan
The Vernitron Corporation Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan")
was approved by the stockholders in 1991. The Incentive Plan is administered by
the Stock Incentive Plan Committee (the "Committee"). The Committee selects
participants from among those executives and other key employees of the Company
and its subsidiaries who are in a position to contribute materially to the
success of the Company and determines the amounts, times, forms, terms and
conditions of grants.
Grants may be in the form of options to purchase shares of Common Stock, stock
appreciation rights, restricted stock and performance units (collectively,
"stock incentives"). Grants may be made for up to 450,000 shares of Common
Stock of the Company in the aggregate. Stock appreciation rights may be granted
on a "free-standing" basis or in conjunction with all or a portion of the shares
covered by an option. Stock incentive awards are subject to such provisions as
the Committee determines and may be exercised at one time or in such
installments and at such prices over the balance of the exercise period as
determined by the Committee.
Each stock incentive is exercisable in whole or in part, prior to its
cancellation or termination, by written notice to the Company. If any option is
being exercised, such notice must be accompanied by payment in full of the
purchase price in cash or, if acceptable to the Committee, shares of Company
Common Stock or partly in cash and partly in such shares. Stock incentives are
not transferable except by will or by laws of descent and distribution.
In general, each stock incentive will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the date
fixed by the Committee when the stock incentive is granted or (ii) unless
determined otherwise by the Committee, termination of employment other than for
cause, to the extent the stock incentive was then exercisable, up to 90 days
after the participant's termination of employment. In the event of death or
termination due to disability, the stock incentive may be exercised to the
extent then exercisable for up to one year thereafter. If a participant's
employment is terminated for cause, however, his or her ability to exercise any
stock incentive is terminated.
7
The Company may make loans to such participants as the Committee, in its
discretion, may determine in connection with the exercise of options in an
amount up to the exercise price of the option plus any applicable withholding
taxes. In no event may any such loan exceed the fair market value, at the date
of exercise, of the shares covered by the option exercised.
Under the Incentive Plan, the Committee may determine, in the event of a change
of control of the Company, that all stock incentives which have not terminated
and which are then held by any participant will become immediately exercisable.
Any such determination by the Committee may be set forth in an applicable option
agreement or by resolution of the Committee.
Options outstanding under the Incentive Plan to acquire up to 117,000 shares
were granted prior to 1994, including to Stephen W. Bershad (42,000 shares) and
Elliot N. Konopko (30,000 shares). Options outstanding under the Incentive Plan
to acquire up to an additional 101,000 shares were granted in 1994 to certain
new and current employees, including to Stephen W. Bershad (21,000 shares),
Elliot N. Konopko (15,000 shares) and Raymond F. Kunzmann (20,000 shares). All
options are exercisable to the extent of 40% thereof within one year from the
date of grant and an additional 30% each year thereafter. All options are
incentive stock options. All options terminate seven years after the date of
grant and are exercisable at $0.75 per share, except that Mr. Bershad's options
terminate five years after grant and are exercisable at $0.83 per share.
Compensation Committee Report On Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has furnished the following
report on executive compensation.
Under the supervision of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors,
the Company has developed and implemented compensation policies which seek to
enhance the profitability of the Company, and thus shareowner value, by aligning
closely the financial interests of the Company's senior managers with those of
its shareowners. In furtherance of these goals, the Company relies to a large
degree on annual bonus and longer-term stock incentive compensation to attract
and retain executive officers and other key employees and to motivate them to
perform to the full extent of their abilities. Both types of incentive
compensation are not guaranteed and are variable and closely tied to corporate,
business unit and individual performance in a manner designed to encourage a
sharp and continuing focus on building profitability and shareowner value. The
annual bonus and stock incentive compensation is more closely tied to the
Corporation's success in achieving significant financial and other performance
- - -oriented goals. The Committee considers the total compensation (earned or
potentially available) of each of the executive officers and the other senior
managers in establishing each element of compensation. Eligible persons must be
employed by the Company at the time bonus compensation is awarded.
In evaluating the performance and setting the incentive compensation of the
Chief Executive Officer, the Committee has taken note of management's success
in improving sales, operating income, bookings and backlog and in repositioning
the Company for growth in its served markets. In its review of other senior
management performance and compensation for 1995, the Committee has also taken
into account management's consistent commitment to the long-term success of the
Company through development of new or improved products and the implementation
of significant cost reductions, resulting in increased efficiencies and
continued debt reduction.
8
Based on its evaluation of these factors, the Committee believes that the
senior management of the Company is dedicated to achieving significant
improvements in long-term financial performance and that the compensation
policies the Committee has implemented and administered have contributed to
achieving this management focus.
During each fiscal year, the Committee considers the desirability of
recommending to the Long-Term Stock Incentive Committee granting
senior executives, including executive officers, awards under the Incentive
Plan, which provides the flexibility to grant longer-term incentives in a
variety of forms, including performance units, stock options,
stock appreciation rights and restricted stock. For 1995 the Committe
determined not to recommend the grant of additional awards under the Incentive
Plan.
Members of the Compensation Committee
Stephen W. Bershad
Anthony J. Fiorelli, Jr.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Mr. Bershad, a member of the Compensation Committee, is Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Stock Price Performance Graph
The information in the foregoing report and the following graph shall not be
incorporated by reference (by any general statement incorporating this proxy
statement by reference or otherwise) into any prior or future filing under the
Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, except to the extent the Company
specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise
be deemed filed under such Acts.
The following graph shows the value of a $100 investment in Common Stock
from August 30, 1991 through June 14, 1996, as of the dates indicated, compared
with the value of a similar investment in the NASDAQ Non-Financial Stock Index
and the S&P High Technology Composite Index at such times. The NASDAQ
Non-Financial Stock Index is an index comprising all non-financial common shares
traded on the NASDAQ National Market and the NASDAQ Small-Cap Market. The S&P
High Technology Composite Index is an index comprising common shares of
companies in the aerospace/defense, communications equipment, electronics and
office equipment and supplies industries. Both the NASDAQ Non-Financial Stock
Index and the S&P High Technology Composite Index are calculated on a total
return basis to include the reinvestment of dividends. The Common Stock was
first quoted on NASDAQ on August 14, 1991.
9
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8/31/91 12/27/91 6/30/92 12/31/92 6/30/93 12/31/93 6/30/94 12/30/94 6/30/95 12/29/95 6/14/96
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vernitron Common $100 $88 $91 $91 $91 $38 $59 $35 $50 $54 $100
Stock
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NASDAQ Non-
Financial Index $100 $114 $104 $124 $129 $143 $126 $137 $171 $189 $229
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P High
Technology $100 $93 $100 $103 $115 $126 $124 $144 $196 $207 $239
Composite Index
==============================================================================================================================
(1)On July 20, 1994 the Company issued an additional 7,352,942 shares of Common
Stock to existing stockholders at $0.34 per share pursuant to a rights offering
of Common Stock. Prior to the rights offering, there were 5,185,070 shares of
Common Stock outstanding.
10
Agreements With Directors and Officers
The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors and
certain officers in order to induce them to continue to serve as directors and
officers of the Company, indemnifying them for any and all liabilities incurred
by them arising out of their service as directors or officers, other than
liabilities arising out of conduct which has been determined in a final
adjudication to constitute bad faith or a knowing violation of law or receipt by
such person of an improper personal benefit. The rights to indemnification
under such agreements are in addition to any rights to indemnification contained
in the Company's Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws, which provide for
indemnification under certain circumstances. The Company has agreed to pay
Messrs. Konopko and Kunzmann up to one year's base compensation and certain
other benefits in the event of termination by the Company other than for
cause.
PROPOSAL NO. 2
AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO EFFECT A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
General
The Board of Directors of the Company has adopted, subject to stockholder
approval, a resolution proposing that the Company amend its Certificate of
Incorporation to reduce the outstanding number of shares of Common Stock and
effect a reverse stock split (the "Reverse Stock Split") pursuant to which each
five shares of Common Stock ("Old Common Stock") will become one share of the
Company's then outstanding common stock ("New Common Stock").
The Certificate of Incorporation presently authorizes 20,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, of which 12,758,737 shares were issued and outstanding on the
Record Date. In addition, as of the Record Date, 1,735,700 shares of Common
Stock were subject to issuance upon exercise of outstanding warrants and
options.
Purposes of the Reverse Stock Split
The Common Stock is currently quoted on the NASDAQ Stock Market's Small-Cap
Market ("NASDAQ-SCMS"). If the Reverse Stock Split becomes effective, the
Company intends promptly thereafter to apply for listing of the Common Stock on
the NASDAQ Stock Market's National Market ("NASDAQ-NMS"). The Company believes
that having the Common Stock listed on the NASDAQ-NMS will provide greater
access to, and visibility in, a nationally recognized capital market. In order
to be eligible for listing on the NASDAQ-NMS, the following minimum conditions
are required to be satisfied. First, the Common Stock must maintain a minimum
bid price of $5.00 for a period of time prior to listing. Second, a public float
(shares not held directly or indirectly by an officer, director or by any person
who is the beneficial owner of more than 10% of the total shares outstanding) of
at least 500,000 shares of Common Stock must exist at the time of listing and
the public float of the Company's Common Stock at the time of listing must have
a market value of at least $3,000,000. Third, the Common Stock must be held by
at least 800 beneficial owners. Last, at the time of listing, the Company must
have minimum net tangible assets (total assets (excluding goodwill) minus total
liabilities) of 4,000,000 as of the end of
11
the most recent quarter immediately preceding the time of listing, and the
Company's net income and pre-tax income in 1995 must have exceeded $400,000 and
$750,000, respectively. The closing bid price per share of the Common Stock as
reported on the NASDAQ-SCMS on June 14, 1996, the last trading day prior to the
date of this Proxy Statement, was $2.00. The Board of Directors believes that
if the bid price of the Common Stock is at least $5.00, the Common Stock may be
eligible for listing on the NASDAQ-NMS. However, there can be no assurances
that, even if the Reverse Stock Split is effected, the Common Stock will be
accepted for listing on the NASDAQ-NMS or that, if accepted for listing on the
NASDAQ-NMS, the Common Stock will continue to remain eligible for listing on the
NASDAQ-NMS.
The Board of Directors also believes that the current low per share price
of the Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ-SCMS has had a negative effect on
the price and marketability of existing shares, the amount and percentage
(relative to share price) of transaction costs paid by individual stockholders
and the potential ability of the Company to raise capital by issuing additional
shares. Reasons for these effects include internal policies of certain
institutional investors which prevent the purchase of low-priced stocks, the
fact that many brokerage houses do not permit low-priced stocks to be used as
collateral for margin accounts or to be purchased on margin and a variety of
brokerage house policies and practices which tend to discourage individual
brokers within those firms from dealing in low-priced stocks.
In addition, since broker's commissions on low-priced stocks generally
represent a higher percentage of the stock price than commissions on higher
priced stocks, the current share price of the Common Stock can result in
individual stockholders paying transaction costs which are a higher percentage
of the share price than would be the case if the share price were substantially
higher. The Board of Directors also believes that this factor limits the
willingness of certain institutional investors to purchase the Common
Stock. The Board of Directors believes that the proposed Reverse Stock Split
will enhance the Company's flexibility in the future for financing and
capitalization needs. There can, however, be no assurance that any of the
foregoing effects will occur.
THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALIZATION OF THE
COMMON STOCK AFTER THE PROPOSED REVERSE STOCK SPLIT WILL BE
EQUAL TO THE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALIZATION BEFORE THE PROPOSED REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
OR THAT THE MARKET PRICE FOLLOWING THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT WILL EITHER EXCEED OR
REMAIN IN EXCESS OF THE CURRENT MARKET PRICE.
Effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split
If Proposal No. 2 is approved by the stockholders, the Reverse Stock Split
would become effective at such time as the Company files the Certificate of
Amendment with the Secretary of State of Delaware (the "Effective Date"). Even
if the Reverse Stock Split is approved by the stockholders, it is within the
discretion of the Board of Directors to not carry out the Reverse Stock Split.
Upon the filing of the Certificate of Amendment, all of the Old Common Stock
will be converted into New Common Stock as set forth in the Certificate of
Amendment. The number of shares of New Common Stock will be rounded up to the
nearest whole share as fractional shares will not be issued. From and after the
Effective Date, certificates representing shares of Old Common Stock shall be
deemed to represent only the right to receive shares of New Common Stock to
which an individual stockholder is entitled.
12
Certificates and Fractional Shares
As soon as practicable after the Effective Date, the Company will request
all stockholders to return their stock certificates representing issued shares
of Old Common Stock outstanding on the Effective Date ("Old Certificates") in
exchange for certificates representing the number of whole shares of New Common
Stock into which the shares of Common Stock have been converted ("New
Certificates") as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. Each stockholder will
receive a letter of transmittal from the Company's transfer agent, ChaseMellon
Shareholders Services, New York, New York (the "Transfer Agent"), containing
instructions on how to exchange certificates. STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT SUBMIT
THEIR OLD CERTIFICATES TO THE TRANSFER AGENT UNTIL THEY RECEIVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS. In order to receive New Certificates, stockholders must surrender
their Old Certificates pursuant to the transfer Agent's instructions, together
with the properly executed and completed letter of transmittal and such evidence
of ownership of such shares as the Company may require.
Beginning with the Effective Date, each Old Certificate will, until
surrendered and exchanged as described above, be deemed for all corporate
purposes to evidence ownership of the whole number of shares of the Common Stock
into which the shares evidenced by such Old Certificate have been amended.
No fractional shares of New Common Stock will be issued as a result of the
Reverse Stock Split. In lieu of receiving fractional shares, stockholders who
hold a number of shares not evenly divisible immediately prior to the Reverse
Stock Split will be entitled to receive a whole share of New Common Stock for
any fractional share at no additional cost. The number of shares of New Common
Stock to be issued in connection with rounding up such fractional interests is
not expected by management of the Company to be material.
Certain Effects of the Reverse Stock Split
The principal effect of the Reverse Stock Split will be to decrease the
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding from 12,758,737 to approximately
2,551,747, before giving effect to the rounding up of fractional shares referred
to above. The authorized number of shares of Common Stock will be reduced from
20,000,000 to 4,000,000 shares.
The shares of New Common Stock will be fully paid and nonassessable. The
relative voting and other rights of holders of the New Common Stock will not be
altered by the Reverse Stock Split. The Company does not anticipate that the
Reverse Stock Split will result in any material reduction in the number of
holders of Common Stock. Certain stockholders' post-Reverse Stock Split
holdings may include an "odd lot" number of shares. In general, it is somewhat
more difficult to purchase or sell an odd-lot number of shares, and transactions
in odd lots are subject to higher commissions and other transaction costs
applicable to so-called round lots.
The number of shares subject to outstanding warrants and options, as well
as the exercise price therefor, will be proportionately adjusted to reflect the
Reverse Stock Split.
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following description of certain federal income tax consequences is
based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the
applicable Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial
13
authority and current administrative rulings and practices as in effect on the
date of this Proxy Statement. This discussion is for general information only
and does not discuss consequences which may apply to special classes of
taxpayers (e.g., nonresident aliens, broker-dealers, or insurance companies).
Stockholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors to determine the
particular tax consequences to them.
The Company has not sought and will not seek a ruling from the Internal
Revenue Service or an opinion of counsel regarding the federal income tax
consequences of the Reverse Stock Split. However, the Company believes that
because the Reverse Stock Split is not part of a plan to periodically increase a
stockholder's proportionate interest in the assets or earnings and profits of
the Company, the Reverse Stock Split will have the following effects:
The amendment of shares of Old Common Stock to become shares of New Common
Stock should not result in recognition of gain or loss (except in the case of
the portion of a whole share of New Common Stock attributable to the rounding up
to the nearest whole number of shares of New Common Stock in lieu of fractional
shares as described above). The holding period for the shares and portions of
shares of New Common Stock will include the stockholder's holding period for his
shares of Old Common Stock, provided that the shares of Old Common Stock were
held as a capital asset. The portion of the shares of New Common Stock
attributable to rounding up for fractional shares will have a holding period
commencing on the Effective Date. The adjusted basis of the shares of New
Common Stock will be the same as the adjusted basis of the shares of Old Common
Stock, increased by the income or gain attributable to the rounding up to a
whole number of shares as described herein. Shares of New Common Stock
attributable to the rounding up to the nearest whole number of
shares will be treated for tax purposes as if the fractional shares constitute a
disproportionate dividend distribution. Such stockholders should generally
recognize ordinary income to the extent of earnings and profits of the Company
allocated to the portion of each share of New Common Stock attributable to the
rounding up process, and the remainder of the gain, if any, shall be treated as
received from the exchange of property.
Miscellaneous
The Board of Directors may abandon the proposed Reverse Stock Split at any
time before or after the Annual Meeting and prior to the filing of the
Certificate of Amendment related thereto if for any reason the Board of
Directors deems it advisable to do so. In addition, the Board of Directors may
make any and all changes to the applicable Certificate of Amendment that it
deems necessary to file the Certificate of Amendment with the Delaware Secretary
of State and give effect to the Reverse Stock Split.
Recommendation and Vote
Assuming the presence of a quorum, the proposal to amend the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split requires the
approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
Proxies will be voted for or against such approval in accordance with
specifications marked thereon and, if no specification is made, will be voted
FOR such approval.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the approval of the proposal
to amend the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock
Split (Proposal No. 2).
14
PROPOSAL NO. 3
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Subject to ratification by the stockholders, the Board of Directors, upon
the recommendation of its Audit Committee, has selected Arthur Andersen LLP as
independent accountants to audit the consolidated books and accounts of the
Company for the period beginning January 1, 1996, and ending December 31, 1996.
A representative of Arthur Andersen LLP will be present at the meeting and will
have the opportunity to make a statement and to respond to appropriate
questions.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the ratification of Arthur
Andersen LLP as independent accountants of the Company for the indicated period
(Proposal No. 3).
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any holder of Common Stock who wishes to present a proposal for inclusion
in the Company's proxy statement for the next annual meeting of shareholders
must comply with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission then in effect. Such proposal must be received by the Secretary of
the Company at 645 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10022 no later than
December 16, 1996, in order to be considered for inclusion in the Company's
proxy statement for the next annual meeting.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
A copy of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for 1995, as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, will be provided to stockholders without
charge upon receipt of a written request to: Investor Relations, Vernitron
Corporation, 645 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022.
June 17, 1996
15