def14a
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14-101)
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 þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
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Check the appropriate box: |
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
TASER International, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
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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. |
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TASER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
17800 North 85th Street
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
May 28, 2008
To Our Stockholders:
The 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Annual Meeting) of TASER International, Inc.
(the Company) will be held at 10:00 a.m. (Mountain Standard Time) on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at
the Companys principal executive office building located at 17800 North 85th Street,
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255 for the following purposes:
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Electing three Class B directors of the Company for a term of three years; |
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Ratifying the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm for 2008; and |
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Transacting such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any
continuation, postponement or adjournment thereof. |
Only holders of the Companys Common Stock at the close of business on April 11, 2008 are
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements
thereof. Stockholders may vote in person or by proxy. A list of stockholders entitled to vote at
the Annual Meeting will be available for examination by stockholders at the time and place of the
Annual Meeting and during ordinary business hours, for a period of 10 days prior to the Annual
Meeting, at the principal executive offices of the Company at the address listed above.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ DOUGLAS E. KLINT
Douglas E. Klint
Corporate Secretary
Scottsdale, Arizona
April 25, 2008
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE
MARK, SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN YOUR PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
TASER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
17800 North 85th Street
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
PROXY STATEMENT
2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the TASER International, Inc. (the
Company) 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Annual Meeting) to be held at 10:00 a.m.
(Mountain Standard Time) on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at the Companys principal executive office
located at 17800 North 85th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255, and at any continuation,
adjournment or postponement thereof. The Board of Directors of the Company is soliciting proxies.
If proxies in the accompanying form are properly executed, dated and returned prior to the voting
at the Annual Meeting, the shares of Common Stock represented thereby will be voted as instructed
on the proxy. If no instructions are given on a properly executed and returned proxy, the shares
of Common Stock represented thereby will be voted for election of the directors named in this Proxy
Statement, for ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting
firm, and in support of the recommendations of management on such other business as may properly
come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments, continuations or postponements thereof.
Any proxy may be revoked by a stockholder prior to its exercise upon (i) written notice to the
Secretary of the Company, (ii) by delivering a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or (iii)
by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the
Company. The Company may reimburse brokerage houses, banks and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses incurred in forwarding proxies and proxy material to
their principals. In addition to solicitation by mail, proxies may be solicited personally by the
Companys officers and employees, or by telephone, facsimile or electronic transmission or express
mail. This Proxy Statement is first being mailed to stockholders on or about April 25, 2008.
VOTING
Holders of record of the Companys Common Stock on April 11, 2008 will be entitled to vote at
the Annual Meeting or any continuation, adjournment, or postponement thereof. As of the record
date, there were 63,430,530 shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote. The presence
in person or by proxy of persons holding a majority of these shares, or 31,715,266 shares, will
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Each share of Common Stock entitles the
holder to one vote on each matter that may properly come before the Annual Meeting. Stockholders
are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of directors. Abstentions and withheld votes
will be counted in determining whether a quorum is present for the Annual Meeting. If a
stockholder holds shares through a nominee, such as a brokerage firm, and such nominee does not
have discretionary voting power with respect to a proposal and has not received voting instructions
from the beneficial owner, a broker non-vote occurs. Broker non-votes are only counted in
determining whether a quorum is present.
Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or
represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors.
Therefore, the three director-nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be elected.
Abstentions and broker non-votes are not treated as votes cast and, therefore, will have no effect
on the proposal to elect directors. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to
vote and present at the Annual Meeting is required to approve any other proposals. Abstentions and
broker non-votes are not treated as votes cast and, therefore, will have no effect on any such
proposal.
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PROPOSAL ONE:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is elected by and accountable to the stockholders. The Board of
Directors is comprised of nine directors. The directors are divided into three classes comprised
as follows: three directors each in Class A, Class B, and Class C. One class is elected each year
for a three-year term. The three director nominees in Class B, who would serve a regular
three-year term until the annual meeting of stockholders in 2011, or until their respective
successors are elected and qualified, are: Patrick W. Smith, Mark W. Kroll and Judy Martz. As
discussed above, the three nominees for director receiving the highest number of votes will be
elected to the Board of Directors.
Unless marked otherwise, proxies received will be voted FOR the election of each of the
nominees named below.
If any nominee is unable or unwilling to serve as a director at the date of the Annual Meeting
or any postponement or adjournment thereof, the proxies may be voted for a substitute nominee,
designated by the proxy holders or by the present Board of Directors to fill such vacancy, or for
the other nominees named without nomination of a substitute, or the number of directors may be
reduced accordingly. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will
be unwilling or unable to serve if elected a director.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of Patrick W. Smith, Mark W. Kroll
and Judy Martz.
The following table sets forth certain information about each nominee for election to the
Board of Directors and each continuing director.
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Expiration of |
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Age |
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Positions |
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Director Since |
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Current Term |
Nominees for Election |
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Class B (for three-year term) |
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Patrick W. Smith
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37 |
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Chief Executive Officer and Director
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1993 |
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2008 |
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Mark W. Kroll
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56 |
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Director
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2003 |
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2008 |
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Judy Martz (1)(2)(3)(4)
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Director
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2005 |
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2008 |
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Directors Continuing in Office |
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Class A |
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John S. Caldwell(1)(2)(4)
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Director
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2006 |
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2010 |
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Bruce R. Culver(1)(3)
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62 |
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Director
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1994 |
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2010 |
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Michael Garnreiter(1)(3)(4)
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56 |
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Director
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2006 |
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2010 |
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Class C |
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Thomas P. Smith
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40 |
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Chairman of the Board of Directors
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1993 |
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2009 |
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Matthew R. McBrady(1)(2)(4)
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Director
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2001 |
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2009 |
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Richard H. Carmona
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Director
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2007 |
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2009 |
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Member of the Audit Committee. |
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Member of the Compensation Committee. |
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Member of the Nominating Committee. |
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Member of the Litigation Committee. |
Directors
Nominees for Election at the Annual Meeting
Patrick W. Smith. Mr. Smith has served as Chief Executive Officer and as a director of the
Company since 1993. He is a co-founder of the Company. Mr. Smith holds a B.S. degree in Biology and
Neurobiology from Harvard University, an M.B.A. degree from the University of Chicago, and a
Masters Degree in International Finance from the University of Leuven in Leuven, Belgium.
2
Mark W. Kroll Ph.D. Dr. Kroll has served as a director of the Company since January 2003. He
retired from St. Jude Medical Inc. in July 2005, where he held various executive level positions
since 1995, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Cardiac Rhythm
Management Division. Dr. Kroll holds a B.S. degree in Mathematics and a M.S. degree and a Ph.D.
degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a M.B.A. degree from the
University of St. Thomas. Dr. Kroll is a director of Haemonetics (NYSE: HAE) and several private
companies.
Judy Martz. Ms. Martz has served as a director of the Company since April 2005. From January
2001 through January 2004, Ms. Martz was Governor of the State of Montana and was Lieutenant
Governor of the State of Montana from January 1996 through January 2000. From 1989 through 1995
Ms. Martz served as state representative for U.S. Senator Conrad Burns and campaigned with Governor
Marc Racicot during part of 1995 and 1996.
Incumbent Directors Whose Terms of Office Continue After the Annual Meeting
Lt. General (USA, Retired) John S. Caldwell. General Caldwell has served as a director of the
Company since June 2006. General Caldwell is currently Executive Vice President, Defense
Solutions, Perot Systems Government Services and has held that position since February 2007.
General Caldwell was Senior Vice President, Defense Information Technology Solutions, QSS Group,
Inc. from July 2004 through February 2007 at which time QSS Group Inc. was merged into Perot
Systems Government Services. From November 2001 through January 2004, General Caldwell was a
Lieutenant General in the United States Army and Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the
Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. General Caldwell holds a Bachelor of Science degree
from the US Military Academy at West Point, New York and a Master of Science degree in mechanical
engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. General Caldwell is a director of Puradyn
Filter Technologies.
Bruce R. Culver. Mr. Culver has served as a director of the Company since January 1994.
Currently Mr. Culver is the CEO and Chairman of IdealHire, Inc. a recruitment software company he
founded in 2001. In 1990, Mr. Culver co-founded and was Chairman of Professional Staff, p.l.c.
(PSTF), in England, a human resource staffing company, and served on its Board of Directors until
2001. In March 1993, Mr. Culver acquired California Distribution, a company providing warehouse,
transportation and distribution services. In 1985 Mr. Culver founded Lab Support, Inc., now called
On Assignment, Inc. (ASGN) and served as its Chairman and a director until 1990. Mr. Culver also
serves on the Board of Digital Map Products, Inc. From 1997 until 2001 Mr. Culver served on the
Board of Pentawave, Inc., becoming its Chairman in October 2000. Mr. Culver holds B. Sc. and M.S.
degrees in Chemistry from University of South Dakota and Montana State University, respectively.
Michael Garnreiter. Mr. Garnreiter has served as a director of the Company since June 2006.
Mr. Garnreiter is currently President of Rising Sun Restaurant Group, L.L.C., a private restaurant
operating company and has held that position since August 2006. From April 2002 through June 2006,
Mr. Garnreiter was Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer of the Main
Street Restaurant Group. Mr. Garnreiter previously served as a general partner of the
international accounting firm of Arthur Andersen from 1974 through March 2002. Mr. Garnreiter
holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from California State University at Long Beach and
is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Garnreiter is a director of Knight Transportation Inc. and
Amtech Systems.
Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S. Dr. Carmona has served as a director
of the Company since March 2007. Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona was sworn in as the 17th Surgeon
General of the United States on August 5, 2002 and held that position through July 30, 2006. Prior
to being named United States Surgeon General, Dr. Carmona was the chairman of the State of Arizona
Southern Regional Emergency Medical System, a professor of surgery, public health and family and
community medicine at the University of Arizona, and the Pima County Sheriffs Department surgeon
and deputy sheriff. He is currently employed as Vice Chairman of Canyon Ranch and CEO of Canyon
Ranch Health in Tucson, Arizona and has held that position since October 1, 2006. Dr. Carmona
attended Bronx Community College, of the City University of New York, where he earned his associate
of arts degree. Dr. Carmona holds a Bachelor of Science degree and medical degree from the
University of California, San Francisco. He has also earned a Masters Degree of public health from
the University of Arizona. Dr. Carmona is a director of Clorox.
Matthew R. McBrady Ph.D. Dr. McBrady has served as a director of the Company since January
2001. From August 1998 through July 1999, Dr. McBrady served as a member of the staff of President
Clintons Council of
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Economic Advisers. Dr. McBrady taught corporate finance and economic courses at the University
of Southern California during the summer terms of 1997 and 1998, at Harvard University from
September 1996 through May 1997, at Harvard Business School during the spring term of 1998, and
taught advanced corporate finance at the Wharton School of Business at the University of
Pennsylvania from September 2002 through May 2003. From May 2003 through December 2006, Dr. McBrady
taught business administration at the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the
University of Virginia. Dr. McBrady joined the North American Private Equity group at Bain Capital,
LLC in January 2007 where he is currently employed. Dr. McBrady holds a B.A. degree in Economics
from Harvard University, a M.S. degree in International Economics from Oxford University (UK), and
a Ph.D. degree in Business Economics from Harvard University.
Thomas P. Smith. Mr. Smith has served as a director of the Company since 1993. Mr. Smith has
served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since October 2006 and was President of the Company
from April 1994 through October 2006. He is a co-founder of the Company. Mr. Smith holds a B.S.
degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona and a M.B.A. degree from
Northern Arizona University.
Executive Officers
See above biographical information for Patrick W. Smith and Thomas P. Smith who are also
executive officers of the Company.
Kathleen C. Hanrahan (44). Ms. Hanrahan has served as the Companys President and Chief
Operating Officer since October 2006 and previously served as the Companys Chief Operating Officer
from November 2003 to October 2006. Ms. Hanrahan first joined the Company in January 1996 as an
internal controls consultant and served as its controller from March 1996 to November 2000 and also
served as the Companys Chief Financial Officer from November 2000 through May 2004.
Daniel M. Behrend (43). Mr. Behrendt has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company
since April 2004. From 1998 through 2004, Mr. Behrendt served in a number of financial management
positions for the Imperial Home Décor Group, including Director of Financial Planning and Analysis,
Vice President and Corporate Controller and finally Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer. From 1995 to 1998, Mr. Behrendt served as the Manager of Business Planning and Analysis
for Teledyne Fluid Systems, a division of Allegheny Teledyne. Mr. Behrendt holds a B.S. degree in
Accounting, cum laude, from Mount Union College and a M.B.A. degree from The Weatherhead School of
Management at Case Western Reserve University.
Each officer serves at the discretion of our Board of Directors. No officer is subject to an
agreement that requires the officer to serve the Company for a specified number of years although
we have entered into employment related agreements with each of our officers. These agreements
require notice of termination by the Company in certain situations that are described in further
detail in this proxy statement under the heading Executive Compensation Employment Agreements
and Other Arrangements.
Family Relationships
Thomas P. Smith and Patrick W. Smith are brothers. No other family relationships exist among
the Companys directors and executive officers.
Meetings of the Board of Directors
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Board of Directors held six meetings. During
fiscal year 2007 each director attended at least 75% of all Board meetings and applicable Committee
meetings of which they are a member.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors maintains a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee,
Nominating Committee and Litigation Committee.
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The following table summarizes the current membership of our standing Board committees, and
identifies the chair of each committee and the number of committee meetings held in fiscal 2007:
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Compensation |
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Nominating |
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Litigation |
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Audit Committee |
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Committee |
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Committee |
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Committee |
Number of Meetings |
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5 |
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2 |
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1 |
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Director |
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Judy Martz |
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X |
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* |
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John S. Caldwell |
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X |
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X |
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Bruce R. Culver |
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X |
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* |
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Michael Garnreiter |
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X |
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X |
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Matthew R. McBrady |
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* |
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X = Member
* = Chair
The function of the Audit Committee is to exercise sole authority with respect to the
selection of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm and the terms of their
engagement; review the policies and procedures of the Company and management with respect to
maintaining the Companys books and records; review with the independent registered public
accounting firm, upon the completion of their audit, the results of the auditing engagement and any
other recommendations the independent registered public accounting firm may have with respect to
the Companys financial, accounting or auditing systems; and review with the independent registered
public accounting firm, upon the completion of their quarterly review of the Companys financial
statements, the results of the quarterly review and any other recommendations the independent
registered public accounting firm may have in connection with their review. The Report of the
Audit Committee for the year ended December 31, 2007 is included in this Proxy Statement.
The Compensation Committee determines salaries, stock options and bonuses and considers
employment agreements for appointed officers of the Company, and prepares reports on these matters;
considers, reviews and grants options under the Companys compensation plans and administers such
plans; and considers matters of director compensation, benefits and other forms of remuneration.
The Compensation Committee Report for the year ended December 31, 2007 is included in this Proxy
Statement. See Compensation Discussion and Analysis for more information regarding the
Compensation Committee.
The Nominating Committee is charged with identifying qualified candidates for nomination for
election to the Board of Directors, obtaining the consent of the candidates to the nomination, and
nominating such consenting candidates for election; and reviewing and making recommendations to the
Board of Directors concerning the composition and size of the Board and its committees. The
Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by stockholders provided such
recommendations are made in accordance with procedures described in this
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Proxy Statement under Stockholder Proposals. When considering a potential director
candidate, the Nominating Committee looks for demonstrated character, judgment, relevant business,
functional and industry experience, and a high degree of business, engineering, medical, or law
enforcement acumen. The Nominating Committees process for identifying and evaluating nominees
typically involves a series of internal discussions, review of information concerning candidates
and interviews with selected candidates. There are no differences in the manner in which the
Nominating Committee evaluates nominees for director based on whether the nominee is recommended by
a stockholder. The Company has not historically paid third parties to identify or assist in
identifying or evaluating potential nominees.
The Litigation Committee was established in July 2006 for the purpose of reviewing, approving
and ensuring that any settlement of pending litigation against the Company or its officers and
directors is fair, reasonable and in the best interests of the Companys stockholders. No member
of the Litigation Committee was a named party in any pending litigation.
The Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and the Nominating Committee have each adopted
charters that govern their respective authority, responsibilities and operation. The charters of
the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee are available on our Web
site at www.taser.com.
Audit Committee Financial Experts
Matthew McBrady and Michael Garnreiter, independent directors of the Company, are audit
committee financial experts within the meaning of that term under applicable rules promulgated by
the SEC. Information about the past business and educational experience of Messrs. McBrady and
Garnreiter is included in this Proxy Statement under the heading Proposal One: Election of
DirectorsDirectors. The Board has also determined that each current member of the Audit
Committee is financially competent under the current listing standards of NASDAQ.
Director Independence
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, based upon the information submitted by each of its
directors, the Board has made a determination that a majority of our current Board is independent
as that term is defined by NASDAQ listing standards and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act). The following directors are currently deemed
independent by the Board: John S. Caldwell, Bruce R. Culver, Michael Garnreiter, Judy Martz,
Matthew R. McBrady and Richard H. Carmona.
Each of these directors are also non-employee directors (within the meaning of Rule 16b-3
under the Exchange Act) and all, except for Mr. Culver, are outside directors within the meaning
of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code and related Treasury Regulations. In addition, John
S. Caldwell was appointed Lead Independent Director in April 2007. As of the date of this Proxy
Statement, all of our Board committees members have been determined to be independent directors
and to also meet any additional independence standards applicable to functioning in any committee
in which such director serves, including the more stringent Audit Committee independence criteria.
Stockholder Communications with Directors
Stockholders may communicate with members of the Board of Directors by mail addressed to the
Chairman, any other individual member of the Board, to the full Board, or to a particular committee
of the Board. In each case, such correspondence should be sent to the Companys headquarters at
17800 North 85th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. All stockholder communications will be
forwarded to each individual member of the Board.
Director Attendance at Annual Meetings of Stockholders
Directors are encouraged by the Company to attend each annual meeting of stockholders if their
schedules permit. All directors, except for Richard Carmona, attended the 2007annual meeting of
stockholders and all of the directors are expected to be in attendance at the 2008 Annual Meeting.
6
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics which is applicable to all employees, directors and
consultants of the Company. A copy of the Companys Code of Ethics is published and available on
the Companys website at www.taser.com. The Company intends to disclose future amendments to
provisions of the Code of Ethics, or waivers of such provisions granted to executive officers, on
the Companys website within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver,
unless otherwise required by Nasdaq rules to disclose such event on Form 8-K.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Members of the Board of Directors who are officers of the Company are not separately
compensated for serving on the Board of Directors. Directors who are not officers of the Company
are paid $7,500 per quarter and are eligible to receive option grants under the 2004 Outside
Directors Stock Option Plan. The chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional $2,500 per
quarter, and the chairman of the Board of Directors and the chairman of the Compensation Committee
each receive an additional $1,250 per quarter. The Lead Independent Director receives an
additional $8,000 per month, effective November 1, 2007. All directors are also reimbursed for
expenses incurred in connection with their attendance at meetings.
Pursuant to the 2004 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan, new directors receive an initial
grant of stock options equal to $150,000 in face value of the Companys common stock underlying the
stock options. Subsequent annual options grants are equal to $40,000 in face value of the Companys
common stock underlying the stock options. The strike price of both initial and subsequent grants
is equal to the closing price reported by Nasdaq on the day before the grant date. Annual option
awards are granted on the date of the Companys Annual Stockholders Meeting
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table summarizes the compensation paid to non-employee directors for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2007.
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
Fees Earned or |
|
Option Awards (2) |
|
All Other |
|
|
Name (1) |
|
Paid in Cash ($) |
|
($) |
|
Compensation (3) ($) |
|
Total ($) |
Matthew R. McBrady |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
7,066 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47,066 |
|
Bruce R. Culver |
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
11,035 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,035 |
|
Judy Martz |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
113,754 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
143,754 |
|
Mark W. Kroll |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
11,035 |
|
|
|
227,000 |
|
|
|
268,035 |
|
Michael Garnreiter |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
24,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54,681 |
|
John S. Caldwell |
|
|
49,750 |
|
|
|
24,788 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
74,538 |
|
Richard H. Carmona (4) |
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
33,945 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,445 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Thomas P. Smith our Chairman of the Board and Patrick W. Smith our Chief Executive
Officer, are not included in this table as they are employees of the Company and thus
receive no compensation for their services as a director. Their compensation received as
employees of the Company is shown in the Summary Compensation Table. |
|
(2) |
|
Reflects the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 in accordance with SFAS 123(R). Pursuant to SEC
regulations, the amounts shown exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related to
service-based vesting conditions. Assumptions included in the calculation of this amount
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 are included in footnote 1p to our financial
statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, included in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K filed with the SEC. |
7
The following table shows the aggregate number of outstanding option awards for the
Companys independent directors as of December 31, 2007 as well as option awards granted in
2007 and the grant date fair value of options granted in 2007.
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|
|
2007 Option Awards |
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|
Aggregate |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grant Date |
|
|
Options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value |
Name |
|
Outstanding |
|
Options Granted |
|
Grant Date |
|
($) |
Matthew R. McBrady |
|
|
173,815 |
|
|
|
3,972 |
|
|
|
5/25/2007 |
|
|
|
19,781 |
|
Bruce R. Culver |
|
|
95,481 |
|
|
|
3,972 |
|
|
|
5/25/2007 |
|
|
|
19,781 |
|
Judy Martz |
|
|
68,147 |
|
|
|
3,972 |
|
|
|
5/25/2007 |
|
|
|
19,781 |
|
Mark W. Kroll |
|
|
133,813 |
|
|
|
3,972 |
|
|
|
5/25/2007 |
|
|
|
19,781 |
|
Michael Garnreiter |
|
|
23,277 |
|
|
|
3,972 |
|
|
|
5/25/2007 |
|
|
|
19,781 |
|
John S. Caldwell |
|
|
27,857 |
|
|
|
3,972 |
|
|
|
5/25/2007 |
|
|
|
19,781 |
|
Richard H. Carmona |
|
|
19,405 |
|
|
|
19,405 |
|
|
|
3/8/2007 |
|
|
|
73,933 |
|
Richard H. Carmona |
|
|
3,972 |
|
|
|
3,972 |
|
|
|
5/25/2007 |
|
|
|
19,781 |
|
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Other compensation for Mr. Kroll represents fees for consultancy services provided. |
|
(4) |
|
Mr. Carmona joined the Board of Directors effective March 8, 2007. |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Company does not maintain a written related transaction policy. It is the Companys
policy, however, that all related party transactions will be reviewed by its Board of Directors and
the Audit Committee. The Companys policies are evidenced by the respective meeting minutes that
document such reviews. Further, it is the policy of the Companys Board of Directors that all
proposed transactions by the Company with its directors, officers, five-percent stockholders and
their affiliates be entered into or approved only if such transactions are on terms no less
favorable to the Company than it could obtain from unaffiliated parties, are reasonably expected to
benefit the Company and are approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is authorized to
consult with independent legal counsel at the Companys expense in determining whether to approve
any such transaction.
Aircraft charter
The Company reimburses Thomas P. Smith, Chairman of the Companys Board of Directors and
Patrick W. Smith, Chief Executive Officer, for business use of their personal aircraft. For the
year ended December 31, 2007, the Company incurred expenses of approximately $394,000 and $54,000
to Thomas P. Smith and Patrick W. Smith, respectively. At December 31, 2007, the Company had
outstanding payables of approximately $27,000 and $0 to Thomas P. Smith and Patrick W. Smith,
respectively. Management believes that the rates charged by Thomas P. Smith and Patrick W. Smith
are equal to or below commercial rates the Company would pay to charter similar aircraft from
independent charter companies.
TASER Foundation
In November 2004, the Company established the TASER Foundation. The TASER Foundation is an
Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and has been granted tax exempt
status by the IRS. The TASER Foundations mission is to honor the service and sacrifice of local
and federal law enforcement officers in the United States and Canada lost in the line of duty by
providing financial support to their families. Daniel M. Behrendt, an officer of the Company,
serves on the Board of Directors of the TASER Foundation. Patrick W. Smith and Thomas P. Smith
resigned from the Board of Directors of the TASER Foundation in January 2006. Over half of the
initial $1 million endowment was contributed directly by the Companys employees. The Company bears
all administrative costs of the TASER Foundation in order to ensure 100% of all donations are
distributed to the families of fallen officers. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company
incurred approximately $179,000 in such administrative costs. For the year ended December 31, 2007,
the Company contributed $300,000 to the TASER Foundation. At December 31, 2007 the Company had an
outstanding payable to the Foundation of $3,000.
8
Consulting services
Beginning in August 2005, the Company agreed to pay Mark Kroll, a member of the Board of
Directors, a retainer of $8,000 per month to provide consulting services plus $200 per hour for any
hour over 40 hours per month. The total expense for the period ended December 31, 2007 was
approximately $227,000. At December 31, 2007, the Company had accrued liabilities of
approximately $20,000 related to these services.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE*
Board of Directors
TASER International, Inc.
As discussed further below, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors reviews the
Companys financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. The Audit Committee has sole
authority to retain, set compensation and retention terms for, terminate, oversee and evaluate the
work of the Companys independent auditors. The independent auditors report directly to the Audit
Committee. The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence
and financial literacy requirements set forth by the SEC and the NASDAQ, and that Mathew R. McBrady
and Michael Garnreiter each qualify as audit committee financial experts (as defined by the SEC).
The Companys management is responsible for the Companys financial reporting process
including its system of internal controls, and for the preparation of consolidated financial
statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Grant
Thornton LLP, the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, is responsible for
expressing an opinion based on their audits of the consolidated financial statements. In accordance
with its written charter, the Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in its oversight of
(i) the integrity of the Companys financial statements and the Companys financial reporting
processes and systems of internal control, (ii) the qualifications, independence and performance of
the Companys independent public accounting firm and the performance of the Companys internal
audit function, (iii) the Companys compliance with legal and regulatory requirements involving
financial, accounting and internal control matters, (iv) investigations into complaints concerning
financial matters and (v) risks that may have a significant impact on the Companys financial
statements.
Further, the Audit Committee reviews reports prepared by management on various matters
including critical accounting policies and issues, material written communications between the
independent auditors and management, significant changes in the Companys selection or application
of accounting principles and significant changes to internal control procedures. It is not the duty
or responsibility of the Audit Committee to conduct auditing and accounting reviews or procedures.
In discharging its oversight responsibilities with respect to the audit process, the Audit
Committee (i) obtained from the independent public accounting firm a formal written statement
describing all relationships between the independent public accounting firm and the Company that
might bear on the independent public accounting firms independence consistent with Independence
Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, (ii) discussed
with the independent auditing firm any relationships that may impact its objectivity and
independence, and (iii) considered whether the non-audit services provided to the Company by Grant
Thornton LLP are compatible with maintaining their independence. The Audit Committee also discussed
with the independent auditing firm their identification of audit risk, audit plans and audit scope,
as well as all communications required by generally accepted auditing standards, including those
described in Statement on Auditing Standard No. 61, as amended, Communications with Audit
Committees.
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management and its independent public
auditors our annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements, including a
review of the Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations included in the Companys Form 10-K and 10-Q filings, as well as the Companys earnings
press releases and information related thereto.
9
During fiscal year 2007, the Audit Committee met with representatives of the independent
public accounting firm, both with management present and in private sessions without management
present, to discuss the results of the financial statement audit and quarterly reviews and to
solicit their evaluation of the Companys accounting principles, practices and judgments applied by
management and the quality and adequacy of the Companys internal controls.
In performing the above described functions, the Audit Committee acts only in an oversight
capacity and necessarily relies on the work and assurances of the Companys management and
independent public accounting firm, which, in their report, express an opinion on the conformity of
the Companys annual financial statements to accounting principle generally accepted in the United
States.
Based upon the Audit Committees discussion with the Companys management and Grant Thornton
LLP and the Audit Committees review of the representations of the Companys management and the
report of the independent public accountants to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee
recommended to the Board that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the
Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 when filed with
the SEC. The Audit Committee also approved the selection of Grant Thornton LLP as the Companys
independent auditor for the fiscal year 2008.
February 11, 2008
The Audit Committee:
Matthew R. McBrady, Chairman
Bruce R. Culver
Michael Garnreiter
John S. Caldwell
Judy Martz
* The foregoing Report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material and
should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the
Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent the Company
specifically incorporates this Report by express reference therein.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
The purpose of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis is to provide material information about
our compensation objectives and policies and to explain and put into context the material elements
of the disclosure which follows in this Proxy Statement with respect to the compensation of our
named executive officers.
Introduction and Objectives
Processes and Procedures For Considering and Determining Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee (the Committee) assists the Board in addressing matters relating
to the fair and competitive compensation of our named executive officers and non-employee
directors, together with matters relating to our other benefit plans. The Committee is composed
of three independent directors, Bruce R. Culver, Matthew R. McBrady, and John S. Caldwell.
The Committee met two times in 2007. All Committee members were present for these meetings.
Five members of management, Chairman, Thomas P. Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Patrick W.
Smith, President, Kathleen Hanrahan, General Counsel, Douglas E. Klint, and Chief Financial
Officer, Daniel M. Behrendt, attended portions of each meeting. The agenda for each meeting was
determined by the Committee members prior to the meeting. The Committee receives and reviews
materials in advance of each meeting. These materials include information that
10
management believes will be helpful to the Committee as well as materials that the Committee
requests. Depending on the agenda for the particular meeting, these materials may include:
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o
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Financial reports; |
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o
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Reports on levels of achievement of corporate performance objectives; |
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o
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|
Tally sheets setting forth the total compensation of the named executive officers, including base salary, cash incentives, equity awards, perquisites and other compensation and any potential amounts payable to the executives pursuant to employment agreements, severance agreements and change of control provisions; |
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o
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Summaries which show the executive officers total accumulated stock option holdings; and |
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o
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Information regarding compensation paid by comparable companies identified in executive compensation surveys. |
The Committees primarily responsibilities are to:
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o
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|
Review and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of
executive officers, evaluate the performance of the executive officers in light of these
goals and objectives and determine and approve the compensation level of executive
officers based on that evaluation. |
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o
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|
Evaluate and establish the incentive components of the Chief Executive Officers
compensation and related bonus awards, taking into account our performance and relative
stockholder return, the value of similar incentive awards to chief executive officers at
comparable companies, the services rendered by the Chief Executive Officer and the awards
given to the Chief Executive Officer in past years. |
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o
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Review and approve the design of the compensation and benefit plans which pertain to
Directors, the Chief Executive Officer and other senior executive officers who report
directly to the Chief Executive Officer. |
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o
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Administer equity based plans, including stock option plans. |
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o
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Approve the material terms of all employment, severance and change-of-control
agreements for executive officers. |
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o
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|
Recommend to the Board the compensation for Board members, such as retainer, committee
Chairman fees, stock options and other similar items. |
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o
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|
Provide oversight regarding our welfare and other benefit plans, policies and
arrangements. |
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o
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|
Prepare the compensation committee report on executive compensation to be included in
our annual proxy statement and annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. |
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o
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|
Review and discuss with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and based
on such review and discussion, recommend to the Board whether to include the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis in the Annual Report on Form 10-K or in our Proxy Statement. |
The Committees Charter reflects these responsibilities, and the Committee and the Board
periodically review and revise the Charter. The Charter was last revised on April 3, 2007. The
full text of the Compensation Committee Charter is available on our website at www.taser.com.
Role of Management and Consultants in Determining Executive Compensation
Our executive management supports the Committee in its work by preliminarily outlining
compensation levels for named executive officers, administering our welfare and other benefit plans
and providing data to the Committee for analysis. Annually, compensation is initially determined
by the CEO for each executive (excluding the CEO), consisting
11
of base salary, annual cash incentive bonus, and long-term incentive compensation, which is
then provided to the Committee for review and approval.
Our Committee has discretionary authority under its charter to engage the services of outside
consultants and advisors, as it deems necessary or appropriate in the discharge of its duties and
responsibilities. The Committee has budgetary authority to authorize and pay for the services of
outside consultants and the consultants report directly to the Committee. In 2007 the Committee
directly retained the services of Pearl Meyer & Partners (Pearl Meyer) to perform a review and
analysis of the Companys senior executive compensation program. Pearl Meyer was instructed to
perform a review of competitive compensation for executive positions, including: base salaries,
total cash compensation (salary plus bonuses), total direct compensation (total cash plus long-term
incentives plus other annual compensation), and total remuneration (total direct compensation plus
other annual compensation). The scope of Pearl Meyers assignment included developing a peer
group of companies to compare the Companys executive compensation to, based on the following
criteria: revenue, enterprise value, and type of industry. This survey information was then
forward trended to December 31, 2007for comparison purposes.
The Committee also evaluates compensation data and plan design information from national
surveys and other public companies, including companies we consider to be our peers, which we
discuss in more detail below.
Our Compensation Philosophy
The Committee is in place to address matters relating to the fair and competitive compensation
of our named executive officers and non-employee directors, together with matters relating to our
other benefit plans. The Committee is guided by three principal goals and objectives: (1) to allow
us to attract and retain talent, our salaries should be in the range with the level of salaries
paid to companies that are considered peers; (2) annual incentive bonuses should be directly
related to our financial results produced during the year; and (3) long term compensation in the
form of stock options should be directly linked to Company performance and enhancement of
stockholder value.
The Committee believes that executive compensation should be aligned with the values,
objectives and financial performance of the Company. The Committee wants to motivate our officers
and key employees to achieve the Companys goals of providing our stockholders with a competitive
return on their investments, which we believe results from producing high quality products. Our
compensation program is designed to attract and retain highly qualified individuals who are capable
of making significant contributions to our long-term success; promote a performance orientated
environment that encourages Company and individual achievement; reward named executive officers for
long-term strategic management and the enhancement of stockholder value.
The Committee believes that compensation paid to named executive officers should be closely
aligned with the performance of the Company on both a short-term and long-term basis, and that such
compensation should assist us in attracting and retaining key executives critical to its long-term
success. It is important that our compensation program be competitive to allow us to continue to
attract and retain key employees.
Any decision to materially increase compensation is based upon the factors listed above,
taking into account all forms of compensation, as well as based upon individual achievement of
performance goals. These goals include revenue and pretax earnings targets as well as specific
management tasks. Decisions regarding the CEOs compensation are made by the Committee and reflect
the same considerations used for the other named executive officers. The Committees decisions
regarding compensation for the CEO and each named executive officer are submitted to the other
independent directors for ratification. The compensation policy is consistent for each named
executive officer.
The Committee believes that the named executive officers total compensation programs should
strengthen the relationship between pay and performance by emphasizing variable, at-risk
compensation that is dependent upon the successful achievement of specified corporate performance
goals. The Committee also believes that a portion of pay for named executive officers should be
comprised of long-term, at-risk pay to align management interests with those of stockholders.
Ultimately, we balance the foregoing purposes for compensation against our need to ensure that any
total compensation package we offer enhances our ability to attract, retain and develop
exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced executives because our successful operation and
management depends upon our management.
12
The Committee has not adopted any claw-back policies, nor does it have any security ownership
guidelines and does not take into consideration amounts realized from prior compensation in
determining current compensation for executive officers.
Our Compensation Programs
The total compensation program for our named executive officers consists of the following
elements:
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o
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|
Annual Salary |
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o
|
|
Annual cash incentive bonus |
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o
|
|
Long-term incentive compensation |
Peer Group
To ensure our compensation programs are at proper levels, the Committee compares our
compensation elements and levels of pay to an industry peer group as well as broader market pay
practices. Companies in the peer group were selected based upon the following criteria:
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o
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|
Similar to us in revenue, enterprise value, and type of industry with executive
positions similar in breadth, complexity and scope of responsibility; |
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o
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|
International operations; |
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o
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|
Competes with us for executive talent. |
For purposes of establishing 2008 compensation, the peer group consisted of the following
companies: Acme Packet, Inc., Amerigon, Inc., Blue Coat Systems, Inc., Cephaid, Inc., Concur
Technologies, Inc., Falconstor Software, Inc., Globarstar, Inc., J2 Global Communications, Inc.,
NuVasiv, Inc., Omniture, Inc., Riverbed Technology, Inc., Sigma Designs, Inc., Smith & Wesson
Holding Corporation, Smith Micro Software, Inc., Spectranetics Corporation, Ultimate Software
Group, Inc., VASCO Data Security International, Inc., and Zoltek Companies, Inc. Pearl Meyer
selected these companies and compiled compensation data for them from the companies public SEC
filings. The results of this comparative analysis were discussed at the Committees December 7,
2007 meeting and were used to assist in determining 2008 bonus potential and base compensation
amounts for our executives. In addition to the market-based data, the Committee ensures
compensation is aligned with our values, objectives and financial performance, as described above.
Benchmarking
Our compensation focuses heavily upon cash compensation. However, we also utilize various
non-cash compensation programs, specifically stock options. To establish total compensation for
our named executive officers, the Committee compares our named executive officers compensation
against comparative company pay practices and also considers recommendations from the CEO regarding
those executives reporting directly to him. Our management team provides the Committee historical
and prospective breakdowns of the total compensation components for each executive officer. Based
upon the analysis of the pay practices of our peer group and analysis provided by the Committees
consultant, the Committee believes that our base salary compensation and long-term incentive
compensation are generally lower than the median of our established peer group. It is the
Committees intent that our salaries, annual cash incentive bonus awards and long-term incentive
award values be targeted at a level approaching the 75th percentile of competitive
market pay practices. Actual payments of executive compensation in 2007, including salaries,
annual cash incentive bonus awards and long-term incentive award values, fell at the
25th percentile of peer group compensation for the Chairman and CEO and between the
50th and 75th percentile for the President and Chief Operating Officer and
the Chief Financial Officer.
13
The Committee is working to ensure that over time our compensation becomes more consistent
with the Committees goal of setting compensation in relation to our established peer group. In
general, the Committee believes total compensation of our named executive officers should be
between the median and the 75th percentile of our peer group. The Committee believes that
targeting for this range will reflect competitive market pay practices and our current compensation
philosophy, which balances our pay for performance strategy against our desire to offer
competitive compensation with respect to our industry peer group, thus allowing us to attract and
retain management talent.
At the Committees meeting on December 7, 2007, the Committee approved the payment of the 2007
annual cash incentive bonus awards based on the Companys 2007 results and determined the 2008 base
salary compensation amounts for the named executive officers. At this meeting, the Committee
reviewed stock option summaries and tally sheets for each named executive officer in determining
appropriate compensation levels. The Committee intends to continue to review its current
compensation programs annually in conjunction with its determination of the executive compensation
for the coming year in order to bring our compensation in line with our compensation philosophy.
We believe that effectiveness of the compensation programs is predicated upon continual review to
ensure our compensation is competitive with the market.
Annual Salary
The 2007 base salaries of our named executive officers are shown in the Salary column of the
Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement. Salaries for named executive officers are
reviewed on an annual basis, as well as at the time of a promotion or other changes in
responsibilities.
Base compensation is targeted at about the 75th percentile of compensation paid to
executives with similar levels of experience based on salary surveys of similarly sized companies
in comparable industries in order to ensure that we can attract and retain appropriate levels of
executive talent. Individual executives may be paid higher or lower than this target pay
positioning at the discretion of the Committee depending on facts such as tenure with the Company,
results of personal, department and corporate performance, and the perceived detrimental effects to
the Company that may result from such executives departure. The base salaries of our executive
officers were established by the Committee and approved by the independent directors after
considering compensation salary trends, overall level of responsibilities, total performance and
compensation levels for comparable positions in the market for executive talent based on salary
surveys and compensation data from peer group companies.
As discussed above, the Committee believes that our base salary compensation is generally
lower than competitive market pay data based upon our internal analysis of comparable companies and
national salary surveys. The Committee has utilized this information, as well as suggestions from
management, in determining annual salary increases.
Annual Incentive Cash Bonuses
The objective of the annual incentive cash bonus plan is to provide executives with a
competitive total cash compensation opportunity relative to market practices while aligning rewards
with short-term financial results which the Committee believes will help achieve our goals of
providing our stockholders with a competitive return on their investments over the long term.
The Bonus Plan was approved by the Committee in January 2006. Annual incentive awards are
determined as a percentage of each named executive officers base salary. Annual incentive awards
under the Bonus Plan are determined each year for executive officers. Targeted bonuses for the
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer were 50%, 50%, 35% and
35%, respectively, of their base cash compensation. The actual payouts for the executives were
derived by taking their targeted bonus divided by the total company targeted bonus times the bonus
pool to calculate their portion of the bonus pool. Patrick Smith earned a total bonus of $107,075
in 2007, $25,313 of which was reallocated at the request of Mr. Smith back into the Company bonus
pool for the benefit of other employees. Thomas Smith earned a total bonus of $107,075 in 2007.
Ms. Hanrahan earned a total bonus of $73,453 in 2007. Mr. Behrendt earned a bonus of $71,955 in
2007. The gross bonus amounts paid in 2007 to Mr. Patrick Smith, Mr. Thomas Smith, Ms. Hanrahan,
and Mr. Behrendt were 85.6% of their targeted bonus amounts. The Committee establishes the
performance measures and other terms and conditions of awards for executive officers and has the
authority to cancel or award an additional bonus amount at its discretion. The Bonus Plan is based
on performance against the Board approved budget plan and uses pretax earnings as the metric and is
thus conditioned on the pre-tax profitability of the Company.
14
The Committee can cancel the bonus for the executive officers at its discretion. The Committee
has not canceled a bonus for executive officers, nor has it awarded an additional discretionary
bonus amount to an executive officer.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
The Committee believes that equity-based compensation helps ensures that our executive
officers have a continuing stake in our long-term success. As such, the Committee has implemented,
with board and stockholder approval, the 2004 Stock Option Plan (the Plan).
The Plan provides for the opportunity to grant stock options to officers, other key employees
to help align those individuals interests with those of stockholders, to motivate executives to
make strategic long-term decisions, and to better enable us to attract and retain capable directors
and executive personnel.
During 2007, stock options for 58,962 shares were granted to Messrs. Patrick and Thomas Smith,
57,788 shares were granted to Ms. Hanrahan and 56,604 shares were granted to Mr. Behrendt. Stock
options awarded in 2007 were granted effective on the date of the Companys Annual Meeting of
Stockholders which is the same date that annual stock option awards are automatically granted to
outside directors under the Companys Directors Stock Option Plan. The Company has traditionally
made its stock option grants effective on the date of the Companys Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, except for stock options that are granted to new employees which are effective their
first date of employment.
Employment Agreements and Other Arrangements
In July 1998, the Company entered into employment agreements with Patrick W. Smith, Thomas P.
Smith and Kathleen C. Hanrahan. The agreements were for an initial three-year term ending June 30,
2001, and were automatically renewed for a two-year term on such date and were automatically
renewed for an additional two year term on June 30, 2003 and such agreements will be automatically
renewed every two years thereafter unless the Company gives the officer who is a party to each such
agreement a one-year prior notice of termination, if the termination is without cause. In May 2004,
the Company entered into an employment agreement with Daniel M. Behrendt pursuant to which he
agreed to serve as its Chief Financial Officer. In December 2006, the Company increased Messrs.
Patrick and Thomas Smiths annual base compensation to $250,000 effective January 1, 2007,
increased Ms. Hanrahans annual base compensation to $245,000 effective January 1, 2007, and
increased Mr. Behrendts annual base compensation to $240,000 effective January 1, 2007. The
Company may terminate these agreements with or without cause. The conditions or events triggering
the payment of severance benefits include the executives death, disability, termination without
cause, or a change in control of the Company. Conditions to the payment of severance benefits
include covenants relating to assignment of inventions, nondisclosure of Company confidential
information, and non-competition with the Company for a period of 18 months after termination of
employment without cause or change in control of the Company. Should the Company terminate the
executive without cause, upon a change of control or upon the death or disability of the executive,
the executive is entitled to severance compensation equal to 12 months of salary in the event of
termination without cause, 24 months of salary in the event of a change of control and 18 months of
salary in the event of death or disability. The severance benefit amounts with respect to the
above triggering events were determined based on competitive practices within peer group of
companies. The Company agreed to pay these variable amounts of compensation as severance benefits
or change of control benefits in order to attract and retain executive officers.
The table below reflects the amount of severance compensation that would be provided to each
of the named executive officers of the Company assuming the termination of such executives
employment occurred on December 31, 2007.
15
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Voluntary |
|
For Cause |
|
Involuntary Not |
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|
|
|
|
|
Termination |
|
Termination |
|
For Cause |
|
Change of |
|
Death or |
|
|
on 12/31/07 |
|
on 12/31/07 |
|
Termination on |
|
Control on |
|
Disability on |
Name and Principal Position |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
12/31/07 ($) |
|
12/31/07 ($) |
|
12/31/07 ($) |
Patrick W. Smith |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
375,000 |
|
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|
|
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|
Thomas P. Smith |
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250,000 |
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500,000 |
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375,000 |
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Kathleen C. Hanrahan |
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245,000 |
|
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490,000 |
|
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367,500 |
|
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|
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|
Daniel M. Behrendt |
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
240,000 |
|
|
|
480,000 |
|
|
|
360,000 |
|
Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits
We provide named executive officers with no significant perquisites or other benefits, except
for Company 401(k) partial matching contributions and health care benefits that are available to
all employees. The Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites and other benefits
that could be provided to the named executive officers.
Compensation Deductibility
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) imposes a limit
on tax deductions for annual compensation in excess of $1 million paid to the named executive
officers. This provision excludes certain forms of performance-based compensation, including
stock options, from the compensation taken into account for purposes of that limit. The Committee
believes that our Bonus Plan is performance-based within the meaning of that restriction.
Nonetheless, the Committee believes that, it is desirable for executive compensation to be fully
tax deductible. However, whenever in the Committees judgment would be consistent with the
objectives pursuant to which the particular compensation is paid, we will compensate our executive
officers fairly in accordance with our compensation philosophy, regardless of the anticipated tax
treatment. The Committee will from time to time continue to assess the impact of Section 162(m) of
the Code on its compensation practices and will determine what further action, if any, may be
appropriate in the future.
Cash and Non-Cash Compensation Paid To Named Executive Officers
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation of the Companys named
executive officers who are : (1) our principal executive officer and principal financial officer
during 2007; and (2) the two other executive officers who were serving as executive officers at
the end of 2007 other than the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer.
The Company has no other executive officers.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
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|
Non-Equity Incentive |
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Compensation |
|
Option |
|
|
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary ($) |
|
($) (1) |
|
Awards ($) (2) |
|
Total ($) |
Patrick W. Smith |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
81,762 |
|
|
|
63,325 |
|
|
|
395,087 |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
230,000 |
|
|
|
27,918 |
|
|
|
2,661 |
|
|
|
260,579 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas P. Smith |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
107,075 |
|
|
|
63,325 |
|
|
|
420,400 |
|
Chairman of the Board |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
230,000 |
|
|
|
47,089 |
|
|
|
2,661 |
|
|
|
279,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kathleen C. Hanrahan |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
245,000 |
|
|
|
73,453 |
|
|
|
59,024 |
|
|
|
377,477 |
|
President |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
223,703 |
|
|
|
39,146 |
|
|
|
2,306 |
|
|
|
265,155 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daniel M. Behrendt |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
240,000 |
|
|
|
71,955 |
|
|
|
211,460 |
|
|
|
523,415 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
220,320 |
|
|
|
45,203 |
|
|
|
127,386 |
|
|
|
392,909 |
|
16
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The 2007 Bonus Plan was approved by the Companys Compensation Committee. The bonus plan is
based on profitability, with the Company allocating 5.88% of Pre-Tax Income before
extraordinary items into the bonus pool. Targeted bonus for the Chief Executive Officer,
Chairman, President and Chief Financial Officer were 50%, 50%, 35%, and 35% of their base cash
compensation, respectively. Every full time employee at TASER International was also eligible
to receive part of the bonus pool. The actual payouts for the executives were derived by
dividing their targeted bonus by the total Company targeted bonus and multiplying by the
actual bonus pool to calculate their portion thereof. Patrick Smith was eligible for a bonus
of $107,075 in 2007, $25,313 of which was voluntarily reallocated at the request of Mr. Smith
back into the Company bonus pool for the benefit of other employees. Thomas Smith, Ms.
Hanrahan and Mr. Behrendt earned bonuses of $107,075, $73,453 and $71,955, respectively, in
2007. |
|
(2) |
|
The amounts reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial reporting purposes for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, in accordance with SFAS 123(R). Pursuant to SEC
regulations, the amounts shown exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related to
service-based vesting conditions. Assumptions included in the calculation of this amount for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are included in footnote 1p to our financial
statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, included in our Annual Report on Form
10-K filed with the SEC. |
|
(3) |
|
The executive officers received perquisites consisting of 401(k) matching contributions and
health insurance, the value of which did not exceed $10,000. |
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
The following table shows information about awards made under various compensation plans
during 2007:
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All other |
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option |
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awards; |
|
Exercise |
|
Grant date |
|
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|
|
|
Number of |
|
or base |
|
fair value |
|
|
|
|
Estimated Future payouts under |
|
securities |
|
price of |
|
of stock |
|
|
|
|
non-equity incentive plan awards (1) |
|
underlying |
|
option |
|
and option |
|
|
|
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
options (2) |
|
awards (3) |
|
awards |
Name |
|
Grant Date |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($/sh) |
|
($) |
Patrick W. Smith |
|
December 2007 |
|
|
62,500 |
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
05/25/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58,962 |
|
|
|
10.29 |
|
|
|
300,117 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas P. Smith |
|
December 2007 |
|
|
62,500 |
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
05/25/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58,962 |
|
|
|
10.29 |
|
|
|
300,117 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kathleen C. Hanrahan |
|
December 2007 |
|
|
42,875 |
|
|
|
85,750 |
|
|
|
171,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
05/25/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
57,788 |
|
|
|
10.29 |
|
|
|
294,141 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daniel M. Behrendt |
|
December 2007 |
|
|
42,000 |
|
|
|
84,000 |
|
|
|
168,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
05/25/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,604 |
|
|
|
10.29 |
|
|
|
288,114 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents awards under the 2007 Bonus Plan to the named executive officers. The actual
amounts received by the named executive officers under the 2007 Bonus Plan are set forth in
the Summary Compensation Table. These bonuses were partially paid in December 2007 and the
balance in February 2008. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents awards of stock options granted to the named executive officers in May 2007 under
the stock option plan. The grant date was the same date as the 2007 Annual Shareholders
Meeting as determined by Compensation Committee. The stock options vest ratably on a monthly
basis over three years from the grant date and remain exercisable for ten years thereafter. |
17
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Represents the closing sale price per share as reported on the NASDAQ on the date of grant. |
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
The following table includes certain information with respect to all options previously
awarded to the executive officers named above as of December 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
Number of Securities Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Name |
|
Exercisable (1) |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Price ($) |
|
Option Expiration Date |
Patrick W. Smith |
|
|
32,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.36 |
|
|
|
03/04/08 |
|
|
|
|
24,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.40 |
|
|
|
10/01/08 |
|
|
|
|
270,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.22 |
|
|
|
01/06/09 |
|
|
|
|
6,068 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.77 |
|
|
|
10/01/14 |
|
|
|
|
74,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.81 |
|
|
|
04/20/15 |
|
|
|
|
11,471 |
|
|
|
47,491 |
(2) |
|
|
10.29 |
|
|
|
05/25/17 |
|
Thomas P. Smith |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
504,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.33 |
|
|
|
05/29/12 |
|
|
|
|
52,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
03/04/13 |
|
|
|
|
24,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.40 |
|
|
|
09/28/13 |
|
|
|
|
270,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.22 |
|
|
|
01/04/14 |
|
|
|
|
6,068 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.77 |
|
|
|
10/01/14 |
|
|
|
|
74,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.81 |
|
|
|
04/20/15 |
|
|
|
|
11,471 |
|
|
|
47,491 |
(2) |
|
|
10.29 |
|
|
|
05/25/17 |
|
Kathleen C. Hanrahan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
01/01/11 |
|
|
|
|
97,070 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.33 |
|
|
|
05/29/12 |
|
|
|
|
115,262 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
03/04/13 |
|
|
|
|
56,776 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.22 |
|
|
|
01/04/14 |
|
|
|
|
5,518 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.77 |
|
|
|
10/01/14 |
|
|
|
|
50,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.81 |
|
|
|
04/20/15 |
|
|
|
|
11,242 |
|
|
|
46,546 |
(2) |
|
|
10.29 |
|
|
|
05/25/17 |
|
Daniel M. Behrendt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.12 |
|
|
|
04/26/14 |
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.88 |
|
|
|
08/30/14 |
|
|
|
|
5,518 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.77 |
|
|
|
10/01/14 |
|
|
|
|
101,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.81 |
|
|
|
04/20/15 |
|
|
|
|
11,012 |
|
|
|
45,592 |
(2) |
|
|
10.29 |
|
|
|
05/25/17 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
All options reported in the exercisable column are fully vested as of December 31,
2007. |
|
(2) |
|
These options vest ratably on a monthly basis and become fully vested on May 26, 2010. |
18
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
The following table includes certain information with respect to all options exercised by the
named executive officers in the year ended December 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards (1) |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Value Realized on |
Name |
|
Exercise (#) |
|
Exercise ($) |
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c ) |
Patrick W. Smith |
|
|
504,000 |
(2) |
|
|
4,067,280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas P. Smith |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kathleen C. Hanrahan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daniel M. Behrendt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Column (b) is the number of stock options exercised by the named executive officer during
2007 and Column (c) is the market value at the time of exercise of the shares purchased less
the exercise price paid. |
|
(2) |
|
On May 23, 2007, Patrick Smith and Thomas Smith adopted a stock trading plan in accordance
with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Act of 1934. Patrick Smith exercised nonqualified stock
options to acquire 504,000 shares of TASER common stock which would have expired on May 29,
2007 and executed a cashless exercise for a portion of these nonqualified stock options
under which approximately 100,000 option shares were sold on the open market to fund the
acquisition of the balance of 404,000 option shares being acquired through an exercise and
hold. |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT*
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis
included in this proxy statement. Based on these reviews and discussions, the Compensation
Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be
included in the this Proxy Statement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Compensation Committee:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Judy Martz, Chairman |
|
|
|
|
Mathew R. McBrady |
|
|
|
|
John S. Caldwell |
|
|
* The foregoing Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation will not be deemed to be
incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this proxy statement
into any filing under the Securities Act or under the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the
Company specifically incorporates this information by reference, and will not otherwise be deemed
filed under such Acts.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
No member of the Compensation Committee is, or was during or prior to fiscal 2007, an
officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. None of the Companys executive
officers serves as a director or member of the compensation committee of another entity in a case
where an executive officer of such other entity serves as a director or member of the Compensation
Committee.
19
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information, as of April 11, 2008, with respect to beneficial
ownership of the Companys Common Stock (the only class of shares of outstanding voting securities
of the Company) by each director or nominee for director, by each named executive officer, by all
directors and officers as a group, and by each person who is known to the Company to be the
beneficial owner of more than five percent of the Companys outstanding Common Stock.
The Company believes that, except as otherwise described below, each named beneficial owner
has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares listed.
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Amount and Nature of |
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|
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) |
|
Beneficial Ownership(2) |
|
Percent of Class(3) |
Bruce R. Culver |
|
|
1,289,119 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
% |
Patrick W. Smith |
|
|
2,552,030 |
|
|
|
3,9 |
% |
John S. Caldwell |
|
|
10,878 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Michael Garnreiter |
|
|
10,976 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Richard H. Carmona |
|
|
11,027 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Thomas P. Smith |
|
|
1,414,910 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
% |
Judy Martz |
|
|
49,107 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Matthew R. McBrady |
|
|
169,775 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Mark W. Kroll |
|
|
129,773 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Kathleen C. Hanrahan |
|
|
377,189 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Daniel M. Behrendt |
|
|
195,986 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons) |
|
|
6,199,743 |
|
|
|
9.4 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
less than 1% |
|
(1) |
|
The address of each of the persons listed is c/o TASER International, Inc., 17800 North
85th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. |
|
(2) |
|
The shares shown as beneficially owned include 169,775 shares for Bruce R. Culver, 393,822
shares for Patrick W. Smith, 10,878 shares for John S. Caldwell, 10,976 shares for Michael
Garnreiter, 11,027 shares for Richard H. Carmona, 893,829 shares for Thomas P. Smith, 49,107
shares for Judy Martz, 169,775 shares for Matthew R. McBrady, 129,773 shares for Mark W.
Kroll, 377,189 shares for Kathleen C. Hanrahan, 195,986 shares for Daniel M. Behrendt, and
2,401,110 shares for the group, which such persons and the group have the right to acquire by
exercise of stock options or warrants within 60 days following April 11, 2008. |
|
(3) |
|
Calculated based on number of outstanding shares as of April 11, 2008 which is 63,430,530
shares plus the total number of shares which the reporting person has the right to acquire
within 60 days following April 11, 2008. |
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys executive officers
and directors, and persons who own more than 10 percent of a registered class of the Companys
equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10 percent beneficial owners
are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all forms they file pursuant
to Section 16(a). Based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company
and written representations from reporting persons that no other reports were required, to the
Companys knowledge, such persons complied with all of the Section 16(a) filing requirements
applicable to them in 2007.
20
PROPOSAL TWO:
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has appointed Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accounting
firm, to audit the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ending December
31, 2008. Grant Thornton LLP has acted as the independent registered public accounting firm for
the Company since September 15, 2005. A representative of Grant Thornton LLP is expected to be
present at the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement and will be available
to respond to appropriate questions.
Stockholder ratification of the selection of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered
public accounting firm is not required by our Bylaws or otherwise. Nonetheless, the Audit Committee
is submitting the selection of Grant Thornton LLP to the stockholders for ratification as a matter
of good corporate practice and because the Audit Committee values stockholders views on our
independent auditors.
If the stockholders fail to ratify the election, the Audit Committee will reconsider the
appointment of Grant Thornton LLP. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its
discretion, may appoint a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time
during the year if it determines that such an appointment would be in our best interest and the
best interest of our stockholders.
If the appointment is not approved by the stockholders, the adverse vote will be considered a
direction to the Audit Committee to consider other auditors for next year. However, because of the
difficulty in making any substitution of auditors so long after the beginning of the current year,
the appointment in 2008 will stand, unless the Audit Committee finds other good reason for making a
change.
Unless marked to the contrary, proxies received will be voted FOR ratification of the
appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm
for the year ending December 31, 2008.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton
LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the 2008 year.
Audit and Non-Audit Fees
Audit and Non-Audit Fees. The following table presents fees for audit, tax and other
professional services rendered by Grant Thornton LLP for the years ended December 31, 2007 and
2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Audit fees |
|
$ |
510,641 |
|
|
$ |
578,163 |
|
Audit-related Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
251,991 |
|
|
|
85,795 |
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
762,632 |
|
|
$ |
663,958 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Fees: Consists of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of
TASER International Inc.s financial statements, fees billed related to Sarbanes Oxley 404 services
and services that are normally provided by Grant Thornton LLP in connection with statutory and
regulatory filings or engagements and fees
Tax Fees: Consists of fees billed principally for services provided in connection with
worldwide tax planning and compliance services, research and development tax credit studies,
expatriate tax services, and assistance with tax audits and appeals.
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of
Independent Auditor. Consistent with SEC policies regarding auditor independence, the Audit
Committee must pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent
auditors. Our Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy covers all services to be performed by our
independent auditors. The policy contemplates a general pre-approval for all audit, audit-related,
tax and all other services that are permissible, with a general pre-approval period of twelve
21
months from the date of each pre-approval. Any other proposed services that are to be
performed by our independent auditors, not covered by or exceeding the pre-approved levels or
amounts, must be specifically approved in advance.
Prior to engagement, the Audit Committee pre-approves the following categories of services.
These fees are budgeted, and the Audit Committee requires the independent auditors and management
to report actual fees versus the budget periodically throughout the year, by category of service.
|
q |
|
Audit services include the annual financial statement audit (including required
quarterly reviews) and other work required to be performed by the independent auditors
to be able to form an opinion on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Such work
includes, but is not limited to, comfort letters, and services associated with SEC
registration statements, periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC or
other documents issued in connection with securities offerings. |
|
|
q |
|
Audit-related services are for services that are reasonably related to the
performance of the audit or review of our financial statements or that are
traditionally performed by the independent auditor. Such services typically include but
are not limited to, due diligence services pertaining to potential business
acquisitions or dispositions, accounting consultations related to accounting, financial
reporting or disclosure matters not classified as audit services, statutory audits or
financial audits for subsidiaries or affiliates, and assistance with understanding and
implementing new accounting and financial reporting guidance. |
|
|
q |
|
Tax services include all services performed by the independent auditors tax
personnel, except those services specifically related to the financial statements, and
includes fees in the area of tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. |
The Audit Committee has considered and concluded that the provision by Grant Thornton LLP of
non-audit services is compatible with Grant Thornton maintaining its independence.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Procedures for Independent Auditor-Provided Services
The Audit Committee has the sole authority to engage the Companys outside auditing and tax
preparation firms and must pre-approve all tax consulting and auditing arrangements and all
non-audit services prior to the performance of any such service. In addition, any proposed
engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm for services that are not
pre-approved audit-related and tax consulting services as described above must also be pre-approved
on a case-by-case basis by the Audit Committee or the Chairman of the Audit Committee, or, if the
Chairman is unavailable, another member of the Audit Committee. The Companys Chief Financial
Officer has the authority to engage the Companys outside auditing and tax preparation firms for
amounts less than $5,000. All of the audit-related fees, tax fees and all other fees in 2007 were
approved by the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has the sole authority to engage the Companys
outside auditing and tax preparation firms and must pre-approve all tax consulting and auditing
arrangements and all non-audit services prior to the performance of any such service. Approval for
these services is evaluated during Audit Committee meetings.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This proxy statement contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on managements
current expectations and involve substantial risks and uncertainties, which may cause results to
differ materially from those set forth in the statements. The forward-looking statements may
include, but are not limited to, statements made in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis
section of this Proxy Statement about our compensation structure and programs and our intentions
with respect thereto. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking
statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking
statements should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect TASERs business,
particularly those mentioned under the heading Risk Factors in TASERs Annual Report on Form
10-K, and in the periodic reports that TASER files with the SEC on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.
22
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
To be eligible for inclusion in the Companys proxy materials for the 2009 annual meeting of
stockholders, a proposal intended to be presented by a stockholder for action at that meeting must,
in addition to complying with the stockholder eligibility and other requirements of the SECs rules
governing such proposals, be received not later than December 26, 2008 by the Secretary of the
Company at the Companys principal executive offices, 17800 North 85th Street,
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255.
Stockholders may bring business before an annual meeting only if the stockholder proceeds in
compliance with the Companys Bylaws. For business to be properly brought before the 2008 annual
meeting of stockholders by a stockholder, notice of the proposed business must be given to the
Secretary of the Company in writing no later than 60 days before the annual meeting of stockholders
or (if later) ten days after the first public notice of the meeting is sent to stockholders.
The notice to the Companys Secretary must set forth as to each matter that the stockholder
proposes to bring before the meeting: (a) the nature of the proposed business with reasonable
particularity, including the exact text of any proposal to be presented for adoption, and the
reasons for conducting that business at the annual meeting; (b) the stockholders name and address
as they appear on the records of the Company, business address and telephone number, residence
address and telephone number, and the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company directly or
beneficially owned by the stockholder; (c) any interest of the stockholder in the proposed
business; (d) the name or names of each person nominated by the stockholder to be elected or
re-elected as a director, if any; and (e) with respect to any such nominee, the nominees name,
business address and telephone number, residence address and telephone number, the number of shares
of Common Stock of the Company, if any, directly or beneficially owned by the nominee, all
information relating to the nominee that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies
for elections of directors, or is otherwise required, under Regulation 14A of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or successor regulation, and a letter signed by the nominee
stating the nominees acceptance of the nomination, the nominees intention to serve as a director
if elected and consenting to being named as a nominee for director in any proxy statement relating
to such election.
The presiding officer at any annual meeting shall determine whether any matter was properly
brought before the meeting in accordance with the above provisions. If the presiding officer
should determine that any matter has not been properly brought before the meeting, he or she will
so declare at the meeting and any such matter will not be considered or acted upon.
Householding of Annual Meeting Materials
Some brokers and other nominee record holders may be participating in the practice of
householding proxy statements and annual reports. This means that only one (1) copy of the Proxy
Statement and annual report may have been sent to multiple stockholders in a stockholders
household. The Company will promptly deliver a separate copy of either document to any stockholder
who contacts the Companys investor relations department at 17800 North 85th Street,
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255, phone number (800) 978-2737, requesting such copies. If a stockholder
is receiving multiple copies of the Proxy Statement and annual report at the stockholders
household and would like to receive a single copy of the proxy statement and annual report for a
stockholders household in the future, stockholders should contact their broker, other nominee
record holder, or the Companys investor relations department to request mailing of a single copy
of the proxy statement and annual report.
A copy of the Companys 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2007 is available to stockholders without charge upon request to: Investor Relations, TASER
International, Inc., 17800 North 85th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING INTERNET AVAILABILTY OF PROXY
MATERIALS FOR THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 28, 2008
The proxy materials for the Companys annual meeting of stockholders, including the 2007
annual report and this proxy statement, are available over the Internet by accessing the Companys
website at www.taser.com. Other information on the Companys website does not constitute part of
the Companys proxy materials.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ DOUGLAS E. KLINT
Douglas E. Klint
Corporate Secretary
April 25, 2008
23
PROXY
TASER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 28, 2008
Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company
The undersigned hereby appoints Thomas P. Smith and Douglas E. Klint as proxies, each with full
power of substitution, to vote all of the shares of Common Stock that the undersigned is entitled
to vote at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of TASER International, Inc. to be held on
Wednesday May 28, 2008 beginning at 10:00 a.m. (Arizona time) and at any adjournments or
postponements thereof on the matters set forth below:
Board recommends a vote FOR:
1. |
|
TO ELECT THREE DIRECTORS: |
|
|
|
o VOTE FOR all nominees listed (except as marked to the contrary below). |
|
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|
Instruction: To withhold authority to vote for an individual nominee, strike a line through
the nominees name below. |
Class B (three-year term)
Patrick W. Smith, Mark W. Kroll and Judy Martz
|
|
o WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed. |
|
2. |
|
TO RATIFY APPOINTMENT OF GRANT THORNTON LLP as the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm for 2008. |
|
|
|
o FOR o AGAINST o ABSTAIN |
(please sign on reverse side)
PLEASE VOTE, SIGN, AND RETURN THE ABOVE PROXY
You are cordially invited to attend the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of TASER International,
Inc., which will be held at 17800 North 85th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255 beginning
at 10:00 a.m. (Arizona time) on Wednesday, May 28, 2008.
Whether or not you plan to attend this meeting, please sign, date, and return your proxy form above
as soon as possible so that your shares can be voted at the meeting in accordance with your
instructions. If you attend the meeting, you may revoke your proxy, if you wish, and vote
personally. It is important that your stock be represented.
Douglas E. Klint, Corporate Secretary
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO SPECIFICATION IS
MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED (1) FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR,
AND (2) FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF GRANT THORNTON LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM OF THE COMPANY, MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN THE NOTICE OF ANNUAL
MEETING AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT, AND IN THE DISCRETION IN THE PROXIES ON OTHER MATTERS
THAT MAY BE PROPERLY PRESENTED AT THE MEETING. IF ANY OF THE NAMED NOMINEES SHOULD BECOME
UNAVAILABLE PRIOR TO THE ANNUAL MEETING THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ANY SUBSTITUTE NOMINEE OR
NOMINEES DESIGNATED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Please date and sign exactly as your name or names appear below. If more than one name
appears, all should sign. Persons signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian,
corporate officer or in any other official or representative capacity, should also provide full
title. If a partnership, please sign in full partnership name by authorized person
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Dated: |
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Signature or Signatures |
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE