PRE 14A
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a2043633zpre14a.txt
PRE 14A
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[x] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
BILLSERV.COM, INC.
(Names of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[x] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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3) Per unit or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing
fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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5) Total fee paid:
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MICHAEL R. LONG
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
April __, 2001
Dear billserv.com Stockholder:
I am pleased to invite you to billserv.com, Inc.'s Annual Meeting of
Stockholders. The meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2001
at the Airport Hilton Hotel, 611 N.W. Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas 78216.
At the meeting, you and the other stockholders will be asked to (1) elect two
directors to the billserv.com Board of Directors; (2) approve an amendment to
the 1999 Employee Comprehensive Stock Plan; (3) ratify the appointment of Ernst
& Young LLP as the Company's independent auditors for the current fiscal year;
(4) change the Company's name from "billserv.com, Inc." to "Billserv, Inc."; and
(5) approve an amendment to the Company's Articles of Incorporation to provide
for a class of preferred stock. You will also have the opportunity to hear what
has happened in our business in the past year and to ask questions. You will
find other detailed information about billserv.com and its operations, in the
enclosed Proxy Statement and Annual Report.
We hope you can join us on May 24. Whether or not you can attend, please read
the enclosed Proxy Statement. When you have done so, please MARK your votes on
the enclosed proxy, SIGN AND DATE THE PROXY, and RETURN it to us in the enclosed
envelope. Your vote is important, so please return your proxy promptly.
Thank you for your investment in our company. We look forward to seeing you at
the meeting.
Yours truly,
Michael R. Long
BILLSERV.COM, INC.
211 NORTH LOOP 1604 EAST, SUITE 100
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78232
April__, 2001
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 24, 2001
billserv.com, Inc. will hold its Annual Meeting of Stockholders at the Airport
Hilton Hotel, 611 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas 78216 on Thursday, May 24,
2001 at 10:00 a.m.
We are holding this meeting:
o To elect two directors to serve until the 2004 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders;
o To approve an amendment to the 1999 Employee Comprehensive Stock Plan
of billserv.com, Inc.;
o To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent
auditors of the Company for the year ending December 31, 2001;
o To change the Company's name from "billserv.com, Inc." to "Billserv,
Inc.";
o To approve an amendment to the Company's Articles of Incorporation to
provide for a class of preferred stock; and
o To transact any other business that properly comes before the meeting.
Your Board of Directors has selected APRIL 2, 2001 as the record date for
determining stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting. A list of stockholders
on that date will be available for inspection at billserv.com, 211 North Loop
1604 East, Suite 100, San Antonio, Texas, 78232 for ten days before the meeting.
This Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement and proxy card are being
distributed on or about April ___, 2001.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Marshall N. Millard
Secretary
BILLSERV.COM, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR MEETING TO BE HELD
MAY 24, 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION........................................................................................... 7
ITEM 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS................................................................................. 9
Nominees for Election to a Three Year Term Ending with the 2004 Annual
Meeting............................................................................................... 9
Directors Continuing in Office Until the 2002 Annual Meeting of Stockholders............................. 10
Directors Continuing in Office Until the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders............................. 11
Compensation of Directors................................................................................ 11
Committees of the Board of Directors; Meetings........................................................... 12
STOCK OWNERSHIP............................................................................................... 13
Beneficial Ownership of Certain Stockholders, Directors and Executive Officers.......................... 13
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.................................................. 14
MANAGEMENT.................................................................................................... 14
Executive Officers....................................................................................... 14
BOARD REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION........................................................................ 15
Compensation Policy...................................................................................... 15
Compensation of Executive Officers....................................................................... 15
Employment Contracts and Change in Control Arrangements.................................................. 17
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.............................................. 17
Stock Performance Graph.................................................................................. 18
ITEM 2. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE 1999 EMPLOYEE COMPREHENSIVE STOCK PLAN................................... 20
General.................................................................................................. 20
Terms and Conditions..................................................................................... 20
Termination of Comprehensive Plan........................................................................ 21
Restricted Stock......................................................................................... 21
Federal Income Tax Consequences.......................................................................... 22
ITEM 3. RATIFICATION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS............................................. 22
ITEM 4. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO CHANGE COMPANY'S NAME FROM
"BILLSERV.COM, INC." TO "BILLSERV, INC."...................................................................... 23
ITEM 5. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO AUTHORIZE CREATION OF A CLASS
OF PREFERRED STOCK............................................................................................ 24
ANNUAL MEETING ADVANCE NOTICE REQUIREMENTS.................................................................... 25
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.......................................................................................... 26
OTHER MATTERS................................................................................................. 26
SOLICITATION.................................................................................................. 26
ATTACHMENTS.....................................................................................................A-1
ANNEX A - 1999 EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION STOCK PLAN, WITH PROPOSED AMENDMENT
ANNEX B - PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
Shareholders may receive a copy of any report filed by the Company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission by sending a written request to:
Mr. Marshall Millard
Secretary of billserv.com, Inc.
211 North Loop 1604 East, Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78232
GENERAL INFORMATION
Q: WHO IS SOLICITING MY PROXY?
A: We, the Board of Directors of billserv.com, are sending you this Proxy
Statement in connection with our solicitation of proxies for use at
billserv.com, Inc.'s 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Certain
directors, officers and employees of billserv.com also may solicit
proxies on our behalf by mail, phone, fax or in person.
Q: WHO IS PAYING FOR THIS SOLICITATION?
A: billserv.com will pay for the solicitation of proxies. billserv.com
will also reimburse banks, brokers, custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries for their reasonable charges and expenses in forwarding our
proxy materials to the beneficial owners of billserv.com common stock.
Q: WHAT AM I VOTING ON?
A: Five items: (1) the election of Michael R. Long and E. Scott Crist to
the Board of Directors; (2) the approval of an amendment to the 1999
Employee Comprehensive Stock Plan increasing the number of shares
available under that Plan to 5,000,000; (3) the ratification of ERNST &
YOUNG LLP as the Company's independent auditors for the current fiscal
year; (4) the approval of a change in the Company's name from
"billserv.com, Inc." to "Billserv, Inc.;" and (5) the approval of an
amendment to the Company's Articles of Incorporation to provide for a
class of preferred stock.
Q: WHO CAN VOTE?
A: Only those who owned common stock at the close of business on APRIL 2,
2001, the record date for the Annual Meeting, can vote. If you owned
common stock on the record date, you have one vote per share for each
matter presented at the Annual Meeting.
Q: HOW DO I VOTE?
A: You may vote your shares either in person or by proxy. To vote by
proxy, you should mark, date, sign and mail the enclosed proxy in the
enclosed prepaid envelope. Giving a proxy will not affect your right to
vote your shares if you attend the Annual Meeting and want to vote in
person--by voting you automatically revoke your proxy. You also may
revoke your proxy at any time before the voting by giving the Secretary
of billserv.com written notice of your revocation or by submitting a
later-dated proxy. If you execute, date and return your proxy but do
not mark your voting preference, the individuals named as proxies will
vote your shares FOR the election of both nominees for director; FOR
the approval of the amendment to the 1999 Employee Comprehensive Stock
Plan; FOR ratification of ERNST & YOUNG LLP as the Company's
independent auditors; FOR the Company's name change from "billserv.com,
Inc." to "Billserv, Inc."; and FOR an amendment to the Company's
Articles of Incorporation to provide for a class of preferred stock.
Q: WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM?
A: Voting can take place at the Annual Meeting only if stockholders owning
a majority of the voting power of the common stock (that is a majority
of the total number of votes entitled to be cast) are present in person
or represented by effective proxies. On
the record date, billserv.com had ________________ voting shares of
common stock outstanding. Both abstentions and broker non-votes
(situations in which a broker holding your shares in "street" or
"nominee" name indicates to us on a proxy that you have not voted and
it lacks discretionary authority to vote your shares) are counted as
present for purposes of establishing the quorum necessary for the
meeting to proceed.
Q: WHAT VOTE OF THE STOCKHOLDERS WILL RESULT IN THE MATTERS BEING PASSED?
A: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. Directors need the affirmative vote of holders
of a plurality of the voting power present to be elected. At this
year's meeting, the two nominees receiving the greatest number of votes
will be deemed to have received a plurality of the voting power
present. Neither abstentions nor broker non-votes will have any effect
on the election of directors.
APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE 1999 EMPLOYEE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. To
approve the amendment to the 1999 Employee Comprehensive Plan,
stockholders holding a majority of the shares represented in person or
by proxy at the meeting must affirmatively vote to approve the matter.
In this case, abstentions have the same effect as a vote "against" the
proposal, while broker non-votes have no effect at all.
RATIFICATION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP. Like the vote required to approve
the Plan, as described above, stockholders holding a majority of the
shares represented in person or by proxy at the upcoming Annual Meeting
must affirmatively vote to ratify ERNST & YOUNG, LLP as the Company's
independent auditors for the current fiscal year. Abstentions continue
to have the same effect as votes "against" the proposal and broker
non-votes continue to have no effect at all.
COMPANY NAME CHANGE. Stockholders holding a majority of the shares
represented in person or by proxy at the upcoming Annual Meeting must
affirmatively vote to approve the matter. Abstentions have the same
effect as votes "against" the proposal and broker non-votes continue to
have no effect at all.
PREFERRED STOCK. Stockholders holding a majority of the shares
represented in person or by proxy at the upcoming Annual Meeting must
affirmatively vote to approve the matter. Abstentions have the same
effect as votes "against" the proposal and broker non-votes continue to
have no effect at all.
Q: HOW DOES THE BOARD RECOMMEND THAT WE VOTE ON THE MATTERS PROPOSED?
A: The Board of Directors of billserv.com, Inc. unanimously recommends
that stockholders vote FOR each of the proposals submitted at the
upcoming Annual Meeting.
Q: WILL THERE BE OTHER MATTERS PROPOSED AT THE 2000 ANNUAL MEETING?
A: billserv.com, Inc.'s Bylaws limit the matters presented at the upcoming
Annual Meeting to those in the notice of the meeting, those otherwise
properly presented by the Board of Directors and those presented by
stockholders so long as the stockholder has given the Secretary written
notice of the matter on or before December 31, 2000. We do not expect
any other matter to come before the meeting. If any other matter is
presented at the Annual Meeting, your signed proxy gives the
individuals named as proxies authority to vote your shares in their
discretion.
Q: WHEN ARE 2002 STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS DUE IF THEY ARE TO BE INCLUDED IN
THE COMPANY'S PROXY MATERIALS?
A: To be considered for presentation at billserv.com, Inc.'s 2002 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and included in the Company's proxy statement,
a stockholder proposal must be received at billserv.com, Inc.'s offices
no later than December 31, 2001. To curtail controversy as to the date
on which a proposal was received by the Company, we suggest that
proponents submit their proposals by certified mail, return receipt
requested.
ITEM 1.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of billserv.com has currently set the number of
directors constituting the whole board at five. As established by the Company's
Bylaws, these directors are divided into three classes serving staggered
three-year terms. Applicable Nevada law requires, however, that not less than
one-fourth of the Board be subject to election each year. Accordingly, at the
upcoming Annual Meeting, you and the other stockholders will elect two
individuals to serve as Class III directors whose terms will expire at the 2004
Annual Meeting. Messrs. Long and Crist are currently members of the Board of
Directors.
The individuals named as proxies will vote the enclosed proxy for the
election of both nominees unless you direct them to withhold your votes. If
either nominee becomes unable to serve as a director before the meeting (or
decides not to serve), the individuals named as proxies may vote for a
substitute or we may reduce the number of members of the Board. We recommend a
vote FOR both nominees.
Below are the names and ages of the nominees for directors, the years
they became directors, their principal occupations or employment for at least
the past five years and certain of their other directorships, if any.
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION TO A THREE YEAR TERM ENDING WITH THE 2004 ANNUAL MEETING
CLASS III DIRECTORS
o Michael R. Long Age 56, nominee for director.
Mr. Long became a director, and
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company, in November 1998.
Mr. Long has over 29 years of senior
executive management and systems
development experience in six
publicly traded companies, as well
as successfully operating his own
systems consulting business. Mr.
Long has held positions at U.S. Long
Distance Corp., as Vice President of
Management Information Systems from
December 1993 to August 1996;
Billing Concepts, Inc., as Vice
President of Information
Technologies from August 1996 to
June 1997, and Andersen Consulting
as Business Development Director,
Financial Services, from October
1997 to November 1998. Anderson
Consulting is a worldwide consulting
firm and affiliate of Arthur
Andersen accounting firm. He is a
co-founder of billserv.com and our
Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer.
o E. Scott Crist Age 36, nominee for director.
Scott Crist is Managing Director of
Crist Ventures and a general partner
of Venture Bridge LP, an early-stage
venture capital fund. He is also the
former CEO and founder of Telscape
International, Inc., (NASDAQ) an
integrated communications company
focused on the voice, video, data
and Internet markets in emerging
countries. Mr. Crist was formerly
President and CEO for Matrix, a
telecommunications company which
ranked #7 on the INC. MAGAZINE list
of the 500 fastest growing private
companies in the U.S in 1995. He
also founded DNS Communications, a
domestic long-distance company and
served as its Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer until its merger
with Matrix. Mr. Crist was named an
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR by CNN/
NASDAQ/Ernst & Young in 1999. He is
on the Board of several early-stage
technology companies. Mr. Crist has
an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School at
Northwestern University and a B.S.
in Electrical Engineering from NC
State University. He is on the
faculty at Rice University's
Graduate Business School.
DIRECTORS SERVING THREE YEAR TERMS ENDING WITH THE 2003 ANNUAL MEETING
CLASS II DIRECTORS
o Louis A. Hoch Age 35, a director since 1998.
Mr. Hoch joined the Company as
President and Chief Operating
Officer in November 1998. Mr. Hoch's
background has been primarily in the
telecommunications industry in which
he has over 10 years of experience.
Most recently, from April to
November 1998, Mr. Hoch was the
Subject Matter Expert for Call
Centers in Telecom, at Andersen
Consulting. His leadership in the
call center industry was
acknowledged by Andersen Consulting
when it classified his processes and
technology architecture to be one of
their guidelines for best practices
in call center development. While
employed at U. S. Long Distance inc.
and its spin-off company, Billing
Concepts, Inc., from June 1991 to
April 1998, Mr. Hoch successfully
built large billing systems that
were proven flexible enough to
sustain exponential growth in record
volumes, and call centers that
integrated the latest in technology
and processes. During his tenure at
Billing Concepts, Mr. Hoch held
successive positions; as a Tech
Support Representative, Program
Analyst, Program Manager, MIS
Manager, and finally,
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Director of Information Technology.
Mr. Hoch holds a B.B.A. in Computer
Information Systems and an M.B.A. in
International Business Management,
both from Our Lady of the Lake
University. He is certified as a
Computer Professional (CCP) by the
Institute for Certification of
Computing Professionals (ICCP).
o Roger R. Hemminghaus Age 64, a director since April 1999.
Hemminghaus was named Chairman
Emeritus of Ultramar Diamond
Shamrock January 1, 2000. In
December 1996 he became Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Ultramar
Diamond Shamrock Corp. following the
merger of Diamond Shamrock, Inc. and
Ultramar Corporation. Prior to the
merger, Hemminghaus was Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and
President of Diamond Shamrock, Inc.
After serving four years as a naval
officer involved in nuclear power
development, Hemminghaus started his
career in the refining and marketing
industry in 1962 as an engineer for
Exxon, USA. Before joining a
predecessor company to Diamond
Shamrock in 1984, Hemminghaus held
various management positions in the
areas of refining, distribution,
petroleum products and natural gas.
Hemminghaus is on the board of
directors of CTS Corporation,
Luby's, Inc., Southwest Research
Institute, Tandy Brands Accessories,
Inc. and Xcel Energy, Inc. He is a
past Chairman of the Federal Reserve
Bank of Dallas and former Chairman
of the National Petrochemicals and
Refiners Association. Hemminghaus is
Chairman of the Board of Regents of
Texas Lutheran University, is
currently President of the Alamo
Area Council Boy Scouts of America
and serves on the National Executive
Board of the Boy Scouts of America.
He is past chairman of the United
Way of San Antonio and is a current
or past member of various other
non-profit boards such as The Nature
Conservancy of Texas, the San
Antonio Symphony and the University
of Texas at San Antonio Development
Board. Hemminghaus is a 1958
graduate of Auburn University,
receiving a B.S. degree in chemical
engineering. He also completed
postgraduate work in business and
nuclear engineering.
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DIRECTORS SERVING A THREE YEAR TERM ENDING WITH THE 2002 ANNUAL MEETING
CLASS I DIRECTORS
o David S. Jones Age 27, a director since 1998.
While employed at Billing Concepts,
Inc., from 1997-98, Mr. Jones was
responsible for defining strategic
direction involving Internet
technology. In 1998, Mr. Jones left
Billing Concepts, Inc. and
co-founded billserv.com, Inc. As
Executive Vice-President of
billserv.com, Mr. Jones has played
an essential role in the development
of the necessary relationships
needed to be effective in the
Internet billing marketplace, and
has been directly involved in the
marketing of the Company's products.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
In 2000, billserv.com provided compensation to directors of $1,000 for
each board meeting attended. The Company and its stockholders have previously
approved the 1999 Non-Employee Director Plan which authorizes the discretionary
issuance of up to 500,000 shares of common stock to the non-employee directors
of billserv.com.
Upon joining the Board of Directors, both Mr. Crist and Hemminghaus
were issued options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock. On January
4, 1999, Mr. Crist was issued options to purchase 40,000 shares at an exercise
price of $2.81 per share. Mr. Hemminghaus was issued options to purchase 80,000
shares at an exercise price of $5.18 on April 6, 1999. On April 17, 2000,
Messrs. Hemminghaus and Crist were each issued options to purchase 35,000 shares
at an exercise price of $11.25 per share. On December 28, 2000, each were issued
options to purchase 50,000 shares at an exercise price of $2.06 per share.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS; MEETINGS
billserv.com has the following two standing committees:
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
o Meets periodically with billserv.com, Inc.'s independent auditors
to review the general scope of audit coverage, including
consideration of the Company's accounting practices and
procedures, its system of internal accounting controls and
financial reporting.
o Makes recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to
appointment of the Committee's independent auditors.
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The Audit Committee met four times during the 2000 fiscal year. The
current members of this committee are Mr. Crist and Mr. Hemminghaus.
The Board of Directors has approved an Audit Committee charter which
outlines the responsibilities of the Audit Committee and the
appropriate procedures necessary to meet those responsibilities.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
o Recommends to the Board of Directors annual salaries for senior
management.
o In consultation with senior management, recommends to the Board of
Directors the administration and grant of incentive awards.
On April 6, 1999, the Board of Directors created the Compensation
Committee. The initial members of this Committee were Mr. Crist and Mr.
Long. In October of 1999, Mr. Hemminghaus replaced Mr. Long on this
Committee. During 2000, the Compensation Committee had no formal
meetings, but reviewed and approved salaries and incentive awards
granted to employees of the Company.
ENTIRE BOARD
o During 2000, the entire Board of Directors of billserv.com met
five times for regular and special meetings. During this period,
each director attended all meetings of the Board of Directors and
any committee on which he served.
STOCK OWNERSHIP
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS, DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial
ownership of our common stock as of March 12, 2000, by:
o each of our named executive officers and directors;
o all of our executive officers and directors as a group; and
o each person, or group of affiliated persons, known to us to own
beneficially more than 5% of our common stock.
In accordance with the rules of the SEC, the table gives effect to the shares of
common stock that could be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options and
common stock options within 60 days of March 12, 2000. Unless otherwise noted in
the footnotes to the table and subject to community property laws where
applicable, the following individuals have sole voting and investment control
with respect to the shares beneficially owned by them. The address of each
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executive officer and director is c/o billserv.com, Inc., 211 North Loop 1604
East, Suite 100, San Antonio, Texas 78232.
Shares
Beneficially Owned (1)
----------------------
NAME NUMBER PERCENTAGE
---- ------ ----------
RS Investment Management Co., LLC (2) ........................................... 1,917,998 12.3%
CheckFree Investment Corporation................................................. 1,758,240 11.3%
Michael R. Long ................................................................. 646,667 4.1%
Louis A. Hoch ................................................................... 1,271,000 8.1%
David S. Jones .................................................................. 1,217,149 7.8%
Terri A. Hunter 23,215 0.1%
Anthony L. Diamond .............................................................. -- --
E. Scott Crist .................................................................. 38,332 0.2%
Roger R. Hemminghaus............................................................. 65,099 0.4%
All officers and directors as a group, eleven (11) persons, including the 3,700,617 23.4%
executive officers and directors listed above .............................
(1) BASED ON A TOTAL OF 15,605,159 SHARES ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING AS OF
MARCH 12, 2001.
(2) AS OF MARCH 12, 2001; INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING INVESTORS AS A GROUP:
RS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, L.P.; RS GROWTH GROUP, LLC; RS
DIVERSIFIED GROWTH FUND; AND RS PAISLEY PACIFIC FUND, L.P.
SUBSEQUENT TO MARCH 12, 2001, RS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, AND ITS
VARIOUS AFFILIATES, ACQUIRED AN ADDITIONAL 2.0 MILLION SHARES IN A
PRIVATE PLACEMENT TRANSACTION.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Under U.S. securities laws, directors, certain executive officers and
persons holding more than 10% of billserv.com, Inc.'s common stock must report
their initial ownership of the common stock, and any changes in that ownership,
to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Securities and Exchange
Commission has designated specific due dates for these reports. Based solely on
its review of copies of the reports filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and written representations of its directors and executive offers,
billserv.com believes all persons subject to reporting timely filed the required
reports in 2000.
MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Below are the names and ages of the Executive Officers of billserv.com
and a brief description of their prior experience and qualifications.
15
o Michael R. Long See biography of Mr. Long on page
__.
o Louis A. Hoch See biography of Mr. Hoch on page
__.
o David S. Jones See biography of Mr. Jones on page
__.
o Terri A. Hunter Age 38, Executive Vice-President &
Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Hunter joined the Company in
April 2000. She possesses over
fifteen (15) years of analytical and
management experience in finance,
accounting, and investor relations
for public companies. Most recently,
from October 1999 to May 2000, Ms.
Hunter was Vice-President, Finance
and Investor Relations for Clear
Channel Communications, Inc., a
global leader in the out-of-home
advertising industry with radio,
television, and outdoor displays in
37 countries around the world. Ms.
Hunter was also employed with U.S.
Long Distance, Inc. and its spin-off
company, Billing Concepts, Inc.,
from February 1993 to October 1999,
where she lead their financial
planning and analysis functions, as
well as investor relations. In
addition, Ms. Hunter has held
various finance and accounting roles
with Electronic Data Systems, and
Cullen/Frost Bankers, since her
graduation in May 1985 from the
University of Texas at Austin. She
also serves on the Board of the San
Antonio, National Investor Relations
Institute.
o Anthony L. Diamond Age 41, Senior Vice President, Sales
and Marketing
Mr. Diamond joined the Company in
June 2000. He brought to billserv
over 17 years of sales and marketing
leadership from varied industries.
Throughout his career, he has
specialized in assessing corporate
challenges, creating high
performance operations and
successfully launching new products.
In 1995, upon leaving Azrock
Industries as its Director of
Marketing, Mr. Diamond founded
Diamond, Warkenthien & Associates, a
sales and marketing consulting firm
with domestic and international
clients. In June 1998, he sold his
interest and joined a client
company, Paris Technologies, as Vice
President of Marketing, where he
built the channel strategy and
introduced a new database technology
to mid-size businesses throughout
North American, Europe and
Australia. In September 1999, Mr.
Diamond became Vice President, Sales
and Marketing at FAS, Inc., a
leading provider of monitoring and
Internet-based reporting on
construction lending projects to
major
16
lenders nationwide. Mr. Diamond
holds a degree in Advertising from
the University of Texas at Austin.
BOARD REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION POLICY
Compensation decisions for the executive officers of billserv.com for
compensation paid during the year ended December 31, 2000, were generally made
by the members of the Board of Directors with the advice and consent of the
Compensation Committee.
The Company's goal is to attract, retain and reward a highly competent
and productive employee group. To do so, the Board of Directors, has determined
that it is in the best interest of the Company to provide a total compensation
package that competes favorably with those offered within the electronic
commerce industry, general industry and the geographic areas in which
billserv.com operates. The Company's current compensation package includes a mix
of base salary, short-term and long-term incentive opportunities and other
employee benefits. Changes in compensation are based on the individual's
performance, the Company's financial performance and the competitive
marketplace. The Board considers the median level of the market as competitive.
BASE SALARY. The base salary policy provides for compensation at
competitive levels. Increases in executive base salary are awarded for
individual performance based on the executive's performance plan. These
performance plans contain specific measures, both quantitative and
qualitative, related to financial achievements of the Company.
Increases generally reflect established merit increase guidelines
applicable to all salaried employees.
OPTION PLANS. In addition to the foregoing, directors, officers and
employees of billserv.com, Inc. may be compensated through awards of
options to purchase common stock of the Company.
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth summary information as to
compensation received by the Chief Executive Officer and each of the four other
most highly compensated persons who were serving as executive officers as of
December 31, 2000 (collectively, the "named executive officers"), for services
rendered to billserv.com in all capacities during fiscal years ended 2000, 1999,
and 1998;
17
Long-Term Compensation Awards
Annual -----------------------------
Compensation Restricted Securities
----------------------- Stock Underlying All
Name & Principal Position Fiscal Year Salary Awards (2) Options (#) Other Compensation
-------------------------- ----------- ------ ---------- ----------- -------------------
Michael R. Long ....................... 2000 $188,046 -- 165,000 $11,275
Chairman and CEO 1999 $140,000 -- 100,000 --
1998 $ 14,835 1,183,333 -- --
Louis A. Hoch.......................... 2000 $164,231 -- 90,000 $513
President and COO 1999 $134,615 -- 100,000 --
1998 $ 11,868 1,183,334 -- --
David S. Jones......................... 2000 $147,692 -- 90,000 $710
Executive Vice President 1999 $115,615 -- 100,000 --
1998 $ 14,840 1,183,333 -- --
Terri A. Hunter........................ 2000 $ 94,885 -- 125,000 $223
Executive Vice President 1999 -- -- -- --
and CFO 1998 -- -- -- --
Anthony L. Diamond..................... 2000 $ 60,367 -- 125,000 $193
Senior Vice President, 1999 -- -- -- --
Sales & Marketing 1998 -- -- -- --
-----------
(1) Each of the named executives has entered into employment agreements
expiring on December 31, 2001, which provide for annual salary and bonuses
at the discretion of the Board of Directors, as well as health benefits.
Ms. Hunter and Mr. Diamond joined the Company in April 2000 and June 2000,
respectively. In 2001, each of the named officers is to receive salary
compensation as follows: Mr. Long, $190,000; Mr. Hoch, $175,000; Mr. Jones,
$160,000; Ms. Hunter, $120,000; and Mr. Diamond, $145,000.
(2) This column reflects only common stock ownership granted in connection
with the executive's employment arrangement.
(3) Reflects premiums paid for group term life insurance coverage.
18
The following table provides information regarding the grant of stock options
during fiscal year 2000 to the named executive officers.
Number % of Total Potential Realizable
of Options Exercise Value
Securities Granted to Or at Assumed Annual
Underlying Employees in Base Rates of Stock
Options Fiscal Price Expiration Price Appreciation for
Name Granted 2000 ($/Share) Date Option Term (1)
---- ------- ---- --------- ---- ----------------------
5% ($) 10% ($)
------ -------
Michael R. Long ............ 15,000 0.08% $11.25 04/17/10 $106,126 $268,944
150,000 7.7% $2.06 12/28/10 $194,611 $493,184
Louis A. Hoch............... 15,000 0.08% $11.25 04/17/10 $106,126 $268,944
75,000 3.8% $2.06 12/28/10 $ 97,306 $246,592
Terri A. Hunter............. 50,000 2.6% $11.25 04/17/10 $353,754 $896,480
25,000 1.3% $6.25 08/17/10 $ 98,264 $249,022
50,000 2.6% $2.06 12/28/10 $ 64,854 $164,353
David S. Jones.............. 15,000 0.08% $11.25 04/17/10 $106,126 $268,944
75,000 3.8% $2.06 12/28/10 $97,306 $246,592
Anthony L. Diamond 75,000 3.8% $7.56 07/11/10 $356,725 $904,011
50,000 2.6% $2.06 12/28/10 $ 64,870 $164,395
-----------------------------
1. The potential realizable value is calculated based on the term of the option
and is calculated by assuming that the fair market value of common stock on the
date of the grant as determined by the Board appreciates at the indicated annual
rate compounded annually for the entire term of the option and that the option
is exercised and the common stock received therefore is sold on the last day of
the term of the option for the appreciated price. The 5% and 10% rates of
appreciation are derived from the rules of the SEC and do not reflect our
estimate of future stock price appreciation. The actual value realized may be
greater or less than the potential realizable values set forth in the table.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND CHANGE IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
billserv.com has entered into an employment contract with all of its
other executive officers. These agreements expire December 31, 2001 and provide
for an annual salary, bonuses at the discretion of the Board of Directors, and
health benefits. In 2001, each of the named officers are to receive 2001 salary
compensation as follows: Mr. Long, $190,000; Mr. Hoch, $175,000; Mr. Jones,
$160,000; Ms. Hunter, $120,000; and Mr. Diamond, $145,000.
The Company's agreements with its various executive officers provide
for change in control protection for the employee, as the employee may terminate
the agreement within six (6) months of "any change in control" and be entitled
to all earned, deferred compensation. "Deferred Compensation" is calculated as
the greater of (A) the Base Salary payments the employee would have received had
his employment continued for the remaining term of the agreement (including
yearly increases calculated at the maximum increase for the prior two
19
years); or (B) an amount equal to 150% of the higher annual compensation
earned by the employee in the past two years (including both Base Salary and
bonuses compensation). In addition, the employee is entitled to all of the
benefits otherwise provided in the statement (such as automobile expenses)
during a certain period of time defined in the agreement as the greater of
the remaining term of the agreement or one year. The employee may also be
entitled to an amount equal to the pro rate potion of the bonus compensation
for the year in which the executive's employment is terminated determined on
the basis of the number of days elapsed in such year prior to such
termination. Upon termination of employment, each employee is prohibited from
competing with billserv.com for two (2) years.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Prior to April 6, 1999, billserv.com did not have a Compensation
Committee or other committee of the Board of Directors performing similar
functions. Prior to this time, decisions concerning compensation of the
executive officers were generally made by the members of the Board of Directors.
Currently, the Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Crist and Hemminghaus.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
(billserv.com)
12/31/99 3/31/00 6/30/00 9/30/00 12/31/00
-------- ------- ------- ------- --------
billserv.com, Inc. 100 283.2 117.6 99.2 32.8
Nasdaq (U.S.) 100 112.4 97.5 90.2 60.7
Nasdaq Computer 100 116.2 100.8 91.3 55.7
ITEM 2.
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE 1999 EMPLOYEE
COMPREHENSIVE STOCK PLAN
GENERAL
On December 16, 1999, the stockholders approved the 1999 Employee
Comprehensive Stock Plan of billserv.com, Inc. (the "Comprehensive Plan"), the
text of which is attached as ANNEX A to this Proxy Statement. On July 13, 2000,
the stockholders approved an increase in the number of shares available under
the Comprehensive Plan by 1.0 million shares. The Board of Directors now
proposes to increase the number of shares available under the plan by 2.0
million for a total of 5.0 million. The material features of the Comprehensive
Plan are discussed below, but the description is subject to and is qualified in
its entirety by the full text of the Comprehensive Plan.
The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to advance the interests of
the Company by providing additional incentives to attract and retain qualified
and competent officers and employees, upon whose efforts and judgment the
success of the Company (including its subsidiaries) is largely dependent. In
furtherance of this purpose, the Comprehensive Plan authorizes the granting of
incentive and non-qualified stock options ("Comprehensive Options") to purchase
common stock to such officers and employees. In addition, The Comprehensive Plan
authorizes the issuance of restricted common stock ("Restricted Shares") to
officers and employees. Currently, a total of 3.0 million shares of common stock
are reserved for issuance upon the exercise of Comprehensive Options. However,
the Board of Directors proposes to amend the Comprehensive Plan to increase the
number of shares available to 5.0 million shares.
20
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The Comprehensive Plan provides that the Company's Board of Directors
shall appoint a committee of two or more directors appointed to administer the
Comprehensive Plan (the "Committee"). The Committee may, at any time during the
term of the Comprehensive Plan, grant any officer or employee an option
exercisable for such number of shares of common stock as it shall deem to be in
the best interest of billserv.com and which will serve to further the purposes
of the Comprehensive Plan. By Board resolution, the Board indicated its present
intent that no officer or employee receive, as his or her initial grant of
options under the Comprehensive Plan, an option exercisable for more than
250,000 shares of common stock during one fiscal year of the Company. Options
granted to the officers and employees under the Comprehensive Plan will vest
according to the vesting schedule provided in the applicable option agreement
executed between the Company and the employee.
Under the Comprehensive Plan, options must be granted at an exercise
price per share that is no less than the fair market value of the common stock
at the date of grant. The exercise price of an option may be paid in cash,
certified or cashier's check, money order, or by delivery of already owned
shares of common stock having a fair market value equal to the exercise price
(to the extent such shares have been owned by the optionee for at least six
months and only if permitted by the applicable option agreement), or by delivery
of a combination of such methods.
The options are not assignable or transferable other than by will or by
the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic
relations order. During the lifetime of an optionee, the Comprehensive option is
exercisable only by him, his guardian or legal representative.
The expiration date of each option shall be fixed by the Committee, but
such expiration date shall not exceed 10 years from the date of the grant.
TERMINATION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan will automatically terminate on January 4, 2009,
and any option outstanding on such date will remain outstanding until it has
either expired or been exercised. The Board may terminate, amend or suspend the
Comprehensive Plan from time to time as the Board deems advisable.
RESTRICTED STOCK
The Committee, in its sole discretion, may make awards of restricted
stock to selected participants, which awards shall be evidenced by an award
agreement that contains such terms and conditions, including vesting, as the
Committee may determine. As a condition to any award of restricted stock, the
Committee may require a participant to pay to the Company the amount (such as
the par value of such shares) required to be received by the Company in order
to assure compliance with applicable state law. Any award of restricted stock
for which such requirement is established shall automatically expire if not
purchased in accordance with the Committee's requirements within sixty (60)
days after the date of grant.
21
Subject to the terms and conditions of the respective award agreement,
the Participant, as the owner of the common stock issued as restricted stock
and any retained distributions with respect thereto, shall have the rights of a
stockholder, including, but not limited to, voting rights as to such common
stock and the right to receive cash dividends or distributions thereon when, as
and if paid.
Within the limits set forth in the Comprehensive Plan, an award of
restricted stock may be subject to such vesting requirements as may be fixed by
the Committee. Vesting may be accelerated by a change of control. Vesting may
also be accelerated upon death, permanent disability or retirement.
Restricted stock and any retained distributions with respect thereto
may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, or otherwise encumbered during
the restricted period, which shall be determined by the Committee and shall not
be less than one year nor more than two years from the date such restricted
stock was awarded. The Committee may, at any time, reduce the restricted period
with respect to any outstanding shares of restricted stock and any retained
distributions with respect thereto awarded under the Plan.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The federal income tax consequences summarized below are based upon
current tax laws and thus are subject to change. Moreover, this summary is not
intended to be a complete description of all federal, state and local tax
consequences of the Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan permits officers and employees to receive grants
of non-qualified stock options and qualified stock options. billserv.com has
been advised that under the Internal Revenue Code, an optionee will not
recognize any income for federal income tax purposes at the time a stock option
is granted, nor will the Company be entitled to a tax deduction at that time. At
the time of exercise, however, the optionee will recognize ordinary income in an
amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of
exercise over the option price of such shares. billserv.com generally will be
entitled to a federal income tax deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary
income recognized by the optionee upon exercise of a stock option.
The Board of Directors believes that the Comprehensive Plan assists in
attracting and retaining qualified employees and officers and has the effect of
more significantly aligning the interests of the officers and directors with
the billserv.com stockholders. The Board of Directors believes that increasing
the number of shares under the Comprehensive Plan to 5.0 million will also
increase this effect.
We recommend a vote FOR the approval of the amendment to the 1999
Employee Comprehensive Stock Plan of billserv.com, Inc.
22
ITEM 3.
RATIFICATION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors of the Company, upon recommendation of its Audit
Committee, has appointed ERNST & YOUNG LLP as independent auditors to examine
the Company's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2001 and to render other professional services as required.
The Company is submitting the appointment of ERNST & YOUNG LLP to
stockholders to obtain your ratification. Representatives of ERNST & YOUNG LLP
will be present at the meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if
they desire to do so, and are expected to be available to respond to questions.
We recommend a vote FOR the ratification of ERNST & YOUNG LLP as the
independent auditors for the current fiscal year.
ITEM 4.
AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO CHANGE THE
COMPANY'S NAME FROM "BILLSERV.COM, INC." TO "BILLSERV, INC."
The Company seeks to change its corporate name to Billserv, Inc.
The Board of Directors has unanimously adopted a resolution (the "Name
Change Amendment") declaring it advisable to amend the Company's Articles of
Incorporation to change the name of the Company as set forth above. The Board of
Directors further directed that the Name Change Amendment be submitted for
consideration by stockholders at the Meeting. The Articles of Incorporation of
the company, with the proposed Name Change Amendment, are attached hereto as
ANNEX B.
The Board of Directors believes that the Name Change Amendment is in
the Company's best interest because the proposed new corporate name more
appropriately reflects the Company's principal line of business as an outsource
solution provider for electronic bill presentment and payment and related
services. The Board of Directors believes that it is necessary to change the
corporate name to broaden the appeal of the Company among potential customers,
suppliers and the investment community. There can be no assurance that the new
corporate name will attract a broader range of customers, or that the name
change will not create confusion that will cause the Company to lose market
support. However, taking the foregoing into account, the Board of Directors
believes that on balance the Name Change Amendment is in the best interest of
the Company and its stockholders. In the event the Name Change Amendment is
approved by stockholders, the Company will thereafter file a Certificate of
Amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation with the Nevada Secretary of
State, amending Article I thereof, which will become effective at the close of
business on the date such filing is accepted by the Secretary of State.
23
We recommend a vote FOR the proposal to amend the Articles of
Incorporation to change the name of the Company from "billserv.com, Inc." to
"Billserv, Inc."
ITEM 5.
AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO AUTHORIZE CREATION
OF A CLASS OF PREFERRED STOCK
The Board of Directors has unanimously adopted a resolution declaring
it advisable and in the best interest of the Company to amend the Company's
Articles of Incorporation to provide for the creation of a class of preferred
stock. The board has further directed that there be submitted to the
stockholders of the Company at the Meeting a proposed amendment to Article Four
of the Company's Articles of Incorporation which would effect the creation of
10,000,000 shares of preferred stock issuable on terms to be determined from
time to time by the Board of Directors. This amendment is including the form of
articles of Incorporation attached as ANNEX B. If this amendment is adopted by
the stockholders, the Board of Directors will be empowered, without the
necessity of further action or authorization by the stockholders (unless
required in a specific case by applicable laws, regulations or stock exchange
rules), to cause the Company to issue preferred stock from time to time in one
or more series, and to fix by resolution the relative rights and preferences of
each series. Each series of preferred stock will rank senior to the common stock
with respect to dividends and liquidation rights. No preferred stock is
presently authorized by the Company's Articles of Incorporation.
The proposed amendment to the Articles of Incorporation would authorize
the Board of Directors to determine, among other things, with respect to each
series of preferred stock which may be issued: (i) the distinctive designation
of such series and the number of shares constituting such series, (ii) the rate
of dividend, the times of payment and the date from which the dividends shall be
accumulated, (iii) whether the shares can be redeemed and, if so, the redemption
price and the terms and conditions of redemption, (iv) the amount payable upon
shares in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, (v) purchase,
retirement or sinking fund provisions, if any, for the redemption or purchase of
shares, (vi) the terms and conditions, if any, on which shares may be converted,
and (vii) whether or not shares have voting rights and the extent of such voting
rights, if any. Holders of common stock have no preemptive right to purchase or
otherwise acquire any preferred stock that may be issued in the future.
The creation of preferred stock will increase the Company's financial
flexibility. The Board believes that the complexity of modern business financing
and acquisition transactions requires greater flexibility in the Company's
capital structure. Preferred stock will be available for issuance from time to
time as determined by the Board of Directors for any proper corporate purpose.
Such purposes could include, without limitation, issuance in public or private
sales for cash as a means of obtaining capital for use in the Company's business
operations, issuance as part or all of the consideration required to be paid by
the Company for acquisitions of other businesses or properties, and issuance
under employee benefit plans. The Company does not presently have any plans,
agreements, understandings or arrangements that will or could result in the
issuance of any preferred stock.
24
It is not possible to state the actual effect of the authorization of
the preferred stock upon the rights of holders of common stock until the Board
of Directors determines the respective rights of the holders of one or more
series of preferred stock. The effects of such issuance could include, however:
(i) reduction of the amount otherwise available for payments of dividends on
common stock if dividends are payable on the preferred stock, (ii) restrictions
on dividends on common stock if dividends on the preferred stock are in arrears,
(iii) dilution of the voting power of common stock if the preferred stock has
voting rights, and (iv) restrictions on the rights of holders of common stock to
share in the Company's assets upon liquidation until satisfaction of any
liquidation preference granted to the holders of preferred stock.
The creation of preferred stock could further discourage an attempt by
a person to acquire control of the Company by a tender offer or other means. It
could therefore deprive stockholders of benefits that could result from such an
attempt, such as the realization of a premium over the market price of their
shares in a tender offer or the temporary increase in market price that such an
attempt could cause. Moreover, the issuance of voting preferred stock to persons
friendly to the Board of Directors could make it more difficult to remove
incumbent management and directors from office even if such change would be
favorable to stockholders generally. At present, the Board of Directors has no
plans, arrangements or understandings to issue preferred stock.
We recommend a vote FOR the proposal to amend the Articles of
Incorporation to provide for creation of a class of preferred stock.
ANNUAL MEETING ADVANCE NOTICE REQUIREMENTS
A stockholder may recommend a nominee to become a director of
billserv.com by giving the secretary of the Company (at the address set forth
above) a written notice setting forth certain information, including: (1) the
name, age, business and residence address of the person intended to be
nominated, (2) a representation that the nominating stockholder is in fact a
holder of record of billserv.com common stock entitled to vote at the meeting
and that he or she intends to be present at the meeting to nominate the person
specified, (3) a description of all arrangements between the nominating
stockholder, the nominee and other persons concerning the nomination, (4) any
other information about the nominee that must be disclosed in proxy
solicitations under Rule 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and (5)
the nominee's written consent to serve, if elected. Such nominations must be
made pursuant to the same advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals
set forth in the preceding paragraph.
The Company's 2002 annual meeting of stockholders is currently
scheduled for May 2001. Copies of the Company's Bylaws are available upon
written request made to the secretary of billserv.com at the above address. The
requirements described above do not supersede the requirements or conditions
established by the Securities and Exchange Commission for stockholder proposals
to be included in billserv.com, Inc.'s proxy materials for a meeting of
stockholders. The Chairman of the meeting may refuse to bring before a meeting
any business not brought in compliance with applicable law and the Company's
Bylaws.
25
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2000 and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations are incorporated herein by reference to
Company's 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission which is being mailed to stockholders with this Proxy
Statement.
OTHER MATTERS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors of the
Company does not know of any business which will be presented for consideration
at the Annual Meeting other than that specified herein and in the Notice of
Annual Meeting of Stockholders, but if other matters are presented it is the
intention of the persons designated as proxies to vote in accordance with their
judgment on such matters.
SOLICITATION
The cost of soliciting Proxies in the accompanying form will be borne
by the Company. In addition to the solicitation of Proxies by the use of the
mails, certain officers and associates (who will receive no compensation
therefor in addition to their regular salaries) may be used to solicit Proxies
personally and by telephone and telegraph. In addition, banks, brokers and other
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries will be requested to forward copies of the
Proxy materials to their principals and to request authority for the execution
of Proxies. The Company will reimburse such persons for their expenses in so
doing.
A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
31, 2000, INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
THERETO, AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WILL BE FURNISHED
WITHOUT CHARGE TO ANY STOCKHOLDER OF THE COMPANY WHOSE PROXY IS SOLICITED BY
THIS PROXY STATEMENT, UPON THE WRITTEN REQUEST OF ANY SUCH PERSON ADDRESSED TO
MR. MARSHALL MILLARD, SECRETARY, BILLSERV.COM, INC., 211 NORTH LOOP 1604 EAST,
SUITE 100, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78232. SUCH A REQUEST FROM A BENEFICIAL OWNER OF
THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK MUST CONTAIN A GOOD FAITH REPRESENTATION BY SUCH
PERSON THAT, AS OF APRIL 2, 2001, HE OR SHE WAS A BENEFICIAL OWNER OF THE
COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK.
Please SIGN and RETURN the enclosed Proxy promptly.
By Order of the Board of Directors:
MARSHALL MILLARD
Secretary
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PROXIES BE RETURNED PROMPTLY
26
ANNEX A
BILLSERV.COM INC.
1999 EMPLOYEE COMPREHENSIVE STOCK PLAN
(as amended by the Board of Directors on February 27, 2001)
1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this 1999 Employee Comprehensive Stock Plan
(the "Plan") is to further the success of billserv.com, a Nevada corporation
(the "Company"), and certain of its affiliates by making available Common Stock
of the Company to certain officers and employees of the Company and its
affiliates, and thus to provide an additional incentive to such individuals to
continue in the service of the Company or its affiliates and to give them a
greater interest as stockholders in the success of the Company. Subject to
compliance with the provisions of the Plan and the Code, Incentive Stock Options
as authorized by Section 422 of the Code and stock options which do not qualify
under Section 422 of the Code are authorized and may be granted under the Plan.
Further, the Company may grant Restricted Stock, as defined below.
2. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Plan the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated:
(a) "Award" means an award of stock options (including
Incentive Stock Options) or Restricted Stock, on a stand alone, combination or
tandem basis, as described in or granted under this Plan.
(b) "Award Agreement" means a written agreement setting forth
the terms of an Award, in the form prescribed by the Committee.
(c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) "Cause" shall mean, in the context of the termination of a
Participant, as determined by the Board, in the reasonable exercise of its
business judgment the occurrence of one of the following events: (i) conviction
of or a plea of nolo contendere to a charge of a felony (which, through lapse of
time or otherwise, is not subject to appeal); (ii) willful refusal without
proper legal cause to perform, or gross negligence in performing, Participant's
duties and responsibilities; (iii) material breach of fiduciary duty to the
Company through the misappropriation of Company funds or property or otherwise;
or (iv) the unauthorized absence of Participant from work (other than for sick
leave or disability) for a period of thirty working days or more during any
period of forty-five working days; provided, further, within one year following
a Change of Control, "Cause" shall be limited to the conviction of or a plea of
nolo contendere to the charge of a felony (which, through lapse of time or
otherwise, is not subject to an appeal), or a material breach of fiduciary duty
to the Company through the misappropriation of Company funds or property or
otherwise.
(e) "Change of Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if
(i) any "Person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the
Exchange Act) is or becomes a "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under
the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company
representing more than 40% of the combined voting power of the Company's then
outstanding voting securities, or (ii) at any time during the 24-month period
after a tender offer, merger, consolidation, sale of assets or contested
election, or any combination of such transactions, at least a majority of the
Board shall cease to consist of "continuing directors" (meaning directors of the
Company who either were directors prior to such transaction or who subsequently
became directors and whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's
stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least two thirds of the directors
then still in office who were directors prior to such transaction), or (iii) the
stockholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the Company
with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation that would
result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior
thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being
converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 40% of the
total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such
surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or
(iv) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of
the Company or an agreement of sale or disposition by the Company of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets.
(f) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.
(g) "Committee" means the Committee administering the
Plan described in Section 3 hereof.
(h) "Common Stock" means the Company's common stock, par
value $.001 per share.
(i) "Continuous Status as an Employee" means that the
employment relationship with any one or more of (i) the Company, (ii) any
Parent, (iii) any Subsidiary has not been terminated or interrupted.
(j) "Date of Grant" means the date on which an Award is
granted under an Award Agreement executed by the Company and a Participant
pursuant to the Plan.
(k) "Disinterested Person" means a "disinterested person"
as such term is defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any
successor provision.
(1) "Effective Date" means the effective date of this
Plan specified in Section 14 hereof.
(m) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as it may be amended from time to time.
(n) "Good Reason" shall mean the occurrence of any of the
following events: (a) removal from the principal office held by the Participant
on the date of the most recent Award, or a material reduction in the
Participant's authority or responsibility, including, without limitation,
involuntary removal from the Board, but not including termination of the
Participant for Cause; or (b) the Company otherwise commits a material breach of
this Plan, or the Participant's employment agreement, if applicable; provided,
however, that within one year following a Change of Control, "Good Reason" shall
mean (i) removal from the principal office held by the Participant on the date
of the most recent Award, (ii) a material reduction in the Participant's
authority or responsibility, including, without limitation, involuntary removal
from the Board, but not including termination of the Participant for cause;
(iii) relocation of the Company's headquarters from the San Antonio, Texas
metropolitan area, (iv) a material reduction of participant's compensation, or
(v) the Company otherwise commits a material breach of this plan, or the
Participant's employment agreement, if applicable.
(o) "Incentive Stock Option" means an option qualifying
under Section 422 of the Code.
(p) "Parent" means a parent corporation of the Company as
defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(q) "Participants" means the employees and officers of
the Company, its Subsidiaries and its Parent (including those directors of the
Company who are also employees of the Company, its Parent or one or more of its
Subsidiaries).
(r) "Restricted Period" shall mean the period designated
by the Committee during which Restricted Stock may not be sold, assigned,
transferred, pledged, or otherwise encumbered, which period shall not be less
than one year nor more than two years from the Date of Grant.
(s) "Restricted Stock" shall mean those shares of Common
Stock issued pursuant to an Award that remain subject to the Restricted Period.
(t) "Retained Distributions" shall mean any securities
or other property (other than cash dividends) distributed by the Company or
otherwise received by the holder in respect of Restricted Stock during any
Restricted Period.
(u) "Retirement" shall mean retirement of a Participant
from the employ of the Company, its Parent, or its Subsidiaries, as the case may
be, in accordance with the then existing employment policies of any such
employer.
(v) "Subsidiary" means a subsidiary corporation of the
Company as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
3. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN. The Board shall appoint a committee (the
"Committee") comprised of two or more directors to administer the Plan. Only
directors who are Disinterested Persons shall be eligible to serve as members of
the Committee. The Committee shall report all action taken by it to the Board,
which shall review and ratify or approve those actions that are by law required
to be so reviewed and ratified or approved by the Board. The Committee shall
have full and final authority in its discretion, subject to the provisions of
the Plan, to make determinations with respect to the participation of
Participants in this Plan, to prescribe the form of Award Agreements embodying
Awards made under the Plan, and, except as otherwise required by law or this
Plan, to set the size and terms of Awards (which need not be identical or
consistent with respect to each Participant) including vesting schedules, price,
whether stock options granted hereunder shall constitute an Incentive Stock
Option, restriction or option period, post-retirement and termination rights,
payment alternatives such as cash, stock or other means of payment consistent
with the purposes of this Plan, and such other terms and conditions as the
Committee deems appropriate. Except as otherwise required by this Plan, the
Committee shall have authority to interpret and construe the provisions of this
Plan and the Award Agreements, to correct any defect or supply any omission or
reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any Award Agreement in the manner
the Committee deems advisable for the administration of the Plan and make
determinations pursuant to any Plan provision or Award Agreement, which shall be
final and binding on all persons. The Committee may authorize any one or more of
their number or any officer of the Company to execute and deliver documents on
behalf of the Committee.
4. COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO PROVISIONS OF THIS PLAN. Upon approval of
this Plan by the directors and shareholders of the Company, the total number of
shares to be subject to options under this Plan shall be 5,000,000 of the
authorized and unissued common shares of the Company. Thereafter, an amount of
additional shares to be subject to options shall automatically be available for
award under this Plan, such that at no time shall the total number of shares
subject to options under this Plan be less than five percent (5%) of the then
issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. In all events, the total
number of shares shall be subject to appropriate increase or decrease in the
event of a stock dividend, split or reclassification of shares subject to this
Plan.
5. ELIGIBILITY. Except as hereinafter provided, Awards may be granted
to any Participant as the Committee shall determine from time to time. In
determining the Participants to whom Awards shall be granted and the number of
shares to be covered by each such Award, the Committee may take into account the
nature of the services rendered by the respective Participants, their present
and potential contributions to the Company's success and such other factors as
the Committee in its sole discretion shall deem relevant. A Participant who has
been granted an Award under the Plan may be granted an additional Award or
Awards under the Plan, in the Committee's sole discretion.
6. AWARDS UNDER THIS PLAN. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may
make Awards of stock options (including Incentive Stock Options and stock
options that do not qualify as Incentive Stock Options) as described in Sections
7 and 8 hereof, and of Restrictive Stock, as described in Section 10 hereof.
7. OPTIONS AUTHORIZED. The options subject to Award under this Plan may
be Incentive Stock Options or stock options that do not qualify as Incentive
Stock Options (sometimes referred to herein as "nonqualified options" or
"nonqualified stock options"). The Committee shall have the full power and
authority to (i) determine which options shall be nonqualified stock options and
which shall be Incentive Stock Options, (ii) grant only Incentive Stock Options
or, alternatively, only nonqualified stock options, and (iii) in its sole
discretion, grant to the holder of an outstanding option, in exchange for the
surrender and cancellation of such option, a new option having a purchase price
lower than that provided in the option so surrendered and canceled and/or
containing such other terms and conditions as the Committee may prescribe in
accordance with the provisions of the Plan. Under no circumstances may
nonqualified stock options be granted where the exercise of such nonqualified
stock options may affect the exercise of Incentive Stock Options granted
pursuant to the Plan. In addition to any other limitations set
forth herein, (1) no Participant shall receive any grant of options, whether
Incentive Stock Options or nonqualified stock options, exercisable for more
than two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) shares of Common Stock during any
one fiscal year of the Company and (2) the aggregate fair market value
(determined in accordance with Paragraph 8(a) of the Plan as of the time the
option is granted) of the Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock
Options are exercisable for the first time by a Participant in any calendar
year (under all plans of the Company and of any Parent or Subsidiary) shall
not exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00).
8. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS. The grant of an option under the
Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement executed by the Company and the
applicable Participant and shall contain such terms and be in such form as the
Committee may from time to time approve, subject to the following limitations
and conditions:
(a) OPTION PRICE. The option exercise price per share with
respect to each option shall be determined by the Committee, but shall in no
instance be less than the par value of the shares subject to the option. In
addition, the option exercise price per share with respect to Incentive Stock
Options granted hereunder shall in no instance be less than the fair market
value of the shares subject to the option as determined by the Committee. For
the purposes of this Paragraph 8(a), fair market value shall be, where
applicable, the closing price of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant of such
option as reported on any national securities exchange on which the Common Stock
may be listed. If the Common Stock is not listed on a national securities
exchange but is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market or
on another automated quotation system, the fair market value shall be the
closing price of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant, or if traded on the
Nasdaq Small Cap or Nasdaq Over-The-Counter market, the fair market value shall
be the mean between the closing bid and ask prices on any such system or market.
If the Common Stock was not traded on the Date of Grant of such option, the
nearest preceding date on which there was a trade shall be substituted.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, fair market value shall be determined
consistent with Code Section 422(b)(4) or any successor provisions. The
Committee may permit the option exercise price to be payable by transfer to the
Company of Common Stock owned by the option holder with a fair market value at
the time of the exercise equal to the option exercise price.
(b) PERIOD OF OPTION. The expiration date of each option shall
be fixed by the Committee, but notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the
contrary, such expiration date shall not be more than ten (10) years from the
Date of Grant of the option.
(c) VESTING OF STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS. Neither the optionee nor
his successor in interest shall have any of the rights of a stockholder of the
Company until the shares relating to the option hereunder are issued by the
Company and are properly delivered to such optionee, or successor.
(d) EXERCISE OF OPTION. Each option shall be exercisable from
time to time (but not less than six (6) months after the Date of Grant) over
such period and upon such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine,
but not at any time as to less than one hundred (100) shares unless the
remaining shares that have become so purchasable are less than twenty five (25)
shares. After the death of the optionee, an option may be exercised as provided
in Section 9(c) hereof.
(e) DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION. The Award Agreement evidencing
any Incentive Stock Options granted under this Plan shall provide that if the
optionee makes a disposition, within the meaning of Section 424(c) of the Code
and regulations promulgated thereunder, of any share or shares of Common Stock
issued to him pursuant to exercise of the option within the two-year period
commencing on the day after the Date of Grant of such option or within the
one-year period commencing on the day after the date of issuance of the share or
shares to him pursuant to the exercise of such option, he shall, within ten (10)
days of such disposition date, notify the Company of the sales price or other
value ascribed to or used to measure the disposition of the share or shares
thereof and immediately deliver to the Company any amount of federal income tax
withholding required by law.
(f) LIMITATION ON GRANTS TO CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS. An Incentive
Stock Option may be granted to a Participant only if such Participant, at the
time the option is granted, does not own, after application of the attribution
rules of Code Section 424, stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the
total combined voting power of all classes of Common Stock of the Company or of
its Parent or Subsidiary. The preceding restrictions shall not apply if at the
time the option is granted the option price is at least one hundred ten percent
(110 %) of the fair market value (as defined in Section 8(a) above) of the
Common Stock subject to the option and such option by its terms is not
exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the Date of Grant.
(g) RESTRICTION ON ISSUING SHARES. The exercise of each option
shall be subject to the condition that if at any time the Company shall
determine in its discretion that the satisfaction of withholding tax or other
withholding liabilities, or that the listing, registration, or qualification of
any shares otherwise deliverable upon such exercise upon any securities exchange
or under any state or federal law, or that the consent or approval of any
regulatory body, is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection
with, such exercise or the delivery or purchase of shares pursuant thereto, then
in any such event, such exercise shall not be effective unless such withholding,
listing, registration, qualification, consent, or approval shall have been
effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company.
(h) CONSISTENCY WITH CODE. Notwithstanding any other provision
in this Plan to the contrary, the provisions of all Award Agreements relating to
Incentive Stock Options pursuant to the Plan shall not violate the requirements
of the Code applicable to the Incentive Stock Options authorized hereunder.
9. EXERCISE OF OPTION.
(a) Any option granted hereunder shall be exercisable
according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions
as determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement. An option
shall be deemed exercised when (i) the Company has received written notice of
such exercise in accordance with the terms of the Award Agreement, (ii) full
payment of the aggregate option exercise price of the shares as to which the
option is exercised has been made and (iii) arrangements that are satisfactory
to the Committee in its sole discretion have been made for the Participant's
payment to the Company of the amount, if any, that the Committee determines to
be necessary for the Company to withhold in accordance with applicable federal
or state income tax withholding requirements.
(b) Upon Retirement or other termination of the Participant's
Continuous Status as an Employee, other than (a) a termination that is either
(i) for Cause or (ii) voluntary on the part of a Participant and without the
written consent of the Company, a Parent, or any Subsidiary (b) a termination by
reason of death, the Participant may (unless otherwise provided in his Award
Agreement) exercise his option at any time within three (3) months after such
termination of the Participant's Continuous Status as an Employee (or within one
(1) year after termination of the Participant's Continuous Status as an Employee
due to permanent and total disability within the meaning of Code Section
22(e)(3)), or within such other time as the Committee shall authorize, but in no
event may the Participant exercise his Option after ten (10) years from the Date
of Grant thereof (or such lesser period as may be specified in the Award
Agreement), and only to the extent of the number of shares for which his options
were exercisable by him at the date of the termination of the Participant's
Continuous Status as an Employee. In the event of the termination of the
Continuous Status as an Employee of a Participant to whom an option has been
granted under the Plan that is either (i) for Cause or (ii) voluntary on the
part of the Participant and without written consent, any option held by him
under the Plan, to the extent not previously exercised, shall forthwith
terminate on the date of such termination of the Participant's Continuous Status
as an Employee. Options granted under the Plan shall not be affected by any
change of employment so long as the holder continues to be an employee of the
Company, a Subsidiary or a Parent. The Award Agreement may contain such
provisions as the Committee shall approve with respect to the effect of approved
leaves of absence.
(c) In the event a Participant to whom an option has been
granted under the Plan dies during, or within three (3) months after the
Retirement or other termination of, the Participant's Continuous Status as an
Employee, such option (unless it shall have been previously terminated pursuant
to the provisions of the Plan or unless otherwise provided in his Award
Agreement) may be exercised (to the extent of the entire number of shares
covered by the option whether or not purchasable by the Participant at the date
of his death) by the executor or
administrator of the optionee's estate or by the person or persons to whom
the optionee shall have transferred such option by will or by the laws of
descent and distribution, at any time within a period of one (1) year after
his death, but not after the exercise termination date set forth in the
relevant Award Agreement.
(d) If as of the date of termination of the Participant's
Continuous Status as an Employee (other than as a result of the Participant's
death) the Participant is not entitled to exercise his or her entire options,
the shares of Common Stock covered by the unexercisable portion of the option
shall revert to the Plan. If the Participant (or his or her designee or estate
as provided in Section 9(c) above) does not exercise his or her options within
the time specified in the Plan and the Award Agreement, the unexercised options
shall terminate and the shares of Common Stock covered by such options shall
revert to the Plan.
10. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS.
(a) GENERAL. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may make
Awards of Restricted Stock to selected Participants, which Awards shall be
evidenced by an Award Agreement that contains such terms and conditions,
including vesting, as the Committee may determine. As a condition to any Award
of Restricted Stock hereunder, the Committee may require a Participant to pay to
the Company the amount (such as the par value of such shares) required to be
received by the Company in order to assure compliance with applicable state law.
Any Award of Restricted Stock for which such requirement is established shall
automatically expire if not purchased in accordance with the Committee's
requirements within sixty (60) days after the Date of Grant.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the respective Award Agreement,
the Participant, as the owner of the Common Stock issued as Restricted Stock and
any Retained Distributions with respect thereto, shall have the rights of a
stockholder, including, but not limited to, voting rights as to such Common
Stock and the right to receive cash dividends or distributions thereon when, as
and if paid.
Within the limits set forth in the Plan, an Award of Restricted Stock
may be subject to such vesting requirements as may be fixed by the Committee.
Vesting may be accelerated by a Change of Control. Vesting may also be
accelerated upon death, permanent disability or Retirement.
Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, in the event that an
Award of Restricted Stock is made to a Participant whose employment or service
is subsequently terminated by reason of death, permanent disability or
Retirement or for such other reason as the Committee may provide, such
Participant (or his estate or beneficiary) will be entitled to receive such
additional portion of his Restricted Stock and any Retained Distributions with
respect thereto that the Participant would have received had the Participant
remained in the employment of the Company, Parent, or Subsidiary, as applicable,
through the date on which the next portion of the shares of non-vested
Restricted Stock subject to the Award of Restricted Shares would have vested.
Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, in the event an Award
of Restricted Stock is made to a Participant whose. employment with the Company,
Parent, or Subsidiary, as applicable, is subsequently terminated by the
Participant for Good Reason or by the company, Parent or Subsidiary as
applicable, other than for Cause, then in any such event, the Participant will
be entitled to receive such additional portion of his or her shares of
Restricted Stock and any Retained Distributions with respect thereto that the
Participant would have received had the Participant remained in the employment
of the Company, Parent, or Subsidiary, as applicable, through the date on which
the next portion of the shares of unvested Restricted Stock subject to the Award
of Restricted Stock would have vested.
Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, in the event that an
Award of Restricted Stock is made to a Participant who subsequently voluntarily
resigns or whose employment is terminated for Cause, then all such Restricted
Stock and any Retained Distributions with respect thereto as to which the
Restricted Period still applies shall be forfeited by such Participant and shall
again become available for grant under the Plan.
(b) TRANSFERABILITY. Restricted Stock and any Retained
Distributions with respect thereto may not be sold, assigned, transferred,
pledged, or otherwise encumbered during the Restricted Period, which shall be
determined by the Committee and shall not be less than one year nor more than
two years from the date such
6
Restricted Stock was awarded. The Committee may, at any time, reduce the
Restricted Period with respect to any outstanding shares of Restricted Stock
and any Retained Distributions with respect thereto awarded under the Plan.
Shares of Restricted Stock, when issued, will be represented by a stock
certificate or certificates registered in the name of the Participant to whom
such Restricted Stock shall have been granted and shall bear a restrictive
legend to the effect that ownership of such Restricted Stock (and any related
Retained Distributions) and the enjoyment of all rights appurtenant thereto are
subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions provided in the Plan and the
applicable Award Agreement. Each certificate shall be deposited by the
Participant with the Company, together with stock powers or other instruments of
assignment, each endorsed in blank, which will permit transfer to the Company of
all or any portion of the Restricted Stock and any securities constituting
Retained Distributions that shall be forfeited or that shall not become vested
in accordance with the respective Award Agreement. The certificate or
certificates issued for the Restricted Stock may bear such legend or legends as
the Committee may, from time to time, deem appropriate to reflect the
restrictions under the Plan for such Restricted Stock.
(c) STOCK CERTIFICATES; ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS. Shares of
Restricted Stock shall constitute issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock
for all corporate purposes. Each Participant will have the right to vote the
Restricted Stock held by such Participant, to receive and retain all cash
dividends and distributions thereon and exercise all other rights, powers and
privileges of a holder of Common Stock with respect to such Restricted Stock,
with the exception that:
(i) the Participant will not be entitled to delivery
of the stock certificate or certificates representing such Restricted
Stock until the Restricted Period applicable to such shares or portion
thereof shall have expired and unless all other vesting requirements
with respect thereto shall have been fulfilled;
(ii) other than cash dividends and distributions and
rights to purchase stock which might be distributed to stockholders of
the Company, the Company will retain custody of all Retained
Distributions made, paid, declared or otherwise received by the holder
thereof with respect to Restricted Stock (and such Retained
Distributions will be subject to the same restrictions, terms and
conditions as are applicable to the Restricted Stock with respect to
which they were made, paid or declared) until such time, if ever, as
the Restricted Period applicable to the shares with respect to which
such Retained Distributions shall have been made, paid, declared or
received shall have expired, and such Retained Distributions shall not
bear interest or be segregated in separate accounts; and
(iii) upon the breach of any restrictions, terms or
conditions provided in the Plan or the respective Award Agreement or
otherwise established by the Committee with respect to any Restricted
Stock or Retained Distributions, such Restricted Stock and any related
Retained Distributions shall thereupon be automatically forfeited.
(d) MERGERS AND OTHER CORPORATE CHANGES. Unless otherwise
provided in the Award Agreement, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, all
restrictions imposed on the Participant's Restricted Stock and any Retained
Distributions shall automatically terminate and lapse and the Restricted Period
shall automatically terminate; provided, however, that if the Change of Control
occurs within six months of the Date of Grant the restrictions and Restricted
Period shall terminate on the six month anniversary of the Date of Grant.
11. ADJUSTMENTS. The Committee, in its discretion, may make such
adjustments in the option price, the number or kind of shares and other
appropriate provisions covered by outstanding Awards that are required to
prevent any dilution or enlargement of the rights of the holders of such options
that would otherwise result from any reorganization, recapitalization, stock
split, stock dividend, combination of shares, merger, consolidation, issuance of
rights or any other change in the capital structure of the Company. The
Committee, in its discretion, may also make such adjustments in the aggregate
number and class of shares that may be the subject of Awards which are
appropriate to reflect any transaction or event described in the preceding
sentence.
12. AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN. The Board may at
any time suspend or terminate the Plan or may amend it from time to time in such
respects as the Board may deem advisable in order that
7
the Awards granted thereunder may conform to any changes in the law or in any
other respect that the Board may deem to be in the best interests of the
Company; provided, however, that without approval by the stockholders of the
Company voting the proper percentage of its voting power, no such amendment
shall make any change in the Plan for which stockholder approval is required
in order to comply with (i) Rule 16b-3, as amended, promulgated under the
Exchange Act, (ii) the Code or regulatory provisions dealing with Incentive
Stock Options, (iii) any rules for listed companies promulgated by any
national stock exchange on which the Company's Common Stock is traded or (iv)
any other applicable rule or law. Unless sooner terminated hereunder, the
Plan shall terminate ten (10) years after the Effective Date. No amendment,
suspension, or termination of the Plan shall, without a Participant's
consent, impair or negate any of the rights or obligations under any Award
theretofore granted to such Participant under the Plan.
13. TAX WITHHOLDING. The Company shall have the right to withhold from
any payments made under this Plan, or to collect as a condition of payment, any
taxes required by law to be withheld. At any time when a Participant is required
to pay to the Company an amount required to be withheld under applicable income
tax laws in connection with a distribution of shares of Common Stock pursuant to
this Plan, the Participant may satisfy this obligation in whole or in part by
electing to have the Company withhold from such distribution shares of Common
Stock having a value equal to the amount required to be withheld. The value of
the shares of Common Stock to be withheld shall be based on the fair market
value, as determined pursuant to Section 8(a) hereof, of the Common Stock on the
date that the amount of tax to be withheld shall be determined (the "Tax Date").
Any such election is subject to the following restrictions: (i) the election
must be made on or prior to the Tax Date; (ii) the election must be irrevocable;
and (iii) the election must be subject to the disapproval of the Committee. To
the extent required to comply with rules promulgated under Section 16 of the
Exchange Act, elections by Participants who are subject to Section 16 of the
Exchange Act are subject to the following additional restrictions: (i) no
election shall be effective for a Tax Date which occurs within six (6) months of
the grant of the Award; and (ii) the election must be made either (a) six (6)
months or more prior to the Tax Date or (b) during the period beginning on the
third business day following the date of release for publication for the
Company's quarterly or annual summary statements of sales and earnings and
ending on the twelfth business day following such date.
14. EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN. This Plan shall become effective on the
date (the "Effective Date") of the last to occur of (i) the adoption of the Plan
by the Board and (ii) the approval, within twelve (12) months of such adoption,
by a majority (or such other proportion as may be required by state law) of the
outstanding voting shares of the Company, voted either in person or by proxy, at
a duly held stockholders meeting or by written stockholder consent but in any
event not before the effectiveness of the Company's Form 10 Registration
Statement filed under the Exchange Act.
15. SPECIAL PROVISIONS REGARDING CHANGE OF CONTROL. The Board or the
Committee may, from time to time, make special provisions for one or more
Participants respecting a possible Change of Control of the Company, a
Subsidiary, or Parent, and, to the extent that any such special provisions made
with the consent of the affected employee may have the effect of accelerating
vesting of stock options granted under the Plan or removal of restrictions on
Restricted Stock allotted under the Plan or the effect of preventing a
termination or dilution of benefits, such special provisions shall be
controlling over and shall be deemed to be an amendment of any inconsistent
terms of the applicable Award Agreement.
16. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
(a) If approved by the Board, the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary may lend money or guarantee loans by third parties to an individual
to finance the exercise of any option granted under the Plan to continue to hold
Common Stock thereby acquired. No such loans to finance the exercise of an
Incentive Stock Option shall have an interest rate or other terms that would
cause any part of the principal amount to be characterized as interest for
purposes of the Code.
(b) This Plan is intended and has been drafted to comply in
all respects with Rule 16b-3, as amended, under the Exchange Act ("Rule 16b-3").
If any provision of this Plan does not comply with Rule 16b-3, this Plan shall
be automatically amended to comply with Rule 16b-3.
8
(c) No person shall have any claim or right to be granted an
Award, and the grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant
the right to be retained in the employ of the Company, a Parent, or a
Subsidiary. Nothing in this Plan shall interfere with or limit in any way the
right of the Company, a Parent, any Subsidiary to terminate any Participant's
employment at any time, nor confer upon any Participant any right to continue in
the employ of the Company, a Parent, or any Subsidiary.
(d) To the extent that federal laws do not otherwise control,
this Plan shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the
State of Nevada or the property laws of any particular state.
(e) In case any one or more of the provisions of this Plan
shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under applicable
law and regulation (including Rule 16b-3), the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby and the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions shall be
deemed null and void; however, to the extent permissible by law, any provision
which could be deemed null and void shall first be construed, interpreted or
revised retroactively to permit this Plan to be construed in compliance with all
applicable laws (including Rule 16b-3) so as to foster the intent of this Plan.
Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, the Committee, in its
sole and absolute discretion, may bifurcate this Plan so as to restrict, limit
or condition the use of any provision of this Plan to Participants who are
subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act without so restricting, limiting or
conditioning this Plan with respect to other Participants.
(f) None of a Participant's rights or interests under the Plan
may be assigned or transferred in whole or in part, either directly or by
operation of law or otherwise (except pursuant to a qualified domestic relations
order or, in the event of a Participant's death, by will or the laws of descent
and distribution), including, but not by way of limitation, execution, levy,
garnishment, attachment, pledge, bankruptcy or in any other manner, and no such
right or interest of any Participant in the Plan shall be subject to any
obligation or liability of such individual.
(g) No Restricted Stock or any Retained Distributions shall be
issued hereunder unless counsel for the Company shall be satisfied that such
issuance will be in compliance with applicable federal, state, or other
securities laws.
(h) The expenses of the Plan shall be borne by the Company.
(i) By accepting any Award under the Plan, each Participant or
beneficiary claiming under or through him shall be conclusively deemed to have
indicated his acceptance ratification of, and consent to, any action taken under
the Plan by the Company, the Committee or the Board.
(j) Awards granted under the Plan shall be binding upon the
Company, its successors and assigns.
(k) The appropriate officers of the Company shall cause to be
filed any reports, returns, or other information regarding Awards hereunder or
any Common Stock issued pursuant hereto as may be required by Section 13 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act, or any other applicable statute, rule or regulation.
(1) Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board of
Directors from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, subject
to stockholder approval if such approval is required.
9
ANNEX B
BILLSERV.COM,INC.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION PROVIDING
FOR THE CREATION OF A CLASS OF PREFERRED STOCK
(AS ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON FEBRUARY 27, 2001*)
Article Four. [Capital Stock]. The corporation shall have authority to issue an
aggregate of two hundred million (200,000,000) common capital shares, par value
of $0.001 per share, AND TEN MILLION (10,000,000) PREFERRED CAPITAL SHARES, PAR
VALUE OF $0.01 PER SHARE, for a total capitalization of THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($300,000).
a) THE SHARES OF PREFERRED CAPITAL MAY BE ISSUED IN ONE OR MORE SERIES
FROM TIME TO TIME WITH SUCH DESIGNATIONS (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, A
DESIGNATION OF A NUMBER OF SHARES OF ANY SERIES), POWERS, PREFERENCES, RELATIVE,
OPTIONAL, PARTICIPATING OR OTHER RIGHTS AND QUALIFICATIONS, LIMITATIONS AND
RESTRICTIONS THEREOF, AND SHALL BE FIXED BY A RESOLUTION OR RESOLUTIONS OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY EXPRESSLY GIVEN HEREIN AND AS
PROVIDED UNDER THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEVADA.
B) EACH HOLDER OF A SHARE OF PREFERRED CAPITAL SHALL BE ENTITLED TO
SUCH NUMBER OF VOTES (WHICH MAY BE A FRACTION OF ONE VOTE OR NO VOTE) FOR EACH
SHARE OF PREFERRED CAPITAL STANDING IN THE NAME OF SUCH HOLDER ON THE BOOKS OF
THE CORPORATION AS SHALL BE FIXED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRIOR TO THE
ISSUANCE THEREOF. HOLDERS OF PREFERRED CAPITAL SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE
NOTICE OF ANY MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF THE CORPORATION OF WHICH THEY ARE NOT
ENTITLED TO VOTE.
C) SUBJECT TO ANY PRIOR RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES OF ANY PREFERRED
CAPITAL, the holders of shares of capital stock of the corporation shall not be
entitled to preemptive or preferential rights to subscribe to any unissued stock
or any securities which the corporation may now or hereafter be authorized to
issue.
d) The corporation's capital stock may be issued and sold from time to
time for such consideration as may be fixed by the Board of Directors, provided
that the consideration so fixed is not less than par value.
e) The stockholders shall not possesses cumulative voting rights at all
stockholders meetings called for the purpose of electing a Board of Directors.
*PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ARE UNDERSCORED.