-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, WFBPoJOpIw4BYtf8ihbeIXXXma+knNiJ60qtCRwZncEAC3zKmT5hH3Qxw5/ATrnP TRRfvhrMXXqXPOK19Na1zw== 0000930661-97-001033.txt : 19970425 0000930661-97-001033.hdr.sgml : 19970425 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000930661-97-001033 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: DEF 14A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19970520 FILED AS OF DATE: 19970424 SROS: AMEX FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: STEVENS INTERNATIONAL INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000817644 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: PRINTING TRADES MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT [3555] IRS NUMBER: 752159407 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: DEF 14A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-09603 FILM NUMBER: 97586414 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 5500 AIRPORT FRWY CITY: FORT WORTH STATE: TX ZIP: 76117 BUSINESS PHONE: 8178313911 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: PO BOX 3330 CITY: FORT WORTH STATE: TX ZIP: 76113 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: STEVENS GRAPHICS CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 DEF 14A 1 NOTICE & PROXY SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. ) Filed by the Registrant [X] Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_] Check the appropriate box: [_]CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE [_] Preliminary Proxy Statement COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY RULE 14A-6(E)(2)) [X] Definitive Proxy Statement [_] Definitive Additional Materials [_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to (S)240.14a-11(c) or (S)240.14a-12 Stevens International, Inc. ----------------------------------------------------- (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) ----------------------------------------------------- (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): [X] No fee required. [_] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange ActRule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: (5) Total fee paid: [_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. [_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. (1) Amount Previously Paid: (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: (3) Filing Party: (4) Date Filed: Notes: STEVENS INTERNATIONAL, INC. 5500 AIRPORT FREEWAY FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76117 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD MAY 20, 1997 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Stevens International, Inc. (the "Company") will be held at The Fort Worth Club, 306 West Seventh Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, on Tuesday, May 20, 1997 at 10:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes: (1) To elect eight members of the Board of Directors (constituting the entire Board of Directors) to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their respective successors shall be elected and qualified. (2) To ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's independent public accountants to audit the Company's financial statements for the 1997 fiscal year. (3) To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. The close of business on April 17, 1997, has been fixed as the record date for determining holders of Series A Common Stock and Series B Common Stock entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders or any adjournments thereof. For a period of at least 10 days prior to the Annual Meeting, a complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be open to examination of any stockholder during ordinary business hours at the offices of the Company, 5500 Airport Freeway, Fort Worth, Texas 76117. Information concerning the matters to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting is set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement. HOLDERS OF SERIES A COMMON STOCK AND SERIES B COMMON STOCK WHO DO NOT EXPECT TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING IN PERSON ARE URGED TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE APPROPRIATE PROXY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE, WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES. By Order of the Board of Directors, /s/ Paul I. Stevens Paul I. Stevens Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Fort Worth, Texas April 23, 1997 STEVENS INTERNATIONAL, INC. 5500 AIRPORT FREEWAY FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76117 PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD MAY 20, 1997 This Proxy Statement is being first mailed on or about April 23, 1997 to stockholders of Stevens International, Inc. (the "Company") by the Board of Directors to solicit proxies (the "Proxies") for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting") to be held at The Fort Worth Club, 306 West Seventh Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, at 10:00 a.m. local time, on Tuesday, May 20, 1997, or at such other time and place to which the Meeting may be adjourned. The purpose of the Meeting is to consider and vote upon (i) the election of eight directors (constituting the entire Board of Directors) to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their respective successors shall be elected or qualified; (ii) a proposal to ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's independent public accountants to audit the Company's financial statements for the 1997 fiscal year; and (iii) such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. All shares represented by valid Proxies, unless the stockholder otherwise specifies, will be voted (i) FOR the election of each person named herein under "Proposal No. 1, Election of Directors" as a nominee for election as a director of the Company for the term described therein, (ii) FOR the ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's independent public accountants to audit the Company's financial statements for the 1997 fiscal year and (iii) at the discretion of the Proxy holders with regard to any other matter that may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Where a stockholder has appropriately specified how a Proxy is to be voted, it will be voted accordingly. The Proxy may be revoked at any time by providing written notice of such revocation to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 40 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005, Attention: Isaac Kagan. If notice of revocation is not received by the Meeting date, a stockholder may nevertheless revoke a Proxy if he attends the Meeting and desires to vote in person. RECORD DATE AND VOTING SECURITIES The record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the Meeting is the close of business on April 17, 1997 (the "Record Date"), at which time the Company had issued and outstanding 7,339,468 shares of Series A Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share ("Series A Stock"), and 2,110,634 shares of Series B Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share ("Series B Stock"). Series A Stock and Series B Stock (collectively, "Common Stock") are the only outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote at the Meeting. At the Meeting, the holders of Series A Stock, voting separately as a class, are entitled to elect two directors, and the holders of Series B Stock, voting separately as a class, are entitled to elect the remaining directors. As to the proposal to ratify the selection of the Company's independent public accountants, and any other matters that may properly come before the Meeting, the holders of Series A Stock and Series B Stock vote together as a class, with each holder of Series A Stock having one-tenth of one vote for each share of Series A Stock held by him or her, and each holder of Series B Stock having one vote for each share of Series B Stock held by him or her. QUORUM The presence at the Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of each Series of Common Stock is necessary to constitute a quorum to elect the directors of that Series, and the presence of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock as a single class is necessary to constitute a quorum to transact all other business to come before the Meeting. PROPOSAL NO. I ELECTION OF DIRECTORS NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS Eight directors are to be elected, each director to hold office for a term of one year or until his or her successor shall have been elected and qualified. Under the terms of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of Series A Stock, voting separately as a class, are entitled to elect 25% of the Board of Directors (or the next higher whole number if such percentage is not a whole number), and the holders of Series B Stock, voting separately as a class, are entitled to elect the remaining directors. Accordingly, of the eight directors to be elected, two will be Series A Directors to be elected by holders of Series A Stock, and six will be Series B Directors to be elected by holders of Series B Stock. Approval of the proposal to elect the nominees to serve as directors of the applicable Series requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of that Series present, in person or by proxy, at the Meeting. Votes may be cast in favor or withheld with respect to such proposal. Votes that are withheld will be counted toward a quorum, but will be excluded entirely from the tabulation for such proposal and, therefore, will not affect the outcome of the vote on such proposal. It is intended that the names of the persons indicated in the following table will be placed in nomination and that the persons named in the Proxy will vote for their election. Each of the nominees has indicated his or her willingness to serve as a member of the Board of Directors if elected; however, in case any nominee shall become unavailable for election to the Board of Directors for any reason not presently known or contemplated, the Proxy holders will have discretionary authority in that instance to vote the Proxy for a substitute. The nominees are as follows:
DIRECTOR NAME AGE SINCE POSITIONS WITH THE COMPANY ---- --- -------- -------------------------- SERIES A DIRECTORS: John W. Stodder(1)......... 74 1992 Director Edgar H. Schollmaier(2).... 64 1995 Director SERIES B DIRECTORS: Paul I. Stevens(3)......... 82 1986 Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director Richard I. Stevens......... 58 1986 President, Chief Operating Officer and Director Constance I. Stevens....... 53 1987 Vice President--Administration, Assistant Secretary and Director Robert H. Brown, Jr.(2)(3). 43 1993 Director James D. Cavanaugh(1)...... 58 1993 Director Michel A. Destresse........ 70 1996 Director
(footnotes on following page) 2 - -------- (1) Member of the Audit Committee. (2) Member of the Stock Option and Compensation Committee. (3) Member of the Executive Committee. John W. Stodder has served as a director of the Company since May 1992. For the past eight years, Mr. Stodder has been a corporate finance consultant and has managed private investments. Mr. Stodder is also Vice Chairman and a director of Josten's Inc., a manufacturer of educational and business products and systems, and a director of Talley Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of industrial products, and Trans Leasing International, Inc., a medical and office equipment leasing company. Edgar H. Schollmaier has served as a director of the Company since March 1995. Mr. Schollmaier has served in various capacities with Alcon Laboratories, Inc., a maker of ophthalmic, pharmaceutical and therapeutic products, since 1958, including as President and Chief Executive Officer since May 1977. Paul I. Stevens founded Stevens Corporation ("Stevens") in 1965 and founded the Company in 1986 to be a holding company for Stevens. He has served the Company as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and a director since December 1986 and served Stevens as an officer and a director since its inception. In 1974, Mr. Stevens founded Stevens Industries, Inc., a family- owned holding company which is an affiliate of the Company and of which he is the controlling stockholder. Mr. Stevens is the father of Richard I. Stevens and Constance I. Stevens. Richard I. Stevens has served as President and a director of the Company since December 1986 and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since April 1987. Mr. Stevens also served as Vice President and Assistant Secretary of the Company from December 1986 until April 1987. He has served Stevens in various capacities since its inception, including serving as its President from 1969 until December 1987, and as a director beginning in 1969. Mr. Stevens is a stockholder, officer and director of Stevens Industries, Inc. Mr. Stevens is the son of Paul I. Stevens. Constance I. Stevens has served as a director of the Company since April 1987. Ms. Stevens has served as Vice President--Administration and Assistant Secretary to the Company since 1995. From July 1989 to July 1995, Ms. Stevens served as President of a project management consulting firm in Carmel, California. From May 1980 until July 1989, Ms. Stevens served as the managing partner of Merritt Associates of Carmel, California, an architectural design and real estate development firm. Ms. Stevens is a stockholder, officer and director of Stevens Industries, Inc. Ms. Stevens is the daughter of Paul I. Stevens. Robert H. Brown, Jr. has served as a director of the Company since May 1993. Mr. Brown has served as Executive Vice President, Capital Markets, of Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, Inc. ("RPR"), Dallas, Texas, an investment banking firm, since February 1994, and served as Senior Vice President of RPR from January 1990 to February 1994. In 1989, Mr. Brown served as Senior Vice President of TM Capital Corp, an investment banking firm, and from 1985 to 1989 was associated with Thomson McKinnon Securities, an investment banking firm. James D. Cavanaugh has served as a director of the Company since May 1993. Mr. Cavanaugh served as Executive Vice President of Rockwell Graphic Systems from May 1983 until June 1985 and served as its President and Chief Executive Officer from June 1985 until his retirement in March 1993. Michel A. Destresse has served as a director of the Company since May 1996. Mr. Destresse served as President Directeur Generale of Stevens International, S.A. (formerly Stevens Security Systems, S.A.) from March 29, 1996 to December 31, 1996 and as a consultant to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company since November 1995. From November 1992 to September 1995, Mr. Destresse served as the International Monetary Fund General Advisor to the Governor of the Central Bank of Russia, where he provided general advice on monetary policy, organization, legal matters, internal audit, branch problems and systems of payment. From 1950 to 1992, Mr. Destresse served in various capacities with the Banque de France, including Executive Director of the Printing Works, Director of the Legal Department and as a member of the Board of Directors for 15 years. 3 Except as otherwise noted, no family relationships exist among the directors of the Company. MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The business of the Company is managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. The Board meets on a regularly scheduled basis to review significant developments affecting the Company and to act on matters requiring Board approval. It also holds special meetings when an important matter requires Board action between scheduled meetings. The Board of Directors met four times during 1996. The Board of Directors has three standing committees, the Audit Committee, the Stock Option and Compensation Committee and the Executive Committee and the full Board of Directors acts to nominate persons to serve on the Board. The functions of the committees, their current members and the number of meetings held during 1996 are described below. The functions performed by the Audit Committee include: recommending to the Board of Directors selection of the Company's independent accountants for the ensuing year; reviewing with the independent accountants and management the scope and results of the audit; reviewing the independence of the independent accountants; reviewing the independent accountants' written recommendations and corresponding actions by management; and meeting with management and the independent auditors to review the effectiveness of the Company's system of internal control. The committee currently is composed of John W. Stodder and James D. Cavanaugh. The committee met three times during 1996. The Stock Option and Compensation Committee administers the Company's Stock Option Plan and reviews other matters regarding the compensation of employees of the Company. The committee currently is composed of Robert H. Brown, Jr. and Edgar H. Schollmaier. The committee met two times during 1996. The function of the Executive Committee is to direct and manage the business and affairs of the Company in the intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee is empowered to act in lieu of the Board on any matter except that for which the Board has specifically reserved authority to itself and except for those matters specifically reserved to the full Board pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law. The Executive Committee is currently comprised of Paul I. Stevens (Chairman) and Robert H. Brown, Jr. The Executive Committee acted by written consent one time in 1996. During 1996, each director attended more than 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and respective committees on which he served. PROPOSAL NO. II INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS The Board of Directors has selected Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent public accountants to audit the Company's financial statements for the 1997 fiscal year and proposes that the Company's stockholders ratify this selection. The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote for the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to be present at the Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and to be available to answer appropriate questions. VOTE REQUIRED Ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent public accountants requires the vote of a majority of the votes represented and entitled to vote at the Meeting. Abstentions on this proposal may be specified and will have the same effect as a vote against such proposal. Broker non-votes will not be counted as having been voted with respect to this proposal. Unless otherwise instructed, it is the intent of the persons named in the Proxy to vote all proxies "FOR" the adoption of Proposal No. II. 4 PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP The following table sets forth information as of April 17, 1997 (except as otherwise noted) regarding the beneficial ownership of Common Stock by each person known by the Company to own 5% or more of the outstanding shares of each Series of Common Stock, each director and nominee for director of the Company, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer, each other executive officer listed in the Summary Compensation Table below, and the current directors and executive officers of the Company as a group. The persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock owned by them, unless otherwise noted. Of the shares issued and outstanding as of April 17, 1997, Paul I. Stevens, Chairman of the Board of the Company, and members of his immediate family, own approximately 14% of the outstanding Series A Stock and 91% of the outstanding Series B Stock, representing in the aggregate approximately 70.9% of the total voting power of Common Stock with respect to matters on which Series A Stock and Series B Stock vote together.
SERIES A STOCK(1) SERIES B STOCK(2) ------------------- ------------------- NAME OF BENEFICIAL PERCENT PERCENT OWNER OR GROUP NUMBER OF SERIES NUMBER OF SERIES ------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- Paul I. Stevens(3)(4).................. 934,302 12.6 1,705,615 81.0 Richard I. Stevens(3)(5)............... 613,138 8.3 250,388 11.9 Constance I. Stevens(3)(6)............. 560,106 7.6 107,725 6.0 Robert H. Brown, Jr.(8)................ 20,000 * -- -- James D. Cavanaugh(8).................. 20,000 * -- -- Edgar H. Schollmaier(7)................ 110,000 1.5 -- -- John W. Stodder(8)(9).................. 25,000 * -- -- Michel A. Destresse(14)................ 5,000 * -- -- Hans W. Kossler(7)..................... 10,000 * -- -- William A. Kist(15).................... 23,050 * 900 * George A. Wiederaenders(13)............ 26,275 * -- -- Stevens Industries, Inc.(3)............ 443,106 6.0 74,140 3.5 David L. Babson & Company, Inc.(10).... 534,000 7.3 -- -- Wanger Asset Management, L.P.(11)...... 534,000 7.3 -- -- Acorn Investment Trust, Series Designated Acorn Fund(12)............. 534,000 7.3 -- -- All current directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons).......................... 1,460,659 19.1 1,915,448 90.8
- -------- * Less than 1% (1) The information set forth for Series A Stock does not include the shares of Series B Stock of such holder which are convertible, at any time and from time to time, into shares of Series A Stock on a share-for-share basis. (2) Each share of Series B Stock is convertible into Series A Stock on a share-for-share basis at any time. (3) The address of Paul I. Stevens, Richard I. Stevens and Constance I. Stevens is 5500 Airport Freeway, Fort Worth, Texas 76117 and the address of Stevens Industries, Inc. is P.O.Box 562, Fort Worth, Texas 76101. The shares of Paul I. Stevens, Richard I. Stevens and Constance I. Stevens include shares held by Stevens Industries, Inc. because, due to their positions as officers, directors and stockholders of such corporation, they could be deemed to share beneficial ownership of its shares. (4) Includes 90,000 shares of Series A Stock purchasable pursuant to options. (5) Includes 10,075 shares of Series A Stock and 75 shares of Series B Stock owned by Mr. Stevens' son and 90,000 shares of Series A Stock purchasable pursuant to options, some of which may not be exercisable within 60 days of the date of this Proxy Statement. (6) Includes 75 shares of Series A Stock and 75 shares of Series B Stock owned by Ms. Stevens' daughter and 15,000 shares of Series A Stock purchasable pursuant to options. (7) Includes 10,000 shares of Series A Stock purchasable pursuant to options. (8) Includes 20,000 shares of Series A Stock purchasable pursuant to options. 5 (9) Includes 5,000 shares of Series A Stock owned by a trust for which Mr. Stodder and his wife serve as trustees. (10) Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated February 7, 1997. The address of David L. Babson & Company, Inc. is One Memorial Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142. Ownership of shares of Series B Stock was not reported. (11) Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated February 14, 1997 the reported shares are beneficially owned by Wanger Asset Management, L.P. ("WAM"), Wanger Asset Management, Ltd., the sole general partner of WAM, and Ralph Wagner. The address of WAM is 227 West Monroe, Suite 3000, Chicago, Illinois 60606. The ownership of WAM includes the 535,000 shares owned by Acorn Investment Trust, Series Designated Acorn Fund. Ownership of shares of Series B Stock was not reported. (12) Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated February 14, 1997. The address of Acorn Investment Trust, Series Designated Acorn Fund is 227 West Monroe Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, Illinois 60606. Ownership of shares of Series B Stock was not reported. (13) Includes 25,000 shares of Series A Stock purchasable pursuant to stock options, some of which may not be exercisable within 60 days of the date of this Proxy Statement. (14) Includes 5,000 shares of Series A Stock purchasable pursuant to stock options. (15) Includes 100 shares of Series A Stock owned by Mr. Kist's wife, 200 shares of Series A Stock owned by Mr. Kist's two sons, 50 shares of Series B Stock owned by Mr. Kist's wife, 100 shares of Series B Stock owned by Mr. Kist's two sons and 20,000 shares of Series A Stock purchasable pursuant to stock options, some of which may not be exercisable within 60 days of the date of this Proxy Statement. 6 MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION AND TRANSACTIONS SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE The following table sets forth certain information regarding compensation paid during each of the Company's last three fiscal years to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and each of the Company's other executive officers serving at fiscal 1996 year end whose salary and bonus exceeded $100,000.
LONG TERM COMPENSATION ------------------------------- ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS PAYOUTS ------------------- ----------------------- ------- SECURITIES OTHER ANNUAL RESTRICTED UNDERLYING LTIP ALL OTHER NAME AND FISCAL COMPENSATION STOCK OPTIONS/SARS PAYOUTS COMPENSATION PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY ($) BONUS ($) ($)(1) AWARD(S) (#) ($) ($) - ------------------------ ------ ---------- --------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ------- ------------ Paul I. Stevens,........ 1996 300,000 -- 6,000 -- -- -- -- Chairman of the 1995 299,100 --(2) 6,000 -- -- -- -- Board and Chief 1994 250,000 110,000 6,000 -- 50,000 -- -- Executive Officer Richard I. Stevens,..... 1996 225,000 -- 8,333 -- -- -- -- President and Chief 1995 226,212 111,947 8,112 -- -- -- -- Operating Officer 1994 194,000 110,000 6,000 -- 50,000 -- -- Hans W. Kossler,........ 1996 150,000 -- -- -- -- -- -- Senior Vice 1995 33,985 -- -- -- 10,000 -- -- President, 1994 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Operations William A Kist.......... 1996 127,261(3) -- 6,593 -- -- -- -- Vice President & 1995 102,868 12,552 5,496 -- 10,000 -- -- Corporate 1994 99,868 10,000 4,800 -- -- -- -- Controller George A. Wiederaenders. 1996 97,830 -- 5,630 -- -- -- -- Vice President, 1995 97,776 12,438 5,560 -- 15,000 -- -- Treasurer and Chief 1994 92,917 20,000 4,800 -- -- -- -- Accounting Officer
- -------- (1) Consists of automobile allowance and group insurance costs. (2) Paul I. Stevens earned a $149,262 bonus in 1995, but declined it in 1996. (3) Includes $25,000 of annual compensation earned in 1996, that was deferred by agreement between Mr. Kist and the Company and paid in 1997. OPTION GRANTS DURING 1996 FISCAL YEAR There were no option grants to executive officers of the Company in 1996. OPTION EXERCISES DURING 1996 FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES The following table provides information related to options exercised by the named executive officers during the 1996 fiscal year and the number and value of options held at fiscal year end. The Company does not have any outstanding stock appreciation rights.
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS/SAR'S OPTIONS/SAR'S SHARES AT FY-END (#) AT FY-END ($) ACQUIRED VALUE ------------------------- ------------------------- NAME ON EXERCISE (#) REALIZED ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE ---- --------------- ------------ ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- Paul I. Stevens......... -- -- 90,000 -- -- -- Richard I. Stevens...... -- -- 90,000 -- -- -- Hans W. Kossler......... -- -- 3,333 6,667 -- -- William A Kist.......... -- -- 13,333 6,667 -- -- George A. Wiederaenders. -- -- 15,000 10,000 -- --
7 PENSION PLAN AND TRUST Effective January 1, 1989, the Company established the Stevens International, Inc. Pension Plan and Trust (the "Pension Plan"). The Pension Plan replaced and is the successor to two pension plans previously maintained by subsidiaries of the Company. The Pension Plan is a tax qualified defined benefit pension plan under Section 401(a) et. seq. of the Code. The following table illustrates estimated annual benefits payable upon retirement in specified compensation and years of service classifications and assumes (i) the participant attained age 65 in 1996, (ii) the compensation presented is subject to the maximum permitted in 1996 and preceding years, (iii) annual Social Security covered compensation amount for 1996 is $27,580, (iv) the maximum allowable years of service is 40, (v) the participant elected to receive his benefits for life, and (vi) the Internal Revenue Code limitation on benefits elected remains at the level of $120,000, the 1996 limit.
YEARS OF SERVICE ------------------------------------------ COMPENSATION 15 20 25 30 35 40 ------------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- $100,000............................. 18,331 24,695 31,066 37,433 43,800 48,321 125,000............................. 23,394 31,511 39,628 47,746 55,863 61,509 150,000............................. 28,456 38,323 48,191 58,058 67,925 74,696 175,000............................. 32,581 44,198 55,816 67,433 79,050 87,321 200,000............................. 38,706 50,073 63,441 76,808 90,175 99,946 225,000............................. 38,797 52,898 66,998 81,099 95,199 105,453 250,000............................. 38,981 53,082 67,182 81,282 95,383 105,583 300,000............................. 38,981 53,082 67,182 81,282 95,383 105,583
The amount of a participant's normal benefit is based on the participant's accrued benefit as of December 31, 1991, plus, with respect to service of participants after December 31, 1991, .75% of the participant's monthly compensation for each year of participation (not to exceed 40 years), plus .5% of the participant's monthly compensation (in excess of the Social Security covered compensation) for each year of participation (not to exceed 35 years). Under the Code, the annual benefit payable to a participant under the Pension Plan (expressed as a single life annuity beginning at the participant's Social Security retirement age), is limited to $120,000 in 1996 or, if less, 100% of the participant's average annual compensation for the participant's highest three years of consecutive service. For purposes of the Pension Plan, compensation includes a participant's base compensation, bonuses, commissions, and overtime pay. Compensation considered under the Pension Plan is subject to limits imposed by the Code ($150,000 in 1996). Benefits provided by the Company under the Pension Plan will become fully vested and nonforfeitable following the completion of five years of service by a participant. The estimated credited years of service under the Pension Plan for each of the executive officers listed in the compensation table above is as follows: Mr. Paul I. Stevens, seven years; Mr. Richard I. Stevens, seven years; Mr. Hans Kossler, one year; William A. Kist, seven years; and Mr. George Wiederaenders, seven years. Under one of the predecessor pension plans, benefits have vested on behalf of Mr. Richard I. Stevens who is entitled to a monthly annuity benefit for life of $2,083, commencing on his normal retirement date. 8 COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS The following table provides information related to the compensation paid to outside directors of the Company.
CASH COMPENSATION STOCK OPTIONS -------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) NUMBER OF SECURITIES ANNUAL UNDERLYING NAME AND RETAINER CONSULTING NUMBER OF OPTIONS PRINCIPAL POSITION FEE MEETING FEE FEE/OTHER SHARES (#) SARS(#) ------------------ -------- ----------- ---------- --------- ---------- Robert H. Brown, Jr..... $4,500 $7,500 -- 5,000 -- Executive and Compensation Committees James D. Cavanaugh...... 4,500 9,000 -- 5,000 -- Audit Committee Michel A. Destresse..... -- 4,500 $64,679 Edgar H. Schollmaier.... 4,500 9,000 -- 5,000 -- Executive and Compensation Committees John W. Stodder......... 4,500 10,500 -- 5,000 -- Audit Committee
- -------- (a) Directors who are also executives of the Company are not listed in the above table. They do not receive compensation as directors. Refer to the Summary Compensation Table for information concerning their compensation. (b) Amounts shown include cash compensation earned and received as well as amounts earned but deferred at the election of directors. (c) Each director received $1,500/board meeting and $1,500/committee meeting. (d) The reasonable expenses incurred by each director in connection with his or her duties as a director are also reimbursed by the Company; this amount is not reflected in the above table. REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The Company's executive compensation program is administered by the Stock Option and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. During 1996, the Committee was composed of two independent, nonemployee directors. The Committee is committed to a strong, positive link between business, performance and strategic goals, and compensation and benefit programs. OVERALL EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION POLICY The Company's compensation policy is designed to support the overall objective of enhancing value for the Company's stockholders by: . Attracting, developing, rewarding and retaining highly qualified and productive individuals. . Relating compensation to both Company and individual performance. . Ensuring compensation levels that are externally competitive and internally equitable. . Encouraging executive stock ownership to enhance a mutuality of interest with other stockholders. The following is a description of the elements of the Company's executive compensation and how each relates to the objectives and policy outlined above. 9 Base Salary The Committee reviews each executive officer's salary annually. In determining appropriate salary levels, the Committee considers individual performance, internal equity, as well as pay practices of other companies relating to executives of similar responsibility. By design, the Committee strives to set executives' salaries at competitive market levels. The Committee believes maximum performance can be encouraged through the use of appropriate incentive programs. Incentive programs for executives are as follows: Annual Incentives Generally, discretionary annual incentive award opportunities are made to executives to recognize and reward corporate and individual performance. Senior executives may receive bonuses ranging from 60% to 75% of eligible base compensation with attainment measured by corporate net income as compared to the annual plan. Bonuses can be increased or decreased incrementally based upon performance for the year. Business unit general managers may receive bonuses ranging from 20% to 50% of eligible base compensation measured by business unit (80%) and corporate (20%) net income attainment. Other corporate officers and key business unit employees may receive bonuses ranging from 5% to 20% of eligible base compensation, measured either by business unit or corporate net income. Accordingly, no senior executive officers were awarded an incentive bonus based upon 1996 performance. No other officers were awarded incentive bonuses based upon 1996 performance. External market data is reviewed periodically to determine competitive incentive opportunities for individual executives. The Company believes that it is in the mid-range of compensation and annual incentive programs, when compared to external compensation data. Long-Term Incentives The Company's long-term compensation philosophy is that long-term incentives should be related to improvement in long-term stockholder value, thereby creating a mutuality of interest with stockholders. In furtherance of this objective, the Company awards to its executive officers stock options. Stock options encourage and reward effective management that results in long-term corporate financial success, as measured by stock price appreciation. Stock options generally are exercisable at the fair market value at date of grant and options are generally exercisable in two installments beginning one year after date of grant. RATIONALE FOR CEO COMPENSATION Mr. Paul I. Stevens has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 1986. His compensation package has been designed to encourage short and long-term performance in line with the interests of the Company's stockholders. Mr. Stevens' large stock ownership percentage as described elsewhere herein is a substantial incentive to perform in such a way to enhance stockholders' interest and returns. His base pay has been $250,000 from 1991 through 1994, and $300,000 for 1995 and 1996. The Committee believes Mr. Stevens' total compensation is competitive in the external marketplace and reflective of Company and individual performance. He is a participant in the incentive plans described above. The factors which the Committee considered in determining Mr. Stevens' base salary for 1996 were those mentioned above for other executive officers. An annual incentive of $149,300 was earned by Mr. Stevens for fiscal year 1995 and $100,000 for fiscal year 1994. Mr. Stevens declined his bonus earned for fiscal year 1995. No such incentive was paid to Mr. Stevens for fiscal years 1996 and 1993. In granting stock options in 1993 and 1994 to Mr. Stevens, as well as other executives, the Committee took into account the executive's level and scope of responsibility and contributions to the Company, as well as competitive long-term incentive practices as verified by external surveys. 10 This report is submitted by the members of the Stock Option and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors: Robert H. Brown, Jr. Edgar H. Schollmaier The Board Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this proxy statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts. STOCK OPTION AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION During fiscal 1996, the members of the Stock Option and Compensation Committee were primarily responsible for determining executive compensation and matters relating to stock options, although certain of such matters were discussed by the full Board of Directors. Paul I. Stevens, as a director as well as an executive officer of the Company, participated in such discussions. The Company and Xytec Corporation ("Xytec"), a subsidiary of Stevens Industries, Inc., one of the principal shareholders of the Company and a corporation controlled by Paul I. Stevens, Richard I. Stevens and Constance I. Stevens, entered into an agreement during 1994 for Xytec to provide software and computer-related services and equipment of $1.2 million as a subcontractor on a major contract. During 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Company paid approximately $287,000, $784,000 and $671,000, respectively, to Xytec on this contract. The cost to Xytec of this subcontract was approximately 90% of its billings to the Company, or $258,000 in 1994, $706,000 in 1995, and $604,000 in 1996. Each of Paul I. Stevens and Richard I. Stevens owns a 22.5% interest in a joint venture which is the landlord under the lease of the Company's corporate headquarters. Amounts paid to the joint venture as rent and maintenance in each of 1996 and 1995 were approximately $111,000. In January and February 1994, Stevens Industries, Inc. advanced an aggregate of $900,000 to Stevens Security Systems, S.A., a subsidiary of the Company, in exchange for a promissory note of Stevens Security Systems, S.A. bearing interest at the rate of 6% per annum due February 1995. These advances were repaid in full in February 1995. In the first quarter of 1996, Paul I. Stevens advanced an aggregate of $950,000 to the Company, which is evidenced by a one year promissory note bearing an interest rate of 8% per annum. The promissory note is mandatorily prepayable upon the receipt by the Company of certain receivables. Kenneth W. Reynolds the Company's former Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Finance retired from the Company effective March 31, 1996. In connection with Mr. Reynolds' retirement, the Company entered into an agreement with Mr. Reynolds (the "Agreement") whereby on March 31, 1996, Mr. Reynolds was paid $90,500 as a severance allowance, which was equal to six months of salary. Additionally, the agreement provides that Mr. Reynolds will receive coverage under the Company's health and life insurance plans until Mr. Reynolds reaches the age of 65 or equivalent coverage is assumed. The Agreement also provides for the Company to enter into a consulting contract with Mr. Reynolds for a minimum of five years at a rate of $25,000 per year, which will be paid annually in exchange for Mr. Reynolds' commitment of 250 hours of consulting per year. The Company believes that the transactions described above are beneficial to the Company and are on terms as favorable to the Company as could be obtained from unaffiliated third parties. Such transactions are expected to be continued in the future, with review of and the approval required by the independent members of the Board of Directors. 11 STOCK PERFORMANCE CHART The following chart compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company's Series A Stock during the five fiscal years ended December 31, 1996 (adjusted for a stock split and the reclassification of the Company's Common Stock into Series A Stock and Series B Stock) with the cumulative total return on the American Stock Exchange Index and the Printing Equipment (SIC Code 355) Machinery Industry Index. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 1990 in the Company's Common Stock and in each of the foregoing indices and assumes reinvestment of dividends. COMPARISON OF TOTAL RETURN OF THE COMPANY, PEER GROUP AND BROAD MARKET [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] DECEMBER 31 ----------------------------------------------- COMPANY 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 - ------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- STEVENS INTERNAT CL A 100 102.63 144.74 176.32 92.11 31.58 INDUSTRY INDEX 100 120.32 156.37 183.74 267.13 252.42 BROAD MARKET 100 101.37 120.44 106.39 137.13 144.70 12 SECTION 16 REQUIREMENTS Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's directors and officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the American Stock Exchange. Such persons are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it with respect to fiscal 1996, or written representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that all filing requirements applicable to its directors, officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company's equity securities have been complied with. STOCKHOLDERS' PROPOSALS Stockholders may submit proposals on matters appropriate for stockholder action at subsequent annual meetings of the Company consistent with Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. For such proposals to be considered in the Proxy Statement and Proxy relating to the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, such proposals must be received by the Company not later than December 24, 1997. Such proposals should be directed to Stevens International, Inc., 5500 Airport Freeway, Fort Worth, Texas 76117. OTHER BUSINESS The Board of Directors knows of no matters other than those described herein that will be presented for consideration at the Meeting. However, should any other matters properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying Proxy to vote in accordance with their best judgment in the interest of the Company. MISCELLANEOUS All costs incurred in the solicitation of Proxies will be borne by the Company. In addition to solicitation by mail, the officers and employees of the Company may solicit Proxies by telephone, telegraph or personally, without additional compensation. The Company may also make arrangements with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for the forwarding of solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of shares of Common Stock held of record by such persons, and the Company may reimburse such brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection therewith. The Company's annual report to shareholders for 1996 is being mailed with this proxy statement to stockholders entitled to vote at the Meeting. The Annual Report is not to be deemed part of this Proxy Statement. 13 A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K, INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, BUT NOT INCLUDING EXHIBITS, WILL BE FURNISHED AT NO CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM A PROXY STATEMENT IS DELIVERED UPON THE WRITTEN REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON ADDRESSED TO STEVENS INTERNATIONAL, INC., ATTN: MS. CONSTANCE STEVENS, 5500 AIRPORT FREEWAY, FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76117. By Order of the Board of Directors /s/ Paul I. Stevens Paul I. Stevens Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Fort Worth, Texas April 23, 1997 14 STEVENS INTERNATIONAL, INC. ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS SERIES A COMMON STOCK The undersigned hereby appoints Paul I. Stevens and Richard I. Stevens, each with power to act without the other and with full power of substitution, as Proxies to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse, all Series A Common Stock of Stevens International, Inc. owned by the undersigned, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at Fort Worth Club, 306 West Seventh Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, on Tuesday, May 20 1997 at 10:00 a.m. local time, upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof including the following: (CONTINUED, AND TO BE SIGNED AND DATED ON REVERSE SIDE) ================================================================================
A [X] Please mark your votes as in this example. FOR all nominees listed at right WITHHOLD AUTHORITY (except as marked to the to vote for all contrary below) nominees listed at right NOMINEES: John W. Stodder 1. Election [ ] [ ] Edgar H. Schollmaier of Directors INSTRUCTIONS: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, WRITE THAT NOMINEE'S NAME IN THE SPACE BELOW. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 2. Ratification of the selection of Deloitte & [ ] [ ] [ ] Touche LLP as independent public accountants to audit the Company's financial statements for the 1997 fiscal year. 3. In their discretion on any other matter that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned stockholder. If no specific direction is given, this proxy will be voted (i) for the election of the nominees for director, (ii) for the ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent public accountants to audit the Company's financial statements for the 1997 fiscal year and (iii) at the discretion of the proxy holders with regard to any other matter that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. This proxy may be revoked prior to the exercise of the powers conferred by the proxy. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PLEASE DATE, SIGN EXACTLY AS SHOWN HEREON AND MAIL PROMPTLY THIS PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. Signature ___________________________________________________________________ Dated ____________ 1997 Note: Please date, sign exactly as shown hereon and mail promptly this proxy in the enclosed envelope. When there is more than one owner, each should sign. When signing as an attorney, administrator, executor, guardian or trustee, please add your title as such. If executed by a corporation, the proxy should be signed by a duly authorized officer. If executed by a partnership, please sign in the partnership name by an authorized person.
STEVENS INTERNATIONAL, INC. ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS SERIES B COMMON STOCK The undersigned hereby appoints Paul I. Stevens and Richard I. Stevens, each with power to act without the other and with full power of substitution, as Proxies to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse, all Series B Common Stock of Stevens International, Inc. owned by the undersigned, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at The Fort Worth Club, 306 West Seventh Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, on Tuesday, May 30 1997 at 10:00 a.m. local time, upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof including the following: (CONTINUED, AND TO BE SIGNED AND DATED ON REVERSE SIDE) ================================================================================
A [X] Please mark your votes as in this example. FOR all nominees listed at right WITHHOLD AUTHORITY (except as marked to the to vote for all contrary below) nominees listed at right NOMINEES: Paul I. Stevens 1. Election [ ] [ ] Richard I. Stevens of Directors Constance I. Stevens Robert H. Brown, Jr. INSTRUCTIONS: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, James D. Cavanaugh WRITE THAT NOMINEE'S NAME IN THE SPACE BELOW. Michel A. Destresse - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 2. Ratification of the selection of Deloitte & [ ] [ ] [ ] Touche LLP as independent public accountants to audit the Company's financial statements for the 1997 fiscal year. 3. In their discretion on any other matter that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned stockholder. If no specific direction is given, this proxy will be voted (i) for the election of the nominees for director, (ii) for the ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent public accountants to audit the Company's financial statements for the 1997 fiscal year and (iii) at the discretion of the proxy holders with regard to any other matter that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. This proxy may be revoked prior to the exercise of the powers conferred by the proxy. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PLEASE DATE, SIGN EXACTLY AS SHOWN HEREON AND MAIL PROMPTLY THIS PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. Signature ___________________________________________________________________ Dated ____________ 1997 Note: Please date, sign exactly as shown hereon and mail promptly this proxy in the enclosed envelope. When there is more than one owner, each should sign. When signing as an attorney, administrator, executor, guardian or trustee, please add your title as such. If executed by a corporation, the proxy should be signed by a duly authorized officer. If executed by a partnership, please sign in the partnership name by an authorized person.
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----