-----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, PqohV0EkoXdxVVyhR7XIOlUnhBn29mPZUScqgUHrQynoW2X+CVZBwvgb1Hp9vy1I /TPSTpG8AVV3b6mbUEwkgA== 0000837913-00-000014.txt : 20000421 0000837913-00-000014.hdr.sgml : 20000421 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000837913-00-000014 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: DEF 14A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20000531 FILED AS OF DATE: 20000420 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: GENUS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000837913 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SPECIAL INDUSTRY MACHINERY, NEC [3559] IRS NUMBER: 942790804 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: DEF 14A SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-17139 FILM NUMBER: 605109 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1139 KARLSTAD DR CITY: SUNNYVALE STATE: CA ZIP: 94089-2117 BUSINESS PHONE: 4087477120 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 2: 1139 KARLSTAD DR CITY: SUNNYVALE STATE: CA ZIP: 94089-2117 DEF 14A 1 SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Filed by the Registrant [X] Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ] Check the appropriate box: [ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2) [ X ] Definitive Proxy Statement [ ] Definitive Additional Materials [ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12 GENUS, 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 Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined: (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: (5) Total fee paid: [ ] 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: GENUS, INC. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 31, 2000 TO THE SHAREHOLDERS: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Genus, Inc. (the "Company") will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2000 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Embassy Suites located at 2885 Lakeside Drive in Santa Clara, California 95054, for the following purposes: 1. To elect directors to serve for the ensuing year and until their successors are elected. 2. To approve the adoption of the Genus, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan which will replace the 1991 Incentive Stock Option Plan and result in an overall increase of 800,000 shares available for issuance. 3. To approve an amendment to the 1989 Employee Stock Purchase Plan increasing the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder by 300,000 additional shares. 4. To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent accountants of the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000. 5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on April 3, 2000 are entitled to vote at the meeting. All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. However, to ensure your representation at the meeting you are urged to mark, sign, date, and return the enclosed proxy card as promptly as possible in the self-addressed stamped envelope enclosed for that purpose. Any shareholder attending the meeting may vote in person even if he or she returned a proxy. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILLIAM W.R. ELDER Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Sunnyvale, California April 19, 2000 GENUS, INC. PROXY STATEMENT FOR 2000 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS The enclosed Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of Genus, Inc., a California corporation (the "Company"), for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting") to be held Wednesday, May 31, 2000 at 10:00 a.m., local time, or at any adjournment thereof, for the purposes set forth herein and in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Annual Meeting will be held at the Embassy Suites located at 2885 Lakeside Drive in Santa Clara, California 95054. The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 1139 Karlstad Drive, Sunnyvale, California 94089. The Company's telephone number at that location is (408) 747-7120. These proxy solicitation materials were mailed on or about April 28, 2000 to all shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting. INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING RECORD DATE AND SHARE OWNERSHIP Shareholders of record at the close of business on April 3, 2000 (the "Record Date") are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. At the Record Date, 18,770,364 shares of the Company's common stock, no par value, were issued and outstanding. VOTING Each share of common stock outstanding on the Record Date is entitled to one vote. In addition, each shareholder on the Record Date, or his or her proxy, may cumulate such shareholder's votes and give one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of shares held by such shareholder, or distribute the shareholder's votes on the same principle among as many candidates as the shareholder may select, provided that votes cannot be cast for more than four candidates. No shareholder or proxy, however, shall be entitled to cumulate votes for a candidate unless such candidate's name has been placed in nomination prior to the voting and the shareholder, or any other shareholder, has given notice at the meeting, prior to the voting, of the shareholder's intention to cumulate votes. If any shareholder gives such notice, all shareholders may cumulate their votes for candidates in nomination. QUORUM; ABSTENTIONS; BROKER NON-VOTES The affirmative vote of a majority of the Votes Cast will be required under California law to approve the proposals in this Proxy Statement. For this purpose, the "Votes Cast" are defined under California law to be the shares of the Company's common stock represented and "voting" at the Annual Meeting. In addition, the affirmative votes must constitute at least a majority of the required quorum, which quorum is a majority of the shares outstanding on the Record Date. Votes that are cast against the proposal will be counted for purposes of determining (i) the presence or absence of a quorum and (ii) the total number of Votes Cast with respect to the proposal. While there is no definitive statutory or case law authority in California as to the proper treatment of abstentions in the counting of votes with respect to a proposal, the Company believes that abstentions should be counted for purposes of determining both (i) the presence or absence of a quorum and (ii) the total number of Votes Cast with respect to the proposal. In the absence of controlling precedent to the contrary, the Company intends to treat abstentions in this manner. Accordingly, abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. Broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum, but will not be counted for purposes of determining the number of Votes Cast with respect to the proposal. REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving it at any time before its use by delivering to the Company (Attention: Kenneth Schwanda, Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer) a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by attending the meeting and voting in person. SOLICITATION The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. The Company may reimburse brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of shares for their expenses in forwarding solicitation material to such beneficial owners. Proxies may be solicited by certain of the Company's directors, officers and regular employees, without additional compensation, personally or by telephone, telegram or facsimile. DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS Shareholders who intend to present a proposal for inclusion in the Company's proxy materials for the 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must submit the proposal to the Company no later than December 25, 2000. Additionally, shareholders who intend to present a proposal at the 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders without inclusion of such proposal in the Company's proxy materials for the 2001 Annual Meeting must provide notice of such proposal to the Company no later than December 29, 2000. The Company reserves the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT The following table sets forth certain information known to the Company regarding beneficial ownership of the Company's common stock as of April 3, 2000 by (i) each of the Company's directors, (ii) each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table appearing herein, (iii) all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group, and (iv) each person known by the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the Company's common stock:
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER NUMBER OF SHARES(1) PERCENT OF CLASS(2) - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- Bachow Investment Partners III, L.P. 977,876 5.21% 3 Bala Plaza East, Suite 502 Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 William W.R. Elder (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 555,599 2.96% Kenneth Schwanda (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98,553 * Jeff Farrell (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120,894 * Mario M. Rosati (6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32,750 * Thomas E. Seidel (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195,734 1.04% Robert A. Wilson (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69,334 * G. Frederick Forsyth (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21,250 * Todd S. Myhre (10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88,785 * George D. Wells (11). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,369 * Robert J. Richardson (12). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,250 * All directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons) (13) 1,195,518 6.37% * Less than 1%.
(1) Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table and pursuant to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them. (2) Applicable percentage ownership is based on 18,770,364 shares of common stock outstanding as of April 3, 2000 together with applicable options for such shareholder. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, based on factors including voting and investment power with respect to shares. Shares of common stock subject to the options currently exercisable, or exercisable within 60 days of April 3, 2000, are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding such options, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. (3) Consists of 305,599 shares held by William W.R. Elder and Gloria S. Elder Family Trust, and options to purchase 250,000 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 3, 2000. (4) Consists of 52,386 shares of common stock and options to purchase 46,167 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 3, 2000. (5) Consists of 27,058 shares of common stock and options to purchase 93,836 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 3, 2000. (6) Consists of 23,500 shares held by Mr. Rosati, 11,500 shares held by WS Investment Company and options to purchase 1,250 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 3, 2000. Mr. Rosati is a general partner of WS Investment Company 92A and disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by such entity except to the extent of his proportionate partnership interest therein. (7) Consists of 37,067 shares of common stock and options to purchase 158,667 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 3, 2000. (8) Consists of options to purchase 69,334 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 3, 2000. (9) Consists of options to purchase 21,250 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 3, 2000. (10) Consists of options to purchase 88,785 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 3, 2000. (11) Consists of options to purchase 1,250 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 3, 2000. (12) Consists of options to purchase 1,250 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 3, 2000. (13) Includes options to purchase 731,789 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 3, 2000. PROPOSAL ONE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS NOMINEES The Company's Bylaws provide for a variable board of four to seven directors, with the number currently fixed at six. Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them for the Company's six nominees named below, all of who are presently directors of the Company. In the event that any nominee of the Company is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, the proxies will be voted for any nominee who shall be designated by the present Board of Directors to fill the vacancy. It is not expected that any nominee listed below will be unable or will decline to serve as a director. In the event that additional persons are nominated for election as directors, the proxy holders intend to vote all proxies received by them in such a manner in accordance with cumulative voting as will assure the election of as many of the nominees listed below as possible, and, in such event, the specific nominees to be voted for will be determined by the proxy holders. The term of office of each person elected as a director will continue until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until his successor has been elected and qualified. The names of the nominees, and certain information about them, are set forth below.
NAME OF NOMINEE AGE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DIRECTOR SINCE - -------------------- --- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- William W.R. Elder 61 Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company 1981 Todd S. Myhre 54 International Business Consultant 1994 G. Frederick Forsyth 56 President, Systems Engineering and Services of Solectron Corp. 1996 Mario M. Rosati 53 Member of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation 1981 George D. Wells 64 Director 2000 Robert J. Richardson 54 Business Consultant 2000
Except as set forth below, each of the nominees has been engaged in his principal occupation set forth above during the past five years. There are no family relationships among any directors or executive officers of the Company. William W.R. Elder was a founder of Genus and is our Chairman of the Board, President and our Chief Executive Officer. From October 1996 to April 1998, Dr. Elder served only as Chairman of the Board. From April 1990 to September 1996, Dr. Elder was Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. From November 1981 to April 1990, Dr. Elder was President and a director of the Company. Todd S. Myhre has served as a director since January 1994. Since September 1999, he served as Interim Chief Executive Officer and a Board member for Ybrain.com, an eCommerce company focused on the college student market. From April 1998 to August 1999 and from September 1995 to January 1996, he served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a Board member of GameTech International, an electronic gaming manufacturer. From February 1996 to February 1998, Mr. Myhre was an international business consultant. From January 1993 to August 1993, from August 1993 to December 1993 and from January 1994 to August 1995, Mr. Myhre served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and as President and a Director of the Company. G. Frederick Forsyth has served as a director since February 1996. Since March 1999, Mr. Forsyth has served as President, Systems Engineering and Services of Solectron Corp. From August 1997 to March 1999, Mr. Forsyth served as President, Professional Products Division of Iomega, Inc. From June 1989 to February 1997, Mr. Forsyth was associated with Apple Computer, Inc., a personal computer manufacturer, in various senior management positions, most recently as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Macintosh Product Group. Mario M. Rosati has served as our Secretary since May 1996 and as a director since our inception in November 1981. Mr. Rosati is also a director of Aehr Test Systems, a manufacturer of semiconductor test equipment; CATS Software Inc., a supplier of client/server software products for financial risk management; Meridian Data, Inc., a developer of compact disc-read only memory and compact disc-recordable systems and related software for both networks and personal computers; Ross Systems, Inc., a supplier of enterprise-wide business systems and related services to companies installing open systems/client server software products; and Sanmina Corporation, an electronics manufacturer of multilayered printed circuit boards, backplane assemblies, subassemblies, and printed circuit board assemblies. Mr. Rosati is a member of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C., general counsel to the Company. George D. Wells has served as a director since March 2000. From July 1992 to October 1996, Mr. Wells served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Exar Corporation. From April 1985 to July 1992, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of L.S.I. Logic Corporation and became Vice Chairman in March 1992. From May 1983 to April 1985, Mr. Wells was President and Chief Executive Officer of Intersil, Inc., a subsidiary of General Electric Company. Robert J. Richardson has served as a director since March 2000. Since January 2000, Mr. Richardson has been a semiconductor industry consultant. From November 1997 to January 2000, Mr. Richardson served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Unitrode Corporation. From June 1992 to November 1997, he served in various positions at Silicon Valley Group, Inc. including President Lithography Systems, President Track Systems Division, and Corporate Vice-President New Business Development and Marketing. From October 1988 to June 1992, Mr. Richardson was President and General Manager, Santa Cruz Division at Plantronics, Inc. VOTE REQUIRED The six nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes of the Votes Cast will be elected as directors of the Company for the ensuing year. RECOMMENDATION THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES. BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES The Board of Directors of the Company held a total of six meetings during the year ended December 31, 1999. The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee. It does not have a nominating committee or a committee performing the functions of a nominating committee. During the year ended December 31, 1999, and as of April 3, 2000, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, consisting of directors Forsyth, Myhre, and Rosati, held one meeting. The Audit Committee recommends engagement of the Company's independent accountants and is primarily responsible for approving the services performed by the Company's independent accountants and for reviewing and evaluating the Company's accounting principles and its system of internal accounting controls. During the year ended December 31, 1999, and as of April 3, 2000, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, consisting of directors Forsyth, Myhre and Rosati, held one meeting. The Compensation Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the Company's executive compensation policy. See "Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation." No director serving in the year ended December 31, 1999, attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings of the committees of the Board on which he or she serves. DIRECTOR COMPENSATION The Company currently pays to its directors who are not employees a fee of $1,000 per meeting and $500 per telephonic meeting. In addition, the Company pays non-employee members of the board an annual fee of $10,000. The Company also reimburses directors for reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings. Under the Company's 1991 Incentive Stock Option Plan, each of the non-employee directors receives an automatic grant of an option to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock on the date of his or her appointment or election to the Board and, for so long as he or she continues to serve as a director, an automatic grant of an option to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock on February 7 of each year. There is no provision for an automatic grant to the directors in the 2000 Stock Plan, presented to the shareholders for approval hereto. Therefore, if the 2000 Stock Plan is approved, annual option grants to the directors will be discretionary. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION In 1999 the Company paid legal fees and expenses to Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, general counsel to the Company. The amounts paid by the Company to Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati were less than 5% of the law firm's total gross revenues for its last completed fiscal year. Mario M. Rosati, a director and Secretary of the Company, is a member of the law firm of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. SECTION 16(A) REPORTS Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file certain reports regarding ownership of, and transactions in, the Company's securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Such officers, directors and 10% shareholders are also required by SEC rules to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) reports that they file. Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that during 1999 its executive officers, directors and 10% shareholders filed all required Section 16(a) reports on a timely basis, with the exception of Mike Mitchell, who submitted a late filing. EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE The following table discloses compensation received by the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the four other most highly compensated executive officers of the Company (the "Named Executive Officers") for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997:
LONG TERM COMPENSATION AWARDS ------------------------------ SECURITIES ANNUAL COMPENSATION UNDERLYING ------------------------------------------- NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION FISCAL OTHER ANNUAL OPTIONS ALL OTHER YEAR SALARY ($) BONUS ($)(1) COMPENSATION ($) (# OF SHARES) COMPENSATION ($) - ------------------------------- ------ ----------- ------------ ---------------- ------------- ---------------- William W.R. Elder 1999 300,000 95,000 -- 50,000 12,296 (3) Chairman of the Board, 1998 285,576 -- -- 300,000 4,489 (4) President and Chief Executive 1997 305,000 -- -- -- 3,540 (5) Officer (2) Kenneth Schwanda. . . . . . . . 1999 133,343 32,400 -- 80,000 1,695 (6) Vice President of Finance and. 1998 106,118 -- -- 53,000 1,080 (7) Chief Financial Officer. . . . 1997 95,948 -- -- 10,000 744 (8) Thomas E. Seidel, Ph.D. . . . . 1999 210,000 58,800 -- 30,000 4,829 (9) Executive Vice President and . 1998 210,000 -- -- 200,000 5,895 (10) Chief Technical Officer. . . . 1997 209,200 21,000 -- 125,000 948 Jeff Farrell. . . . . . . . . . 1999 152,630 37,200 -- 30,000 2,011 (11) Vice President of Engineering . 1998 144,922 -- -- 107,000 2,272 (12) 1997 141,284 -- -- 10,000 1,612 (13) Robert A. Wilson. . . . . . . . 1999 122,917 -- 110,762 (14) 55,000 1,057 (17) Vice President of Worldwide . . 1998 99,350 -- 69,506 (15) 50,000 933 (18) Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1997 87,675 -- 84,089 (16) -- 829 (19)
(1) Except as otherwise noted, all bonuses were earned by the named officer in fiscal year indicated and paid to the named officer early in the subsequent year pursuant to the Company's Management Incentive Plan. (2) Dr. Elder was re-appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in April 1998. (3) Consists of insurance premiums of $11,496 for a group term life insurance policy, the proceeds of which were payable to Dr. Elder's named beneficiaries, and matched 401(k) contribution of $800. (4) Consists of insurance premiums of $4,489 for a term life insurance policy, the proceeds of which were payable to Dr. Elder's named beneficiaries. (5) Consists of insurance premiums of $3,540 for a term life insurance policy, the proceeds of which were payable to Dr. Elder's named beneficiaries. (6) Consists of insurance premiums of $628 for a group term life insurance policy, the proceeds of which were payable to Mr. Schwanda's named beneficiaries, and matched 401(k) contribution of $1,067. (7) Consists of insurance premiums of $231 for a group term life insurance policy, the proceeds of which were payable to Mr. Schwanda's named beneficiaries, and matched 401(k) contribution of $849. (8) Consists of insurance premiums of $149 for a group term life insurance policy, the proceeds of which were payable to Mr. Schwanda's named beneficiaries, and matched 401(k) contribution of $595. (9) Consists of insurance premiums of $4,269 for a group term life insurance policy, the proceeds of which were payable to Dr. Seidel's named beneficiaries, and matched 401(k) contribution of $560. (10) Consists of insurance premiums of $5,335 for a group term life insurance policy, the proceeds of which were payable to Dr. Seidel's named beneficiaries, and matched 401(k) contribution of $560. (11) Consists of insurance premiums of $1,184 for a group term life insurance policy, the proceeds of which were payable to Mr. Farrell's named beneficiaries, and matched 401(k) contribution of $827. (12) Consists of insurance premiums of $1,452 group term life insurance policy, the proceeds of which were payable to Mr. Farrell's named beneficiaries, and matched 401(k) contribution of $820. (13) Consists of insurance premiums of $848 for a group term life insurance policy, the proceeds of which were payable to Mr. Farrell's named beneficiaries, and matched 401(k) contribution of $764. (14) Consists of sales commissions of $110,762. (15) Consists of sales commissions of $69,506. (16) Consists of sales commissions of $84,089. (17) Consists of insurance premiums of $240 for a group term life insurance policy, the proceeds of which were payable to Mr. Wilson's named beneficiaries, and matched 401(k) contribution of $817. (18) Consists of insurance premiums of $191 for a group term life insurance policy, the proceeds of which were payable to Mr. Wilson 's named beneficiaries, and matched 401(k) contribution of $742. (19) Consists of insurance premiums of $166 for a group term life insurance policy, the proceeds of which were payable to Mr. Wilson 's named beneficiaries, and matched 401(k) contribution of $663. OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR The following table provides information on option grants made in fiscal 1999 to the Named Executive Officers. No SARs were granted.
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS ---------------------- % OF TOTAL POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE NUMBER OF OPTIONS AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES SECURITIES GRANTED TO OF STOCK PRICE UNDERLYING EMPLOYEES EXERCISE APPRECIATION FOR OPTION OPTIONS IN FISCAL PRICE PER EXPIRATION TERM (3) NAME GRANTED YEAR (1) SHARE ($)(2) DATE 5% ($) 10% ($) - ------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ------------ William W.R. Elder 50,000 10.4% 3.094 07/23/04 $ 42,750 $ 94,450 Kenneth Schwanda . 30,000 6.3% 2.375 02/08/04 19,680 43,500 50,000 10.4% 3.094 07/23/04 42,750 94,450 Thomas E. Seidel . 30,000 6.3% 3.094 07/23/04 25,650 56,670 Jeff Farrell . . . 30,000 6.3% 3.094 07/23/04 25,650 56,670 Robert A. Wilson . 30,000 6.3% 2.375 02/08/04 19,680 43,500 25,000 5.2% 3.094 07/23/04 21,375 47,225
(1) Based on an aggregate of 478,624 options granted to all employees during fiscal year 1999. Options granted in fiscal year 1999 expire in 2004 and typically vest in three equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant. (2) All options were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value based on the closing market value of common stock on the Nasdaq National Market on the date of grant with the exception of those options that were repriced as disclosed. (3) Potential realizable value assumes that the stock price increases from the date of grant until the end of the option term (five years) at the annual rate specified (5% and 10%). This assumption is based on SEC rules and does not necessarily represent the expected rate of appreciation. AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES The following table provides information on option exercises in fiscal 1999 by the Named Executive Officers and the number and value of such officers' unexercised options at December 31, 1999. No SARs have been granted.
SHARES VALUE NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED OPTIONS VALUE OF UNEXERCISED ACQUIRED ON REALIZED DECEMBER 31, 1999 IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT ----------------------------- DECEMBER 31, 1999 ($)(2) NAME EXERCISE (#) ($) (1) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE - ------------------ ------------ --------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- William W.R. Elder -0- -- 250,000 250,000 582,850 795,300 Kenneth Schwanda . -0- -- 35,834 118,666 71,447 236,904 Thomas E. Seidel . -0- -- 198,335 171,665 437,065 541,705 Jeff Farrell . . . -0- -- 54,835 104,665 128,804 248,362 Robert A. Wilson . -0- -- 35,001 95,999 74,850 205,994
(1) Market value of underlying securities (based on the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the Nasdaq National Market) at the time of exercise, minus the exercise price. (2) Market value of securities underlying in-the-money options at the end of fiscal year 1999 (based on $4.50 per share, the closing price of Company's common stock on the Nasdaq National Market on December 31, 1999), less the exercise price. The Company has not established any long-term incentive plans or defined benefit or actuarial plans covering any of the Named Executive Officers. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The objectives of the overall executive compensation program are to attract, retain, motivate and reward Company executives while aligning their compensation with the achievements of key business objectives, maximization of shareholder value and optimal satisfaction of customers. The Compensation Committee is responsible for: 1. Determining the specific executive compensation methods to be used by the Company and the participants in each of those specific programs; 2. Determining the evaluation criteria and timelines to be used in those programs; 3. Determining the processes that will be followed in the ongoing administration of the programs; and 4. Determining their role in the administration of the programs. All of the actions take the form of recommendations to the full Board of Directors where final approval, rejection or redirection will occur. The Compensation Committee is responsible for administering the compensation programs for all Company officers. The Compensation Committee has delegated the responsibility of administering the compensation programs for all other Company employees to the Company's officers. Currently, the Company uses the following executive compensation vehicles: - Cash-based programs: Base salary, Annual Incentive Bonus Plan, Annual Profit Sharing Plan, and a Sales Incentive Commission Plan; and - Equity-based programs: 1991 Incentive Stock Option Plan (to be replaced by the 2000 Stock Plan pending shareholder approval of the 2000 Stock Plan) and the 1989 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. These programs apply to the Chief Executive Officer and all executive level positions, except for the Sales Incentive Commission Plan, which only includes executives directly responsible for sales activities. Periodically, but at least once near the close of each fiscal year, the Compensation Committee reviews the existing plans and recommends those that should be used for the subsequent year. The criteria for determining the appropriate salary level, bonus and stock option grants for the Chief Executive Officer and each of the executive officers include (a) Company performance as a whole, (b) business unit performance (where appropriate) and (c) individual performance objectives. Company performance and business unit performance are measured against both strategic and financial goals. Examples of these goals are to obtain: operating profit, revenue growth, timely new product introduction, and shareholder value (usually measured by the Company stock price). Individual performance is measured to specific objectives relevant to the individual's position and a specific time frame. These criteria are usually related to a fiscal year time period, but may, in some cases, be measured over a shorter or longer time frame. The processes used by the Compensation Committee include the following steps: 1. The Compensation Committee periodically receives information comparing the Company's pay levels to other companies in similar industries, other Leading companies (regardless of industry) and competitors. Primarily national and regional compensation surveys are used. 2. At or near the start of each evaluation cycle, the Compensation Committee meets with the Chief Executive Officer to review, revise as needed, and agree on the performance objectives set for the other executives reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer and Compensation Committee jointly set the Company objectives to be used. The business unit and individual objectives are formulated jointly by the Chief Executive Officer and the specific individual. The Compensation Committee also, with the Chief Executive Officer, jointly establishes and agrees on their respective performance objectives. 3. Throughout the performance cycle review, feedback is provided by the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee and full Board, as appropriate. 4. At the end of the performance cycle, the Chief Executive Officer evaluates each executive's relative success in meeting the performance goals. The Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations on salary, bonus and stock options, utilizing the comparative results as a factor. Also included in the decision criteria are subjective factors such as teamwork, leadership contributions and ongoing changes in the business climate. The Chief Executive Officer reviews the recommendations and obtains Compensation Committee approval. The Compensation Committee also determines the level of salary and bonus and the terms of stock option grants for the Chief Executive Officer. 5. The final evaluations and compensation decisions are discussed with each executive by the Chief Executive Officer or Compensation Committee, as appropriate. The Compensation Committee feels that the compensation vehicles used by the Company, generally administered through the process as outlined above, provide a fair and balanced executive compensation program related to the proper business issues. In addition, it should be noted that compensation vehicles will be reviewed and, as appropriate, revised in order to attract and retain new executives in addition to rewarding performance on the job. Respectfully submitted by: Frederick Forsyth Todd S. Myhre Mario M. Rosati PERFORMANCE GRAPH The following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total shareholder return among the Company, the NASDAQ Stock Market-US Index and the H & Q Technology Index for the period from December 31, 1994 (the last trading day before the beginning of the Company's 1995 Fiscal Year) through 1999 Fiscal Year End for the Company. The graph assumes that $100 was invested in the Company's common stock, in the NASDAQ Stock Market-US Index and the H&Q Technology Index on December 31, 1994 and all dividends were reinvested. Historic stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance. EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
GENUS, INC. NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S.) H&Q TECHNOLOGY ----------- -------------------------- --------------- 12/94 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 12/95 94 141 150 12/96 69 174 186 12/97 42 213 218 12/98 13 300 339 12/99 56 542 757
PROPOSAL TWO APROVAL OF ADOPTION OF 2000 STOCK PLAN TERMINATION OF GENUS, INC. 1991 INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN The Company has terminated its 1991 Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "1991 Plan") which was due to expire in February 2001. The Company has authorized the adoption of a 2000 Stock Plan (the "Plan"), outlined below, and solicits shareholder approval of the Plan. The Company reserves a total of 4,803,006 shares for issuance under the Plan, which increases the total number of shares available for issuance by 800,000. Any stock reserved but remaining ungranted under the 1991 Plan shall remain with the Company as authorized but unissued common stock. DESCRIPTION OF THE GENUS, INC. 2000 STOCK PLAN General. The purpose of the Plan is to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility with the Company, to provide additional incentive to the employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries and to promote the success of the Company's business. Options granted under the Plan may be either "incentive stock options" or nonstatutory stock options. Stock purchase rights may also be granted under the Plan. Administration. The Plan may generally be administered by the Board or a Committee appointed by the Board (as applicable, the "Administrator"). The Administrator may make any determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the Plan. Eligibility. Nonstatutory stock options and stock purchase rights may be granted under the Plan to employees, directors and consultants of the Company and any parent or subsidiary of the Company. Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees. The Administrator, in its discretion, selects the employees, directors and consultants to whom options and stock purchase rights may be granted, the time or times at which such options and stock purchase rights shall be granted, and the exercise price and number of shares subject to each such grant. Limitations. Section 162(m) of the Code places limits on the deductibility for federal income tax purposes of compensation paid to certain executive officers of the Company. In order to preserve the Company's ability to deduct the compensation income associated with options granted to such persons, the Plan provides that no employee may be granted, in any fiscal year of the Company, options or stock purchase rights to purchase more than 750,000 shares of common stock. Notwithstanding this limit, however, in connection with such individual's initial employment with the Company, he or she may be granted options or stock purchase rights to purchase up to an additional 750,000 shares of common stock. Terms and Conditions of Options. Each option is evidenced by a stock option agreement between the Company and the optionee, and is subject to the following terms and conditions: (a) Exercise Price. The Administrator determines the exercise price of options at the time the options are granted. The exercise price of an incentive stock option may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date such option is granted; provided, however, that the exercise price of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% shareholder may not be less than 110% of the fair market value on the date such option is granted. The fair market value of the common stock is generally determined with reference to the closing sale price for the common stock (or the closing bid if no sales were reported) on the last market trading day prior to the date the option is granted. (b) Exercise of Option; Form of Consideration. The Administrator determines when options become exercisable and may, in its discretion, accelerate the vesting of any outstanding option. The means of payment for shares issued upon exercise of an option is specified in each option agreement. The Plan permits payment to be made by cash, check, promissory note, other shares of common stock of the Company (with some restrictions), cashless exercises, any other form of consideration permitted by applicable law, or any combination thereof. (c) Term of Option. The term of an incentive stock option may be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant; provided, however, that in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% shareholder, the term of the option may be no more than five (5) years from the date of grant. No option may be exercised after the expiration of its term. (d) Termination of Service. If an optionee's service relationship terminates for any reason (excluding death or disability), then the optionee generally may exercise the option within 30 days of such termination to the extent that the option is vested on the date of termination, (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such option as set forth in the option agreement). If an optionee's service relationship terminates due to the optionee's disability, the optionee generally may exercise the option, to the extent the option was vested on the date of termination, within six months from the date of such termination. If an optionee's service relationship terminates due to the optionee's death, the optionee's estate or the person who acquires the right to exercise the option by bequest or inheritance generally may exercise the option, as to all of the shares subject to the option (including unvested shares), within six months from the date of such termination. (e) Nontransferability of Options. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, options granted under the Plan are not transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and may be exercised during the optionee's lifetime only by the optionee. (f) Other Provisions. The stock option agreement may contain other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be determined by the Administrator. Stock Purchase Rights. In the case of stock purchase rights, unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the restricted stock purchase agreement shall grant the Company a repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of the purchaser's employment with the Company for any reason (including death or disability). The purchase price for shares repurchased pursuant to the restricted stock purchase agreement shall be the original price paid by the purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse at a rate determined by the Administrator. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization. In the event that the stock of the Company changes by reason of any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination, reclassifi-cation or other similar change in the capital structure of the Company effected without the receipt of consideration, appropriate adjustments shall be made in the number and class of shares of stock subject to the Plan, the number and class of shares of stock subject to any option or stock purchase right outstanding under the Plan, and the exercise price of any such outstanding option or stock purchase right. In the event of a liquidation or dissolution, any unexercised options or stock purchase rights will terminate. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, provide that each optionee shall have the right to exercise all or any part of the option or stock purchase right, including shares as to which the option or stock purchase right would not otherwise be exercisable. In connection with any merger of the Company with or into another corporation or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, each outstanding option and stock purchase right shall be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation. If the successor corporation refuses to assume the options or rights or to substitute substantially equivalent options or rights, the optionee shall have the right to exercise the option or stock purchase right as to all the optioned stock, including shares not otherwise vested or exercisable. In such event, the Administrator shall notify the optionee that the option or stock purchase right is fully exercisable for fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice and that the option terminates upon expiration of such period. Amendment and Termination of the Plan. The Board may amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason. However, the Company shall obtain stockholder approval for any amendment to the Plan to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with applicable law. No such action by the Board or stockholders may alter or impair any option previously granted under the Plan without the written consent of the optionee. Unless terminated earlier, the Plan shall terminate ten years from the date the Plan or any amendment to add shares to the Plan was last adopted by the Board. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES Incentive Stock Options. An optionee who is granted an incentive stock option does not recognize taxable income at the time the option is granted or upon its exercise, although the exercise is an adjustment item for alternative minimum tax purposes and may subject the optionee to the alternative minimum tax. Upon a disposition of the shares more than two years after grant of the option and one year after exercise of the option, any gain or loss is treated as long-term capital gain or loss. Net capital gains on shares held more than 12 months may be taxed at a maximum federal rate of 20%. Capital losses are allowed in full against capital gains and up to $3,000 against other income. If these holding periods are not satisfied, the optionee recognizes ordinary income at the time of disposition equal to the difference between the exercise price and the lower of (i) the fair market value of the shares at the date of the option exercise or (ii) the sale price of the shares. Any gain or loss recognized on such a premature disposition of the shares in excess of the amount treated as ordinary income is treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the holding period. A different rule for measuring ordinary income upon such a premature disposition may apply if the optionee is also an officer, director, or 10% shareholder of the Company. Unless limited by Section 162(m) of the Code, the Company is entitled to a deduction in the same amount as the ordinary income recognized by the optionee. Nonstatutory Stock Options. An optionee does not recognize any taxable income at the time he or she is granted a nonstatutory stock option. Upon exercise, the optionee recognizes taxable income generally measured by the excess of the then fair market value of the shares over the exercise price. Any taxable income recognized in connection with an option exercise by an employee of the Company is subject to tax withholding by the Company. Unless limited by Section 162(m) of the Code, the Company is entitled to a deduction in the same amount as the ordinary income recognized by the optionee. Upon a disposition of such shares by the optionee, any difference between the sale price and the optionee's exercise price, to the extent not recognized as taxable income as provided above, is treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the holding period. Net capital gains on shares held more than 12 months may be taxed at a maximum federal rate of 20%. Capital losses are allowed in full against capital gains and up to $3,000 against other income. Stock Purchase Rights. Stock purchase rights will generally be taxed in the same manner as nonstatutory stock options. However, restricted stock is subject to a "substantial risk of forfeiture" within the meaning of Section 83 of the Code, because the Company may repurchase the stock when the purchaser ceases to provide services to the Company. As a result of this substantial risk of forfeiture, the purchaser will not recognize ordinary income at the time of purchase. Instead, the purchaser will recognize ordinary income on the dates when the stock is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (i.e., when the Company's right of repurchase lapses). The purchaser's ordinary income is measured as the difference between the purchase price and the fair market value of the stock on the date the stock is no longer subject to right of repurchase. The purchaser may accelerate to the date of purchase his or her recognition of ordinary income, if any, and begin his or her capital gains holding period by timely filing (i.e., within 30 days of purchase), an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code. In such event, the ordinary income recognized, if any, is measured as the difference between the purchase price and the fair market value of the stock on the date of purchase, and the capital gain holding period commences on such date. The ordinary income recognized by a purchaser who is an employee will be subject to tax withholding by the Company. Different rules may apply if the purchaser is also an officer, director, or 10% shareholder of the Company. THE FOREGOING IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE EFFECT OF FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION UPON OPTIONEES AND THE COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO THE GRANT AND EXERCISE OF OPTIONS UNDER THE PLAN. IT DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE, AND DOES NOT DISCUSS THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE EMPLOYEE'S OR CONSULTANT'S DEATH OR THE PROVISIONS OF THE INCOME TAX LAWS OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, STATE OR FOREIGN COUNTRY IN WHICH THE EMPLOYEE OR CONSULTANT MAY RESIDE. VOTE REQUIRED Affirmative votes constituting a majority of the Votes Cast will be required to adopt the 2000 Stock Plan and reserve 4,803,006 shares for issuance thereunder. RECOMMENDATION THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE 2000 STOCK PLAN. PROPOSAL THREE AMENDMENT OF 1989 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN GENERAL The 1989 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("Purchase Plan") was adopted by the board of Directors in March 1989 and approved by the shareholders in May 1990. In March 2000, the Board of Directors amended the Purchase Plan, subject to shareholder approval, to increase the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance thereunder by 300,000 shares, from 2,350,000 to 2,650,000 shares. As of April 3, 2000, 2,168,794 shares had been issued under the Purchase Plan, and 181,206 shares remained available for future issuances under the Purchase Plan. PURPOSE The purpose of the Purchase Plan is to provide employees of the Company (and any of its subsidiaries which are designated by the Board of Directors) who participate in the plan with an opportunity to purchase common stock of the Company through payroll deductions. ADMINISTRATION The Purchase Plan may be administered by the Board of Directors or a committee appointed by the Board. All questions of interpretation or application of the plan are determined at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors or its committee. The Purchase Plan is currently being administered by the Board of Directors. Members of the Board of Directors who are eligible employees are permitted to participate in the Purchase Plan but may not vote on any matter affecting the administration of the plan or the grant of any option pursuant to the plan, or be a member of any committee appointed to administer the plan. No charges for administrative or other costs may be made against the payroll deductions of a participant in the plan. Members of the Board of Directors receive no additional compensation for their services in connection with the administration of the Purchase Plan. ELIGIBILITY Any person who is employed by the Company (or by any of its subsidiaries which are designated from time-to-time by the Board) for at least 20 hours per week and more than five months in a calendar year on the date his or her participation in the plan is effective is eligible to participate in the Purchase Plan. As of April 3, 2000 approximately 72 employees were eligible to participate in the Purchase Plan. OFFERING DATE The Purchase Plan is implemented by overlapping 24-month offering periods containing four six-month purchase periods. New offering periods commence every six months. The purchase periods generally commence on July 1 and January 1 of each year. The Board of Directors may change the duration of the offering periods without shareholder approval. PURCHASE PRICE The purchase price per share at which shares are sold under the Purchase Plan is the lower of 85% of fair market value of the common stock on the date of commencement of the 24-month offering period or 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the last day of the six-month purchase period. Eligible employees are automatically re-enrolled in the offering period with the lower of 85% of fair market value of the common stock on the date of commencement of such 24-month offering period. The fair market value of the common stock on a given date shall be determined by the Board of Directors based upon the reported closing price in the Nasdaq National Market System on such date. PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE; PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS The purchase price of the shares is accumulated by payroll deductions during the offering period. The deductions may not exceed 10% of a participant's eligible compensation. A participant may discontinue his or her participation in the plan or may decrease, but not increase, the rate of payroll deductions at any time during the offering period. All payroll deductions are credited to the participant's account under the plan and are deposited with the general funds of the Company. All payroll deductions received or held by the Company may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose. PURCHASE OF STOCK; EXERCISE OF OPTION At the beginning of each offering period, by executing a subscription agreement to participate in the Purchase Plan, each employee is in effect granted an option to purchase shares of common stock. The maximum number of shares placed under option to a participant in an offering is determined by dividing the compensation which such participant has elected to have withheld during the offering period by 85% of the fair market value of the common stock at the beginning of the offering period or ending of a purchase period, whichever is lower. WITHDRAWAL While each participant in the Purchase Plan is required to sign a subscription agreement authorizing payroll deductions, the participant's interest in a given offering may be terminated in whole, but not in part, by signing and delivering to the Company a notice of withdrawal from the plan. Such withdrawal may be elected at any time prior to the end of the applicable 24-month offering period. A participant's withdrawal from an offering does not have any effect upon such participant's eligibility to participate in subsequent offerings under the Purchase Plan. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT Termination of a participant's employment for any reason, including retirement or death, cancels his or her participation in the Purchase Plan immediately. In such event, the payroll deductions credited to the participant's account will be returned to such participant or, in the case of death, to the person or persons entitled thereto as specified by the employee in the subscription agreement. CHANGES In the event of any change, such as stock splits or stock dividends, made in the capitalization of the Company that results in an increase or decrease in the number of shares of common stock outstanding without receipt of consideration by the Company, appropriate adjustments will be made by the Company in the number of shares subject to purchase and in the purchase price per share, subject to any required action by the shareholders of the Company. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN The Board of Directors may at any time amend or terminate the Purchase Plan, except that such termination shall not affect options previously granted nor may any amendment make any change in an option granted prior thereto which adversely affects the rights of any participant. No amendment may be made to the Purchase Plan without approval of the shareholders of the Company if such amendment would increase the number of shares reserved under the plan. The Purchase Plan will by its terms terminate in 2009. TAX INFORMATION The Purchase Plan, and the right of participants to make purchases thereunder, is intended to qualify under the provisions of Sections 421 and 423 of the Code. Under these provisions, no income will be taxable to a participant until the shares purchased under the Plan are sold or otherwise disposed of. Upon sale or other disposition of the shares, the participant will generally be subject to tax and the amount of the tax will depend upon the holding period. If the shares are sold or otherwise disposed of more than two years from the first day of the offering period and one year from the date the shares are purchased, the participant will recognize ordinary income measured as the lesser of (a) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of such sale or disposition over the purchase price, or (b) an amount equal to 15% of the fair market value of the shares as of the first day of the offering period. Any additional gain will be treated as long-term capital gain. If the shares are sold or otherwise disposed of before the expiration of these holding periods, the participant will recognize ordinary income generally measured as the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date the shares are purchased over the purchase price. Any additional gain or loss on such sale or disposition will be long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the holding period. The Company is not entitled to a deduction for amounts taxed as ordinary income or capital gain to a participant except to the extent of ordinary income recognized by participants upon a sale or disposition of shares prior to the expiration of the holding period(s) described above. The foregoing is only a summary of the effect of federal income taxation upon the participant and the Company with respect to the shares purchased under the Purchase Plan. Reference should be made to the applicable provisions of the Code. In addition, the summary does not discuss the tax consequences of a participant's death or the income tax laws of any state or foreign country in which the participant may reside. VOTE REQUIRED The approval of the amendment to the Purchase Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the Votes Cast. RECOMMENDATION THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE 1989 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN. PROPOSAL FOUR RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS The Board of Directors has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, to audit the financial statements of the Company for the year ending December 31, 2000, and recommends that the shareholders vote for ratification of such appointment. In the event of a negative vote on such ratification, the Board of Directors will reconsider its selection. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has audited the Company's financial statements since the year ended December 31, 1982. Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are expected to be present at the meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions. OTHER MATTERS The Company knows of no other matters to be submitted to the meeting. If any other matters properly come before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of Proxy to vote the shares they represent as the Board of Directors may recommend. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dated: April 19, 2000 THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS GENUS, INC. 2000 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS The undersigned shareholder of GENUS, INC., a California corporation (the "Company"), hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement, each dated April 19, 2000, and hereby appoints William W.R. Elder and Kenneth Schwanda proxies and attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, on behalf and in the name of the undersigned, to represent the undersigned at the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Genus, Inc. to be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2000 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Embassy Suites located at 2885 Lakeside Drive in Santa Clara, California 95054, and any continuation(s) or adjournment(s) thereof, and to vote all shares of common stock which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if then and there personally present, on the matters set forth below. - FOLD AND DETACH HERE - Please mark your choice like this [X] ------------- COMMON FOR all nominees listed WITHHOLD authority to vote below (except as indicate for all nominees listed below. 1. Election of directors: [ ] [ ] IF YOU WISH TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, STRIKE A LINE THROUGH THAT NOMINEE'S NAME IN THE LIST BELOW: William W.R. Elder, Todd S. Myhre, G. Frederick Forsyth, Mario M. Rosati, George D. Wells, and Robert J. Richardson 2. Proposal to approve the adoption of the Company's 2000 Stock Plan and reserve 4,803,006 shares for issuance thereunder, which replaces the 1991 Incentive Stock Option Plan and increases the number of shares available for issuance by 800,000. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN [ ] [ ] [ ] 3. Proposal to approve the amendment of the Company's 1989 Employee Stock Purchase Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance thereunder by 300,000 shares. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN [ ] [ ] [ ] 4. Proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent public accountants of the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN [ ] [ ] [ ] 5. In the discretion of the proxy holders, upon such other matter or matters which may properly come before the meeting and any continuation(s) or adjournment(s) thereof. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN [ ] [ ] [ ] THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO CONTRARY DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE 2000 STOCK PLAN, FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE 1989 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN, FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXY HOLDERS, UPON SUCH OTHER MATTER OR MATTERS WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING AND ANY CONTINUATION(S) OR ADJOURNMENT(S) THEREOF. Signature(s) Date __________, 2000 (This Proxy should be dated, signed by the shareholder(s) exactly as his or her name appears hereon, and returned promptly in the enclosed envelope. Persons signing in a fiduciary capacity should so indicate. If shares are held by joint tenants or as community property, both should sign.) - FOLD AND DETACH HERE - -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----