-----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, OGBc6EPiPM/DOgx1iK5UpIGpd4tHtuP4jo5T5n2KYMtPhsGeE30kIBaWLov+R2C1 jxZ6PafJRvri4/nLBjYEZA== 0000088000-98-000011.txt : 19980330 0000088000-98-000011.hdr.sgml : 19980330 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000088000-98-000011 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: DEF 14A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19971231 FILED AS OF DATE: 19980327 SROS: NYSE FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SCOTTS LIQUID GOLD INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000088000 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: PERFUMES, COSMETICS & OTHER TOILET PREPARATIONS [2844] IRS NUMBER: 840920811 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CO FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: DEF 14A SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-13458 FILM NUMBER: 98575602 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 4880 HAVANA ST CITY: DENVER STATE: CO ZIP: 80239 BUSINESS PHONE: 3033734860 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: PO BOX 39S CITY: DENVER STATE: CO ZIP: 80219-0019 DEF 14A 1 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: Preliminary Proxy Statement 9 Confidential for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted X Definitive Proxy Statement by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) Definitive Additional Materials Soliciting Material Pursuant to ' 240.14a-11(c) or ' 240.14a-12 Scott's Liquid Gold-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: SCOTT'S LIQUID GOLD-INC. 4880 Havana Street Denver, Colorado 80239 ___________________ NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS To Be Held May 6, 1998 ____________________ TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS: The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Scott's Liquid Gold-Inc., a Colorado corporation (the "Company"), will be held at 10:00 a.m., Mountain Time, on Wednesday, May 6, 1998 at the Company's offices, 4880 Havana Street, Denver, Colorado for the purpose of considering and acting upon the following: (1) The election of seven directors; (2) Approval and ratification of the Scott's Liquid Gold-Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan for Company employees, OTHER THAN executive officers; (3) Such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 11, 1998 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CAROLYN J. ANDERSON Corporate Secretary Denver, Colorado March 27, 1998 ________________________________________________________________ THE FORM OF PROXY IS ENCLOSED. TO ASSURE THAT YOUR SHARES WILL BE VOTED AT THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED, POSTAGE PREPAID, ADDRESSED ENVELOPE. NO ADDITIONAL POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES. THE GIVING OF A PROXY WILL NOT AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING. SCOTT'S LIQUID GOLD-INC. 4880 Havana Street Denver, Colorado 80239 PROXY STATEMENT ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS To Be Held May 6, 1998 The enclosed Proxy is solicited by and on behalf of the Board of Directors of Scott's Liquid Gold-Inc., a Colorado corporation (the "Company"), for use at the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 10:00 a.m., Mountain Time, on Wednesday, May 6, 1998 at the Company's offices, 4880 Havana Street, Denver, Colorado, or any adjournment thereof. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying form of Proxy are first being mailed or given to the shareholders of the Company on or about March 27, 1998. Any shareholder signing and mailing the enclosed Proxy may revoke it at any time before it is voted by giving written notice of the revocation to the Company's Corporate Secretary, by voting in person at the meeting or by filing at the meeting a later executed proxy. VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS All voting rights are vested exclusively in the holders of the Company's $0.10 par value common stock. Each share of the Company's common stock is entitled to one vote. Cumulative voting in the election of directors is not permitted. Holders of a majority of shares entitled to vote at the meeting, when present in person or by proxy, constitute a quorum. On March 11, 1998, the record date for shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, the Company had 10,092,358 shares of its $0.10 par value common stock issued and outstanding. When a quorum is present, in the election of directors, those seven nominees having the highest number of votes cast in favor of their election will be elected to the Company's Board of Directors. Consequently, any shares not voted (whether by abstention, broker non-vote or otherwise) have no impact in the election of directors except to the extent the failure to vote for an individual results in another individual receiving a larger number of votes. Approval and ratification of the 1997 Stock Option Plan requires that the votes cast in favor of the Plan exceed the votes cast in opposition. With respect to any other matter which may properly come before the Meeting, unless a greater number of votes is required by law, a matter is approved by the shareholders if the votes cast in favor of the matter exceed the votes cast in opposition. Any shares not voted (whether by abstention, broker non-vote or otherwise) have no impact on the vote for the Stock Option Plan or these other matters, if any, so long as a quorum is present. The following persons are the only persons known to the Company who on March 11, 1998, owned beneficially more than 5% of the Company's common stock, its only class of outstanding voting securities: Name and Address of Amount and Nature Percent Beneficial Owner of of Class Beneficial Ownership Jerome J. and Goldie 2,447,024 (1)(3) 24.2% S. Goldstein 4880 Havana Street Denver, Colorado 80239 Jerome J. Goldstein 70,500 (2)(3) 0.7% 4880 Havana Street Denver, Colorado 80239 Scott's Liquid Gold- 1,115,329 (4) 11.1% Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan 4880 Havana Street Denver, Colorado 80239 __________ (1) These shares are held by the Goldstein Family Partnership, Ltd., a limited partnership of which the general partner is the Goldstein Family Corporation and whose limited partners include Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein, two of their children, grandchildren, and certain of their relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein are the sole stockholders and directors of the Goldstein Family Corporation. Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein share the voting and disposition powers with respect to these shares. (2) These shares underlie presently exercisable incentive stock options granted under the Company's 1986 Incentive Stock Option Plan. (3) Does not include 123,156 shares held by the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan attributable to Mr. Goldstein's vested interest in the Plan as of December 31, 1997. (4) The six person committee administering the Employee Stock Ownership Plan directs the voting of shares held under such Plan. Three of the Company's four executive officers are members of this six-person committee. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT The following table shows as of March 11, 1998, the shares of the Company's common stock beneficially owned by each director and executive officer of the Company and the shares beneficially owned by all of the directors and executive officers as a group: Name of Amount and Nature of Percent Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership of Class (1) Jerome J. Goldstein 2,517,524 (2)(6) 24.8% Mark E. Goldstein 479,782 (3)(4)(6) 4.7% Carolyn J. Anderson 288,460 (3)(6) 2.8% Barry Shepard 264,500 (3)(6) 2.6% Dennis H. Field 151,833 (5) 1.5% James F. Keane 105,833 (5) 1.0% Michael J. Sheets 128,333 (5) 1.3% All Directors and 3,936,265 (6) 36.9% executive officers as a Group (7 persons) __________ (1) Beneficial owners listed have sole voting and disposition power with respect to the shares shown unless otherwise indicated. (2) Of these shares, 2,447,024 are held by the Goldstein Family Partnership, Ltd., as to which Mr. and Mrs. Jerome J. Goldstein share voting and disposition powers. See footnote 1 under the table in "Voting Securities and Principal Shareholders." Also includes 70,500 shares underlying presently exercisable stock options granted to Jerome J. Goldstein under the Company's 1986 Incentive Stock Option Plan. (3) For each named executive, includes 70,500 shares underlying presently exercisable stock options granted under the Company's 1986 Incentive Stock Option Plan. (4) Also includes 92,892 shares held by Mark Goldstein's wife and minor children. (5) Includes for Mr. Sheets, 48,333 shares, for Mr. Field 148,333 shares and for Mr. Keane 103,333 shares underlying presently exercisable stock options granted by the Company's Board of Directors under the Company's 1993 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors. (6) Does not include shares owned by the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan under which, at December 31, 1997, Jerome J. Goldstein had a vested interest in 123,156 shares, Mark E. Goldstein had a vested interest in 80,316 shares, Carolyn J. Anderson had a vested interest in 119,869 shares, and Barry Shepard had a vested interest in 72,173 shares. There has been no change in control of the Company since the beginning of the last fiscal year, and there are no arrangements known to the Company, including any pledge of securities of the Company, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION Nominees The Company's Board of Directors consists currently of seven directors. Unless authority to vote is withheld, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy will vote the shares represented by such proxy for the election of the seven nominees for director named below. If, at the time of the Meeting, any of these nominees shall have become unavailable for any reason to serve as a director, the persons entitled to vote the proxy will vote for such substitute nominee or nominees, if any, as they determine in their discretion. If elected, the nominees for director will hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected and qualified. The nominees for director, each of whom has consented to serve if elected, are as follows: Name of Nominee and Position Director Principal Occupation for in the Company Age Since Last Five Years Jerome J. Goldstein 75 1954 Chairman of the Board of the (Chairman of the Company since August, 1990. Board) From 1954 to 1990, President and Chairman of the Board of the Company. Mark E. Goldstein 41 1983 President of the Company since (President and August, 1990. From 1982 to Chief Executive 1990, Vice President-Marketing Officer) of Company. Employed by the Company since 1978. Carolyn J. Anderson 59 1974 Executive Vice President since (Executive Vice 1974, Chief Operating Officer President, Chief of the Company since 1982 and Operating Officer Corporate Secretary since 1973. and Corporate Employed by the Company since Secretary) 1970. Barry Shepard 67 1982 Treasurer and Chief Financial (Treasurer and Officer of the Company since Chief 1981 when employed by the Financial Officer) Company. Dennis H. Field 65 1991 Management Consultant since 1990. From 1984 to 1990, Executive Vice President/General Manager, Faberge USA, Inc. (mass market health and beauty aids). James F. Keane 64 1993 Independent businessman since 1987. Founder of and advisor to Repower Industries, Inc.(distributor of auto and Marine engines and parts) since January 1997. From 1991 to 1997, President of Engine World, Inc. (a predecessor of Repower Industries, Inc.). From 1990 to 1992, Marketing Professor at Bentley College. From 1974 to 1987, Vice President, S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (household and personal care products). Michael J. Sheets 67 1990 Principal, Gerald Schoenfeld, Inc. (new product concepts) since August 1994. President, The French Culinary Institute, from February 1994 to August 1994. Consultant, October, 1990 to present. From 1975 to 1990, President of Airwick Industries, Inc. (household products). All of the foregoing persons are currently directors of the Company. Their positions on standing committees of the Board of Directors are shown below under "Directors' Meetings and Committees". The Company's only executive officers are those who are described in the foregoing table. The officers of the Company are elected annually at the first meeting of the Company's Board of Directors held after each annual meeting of shareholders and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Mark E. Goldstein is the son of Jerome J. Goldstein. With this exception, there are no family relationships among the executive officers or directors, and there are no arrangements or understandings pursuant to which any of them was elected as an executive officer or director. Directors' Meetings and Committees During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company had four directors meetings, plus seven actions by unanimous written consent. The Company's Board of Directors has both a Compensation Committee and an Audit Committee. The primary responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include development of an executive compensation philosophy for the Company; origination of all executive compensation proposals; review of the appropriate mix of variable versus fixed compensation; and review of all transactions between the Company and any executive officer or director, whether or not involving compensation. The Committee consists of at least two or more outside directors of the Company and, in addition, the Chairman of the Board of the Company. Current members of the Compensation Committee are Dennis H. Field (Chairperson), James F. Keane, Michael J. Sheets, and Jerome J. Goldstein (with Mr. Goldstein having no vote). Mr. Keane became a member of the Compensation Committee in February, 1998; the other three persons were members of the Compensation Committee throughout 1997. The Compensation Committee met two times during 1997. The Audit Committee has as its primary responsibilities the recommendation of an independent public accountant to audit the annual financial statements of the Company, the review of internal and external audit functions, the review of internal accounting controls, the review of annual financial statements, and a review at its discretion of compliance with corporate policies and codes of conduct. The Audit Committee is comprised of outside directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Michael J. Sheets (Chairperson), James F. Keane, and Dennis H. Field. The Audit Committee met two times during 1997. Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation The Compensation Committee includes two persons who are or have previously been employed by the Company or its subsidiaries. Jerome J. Goldstein is Chairman of the Board of the Company and, prior to August 1990, was also the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Goldstein is a non-voting member of the Committee. From 1978 to 1982. Dennis H. Field was President and Chief Operating Officer of Aquafilter Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company which manufactured cigarette filters. After leaving Aquafilter Corporation, Mr. Field had virtually no contact with the Company from the date of his resignation to 1991 when he was asked to join the Company's Board. Prior to 1991, he was Executive Vice President/General Manager, U.S. Division, of Faberge. Mr. Field has a distinguished career with significant consumer product companies. Michael J. Sheets, a director and a member of the Compensation Committee, is a consultant to the Company, providing advice primarily in the areas of marketing and advertising. Mr. Sheets became a consultant at the time of joining the Company's Board of Directors in 1990. He is paid $1,667 per month for his services as a consultant. Mr. Sheets was, prior to October, 1990, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airwick Industries (Reckitt and Colman Household Products), a large competitor of the Company, and has a distinguished career in consumer products manufacturing, advertising and sales. Executive Compensation Summary Compensation Table The following Summary Compensation Table shows the annual and other compensation of the chief executive officer and all other executive officers of the Company for services in all capacities provided to the Company and its subsidiaries for the past three years. SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE Annual Compensation Other All Name and Annual Other Principal Salary Bonus Compensation Compensation Position Year $ $(1) $ ($)(2) Mark E. Goldstein 1997 $350,000 $140,373 $23,142 $2,289 President and Chief 1996 $350,000 $ 32,373 $65,053 $5,356 Executive Officer 1995 $350,000 $104,097 $23,054 $4,075 Jerome J. Goldstein 1997 $350,000 $140,373 $88,442 $2,289 Chairman of The Board 1996 $350,000 $ 32,373 $82,023 $5,356 7 373 1995 $350,000 $104,097 $93,044 $4,075 Carolyn J. Anderson 1997 $300,000 $140,373 $29,504 $2,289 Executive Vice 1996 $300,000 $ 32,373 $27,656 $5,356 President, Chief 1995 $300,000 $104,097 $72,867 $4,075 Operating Officer Corporate Secretary Barry Shepard 1997 $220,000 $140,373 $106,062 $2,289 Treasurer and 1996 $220,000 $ 32,373 $44,143 $5,356 Assistant Secretary 1995 $220,000 $104,097 $37,951 $4,075
Note: There were no restricted stock awards, long term incentive payouts, or long term compensation awards, such as an award of stock options, during the last three fiscal years. (1) The Company has adopted a bonus plan for its executive officers for the 1998 year. The Plan provides that an amount will be distributed to the Company's executive officers equal to 10% of the annual before tax profit exceeding $1 million, excluding items that are infrequent, unusual, or extraordinary. Such amount, if any, for 1998 will be divided equally among the Company's four executive officers. In no event is a bonus paid unless pre-tax profits, excluding the above-mentioned items, exceed $1,000,000 for the fiscal year, nor is any bonus paid on the first $1,000,000 of pre-tax earnings, excluding the above mentioned items. The Company had substantially the same plan in 1997, 1996, and 1995. (2) All Other Compensation for each of the executive officers consists of Company contributions under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust Agreement ("ESOP") which provides that the Company may contribute annually to the ESOP cash or common stock in an amount not to exceed 15% of all participants' total compensation. The Board of Directors determines whether any contributions will be made for the year. Benefits are allocated to all eligible employees according to a formula based on compensation, except that any income earned on assets of the Trust is allocated to ESOP participants based upon the value that each participant's account bears to the total value of Trust assets. There were no changes in the base salaries of the Company's four officers from October 30, 1988 through December 31, 1994. In the aggregate, executive officers' base salaries were increased by 13.5% for 1995, and there have been no changes since that year. The dollar amount of Other Annual Compensation changes from year to year because of fluctuations in the costs of benefits and their timing. Other Annual Compensation in the table above for 1995 through 1997 is comprised of the following: Mark E. Goldstein Jerome J. Goldstein 1995 1996 1997 1995 1996 1997 Automobile $ - $20,050 $ - $ - $ - $ - purchase (1) Income taxes Automobile - 19,302 - - - - purchase (1) Other automobile Expenses 2,364 2,426 919 1,463 989 364 Memberships 7,505 10,433 12,311 6,655 8,443 9,321 Life insurance 2,345 2,446 2,446 35,150 35,150 34,835 Income taxes on lifeIinsurance 2,022 1,888 2,273 34,017 28,298 32,797 Medical plan(2) 6,382 6,072 2,831 12,417 5,801 8,759 Other 2,436 2,436 2,362 3,342 3,342 2,366 _________________________________________________________________________________ Total other compensation $23,054 $65,053 $23,142 $93,044 $82,023 $88,442 Carolyn J. Anderson Barry Shepard 1995 1996 1997 1995 1996 1997 Automobile $25,000 $ - $ - $ - $ - $25,000 purchase (1) Income taxes Automobile 22,384 - - - - 24,068 (1) Other automobile Expenses 3,355 1,409 2,706 2,512 1,557 1,929 Memberships 3,052 4,343 5,328 3,352 6,127 7,110 Life insurance 8,220 8,220 8,220 12,956 14,822 15,733 Income taxes on lifeIinsurance 7,089 6,617 7,648 11,174 10,431 13,812 Medical plan(2) 1,870 5,170 3,239 5,521 8,770 16,045 Other 1,897 1,897 2,363 2,436 2,436 2,365 _________________________________________________________________________________ Total other compensation $72,867 $27,656 $29,504 $37,951 $44,143 $106,062
(1) Every three years, the Company provides $25,000, plus an amount to pay resulting income taxes, to each executive officer for the purchase of an automobile. (2) In addition to group life, health, hospitalization and medical reimbursement plans which generally are available to all employees, the Company has adopted a plan which provides for additional medical coverage of not more than $50,000 per year to each of the Company's executive officers. The plan further provides that, for a period of five years following an executive officer's voluntary retirement, or involuntary retirement in the event of a change in control of the Company, the Company will, at no cost to the executive or his or her surviving dependents, cover the executive and/or such dependents under the Company Health Plan and shall also provide, at no cost to the executive, for the payment of this additional medical coverage of up to $50,000. The Company maintains a Key Executive Disability Plan, which is not reflected in the table above. The purpose of this Plan is to provide the executive with his or her regular salary during periods of long-term disability in excess of 90 days to age 70, or to date of death, whichever first occurs; and to provide the Chairman of the Board with the same benefit for life. The benefits available under this Plan will cease upon termination of employment as an executive officer of the Company other than during a period of disability. The Plan is partially funded by disability insurance maintained by the Company under which the Company is the beneficiary. Options Granted No options were granted to the Company's executive officers during the last fiscal year. Option Exercises in 1997 and Year-End Option Values No options were exercised by any of the Company's executive officers during 1997. The following table summarizes information with respect to the value of each officer's unexercised stock options at December 31, 1997. Fiscal Year End Option Values Number of Securities In-the-Money Underlying Unexercised Value of Unexercised Options at Year End Options at Year End (1) Name Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable Mark E, Goldstein 70,500 0 68,281 0 Jerome J. Goldstein 70,500 0 68,281 0 Carolyn J. Anderson 70,500 0 76,562 0 Barry Shepard 70,500 0 76,562 0
(1) The in-the-money value of unexercised options is equal to the difference between the per share market price of the Company's stock at December 31, 1997 and the per share exercise price multiplied by the number of unexercised options. The options shown in the table above were issued under the Company's 1986 Incentive Stock Option Plan. This Plan expired in 1996, and thus no additional shares are available for options under this Plan. No option under this Plan may be exercised more than ten years after it was granted, and the exercise price must be at least 100% of the fair market value of the Company's stock on the date of grant. If an employee owned more than 10% of the Company's outstanding stock, then these limitations were five years from the date of grant and 110% of the fair market value. Options were not granted to any person in any year to purchase shares having an aggregate fair market value greater than $100,000 at the date the option was granted. Payment for shares purchased upon the exercise of any option must be made in cash. The Company's executive officers and outside directors are not eligible to participate in the Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan being submitted for approval by the Company's shareholders at the 1998 Annual Meeting. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT Background The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors was created in March, 1992 and includes two outside directors. The responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include the origination of all executive compensation proposals. In making decisions regarding executive compensation, the Compensation Committee considers a number of factors. The Compensation Committee has also determined that an outside consultant on compensation matters should be used once every three years. Organization Philosophy The Committee believes that the Company's organization and the specific responsibilities of the four executive officers are an essential part of analyzing compensation levels. The first important point concerning the management of the Company is that the four executives subscribe to a team concept of executive management, and operate in accordance with this concept. Although each of the executive officers has his or her specific areas of responsibility and each is able to and often does make independent decisions, the executive officers operate as a collaborative team, and very few significant decisions are made without input from the group as a whole. Second, each executive officer is responsible for a number of distinct areas and tasks. Each performs many tasks traditionally associated with "middle management" in other companies in addition to their respective duties of top level or executive management. As a result, the Company has very little "middle management" and operates as a fairly lean organization compared to many of its competitors. In a real sense, this management organization has saved the Company substantial amounts of money over the years. Also the few middle managers in the Company have virtually no role in setting Company policy or in making significant management decisions, all of which are handled by one or more of the four executive officers. Jerome J. Goldstein is the founder of the Company and served as its President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board until August 1990. In August 1990 he relinquished the titles of President and Chief Executive Officer to Mark E. Goldstein, his son. Mr. Goldstein's relinquishment of the positions of President and CEO was in no sense a retirement, nor a reduction in his contribution to the Company and its performance. Jerome Goldstein has continued to be the most important driving force behind Company policy. Finally, the Company relies greatly on Mr. Goldstein's entrepreneurial skills and his talent with respect to product development and design. Since the Company's success is driven by the quality and marketability of its current products and the development of new products, these skills cannot be minimized when assessing Jerome Goldstein's contributions to the Company, both in 1997 and over time. Mark E. Goldstein has the basic responsibilities associated with being a CEO of a public company. He is also actively involved in the sales and marketing efforts of the Company. For example Mark Goldstein is the primary contact with the Company's largest account, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and he directs the Company's advertising and promotional efforts. He ultimately is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Company, although he relies on the other three executive officers for their advice and counsel. Carolyn J. Anderson has been employed by the Company for twenty-eight years, longer than anyone on the executive team other than Jerome Goldstein. She became Corporate Secretary in 1973; she was promoted to Executive Vice President in 1974; and Mrs. Anderson was given the additional title and responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer in 1982. As Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Anderson has the most direct responsibility and decision-making authority with respect to the day-to-day operations of the Company's plant and facilities. Additionally, Ms. Anderson directs the Company's research and development activities. Ms. Anderson also plays a major role, in cooperation with Barry Shepard, with respect to the Company's "human resources" decisions. It should be noted that the Company does not have a director of human resources. Further, Ms. Anderson is, together with Mr. Shepard, the primary contact for the Company's legal matters. Barry Shepard performs all of the traditional functions of Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, including negotiations and maintenance of relationships with creditors and the trustee for the Company's bonds. He has been with the Company since 1981, and his role on the executive team has increased during his tenure with the Company. Mr. Shepard supervises all of the back office functions of the Company, including accounting, data processing, computer operations and personnel. In addition, he is an active participant in the Company's extensive market research program. Factors In determining its recommendations on executive compensation, the Committee considered the management organization as described above and the following factors, among others: (a) Services performed and time devoted to the Company by the executive; (b) Amounts paid to executives in comparable companies; (c) The size and complexities of the business; (d) Successes achieved by the executive; (e) The executive's abilities; (f) Increase in volume of business during the executive's tenure; (g) Corporate earnings and profits; (h) Comparison of salary to distributions to stockholders; (i) Prevailing economic conditions; (j) Compensation paid to other employees of the corporation; and (k) The amount previously paid to the executive. Utilizing these factors, the Compensation Committee recommended that the base salaries of the Company's executive officers remain the same in 1997 as in 1996 and that the components of other compensation provided to the Company's executive officers also remain the same in 1997 as in 1996. These recom mendations were adopted by the Company's Board of Directors. In making the recommendations, the Compensation Committee noted, among other things, that: With respect to base salaries, the base salaries of the Company's four executive officers prior to 1995 had not changed since October 30, 1988; the Chairman of the Board requested no increase in his base salary in 1995 and did not receive an increase; the executive officers' base salaries were increased in the aggregate by 13.5% for 1995; the bonus plan has been in effect for a number of years, with a result of decreasing compensation in 1996 because of the Company's performance; the Company's emphasis is on the bonus plans and performance; the levels of the bonus plan and other components of compensation have been in effect for a number of years; the Company's officers have not received stock options since 1994 and no stock options were recommended for 1997; the anticipated amounts paid for the base salary and bonus in 1997 were and are expected to be tax deductible, without being subject to a limitation on the deductibility of certain compensation in excess of $1 million under the Internal Revenue Code; the executive officers devote considerable time to the Company, often more than full-time; and the Company's philosophy as to its employees in general is that good employees, who are paid well and stay with the Company, contribute significantly to the successes of the Company's businesses. In terms of successes achieved by the executives in 1996, the Compensation Committee noted, among others, the following: Alpha Hydrox sales rank number one or very high for alpha hydroxy skin care products, according to national data of an independent rating service; the Company has been able to maintain the core sales of its household chemical products; for the 1996 year, the Company had approximately $2.5 million in income from operations, before taxes and the costs of settlement in an environmental lawsuit referred to as the Rocky Mountain Arsenal case; settlement of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal matter in 1996 was in the Company's best interest; Elite Touch of Scent was test marketed and represented an aggressive approach by the Company in an effort to increase sales of Touch of Scent; there have been further line extensions of the Alpha Hydrox products; the Company was and is in the process of considering new products; the Company has maintained its businesses against severe competitive pressures, had sales increases in the fourth quarter of 1996 and was endeavoring in 1997 to reverse a sales downturn in 1996; international sales are being expanded, with activity in Canada and preparations for the introduction of products in South America; and, the Company's management had performed well in improving the Company's financial condition, including continuing to satisfy covenants for the Company's bonds, meeting bond sinking fund requirements, and repurchasing bonds at favorable prices. In connection with recommending the compensation of executive officers for 1995, the Compensation Committee did engage the Hay Group for a review of competitiveness of the Company's executive compensation levels. In summary, the Hay Group found that, while some executive's total direct compensation levels are relatively high and others relatively low compared to competition, in total the compensation levels of the Company's executive officers are within competitive ranges. As a result of the Committee's decision to engage a consultant on compensation matters every three years, the Hay Group was asked in 1997 to assess the competitiveness of the executive compensation levels of the Company. Their report issued in July, 1997 concluded that overall the total direct compensation practices of the Company fall within a peer group competitive range, with competitiveness of the pay packages varying by executive. Base salaries were viewed as in line with competitive practices; annual incentive awards were below competition, with the size of the annual incentive being a direct result of Company performance; and long-term incentive awards, such as stock options, were below competitive practices. The Company's 1997 executive bonus plan provides for a bonus pool based on 10% of pre-tax profits (excluding items that are infrequent, unusual or extraordinary) for the year in excess of $1 million. The four key executive officers are and were to share equally the bonus awarded under the plan. The Company had substantially the same plan in prior years. The Compensation Committee believes that this bonus plan is an important part of the incentives for the Company's executive officers and recognizes directly many of the factors considered important by the Compensation Committee as are stated above. The Company provides certain other benefits and perquisites to the executive officers. The Committee believes that the types of benefits offered to Company executives and the value of these benefits are similar to benefit packages provided by competitors. While a Hay Group report in 1992 found that the Company had a comprehensive executive benefits package, there are several other common benefit programs that the Company does not provide to its executives. A number of the benefits are provided by the Company not only to the executive officers but also to other Company employees. These benefits are appropriate for their positions, to compensate them consistent with market levels and to facilitate performance of their jobs in a more efficient and effective manner. In conclusion, the factors described above remain applicable for 1997, and the Compensation Committee believes that the levels of compensation for the Company's four executive officers have been fair and appropriate. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE Dennis H. Field Michael J. Sheets Jerome J. Goldstein Stock Performance Graph There follows a graph, constructed for the Company, comparing the cumulative total shareholder return of Scott's Liquid Gold-Inc. common stock to the NYSE Composite Index, and to a selected peer group. 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Scott's Liquid Gold 100 400 564.9 281.35 146.79 311.94 Peer Group 100 107.68 121.16 163.34 219.81 322.99 NYSE 100 113.54 111.33 144.36 173.9 228.78
Fiscal year ended December 31 Assumes $100 invested on December 31, 1992 in the Company, the Peer Group, The NYSE Composite Index and assumes the reinvestment of any dividends Note: The foregoing graph was prepared for the Company by Media General Financial Services of Richmond, Virginia. The peer group selected by the Company consists of companies which use the standard industrial classification of specialty cleaning and sanitation and which are publicly held, and other publicly held companies which are partially or entirely engaged in the cosmetics business. The Company believes that, within its industry classes, the assembly of a peer group is difficult because the Company competes with other companies which are significantly larger than Scott's Liquid Gold-Inc., including two major companies which are not publicly traded. The following companies comprise the peer group: Avon Products, Inc., Clorox Co. (includes Armor All Products, acquired by Clorox Co. in 1997), Zagarelli Group International (formerly Cosmetic Group USA, Inc.), NCH Corp., Neutramax Products, Inc., Ocean Bio-Chem, Inc. and Procter & Gamble, and Stephan Co. Compensation of Directors Four directors are full-time executive officers of the Company and receive no additional compensation for service as a director. Michael J. Sheets, Dennis H. Field, and James F. Keane are non-employee directors. The Company pays $2,500 per month to each non-employee director for his services as director. Mr. Michael J. Sheets is also paid $1,667 per month as a consultant to the Company, primarily in the area of marketing and advertising. On January 15, 1993, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the Company's 1993 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors (the "Plan"), which was approved by the Company's shareholders on May 5, 1993. The Plan provides for the granting of options to directors who are not employees of the Company. The purpose of the Plan is to further the growth and development of the Company by providing an incentive to outside directors of the Company, by increasing their involvement in the business and affairs of the Company, by helping the Company to attract and retain well qualified directors and/or by rewarding directors for their past dedication to the Company. The Plan became effective on January 15, 1993. A maximum of 400,000 shares of the Company's common stock are available for issuance upon the exercise of options granted under the Plan. The number of shares available under the Plan, the number of shares subject to outstanding options, and the exercise price per share of such options are subject to adjustment on account of stock dividends, stock splits, mergers, consolidations, recapitalizations, combinations or exchanges of stock, or other similar circumstances. If any option under the Plan terminates or expires, the shares allocable to the unexercised portion of the option will again be available for purposes of the Plan. The Plan is administered by the Board of Directors or a committee appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, consisting of no fewer than two directors. The Plan is currently administered by the Board of Directors. At March 11, 1998, options to purchase 399,999 shares of the Company's common stock had been granted under the Plan, 148,333 each to Michael J. Sheets and Dennis H. Field (with an exercise price of $1.09 for 100,000 shares, $4.87 for 45,000 shares, and $2.00 for 3,333 shares), and 103,333 to James F. Keane (with an exercise price per share of $1.66 for 5,000 shares, $3.00 for 50,000 shares, $4.87 for 45,000 shares, and $2.00 for 3,333 shares). In November, 1997, the Board of Directors extended the expiration date of the option held by Dennis H. Field for 100,000 shares from January 14, 1998 to January 14, 2001. Except for the exercise of options for 100,000 shares by Mr. Sheets, no options had been exercised at March 11, 1998. TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT The Company has indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers. These agreements provide for indemnification and advancement of expenses to the full extent permitted by law in connection with any proceeding in which the person is made a party because the person is a director or officer of the Company. They also state certain procedures, presumptions and terms relevant to indemnification and advancement of expenses. APPROVAL OF 1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN (For Employees Other Than Executive Officers) On November 10, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"), subject to approval and ratification by the Company's shareholders. The Plan provides for the granting of options to employees who are not executive officers of the Company. (The word "Company" as used in the Plan refers to Scott's Liquid Gold-Inc. and its Subsidiaries.) Under the Plan, the Board, in its sole discretion, may issue either Nonqualified Stock Options (those which do not qualify as Incentive Stock Options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") or Incentive Stock Options (those which qualify for favorable federal income tax treatment under the Code). The purpose of the Plan is to further the growth and development of the Company through affording the opportunity for stock ownership to selected employees. The effective date of the Plan is November 10, 1997. A copy of the Plan appears as Exhibit A to this Proxy Statement. The major features of the Plan are summarized below, but such summary is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Plan. Shares Available for Issuance A maximum of 300,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock are available for issuance upon the exercise of options granted under the Plan. The number of shares available under the Plan, the number of shares subject to outstanding options, and the exercise price per share of such options are subject to adjustment on account of stock dividends, stock splits, mergers, consolidations, recapitalizations, combinations or exchanges of stock, or other similar occurrences effecting a change in the outstanding shares without the receipt of additional consideration by the Company. If any option under the Plan terminates or expires, the shares allocable to the unexercised portion of the option will again be available for purposes of the Plan. Administration of the Plan The Plan is administered by the Company's Board of Directors or a committee appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Board, consisting of no fewer than two directors. The Plan is currently administered by the Board of Directors. The Board or committee, whichever is appointed to administer the Plan, is called the "committee". Subject to the terms of the Plan, after considering the recommendation of any administering committee, the Board of Directors determines which Company employees other than executive officers will receive options, the type of options to be awarded (whether Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options) , the exercise price of the options, the number of shares to be subject to each option granted to an employee, and other terms of the options. The Board has full authority to interpret the Plan and to prescribe rules for its administration. Eligibility Under the Plan, all full-time salaried and hourly-rated employees of the Company, excluding the Company's executive officers, who are responsible for the performance of various duties for the Company and/or who are involved in endeavors significant to the success of the Company are eligible to receive options. Option Exercise Price and Other Terms Options may be granted under the Plan through November 9, 2007. The option price per share for Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan must be not less than 100% of the fair market value (as of the date of grant) of the shares subject to the option. The option price for Nonqualified Stock Options granted under the Plan must not be less than 85% of the fair market value (as of the date of grant) of the shares subject to the option. The fair market value is determined by reference to closing prices on the public market. The full price for shares must be paid in cash at the time the option is exercised. Each option must expire no later than ten years after the date it is granted. Upon termination of employment for reasons other than death, disability or for cause, an optionee may at any time within three months after the date of termination, and prior to any expiration of the option, exercise the option. A period of one year is permitted for exercise by the optionee's heirs if the optionee's employment is terminated due to death or disability. Options terminate immediately upon termination of employment for cause. Options may include vesting restrictions on the exercise based on the passage of time, the achievement of goals or the occurrence of events. Options granted under the Plan may be not be transferred other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Amendment and Termination The Company's Board of Directors may at any time amend, suspend or terminate the Plan except that no action by the Board may impair outstanding options. No amendment to the Plan may be made without shareholder approval that would increase the total number of shares under the Plan (except for any adjustments as described above for stock dividends and other events), reduce the exercise price of options or materially modify the eligibility requirements. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Board may modify, extend or renew any outstanding option under the Plan, accept the surrender of outstanding options, and authorize the grant of substitute options. Federal Income Tax Consequences The grant of an Incentive Stock Option under the Plan does not produce taxable income to the optionee or a tax deduction to the Company. Upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option, the employee will not realize taxable income and the Company will not be entitled to a compensation deduction; however, the excess of the fair market value over the exercise price may be taxed to the employee under the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code. The Code imposes a statutory holding period for Incentive Stock Options, which is the later of (1) one year after the shares were transferred to an employee upon exercise of an option or (2) two years after the date of grant. If an employee sells or otherwise disposes of shares acquired upon the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option prior to meeting the statutory holding period requirements, all or a portion of any gain will be taxed as ordinary income to the employee; in that case, the Company will be entitled to deduct an equal amount as a compensation expense. The amount of ordinary income is the lesser of (1) the difference between the fair market value at the date of exercise and the exercise price, or (2) the gain on the sale (the amount realized less the exercise price). Otherwise, an optionee's disposition of shares acquired upon the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option (including a disposition after the expiration of the statutory holding period) will result in short-term or long-term capital gain or loss measured by the difference between the disposition price and the employee's tax basis in the shares (the tax basis is generally the exercise price plus the amount previously recognized as ordinary income). The grant of a Nonqualified Stock Option under the Plan does not produce taxable income to the optionee or a tax deduction to the Company. Upon exercise of a Nonqualified Stock Option, the excess of the fair market value of the shares acquired over the exercise price will be taxable to the optionee as ordinary income and will be deductible by the Company as a compensation expense. Existing Grant of Options On February 25, 1998, the Board of Directors granted options for 232,000 shares under the Plan to 139 employees, subject to shareholder approval and ratification of the Plan. The exercise price of their options is $3.875, which was the closing price of the Company's common stock on February 24, 1998. These options are not subject to any vesting requirements and expire on February 24, 2003. As of February 27, 1998, the closing price for the Company's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $3.875. The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" approval and ratification of the 1997 Plan. Proxies solicited by the Board of Directors will be voted "FOR" approval and ratification of the Scott's Liquid Gold-Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan. SECTION 16 REPORTS Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Company to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission reports regarding changes in their beneficial ownership of shares in the Company. To the Company's knowledge, there was full compliance with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to those persons. COMPANY ACCOUNTANTS Arthur Andersen LLC were selected by the Board of Directors as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, and it is anticipated that the Company may select the same firm as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1998. A representative of Arthur Andersen LLC is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and to have the opportunity to make a statement if he so desires. Such representative also is expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions at that time. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS Shareholder proposals for inclusion in the Company's proxy materials relating to the next annual meeting of shareholders must be received by the Company on or before November 28, 1998. 1997 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K THE COMPANY'S FORM 10-K REPORT FOR 1997 CONSISTS PRIMARILY OF CROSS REFERENCES TO INFORMATION IN THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS AND THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND IS FILED ELECTRONICALLY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. SHAREHOLDERS WHO WISH TO OBTAIN, WITHOUT CHARGE, A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S FORM 10-K REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 IN THE FORM FILED WITH THE SEC SHOULD ADDRESS A WRITTEN REQUEST TO CAROLYN J. ANDERSON, CORPORATE SECRETARY, SCOTT'S LIQUID GOLD-INC., 4880 HAVANA STREET, DENVER, COLORADO 80239. SOLICITATION OF PROXIES The Company will pay the cost of soliciting proxies in the accompanying form. In addition to solicitation by mail, proxies may be solicited by officers and other regular employees of the Company by telephone, telegraph or by personal interview for which employees will not receive additional compensation. Arrangements also may be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward solicitation materials to beneficial owners of the shares held of record by such persons, and the Company may reimburse such persons for reasonable out-of pocket expenses incurred by them in so doing. OTHER BUSINESS As of the date of this Proxy Statement, Management was not aware that any business not described above would be presented for consideration at the meeting. If any other business properly comes before the meeting, it is intended that the shares represented by proxies will be voted in respect thereto in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting them. The above Notice and Proxy Statement are sent by order of the Board of Directors. CAROLYN J. ANDERSON Corporate Secretary Denver, Colorado March 27, 1998 EXHIBIT A SCOTT'S LIQUID GOLD-INC. 1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN SECTION 1: PURPOSE The purpose of the Scott's Liquid Gold-Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") is to further the growth and development of Scott's Liquid Gold-Inc. (the "Company") by affording an opportunity for stock ownership to selected employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries who are responsible for the performance of various duties for the Company or its Subsidiaries and/or who are involved in endeavors significant to the success of the Company or its Subsidiaries. SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS Unless otherwise indicated, the following words when used herein shall have the following meanings: (a) "Board of Directors" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company. (b) "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. (c) "Common Stock" shall mean the Company's common stock (par value $0.10 per share) and any share or shares of the Company's capital stock hereafter issued or issuable in substitution for such shares. (d) "Director" shall mean a member of the Board of Directors. (e) "Incentive Stock Option" shall mean any option granted to an eligible employee under the Plan, which the Company intends at the time the option is granted to be an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code. (f) "Nonqualified Stock Option" shall mean any option granted to an eligible employee under the Plan which is not an Incentive Stock Option. (g) "Option" shall mean and refer collectively to Incentive Stock Options and Nonqualified Stock Options. (h) "Option Agreement" means the agreement specified in Section 7.2. (i) "Optionee" shall mean any employee who is granted an Option under the Plan. "Optionee" shall also mean the personal representative of an Optionee and any other person who acquires the right to exercise an Option by bequest or inheritance. (j) "Parent" shall mean a parent corporation of the Company as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code. (k) "Subsidiary" shall mean a subsidiary corporation of the Company as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code. (l) "Termination for Cause" shall mean an involuntary severance of employment on account of: (1) refusal to obey written or verbal directions of a lawful and/or moral nature issued by a supervisor or corporate officer or by the Board of Directors; (2) fraud or dishonesty directed against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (3) breach of any material obligation of nondisclosure or confidentiality owed to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including any such breach pertaining to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission; (4) commission of any criminal offense which constitutes a felony in the jurisdiction in which the offense is committed; or (5) violation of any Company rules or regulations, such as those pertaining to attendance, which constitutes grounds for dismissal. SECTION 3: EFFECTIVE DATE The effective date of the Plan is November 10, 1997; provided, however, that the adoption of the Plan by the Board of Directors is subject to approval and ratification by the shareholders of the Company within 12 months of the effective date. Options granted under the Plan prior to approval of the Plan by the shareholders of the Company shall be subject to approval of the Plan by the shareholders of the Company. SECTION 4: ADMINISTRATION 4.1 Administrative Committee. The Plan shall be administered by a Committee appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, consisting of not fewer than two Directors (the "Committee"). The Committee may, but need not, be the existing Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may from time to time remove members from or add members to the Committee, and vacancies on the Committee, howsoever caused, shall be filled by the Board of Directors. 4.2 Committee Meetings and Actions. The Committee shall hold meetings at such times and places as it may determine. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and the acts of the majority of the members present at a meeting or a consent in writing signed by all members of the Committee shall be the acts of the Committee and, subject to Board of Directors' approval or ratification, shall be final, binding and conclusive upon all persons, including the Company, its Subsidiaries, its shareholders, and all persons having any interest in Options which may be or have been granted pursuant to the Plan. 4.3 Powers of Committee. The Committee shall recommend to the Board specific Option grants and determine terms and conditions of all Options granted under the Plan and shall recommend amendments and/or deletions of rules and regulations for administration of the Plan. In recommending Option grants, the Committee shall take into consideration the contribution the Optionee has made or may make to the success of the Company or its Subsidiaries and such other factors as the Committee shall determine. 4.4 Interpretation of Plan. The determination of the Committee as to any disputed question arising under the Plan, including questions of construction and interpretation, shall be final, binding and conclusive upon all persons, including the Company, its Subsidiaries, its shareholders, and all persons having any interest in Options which may be or have been granted pursuant to the Plan. 4.5 Indemnification. Each person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee or of the Board of Directors shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit or proceeding to which such person may be a party or in which such person may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid in settlement thereof, with the Company's approval, or paid in satisfaction of a judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding against him, provided such person shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before undertaking to handle and defend it on such person's own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of, and is in addition to, any other rights of indemnification to which any person may be entitled under the Company's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless. SECTION 5: STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN 5.1 Number. The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued under Options granted pursuant to the Plan shall not exceed 300,000 shares. Shares which may be issued under Options may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized but unissued stock or treasury stock of the Company not reserved for any other purpose. 5.2 Unused Stock. If any outstanding Option under the Plan expires or for any other reason ceases to be exercisable, in whole or in part, other than upon exercise of the Option, the shares which were subject to such Option and as to which the Option had not been exercised shall continue to be available under the Plan. 5.3 Adjustment for Change in Outstanding Shares. If there is any change, increase or decrease, in the outstanding shares of Common Stock which is effected without receipt of additional consideration by the Company, by reason of a stock dividend, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, stock split, combination or exchange of stock, or other similar circumstances, then in each such event, the Committee shall make an appropriate adjustment in the aggregate number of shares of stock available under the Plan, the number of shares of stock subject to each outstanding Option and the Option prices in order to prevent the dilution or enlargement of any Optionee's rights. In making such adjustments, fractional shares shall be rounded to the nearest whole share. The Committee's determinations in making adjustments shall be final and conclusive. 5.4 Reorganization or Sale of Assets. If the Company is merged or consolidated with another corporation and the Company is not the surviving corporation, or if all or substantially all of the assets of the Company are acquired by another entity, or if the Company is liquidated or reorganized (each of such events being referred to hereinafter as a "Reorganization Event'), the Committee shall, as to outstanding Options, either: (1) make appropriate provision for the protection of any such outstanding Options by the substitution on an equitable basis of appropriate stock of the Company, or of the merged, consolidated or otherwise reorganized corporation, which will be issuable in respect of the Common Stock, provided that no additional benefits shall be conferred upon Optionees as a result of such substitution, and provided further that the excess of the aggregate fair market value of the shares subject to the Options immediately after such substitution over the purchase price thereof is not more than the excess of the aggregate fair market value of the shares subject to such Options immediately before such substitution over the purchase price thereof: or (2) upon written notice to all Optionees, which notice shall be given not less than twenty days prior to the effective date of the Reorganization Event, provide that all unexercised Options must be exercised within a specified number of days (which shall not be less than ten) of the date of such notice or such Options will terminate. In response to a notice provided pursuant to clause (2) of the preceding sentence, an Optionee may make an irrevocable election to exercise the Optionee's Option contingent upon and effective as of the effective date of the Reorganization Event. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the exercise dates of outstanding Options in connection with any Reorganization Event. SECTION 6: ELIGIBILITY All full-time salaried and hourly-rated employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries who are responsible for the performance of various duties for the Company or its Subsidiaries and/or who are involved in endeavors significant to the success of the Company or its Subsidiaries shall be eligible to receive both Incentive Stock Options and Nonqualified Stock Options under the Plan; provided, however, that the officers of the Company shall not be eligible to receive Options under the Plan. For purposes of this Section 6, a full-time employee shall be any employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries who is regularly scheduled to work at least forty hours per week. SECTION 7: GRANT OF OPTIONS 7.1 Grant of Options. The Committee may from time to time in its discretion determine which of the eligible employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries should receive Options, the type of Options to be granted (whether Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options), the number of shares subject to such Options, and the dates on which such Options are to be granted. No employee may be granted Incentive Stock Options to the extent that the aggregate fair market value (determined as of the time each Option is granted) of the Common Stock with respect to which any such Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time during a calendar year (under all incentive stock option plans of the Company and its Parent and Subsidiaries) would exceed $100,000. 7.2 Option Agreement. Each Option granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a written Option Agreement setting forth the terms upon which the Option is granted. Each Option Agreement shall designate the type of Options being granted (whether Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options), and shall state the number of shares of Common Stock, as designated by the Committee, to which that Option pertains. More than one Option may be granted to an eligible person. 7.3 Option Price. The option price per share of Common Stock under each Option shall be determined by the Committee and stated in the Option Agreement. The option price for Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value (determined as of the day the Option is granted) of the shares subject to the Option. The option price for Nonqualified Stock Options granted under the Plan shall not be less than 85% of the fair market value (determined as of the day the Option is granted) of the shares subject to the Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the option price per share be less than the par value of the Common Stock. 7.4 Determination of Fair Market Value. If the Common Stock (which is currently listed on the New York Stock Exchange) is listed upon an established stock exchange, then the fair market value per share shall be deemed to be the quoted closing price of the Common Stock on such stock exchange on the day for which the determination is made, or if no sales of the Common Stock shall have been made on the stock exchange on that day, on the next preceding day on which there was such a sale. If the Common Stock is listed upon more than one established stock exchange, the fair market value per share shall be deemed to be the average of the quoted closing prices of the Common Stock on all such stock exchanges on the day for which the determination is made, determined for each such stock exchange in accordance with the preceding sentence. If the Common Stock is not listed upon any established stock exchange but is traded in the NASDAQ National Market System, the fair market value per share shall be deemed to be the closing price of the Common Stock in the National Market System on the day for which the determination is made, or if there shall have been no trading of the Common Stock on that day, on the next preceding day on which there was such trading. If the Common Stock is not listed upon any established stock exchange and is not traded in the National Market System, the fair market value per share shall be deemed to be the mean between the dealer "bid" and "ask" closing prices of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ System on the day for which the determination is made, or if there shall have been no trading of the Common Stock on that day, on the next preceding day on which there was such trading. If none of these conditions apply, the fair market value per share shall be deemed to be an amount as determined in good faith by the Committee by applying any reasonable valuation method. 7.5 Duration of Options. Each Option shall be of a duration as specified in the Option Agreement; provided, however, that the term of each Option shall be no more than ten years from the date on which the Option is granted and shall be subject to early termination as provided herein. 7.6 Additional Limitations on Grant. No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to an employee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock (as determined in accordance with Section 424(d) of the Code) representing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Parent or Subsidiary, unless the option price of such Incentive Stock Option is at least 110% of the fair market value (determined as of the day the Incentive Stock Option is granted) of the stock subject to the Incentive Stock Option and the Incentive Stock Option by its terms is not exercisable more than five years from the date it is granted. 7.7 Other Terms and Conditions. The Option Agreement may contain such other provisions, which shall not be inconsistent with the Plan, as the Committee shall deem appropriate, including, without limitation, provisions that relate the Optionee's ability to exercise an Option to the passage of time or the achievement of specific goals established by the Committee or the occurrence of certain events specified by the Committee. SECTION 8: EXERCISE OF OPTIONS 8.1 Manner of Exercise. Subject to the limitations and conditions of the Plan or the Option Agreement, an Option shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, from time to time, by giving written notice of exercise to the Secretary of the Company, which notice shall specify the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased and shall be accompanied by: (1) payment in full to the Company of the purchase price of the shares to be purchased; plus (2) payment in full of such amount as the Company shall determine to be sufficient to satisfy any liability it may have for any withholding of federal, state or local income or other taxes incurred by reason of the exercise of the Option; and (3) a representation meeting the requirements of Section 11.2 if requested by the Company. 8.2 Payment of Purchase Price. Payment for shares and withholding taxes shall be in the form of either: (1) cash; or (2) a personal check to the order of the Company; or (3) shares of the Common Stock, properly endorsed to the Company, in an amount the fair market value of which on the date of receipt by the Company (as determined in accordance with Section 7.4) equals or exceeds the aggregate option price of the shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised; or (4) in any combination thereof; provided, however, that no payment may be made in shares of Common Stock unless payment in such form and upon such exercise has been approved in advance by the Committee and approved by the Board. SECTION 9: EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT 9.1 Termination of Employment Other Than Upon Death or Disability and Other Than Termination for Cause. Upon termination of an Optionee's employment with the Company or a Subsidiary other than upon death or disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code) and other than a Termination for Cause, an Optionee may, at any time within three months after the date of termination but not later than the date of expiration of the Option, exercise the Option to the extent the Optionee was entitled to do so on the date of termination. Any Options not exercisable as of the date of termination and any Options or portions of Options of terminated Optionees not exercised within the period specified herein shall terminate. 9.2 Termination By Death of Optionee. If an Optionee shall die while in the employ of the Company or a Subsidiary or within a period of three months after the termination of employment with the Company or a Subsidiary under circumstances to which Section 9.1 applies, the personal representatives of the Optionee's estate or the person or persons who shall have acquired the Option from the Optionee by bequest or inheritance may exercise the Option at any time within the year after the date of death but not later than the expiration date of the Option, to the extent the Optionee was entitled to do so on the date of death. Any Options not exercisable as of the date of death and any Options or portions of Options of deceased Optionees not exercised within the period specified herein shall terminate. 9.3 Termination By Disability of Optionee. Upon termination of an Optionee's employment with the Company or a Subsidiary by reason of the Optionee's disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), the Optionee may exercise the Option at any time within one year after the date of termination but not later than the expiration date of the Option, to the extent the Optionee was entitled to do so on the date of termination. Any Options not exercisable as of the date of termination and any Options or portions of Options of disabled Optionees not exercised within the period specified herein shall terminate. 9.4 Other Terminations. Upon termination of an Optionee's employment with the Company or a Subsidiary under circumstances other than those set forth in Sections 9.1, 9.2 or 9.3, including without limitation a Termination for Cause, Options granted to the Optionee shall terminate immediately. 9.5 Extension of Option Termination Date. No option granted under this Plan may be extended by either the Committee or the Board. SECTION 10: NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION Options granted pursuant to the Plan are not transferable by the Optionee other than by Will or the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the Optionee's lifetime only by the Optionee. Upon any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of the Option contrary to the provisions hereof, or upon the levy of any attachment or similar process upon the Option, the Option shall immediately become null and void. SECTION 11: ISSUANCE OF SHARES 11.1 Transfer of Shares to Optionee. As soon as practicable after the Optionee has given the Company written notice of exercise of an Option and has otherwise met the requirements of Section 8.1, the Company shall issue or transfer to the Optionee the number of shares of Common Stock as to which the Option has been exercised and shall deliver to the Optionee a certificate or certificates therefor, registered in the Optionee's name. In no event shall the Company be required to transfer fractional shares to the Optionee, and in lieu thereof, the Company may pay an amount in cash equal to the fair market value (as determined in accordance with Section 7.4) of such fractional shares on the date of exercise. If the issuance or transfer of shares by the Company would for any reason, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, violate any applicable federal or state laws or regulations, the Company may delay issuance or transfer of such shares to the Optionee until compliance with such laws can reasonably be obtained. In no event shall the Company be obligated to effect or obtain any listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval under any applicable federal or state laws or regulations or any contract or agreement to which the Company is a party with respect to the issuance of any such shares. 11.2 Investment Representation. Upon demand by the Company, the Optionee shall deliver to the Company a representation in writing that the purchase of all shares with respect to which notice of exercise of the Option has been given by the Optionee is being made for investment only and not for resale or with a view to distribution, and containing such other representations and provisions with respect thereto as the Company may require. Upon such demand, delivery of such representation promptly and prior to the transfer or delivery of any such shares and prior to the expiration of the option period shall be a condition precedent to the right to purchase such shares. SECTION 12: AMENDMENTS The Board of Directors may at any time and from time to time alter, amend, suspend or terminate the Plan or any part thereof as it may deem proper, except that no such action shall diminish or impair the rights under an Option previously granted. Unless the shareholders of the Company shall have given their approval, the total number of shares for which Options may be issued under the Plan shall not be increased, except as provided in Section 5.3, and no amendment shall be made which reduces the price at which the Common Stock may be offered under the Plan below the minimum required by Section 7.3, except as provided in Section 5.3, or which materially modifies the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Board of Directors may modify, extend or renew outstanding Options granted under the Plan, or accept the surrender of outstanding Options to the extent not theretofore exercised and authorize the granting of new Options in substitution therefor, except that no such action shall diminish or impair the rights under an Option previously granted without the consent of the Optionee. ) SECTION 13: TERM OF PLAN This Plan shall terminate on November 9, 2007; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may at any time prior thereto suspend or terminate the Plan. SECTION 14: RIGHTS AS STOCKHOLDER An Optionee shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock covered by an Option until the date of the issuance of the stock certificate for such shares. SECTION 15: NO EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS Nothing contained in this Plan or in any Option granted under the Plan shall confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to the continuation of such Optionee's employment by the Company or any Subsidiary or interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Subsidiary, subject to the terms of any separate employment agreement to the contrary, at any time to terminate such employment or to increase or decrease the compensation of the Optionee from the rate in existence at the time of the grant of the Option. SECTION 16: GOVERNING LAW This Plan, and all Options granted under this Plan, shall be construed and shall take effect in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, without regard to the conflicts of laws rules of such State. APPENDIX PROXY CARD SCOTT'S LIQUID GOLD-INC. PROXY PROXY Proxy Solicited by the Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders To be held May 6, 1998 The undersigned hereby appoints Jerome J. Goldstein, Mark E. Goldstein, Carolyn J. Anderson, or Barry Shepard, and each of them, proxies of the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of common stock of Scott's Liquid Gold-Inc., which the undersigned is entitled to vote, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 6, 1998, at 10:00 a.m. and at any and all adjournments thereof for the following purposes: (1) Election of Directors: ___ FOR all nominees listed below (except as marked to the contrary below) ___ WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below Jerome J. Goldstein Mark E. Goldstein Carolyn J. nderson Barry Shepard Dennis H. Field James F. Keane Michael J. Sheets (INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, WRITE THE NOMINEE'S NAME ON THE LINE IMMEDIATELY BELOW.) (2) Approval and ratification of the Scott's Liquid Gold-Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan for Company employees. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN (3) In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as properly may come before the meeting. (back of card) THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER(S). IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AT THE MEETING "FOR" ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR AS SELECTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND "FOR" APPROVAL AND RATIFICATION OF THE SCOTT'S LIQUID GOLD-INC. 1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the Proxy Statement furnished therewith. The undersigned hereby revokes any proxies given prior to the date reflected below. Dated __________________________________, 1998 SIGNATURE(S) OF SHAREHOLDER(S) Please complete, date and sign exactly as your name appears hereon. If shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian or corporate official, please add your title. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. THE GIVING OF A PROXY WILL NOT AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING. -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----