NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(Proposal No.
1)
Axsys By-Laws provide for a
Board of Directors of not less than two or more than twelve directors, as determined from time to time by resolution of the Board. The current members
of the Board, whose terms expire at the Annual Meeting, are Stephen W. Bershad, Anthony J. Fiorelli, Jr., Eliot M. Fried, Richard F. Hamm, Jr. and
Robert G. Stevens, all of whom are nominees.
As previously noted, proxies will
be voted, unless authority is withheld, FOR the election as directors of the five nominees to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and
until their respective successors shall have been duly elected and qualified. If any nominee should become unavailable for election, proxies will be
voted, unless authority is withheld, for an alternate or alternates, if any, designated by the Board. The Board has no reason to believe that any
nominee will become unavailable for election.
The following table lists the
name of each nominee for director, his age at March 17, 2008 and the period during which he has served as a director.
Name
|
|
|
|
Age
|
|
Director Since
|
Stephen W.
Bershad |
|
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
1986 |
|
Anthony J.
Fiorelli, Jr. |
|
|
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
1986 |
|
Eliot M.
Fried |
|
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
1994 |
|
Richard F.
Hamm, Jr. |
|
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
2000 |
|
Robert G.
Stevens |
|
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
2003 |
|
Mr. Bershad has been Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Axsys since 1986 and was President of Axsys from 1986 to August 1999 and from March 2002 to December 2007.
Prior thereto, he was a Managing Director of Lehman Brothers, Inc., an investment banking firm, and its predecessor firms, where he held a series of
senior management positions in merchant banking and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Bershad is a director of EMCOR Group, Inc., an electrical and
mechanical construction and facilities services company.
Mr. Fiorelli, Jr. has been a
private investor since January 1997. From December 1985 until June 1997, he was President of Strategic Management Consulting Services, Inc., which was
a management-consulting firm. Prior to that time, Mr. Fiorelli was President and Chief Executive Officer of General Defense Corporation, a diversified
engineering and manufacturing company. Mr. Fiorelli also served as the former Chairman and currently serves as a Director of the Board of the United
States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Foundation.
Mr. Fried was a Managing Director
Corporate Finance at Lehman Brothers, Inc. for more than five years prior to his retirement in February 2000. Mr. Fried is a director of Blount
International, Inc., a manufacturer of industrial equipment products, and a director of Grant Prideco Inc., an oil field products
company.
Mr. Hamm has served as the Senior
Vice President, Corporate Development, General Counsel and Secretary of Dendreon Corporation, a biotechnology company, since December 2005 and as the
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since November 2004. In addition, from January to December 2006, Mr. Hamm was designated the
principal financial officer of Dendreon. From April 2002 to November 2004, Mr. Hamm was the Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Medtronic,
Inc., a medical technology company. Prior to Medtronic, Mr. Hamm was the Vice President Corporate Development and Planning at Carlson Companies,
Inc., a travel, hospitality and marketing company, for three years. For more than five years prior thereto, he was Senior Vice President Legal
and Business Development and Vice President and General Counsel at Tropicana Products, Inc., a leading producer of branded juice products. Mr. Hamm is
a director of EMCOR Group, Inc., an electrical and mechanical construction and facilities services company.
Mr. Stevens has been President of
Growth Insight, Inc., a strategic planning practice that helps corporate and non-profit clients develop and improve customer-centric business models,
since 2002. Prior to that time, Mr. Stevens had been the Executive Vice President of Bluefly, Inc., a publicly-traded internet retailer of off-price
fashion merchandise, for three years. From 1992 until 1999, Mr. Stevens served as Vice President and Partner of Mercer Management Consulting, Inc., the
management-consulting arm of Marsh & McLennan, Inc. Mr. Stevens serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Shambhala Center of New
York.
4
The Board of Directors and Committees
The Board of Directors is
responsible for the management and direction of Axsys and for establishing broad corporate policies. There are no family relationships among any of the
directors and executive officers of Axsys. The Board of Directors met eight times during 2007 and acted twice by unanimous written consent. All
directors attended all meetings of the Board and of its committees held during 2007. The Board of Directors has standing Audit, Compensation and
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees. The Board has determined that Messrs. Fiorelli, Fried, Hamm and Stevens are independent as defined by
the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Consistent with the Audit
Committee structure and membership requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market, the Audit Committee is comprised of Messrs. Fiorelli, Fried and Stevens. As
provided in its written charter approved by the Board, the Audit Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in fulfilling its oversight
responsibilities by reviewing the following: Axsys financial information that is provided to stockholders and others, the systems of internal
controls, which management and the Board have established, and the audit process. A copy of the Audit Committee charter can be found on Axsys
website at www.axsys.com. The Audit Committee met four times in 2007. The Board has determined that all members of the Audit Committee are independent
directors under the Nasdaq Stock Market rules and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and each of them is able to read and understand
fundamental financial statements. In addition, Mr. Fiorelli has past employment as a chief executive officer with financial oversight responsibilities.
As a result, the Board has determined that he is a financial expert as set forth in the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market and has designated him as the
Companys audit committee financial expert within the meaning of applicable SEC regulations.
The Compensation Committee is
comprised of Messrs. Fiorelli, Fried and Hamm, all of whom are independent under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market. The Compensation Committee
oversees compensation policies of Axsys. The Compensation Committee operates under a charter that was approved by the Board of Directors. A copy of the
charter can be found on Axsys website at www.axsys.com.
The principal responsibilities of
the Compensation Committee are:
|
|
To review and approve corporate goals relevant to the
compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and evaluate the Chief Executive Officers performance in light of these goals and
objectives; |
|
|
To approve base salaries, salary increases, stock-based awards,
bonus targets and other remuneration for the Executive Leadership Team, as well as any employment terms for the Executive Leadership Team not part of
the standard employment terms relating to the Companys employees generally. The Executive Leadership Team is defined as the Chief Financial
Officer, Chief Operating Officer and other direct reports of the Chief Executive Officer; |
|
|
To review and approve corporate goals relevant to the
compensation of the Executive Leadership Team and evaluate the Executive Leadership Team in light of these goals and objectives; |
|
|
To review and approve incentive compensation plans and equity
based plans; |
|
|
To administer the Companys equity-based incentive
compensation plans and other plans adopted by the Board that contemplates administration by the Committee. The Committee, or a subcommittee, approve,
all grants of stock options and other equity-based awards, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans; |
|
|
To review and approve any proposed employment agreement with,
and any proposed severance or retention plans, agreements or payments applicable to, the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Leadership
Team. |
The agenda for meetings of the
Compensation Committee is determined by its Chairman with the assistance of the Secretary of the Board. The Compensation Committee met three times in
2007. At each meeting, the Compensation Committee meets in executive session. The Chairman of the Compensation Committee reports the Committees
recommendations on compensation of executive officers to the full Board of Directors. The Companys Human Resources department supports the
Compensation Committee in its duties and may be delegated certain administrative duties in connection with the Companys compensation programs.
The Compensation Committee has the sole authority to retain and terminate compensation consultants to assist in the evaluation of executive officer
compensation and the sole authority to approve the fees and other retention terms
5
of any compensation
consultants. The Compensation Committee periodically engages Buck Consultants, a global professional services firm, to conduct reviews of its total
compensation programs for executive officers. Buck Consultants also provides information to the Compensation Committee on trends in executive
compensation and other market data.
The Nominating and Corporate
Governance, or NCG, Committee is comprised of Messrs. Fried, Hamm and Stevens, all of whom are independent under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market.
The NCG Committee operates under a charter that was approved by the Board of Directors. A copy of the charter can be found on Axsys website at
www.axsys.com. The NCG Committee selects candidates for the office of director of Axsys and recommends to the full Board the names of persons (a) to be
presented to the stockholders for election as directors and (b) to fill vacancies in the Board of Directors that may exist or be created by reason of
death, resignation, removal or otherwise, including by reason of an increase in the number of directors.
The NCG Committee has recommended
to the Board a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines applicable to the Company. The Committee, from time to time, as the Committee deems appropriate,
but no less frequently than annually, reviews and assesses, the adequacy of the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines and recommends to the
Board for approval any changes that the Committee considers appropriate. In accordance with our NCG Committee charter, our NCG Committee is responsible
for reviewing and approving the terms and conditions of all related-party transactions. The NGC Committee does not have written policies or procedures
with respect to the review, approval or ratification of related party transactions. Instead, the NGC Committee reviews each proposed transaction on a
case-by-case basis taking into account all relevant factors.
The NCG Committee periodically
reviews director compensation and periodically conducts reviews of market survey data. The NGC Committee then recommends to the full Board of Directors
changes in director compensation that will assist in the Companys ability to attract and retain qualified directors. The NGC Committee met two
times in 2007.
Director Nominations
As provided in its charter, the
NCG Committee will consider recommendations of nominations submitted by stockholders. In addition, the NGC Committee has the sole authority to retain
and terminate search firms to be used to identify director candidates. When the NCG Committee reviews a potential new candidate, the Committee looks
specifically at the candidates qualifications in light of the needs of the Board and the Company at that time given the then current mix of
directors. The NCG Committee has not established specific, minimum qualifications that must be met by a nominee. Instead, the Committee assesses each
candidate individually. The assessment will include a review of the candidates judgment, experience, understanding of the Companys or other
related industries and such other factors as the NCG Committee concludes are pertinent in light of the current needs of the Board. The Board believes
that its membership should reflect a diversity of experience, gender, race, ethnicity and age. The NCG Committee applies the same criteria to evaluate
all candidates, including those recommended by stockholders.
The Company also strives to have
all directors, other than the Chief Executive Officer, be independent in accordance with the Nasdaq Stock Markets definition of independence. In
addition, the NCG Committee must also ensure that the members of the Board, as a group, maintain the requisite qualifications under the Nasdaq Stock
Markets listing standards for membership on the Audit, Compensation and NCG Committees.
Stockholders who wish to suggest
candidates to the NCG Committee for consideration as directors may submit names and biographical data in writing to the Secretary of Axsys at Axsys
Technologies, Inc., 175 Capital Boulevard, Suite 103, Rocky Hill, Connecticut 06067.
For a stockholder to nominate a
director at an Annual Meeting, notice of the nomination generally must be received by Axsys not less than 60 nor more than 90 days in advance of the
meeting. It is presently anticipated that next years annual meeting will be held on May 14, 2009 and, accordingly, notice of any stockholder
nomination for next years meeting submitted to Axsys on or between February 13, 2009 and March 15, 2009 will be considered received on a timely
basis. The notice must describe all information relating to the nominee
6
that is required to be
disclosed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including name, age, business and residence address, occupation, shares
held and such persons written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if
elected.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR
the election
as directors of all of the nominees.
Executive Officers
The following table lists the
name of each current executive officer of Axsys, his age at March 17, 2008 and his current position with Axsys.
Name
|
|
|
|
Age
|
|
Position
|
Stephen
W. Bershad |
|
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
David
A. Almeida |
|
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
Chief
Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and Treasurer |
Scott
B. Conner |
|
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
Chief
Operating Officer and President |
Mr. Bershad has been
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Axsys since 1986 and was President of Axsys from 1986 to August 1999 and from March 2002 to
December 2007. Prior thereto, he was a Managing Director of Lehman Brothers, Inc., an investment banking firm, and its predecessor firms, where he held
a series of senior management positions in merchant banking and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Bershad is a director of EMCOR Group, Inc., an electrical
and mechanical construction and facilities services company.
Mr. Almeida joined Axsys
in November 2001 as the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. He has twenty-five years of finance and administration
experience with high-technology companies. Prior to joining Axsys, Mr. Almeida was Vice President Finance for the Broadband, Access and
Transport Group of ADC Telecommunications, Inc., a provider of global network infrastructure products and services. Mr. Almeida spent eight years with
ADC in various financial leadership positions, with additional responsibility for information technology, human resources and customer service
functions.
Mr. Conner joined Axsys in
July 2004 and currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to this role, Mr. Conner served as the President of Axsys Infrared
Systems Division and as Corporate Vice President of Strategic Planning and Corporate Development from July 2004 to December 2007. Prior to joining
Axsys, Mr. Conner was the Vice President of Business Development for Quantum Bridge Communications, currently a division of Motorola Inc, a
high-technology telecommunications optical networking provider.
All of the executive officers
serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Severance agreements have been entered into with all of the executive officers. See the discussion
under Termination of Employment and Change in Control Agreements.
7
BENEFICIAL STOCK OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth
certain information as of March 17, 2008 concerning beneficial ownership of common stock of Axsys by (a) each director, (b) each of the executive
officers in the summary compensation table and (c) all current executive officers and directors as a group. Included in beneficial ownership are shares
that may be acquired upon the exercise of options that are exercisable as of March 17, 2008 or will become exercisable on or before May 16, 2008. All
persons have sole voting and investment power except as otherwise indicated.
|
|
|
|
Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned (1)
|
|
Name
|
|
|
|
Number
|
|
Percent
|
Stephen W.
Bershad (2) |
|
|
|
|
1,880,253 |
|
|
|
16.0 |
% |
David A.
Almeida (3) |
|
|
|
|
170,989 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
Scott B.
Conner (4) |
|
|
|
|
103,489 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Anthony J.
Fiorelli, Jr. (5) |
|
|
|
|
37,864 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Eliot M.
Fried (6) |
|
|
|
|
39,537 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Richard F.
Hamm, Jr. (7) |
|
|
|
|
25,655 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Robert G.
Stevens (8) |
|
|
|
|
16,474 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All executive
officers and directors as a group (7 persons) |
|
|
|
|
2,274,261 |
|
|
|
19.0 |
% |
(1) |
|
Calculated in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. |
(2) |
|
Includes 68,500 shares of common stock underlying options that
are exercisable as of March 17, 2008 or within 60 days after such date. Mr. Bershad owns 917,491 shares of common stock directly, 8,116 shares through
the Axsys Technologies, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan and 886,146 shares of common stock indirectly through SWB Holding Corporation, of which he is the
sole shareholder and chairman. Mr. Bershads address is c/o Axsys, 175 Capital Boulevard, Suite 103, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. |
(3) |
|
Represents 120,500 shares of common stock underlying options
that are exercisable as of March 17, 2008 or within 60 days after such date and 50,489 shares of common stock owned directly. |
(4) |
|
Represents 53,000 shares of common stock underlying options that
are exercisable as of March 17, 2008 or within 60 days after such date and 50,489 shares of common stock owned directly. |
(5) |
|
Represents 13,792 shares of common stock underlying options that
are exercisable as of March 17, 2008 or within 60 days after such date and 24,072 shares of common stock owned directly. |
(6) |
|
Represents 13,103 shares of common stock underlying options that
are exercisable as of March 17, 2008 or within 60 days after such date and 26,434 shares of common stock owned directly. |
(7) |
|
Represents 22,655 shares of common stock underlying options that
are exercisable as of March 17, 2008 or within 60 days after such date and 3,000 shares of common stock owned directly. |
(8) |
|
Represents 13,474 shares of common stock underlying options that
are exercisable as of March 17, 2008 or within 60 days after such date and 3,000 shares of common stock owned directly. |
8
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
Axsys knows of no person who
beneficially owned, within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, more than five percent of the common stock outstanding,
except for Mr. Bershad and except as set forth below.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
Percent of Class
|
Dimensional
Fund Advisor, LP (1) |
|
|
|
|
668,755 |
|
|
|
5.99 |
% |
1299 Ocean
Avenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Santa Monica,
CA 90401
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
According to a Schedule 13G filed on February 6, 2008 by
Dimensional Fund Advisor, LP and its management members. Dimensional has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to these shares in its capacity
as an investment adviser. Dimensionals managing members disclaim beneficial ownership of these shares. |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview of Compensation Program
The Compensation Committee, which
we refer to in this discussion as the Committee, has the responsibility for establishing, implementing and continually monitoring adherence with our
compensation philosophy. The purpose of the Committee is to assist the Board in discharging its responsibilities relating to the compensation of our
Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Leadership Team.
Throughout this proxy statement,
the individuals who served as our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer during fiscal 2007 are referred to as
named executive officers and are included in the summary compensation table on page 14.
Introduction
We are a leading designer and
manufacturer of precision optical solutions for defense, aerospace, homeland security and high-performance commercial applications. As further
discussed in this section, our compensation and benefit programs are designed to reward our employees when they help us achieve business
objectives.
The following are the highlights
of our 2007 executive compensation program:
|
|
we increased the base salaries of all of our named executive
officers consistent with their individual performance, Axsys performance and market data provided by Buck Consultants; |
|
|
we paid our named executive officers an annual cash incentive
award based on achievement of financial goals for 2007 under our Management Incentive Plan; and |
|
|
we awarded restricted stock grants to all of our named executive
officers in order to provide additional incentives to the named executive officers whose substantial contributions are essential to the long term
growth and success of our company. |
The following discussion and
analysis of our 2007 executive compensation should be read together with the compensation tables and related disclosures that follow this
section.
Compensation Philosophy
Axsys compensation
philosophy is to provide an executive compensation structure and system that is both competitive in the marketplace and also internally equitable based
upon the weight and level of responsibilities in the respective executive positions. Axsys philosophy is also to attract, retain and motivate
qualified executives within this structure. We reward execution for outstanding performance-to-objectives and business results through financial and
other appropriate management incentives while aligning our financial results and the
9
compensation paid to our
executive officers with the enhancement of stockholder value. Finally, Axsys compensation philosophy is designed to structure its compensation
policy so that executive officers compensation is dependent, in one part, on the achievement of current year business plan objectives and, in
another part, on the long-term increase in stockholder value.
Role of Executive Officers in Compensation
Decisions
Company management, including our
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, attend portions of the Committee meetings at its request, make recommendations to the Committee
and perform various day-to-day administrative functions on behalf of the Committee in connection with Axsys cash and equity compensation
programs. Specifically, the Chief Executive Officer provides input regarding the effectiveness of the existing compensation philosophy and programs,
assists in the design of new compensation programs and recommends modifications to existing programs. Because our Chief Executive Officer has
day-to-day interactions with the named executive officers, Mr. Bershad makes specific recommendations to the Committee regarding base salaries,
incentive targets under our Management Incentive Plan and equity compensation to be paid to the other named executive officers. However, the Committee
retains independent discretion when making executive compensation decisions.
Role of Compensation Consultant
Every other year, at a minimum,
we engage an outside consulting firm to provide the Committee with market data for executive compensation. In 2007, we engaged Buck Consultants, whose
role in the executive compensation program was to provide the Committee with information regarding the base salaries, annual cash incentive awards and
long-term equity compensation paid to executives in similar positions within similar industries and to provide market benchmarks for the
Committee to assess in evaluating and determining the compensation of our named executive officers. Buck Consultants compiled compensation data based
on industry surveys representing the high technology, aerospace durable goods manufacturing, electronic components and accessories and durable
manufacturing industries for companies with annual revenues of less than $500 million. The Committee used this in analyzing the competitiveness of our
executive compensation. The Committee believes that analyzing the market data with this mix of attributes appropriately captures the kinds of companies
with whom we compete in the hiring and retaining of our executives.
Executive Compensation Components
The principal components for the
compensation of our named executive officers are:
|
|
annual cash incentives (management incentive plan);
and |
|
|
long-term incentives (stock option awards and restricted stock
grants). |
Base Salary
We provide named executive
officers and other employees with base salary to provide them with a fixed component of compensation. The Committee reviews salaries annually as part
of our performance review process as well as upon a promotion or other change in job responsibility. For 2007, base salary target levels for all named
executive officers were set within a range that is competitive at the 50th percentile of
base salary market data.
The Committee sets actual
individual base salaries higher or lower than the targeted base salaries for any reason that the Committee deems relevant. The factors that the
Committee considered relevant for 2007 base salaries included Axsys performance in the previous year as well as the performance of the individual
executive. In addition, based on the market data provided by Buck Consultants, adjustments were made to align the base salary of our named executives
with the 50th percentile of the market data. Mr. Conner also received an additional
increase in his base pay during 2007 to reflect his promotion to President and Chief Operating Officer.
For 2008, the Compensation
Committee targeted the 75th percentile of the market data provided by Buck Consultants in
early 2007 to adjust for inflationary factors in the market data and to enhance the competitiveness
10
of the overall compensation
package. For 2008, Mr. Bershad received a base salary increase of 5.9% and Messrs. Almeida and Conner each received a base salary increase of
14.3%.
Management Incentive Plan
Executive bonuses are used to
focus our management on achieving key corporate financial objectives, to motivate certain desired individual behaviors and to reward substantial
achievement of these corporate financial objectives and individual goals. We use cash bonuses to reward financial performance. Bonuses, if any, are
determined and paid on an annual basis after completion of the bonus year. The Committee has based bonuses for our named executive officers primarily
on certain overall company financial growth targets because it believes that as a growth company, we should reward growth.
In 2007, Messrs. Bershads
and Almeidas annual incentive was structured so the achievement of 100% of budgeted corporate financial goals would yield a payout of 60% of his
base salary, of which 85% is based on Axsys meeting budgeted earnings before amortization, interest and taxes, or EBAIT, targets and 15% is based on
Axsys meeting budgeted cash flow from operations targets. Achievement of 85% of budgeted financial goals would yield 50% of the target award and
achievement of 100% of budgeted financial goals would earn 100% of the target award. No incentive award would have been paid if the minimum 85% of
budgeted financial goals had not been met. There was no cap for achievement above 100% of budgeted financial goals. The budgeted financial targets for
2007 were adjusted during the year to accommodate for the acquisition of Cineflex LLC, the sale-leaseback of two of our facilities and the disposition
of our Distributed Products business. In addition, financial measures used in the 2007 incentive calculation were also adjusted for certain shipments
as well as reserve adjustments made during the year that were not included in the budgeted targets. The Management Incentive Plan payments to Messrs.
Bershad and Almeida of $318,160 and $222,712, respectively, for 2007 were based on our achievement of 134.7% of our revised budgeted EBAIT target and
120.4% of our revised budgeted cash flow target.
In 2007, Mr. Conners annual
incentive was structured so the achievement of 100% of budgeted corporate and divisional financial goals would yield a payout of 60% of his base
salary, of which 42.5% is based on Axsys meeting budgeted EBAIT, 42.5% is based on our IR Systems division meeting budgeted gross profit targets and
15% is based on Axsys meeting budgeted cash flow from operations targets. Achievement of 85% of budgeted financial goals would yield 50% of the target
award and achievement of 100% of budgeted financial goals would earn 100% of the target award. No incentive award would have been paid if the minimum
85% of budgeted financial goals had not been met. There was no cap for achievement above 100% of budgeted financial goals. The budgeted financial
targets for 2007 were adjusted during the year to accommodate for the acquisition of Cineflex LLC, the sale-leaseback of two of our facilities and the
disposition of our Distributed Products business. In addition, financial measures used in the 2007 incentive calculation were also adjusted for certain
shipments as well as reserve adjustments made during the year that were not included in the budgeted targets. The Management Incentive Plan payment to
Mr. Conner of $217,644 for 2007 was based on our achievement of 134.7% of our revised budgeted EBAIT target and 120.4% of our revised budgeted cash
flow target and IR Systems achievement of 127.6% of its revised gross profit target.
Long-Term Incentives
Our Amended and Restated
Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan encourages participants to focus on our long-term performance and provides an opportunity for executive officers and
certain designated key employees to increase their ownership in us through equity awards for our common stock.
The purpose of the Stock
Incentive Plan is to provide additional incentive to those directors, officers and other employees of ours whose substantial contributions are
essential to the continued growth and success of our business in order to strengthen their commitment to us, to motivate such persons to faithfully and
diligently perform their responsibilities and to attract and retain competent and dedicated individuals whose efforts will result in our long-term
growth and profitability. The Stock Incentive Plan provides for granting stock options, restricted stock, performance units, stock appreciation rights
or a combination of any of the foregoing.
During 2006, we transitioned from
awarding stock options to awarding restricted stock and issued both stock options and restricted stock to the named executive officers. In 2007, we
completed the transition and issued only
11
restricted stock to the named
executive officers. However, the Compensation Committee may at any point in the future utilize any of the awards authorized under the Stock Incentive
Plan.
The Board determined that annual
equity awards will be granted by the Committee in March of each year. In addition, in the event that an executive officer or a designated key employee
is hired during the year, a grant may be made at the time of his or her commencement of employment. During 2007, the Committee granted the Executive
Leadership Team, including the named executive officers, awards under the Stock Incentive Plan. In 2007, the Committee used market data provided by
Buck Consultants on long term incentive pay for executives, which was discussed above in the Role of the Compensation Consultant section. The
Committee granted awards under the Stock Incentive Plan to each of Mr. Bershad, Mr. Almeida and Mr. Conner in the amount of 20,000 shares of restricted
stock. For Messrs. Almeida and Conner, the award represented the 50th percentile of the
long-term incentive compensation market data provided, which is aligned with the base salary targets. For Mr. Bershad, the award was below the 25th percentile of the long-term incentive compensation market data provided. The Committee deemed
this appropriate based on Mr. Bershads current stock ownership and the overall purpose of the Stock Incentive Plan.
Other Benefits
Named executive officers are
eligible to participate in all of our employee benefit plans, such as medical, dental, group life and disability insurance. In addition, the named
executive officers are also eligible to participate in the executive health insurance plan, which provides for the reimbursement of deductible and
coinsurance amounts and certain medical expenses not covered under Axsys basic medical plans.
Termination of Employment and Change in Control
Arrangements
We have entered into severance
protection agreements with Stephen W. Bershad, David A. Almeida and Scott B. Conner, which provide for certain benefits, among other things, if their
employment is terminated within two years following a change in control of Axsys. The purpose of the severance protection agreement is to foster the
continued employment of officers and employees by allowing them to focus attention on their assigned responsibilities without distraction in the event
of a possible change in control of Axsys.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
Our NCG Committee has implemented
stock ownership guidelines for our Executive Leadership Team and our directors. Each member of the Executive Leadership Team is expected to hold two
times their base salary and the directors are expected to hold two times his annual retainer using a retention approach. The retention approach expects
the executive or director to retain 50% of the profit shares following an exercise or vesting of equity-based awards. Profit shares are the shares
remaining after payment of option exercise price and any taxes owed at exercise of options or the vesting of restricted stock. These shares are to be
retained until termination of employment or board service.
Accounting and Tax Treatment
We account for equity
compensation paid to our employees under the rules of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised), which requires us to estimate and
record an expense over the service period of the award. Accounting rules also require us to record cash compensation as an expense at the time the
obligation is accrued. We structure cash bonus compensation so that it is taxable to our executives at the time it becomes available to them. We
currently intend that all cash compensation paid will be tax deductible for us. However, with respect to equity compensation awards, while any gain
recognized by employees from nonqualified options should be deductible, to the extent that an option constitutes an incentive stock option, gain
recognized by the optionee will not be deductible if there is no disqualifying disposition by the optionee. In addition, if we grant restricted stock
or restricted stock unit awards that are not subject to performance vesting, they may not be fully deductible by us at the time the award is otherwise
taxable to the employee.
CODE OF ETHICS FOR SENIOR FINANCIAL
OFFICERS
We have adopted a Code of Ethics
for Senior Financial Officers, a copy of which can be found on our website at www.axsys.com. The Code of Ethics applies to all of our senior financial
officers, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and any other person performing similar functions.
12
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
The following report has been
submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors:
The Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth above with management. Based on this review and
discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy
statement and in Axsys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, as filed with the SEC.
By: Compensation Committee:
Eliot
M. Fried Chairman
Anthony J. Fiorelli, Jr
Richard F. Hamm, Jr.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER
PARTICIPATION
During 2007, the Compensation
Committee was composed of Messrs. Fiorelli, Fried and Hamm. There were no Compensation Committee interlocks between Axsys and any other entities
involving Axsys executive officers and directors who serve as executive officers of such entities.
13
2007 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table summarizes
the total compensation paid or earned by each of the named executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
| (a) |
|
|
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
|
(f) |
|
(g) |
|
(h) |
Name and Principal Position
|
|
|
|
Year
|
|
Salary ($)
|
|
Stock Awards ($)(1)
|
|
Option Awards ($)(2)
|
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Compensation ($)(3)
|
|
All Other Compensation ($)(4)
|
|
Total ($)
|
Stephen W.
Bershad |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
|
89,250 |
|
|
|
147,492 |
|
|
|
318,160 |
|
|
|
35,184 |
|
|
|
990,086 |
|
Chairman of
the Board and |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
380,000 |
|
|
|
28,281 |
|
|
|
146,769 |
|
|
|
241,851 |
|
|
|
31,650 |
|
|
|
828,551 |
|
Chief
Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
David A.
Almeida |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
280,000 |
|
|
|
76,994 |
|
|
|
90,236 |
|
|
|
222,712 |
|
|
|
42,208 |
|
|
|
712,150 |
|
Executive
Vice President, |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
237,077 |
|
|
|
18,515 |
|
|
|
151,090 |
|
|
|
146,384 |
|
|
|
20,163 |
|
|
|
573,229 |
|
Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Scott B.
Conner |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
261,538 |
|
|
|
76,994 |
|
|
|
120,441 |
|
|
|
217,644 |
|
|
|
28,099 |
|
|
|
704,716 |
|
President
and |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
210,000 |
|
|
|
18,515 |
|
|
|
115,964 |
|
|
|
139,466 |
|
|
|
24,046 |
|
|
|
507,991 |
|
Chief
Operating Officer |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amounts in column (d) reflect the dollar amount recognized
for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 in accordance with SFAS 123(R) for
restricted stock awards granted under the Stock Incentive Plan and thus include amounts from awards granted in and prior to 2007. The amounts shown
exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are
included in footnote 9 to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 included in our Annual
Reports on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. |
(2) |
|
The amounts in column (e) reflect the dollar amount recognized
for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 in accordance with SFAS 123(R) for option
awards granted under the Stock Incentive Plan and thus include amounts from awards granted in and prior to 2007. The amounts shown exclude the impact
of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 9
to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 included in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K filed
with the SEC. |
(3) |
|
The amounts in column (f) reflect cash awards to the named
executive officers under Axsys Management Incentive Plan, which is discussed in further detail on page 11 under the heading Management
Incentive Plan. |
(4) |
|
The amount shown in column (g) reflects for each named executive
officer: |
|
|
matching contributions allocated by Axsys under our 401(k)
plan; |
|
|
payments under Axsys executive health insurance plan,
which in 2007 and 2006 totaled $25,824 and $22,298 for Mr. Bershad, $32,848 and $10,811 for Mr. Almeida and $18,739 and $14,694 for Mr. Conner.
Axsys executive health insurance plan, which covers only officers, certain directors, currently Mr. Fiorelli, and key employees, provides for the
reimbursement of deductible and coinsurance amounts and certain medical expenses not covered under Axsys basic medical plans; and |
|
|
payments of premiums for term life insurance maintained on
behalf of the named executive officers. |
14
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS FOR 2007
The following table sets forth
certain information regarding the options granted pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 to the named
executive officers.
| (a) |
|
|
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
|
(f) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards (1)
|
|
Name
|
|
|
|
Grant Date
|
|
Threshold ($)
|
|
Target ($)
|
|
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares
of Stock or Units (#)(2)
|
|
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option
Awards($)
|
Stephen W.
Bershad |
|
|
|
|
3/08/07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
330,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,000 |
|
|
|
240,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
David A.
Almeida |
|
|
|
|
3/08/07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
330,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
84,000 |
|
|
|
168,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Scott B.
Conner |
|
|
|
|
3/08/07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
330,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
84,000 |
|
|
|
168,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amounts shown in column (c) reflect the minimum payout level
under the Companys Management Incentive Plan, which is 50% of the financial target amount. There is no maximum amount under the terms of the
Management Incentive Plan. These amounts are based on the individuals current salary and position. The awards were earned during 2007 and the
actual payouts are included in the Summary Compensation Table. |
(2) |
|
The amounts shown in column (e) reflect the number of shares of
restricted stock granted to each named executive officer pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan. These shares of restricted stock vest at a rate of 20%
per year commencing on the first anniversary of the date of the grant. Vesting of these shares of restricted stock will be accelerated in the event of
certain changes in control of Axsys. |
In October 2000, Axsys entered
into an employment agreement with Stephen W. Bershad. The agreement provided that during the initial period of the agreement, Mr. Bershad would serve
as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Office of Axsys. The initial period of the agreement, which originally expired on October 12, 2001, has
been most recently extended until October 12, 2008. Upon expiration of this initial period and for five years thereafter, the agreement provides that
Mr. Bershad will serve as Chairman of the Board. If Mr. Bershad is not elected to the Board, he is entitled to terminate his employment for good
reason, the consequences of which are explained below.
Under the agreement, Mr. Bershad
received an annual salary of $400,000 for 2007, which was increased at the discretion of the Board, the responsibility for which was delegated by the
Board to the Compensation Committee. The agreement also provides that Mr. Bershad will have the opportunity to earn an annual incentive bonus based on
performance goals determined by the Board at the beginning of each fiscal year. He is also eligible to receive awards under the Stock Incentive
Plan.
Under letter agreements regarding
the terms of their employment, Messrs. Almeida and Conner would receive up to six months base compensation and certain other benefits from Axsys
in the event of termination by Axsys other than for cause.
15
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 2007 FISCAL
YEAR-END
The following table sets forth
certain information with respect to the named executive officers concerning options outstanding as of December 31, 2007.
| (a) |
|
|
|
(b)(1) |
|
(c)(1) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
|
(f) |
|
(g) |
Name
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable
|
|
Number of Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable
|
|
Option Exercise Price ($)
|
|
Option Expiration Date
|
|
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That
Have Not Vested (#)
|
|
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock
That Have Not Vested ($)
|
Stephen W.
Bershad |
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.50 |
|
|
|
03/04/08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,000 |
(2) |
|
|
12,000 |
(2) |
|
|
10.99 |
|
|
|
03/04/09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,000 |
(2) |
|
|
12,000 |
(2) |
|
|
22.25 |
|
|
|
03/03/10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,500 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
18.30 |
|
|
|
10/06/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,500 |
|
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
|
16.17 |
|
|
|
03/16/16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,800 |
|
|
|
322,520 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
733,000 |
|
| |
David A.
Almeida |
|
|
|
|
37,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.61 |
|
|
|
11/31/11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.53 |
|
|
|
01/30/12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
4.95 |
|
|
|
03/04/13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
9.99 |
|
|
|
03/04/14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
20.23 |
|
|
|
03/03/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,000 |
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
18.30 |
|
|
|
10/06/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
16.17 |
|
|
|
03/16/16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,760 |
|
|
|
211,104 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
733,000 |
|
| |
Scott B.
Conner |
|
|
|
|
27,000 |
|
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
|
14.22 |
|
|
|
07/19/14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
20.23 |
|
|
|
03/03/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,000 |
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
18.30 |
|
|
|
10/06/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
16.17 |
|
|
|
03/16/16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,760 |
|
|
|
211,104 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
733,000 |
|
(1) |
|
Except as otherwise noted, options vest at a rate of 20% per
year commencing on the first anniversary date of the grant. |
(2) |
|
Options granted have a four-year ratable vesting of 60% over the
first three years with the final 40% in the last year. |
2007 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK
VESTED
The following table sets forth
certain information with respect to stock options exercised by named executive officers during 2007.
|
|
|
|
Option Awards
|
|
Stock Awards
|
|
| (a) |
|
|
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
Name
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#)
|
|
Value Realized on Exercise ($)
|
|
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)
|
|
Value Realized on Vesting ($)
|
Stephen W.
Bershad |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,200 |
|
|
|
36,850 |
|
David A.
Almeida |
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
1,111,890 |
|
|
|
1,440 |
|
|
|
24,120 |
|
Scott B.
Conner |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,440 |
|
|
|
24,120 |
|
16
Termination of Employment and Change in Control
Arrangements
We have entered into severance
protection agreements with certain officers and key employees of Axsys, including Stephen W. Bershad, David A. Almeida and Scott B. Conner, which
provide for certain benefits, among other things, if their employment is terminated within two years following a Change in Control. The purpose of the
severance protection agreement is to foster the continued employment of officers and employees by allowing them to focus attention on their assigned
responsibilities without distraction in the event of a possible Change in Control of Axsys.
A Change in Control is generally
an acquisition of fifty percent or more of the outstanding shares of common stock or the combined voting power of the Company other than by Axsys
Chief Executive Officer, Stephen W. Bershad, or any entity controlled by him.
If a Change in Control occurs and
the executives employment is terminated by Axsys other than for cause, death or disability or by the executive for good reason within two years
thereafter, the executive will be entitled to receive a maximum lump sum cash payment equal to, in the case of Mr. Bershad, 2.99 times the sum of the
executives base amount as determined under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code and, at the executives election, one year of continuation of
health care benefits or its cash equivalent. Messrs. Almeida and Conner would receive a maximum lump sum cash payment equal to 2.99 times the sum of
(a) the highest annual base salary paid to the executive during the 12-month period immediately prior to the employment termination date and (b) the
average of the annual cash bonuses paid to the executive during the three calendar years prior to the year in which the employment termination date
occurs and, at the executives election, one year of continuation of health care benefits or its cash equivalent. The severance protection
agreements of each of Messrs. Bershad, Almeida and Conner also provide that the executive will be entitled to the foregoing severance benefits in the
event he terminates his employment, with or without good reason, at any time during the one-month period commencing six months following a Change in
Control.
Each of the severance protection
agreements had an original term of up to two years from the date of its execution and automatically renews for successive one-year periods, unless
either party gives advance notice of non-renewal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if there is a Change in Control, the agreements will not terminate
prior to the expiration of twenty-four months after the date of the Change in Control.
If the employment term is
terminated by reason of Messrs. Almeida or Conner ‘s death or disability, by Axsys for cause, by Messrs. Almeida and Conner without good reason,
by mutual agreement of the parties, or by expiration of the employment term, Axsys sole obligation under the employment agreement will be to pay
Messrs. Almeida and Conner or their estates, as the case may be, within thirty (30) days following the employment termination date, all accrued and
unpaid base salary, accrued and unpaid bonus and vacation pay as of the employment termination date, a pro rata portion of his annual bonus opportunity
for the year of termination, all benefits accrued and unpaid under any benefit plans, programs or arrangements in which he has been a participant as of
his termination and any reimbursable expenses incurred by him on behalf of Axsys during the period ending on the employment termination
date.
If Mr. Bershads employment
is terminated by Axsys other than for cause or by Mr. Bershad for good reason, Mr. Bershad will be entitled to the following: (1) within ten (10) days
of the employment termination date, all accrued and unpaid base salary, accrued and unpaid bonus and vacation pay as of the employment termination
date, a pro rata portion of the highest annual bonus paid or payable to him in respect of any of the three full fiscal years of Axsys immediately
preceding the employment termination date, all benefits accrued and unpaid under any benefit plans, programs or arrangements in which he has been a
participant as of his termination and any reimbursable expenses incurred by him on behalf of Axsys during the period ending on the employment
termination date; (2) within thirty (30) days following the employment termination date, a lump sum payment equal to the greater of (x) two (2) times
the sum of (i) his base salary plus (ii) the highest annual bonus paid or payable to him for any of Axsys three full fiscal years immediately
preceding his termination and (y) the amount of the base salary and bonus which would have been paid to him during the employment term had it not been
terminated, assuming that the highest annual bonus paid or payable to him for any of Axsys three full fiscal years immediately preceding his
termination would have been paid to him for each full fiscal year during the
17
employment term; and (3)
during the greater of (x) the twenty-four (24) month period following the employment termination date and (y) the balance of the employment term,
medical, dental, hospitalization, prescription drug, and life insurance coverage and benefits provided to him immediately prior to termination. In
addition, all stock options held by him will become fully vested and will remain outstanding for their entire term and all restrictions on all shares
of restricted stock or other equity based awards held by him will lapse and will become fully vested.
If the employment term is
terminated by reason of Mr. Bershads death or disability, by Axsys for cause, by Mr. Bershad without good reason, by mutual agreement of the
parties, or by expiration of the employment term, Axsys sole obligation under the employment agreement will be to pay Mr. Bershad or his estate,
as the case may be, within thirty (30) days following the employment termination date, all accrued and unpaid base salary, accrued and unpaid bonus and
vacation pay as of the employment termination date, a pro rata portion of his annual bonus opportunity for the year of termination, all benefits
accrued and unpaid under any benefit plans, programs or arrangements in which he has been a participant as of his termination and any reimbursable
expenses incurred by him on behalf of Axsys during the period ending on the employment termination date.
In the event that at any time Mr.
Bershad is entitled to receive payments and/or benefits under both his employment agreement and his severance protection agreement, he will receive the
payments and/or benefits only under the severance protection agreement.
Mr. Bershad is subject to a
non-competition covenant for two years following termination. Messrs. Almeida and Conner are subject to non-competition covenants for one year
following a Change In Control. Messrs. Bershad, Almeida and Conner, are also subject to a confidentiality agreement following
termination.
Potential Payments Upon Termination of Change in
Control
The tables below reflect the
amount of compensation payable to each named executive officer in the event of termination of such executives employment. The amounts shown
assume that such termination was effective as of December 31, 2007, and thus includes amounts earned through such time and are estimates of the amounts
which would be paid out to executives upon their termination.
Stephen W. Bershad
Executive Benefit and Payments Upon Separation
|
|
Voluntary Termination
|
|
Early Retirement
|
|
Normal Retirement
|
|
Involuntary Not For Cause Termination or
Voluntary For Good Reason
|
|
For Cause Termination
|
|
Change-in- Control (1)(2)
|
|
Disability
|
|
Death
|
Cash
Severance Payment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,118,160 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,437,564 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuation
of Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,184 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,184 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term
Incentive Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,042,469 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,042,469 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,195,813 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,515,217 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David A. Almeida
Executive Benefit and Payments Upon Separation
|
|
Voluntary Termination
|
|
Early Retirement
|
|
Normal Retirement
|
|
Involuntary Not For Cause Termination or
Voluntary For Good Reason
|
|
For Cause Termination
|
|
Change-in- Control (1)(2)
|
|
Disability
|
|
Death
|
Cash
Severance Payment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
140,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,980,774 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuation
of Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,208 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,208 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term
Incentive Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,653,517 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
182,208 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,676,499 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18
Scott B. Conner
Executive Benefit and Payments Upon Separation(1)
|
|
Voluntary Termination
|
|
Early Retirement
|
|
Normal Retirement
|
|
Involuntary Not For Cause Termination or
Voluntary For Good Reason
|
|
For Cause Termination
|
|
Change-in- Control (1)(2)
|
|
Disability
|
|
Death
|
Cash
Severance Payment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
140,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,753,903 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuation
of Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,099 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,099 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term
Incentive Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,802,224 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
168,099 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,584,226 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Included in this column are gross up amounts that
have been added to the named executives compensation totals under the severance protection agreement. These amounts include $902,151 for Mr.
Bershad, $794,119 for Mr. Almeida and $744,555 for Mr. Conner. |
(2) |
|
Under the terms of our Stock Incentive Plan, upon a Change in
Control, all stock options and restricted stock held by an employee that are outstanding on the date of the Change in Control will become fully
vested. |
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE FOR 2007
The following table provides
information on our compensation for non-employee directors for 2007.
| (a) |
|
|
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
|
(f) |
Name (1)
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)
|
|
Stock Awards ($)(2)
|
|
Option Awards ($)(3)
|
|
All Other Compensation ($)(4)
|
|
Total ($)
|
Anthony J.
Fiorelli, Jr. |
|
|
|
|
28,500 |
|
|
|
26,782 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,748 |
|
|
|
70,030 |
|
Eliot M.
Fried |
|
|
|
|
28,500 |
|
|
|
26,782 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55,282 |
|
Richard F.
Hamm, Jr. |
|
|
|
|
27,000 |
|
|
|
26,782 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,782 |
|
Robert G.
Stevens |
|
|
|
|
28,000 |
|
|
|
26,782 |
|
|
|
7,701 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,483 |
|
(1) |
|
Stephen W. Bershad, our Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer, is not included in this table as he is an employee of the Company and thus receives no compensation for his services as a director.
The compensation received by Mr. Bershad as an employee of the Company is shown in the summary compensation table on page 14. |
(2) |
|
The amounts in column (c) reflect the dollar amount recognized
for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 in accordance with SFAS 123(R) for restricted stock awards under
the Stock Incentive Plan and thus includes amounts from awards granted in and prior to 2007. The amounts shown exclude the impact of estimated
forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 9 to our audited
financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 included in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. During 2007, each
director received an award for 1,500 shares of restricted stock that had a grant date fair value of $28,620. As of December 31, 2007, each director had
a total of 1,500 shares of restricted stock. |
(3) |
|
The amounts in column (d) reflect the dollar amount recognized
for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 in accordance with SFAS 123(R) for option awards granted under
the Stock Incentive Plan and thus include amounts from awards granted in and prior to 2007. The amounts shown exclude the impact of estimated
forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 9 to our audited
financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 included in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. As of December 31,
2007, each director had the following number of options outstanding: Anthony J. Fiorelli, Jr. 16,792; Eliot M. Fried 16,103; Richard F. Hamm Jr.
22,655; and Robert G. Stevens 13,474. |
19
(4) |
|
The amount in column (f) reflects payments under Axsys
executive health insurance plan. Axsys executive health insurance plan, which covers only officers and certain directors and key employees,
provides for the reimbursement of deductible and coinsurance amounts and certain medical expenses not covered under Axsys basic medical
plans. |
The Board of Directors determines
the compensation of non-employee directors. Non-employee directors of Axsys receive an annual retainer fee of $18,000 plus meeting fees of $1,000 for
each Board meeting attended and $500 for each committee meeting attended. Directors who are employees of Axsys or any subsidiary do not receive fees or
other compensation for their services as directors. All directors are reimbursed for travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of their
duties.
Under the existing Stock
Incentive Plan, re-elected non-employee directors are annually granted either restricted stock or an option to purchase an amount of shares of Axsys
common stock. On May 10, 2007, each of Messrs. Fried, Fiorelli, Hamm and Stevens were granted 1,500 shares of restricted common stock with a vesting
date of May 10, 2008.
20
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee of the Board
of Directors has furnished the following report:
The Audit Committee is composed
of Messrs. Fiorelli, Fried and Stevens, who are all independent and financially literate. In addition, Mr. Fiorelli has past employment as a chief
executive officer with financial oversight responsibilities and, as a result, the Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Fiorelli is a financial
expert as defined by SEC rules. The Audit Committee operates under a charter approved by the Board and revised in May 2004, which is posted on our
website, www.axsys.com. As more fully described in its charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in fulfilling its oversight
responsibilities by reviewing Axsys financial information that is provided to stockholders and others, the systems of internal controls, which
management and the Board have established, and the audit process.
The Audit Committee met with
Ernst & Young LLP, Axsys independent accountants, and management to assure that all were carrying out their respective responsibilities. It
also met with Ernst & Young LLP to discuss the scope and results of their audit work, including the adequacy of internal controls and the quality
of financial performance. The Audit Committee discussed with the independent accountants their judgments regarding the quality and acceptability of
Axsys accounting principles, the clarity of its disclosures and the degree of aggressiveness or conservatism of its accounting principles and
underlying estimates.
The Audit Committee has reviewed
and discussed the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 with Axsys management and E&Y. The Audit Committee
has also discussed with E&Y the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit
Committees, as adopted by the Public Company Oversight Board in Rule 3200T.
The Audit Committee has also
received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from E&Y required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence
Discussion with Audit Committees, as amended, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3600T, and has discussed with
the accountants the accountants independence.
Based on the reviews and
discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in
Axsys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
By: |
|
Audit Committee: Anthony J. Fiorelli, Jr.
Chairman Eliot M. Fried Robert G. Stevens |
21
Fees Paid to Independent Accountants
Aggregate fees for professional
services rendered to Axsys by Ernst & Young LLP as of or for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are set forth below. The aggregate
fees included in the Audit category are fees billed for the fiscal years for the audit of Axsys annual financial statements and review of
financial statements, statutory and regulatory filings. The aggregate fees included in each of the other categories are for fees billed in the fiscal
years.
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Audit Fees
|
|
|
|
$ |
708,500 |
|
|
$ |
556,000 |
|
Audit-related
Fees |
|
|
|
|
29,191 |
|
|
|
3,353 |
|
Tax Fees
|
|
|
|
|
102,900 |
|
|
|
79,600 |
|
Total
|
|
|
|
$ |
840,591 |
|
|
$ |
638,953 |
|
Audit Fees: Audit fees for
advisory services related to accounting transactions totaled $708,500 in 2007 and $556,000 in 2006.
Audit-related Fees: In
2007, fees for audit-related services were for on-line subscriptions and services related to the acquisition and disposition of businesses. In 2006,
fees for audit-related services were for on-line subscriptions and miscellaneous agreed upon procedures.
Tax Fees: Fees for tax
services included $93,200 in 2007 and $52,100 in 2006 for services performed by E&Y associated with the research of various tax credits. Additional
tax-planning services totaling $9,700 in 2007 and $27,500 in 2006 for various state tax issues were also performed by E&Y.
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and
Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Accountant
The Audit Committee pre-approves
all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent accountants prior to the engagement of the independent accountants with respect to such
services. Applications to provide services that require specific approval by the Committee are submitted to the Committee by both the independent
auditor and the Chief Financial Officer, and must include a joint statement as to whether, in their view, the application is consistent with the
SECs rules on auditor independence. The Committee has designated the Chief Financial Officer to monitor the performance of all services provided
by the independent auditor and to determine whether such services are in compliance with this policy. The Chief Financial Officer will report to the
Committee on a periodic basis on the results of its monitoring. Both the Chief Financial Officer, and management will immediately report to the
chairman of the Committee any breach of this policy that comes to the attention of the Chief Financial Officer, or any member of
management.
None of the services described
above was approved by the Audit Committee under the de minimis exception provided by Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) under Regulation
S-X.
A representative of E&Y,
Axsys independent accountants since 2002 will be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement and to respond
to appropriate questions.
22
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING
COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 requires Axsys directors, executive officers and any persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of
Axsys equity securities to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock and other equity
securities of Axsys. Officers, directors and stockholders owning more than 10% are required by SEC regulation to furnish Axsys with copies of all
Section 16(a) reports they file. To Axsys knowledge, based solely on the information furnished to Axsys, all applicable Section 16(a) filing
requirements were complied with during the year ended December 31, 2007.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2008 ANNUAL
MEETING
Stockholders who intend to
present proposals at the next annual meeting of stockholders, and who wish to have such proposals included in the proxy statement and form of proxy for
such meeting, pursuant to the mechanism provided by SEC rules, must submit such proposals in writing to the Secretary of Axsys Technologies, Inc., 175
Capital Boulevard, Suite 103, Rocky Hill, Connecticut 06067, and such notice must be received no later than December 12, 2008.
Stockholders who do not wish to
use the mechanism provided by SEC rules for proposing a matter for action at the next annual meeting to be provided in a proxy statement must notify
Axsys in writing of the proposal and the information required by the provisions of Axsys By-Laws dealing with stockholder proposals. The notice
must be submitted in writing to Axsys generally not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days in advance of an annual meeting. It is presently
anticipated that next years annual meeting will be held on May 14, 2009 and, accordingly, any stockholder proposal for next years meeting
submitted to Axsys on or between February 13, 2009 and March 15, 2009 will be considered submitted on a timely basis. With respect to any proposals
that are not filed timely, proxies solicited by Axsys for the 2008 Annual Meeting may confer discretionary authority to vote on any of those proposals.
A copy of Axsys By-Laws that describes the advance-notice procedures can be obtained from the Secretary of Axsys.
Axsys knows of no other matter to
be brought before the meeting. If any other matter requiring a vote of the stockholders should come before the meeting, it is the intention of the
persons named in the proxy to vote with respect to any matter in accordance with their best judgment.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY
MATERIALS FOR THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 15, 2008
This Proxy Statement is available
free of charge on the Investor Relations section of our website through the Annual Meeting link at (http://www.axsys.com/irmeeting.php).
Our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2007 is available free of charge on the Investor Relations section of our website through the
Annual Meeting link at (http://www.axsys.com/irmeeting.php).
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
A copy of Axsys Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, as filed with the SEC, will be provided to stockholders without charge upon receipt of
a written request to: Investor Relations, Axsys Technologies, Inc., 175 Capital Boulevard, Suite 103, Rocky Hill, Connecticut 06067.
April 11, 2008
23
| THIS
PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, OR IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE
VOTED “FOR” THE PROPOSALS. |
|
Please
Mark Here
for Address
Change or
Comments |
o |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
SEE
REVERSE SIDE |
|
| |
|
Please
mark
your votes as
indicated in
this example |
x |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1. |
Election
of Directors |
|
FOR
all nominees
listed to the left
(except as marked
to the contrary to
the left)
o |
|
WITHHOLD
AUTHORITY
to vote for all nominees
listed to the left
o |
|
2. |
In
their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business
as may properly come before the meeting. |
| |
Nominees for election
by
holders of Common Stock: |
|
|
|
|
| |
01
Stephen W. Bershad,
02 Anthony J. Fiorelli, Jr.,
03 Eliot M. Fried,
04 Richard F. Hamm, Jr., and
05 Robert G. Stevens |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
I
plan to attend the meeting. |
o |
Instruction:
TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for one or more nominees
listed above, write the name of the nominee(s) in the space provided below. |
|
|
PLEASE
MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. |
| |
|
|
| Signature |
|
Signature |
|
Dated |
|
, 2008 |
| Please
sign exactly as name appears above. When shares are held by joint tenants,
both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee
or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign
in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If partnership,
please sign in partnership name by authorized person. |
| 5
FOLD AND DETACH HERE 5 |
WE
ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INTERNET OR TELEPHONE VOTING,
BOTH ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK.
Internet
and telephone voting is available through 11:59 PM Eastern Time
the day prior to annual meeting day.
Your
Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares
in the same manner
as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.
INTERNET
http://www.proxyvoting.com/axys
Use the internet to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card in hand when
you access the web site. |
OR |
TELEPHONE
1-866-540-5760
Use any touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card
in hand when you call. |
If you vote
your proxy by Internet or by telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your proxy
card.
To vote by mail, mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the enclosed
postage-paid envelope.
| Choose MLinkSM
for fast, easy and secure 24/7 online access to your future proxy materials,
investment plan statements, tax documents and more. Simply log on to Investor
ServiceDirect® at www.bnymellon.com/shareowner/isd where
step-by-step instructions will prompt you through enrollment. |
You
can view the Annual Report and Proxy Statement
on the internet at www.axsys.com
AXSYS
TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS — May 15, 2008
PROXY
This Proxy is Solicited by the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby appoints Stephen W.
Bershad and David A. Almeida, and each of them, the attorneys and proxies of the undersigned (each with
power to act without the other and with power of substitution) to vote, in accordance with the terms of
this proxy, all shares of Common Stock of Axsys Technologies, Inc., which the undersigned may be entitled
to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Hartford Marriott Rocky Hill at
Corporate Ridge, 100 Capital Boulevard, Rocky Hill, Connecticut, on the 15th day of May 2008, at 10:00
a.m., and any adjournment or postponement thereof, upon all matters which may properly come before
said meeting.
This
proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by
the undersigned stockholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted
“FOR” ALL NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR.
(Continued, and to be dated and signed, on reverse side)
| Address
Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse
side) |
|
| THIS
PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, OR IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE
VOTED “FOR” THE PROPOSALS. |
|
Please
Mark Here
for Address
Change or
Comments |
o |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
SEE
REVERSE SIDE |
|
| |
|
Please
mark
your votes as
indicated in
this example |
x |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1. |
Election
of Directors |
|
FOR
all nominees
listed to the left
(except as marked
to the contrary to
the left)
o |
|
WITHHOLD
AUTHORITY
to vote for all nominees
listed to the left
o |
|
2. |
In
their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business
as may properly come before the meeting. |
| |
Nominees for election
by
holders of Common Stock: |
|
|
|
|
| |
01
Stephen W. Bershad,
02 Anthony J. Fiorelli, Jr.,
03 Eliot M. Fried,
04 Richard F. Hamm, Jr., and
05 Robert G. Stevens |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
I
plan to attend the meeting. |
o |
Instruction:
TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for one or more nominees
listed above, write the name of the nominee(s) in the space provided below. |
|
|
PLEASE
MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. |
| |
|
|
| Signature |
|
Signature |
|
Dated |
|
, 2008 |
| Please
sign exactly as name appears above. When shares are held by joint tenants,
both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee
or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign
in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If partnership,
please sign in partnership name by authorized person. |
| 5
FOLD AND DETACH HERE 5 |
WE
ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INTERNET OR TELEPHONE VOTING,
BOTH ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK.
Internet
and telephone voting is available through 11:59 PM Eastern Time
the day prior to annual meeting day.
Your
Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares
in the same manner
as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.
INTERNET
http://www.proxyvoting.com/axys-esop
Use the internet to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card in hand when
you access the web site. |
OR |
TELEPHONE
1-866-540-5760
Use any touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card
in hand when you call. |
If you vote
your proxy by Internet or by telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your proxy
card.
To vote by mail, mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the enclosed
postage-paid envelope.
| Choose MLinkSM
for fast, easy and secure 24/7 online access to your future proxy materials,
investment plan statements, tax documents and more. Simply log on to Investor
ServiceDirect® at www.bnymellon.com/shareowner/isd where
step-by-step instructions will prompt you through enrollment. |
You
can view the Annual Report and Proxy Statement
on the internet at www.axsys.com
AXSYS
TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS — May 15, 2008
VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
This Proxy is Solicited by the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby authorizes and directs
Fidelity Investments Institutional Services Company, Inc., as trustee (the
“Trustee”) of Axsys Technologies, Inc. Employees Retirement Savings Plan to vote for the undersigned, in person or by proxy, as
herein stated at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Axsys Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) to be held at the Hartford
Marriott Rocky Hill at Corporate Ridge, 100 Capital Boulevard, Rocky Hill, Connecticut, on the 15th day of May 2008, at 10:00 a.m.,
and any adjournment thereof, all shares of Common Stock of the Company allocated to the account of the undersigned under such plan,
on the proposals set forth on the reverse side hereof and in accordance with the Trustee’s discretion on any other matters that may
properly come before the meeting or any adjournments or postponement thereof. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the
Notice and Proxy Statement.
This
proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by
the undersigned stockholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted
“FOR” ALL NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR.
(Continued, and to be dated and signed, on reverse side)
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Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse
side) |
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