Unassociated Document
SCHEDULE
14A
(Rule
14a-101)
INFORMATION
REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE
14A INFORMATION
Proxy
Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange
Act of 1934 (Amendment No. 1)
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o Preliminary
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Definitive Proxy Statement
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule
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Universal
Security Instruments, Inc.
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(Name
of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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N/A
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of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the
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UNIVERSAL
SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC.
7-A
Gwynns Mill Court
Owings
Mills, Maryland 21117
NOTICE
OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
to
be held
October
15, 2007
To
the Shareholders of Universal Security Instruments, Inc.:
The
Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Universal Security Instruments, Inc., a
Maryland corporation (the “Company”) will be held at the Pikesville
Hilton, 1726 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, Maryland,
on
October 15, 2007 at 8:30 a.m., local time, for the following
purposes:
1. |
To
elect two directors to serve until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to
be held in 2010 and until their successors are duly elected and
qualify;
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2. |
To
consider and act upon a proposal to amend the Company’s Non-Qualified
Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares available for
the grant
of options thereunder.
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3. |
To
transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or
any adjournments or postponements
thereof.
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The
Board
of Directors has fixed August 6, 2007 as the record date for the determination
of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting.
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By
Order of the
Board of Directors |
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James B. Huff |
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Secretary |
Owings Mills, Maryland |
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August 27, 2007 |
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IMPORTANT
- YOUR PROXY IS ENCLOSED
WHETHER
OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN, AND MAIL
THE ACCOMPANYING FORM OF PROXY TO THE COMPANY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED FOR MAILING IN THE UNITED
STATES.
UNIVERSAL
SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC.
7-A
Gwynns Mill Court
Owings
Mills, Maryland 21117
(410)
363-3000
PROXY
STATEMENT
The
accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Universal Security
Instruments, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), in connection with
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on October 15, 2007, or at
any
adjournments or postponements thereof, for the purposes set forth in
the accompanying
notice of the meeting. The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business
on
August 6, 2007 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the determination of
shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting. On that
date,
there were outstanding 2,479,245 shares of the Company’s Common Stock par value
$.01 per share (the “Shares”).
Each
record holder of Shares on the Record Date is entitled to one vote for each
Share held on all matters to come before the meeting, including the election
of
directors. Shares may be voted in person or by proxy. The accompanying proxy
may
be revoked by the person giving it at any time prior to its being voted by
filing a written notice of such revocation with the Secretary of the Company,
by
executing a proxy bearing a later date or by attending the meeting and voting
in
person.
BENEFICIAL
OWNERSHIP
The
following table reflects the names and addresses of the only persons known
to
the Company to be the beneficial owners of 5% or more of the Shares outstanding
as of the Record Date. For purposes of calculating beneficial ownership, Rule
13d-3 of the Securities Exchange
Act of
1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”) requires inclusion of Shares that may be
acquired within sixty days of the Record Date. Unless otherwise indicated in
the
footnotes to this table, beneficial ownership of Shares represents sole voting
and investment power with respect to those Shares.
Name
and Address
of
Beneficial Owner
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Shares
Beneficially Owned
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Percent
of
Class
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Harvey
B. Grossblatt
7-A
Gwynns Mill Court
Owings
Mills, MD 21117
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124,201(1)
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5.01%
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FMR
Corp.
82
Devonshire Street
Boston,
MA 02109
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241,255
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10.00%
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____________________________
(1) |
Includes
19,999 Shares which Mr. Grossblatt presently has the right to acquire
through the exercise of stock
options.
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ELECTION
OF DIRECTORS
The
Board
of Directors currently consists of four directors. The Company’s directors are
divided into three classes and are elected for terms of three years each and
until their successors are elected and qualify. The Board has nominated Mr.
Cary
Luskin and Dr. Howard B. Silverman for election as directors at the 2007 Annual
Meeting to serve for a term of three years and until their successors are
elected and qualified. A
quorum
for the Annual Meeting consists of a majority of the issued and outstanding
Shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote. Under
Maryland law, unless a corporation’s charter or bylaws provide otherwise,
directors are elected by a plurality of all votes cast at a meeting at which
a
quorum is present. The Company’s Bylaws provide that the affirmative vote of a
majority of the Shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote is necessary
for the election of directors. If
no
nominee receives the requisite vote, Mr. Luskin and Dr. Silverman will continue
to serve as directors until their successors are duly elected and qualify.
Consequently, withholding of votes, abstentions and broker non-votes with
respect to Shares otherwise present at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy
will have the effect of a vote withheld.
Unless
contrary instruction is given, the persons named in the proxies solicited by
the
Board of Directors will vote each such proxy for the election of the named
nominee. If the nominee is unable to serve, the Shares represented by all
properly executed proxies which have not been revoked will be voted for the
election of such substitute as the Board of Directors may recommend or the
Board
of Directors may reduce the size of the Board to eliminate the vacancy. At
this
time, the Board does not anticipate that the nominee will be unavailable to
serve.
The
following table sets forth, for the nominees and each continuing director,
his
name, age as of the Record Date, the year he first became a director of the
Company, the expiration of his current term, and whether such individual has
been determined by the Board to be “independent” as defined in Section 121A of
the American Stock Exchange (Amex) Company Guide. There are no known
arrangements or understandings between any director or nominee for director
of
the Company and any other person pursuant to which such director or nominee
has
been selected as a director or nominee.
Name
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Age
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Director
Since
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Current
Term
to
Expire
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Independent
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Board
Nominees for Term to Expire in 2010
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Cary
Luskin
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50
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2002
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2007
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Yes
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Howard
B. Silverman, Ph.D.
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65
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2002
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2007
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Yes
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Directors
Continuing in Office
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Harvey
B. Grossblatt
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61
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1996
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2008
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No
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Ronald
A. Seff, M.D.
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59
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2002
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2009
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Yes
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Presented
below is certain information concerning the nominees and directors continuing
in
office. Unless otherwise stated, all directors and nominees have held the
positions indicated for at least the past five years.
Harvey
B. Grossblatt was
Chief
Financial Officer of the Company from 1983 until August 2004, Secretary and
Treasurer of the Company from 1988 until August 2004, Chief Operating Officer
of
the Company from April 2003 through August 2004, and Chief Executive Officer
since August 2004.
Ronald
A. Seff, M.D. has
been
in the private practice of ophthalmology since 1977. From 1977 until 1998,
Dr.
Seff practiced with, and was a senior executive of, a large medical practice
with four offices in Maryland.
Cary
Luskin
has been
in the retail electronic business since 1978. Since 1998, Mr. Luskin has been
President of The Big Screen Store, Inc., a chain of large-screen television
retail stores.
Howard
B. Silverman, Ph.D.
has been
in the mental health field for over 30 years. From 1990 to 2001, Dr. Silverman
was Vice President of Magellan Health Service, and since 2001 he has served
as a
consultant in the field.
CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
The
Board
of Directors periodically reviews its corporate governance policies and
procedures to ensure that the Company meets the highest standards of ethical
conduct, reports results with accuracy and transparency, and maintains full
compliance with the laws, rules and regulations which govern the Company’s
operations.
Meetings
and Committees of the Board of Directors
Board
of Directors.
During
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, the Board met four times. No incumbent
director attended fewer than 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board
of
Directors of the Company held during the year and the total number of meetings
held by all committees on which the director served during such year. Board
members are expected to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and all
incumbent directors attended the 2006 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.
The
Board
has the following committees, each of which meets at scheduled
times:
Audit
Committee.
The
Audit Committee is appointed by the Board to assist the Board in its duty to
oversee the Company’s accounting, financial reporting and internal control
functions and the audit of the Company’s financial statements. The Committee’s
responsibilities include, among others, direct responsibility for hiring,
firing, overseeing the work of and determining the compensation for the
Company’s independent auditors, who report directly to the Audit Committee. The
members of the Audit Committee are Mr. Luskin (Chairman), Dr. Seff and Dr.
Silverman, none of whom is an employee of the Company and each of whom is
independent under existing Amex and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
requirements. The Board has examined the SEC’s definition of “audit committee
financial expert” and determined that Mr. Luskin satisfies this definition.
Accordingly, Mr. Luskin has been designated by the Board as the Company’s audit
committee financial expert. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, the
Audit Committee met four times. The Board has adopted a written charter for
the
Audit Committee, which was included as Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy
Statement for the Company’s 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Nominations.
The
independent members of the Company’s Board of Directors acts as a nominating
committee for the annual selection of its nominees for election as directors,
and the Board held one meeting during the 2007 fiscal year in order to make
nominations for directors. The Board has not adopted a charter with respect
to
the nominating committee function. The Board of Directors believes that the
interests of the Company’s shareholders are served by relegating the nominations
process to the Board members who are independent from management. While the
Board will consider nominees recommended by shareholders, it has not actively
solicited recommendations from the Company’s shareholders for nominees, nor
established any procedures for this purpose. In considering prospective
nominees, the Board will consider the prospect’s relevant financial and business
experience, the integrity and dedication of the prospect, his independence
and
other factors the Board deems relevant. The Board of Directors will apply the
same criteria to nominees recommended by shareholders as those recommended
by
the full Board. Nominations for director may be made by shareholders, provided
such nominations comply with certain timing and informational requirements
set
forth in the Company’s Bylaws. See “Other Matters” elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement.
Compensation
Committee.
The
Board’s Compensation Committee consists of Mr. Luskin (Chairman), Dr. Seff and
Dr. Silverman, none of whom is an employee of the Company and each of whom
is
independent under existing Amex and SEC requirements. The Compensation Committee
is charged with reviewing and determining the compensation of the Chief
Executive Officer and the other executive officers of the Company. The Board
has
not adopted a charter with respect to the Compensation Committee. The
Compensation Committee met one time during the fiscal year ended March 31,
2007.
Director
Compensation
During
the Company’s fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, Mr. Grossblatt, the Company’s
president and chief executive officer, received no additional compensation
for
serving as a director. Directors
are
eligible to participate in the Company’s Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan. During
the Company’s fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, the Company paid to each of Mr.
Luskin, Dr. Silverman, and Dr. Seff a $10,000 fee for annual service as a
director, payable in cash or Shares (computed at the closing price as
reported by the Amex on the date of the payment).
The
following table summarizes the compensation paid to directors for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2007:
Name
|
Fees
Earned or Paid
in Cash
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Stock
Awards
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Total
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(a)
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(b)
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(c)
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(h)
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|
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Cary
Luskin
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--
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$10,000
(1)
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$10,000
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Ronald
A. Seff, M.D.
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$10,000
|
--
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$10,000
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Howard
B. Silverman, Ph.D.
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$10,000
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--
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$10,000
|
_____________________________
(1) Calculated
at the per share closing price as reported on the Amex on October 23,
2006.
Transactions
with Management
Pursuant
to its written charter, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the
Company reviews all transactions with related persons that are required to
be
disclosed under applicable regulation. During the fiscal year ended March 31,
2007, there were no transactions with related persons which are required to
be
disclosed.
Code
of Ethics
The
Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that is designed
to
promote the highest standards of ethical conduct by the Company’s directors,
executive officers and employees. The Company will furnish, without charge,
a
copy of its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to each shareholder who forwards
a written request to the Secretary, Universal Security Instruments, Inc., 7-A
Gwynns Mill Court, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117.
Communications
with the Board
Any
shareholder desiring to contact the Board, or any specific director(s), may
send
written communications to: Board of Directors (Attention: (Name(s) of
director(s), as applicable)), c/o the Company’s Secretary, 7-A Gwynns Mill
Court, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117. Any proper communication so received will
be processed by the Secretary. If it is unclear from the communication received
whether it was intended or appropriate for the Board, the Secretary will
(subject to any applicable regulatory requirements) use his judgment to
determine whether such communication should be conveyed to the Board or, as
appropriate, to the member(s) of the Board named in the
communication.
Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The
Board’s Compensation Committee consists of Mr.
Luskin, Dr. Seff and Dr. Silverman, none of whom is an officer or employee
of
the Company or an officer or employee of any company for which any officer
of
the Company serves as a member of the compensation committee or board
member.
INFORMATION
REGARDING SHARE OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The
following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership
of the Shares as of the Record Date by (i) each executive officer of the Company
named in the Summary Compensation Table included elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement, (ii) each current director
and each
nominee for election as a director and (iii) all directors and executive
officers of the Company as a group. For purposes of calculating beneficial
ownership, Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act requires inclusion of Shares that
may
be acquired within sixty days of the Record Date. Unless otherwise indicated
in
the footnotes to this table, beneficial ownership of Shares represents sole
voting and investment power with respect to those Shares.
Name
of Beneficial Owner
|
Shares
Beneficially Owned
|
Percent
of Class
|
|
|
|
Harvey
B. Grossblatt (1)
|
124,201
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5.01%
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Cary
Luskin (2)
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72,756
|
2.93%
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Ronald
A. Seff, M.D. (3)
|
72,469
|
2.92%
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Howard
B. Silverman, Ph.D. (4)
|
15,185
|
0.61%
|
James
B. Huff (5)
|
17,409
|
0.70%
|
All
directors and executive officers
as
a group (5 persons) (6)
|
302,020
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12.17%
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____________________
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(1)
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Includes
19,999 Shares Mr. Grossblatt has the right to acquire through the
exercise
of stock options.
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|
(2)
|
Includes
13,333 Shares Mr. Luskin has the right to acquire through the exercise
of
stock options.
|
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(3)
|
Includes
4,000 Shares Dr. Seff has the right to acquire through the exercise
of
stock options.
|
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(4)
|
Includes
13,333 Shares Dr. Silverman has the right to acquire through the
exercise
of stock options.
|
|
(5)
|
Includes
9,666 Shares Mr. Huff has
the right to acquire through the exercise of stock
options.
|
|
(6)
|
See
footnote 1-5 above.
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Compliance
with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Section
16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that the Company’s directors and executive
officers and each person who owns more than 10% of the Company’s Shares, file
with the SEC an initial report of beneficial ownership and subsequent reports
of
changes in beneficial ownership of the Shares. To the Company’s knowledge, based
solely upon the review of the copies of such reports furnished to us, all of
these reporting persons complied with the Section 16(a) filing requirements
applicable to them with respect to transactions during the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007.
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
Introduction
The
individuals who served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer during the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 as
well
two of the Company’s most highly compensated employees whose total compensation
during the fiscal year exceeded $100,000 (listed in the Summary Compensation
Table below), are referred to in the following discussion as the “named
executive officers”. The following compensation discussion and analysis,
executive compensation tables and related narrative describe the compensation
awarded to, earned by or paid to the named executive officers for services
provided to the Company during the fiscal year ended March 31,
2007.
Compensation
Discussion and Analysis
Compensation
Committee.
The
Company’s
Compensation Committee
determines the appropriateness of compensation levels pertaining to the named
executive officers.
Philosophy,
Goals and Objectives of Executive Compensation.
The
overall goal of the Committee is the establishment of compensation policies
designed to attract, motivate, reward and retain qualified executives and
employees who will foster a team orientation toward the achievement of
company-wide business objectives and execute the Company’s strategic goals,
thereby increasing the value created for shareholders.
The
Committee employs a mix of long and short-term incentives in its compensation
program designed to
motivate
and reward the Company’s executive officers for their contributions to
shareholder value and the achievement of business objectives. The Company
compensates the named executive officers through a combination of base salary,
bonuses, equity incentives and retirement benefits. The Compensation Committee’s
compensation philosophy with respect to the named executive officers includes
the following general elements: (1) providing overall compensation within a
market competitive range, and (2) rewarding achievement of Company financial
performance objectives as well as individual managerial effectiveness. While
the
Committee may, from time to time, engage compensation consultants to assist
in
evaluating the
Company’s executive compensation plans, the Committee did not engage a
compensation consultant during its fiscal year ended March 31,
2007.
Base
Salary. The
primary component of compensation of the Company’s executives is base salary.
The base salary for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer is as set forth in his
employment agreement (described below), The base salaries for the other named
executive officers are recommended by the Chief executive Officer and approved
by the Committee and are reviewed annually.
The
base
salary levels of the named executive officers in fiscal 2007 were established
based upon: (i) the individual’s particular background and circumstances,
including experience and skills, (ii) the Company’s knowledge of competitive
factors within the industry in which it operates, (iii) the job responsibilities
of the individual, (iv) the Company’s expectations as to the performance and
contribution of the individual and the Committee’s judgment as to the
individual’s potential future value to the Company, (v) prior year salary
levels, (vi) length of service, and (vii) with respect to the
base
salary for the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Executive Officer
makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee based upon the profitability
of the Company.
The
base
salary of the named executive officers is intended to provide a competitive
base
level of pay for the services they provide. The Company believes that the fixed
base annual salary levels of the named executive officers helps the Company
retain qualified executives and provide a measure of income stability for the
named executive officers that may lessen potential pressures to take possibly
excessive risks to achieve performance measures under incentive compensation
arrangements.
Bonus. All
of
the named executive officers are eligible for a bonus. In addition, certain
officers who are viewed as having an opportunity to directly and substantially
contribute to achievement of our short-term objectives are eligible to receive
bonus compensation. Bonuses reward the named executive officers for achieving
Company financial performance objectives and for demonstrating individual
leadership. The Board believes that by providing a positive incentive and cash
rewards, bonuses play an integral role in motivating and retaining qualified
executives. A compensation structure of base salary and bonus opportunity for
named executive officers generally represents a reasonable combination of fixed
salary compared to variable incentive pay opportunity and reflects the Company’s
goal of retaining and motivating the named executive officers. The Company’s
strong fiscal 2007 results were considered in of determining the level of the
bonus awards paid to executives for fiscal 2007. Mr. Grossblatt’s employment
agreement, described below, stipulates his annual bonus program. Eligibility
to
receive bonuses for other named executive officers is based on the
recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer to the Compensation
Committee.
Equity
Incentives.
The
Company uses grants of stock options to its key employees and executive officers
to more closely align the interests of such employees and officers with the
interests of its shareholders. The Board believes that this policy created
an
incentive for key employees and executive officers to maximize shareholder
value, primarily through growth and return on invested capital. The amount
and
nature of prior awards are generally considered in determining any new equity
incentive awards for executive officers, although other factors, such as the
need to retain experienced managers, are also considered. For the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007, and prior years, stock options have been issued to
employees as recommended by the Chief Executive Officer and approved by the
Compensation Committee.
A
summary
of the options held by our executive officers is provided in the “Outstanding
Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table” listed below.
No
options were granted to named executive officers in 2007.
The
Company
has
a defined contribution profit sharing plan covering eligible employees. The
Plan
is voluntary with respect to participation and is subject to the provisions
of
ERISA. The plan provides for participant contributions of up to 15% of annual
compensation, as defined by the plan. The Company contributes an amount equal
to
50% of the participant’s first 6% of contributions. The Company may contribute
an additional amount from its profits as authorized by the Board of Directors.
The Company made no additional contributions in 2007. Participants in the plan
are immediately vested in their and the Company’s contributions, plus actual
earnings thereon. The Company’s 2007 contributions to the plan on behalf of
named executive officers are included in the “All Other Compensation” column in
the “Summary Compensation Table” below.
Executive
Employment Agreements. The
Chief
Executive Officer’s compensation is governed largely by his employment agreement
with the Company, originally effective April 1, 2002, as amended. The current
employment agreement expires on July 31, 2008. The employment agreement
currently provides
that Mr.
Grossblatt’s base annual salary beginning July 18, 2005 was $300,000, increased
to $325,000 on August 1, 2006, and increasing to $350,000 on August 1, 2007.
Additionally, Mr. Grossblatt is entitled to bonus compensation for each fiscal
year of the Company in which the Company earned pre-tax net income in excess
of
an amount equal to 8% of shareholders’ equity as of the start of the fiscal
year, as follows: 3% of all (after the 8% threshold) pre-tax net income up
to $1
million, 4% of pre-tax net income from $1-$2 million, 5% of pre-tax net income
from $2-$3 million, 6% of pre-tax net income from $3-$4 million, 7% of pre-tax
net income over $4 million. Mr. Grossblatt is also entitled to life, health
and
disability insurance benefits, medical reimbursement, automobile allowance,
and
Company paid retirement plan contributions.
If
the
Employment Agreement is not renewed by the Company or is terminated by Mr.
Grossblatt for good reason, Mr. Grossblatt is entitled to receive his
compensation through any balance of the employment term plus a lump sum payment
equal to his last 12 months base salary and bonus, health benefits for three
years, and an additional lump sum payment payable on each of the first three
anniversaries of the termination equal to the 401(k) plan contribution the
Company would have made on behalf of the Company had he remained employed by
the
Company.
If
Mr.
Grossblatt’s employment is terminated following or in anticipation of a “change
of control” of the Company, Mr. Grossblatt will be entitled to receive a lump
sum payment equal to his base salary for the balance of the Employment
Agreement’s term and the amount of Mr. Grossblatt’s last bonus. In addition, Mr.
Grossblatt is entitled to receive health benefits for three years, and an
additional lump sum payment payable on the anniversary of the termination equal
to the 401(k) plan contribution the Company would have made on behalf of the
Company had he remained employed by the Company. Furthermore, Mr. Grossblatt
will receive an amount equal to three times his base salary for the last 12
months and the amount of his last bonus, limited to 2.99 times Mr. Grossblatt’s
average annual taxable compensation from the Company which is included in his
gross income for the five taxable years of the Company ending before the date
on
which the change of control occurs.
If
the
Employment Agreement is terminated by the Company due to Mr. Grossblatt’s death,
Mr. Grossblatt’s estate is entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to his
base salary for the greater of the balance of the Employment Agreement’s term or
one year, reduced by any individual life insurance benefits the premiums for
which are paid for by the Company, plus the amount of his last bonus and the
amount of the Company’s last 401(k) plan contribution made on behalf of Mr.
Grossblatt. In addition, Mr. Grossblatt’s estate is entitled to the health
insurance and medical reimbursement benefits for the longer of the balance
of
the term or three years following the date of death, or the cash equivalent
thereof.
If
the
Employment Agreement is terminated by the Company due to Mr. Grossblatt’s
disability, Mr. Grossblatt is entitled to the continuation
of the
payment of his base salary for the balance of the term, reduced by any group
or
individual disability income insurance benefits the premiums for which are
paid
for by the Company and Social Security disability benefits paid to Mr.
Grossblatt. In addition, Mr. Grossblatt is entitled to the health insurance
and
medical reimbursement benefits and a payment equal to the 401(k) plan
contribution the Company would have made on behalf of the Company had he
remained employed by the Company, for the longer of the balance of the term
or
three years following the date of disability, or the cash equivalent
thereof.
The
Employment Agreement generally prohibits Mr. Grossblatt from competing with
the
Company during the term and during any subsequent period during which he
receives compensation from the Company.
Compensation
Committee Report
The
Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion
and Analysis with management. Based on the review and discussion, the
Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Company’s Proxy
Statement.
Compensation
Committee
Cary
Luskin, Chairman
Ronald
A.
Seff, M.D.
Howard
B.
Silverman, Ph.D.
Equity
Compensation Plan Information
The
following table
provides
information, as of March 31, 2007, with respect to all compensation arrangements
maintained by the Company,
including individual compensation arrangements, under which Shares are
authorized for issuance. The weighted-average exercise price does not include
restricted stock.
Plan
Category
|
Number
of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options,
warrants
and rights
|
Weighted-average
exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and
rights
|
Number
of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity
compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in
column
(a)
|
|
(a)
|
(b)
|
(c)
|
Equity
compensation plans approved by security holders
|
102,441
|
$12.60
|
4,232
|
Equity
compensation plans not approved by security
holders
|
-0-
|
-0-
|
-0-
|
Total
|
102,441
|
$12.60
|
4,232
|
Summary
Compensation Table
The
following table sets forth information regarding the total compensation paid
or
earned by the named executive officers for the fiscal year ended March 31,
2007:
Name
and
Principal
Position
(a)
|
Year
(b)
|
Base
Salary
$
(c)
|
Bonus
$
(d)
|
Stock
Awards
$
(e)
|
Option
Awards
$(1)
(f)
|
Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
$
(g)
|
Change
in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Earnings
$(2)
|
All
Other Compensation
$
(i)
|
Total
$
(j)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Harvey
B. Grossblatt,
President
and CEO
|
2007
|
318,074
|
304,657
|
0
|
1,816,331
|
0
|
28,925
|
37,306(3)
|
2,505,293
|
James
B. Huff,
Secretary/
Treasurer/
CFO
|
2007
|
149,038
|
10,000
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
5,917
|
7,715(4)
|
172,670
|
Ronald
Lazarus,
President/USI
Electric, Inc.
|
2007
|
220,000
|
112,409
|
0
|
964,206
|
0
|
8,800
|
26,666(5)
|
1,332,081
|
Manny
Pacheco,
Western
Division Manager
|
2007
|
99,616
|
0
|
0
|
40,231
|
0
|
3,976
|
11,443(6)
|
155,266
|
_____________________________________________________________________
(1) |
The
amounts shown on the “Option Awards” column reflect the compensation cost
related to stock option awards included in the Company’s financial
statements for fiscal year 2007, computed in accordance with Statement
of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R) (“SFAS No. 123(R)”. For a
discussion of valuation assumptions, see the Company’s Annual Report for
the year ended March 31, 2007. While these amounts are deductible
for
federal income tax purposes, for financial statement purposes, these
amounts are charged to additional paid-in capital. There were no
stock
option awards granted during 2007. As of March 31, 2007, the aggregate
number of stock options outstanding are: Harvey B. Grossblatt - 19,999;
James B. Huff - 14,666; Ronald Lazarus - 10,666; and Manny Pacheco
-
2,666.
|
The
amounts shown in the Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred
Compensation earnings include the Company’s matching contribution to the
employees’ 401(k) plan.
(2) |
Other
compensation includes $31,473 of medical reimbursement and health
insurance premiums under the terms of the employment agreement between
the
Company and Mr. Grossblatt, payment of $4,981 of life insurance premiums
and $852 of lease value of vehicle.
|
(3) |
Other
compensation includes $6,000 of automobile expense reimbursement
and
$1,715 of insurance premiums on Health and Life Insurance
policies.
|
(4) |
Other
compensation includes $14,666 of insurance premiums on Health and
Life
Insurance policies and $12,000 of automobile expense
reimbursement.
|
(5) |
Other
compensation includes $6,643 of insurance premium on Health and Life
Insurance policies and $4,800 of automobile expense
reimbursement.
|
Outstanding
Options at 2007 Fiscal Year End
The
following table sets forth, for each of the executive officers named in the
Summary Compensation Table, information with respect to unexercised options
as
of the Company’s fiscal year ended March 31, 2007:
|
Option
Awards
|
Name
(a)
|
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
(1)
(b)
|
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#) Unexercisable
(c)
|
Equity
Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised
Unearned Options (#)
(d)
|
Option
Exercise Price ($)
(e)
|
Option
Expiration Date
(f)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Harvey
B. Grossblatt
|
13,333
6,666
|
0
0
|
0
0
|
11.27
16.09
|
3/22/2010
3/23/2011
|
James
B. Huff
|
6,666
4,000
4,000
|
3,333
4,000
4,000
|
3,333
0
0
|
7.68
11.27
16.09
|
8/30/2009
3/22/2010
3/23/2011
|
Ronald
Lazarus
|
6,666
4,000
|
6,666
4,000
|
0
0
|
11.27
16.09
|
3/22/2010
3/23/2011
|
Manny
Pacheco
|
1,333
1,333
|
1,333
1,333
|
0
0
|
11.27
16.09
|
3/22/2010
3/23/2011
|
Option
Exercises
The
following table sets forth, for each of the executive officers named in the
Summary Compensation Table, information with respect to the exercise of stock
options during the Company’s fiscal year ended March 31, 2007:
|
Option
Awards
|
Name
|
Number
of Shares Acquired on Exercise
|
Value
Realized
On
Exercise
|
(a)
|
(b)
|
(c)
|
|
|
|
Harvey
B. Grossblatt
|
96,889
|
1,816,331
|
James
B. Huff
|
-0-
|
-0-
|
Ronald
Lazarus
|
87,109
|
964,206
|
Manny
Pacheco
|
1,777
|
40,231
|
Potential
Payments upon Termination or Change in Control
The
table below shows
the
estimated incremental value transfer to Harvey B. Grossblatt, the only named
executive officer who is contractually entitled to compensation upon
termination or a change in control,
under
various scenarios relating to a termination of employment. Please refer to
the
discussion titled “Executive Employment Agreements”, above, in this Executive
Compensation Section for a description of the circumstances that would trigger
payments and benefits upon termination or a change in control. The tables below
assume that such termination occurred on March 31, 2007, the last day of the
Company’s 2007 fiscal year. The Company’s stock price on the last business day
of its 2007 fiscal year was $34.35. The actual amounts that would be paid to
any
named executive officer can only be determined at the time of an actual
termination of employment and would vary from those listed below. The estimated
amounts listed below are in addition to any other benefits that are available
to
employees generally.
|
Non
Renewal
|
Resignation
for Good Reason
|
Termination
Following Change in Control (1)
|
Death
|
Disability
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance
|
$622,731(2)
|
$622,731(2)
|
$2,518,628(5)
|
$764,832(6)
|
$36,250(8)
|
Health
Benefits
|
$104,943(3)
|
$104,943
(3)
|
$104,943
(3)
|
$104,943
(7)
|
$104,943
(9)
|
401(k)
Contribution
|
$86,775(4)
|
$86,775(4)
|
$86,775(4)
|
--
|
$28,925(10)
|
Tax
gross up
|
--
|
$547,583
|
--
|
$579,950
|
--
|
___________________________________________________________
(1)
|
Limited
to 2.99 times Mr. Grossblatt’s average annual taxable compensation from
the Company which is included in his gross income for the five taxable
years of the Company ending before the date on which the change of
control
occurs.
|
(2)
|
Lump
sum payment equal to Mr. Grossblatt’s last 12 months base salary and
bonus.
|
(3)
|
The
aggregate of the health benefits for the first three years following
the
termination.
|
(4)
|
The
aggregate of the respective annual lump sum payments, payable on
each of
the first three anniversaries of the termination, equal to the 401(k)
plan
contribution the Company would have made on behalf of the Company
had Mr.
Grossblatt remained employed by the
Company.
|
(5)
|
Lump
sum payment equal to Mr. Grossblatt’s annual base salary for the balance
of the employment period and last bonus, plus three times Mr. Grossblatt’s
last 12 months base salary and
bonus.
|
(6)
|
Mr.
Grossblatt’s estate is entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to his
base salary for the greater of the balance of the employment term
or one
year, reduced by any individual life insurance benefits the premiums
for
which are paid for by the Company, plus the amount of his last bonus
and
the amount of the Company’s last 401(k) plan contribution made on his
behalf.
|
(7)
|
Mr.
Grossblatt’s estate is entitled to the health insurance and medical
reimbursement benefits for the longer of the balance of the employment
term or three years following the date of death, or the cash equivalent
thereof.
|
(8)
|
Mr.
Grossblatt is entitled to the continuation
of
the payment of his base salary for the balance of the term, reduced
by any
group or individual disability income insurance benefits the premiums
for
which are paid for by the Company and Social Security disability
benefits
paid to Mr. Grossblatt.
|
(9)
|
Mr.
Grossblatt is entitled to the health insurance and medical reimbursement
benefits for the longer of the balance of the term or three years
following the date of disability, or the cash equivalent
thereof.
|
(10)
|
Mr.
Grossblatt is entitled to a payment equal to the 401(k) plan contribution
the Company would have made on behalf of the Company had he remained
employed by the Company, for the longer of the balance of the term
or
three years following the date of disability, or the cash equivalent
thereof.
|
PROPOSAL
TO AMEND THE NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN
The
Plan
The
Company’s Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), has been in effect since
April 1978 and, unless extended by the Company’s Board of Directors, will expire
on March 31, 2008. A total of 877,777 Shares (as adjusted for stock dividends)
were reserved for issuance under the Plan. Options may be granted under the
Plan
to employees, officers and directors of the Company and its
subsidiaries.
The
Plan
is administered by the Non-Qualified Stock Option Committee of the Company’s
Board of Directors (the “Options Committee”), consisting of Cary Luskin, Harvey
Grossblatt and Howard B. Silverman, Ph.D. The Options Committee has the
authority, within limitations as set forth in the Plan, to interpret the terms
of the Plan and establish rules and regulations concerning the Plan, to
determine the persons to whom options may be granted, the number of Shares
to be
covered by each option, and the exercise price and other terms and provisions
of
the option to be granted. In addition, the Options Committee has the authority,
subject to the terms of the Plan, to determine the appropriate adjustments
in
the terms of each outstanding option in the event of a change in the Common
Stock or the Company’s capital structure.
Options
granted under the Plan are non-qualified stock options (“NQSOs”). The exercise
price of an option will be fixed by the Options Committee on the date of grant.
Any options granted must expire within five years from the date of grant. Shares
subject to options granted under the Plan which expire, terminate, or are
canceled without having been exercised in full become available again for option
grants.
On
July
26, 2007, the last sale price per share of Common Stock, as reported on the
Amex, was $27.05.
The
Amendment
As
of
July 26, 2007, 771,104 Shares (as adjusted for stock dividends) have been issued
pursuant to the exercise of options under the Plan and options to purchase
102,441 Shares were outstanding under the Plan, leaving only an additional
4,232
Shares available for options to be granted thereafter under the Plan (in
addition to any options forfeited pursuant to the terms of the Plan which are
then available for re-issuance under the Plan). The Board of Directors believes
that it is in the best long-term interest of the Company and its shareholders
to
have available under the Plan a sufficient number of options to allow broad
participation by all of the Company’s directors and employees, thereby providing
equity-based incentive compensation to those personnel whose efforts increase
the value of the Common Stock for the Company’s shareholders. Since many of the
options granted under the Plan vest over a period of several years, the Plan
also encourages a long-term relationship between the Company and its
employees.
Subject
to shareholder approval, the Board of Directors has approved an increase of
500,000 Shares to be available for grants of options under the Plan, thereby
raising the total number of Shares presently available for options under the
Plan to 504,232.
Federal
Income Tax Aspects
Employees
and non-employee directors will realize no income upon the grant of a
non-qualified stock option. Generally, however, the holder of a NQSO will
realize taxable ordinary income at the time of the exercise of his/her option
in
an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the Shares acquired
at
the time of exercise over the exercise price of the option, and the Company
will
be entitled to a deduction for the amount included in the optionee’s income.
Upon the sale of the Shares acquired upon exercise, the optionee would realize
capital gain or capital loss. Whether such capital gain or capital loss is
long-term or short-term will depend upon the period of time the optionee holds
the Shares once they are acquired.
Board
Recommendation
The
Board
of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR approval of the proposed
amendment to the Plan. The affirmative vote of a majority of the Company’s
outstanding Shares Stock is needed to approve the proposed amendment to the
Plan. Consequently, the withholding of votes, abstentions and broker non-votes
with respect to Shares otherwise present at the Annual Meeting in person or
by
proxy may have an effect on the outcome of this vote.
REPORT
OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The
Audit
Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the annual audited
financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries.
The
Audit
Committee has discussed with Grant Thornton LLP, the independent auditors
for
the Company for the fiscal year ended March
31,
2007, the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards
61. The Board of Directors has received the written disclosures and the letter
from the independent auditors required by Independent Standards Board Standard
No. 1 and has discussed with the independent auditors the independent auditors’
independence.
Based
on the
foregoing review and discussions, the Board of Directors approved the inclusion
of the audited financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 for filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
The
Audit Committee
Cary
Luskin
Ronald
A.
Seff, M.D.
Howard
B.
Silverman, Ph.D.
INDEPENDENT
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The
Audit
Committee has selected the firm of Grant Thornton LLP as the Company’s
independent public accountants for the current fiscal year. Grant Thornton
LLP
has served as the Company’s independent public accountants since 1999.
Representatives of Grant Thornton LLP are expected to be present at the meeting,
and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and
to
respond to appropriate questions.
The
following is a description
of the
fees billed to the Company by Grant Thornton LLP (the “Auditor”) during the
fiscal years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006:
Audit
Fees
Audit
fees include fees paid by the Company to the Auditor in connection with the
annual audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and review of
the Company’s interim financial statements. Audit fees also include fees for
services performed by the Auditor that are closely related to the audit and
in
many cases could only be provided by the Auditor. Such services include
consents
related
to Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory filings. The
aggregate fees for audit services rendered to the Company for the years ended
March 31, 2007 and 2006 totaled $162,000 and $125,000,
respectively.
Audit
Related Fees
Audit
related services include due diligence services related to accounting
consultations, internal control reviews and employee benefit plan audits. There
were no audit related services provided in either year.
Tax
Fees
Tax
fees
include corporate tax compliance, counsel and advisory services. The aggregate
fees billed to the Company by the Auditor for the tax related services rendered
to the Company for the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 totaled $0 and $0,
respectively.
Approval
of Independent Auditor Services and Fees
The
Company’s Audit Committee reviews all fees charged by the Company’s independent
auditors, and actively monitors the relationship between audit and non-audit
services provided. The Audit Committee must pre-approve all audit and non-audit
services provided by the Company’s independent auditors and fees
charged.
OTHER
MATTERS
The
Board
of Directors is not aware of any other matter which may be presented for action
at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, but should any other matter
requiring a vote of the shareholders arise at the 2007 Annual Meeting, it is
intended that the proxies will be voted with respect
thereto
in accordance with the best judgment of the person or persons voting the
proxies, discretionary authority to do so being included in the
proxy.
The
cost
of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. Arrangements will be made
with brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to
forward
solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of the Shares held of record
by
such persons, and the Company will reimburse them for their reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses. Officers and directors may also solicit
proxies.
As
a
matter of policy, the Company will accord confidentiality to the votes of
individual shareholders, whether submitted by proxy or ballot, except in limited
circumstances, including any contested election, or as may be necessary to
meet
legal requirements. Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting
will
be tabulated by the Company and will determine whether or not a quorum is
present. Abstentions will be treated as Shares that are present and entitled
to
vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum but as unvoted for
purposes of determining the approval of any matter submitted to the shareholders
for a vote. If a broker indicates on the proxy that it does not have
discretionary authority as to certain Shares to vote on a particular
matter, those Shares will not be considered as present and entitled to vote
with
respect to that matter.
Any
shareholder desiring to present a proposal at the 2008 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders and wishing to have that proposal included in the proxy statement
for that meeting must submit the same in writing to the Secretary of the Company
at 7-A Gwynns Mill Court, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117, in time to be received
by April 30, 2008. In
addition, if a shareholder desires to bring business (including director
nominations) before the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders that is not the
subject of a proposal timely submitted for inclusion in the Company’s Proxy
Statement, written notice of such business, as currently prescribed in the
Company’s Bylaws, must be received by the Company’s Secretary between March 31,
2008 and April 30, 2008. For
additional
requirements, a shareholder should refer to Article I, Section 8 of the
Company’s Bylaws, “Advance Notice of Stockholder Nominees for Director and Other
Stockholder Proposals,” a copy of which may be obtained from the Company’s
Secretary or from the Company’s SEC filings. If the Company does not receive
timely notice pursuant to the Bylaws, the nomination or proposal will be
excluded from consideration at the meeting.
The
persons designated by the Company to vote proxies given by shareholders in
connection with the Company’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will not
exercise any discretionary voting authority granted in such proxies on any
matter not disclosed in the Company’s 2008 proxy statement with respect to which
the Company has received written notice no later than July 19, 2008 that
a
shareholder (i) intends to present such matter at the 2008 Annual Meeting,
and
(ii) intends to and does distribute a proxy statement and proxy card to holders
of such percentage of the Shares required to approve the matter. If a
shareholder fails to provide evidence that the necessary steps have been taken
to complete a proxy solicitation on such matter, the Company may exercise its
discretionary voting authority if it discloses in its 2008 proxy statement
the
nature of the proposal and how it intends to exercise its discretionary voting
authority.
Shareholders
who do not plan to attend the Annual Meeting are urged to complete, date, sign
and return the enclosed proxy in the enclosed envelope, to which no postage
need
be affixed if mailed in the United States. Prompt response is helpful and your
cooperation will be appreciated.
|
|
By
Order of the
Board of Directors, |
|
|
|
|
|
JAMES B. HUFF |
|
Secretary
|
|
|
Owings Mills, Maryland |
|
August 27, 2007 |
|
THE
COMPANY WILL FURNISH, WITHOUT CHARGE, A COPY OF ITS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2007, TO EACH SHAREHOLDER WHO FORWARDS A WRITTEN
REQUEST TO THE SECRETARY, UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC., 7-A GWYNNS
MILL
COURT, OWINGS MILLS, MARYLAND 21117.
To
the extent the rules and regulations adopted by the SEC state that certain
information included in this Proxy Statement is not deemed “soliciting material”
or “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A promulgated by the SEC or
to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, such information shall
not
be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating
by
reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of
1933,
as amended, or under the Exchange Act.
PROXY
UNIVERSAL
SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC.
7-A
Gwynns Mill Court
Owings
Mills, Maryland 21117
This
Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors of Universal Security
Instruments, Inc.
The
undersigned hereby appoints Harvey B. Grossblatt and Ronald A. Seff M.D.,
and
each of them, as proxies, each with the power of substitution, to vote as
designated below all of the shares the undersigned is entitled to vote at
the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the Pikesville
Hilton, 1726 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, Maryland,
on
October 15, 2007 at 8:30 a.m., prevailing local time, and any adjournments
or
postponements thereof, and otherwise to represent the undersigned at the
meeting, with all powers possessed by the undersigned if personally present
at
the meeting.
1.
|
ELECTION
OF DIRECTORS: FOR all nominees listed below
|
[] |
|
(except
as set forth to the contrary below)
|
|
|
|
|
|
WITHHOLD
AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below |
[] |
|
|
|
|
Mr.
Cary Luskin
|
|
|
Howard
Silverman, Ph.D.
|
|
The
terms
of the elected Directors expire at the 2010 annual meeting and when their
successors are elected and qualify.
(INSTRUCTION:
To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write that nominee’s
name on the space provided below.)
_____________________________________________________________
2. |
PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE COMPANY’S NON-QUALIFIED
STOCK OPTION PLAN TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES AVAILABLE FOR THE
GRANT
OF OPTIONS THEREUNDER. |
|
|
|
[]
For []
Against []Abstain
|
|
|
3.
|
In
their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon any other
business which properly comes before the meeting and any adjournments
or
postponements thereof.
|
[REVERSE
SIDE OF PROXY CARD]
This
proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed hereby
by
the undersigned share-holders. If no direction is made, this proxy will be
voted
in favor of all nominees and in the discretion of the proxies upon any other
business which properly comes before the meeting.
Please
sign exactly as your name appears on your proxy card. 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 the President or other
authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by an
authorized person.
|
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PLEASE
MARK, SIGN, DATE AND MAIL THE CARD IN THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
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DATED:
__________________________,
2007
Signature______________________________________
DATED:
__________________________, 2007
Signature_____________________________________
APPENDIX
TO PROXY STATEMENT FILED VIA EDGAR
UNIVERSAL
SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC.
NON-QUALIFIED
STOCK OPTION PLAN
1. Purpose
- The
purpose of this Plan is to further the interests of UNIVERSAL SECURITY
INSTRUMENTS, INC. (hereinafter called the “Company”) by providing incentives for
employees, officers and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries, who
may
be designated for participation therein and to provide additional means of
attracting and retaining competent personnel.
2. Administration
- The
Plan shall be administered by a committee consisting of the Board of Directors
of the Company or such lesser number of such Board (but not less than three
persons) as is designated by the Board. Such committee shall hereinafter be
referred to as the “Non-Qualified Stock Option Committee” or the “Committee”.
Subject to the provisions of the Plan and applicable law, the Committee is
authorized to interpret the Plan and to prescribe, amend and rescind rules
and
regulations relating to the Plan and to any options granted thereunder, and
to
make al other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration
of
the Plan.
3. Participants
and Allotments
- The
Committee shall determine and designate from time to time those employees and
directors of the Company to whom options are to be granted and who thereby
become participants in the Plan. The Committee shall allot to such participants
options to purchase shares in such amounts as the Committee shall from time
to
time determine. Employees, officers and directors of the Company or its
subsidiaries shall be eligible to participate in the Plan. No member of the
Committee shall have any right to vote or decide upon any matter relating solely
to himself or a member of his immediate family or solely to any of his rights or
benefits (or rights or benefits of a member of his immediate family) under
the
Plan. Participation in the Plan shall not confer any right of continuation
of
service as an employee, officer or a director of the Company or its
subsidiary.
4. Shares
Subject to the Plan
- Under
this Plan, the Committee may from time to time grant options to employees,
officers and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries, entitling the
holders thereof to purchase shares of the Company’s authorized and unissued
common stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), or shares of the
Company’s treasury Common Stock, or a combination of both, up to an aggregate of
1,377,777 shares of Common Stock. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, no member of the Committee shall be eligible to vote on the granting
of any option under the Plan if the option is to be granted to such member
of
the Committee or to a member of his immediate family. If any option granted
under the Plan shall terminate or expire unexercised, in whole or in part,
the
shares so released from option may be made the subject of additional options
granted under the Plan. The Company shall reserve and keep available such number
of shares of stock as will satisfy the requirements of all outstanding options
granted under the Plan. In the event there is any change in the Company’s shares
of Common Stock, as by stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends
or
recapitalization, the number of shares available for option and the shares
subject to option shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee.
5. Option
Price
- The
option price or prices shall be as established by the Committee when such option
is granted on the date or dates the options are granted. In the event there
is
any change in the Company’s shares as by stock splits, reverse stock splits,
stock dividends or recapitalization, the purchase price of shares subject to
option shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee.
6. Other
Provisions
- Each
option shall be subject to all provisions of this Plan and to the following
terms and conditions:
(a) Options
will be granted under the Plan which will be exercisable for a period of five
years from the date of grant. The Committee may in its discretion impose
additional restrictions as to the time of exercise and/or number of shares
that
may be purchased upon any exercise of options.
(b) No
option
shall be transferable by the optionee otherwise than by will or the laws of
descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during his lifetime only
by
the optionee.
(c) All
unexercised option swill terminate, be forfeited and will lapse immediately
if
(i) the optionee’s employment with the Company or its subsidiaries is terminated
because the optionee is discharged for dishonesty, commission of a felony or
the
intentional committing of an act which has a material adverse effect or impact
upon the Company or its subsidiaries, such as his disclosing Company
confidential information or trade secrets to an unauthorized person or persons,
or (ii) the optionee agrees to accept employment with a competitor of the
Company or its subsidiaries without the consent of the Company.
(d) If
the
optionee’s employment with the Company or its subsidiaries is terminated for any
reason other than as set forth in subparagraph (c) above, or if the optionee
ceases to be a director of the Company or its subsidiaries, the Optionee may
exercise, subject to the provisions of subparagraph (a) and (c) above, any
option which has accrued hereunder as of the date his employment with the
Company or its subsidiaries terminated or as of the date he ceases to be a
director (as may be the case) for a period of ninety (90) days after the date
of
the termination of his employment with, or his termination as a director of,
the
Company or its subsidiaries; provided, however, that if the optionee’s
employment (or being a director, as may be the case) with the Company or its
subsidiaries is terminated by reason of his death, the optionee’s personal
representatives, estate or heirs (as the case may be) may exercise, subject
to
the provisions of subparagraph (a) above, any option which has accrued hereunder
as of the date of the optionee’s death for a period of one hundred eighty (180)
days after the date of the optionee’s death.
(e) Except
as
otherwise provided in subparagraph (d) above, all unexercised options will
terminate, be forfeited and will lapse upon the termination of the optionee’s
employment with the Company or its subsidiaries (or upon the termination of
his
being a director of the Company or its subsidiaries, as the case may
be).
7. Exercise
of Options
- To
exercise the option, the optionee or his successor shall give written notice
to
the Company’s Chief Financial Officer at the Company’s principal office in
Baltimore, Maryland, accompanied by full payment for the shares being purchased
and a written statement that the shares are purchased for investment and not
with a view to distribution. However, this statement will not be required in
the
event the shares subject to the option are registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. If the option is exercised by the successor of the
optionee, following his death, proof shall be submitted, satisfactory to the
Committee, of the right of the successor to exercise the option.
Shares
of
stock issued pursuant to this Plan which have not been registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission shall bear the following legend:
“The
shares represented by this certificate have not been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933 and may be offered or sold only if registered under
the
provisions of that Act or if an exemption from registration is
available.
The
Company shall not be required to transfer or deliver any certificate or
certificates for shares purchased upon any such exercise of said option: (a)
until after compliance with all then applicable requirements of law; and (b)
prior to admission of such shares to listing on any stock exchange on which
the
stock may then be listed. In no event shall the Company be required to issue
fractional shares to the employee, officer or director.
8. Registration
- If the
Company shall be advised by its counsel that shares of stock deliverable upon
any exercise of an option are required to be registered under the Securities
Act
of 1933, or that the consent of any other authority is required for the issuance
of same, the Company may effect registration or obtain consent, and delivery
of
shares by the Company may be deferred until registration is effected or consent
obtained. However, the Company reserves the right to revoke the option if it
determines that, in the best interest of the Company, the shares should not
be
registered or that consent should not be obtained.
9. Issuance
of Stock
- No
stock will be issued until full payment for such stock has been made. The
Optionee shall have no rights as a shareholder with respect to optioned shares
until the date of the issuance of a stock certificate to him for such shares.
No
adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether
in
cash, securities or other property) or distributions or other rights for which
the record date is prior to the date such certificate is issued, except as
provided in Paragraphs 4 and 5.
10. Amendments
and Termination
- The
Board of Directors may amend, suspend, discontinue or terminate the Plan, but
no
such action may, without the consent of the holder of any option granted
hereunder, alter or impair such option, except as provided in Paragraphs 4
and
5.
11. Option
Agreement
- The
granting of an option shall take place only when a written option agreement
substantially in the form of the Option Agreement which is attached hereto
and
marked Exhibit I is executed by or on behalf of the Company and the employee,
officer or director to whom the option is granted and such executed agreement
is
delivered to the Company.
12. Period
of Plan
- The
Plan, which initially became effective on April 5, 1978, has been extended
by
the Board of Directors and will continue in effect until and will expire on
March 31, 2013.
Exhibit
I
UNIVERSAL
SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC.
NON-QUALIFIED
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
THIS
AGREEMENT, Made as of this ____ day of __________, 20__, by and between
UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC., a Maryland corporation (hereinafter called
the “Company”), and __________ (hereinafter
called the “Optionee”).
WHEREAS,
the Board of Directors of the Company considers it desirable and in the
company’s best interest that the Optionee be given an opportunity to purchase
shares of its Common Stock to provide an incentive for the Optionee and to
promote the success of the Company.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, it is agreed as
follows:
1. Grant
of Option.
The
Company hereby grants to optionee the right, privilege and option to purchase
from the Company __________ (___ )
shares
of the Common Stock of the Company at a purchase price of
__________ ($___)
per
share in the manner and subject to the conditions hereinafter
provided.
2. Period
of Exercise of Option.
(a) The
option will be exercisable for a period of years
from the date of grant, except as provided in subparagraphs (b), (c) and (d)
below, in accordance with the following schedule:
[INSERT
EXERCISE SCHEDULE]
(b) All
unexercised options will terminate, be forfeited and will lapse immediately
if
(i) the Optionee’s employment with the Company or its subsidiary is terminated
because the Optionee is discharged for dishonesty, commission of a felony or
the
intentional committing of an act which has a material adverse effect or impact
upon the Company or its subsidiary, such as his disclosing Company confidential
information or trade secrets to an unauthorized person or persons, or (ii)
the
Optionee accepts employment with a competitor of the Company or its subsidiary,
without the consent of the Company.
(c) If
the
Optionee’s employment with the Company or its subsidiary is terminated for any
reason other than as set forth in subparagraph (b) above, the Optionee may
exercise, subject to the provisions of subparagraphs (a) and (b) above, any
option which has accrued hereunder as of the date of his employment with the
Company or its subsidiary terminated for a period of ninety (90) days after
the
date of the termination of his employment with the Company or its subsidiary;
provided, however, that if the Optionee’s employment with the Company or its
subsidiary is terminated by reason of his death, the Optionee’s personal
representatives, estate or heirs (as the case may be) may exercise, subject
to
the provisions of subparagraph (a) above, any option which has accrued hereunder
as of the date of the Optionee’s death for a period of one hundred eighty (180)
days after the date of the Optionee’s death.
(d) Except
as
otherwise provided in subparagraph (c) above, all unexercised options will
terminate, be forfeited and will lapse upon the termination of the Optionee’s
employment with the Company or its subsidiary.
3. Method
of Exercise.
In order
to exercise the option the holder thereof must give written notice to the Chief
Financial Officer of the Company at Baltimore, Maryland, accompanies by full
payment of the shares being purchased and a written statement that the shares
are purchased for investment and not with a view to distribution. If the option
is exercised by the successor of the Optionee following his death, proof shall
be submitted of the right of the successor to exercise the option. shares of
stock issued pursuant to this Plan which have not been registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission shall bear the following legend:
“The
shares represented by this Certificate have not been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933 and may be offered or sole only if registered under
the
provisions of that Act or if an exemption from registration is
available.”
The
Company shall not be required to transfer or deliver any certificate or
certificates for shares purchased upon any such exercise of said option: (a)
until after compliance with all then applicable requirements of law; and (b)
prior to admission of such shares to listing on any stock exchange on which
the
stock may then be listed. In no event shall the Company be required to issue
fractional shares to the Optionee.
4. Limitation
upon Transfer.
Except
as otherwise provided in paragraph 2 hereof, the option and all rights granted
hereunder shall not be transferred by the Optionee, other than by will or by
the
laws of descent and distribution, and may not be assigned, pledged or
hypothecated in any way and shall not be subject to execution, attachment or
similar process. Upon any attempt to transfer the options, other than by will
or
by the laws of descent and distribution, or to assign, pledge, hypothecate
or
otherwise dispose of such option or of any rights granted hereunder, contrary
to
the provisions hereof, or upon the levy of any attachment or similar process
upon such option or such rights, such option and such rights shall immediately
become null and void.
5. Stock
Adjustment.
In the
event there is any change in the number of issued shares of the Company by
reason of stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations
or other transactions, the number of shares remaining subject to the option
and
the option price per share shall e proportionately adjusted.
6. Corporate
Reorganization.
If there
shall be any capital reorganization or consolidation or merger of the Company
with another corporation or corporations, or any sale of all or substantially
all of the Company’s properties and assets to any other corporation or
corporations, the Company shall take such action as may be necessary to enable
Optionee to receive upon any subsequent exercise of such option, in whole or
in
part, in lieu of shares of Common Stock, securities or other assets as were
issuable or payable upon such reorganization, consolidation, merger or sale
in
respect of, or in exchange for such shares of Common Stock.
7. Rights
of Stockholder.
Neither
Optionee, his legal representatives, nor any other person entitled to exercise
such option shall have any rights or be a stockholder in the Company in respect
of the shares issuable upon exercise of the option granted hereunder, unless
and
until certificates representing such shares shall have been delivered pursuant
to the terms hereof.
8. Stock
Reserved.
The
Company shall at all times during the term of this Agreement reserve and keep
available such number of shares of its Common Stock as will be sufficient to
satisfy the terms of this Agreement.
9. Binding
Effect.
This
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor or
successors of the Company.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereby have caused this Agreement to be executed
the day and year first above written.
ATTEST:
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UNIVERSAL
SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC.
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(Company)
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By:
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(SEAL)
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WITNESS:
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(Optionee)
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By:
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(SEAL)
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