SUPERCONDUCTIVE COMPONENTS, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
to be held
June 9, 2006
and
PROXY STATEMENT
IMPORTANT
Please mark, sign and date your proxy
and promptly return it in the enclosed envelope.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
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ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
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INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
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REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
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OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST YEAR
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AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN 2005 AND YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
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EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
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ADOPTION OF THE COMPANYS 2006 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
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REGISTERED INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
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FEES OF THE REGISTERED INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
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RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
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SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2007 ANNUAL MEETING
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ANNUAL REPORT
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OTHER MATTERS
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SUPERCONDUCTIVE COMPONENTS, INC 2006 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
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Superconductive Components, Inc.
2839 Charter Street
Columbus, Ohio 43228
(614) 486-0261
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD JUNE 9, 2006
May 1, 2006
To Our Shareholders:
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Superconductive Components, Inc. (the Company) will be
held at the offices of the Company located at 2839 Charter Street, Columbus, Ohio 43228, on Friday,
June 9, 2006, at 9:30 a.m. local time, for the following purposes:
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1.
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To elect five directors of the Company, each to serve for terms expiring at the
next Annual Meeting of Shareholders;
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2.
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To approve and adopt the Companys 2006 Stock Incentive Plan;
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3.
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To ratify the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm
for the year ending December 31, 2006; and
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4.
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To transact any other business which may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment thereof.
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The Board of Directors has fixed April 21, 2006, as the record date for the determination of
shareholders entitled to notice and to vote at the annual meeting and any adjournment thereof. A
list of shareholders will be available for examination by any shareholder at the annual meeting and
for a period of 10 days before the annual meeting at the executive offices of the Company.
You will be most welcome at the annual meeting and we hope you can attend. Directors and
officers of the Company and representatives of its registered independent public accounting firm
are expected to be present to answer your questions and to discuss the Companys business.
We urge you to execute and return the enclosed proxy as soon as possible so that your shares
may be voted in accordance with your wishes. If you attend the annual meeting, you may cast your
vote in person and your proxy will not be used. If your shares are held in an account at a
brokerage firm or bank, you must instruct them on how to vote your shares.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Daniel Rooney
President, Chief Executive Officer, and
Chairman of the Board of Directors
PLEASE SIGN AND MAIL THE ENCLOSED PROXY
IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE
NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES
SUPERCONDUCTIVE COMPONENTS, INC.
2839 Charter Street
Columbus, Ohio 43228
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
This proxy statement is furnished to the shareholders of Superconductive Components, Inc., an
Ohio corporation (the Company), in connection with the solicitation of proxies to be used in
voting at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the principal executive offices of the
Company located at 2839 Charter Street, Columbus, Ohio 43228 on June 9, 2006 at 9:30 a.m., and at
any adjournment or postponement thereof (the Annual Meeting). The enclosed proxy is being
solicited by the Companys Board of Directors. This proxy statement and the enclosed proxy will be
first sent or given to the Companys shareholders on
approximately May 1, 2006.
The Company will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies, including the charges and
expenses of brokerage firms and others for forwarding solicitation material to beneficial owners of
stock. Representatives of the Company may solicit proxies by mail, telegram, telephone, fax, or
personal interview.
The shares represented by the accompanying proxy will be voted as directed if the proxy is
properly signed and received by the Company prior to the Annual Meeting. If no directions are made
to the contrary, the proxy will be voted
FOR
the election of Daniel Rooney, Robert J. Baker, Jr.,
Walter J. Doyle, Robert H. Peitz, and Edward W. Ungar as directors of the Company and, at the
discretion of persons acting under the proxy, to approve and adopt the Companys 2006 Stock
Incentive Plan, to ratify the selection of Hausser + Taylor LLC as the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2006 and to transact such other
business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Any shareholder voting
the accompanying proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before its exercise by giving notice
of revocation to the Company, by duly executing and delivering to the Company a proxy card bearing
a later date, or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting.
Holders of record of the Companys common stock at the close of business on April 21, 2006
will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. At that time, the Company had 3,425,915
shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share of the Companys common
stock outstanding on the record date entitles the holder to one vote on each matter submitted at
the Annual Meeting.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Companys
common stock is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual
Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of determining the presence
or absence of a quorum. Broker non-votes occur when brokers, who hold their customers shares in
street name, sign and submit proxies for such shares and vote such shares on some matters, but not
others. Typically, this would occur when brokers have not received any instructions from their
customers, in which case the brokers, as the holders of record, are permitted to vote on routine
matters, which typically include the election of directors.
The proposal to ratify the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm for
the year ending December 31, 2006, is considered a routine matter and broker/dealers who hold their
customers shares in street name may, under the applicable rules of the exchanges and other
self-regulatory organizations of which such broker/dealers are members, sign and submit proxies for
such shares and may vote such shares on this matter. The proposal to approve and adopt the
Companys 2006 Stock Incentive Plan is not considered a routine matter and broker/dealers who hold
their customers shares in street name may not vote such shares on this matter.
The election of the director nominees requires the favorable vote of a plurality of all votes
cast by the holders of the Companys common stock at a meeting at which a quorum is present.
Proxies that are marked Withhold Authority and broker non-votes will not be counted toward such
nominees achievement of a plurality and thus will have no effect. Each other matter to be
submitted to the shareholders for approval or ratification at the Annual Meeting requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Companys common stock present and entitled to
vote on the matter. For purposes of determining the number of shares of the Companys common stock
voting on the matter, abstentions will be counted and will have the effect of a negative vote;
broker non-votes will not be counted and thus will have no effect.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Companys Restated Code of Regulations provides that the number of directors shall be
fixed by the Board. The total number of authorized directors currently is fixed at five. The
nominees for director, if elected, will serve for one-year terms expiring at the next Annual
Meeting of Shareholders. Daniel Rooney, Robert J. Baker, Jr., Walter J. Doyle, Robert H. Peitz,
and Edward W. Ungar currently serve as directors of the Company and are being nominated by the
Board of Directors for re-election as directors.
It is intended that, unless otherwise directed, the shares represented by the enclosed proxy
will be voted
FOR
the election of Messrs. Rooney, Baker, Doyle, Peitz, and Ungar as directors. In
the event that any nominee for director should become unavailable, the number of directors of the
Company may be decreased pursuant to the Restated Code of Regulations or the Board of Directors may
designate a substitute nominee, in which event the shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be
voted for such substitute nominee.
The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders vote FOR the election of the nominees
for director.
The following table sets forth for each nominee for director of the Company, such persons
name, age, and his position with the Company:
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Name
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Age
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Position
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Daniel Rooney
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52
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President, Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Directors
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Robert J. Baker, Jr.
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66
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Director
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Walter J. Doyle
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71
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Director
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Robert H. Peitz
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45
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Director
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Edward W. Ungar
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69
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Director
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Daniel Rooney
has served as a Director of the Company since joining the Company in March 2002
as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Rooney was elected as the Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Company on January 8, 2003. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Rooney was General
Manager for Johnson Matthey, Color and Coatings Division, Structural Ceramics Sector North America
from 1994 to 2001. Prior to that, Mr. Rooney held various management positions at TAM Ceramics,
Inc., a Cookson Group Company.
Robert J. Baker, Jr., Ph.D.
has served as a Director of the Company since 1992. Dr. Baker is
the president and founder of Venture Resources International and the co-founder of Business Owners
Consulting Group, which assist companies in the development of growth strategies, including
marketing position and competitive strategies. Dr. Baker is currently a visiting member of the
Capital University faculty serving the MBA program.
2
Edward W. Ungar
has been a Director of the Company since 1990. Mr. Ungar is the President and
founder of Taratec Corporation, a technology business-consulting firm in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to
forming Taratec Corporation in 1986, Mr. Ungar was an executive with Battelle Memorial Institute.
Walter J. Doyle
has served as a Director of the Company since 2004. Mr. Doyle is the
President of Forest Capital, an angel capital firm. Previously, Mr. Doyle was President and CEO of
Industrial Data Technologies Corp. for 21 years. Mr. Doyle earned an Electrical Engineering degree
from City College of New York (CCNY) and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.
Robert
H. Peitz
has served as a Director of the Company since 2004.
Mr Peitz is a private investor. Mr. Peitz was a managing director and head of financial markets for
PB Capital. Mr. Peitzs 15 years of experience at PB Capital include 10 years as Treasurer. Mr.
Peitz is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Mr.
Peitz also has an MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management. He also
attended the European Business School and completed the Executive Development Program at the
Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
Meetings and Compensation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Company had a total of nine meetings during the year ended
December 31, 2005. During 2005, no director attended fewer than
75% of the meetings of the Board
of Directors held during the period for which he has been a director. Additionally, no director
attended fewer than 75% of the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board of
Directors on which he served (during the periods that he served). Directors who are employed by
the Company receive no compensation for serving as directors.
As compensation for their service as directors of the Company, non-employee directors
periodically receive grants of stock options with an exercise price equal to the fair market value
of the Companys common stock on the date of grant and a ten-year term. Directors are also
reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. On March 7, 2005, each of Messrs. Baker,
Jr., Doyle, Peitz and Ungar received an option to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock of the
Company, exercisable immediately and expiring 10 years from the date of grant at a price of $2.40
per share. On December 16, 2005, each of Messrs. Baker, Jr., Doyle, Peitz and Ungar received an
option to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock of the Company, exercisable on December 16, 2006
and expiring 10 years from the date of grant at a price of $4.00 per share.
It is the Companys expectation that all members of the Board of Directors attend the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders. All members of the Companys Board of Directors were present at the
Companys 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, except Dr. Baker.
Shareholder Communication
The Companys Board of Directors welcomes communications from shareholders. Shareholders may
send communications to the Board of Directors or to any director in particular, c/o Gerald S.
Blaskie, Superconductive Components, Inc., 2839 Charter Street, Columbus, Ohio 43228. Any
correspondence addressed to the Board of Directors or to any one of the Companys directors in care
of the Companys offices will be forwarded to the addressee without review by management.
3
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Company has an Audit Committee and a Stock Option and Compensation Committee (the
Compensation Committee). The purpose of the Audit Committee is to pre-approve all auditing and
permitted non-audit services performed by the Companys registered independent public accounting
firm. The Audit Committee also receives reports from the Companys registered independent public
accounting firm as required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Chairman of
the Audit Committee is Mr. Ungar, and the members are Messrs. Baker and Doyle. The Audit Committee
met three times during 2005. The Board of Directors has not adopted a charter for the Audit
Committee. The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Doyle and Ungar qualify as audit
committee financial experts as that term is defined in Item 401(e) of Regulation S-B. Messrs.
Doyle and Ungar and Dr. Baker each meet the criteria for audit committee independence as defined in
NASDAQ Rule 4350, and Rule 10A-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors reviews executive compensation and
administers the Companys stock incentive and incentive compensation performance plans. The
Chairman of the Compensation Committee is Dr. Baker and the members are Messrs. Doyle and Ungar.
The Compensation Committee met twice during 2005.
Due to the limited size of the Companys Board of Directors, the Board of Directors has
determined that it is not necessary to establish a nominating committee. Nominations for directors
are considered by the entire Board of Directors. The directors take a critical role in guiding the
strategic direction and oversee the management of the Company. Director candidates are considered
based on various criteria, such as their broad based business and professional skills and
experiences, a global business and social perspective, concern for long term interests of
shareholders, and personal integrity and judgment. In addition, directors must have available time
to devote to Board activities and to enhance their knowledge of the industry.
Accordingly, we seek to attract and retain highly qualified directors who have sufficient time
to attend to their substantial duties and responsibilities to the Company. Recent developments in
corporate governance and financial reporting have resulted in an increased demand for such highly
qualified and productive public company directors.
The Board of Directors will consider the recommendations of shareholders regarding potential
director candidates. In order for shareholder recommendations regarding possible director
candidates to be considered by the Board of Directors:
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such recommendations must be provided to the Board of Directors c/o Gerald S.
Blaskie, Superconductive Components, Inc., 2839 Charter Street, Columbus, Ohio 43228,
in writing at least 120 days prior to the date of the next scheduled annual meeting;
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the nominating shareholder must meet the eligibility requirements to submit a valid
shareholder proposal under Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended; and
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the shareholder must describe the qualifications, attributes, skills or other
qualities of the recommended director candidate.
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4
REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Audit Committee consults with our Chief Financial Officer and other key members of our
management and with our independent auditors with regard to the plan of audit; reviews, in
consultation with the independent auditors, their report of audit, or proposed report of audit and
the accompanying management letter, if any; and consults with our Chief Financial Officer and other
key members of our management and with our independent auditors with regard to the adequacy of the
internal accounting controls.
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Audit Committee selected Hausser + Taylor LLC as our
independent accountants for purposes of auditing our financial statements for 2005. The Audit
Committee has reviewed and discussed with management and the independent auditors our audited
financial statements; discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed
by Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards No. 61; received the written disclosures and
the letter from the independent auditors required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1;
and discussed with the independent accountants their independence from our Company.
Based on the reviews and discussions with management and Hausser + Taylor LLC, the Audit
Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that our audited consolidated financial statements
be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Board of Directors evaluated the independence of each member of the Audit Committee. As
part of its evaluation, the Board of Directors determined, in the exercise of its business
judgment, that Messrs. Ungar and Doyle, and Dr. Baker are independent under Rule 4350(d) of the
Nasdaq Stock Market and are financially literate each in his own capacity.
Based upon its work and the information received in the inquiries outlined above, the Audit
Committee is satisfied that its responsibilities for the period ended December 31, 2005, were met
and that our financial reporting and audit processes are functioning effectively.
Submitted by the Audit Committee
of the Board of Directors:
Robert J. Baker, Jr.
Walter J. Doyle
Edward W. Ungar
Executive Officers
In addition to Mr. Rooney, the following persons serve as executive officers of the Company:
Gerald S. Blaskie
, age 48, has served as the Companys Chief Financial Officer since April
2001. On March 2, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed Mr. Blaskie to the
position of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Blaskie
was the Controller at Cable Link, Inc. from February 2000 to March 2001. From 1997 to 2000, he was
the Plant Manager at Central Ohio Plastics Corporation, where he also served as Controller from
1993 to 1997.
Scott Campbell
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Ph.D
., age 48, has served as the Companys Vice President of Technology since
March 2005. Dr. Campbell served as the Companys Vice-President of Research and Engineering from
July 2004 to March 2005. Dr. Campbell joined the Company in July 2002 as the Companys Technical
Director. Prior to joining the Company, he was Senior Research Manager at Oxynet, Inc. for five
years.
Michael K. Barna
, age 48, has served as Vice President, Sales-Photonics, since March 2, 2006.
Mr. Barna joined the Company as Director of Sales and Marketing in January 2004. Prior to joining
the Company Mr. Barna had more than 20 years of experience in thin film sales, including major
account sales of Physical Vapor Deposition equipment, high purity targets and evaporation materials
for these systems, hybrid microelectronic, telecommunications, and the commercial glass coating
markets. Mr Barna served as National Sales Manager for Aerosflex
Corporation from March 2001 until January 2003. From January 1,
2003, until the date he joined the Company, Mr. Barna served as
the director of product management for Liquid Metal Technologies.
Officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors and serve at its discretion.
5
Ownership of Common Stock by Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 2006, the beneficial ownership of the
Companys common stock by each of the Companys directors, each executive officer named in the
Summary Compensation Table, and by all directors and executive officers as a group.
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Number of Shares
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Percentage of
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Name of Beneficial Owner
(1)
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Beneficially Owned
(2)
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Class
(3)
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Robert H. Peitz
(4)
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301,790
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8.6
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%
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Daniel Rooney
(5)
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132,300
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3.7
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%
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Walter J. Doyle
(6)
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96,600
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2.8
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%
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Robert J. Baker, Jr.
(7)
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61,413
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1.8
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%
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Edward W. Ungar
(8)
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42,550
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1.2
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%
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All directors and executive officers as
a group (8 persons)
(9)
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804,653
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20.5
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%
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(1)
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The address of all directors and executive officers is c/o Superconductive
Components, Inc., 2839 Charter Street, Columbus, Ohio 43228.
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(2)
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For purposes of the above table, a person is considered to beneficially own any
shares with respect to which he exercises sole or shared voting or investment power or as to which
he has the right to acquire the beneficial ownership within 60 days of March 31, 2006. Unless
otherwise indicated, voting power and investment power are exercised solely by the person named
above or shared with members of his or her household.
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(3)
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Percentage of Class is calculated by dividing the number of shares beneficially
owned by the total number of outstanding shares of the Company on March 31, 2006, plus the number
of shares such person has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 31, 2006.
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(4)
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Includes 100,962 common shares, which may be acquired by Mr. Peitz under stock
options and stock purchase warrants exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006.
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(5)
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Includes 125,000 common shares, which may be acquired by Mr. Rooney under stock
options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006.
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(6)
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Includes 14,250 common shares, which may be acquired by Mr. Doyle under stock
purchase options and stock purchase warrants exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006.
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(7)
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Includes 41,000 common shares, which may be acquired by Dr. Baker under stock
options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006, and 16,603 shares which are held in Dr.
Bakers IRA.
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(8)
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Includes 41,000 common shares, which may be acquired by Mr. Ungar under stock
options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006.
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(9)
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Includes 492,212 common shares, which may be acquired under stock options and stock
purchase warrants exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006.
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6
Ownership of Common Stock by Principal Shareholders
The following table sets forth information as of March 31, 2006, relating to the beneficial
ownership of common stock by each person known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of
the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company.
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Number of Shares
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Percentage of
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Name of Beneficial Owner
(1)
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Beneficially Owned
(2)
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Class
(3)
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Curtis A.
Loveland
(4)
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1,225,064
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33.5
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%
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The Estate of Ingeborg V. Funk
(5)
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462,852
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13.2
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%
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The Estate of Edward R. Funk
(6)
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437,256
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12.3
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%
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Thomas G. Berlin
(7)
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406,250
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11.6
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%
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Windcom Investments SA
(8)
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335,205
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9.7
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%
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Lake Street Fund L.P.
(9)
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312,500
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9.0
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%
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Robert H. Peitz
(10)
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301,790
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8.6
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%
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Berlin Capital Growth L.P.
(11)
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281,250
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8.1
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%
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Mid South Investor Fund L.P.
(12)
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250,000
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7.2
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%
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(1)
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The address of Curtis A. Loveland is c/o Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur LLP, 41
South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. The address of the Estates of Ingeborg and Edward Funk is
c/o Curtis A. Loveland, Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur LLP, 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio
43215. The address of Thomas G. Berlin is c/o Berlin Financial Ltd., 1325 Carnegie Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio 44115. The address of Windcom Investments SA is Corso Elvezia 25, 6900 Lugan, CH.
The address of Lake Street Fund L.P. is 600 South Lake Avenue, Suite 100, Pasadena, California
91106. The address of Robert H. Peitz is c/o Superconductive Components, Inc., 2839 Charter
Street, Columbus, Ohio 43228. The address of Berlin Capital Fund, L.P. is c/o Thomas G. Berlin,
Berlin Financial Ltd., 1325 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. The address of Mid South
Investor Fund L.P. is 1776 Peachtree St. NW, Suite 412 North, Atlanta, Georgia 30309.
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(2)
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For purposes of this table, a person is considered to beneficially own any shares
with respect to which he or she exercises sole or shared voting or investment power or as to which
he or she has the right to acquire the beneficial ownership within 60 days of March 31, 2006.
Unless otherwise indicated, voting power and investment power are exercised solely by the person
named above or shared with members of his or her household.
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(3)
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Percentage of Class is calculated by dividing the number of shares beneficially
owned by the total number of outstanding shares of the Company on March 31, 2006, plus the number
of shares such person has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 31, 2006.
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(4)
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Includes (i) 41,000 shares of common stock which can be acquired by Mr. Loveland
under stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006; (ii) 437,256 shares of common
stock beneficially owned by Mr. Loveland as the executor of the Estate of Edward R. Funk, of which
127,900 shares of common stock can be acquired by Mr. Loveland on behalf of the estate under stock
options and warrants exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006; (iii) 462,852 shares of common
stock beneficially owned by Mr. Loveland as the executor of the Estate of Ingeborg V. Funk, of
which 87,500 shares of common stock can be acquired by Mr. Loveland on behalf of the estate under
stock options and warrants exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006; and (iv) 283,756 shares
beneficially owned by Mr. Loveland as the trustee of generation-skipping irrevocable trusts
established by Edward R. and Ingeborg V. Funk.
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|
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(5)
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|
Includes 87,500 shares of common stock, which can be acquired by The Estate of
Ingeborg V. Funk under stock options and warrants exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006. Mr.
Loveland holds the voting and investment power for the shares of common stock owned by the Estate
of Ingeborg V. Funk.
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|
|
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(6)
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|
Includes 127,900 shares of common stock, which can be acquired by The Estate of
Edward R. Funk under stock options and warrants exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006. Mr.
Loveland holds the voting and investment power for the shares of common stock held by the Estate of
Edward R. Funk.
|
7
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(7)
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|
Mr. Berlins ownership includes 281,250 shares of common stock beneficially owned by
Berlin Capital Growth L.P., of which 52,083 shares of common stock can be acquired under stock
purchase warrants exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006. Mr. Berlin has shared voting and
dispositive power over the shares of common stock in this limited partnership as the controlling
principal of Berlin Capital Growth L.P. Mr. Berlins ownership also includes 20,833 shares of
common stock, which can be acquired by Mr. Berlin under stock purchase warrants exercisable within
60 days of March 31, 2006.
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(8)
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|
Based on the Schedule 13G/A filed on February 14, 2005, Dr. Karl Kohlbrenner, CEO of
Windcom Investments SA, has voting and dispositive power over the shares of common stock on behalf
of the Company. Windcom Investments SAs ownership includes 20,286 shares of common stock, which
can be acquired by Windcom Investments SA under stock purchase warrants exercisable within 60 days
of March 31, 2006.
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(9)
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|
Includes 62,500 shares of common stock, which can be acquired by Lake Street Fund
L.P. under stock purchase warrants exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006.
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(10)
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|
Includes 100,962 shares of common stock, which can be acquired by Mr. Peitz under
stock options and stock purchase warrants exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006.
|
|
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(11)
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|
Includes 52,083 shares of common stock, which can be acquired by Berlin Capital
Growth L.P. under stock purchase warrants exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006.
|
|
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|
(12)
|
|
Includes 50,000 shares of common stock, which can be acquired by Mid South Investor
Fund L.P. under stock purchase warrants exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006.
|
Executive Compensation
The following summary compensation table sets forth information regarding compensation paid
during each of the Companys last three years to the Companys Chief Executive Officer, who is the
Companys only executive officer whose combined salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 for the year
ended December 31, 2005 (the Named Executive Officer). Mr. Rooney has an employment contract
that entitles him to 100% of his compensation for six months following his termination without
cause. Following the initial six-month period after his termination, Mr. Rooney is also entitled
to receive six months of pay at a rate of 50% of his compensation at the time of his termination.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Compensation
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|
Long-Term Compensation
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|
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|
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|
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|
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|
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|
|
Awards
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
Restricted
|
|
Securities
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
Underlying
|
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All Other
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary
|
|
Bonus
|
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Award
|
|
Options
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Compensation
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Name and Principal Position
|
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Year
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($)
|
|
($)
|
|
($)
|
|
(#)
|
|
($)
|
|
|
|
Daniel Rooney
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|
|
2005
|
|
|
$
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140,000
|
|
|
$
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5,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President, Chief Executive
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
$
|
137,172
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Officer and Chairman of
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|
|
2003
|
|
|
$
|
133,218
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
the Board of Directors
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8
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST YEAR
The following table shows grants of options to purchase the Companys common stock to the
Companys Named Executive Officer during 2005.
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|
|
|
|
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|
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Number of
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% of Total Options
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities
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|
Granted to
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Options
|
|
Employees in Fiscal
|
|
Exercise Price
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Granted (#)
|
|
Year
|
|
per share
|
|
Expiration Date
|
|
|
|
Daniel Rooney
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
|
37.5
|
%
|
|
$
|
2.40
|
|
|
March 8, 2015
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AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN 2005
AND YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
The following table provides certain information regarding the number and value of stock
options held by the Companys Named Executive Officer at December 31, 2005.
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|
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|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities
|
|
Value of Unexercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Unexercised
|
|
In-the-Money Options at Fiscal
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Options at Fiscal Year-End (#)
|
|
Year-End ($)
(1)
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|
|
Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquired on
|
|
Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise
|
|
Realized
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
(#)
|
|
($)
(2)
|
|
Exercisable
|
|
Unexercisable
|
|
Exercisable
|
|
Unexercisable
|
|
Daniel Rooney
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
470,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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(1)
|
|
Represents the total gain which would be realized if all in-the-money options held
at year end were exercised, determined by multiplying the number of shares underlying the
options by the difference between the per share option exercise price and the per share fair
market value at year end ($5.50 at December 31, 2005). An option is in the money if the fair
market value of the underlying shares exceeds the exercise price of the option.
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(2)
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|
If shares were acquired on exercise, the value realized would be calculated based on
the number of shares exercised multiplied by the excess of the fair market value of a share of
the Companys common stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the stock
option.
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9
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table sets forth additional information as of December 31, 2005, concerning
shares of the Companys common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options and other
rights under the Companys existing equity compensation plans and arrangements, divided between
plans approved by the Companys shareholders and plans or arrangements not submitted to the
Companys shareholders for approval. The information includes the number of shares covered by, and
the weighted average exercise price of, outstanding options and other rights and the number of
shares remaining available for future grants excluding the shares to be issued upon exercise of
outstanding options, warrants, and other rights.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available for
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities to
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
issuance under equity
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|
|
|
|
be issued upon exercise
|
|
|
Weighted-average exercise
|
|
|
compensation plans
|
|
|
|
|
of outstanding options,
|
|
|
price of outstanding
|
|
|
(excluding securities
|
|
|
|
|
warrants and rights
|
|
|
options, warrants and rights
|
|
|
reflected in column (a))
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|
|
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(a)
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|
|
(b)
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
Equity
compensation plans
approved by
security holders
(1)
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|
|
590,250
|
|
|
$
|
2.18
|
|
|
|
280,450
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders
(2)
|
|
|
17,500
|
|
|
$
|
2.88
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
607,750
|
|
|
$
|
2.20
|
|
|
|
280,450
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders include the Companys 1995 Stock
Option Plan.
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|
|
|
(2)
|
|
Includes 17,500 stock purchase warrants that can be exercised to purchase 17,500
shares of the Companys common stock, which were issued by the Company in exchange for
consideration in the form of goods and services.
|
ADOPTION OF THE COMPANYS 2006 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
At the Annual Meeting, the Company will submit to shareholders a proposal to adopt the
Superconductive Components, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2006 Plan). The Board of
Directors unanimously approved the adoption of the 2006 Plan on
April 20, 2006. This summary of
the principal features of the 2006 Plan is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the 2006
Plan, which is attached hereto as Appendix A and incorporated herein by reference. A vote in favor
of adopting the 2006 Plan will constitute approval of all terms of the 2006 Plan.
Purpose
The 2006 Plan is intended to further the growth and profitability of the Company by providing
increased incentives to and encourage share ownership on the part of key employees, officers and
directors of, and consultants and advisers who render services to the Company, and any future
parent or subsidiary of the Company.
General
The 2006 Plan permits the granting of stock options and restricted stock awards (collectively,
Awards) to eligible participants. If our shareholders approve the 2006 Plan at the annual
meeting, the maximum number of shares of our common stock which will be issued pursuant to the 2006
Plan will be 600,000 shares. The market value of the 600,000 shares of our common stock to be
subject to the 2006 Plan was approximately $2,160,000 at April 21, 2006. If an Award expires or is
canceled without having been fully exercised or vested, the unvested or canceled shares will be
available again for grants of Awards.
10
Administration of the 2006 Plan
The 2006 Plan will be administered by the Companys Stock Option and Compensation Committee
(the Committee). The members of the Committee must qualify as non-employee directors under
Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Rule 16b-3), and as outside directors under
section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code). Subject to the terms of the 2006 Plan,
the Committee has the sole discretion to determine the employees, directors and consultants who
shall be granted Awards, the terms and conditions of such Awards, and to construe and interpret the
2006 Plan. The Committee also is responsible for making adjustments in outstanding Awards, the
shares available for Awards, and the numerical limitations for Awards to reflect any transactions
such as stock splits or stock dividends. The Committee may delegate its authority to one or more
directors or officers; provided, however, that the Committee may not delegate its authority and
powers (a) with respect to Section 16 Persons, or (b) in any way which would jeopardize the Plans
qualification under Section 162(m) of the Code or Rule 16b-3. The Board of Directors may amend or
terminate the 2006 Plan at any time and for any reason, but to the extent required under Rule
16b-3, material amendments to the 2006 Plan must be approved by the shareholders.
Eligibility to Receive Awards
Eligibility to participate in the 2006 Plan extends to the management, key employees,
directors and consultants of the Company. The estimated number of eligible participants is
approximately 25 persons. The actual number of individuals who will receive options or restricted
stock awards under the 2006 Plan cannot be determined because eligibility for participation in the
2006 Plan is at the discretion of the Committee. No participant may receive Awards covering more
than 300,000 shares under the 2006 Plan.
Options
The Committee may grant incentive stock options, which entitle the holder to favorable tax
treatment, and/or non-statutory options. The number of shares covered by each option is determined
by the Committee. The Committee will determine the option price per share of each option granted
under the Plan, provided that the option price of each incentive stock option granted under the
Plan may not be less than the fair market value of a share on the date of grant of such option.
Within five business days following the date of exercise of an option, the optionee or other
person exercising the option will make full payment of the option price in cash or, with the
consent of the Committee, (i) by tendering previously acquired shares (valued at fair market value,
as determined by the Committee, as of such date of tender); (ii) with a full recourse promissory
note of the optionee for the portion of the option price in excess of the par value of shares
subject to the option, under terms and conditions determined by the Committee; (iii) any
combination of the foregoing; or (iv) if the shares subject to the option have been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and there is a regular public market for the shares,
by delivering to the Company on the date of exercise of the option written notice of exercise
together with: (A) written instructions to forward a copy of such notice of exercise to a broker or
dealer, as defined in section 3(a)(4) and 3(a)(5) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (Broker), designated in such notice and to deliver to the specified account maintained
with the Broker by the person exercising the option a certificate for the Shares purchased upon the
exercise of the option, and (B) a copy of irrevocable instructions to the Broker to deliver
promptly to the Company a sum equal to the purchase price of the Shares purchased upon exercise of
the option and any other sums required to be paid to the Company under the Plan. If tax offset
payments sufficient to allow for withholding of taxes are not being made at the time of exercise of
an option, the Company shall have the right to require the optionee or other person exercising such
option to remit to the Company, by deduction from salary, wages or otherwise, an amount sufficient
to satisfy federal, state and local withholding tax requirements or to deduct from all payments
made under the Plan, including tax offset payments, amounts sufficient to satisfy all withholding
tax requirements.
The Committee will determine the period during which each option may be exercised; provided,
however, that any incentive stock option granted under the 2006 Plan will have an option period
which does not exceed 10 years from the date of grant. If the grant of any option becomes subject
to Code Section 409A, then notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee-designated exercise period
may be modified to include only those dates that are compliant with Code Section 409As
distribution rules.
Options will expire at such time as the Committee determines at the date of grant; provided,
however, that no incentive stock options may be exercised on or after 10 years from the date of
grant.
11
Termination of Options
Any option granted under the 2006 Plan will, subject to earlier termination by its terms,
terminate automatically if not exercised:
|
|
|
|
within 30 days after the optionees termination of employment with the Company
(other than by reason of death, disability, or for cause);
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
within one year after the employees death or termination of employment by the
Company by reason of disability, as defined in the 2006 Plan; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
prior to termination by the Company for Cause, as defined in the 2006 Plan.
|
Restricted Stock Awards
Restricted stock awards are shares of the Companys common stock which vest in accordance with
terms established by the Committee in its discretion. For example, the Committee may provide that
restricted stock will vest only if one or more performance goals are satisfied and/or only if the
participant remains employed with the Company for a specified period of time. Any performance
measures may be applied on a Company-wide or an individual business unit basis, as deemed
appropriate in light of the participants specific responsibilities.
Awards to be Granted to Certain Individuals and Groups
The Committee has discretion to determine the number and type of Awards to be granted to any
employee, director or consultant. Accordingly, the actual number and type of Awards to be granted
in the future is not determinable.
Nontransferability of Options
Except for non-statutory stock options, Awards granted under the 2006 Plan may not be sold,
transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by
the applicable laws of descent and distribution. Non-statutory stock options may be transferred
for no consideration to family members or to trusts or other entities for their benefit, or to
other persons, if approved by the Committee.
Tax Aspects
As explained below, each type of award has different federal income tax consequences. In
addition to these, a participant may also be subject to foreign, state and local income or other
tax consequences in the jurisdiction in which the participant works and/or resides. The following
is a brief general summary of the material federal income tax consequences with respect to awards
under the 2006 Plan. It is not intended to be tax advice to participants. We do not intend the
following discussion to be a complete explanation of all of the federal income tax consequences of
participating in the 2006 Plan. Participants in the 2006 Plan should rely on their own tax advisers
concerning the specific tax consequences to them, including the applicability and effect of state,
local and foreign tax laws.
Stock Options
The
2006 Plan allows the Committee to grant non-statutory as incentive
stock options. Generally, no income is recognized when either type of stock option is granted to
the participant, but the subsequent tax treatment differs widely.
Non-statutory Stock Options
Generally, if a participant exercises a non-statutory stock option, the excess of the fair
market value of a share on the date of exercise over the stock option price is ordinary
compensation income to the participant at the time of the exercise. The tax basis for the shares
purchased is their fair market value on the date of exercise. Any gain or loss that the
participant realizes from a later sale of the shares for an amount in excess of or less than the
tax basis of the shares will be taxed as capital gain or loss, respectively. The character of the
gain or loss (short-term or long-term) will depend upon how long the participant held the shares
since exercise. Generally capital gains will be taxable as long-term
capital gains if the shares are held more than one year from exercise.
12
Incentive Stock Options
Generally, a participant will recognize no regular taxable income upon the exercise of an
incentive stock option. The tax basis of the shares acquired will be the exercise price. If the
participant meets the Holding Periods described below, all gain or loss that he or she realizes
upon a later sale of the shares for an amount in excess of or less than their tax basis will be
taxed as a capital gain or loss. To receive this favorable treatment, the participant must not
dispose of the shares that he or she acquires by exercising an incentive stock option within two
years after the date the stock option was granted, nor within one year after the exercise date (the
Holding Periods). If the participant disposes of the shares before the end of the Holding
Periods, the amount of that gain which equals the lesser of: (1) the difference between the fair
market value on the exercise date and the stock option price; or (2) the difference between the
sale price and the stock option price, will be taxed as ordinary
income. Any remaining gain or loss
will be taxed as short-term or long-term capital gain, depending upon how long the participant held
the shares.
Alternative Minimum Tax Incentive Stock Options
For determining a participants alternative minimum taxable income subject to the alternative
minimum tax, a participants exercise of an incentive stock option will result in the recognition
of alternative minimum taxable income at the time of the exercise of the stock option in an amount
equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date over the stock
option price.
Restricted Stock
In general, a participant who is granted restricted shares of common stock will not recognize
taxable income upon grant, but instead will recognize ordinary income when the shares vest and are
no longer subject to restriction. Alternatively, within 30 days of the grant of the restricted
stock a participant may elect, under Section 83(b) of the Code, to be taxed at the time of the
grant. In all cases, the amount of ordinary income that a participant recognizes will be equal to
the fair market value of the shares at the time the participant recognizes income, less the price
paid for the shares, if any. Generally, any gain recognized
thereafter will be capital gain or loss.
Superconductive Components, Inc. Tax Deduction
Generally, we will
be entitled to a tax deduction for an award made under the 2006 Plan
to the extent that the participant recognizes ordinary income from the award. Section 162(m) of the Code
contains special rules regarding the federal income tax deductibility of compensation paid to our
Chief Executive Officer and to each of the other four most highly compensated executive officers.
The general rule is that compensation paid to any of these specified executives will be deductible
only to the extent that it does not exceed $1,000,000 or qualifies as performance-based
compensation under Section 162(m). We have designed the Plan so that awards to covered officers
should qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m).
Deferred Compensation/Section 409A Awards
Section 409A of the Code provides that covered amounts deferred under a nonqualified deferred
compensation plan are includable in the participants gross income to the extent not subject to a
substantial risk of forfeiture and not previously included in income, unless certain requirements
are met, including limitations on the timing of deferral elections and events that may trigger the
distribution of deferred amounts.
The Company has designed the Plan so that awards are either intended to comply with, or are
exempt from coverage of, Section 409A of the Code. The Company intends to continue to review the
terms of the Plan and may, subject to the terms of the Plan, adopt additional amendments to comply
with current and additional guidance issued under Section 409A
of the Code. However, if an award fails to meet or is not granted in
compliance with these new requirements the award may be subject to an
additional 20% tax and interest.
Required Vote
Approval of the 2006 Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares
represented and voting, in person or by proxy, at the Annual Meeting.
The Board of Directors recommends that our shareholders vote FOR the approval of the 2006 Stock
Incentive Plan.
13
REGISTERED INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Company has selected Hausser + Taylor LLC to serve as the Companys registered independent
public accounting firm for 2006. Hausser + Taylor LLC served as the registered independent public
accounting firm for the Company for 2005 and throughout the periods covered by the Companys
financial statements. Representatives of Hausser + Taylor LLC are expected to attend the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders in order to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders, and they
will have the opportunity to make a statement.
Hausser + Taylor LLC has a continuing relationship with RSM McGladrey, Inc. (RSM) (formerly
with American Express Tax and Business Services, Inc.) from which it leases auditing staff who are
full time, permanent employees of RSM and through which its shareholders provide non-audit
services. As a result of this arrangement, Hausser + Taylor LLC has no full time employees and,
therefore, none of the audit services performed were provided by permanent full time employees of
Hausser + Taylor LLC. Hausser + Taylor LLC manages and supervises the audit and audit staff, and is
exclusively responsible for the opinion rendered in connection with its examination.
FEES OF THE REGISTERED INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed and to be billed by Hausser + Taylor LLC for professional services
rendered for the audit of the Companys annual financial statements and review of financial
statements included in the Companys Form 10-QSB were $49,700 for 2005, and $47,000 for 2004.
Audit Related Fees
The Company paid Hausser + Taylor LLC $700 in 2005 and $0 in 2004 in aggregate fees for
professional services rendered for audit related fees for assurance and related services that are
reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the financial statements that are
not reported above under the heading audit fees. These fees were related to the Companys
response to comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission related to its Annual Report on
Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004.
Tax Fees
The Company paid $0 in 2005 and $300 in 2004 in aggregate tax fees for professional services
rendered for tax compliance and tax advice in connection with the Companys internally prepared
corporate tax return.
All Other Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Hausser + Taylor LLC for professional services rendered by in
connection with the research and review for the acceleration of employee stock options were $4,140
for 2005 and $0 for 2004.
Pre-Approval Policy
The Audit Committee is required to pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit
services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for the Company by its independent
auditor or other registered public accounting firm, subject to the
de minimis
exceptions for
non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that
are approved by the Audit Committee prior to completion of the audit.
14
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Our Audit Committee has appointed Hausser + Taylor LLC, an independent registered public
accounting firm, as the Companys independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2006, and has further directed that management submit the selection of independent auditors for
ratification by the shareholders at the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Hausser + Taylor LLC
has audited the Companys financial statements since the year ending December 31, 1995. The Audit
Committee believes that Hausser + Taylor LLCs experience with and knowledge of the Company are
important, and would like to continue this relationship.
Hausser + Taylor LLC has advised us that the firm does not have any direct or indirect
financial interest in the Company, nor has Hausser + Taylor LLC, had any such interest since the
inception of the Company in 1987, other than as a provider of auditing and accounting services. In
making the selection of Hausser + Taylor LLC to continue as our independent registered public
accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2006, the Audit Committee reviewed past audit
results and the non-audit services performed during the Companys fiscal year 2005 and which are
proposed to be performed during fiscal year 2006. In selecting Hausser + Taylor LLC, the Audit
Committee carefully considered Hausser + Taylor LLCs independence. Hausser + Taylor LLC has
confirmed to us that it is in compliance with all rules, standards and policies of the Independence
Standards Board and the SEC governing auditor independence.
Neither the Companys bylaws nor other governing documents requires shareholder ratification
of the selection of Hausser + Taylor LLC as the Companys independent auditors. However, we are
submitting the selection of Hausser + Taylor LLC to the shareholders for ratification as a matter
of good corporate practice. If our shareholders fail to ratify this selection, the Audit Committee
will reconsider whether or not to continue to retain Hausser + Taylor LLC, but may still retain
them. Even if this selection is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct the
appointment of different independent auditors at any time during the year if it determines that
such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and
entitled to vote at the 2006 Annual Meeting will be required to ratify the selection of Hausser +
Taylor LLC. Abstentions will be counted toward the tabulation of votes cast on proposals presented
to the shareholders and will have the same effect as negative votes. Broker non-votes are counted
toward a quorum, but are not counted for any purpose in determining whether this matter has been
approved.
The Board of Directors recommends that our shareholders vote FOR the ratification of the
independent registered public accounting firm.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys officers,
directors and greater than 10% shareholders to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership
of the Companys securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies of the
reports are required by SEC regulation to be furnished to the Company. Based on its review of such
reports, and written representations from reporting persons, the Company believes that all
reporting persons complied with all filing requirements during the year ended December 31, 2005,
except for Robert H. Peitz, who had one late Form 4 filing.
15
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Notes Payable and Capital Lease
During 2005, the Company entered into agreements with the Estates of Edward R. Funk and
Ingeborg V. Funk. The Company was indebted to the Estates in the amount of $289,391.92. The
Estates agreed to cancel $288,000 of the indebtedness in exchange for 144,000 shares of common
stock and warrants to purchase an additional 36,000 shares of common stock at $3.00 per share,
which expire October 2010. The Company transferred to the Estates $1,391.92 in full satisfaction
of the remaining amount of the indebtedness.
Convertible Promissory Notes and Stock Purchase Warrants
On January 7, 2000, the Company issued common stock purchase warrants at $2.50 per share for
150,000 shares of common stock related to the subordinated notes payable to Edward R. and Ingeborg
V. Funk. The warrants are 100% vested and expire ten years from the date of grant. The Estate of
Edward R. Funk and the Estate of Ingeborg V. Funk are both greater than 5% beneficial owners of the
Company.
On June 30, 2003, the Company issued a $100,000 convertible promissory note payable to Windcom
Investments SA, a greater than 5% beneficial owner of the Company. The interest on the convertible
promissory note was determined by the Prime Commercial Rate in effect at Bank One, N.A., Columbus,
Ohio. In addition, the Company issued to Windcom Investments SA, warrants to purchase 20,333
shares of the Companys common stock at $1.00 per share expiring June 2008. The warrants vested
according to the following schedule: (1) 8,333 vested on the date of grant; and (2) 12,000 vested
at a rate of 333 per month for 32 months, then 336 per month for 4 months. On May 13, 2004, in
accordance with the terms of the convertible promissory note, the balance and accrued and unpaid
interest owed automatically converted to 43,119 shares of common stock after the Company raised
over $500,000 in private equity financing. As of May 13, 2004, the vested warrants were fixed at
11,633; no additional warrants will vest. In connection with the private equity financing, the
Company also issued to Windcom Investments SA 8,623 warrants to purchase shares of common stock at
$2.88 per share. These warrants expire May 2009.
On June 30, 2003, the Company issued to the Estate of Edward R. Funk, warrants to purchase
10,000 shares of common stock at $1.00 per share in connection with a lease guarantee. The
warrants vest according to the following schedule: (1) 4,600 vested on the date of grant; and (2)
5,400 vest at a rate of 150 per month for 36 months. These warrants expire June 2008.
On June 30, 2003, the Company issued a $166,666.67 convertible promissory note payable to
Robert H. Peitz. Mr. Peitz is a greater than 5% beneficial owner of the Company. Mr. Peitz
currently serves on the Companys Board of Directors. The Prime Commercial Rate in effect at Bank
One, N.A., Columbus, Ohio determined the interest on the convertible promissory note. In addition,
the Company issued to Mr. Peitz warrants to purchase 33,889 shares of the Companys common stock at
$1.00 per share, which expire June 2008. The warrants vested according to the following schedule:
(1) 13,889 vested on the date of grant; and (2) 20,000 vested at a rate of 556 per month for 32
months, then 552 per month for four months. On May 13, 2004, in accordance with the terms of the
convertible promissory note, the balance and accrued and unpaid interest owed on the note
automatically converted to 71,873 shares of common stock after the Company raised over $500,000 in
private equity financing. As of May 13, 2004, the vested warrants were fixed at 14,374; no
additional warrants will vest. In connection with the 2004 private equity financing, the Company
also issued to Mr. Peitz 19,449 warrants to purchase shares of common stock at $2.88 per share,
which expire May 2009.
On November 3, 2004, the Company entered into a loan agreement between the Company, as
borrower, and Robert H. Peitz, as lender. Mr. Peitz agreed to loan the Company up to $200,000 for
working capital, to be drawn by the Company in increments of $50,000. The interest rate was
Huntington National Banks prime rate plus 2%, which accrued and compounded monthly. The loan was
secured by the Companys assets and perfected by the filing of a UCC-1 financing statement. For
each $50,000 increment drawn on the loan Mr. Peitz received 5,000 warrants to purchase the
Companys common stock, without par value, at a purchase price of $2.50 per share and exercisable
until November 1, 2009. The loan was drawn on the following schedule: November 3, 2004, $100,000;
January 7, 2005, $50,000; and April 1, 2005, $50,000. The loan balance (principal and accrued
interest) was repaid in October 2005 and the UCC-1 financing statement was terminated.
16
On April 14, 2005 the Company entered into a loan agreement between the Company, as borrower,
and Robert H. Peitz, as lender. Mr. Peitz agreed to provide a $200,000 convertible secured loan to
the Company for working capital. The interest rate of 10% accrued and compounded monthly. The
loan was drawn on the following schedule: April 14, 2005, $100,000; and May 20, 2005, $100,000.
Because the Company completed equity financing of at least $500,000 during the fourth quarter of
2005, the principal and accrued interest totaling $209,110 automatically converted on the same
basis as the new financing to 104,555 shares of common stock ($2.00 per share) and warrants to
purchase an aggregate of 26,139 shares of the Companys common stock at a purchase price of $3.00
per share exercisable until October 2010.
Legal Services
Curtis A. Loveland is the Secretary of the Company and is the beneficial owner of greater than
5% of the outstanding common stock of the Company, which ownership includes (i) 41,000 shares of
common stock, which can be acquired by Mr. Loveland under stock options exercisable within 60 days
of March 31, 2006; (ii) 437,256 shares of common stock beneficially owned in his capacity as the
executor of the Estate of Edward R. Funk, of which 127,900 shares of common stock can be acquired
by Mr. Loveland on behalf of the estate under stock options and warrants exercisable within 60 days
of March 31, 2006; (iii) 462,852 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Loveland in his
capacity as the executor of the Estate of Ingeborg V. Funk, of which 87,500 shares of common stock
can be acquired by Mr. Loveland on behalf of the estate under stock options and warrants
exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006; and (iv) 283,756 shares beneficially owned by Mr.
Loveland as the trustee of generation-skipping irrevocable trusts established by Edward R. and
Ingeborg V. Funk. Mr. Loveland is also a partner with Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur LLP, the
Companys legal counsel.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2007 ANNUAL MEETING
Each year the Board of Directors submits its nominations for election of directors at the
annual meeting of shareholders. Other proposals may be submitted by the Board of Directors or the
shareholders for inclusion in the proxy statement for action at the annual meeting. Any proposal
submitted by a shareholder for inclusion in the proxy statement for the annual meeting of
shareholders to be held in 2007 must be received by the Company (addressed to the attention of the
Secretary) on or before January 4, 2007. Any shareholder proposal