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. )
Filed
by
the Registrant [X]
Filed
by
a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check
the
appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary Proxy
Statement |
[_] Confidential, For Use of the Commission
Only
(As
Permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
|
[
] |
Definitive
Proxy Statement
|
[_] |
Definitive
Additional Materials
|
[_] |
Soliciting
Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule
14a-12
|
EMAGIN
CORPORATION
(Name
of
Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name
of
Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment
of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[_] |
Fee
computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11.
|
(1) |
Title
of each class of securities to which transaction
applies:
|
(2) |
Aggregate
number of securities to which transaction
applies:
|
(3) |
Per
unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
to
Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing
fee is
calculated and state how it was
determined):
|
(4) |
Proposed
maximum aggregate value of
transaction:
|
[_] |
Fee
paid previously with preliminary
materials.
|
[_]
Check
box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2)
and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously.
Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form
or
schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) |
Amount
Previously Paid:
|
(2) |
Form,
Schedule or Registration Statement
No.:
|
eMagin
Corporation
10500
NE
8TH
Street
Suite
1400
Bellevue,
WA, 98004
*,
2006
Dear
Stockholder:
You
are
cordially invited to attend the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the
“Meeting”) of eMagin Corporation, which will tentatively be held at the Hyatt
Bellevue, 900 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue, Washington, 98004 on Friday, October
20, 2006, at 2:00 pm local time. Details of the business to be conducted
at the
Meeting are provided in the attached Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy
Statement.
Whether
or not you plan to attend the Meeting, it is important that your shares be
represented and voted at the Meeting. Therefore, I urge you to vote your
shares
as soon as possible. Instructions in the proxy card will tell you how to
vote
over the Internet, by telephone, or by returning your proxy card by mail.
The
proxy statement explains more about proxy voting. Please read it carefully.
I
highly
encourage you to receive future eMagin annual reports and proxy statement
materials electronically and help us save costs in producing and distributing
these materials. If you wish to receive our annual report and proxy statement
electronically next year, please follow the instructions on the enclosed
proxy
card.
Beginning
at 1:00 pm, prior to commencement of the meeting, we will provide interactive
demonstrations of some of our exciting microdisplay products as well as several
products being commercialized by our customers. If you would like to participate
in this event, please arrive by 1:30 pm to allow time for viewing the exhibit.
I
look
forward to meeting those of you who will be able to attend the Meeting, and
I
appreciate your continued support of our company.
Sincerely,
/s/
GARY W. JONES
Gary
W. Jones
|
/s/
THOMAS PAULSEN
|
Chief
Executive Officer and President
|
Thomas
Paulsen
|
|
Chairman
of the Board
|
eMagin
Corporation
NOTICE
OF ANNUAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO
BE HELD ON OCTOBER 20, 2006
To
our Stockholders:
The
2006
Annual Meetings of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of eMagin Corporation
(“eMagin” or the “Company”) will be held at the Hyatt Bellevue, 900 Bellevue Way
N.E., Bellevue, Washington, 98004, on Friday, October 20, 2006, at 2:00 pm
local
time, to consider the following proposals:
1. |
To
elect 3 directors to the Company's Board of Directors, to hold office
for
terms of three (3) years and until their successors are duly elected
and
qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal (Proposal
No.
1);
|
2. |
To
amend the Company's certificate of incorporation to increase the
maximum
number of directors which may be appointed to the Company’s Board of
Directors from 9 to 10 persons (Proposal No.
2);
|
3. |
To
consider the approval of the potential issuance of shares of our
common
stock underlying our 6% Senior Secured Convertible Notes Due 2007-2008
and
warrants to purchase shares of our common stock at a price below
fair
market value (Proposal No. 3);
|
4. |
To
authorize the Company's Board of Directors, in its discretion, to
amend
the Company's certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock
split
of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock at a ratio
of
one-for-ten (Proposal No. 4);
|
5. |
To
increase the number of authorized shares of common stock issuable
pursuant
to the 2004 Non-Employee Stock Compensation Plan from 2,000,000 to
9,500,000 shares (Proposal No. 5);
|
6. |
To
ratify the appointment of Eisner LLP as the Company’s independent auditors
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006 (Proposal No. 6);
and
|
7. |
To
consider and transact such other business as may properly come before
the
Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.
|
BECAUSE
OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THESE PROPOSALS TO THE COMPANY AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS,
IT
IS VITAL THAT EVERY SHAREHOLDER VOTES AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON OR
BY
PROXY.
These
proposals are fully set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement, which
you are
urged to read thoroughly. For the reasons set forth in the Proxy Statement,
your
Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" each of the proposals. The Company
intends to mail the Annual Report, Proxy Statement and Proxy enclosed with
this
notice on or about *, 2006, to all stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting. If you were a stockholder of record of eMagin common stock (AMEX:EMA)
on *, 2006, the record date for the Annual Meeting, you are entitled to vote
at
the meeting and any postponements or adjournments of the meeting. Shareholders
are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, whether or not
you
plan to attend the meeting in person, your shares should be represented and
voted. After reading the enclosed Proxy Statement, please sign, date, and
return
promptly the enclosed proxy in the accompanying postpaid envelope we have
provided for your convenience to ensure that your shares will be represented.
Alternatively, you may wish to provide your response by telephone or
electronically through the Internet by following the instructions set out
on the
enclosed Proxy card. If you do attend the meeting and wish to vote your shares
personally, you may revoke your Proxy.
Admission
to the Annual Meeting will be by ticket only. If you are a registered
stockholder planning to attend the meeting, please check the appropriate
box on
the Proxy card and retain the bottom portion of the card as your admission
ticket. Registration will begin at 1:00 p.m., and seating will begin at 1:30
p.m. A product exhibit will be available beginning at 1:00 p.m. and concluding
at 1:50 p.m. Stockholders holding stock in brokerage accounts (“street name”
holders) will need to bring a copy of a brokerage statement reflecting stock
ownership as of the record date. Cameras, recording devices, and other
electronic devices will not be permitted at the meeting.
We
thank
you for your cooperation in returning your proxy as promptly as possible.
By
Order
of the Board of Directors
/s/
SUSAN K. JONES
Susan
K. Jones
Executive
Vice President and Secretary
Dated:
*, 2006, Bellevue, WA
|
The
return of your signed Proxy as promptly as possible will greatly facilitate
arrangements for the Annual Meeting. No postage is required if the Proxy
is
returned in the envelope enclosed for your convenience and mailed in the
United
States. If you received a proxy card with a website address and voting codes,
we
urge you to vote on the Internet at http://proxy.georgeson.com.
or telephonically at 1-800-790-3272, to ensure that your vote is recorded
without mail delays. If you vote by telephone or the
Internet you do not need to return the proxy card.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
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Page
|
|
|
1
|
What
is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?
|
|
1
|
Who
is entitled to vote at the meeting?
|
|
1
|
Who
can attend the meeting?
|
|
1
|
Why
is the Company soliciting proxies?
|
|
2
|
What
constitutes a quorum?
|
|
2
|
How
do I vote?
|
|
2
|
Can
I
vote by telephone or electronically |
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2
|
Can
I change my vote after I return my Proxy card?
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|
2
|
What
are the Board’s recommendations?
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3
|
What
vote is required to approve each item?
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3
|
INFORMATION
ABOUT STOCK OWNERSHIP
|
|
4
|
How
much stock is owned by 5% stockholders, directors, and executive
officers
|
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4
|
INFORMATION
ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
|
|
6
|
How
often did the Board meet during fiscal 2005?
|
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6
|
What
committees has the Board established?
|
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6
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How
are directors compensated?
|
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8
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INFORMATION
ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
|
|
9
|
Executive
Compensation
|
|
9
|
What
is the Company’s philosophy of executive officer
compensation
|
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9
|
Report
of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors
|
|
9
|
Aggregated
Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option
Value
|
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13
|
Employment
Agreements
|
|
13
|
Report
of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
|
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14
|
Certain
relationships and related transactions
|
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16
|
DISCUSSION
OF PROPOSAL ITEMS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD
|
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18
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ITEM
1— ELECTION OF CLASS B DIRECTORS
|
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18
|
ITEM
2— AMENDMENT TO INCREASE NUMBER OF MAXIMUM BOARD MEMBERS
|
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22
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ITEM
3—APPROVAL OF POTENTIAL ISSUANCE OF SHARES BELOW FAIR MARKET
VALUE
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
ITEM
4—APPROVAL
OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
ITEM
5—INCREASE
THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
|
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30
|
ISSUABLE PURSUANT TO THE 2004 NON-EMPLOYEE STOCK COMPENSATION
|
|
|
PLAN
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
ITEM
6—RATIFICATION
OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
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33 |
OTHER MATTERS
|
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34
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ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
|
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34
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APPENDIX
A - AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
|
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35
|
APPENDIX
B - AMENDED AND RESTATED 2004 NON-EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLAN
|
|
41
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IMPORTANT:
Please immediately SIGN, DATE, and RETURN the enclosed Proxy or submit your
Proxy by telephone or the Internet, whether or not you plan to attend the
Annual
Meeting. A return envelope, which requires no postage if mailed in the United
States, is enclosed for your convenience.
eMagin
Corporation
10500
NE 8th
Street, Suite 1400
Bellevue,
WA 98004
(425)
749-3600
______________________
PROXY
STATEMENT
_______________________
This
Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies
by
the Board of Directors of eMagin Corporation (“eMagin” or the “Company”) to be
voted at the Annual Meeting of stockholders which will be held at the Hyatt
Bellevue on Friday, October 20, 2006, at 200 pm., and at any postponements
or
adjournments thereof.
INFORMATION
ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING
At
our
Annual Meeting, stockholders will act upon the matters outlined in the Notice
of
Annual Meeting on the cover page
of this
Proxy Statement, including (i) the election of Class B directors, (ii) amending
the certificate of incorporation to increase the maximum number of directors
which may be appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors from 9 to 10 persons,
(iii) approving of the potential issuance of shares of our common stock
underlying our 6% Senior Secured Convertible Notes Due 2007-2008 and warrants
to
purchase shares of our common stock, at a price below fair market value,
(iv) authorizing
the Board of Directors, in its discretion, to amend the certificate of
incorporation to effect the reverse stock split, (v) increasing the number
of
authorized shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the 2004 Non-Employee
Stock Compensation Plan from 2,000,000 to 9,500,000 shares, and (vi)
ratification of the appointment of the Company’s independent auditors. In
addition, management will report on the performance of the Company during
fiscal
year 2006 and respond to questions from stockholders.
Stockholders
of record at the close of business on *, 2006, the record date for the meeting,
are entitled to receive notice of and to participate in the Annual Meeting.
As
of that record date, the Company had outstanding and entitled to vote * shares
of common stock. The common stock is the only class of stock of eMagin that
is
outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. If you were a
stockholder of record of common stock on that record date, you will be entitled
to vote all of the shares that you held on that date at the meeting, or any
postponements or adjournments of the meeting. Each outstanding share of eMagin
common stock will be entitled to one vote on each matter. Stockholders who
own
shares registered in different names or at different addresses will receive
more
than one Proxy card. You must sign and return each of the Proxy cards received
to ensure that all of the shares owned by you are represented at the Annual
Meeting.
Only
stockholders
as of
the record date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the meeting,
and
each may be accompanied by one guest. Seating, however, is limited. Admission
to
the meeting will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration and
product demonstrations will begin at 1:00 pm., and seating will begin at
1:30
pm. Cameras, recording devices and other electronic devices will not be
permitted at the meeting.
You
will need an admission ticket to enter the meeting.
For
registered stockholders, the bottom portion of the Proxy card enclosed with
the
Proxy Statement is their
Annual
Meeting admission ticket. Beneficial owners with shares held in “street name”
(that is, through an intermediary, such as a bank or broker), should request
tickets in writing from Investor Relations, eMagin Corporation, 10500 NE
8th
Street,
Suite 1400, Bellevue, WA 98004. (or by facsimile to 425-749-3601)
and
include proof of ownership, such as a copy of a bank or brokerage firm account
statement or a letter from the broker, trustee, bank or nominee holding their
stock, confirming beneficial ownership. Please note that if you hold your
shares
in “street name” you will need to bring a copy of a brokerage statement
reflecting your stock ownership as of the record date and check in at the
registration desk at the meeting.
Because
many of our stockholders are unable to personally attend the Annual Meeting,
the
Board of Directors of eMagin (the “Board” or the “Board of Directors”) solicits
the enclosed proxy so that each stockholder is given an opportunity to vote.
This proxy enables each stockholder to vote on all matters which are scheduled
to come before the meeting. When the Proxy is returned properly executed,
the
stockholder's shares will be voted according to the stockholder's directions.
Stockholders are urged to specify their choices by marking the appropriate
boxes
on the enclosed Proxy card.
The
presence at
the
meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the number
of
shares of common stock issued and on the record date will constitute a quorum
permitting the meeting to conduct its business. As noted above, as of the
record
date, * shares of eMagin common stock, representing the same number of votes,
were outstanding. Thus, the presence of the holders of common stock representing
at least * votes will be required to establish a quorum.
For
your
convenience, eMagin is offering you four methods of voting.
· |
You
may indicate your vote on the enclosed proxy card, sign and date
the card,
and return the card in the enclosed prepaid envelope.
|
· |
You
may vote by telephone by calling the toll free number that appears
on the
enclosed proxy card and following the instructions given.
|
· |
You
may vote via the Internet by following the instructions provided
on the
enclosed proxy card.
|
· |
You
may attend the meeting and vote in person.
|
All
shares entitled to vote and represented by a properly completed and executed
proxy received before the meeting and not revoked will be voted at the meeting
as you instruct in a proxy delivered before the meeting. If you do not indicate
how your shares should be voted on a matter, the shares represented by your
properly completed and executed proxy will be voted as the Board of Directors
recommends on each of the enumerated proposals and with regard to any other
matters that may be properly presented at the meeting and all matters incident
to the conduct of the meeting. If you are a registered stockholder and attend
the meeting, you may deliver your completed Proxy card in person. "Street
name"
stockholders who wish to vote at the meeting will need to obtain a proxy
form
from the institution that holds their shares. All votes will be tabulated
by the
inspector of election appointed for the meeting, who will separately tabulate
affirmative and negative votes, abstentions and broker non-votes.
Can
I vote by telephone or electronically?
If
you
are a registered stockholder (that is, if you hold your stock in certificate
form), you may vote by telephone, or electronically through the Internet,
by
following the instructions included with your Proxy card. If your shares
are
held in “street name,” please check your Proxy card or contact your broker or
nominee to determine whether you will be able to vote by telephone or
electronically. Please
follow the voting instructions on the enclosed proxy card.
The
deadline for voting by telephone or electronically is 5:00 p.m. (Eastern
Standard Time) on *, 2006.
A
Proxy
may be revoked by giving the Secretary of eMagin written notice of revocation
at
any time
before
the voting of the shares represented by the Proxy. A stockholder who attends
the
meeting may revoke a Proxy at the meeting. Attendance at the meeting will
not,
by itself, revoke a Proxy.
Abstentions
and broker non-votes.
While
the inspectors of election will treat shares represented by Proxies that
reflect
abstentions or include "broker non-votes" as shares that are present and
entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum,
abstentions or "broker non-votes" do not constitute a vote "for" or "against"
any matter and thus will be disregarded in any calculation of "votes cast."
However, abstentions and "broker non-votes" will have the effect of a negative
vote if an item requires the approval of a majority of a quorum or of a
specified proportion of all issued and outstanding shares.
Unless
you give other instructions on your Proxy card, the persons named as proxy
holders on the Proxy card will vote
in
accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors. The Board’s
recommendation is set forth together with the description of each item in
this
Proxy Statement. In summary, the Board recommends a vote:
· |
for
election
of the nominated slate of Class B
directors;
|
· |
for
amending
to the Company's certificate of incorporation to increase the maximum
number of directors which may be appointed to the Company’s Board of
Directors from 9 to 10 persons;
|
· |
for
approving
of the potential issuance of shares of our common stock underlying
our 6%
Senior Secured Convertible Notes Due 2007-2008 and warrants to purchase
shares of our common stock, at a price below fair market value ;
|
· |
for
authorizing
the Company's Board of Directors, in its discretion, to amend the
Company's certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock
split of
the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock at a ratio of
one-for-ten;
|
· |
for
increasing the number of authorized shares of common stock issuable
pursuant to the 2004 Non-Employee Stock Compensation Plan from 2,000,000
to 9,500,000 shares; and
|
· |
for
ratification
of the appointment of Eisner LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for
fiscal year 2006.
|
With
respect to any other matter that properly comes before the meeting, the proxy
holders will vote as recommended by the Board of Directors or, if no
recommendation is given, in their own discretion.
The
election of the directors of the Company requires the affirmative vote of
a
plurality of the votes cast by stockholders at the Annual Meeting. A properly
executed Proxy marked “WITHOLD AUTHORITY” with respect to the election of one or
more directors will not be voted with respect to the director or directors
indicated, although it will be counted for the purposes of determining whether
there is a quorum.
Approving
of the potential issuance of shares of our common stock underlying our 6%
Senior
Secured Convertible Notes Due 2007-2008 and warrants to purchase shares of
our
common stock, at a price below fair market value, authorizing
the Company's Board of Directors, in its discretion, to amend the Company's
certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split, increasing
the
number of authorized shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the 2004
Non-Employee Stock Compensation Plan, and ratification of the appointment
of
Eisner LLP as the Company's independent auditors for fiscal year 2006, will
each
require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the
shares
of common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to
vote
at the Annual Meeting. Approving of the amendment to the Company's certificate
of incorporation to increase the maximum number of directors which may be
appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors from 9 to 10 persons requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the shares of common
stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting.
INFORMATION
ABOUT STOCK OWNERSHIP
The
following table sets forth the number of shares known to be owned by all
persons
who own at least 5% of eMagin’s outstanding common stock, the Company’s
directors, the executive officers named in the summary “Annual Compensation”
table on page 12, and the directors and executive officers as a group as
of
August 21, 2006, unless otherwise noted. Unless otherwise indicated, the
stockholders listed in the table have sole voting and investment power with
respect to the shares indicated.
Name
of Owner
|
Common
Stock
Beneficially
Owne
|
Percentage
Beneficial
Common
Stock**
|
|
|
|
Stillwater
LLC (1)
|
14,163,278
|
11.5%
|
George
Haywood (2)
|
9,978,026
|
8.0%
|
Ginola
Limited (3)
|
8,951,391
|
7.4%
|
Gary
W. Jones (4)
|
5,767,893
|
4.8%
|
Susan
K Jones (4)
|
5,767,893
|
4.8%
|
Rainbow
Gate (5)
|
2,380,399
|
*
|
Ogier
Trustee (Jersey) Limited (6)
|
976,200
|
*
|
Paul
Cronson (7)
|
407,657
|
*
|
Claude
Charles (8)
|
110,000
|
*
|
Chelsea
Trust Company Limited
|
301,888
|
*
|
John
Atherly (9)
|
4,160
|
*
|
Jack
Goldman (10)
|
0
|
0%
|
Adm.
Thomas Paulsen (11)
|
0
|
0%
|
Dr.
Jill Wittels (12)
|
0
|
0%
|
Irwin
Engelman (13)
|
0
|
0%
|
Brigadier
General, U.S. Army (ret.) Stephen Seay (14)
|
0
|
0%
|
Dr.
Radu Auf der Heyde (15)
|
1,451,217
|
*
|
All
executive officers and directors Officers as a group (consisting
of 11
individuals) (16)
|
7,747,927
|
6.4%
|
*
Less
than 1%
**
Beneficial Ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes voting or investment
power with respect to securities. Shares of common stock subject to options
or
warrants currently exercisable or convertible, or exercisable or convertible
within 60 days of August 21, 2006 are deemed outstanding for computing the
percentage of the person holding such option or warrant but are not deemed
outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. Percentages
are
based on a total of 118,774,843 shares of common stock outstanding on August
1,
2006, and the shares issuable upon the exercise of options and warrants
exercisable on or within 60 days of August 21 2006, as described
below.
(1)
This
figure represents: (i) 9,326,145 shares owned by Stillwater LLC, which includes
1,719,326 shares owned by Rainbow Gate Corporation, in which the sole member
of
Stillwater LLC is the investment manager of Rainbow Gate Corporation; (ii)
warrants held by Stillwater LLC to purchase 4,837,133 shares, which includes:
(a) a warrant to purchase 300,000 shares that may not be exercised by Stillwater
LLC so long as Stillwater LLC is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly,
of more than ten percent (10%) of the common stock of eMagin for purposes
of
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (b) warrants to purchase
661,073 shares held by Rainbow Gate Corporation, in which the sole member
of
Stillwater LLC is the investment manager of Rainbow Gate
Corporation.
(2)
This
figure includes 3,214,738 common shares underlying warrants.
(3)
This
figure represents: (i) 6,026,598 shares owned by Ginola Limited, which include
1,719,326 shares held indirectly by Rainbow Gate Corporation, 650,800 shares
owned by Ogier Trustee(Jersey) Limited, as trustee, 119,161 shares owned
by
Chelsea Trust Company Limited, as trustee, and 396,223 shares owned by
Crestflower Corporation. Ginola Limited disclaims beneficial ownership of
the
shares owned by Crestflower Corporation, Ogier Trustee (Jersey) Limited,
as
trustee, and Chelsea Trust Company Limited, as trustee; and (ii) warrants
held
by Ginola Limited to purchase 2,924,753 common shares, which includes warrants
to purchase 661,073 shares held by Rainbow Gate Corporation, in which the
sole
shareholder of Ginola Limited is also the sole shareholder of Rainbow Gate
Corporation, and warrants to purchase 325,400 shares owned by Ogier Trustee
(Jersey) Limited, as trustee. Ginola Limited disclaims beneficial ownership
of
the shares owned by Ogier Trustee (Jersey) Limited, as trustee.
(4)
This
figure represents shares owned by Gary Jones and Susan Jones who are married
to
each other, including (i) 444,344 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise
of stock options held by Gary Jones and (ii) 324,572 shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of stock options held by Susan Jones. This does not
include (i) 1,785,069 shares underlying options owned by Gary Jones which
are
not exercisable within 60 days of August 21, 2006; and (ii) 1,578,072 shares
underlying options owned by Susan Jones which are not exercisable within
60 days
of August 21, 2006.
(5)
This
figure includes 661,073 shares underlying warrants. This does not include
2,066,414 shares underlying warrants which are not exercisable within 60
days of
August 21, 2006.
(6)
This
figure includes 325,400 shares underlying warrants.
(7)
This
figure represents 191,984 shares owned by Mr. Cronson, 215,673, shares
underlying warrants. This includes (i) 120,974 common stock shares and 42,857
shares underlying warrants held indirectly by a family member of Paul Cronson;
and (ii) 43,651 shares underlying warrants held indirectly by Larkspur
Corporation of which he is the Managing Director. This does not include 104,000
shares underlying options which are not exercisable within 60 days of August
21,
2006.
(8)
This
figure represents shares underlying options. This does not include 182,000
shares underlying options which are not exercisable within 60 days of August
21,
2006.
(9)
This
figure represents shares owned by John Atherly. This does not include 854,500
shares underlying options which are not exercisable within 60 days of August
21,
2006.
(10)
This
does not include 120,250 shares underlying options which are not exercisable
within 60 days of August 21, 2006.
(11)
This
does not include 112,125 shares underlying options which are not exercisable
within 60 days of August 21, 2006.
(12)
This
does not include 100,750 shares underlying options which are not exercisable
within 60 days of August 21, 2006.
(13)
This
does not include 82,875 shares underlying options which are not exercisable
within 60 days of August 21, 2006.
(14)
This
does not include 39,000 shares underlying options which are not exercisable
within 60 days of August 21, 2006.
(15)
This
figure includes (i) 1,115,036 shares of common stock, and (ii) warrants to
purchase 343,181 shares of common stock. This figure does not include 326,600
shares of common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Auf der Heyde’s spouse. Mr. Auf
der Heyde disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by his spouse.
(16)
This
figure includes (i) warrants to purchase 558,854 shares of common stock,
and
(ii) 878,916 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock
options.
INFORMATION
ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The
Board of
Directors oversees our business and affairs and monitors the performance
of
management. In accordance with corporate governance principles, the Board
does
not involve itself in day-to-day operations. The directors keep themselves
informed through discussions with the Chief Executive Officer, other key
executives and by reading the reports and other materials that we send them
and
by participating in Board and committee meetings. Our directors hold office
until their successors have been elected and duly qualified unless the director
resigns or by reasons of death or other cause is unable to serve in the capacity
of director. Biographical information about our directors is provided in
“Item 1
- Proposal for the Election of Class B Directors” on page 18.
During
2005, the Board of Directors held * meetings. Each director attended no fewer
than *% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board and
the
total number of meetings held by all committees on which such director served.
The Board also approved certain actions by unanimous written consent.
What
committees has the Board established?
The
Board
of Directors
has
standing Audit, Compensation, Governance and Nominating. The Board has also
established a Management Committee comprised of both officers and directors.
Information concerning the membership and function of each Board committee
is as
follows:
BOARD
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Name
|
Audit
Committee
|
Compensation
Committee
|
Governance
and Nominating Committee
|
Dr.
Radu Auf der Heyde
|
|
|
|
Claude
Charles
|
*
|
|
|
Paul
Cronson
|
|
|
|
Irwin
Engelman
|
**
|
|
|
Dr.
Jacob Goldman
|
|
*
|
**
|
Gary
W. Jones
|
|
|
|
Rear
Admiral Thomas Paulsen, USN (Ret.)
|
*
|
**
|
*
|
Brigadier
General Stephen Seay, U.S. Army (ret.)
|
|
|
|
Dr.
Jill Wittels
|
|
|
*
|
*
Member
of Committee
**
Chairman of Committee
Audit
Committee.
The
Audit
Committee is responsible for determining the adequacy of the Company's internal
accounting and financial controls, reviewing the results of the audit of
the
Company performed by the independent public accountants, and recommending
the
selection of independent public accountants. The functions of the Audit
Committee and its activities during 2005 are described in more detail under
the
heading “Report
of the Audit Committee.” During
the year, the Board examined the composition of the Audit Committee in light
of
the adoption by The American Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “Amex”) of new rules
governing audit committees. Based upon this examination, Board has determined
that each of the members of the Audit Committee is unrelated, an outside
member
with no other affiliation with the Company and is independent as defined
by the
American Stock Exchange. The Board has determined that Mr. Engelman is an
“audit
committee financial expert” as defined by the SEC. During 2005, the Audit
Committee held
5
meetings.
Compensation
Committee.
The
Compensation Committee determines matters pertaining to the compensation
and
expense reporting of certain executive officers of the Company, and administers
the Company's stock option, incentive compensation, and employee stock purchase
plans. During 2005, the Compensation Committee held 2 meetings.
Nomination
of Directors
As
provided in its charter and our company’s corporate governance principles, the
Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying individuals
qualified to become directors. The Governance and Nominating Committee seeks
to
identify director candidates based on input provided by a number of sources,
including (1) the Governance and Nominating Committee members, (2) our other
directors, (3) our stockholders, (4) our Chief Executive Officer or Chairman,
and (5) third parties such as professional search firms. In evaluating potential
candidates for director, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
considers the entirety of each candidate’s credentials.
Qualifications
for consideration as a director nominee may vary according to the particular
areas of expertise being sought as a complement to the existing composition
of
the Board of Directors. However, at a minimum, candidates for director must
possess:
|
•
|
|
high
personal and professional ethics and integrity;
|
|
•
|
|
the
ability to exercise sound judgment;
|
|
•
|
|
the
ability to make independent analytical inquiries;
|
|
•
|
|
a
willingness and ability to devote adequate time and resources to
diligently perform Board and committee duties; and
|
|
•
|
|
the
appropriate and relevant business experience and acumen.
|
In
addition to these minimum qualifications, the Governance and Nominating
Committee also takes into account when considering whether to nominate a
potential director candidate the following factors:
|
•
|
|
whether
the person possesses specific industry expertise and familiarity
with
general issues affecting our business;
|
|
•
|
|
whether
the person’s nomination and election would enable the Board to have a
member that qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as such
term is defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”) in
Item 401 of Regulation S-K;
|
|
•
|
|
whether
the person would qualify as an “independent” director under the listing
standards of the American Stock Exchange;
|
|
•
|
|
the
importance of continuity of the existing composition of the Board
of
Directors to provide long term stability and experienced oversight;
and
|
|
•
|
|
the
importance of diversified Board membership, in terms of both the
individuals involved and their various experiences and areas of
expertise.
|
The
Governance and Nominating Committee will consider director candidates
recommended by stockholders provided such recommendations are submitted in
accordance with the procedures set forth below. In order to provide for an
orderly and informed review and selection process for director candidates,
the
Board of Directors has determined that stockholders who wish to recommend
director candidates for consideration by the Governance and Nominating Committee
must comply with the following:
· |
The
recommendation must be made in writing to the Corporate Secretary,
eMagin
Corporation, 10500 NE 8th
Street, Suite 1400, Bellevue, WA 98004. The recommendation must include
the candidate's name, home and business contact information, detailed
biographical data and qualifications, information regarding any
relationships between the candidate and the Company within the last
three
years and evidence of the recommending person's ownership of the
Company’s
common stock.
|
· |
The
recommendation shall also contain a statement from the recommending
shareholder in support of the candidate; professional references,
particularly within the context of those relevant to board membership,
including issues of character, judgment, diversity, age, independence,
expertise, corporate experience, length of service, other commitments
and
the like; and personal references.
|
· |
A
statement from the shareholder nominee indicating that such nominee
wants
to serve on the Board and could be considered "independent" under
the
Rules and Regulations of the American Stock Exchange and the Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), as in effect at that
time.
|
All
candidates submitted by stockholders will be evaluated by the Governance
and
Nominating Committee according to the criteria discussed above and in the
same
manner as all other director candidates.
Management
Committee.
On
August
15, 2006 the Board of Directors formed a management committee comprised of
officers and directors, which will be responsible for overseeing the Company’s
management, growth and related initiatives, and will report to the Board.
The
Board appointed the following as members of the management committee: Gary
W.
Jones, Director and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President; John
Atherly, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer; and Dr. Radu Auf der Heyde,
Director.
How
are directors compensated?
Non-management
directors receive options under the 2003 Stock Option Plan (the "2003 Plan").
Under the 2003 Plan, a grant of options to purchase 60,000 shares of common
stock will automatically be granted on the date a director is first elected
or
otherwise validly appointed to the Board with an exercise price per share
equal
to 100% of the market value of one share on the date of grant. Such options
granted will expire ten years after the date of grant and will become
exercisable in four equal installments commencing on the date of grant and
annually thereafter. In addition to the 60,000 shares of common stock
automatically granted upon joining the Board, Directors thereafter receive
an
annual grant of options to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock at the
fair
market value as determined on the date of grant, which options will vest
on
December 31 in the year granted. In addition, each non-management director
is
reimbursed for ordinary expenses incurred in connection with attendance at
such
meetings, granted options based on committee assignments consisting of options
to purchase 5,000 shares per year for each committee assignment, except for
the
audit committee participants who each receive annual options to purchase
15,000
shares.
Effective
as of August 15, 2006, the Board of Directors appointed Dr. Radu Auf der
Heyde
as a director of the Company, the first of two directors which the holders
of
our 6% Senior Secured Convertible Notes have the right to designate to
the
Company’s Board. On August 15, 2006, the Board of Directors granted Dr. Auf der
Heyde options to purchase 60,000 shares of common stock. In addition, Dr.
Auf
der Heyde was granted options to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock.
Code
of Business Conduct and Ethics
We
have
adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our
directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer,
principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. The Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics can be found on our website at
http://www.emagin.com/investors.
We
intend
to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding
an
amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of this Code of Business Conduct
and
Ethics by posting such information on our website, at the address and location
specified above and, to the extent required by the listing standards of the
American Stock Exchange, by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with the
SEC,
disclosing such information.
INFORMATION
ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The
executive officers
are
elected annually by our Board of Directors and hold office until their
successors are elected and duly qualified. The current executive officers
of the
Company are as follows:
Name
|
Age
|
Position
|
Gary
Jones
|
51
|
President,
Chief Executive Officer, and Director
|
Susan
K. Jones
|
54
|
Chief
Strategy and Marketing Officer and Secretary
|
John
Atherly
|
47
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
The
following includes the principal occupations for the past five years (and,
in
some instances, for prior years) of each of our executive officers (other
than
those executive officers who are also directors):
John
Atherly
has
served as Chief Financial Officer since June of 2004. Before joining eMagin
Corporation, Mr. Atherly worked for Click2learn, Inc., a NASDAQ listed
enterprise software company from 1990 to 2004. He held the positions of Vice
President of Finance and CFO for approximately 8 years and prior to that
held
the positions of Director of Finance and Controller. During his 14 years
with
Click2learn Mr. Atherly managed the firm's finance and administration, human
resources, IT and manufacturing organizations. From 1987 to 1990, Mr. Atherly
was a Finance and Operations Manager at MicroDisk Services, a manufacturing
firm
serving the software industry. Mr. Atherly holds a BA in Business Administration
from the University of Washington.
Susan
K. Jones
has
served as Executive Vice President and Secretary since 1992, and assumed
responsibility of Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer in 2001. Ms. Jones
has
more than 25 years of industrial and management experience, including senior
research, marketing, and management assignments at Texas Instruments and
Merck,
Sharp, & Dohme Pharmaceuticals. Ms. Jones serves on the boards or chairs
committees for industry organizations including IEEE, SPIE, and SID. Ms.
Jones
served as a director of eMagin Corporation from 1993 to 2000 and was a director
of Virtual Vision, Inc. Ms. Jones graduated from Lamar University with a
B.S. in
chemistry and biology, holds more than a dozen patents, and has authored
more
than 100 papers and talks.
The
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has furnished the following
report concerning the philosophy underlying the Company’s compensation of
executive officers.
The
Report of the Compensation Committee does not constitute soliciting material
and
should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company
filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of
1934,
except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates this Report by
reference therein.
The
Company’s executive compensation program is designed to attract, retain and
motivate executive officers capable of leading the Company to meet its business
objectives, to align the interests of executive management with those of
the
stockholders, and to provide incentives and reward both short and long term
performance based on the success of the Company in meeting its development
milestones and business objectives. The Compensation Committee places a
particular emphasis on variable, performance based components, such as the
bonus
potential and stock option awards, the value of which could increase or decrease
to reflect changes in corporate and individual performances.
Components
of Compensation.
Each
executive officer's compensation package is generally comprised of the following
elements: (1) A base salary which is established at levels considered
appropriate for the duties and scope of responsibilities of each officer's
position; (2) A performance-based annual bonus; (3) Periodic grants of stock
options to strengthen the mutuality of interests between the executive officers
and the Company's stockholders. Annual or quarterly cash bonuses related
to the
performance of the Company may be made to executive officers in the sales
and
marketing functions, and other executive officers in certain other
circumstances, for such executive officer's functional area. Executive officers
are also eligible to participate in compensation and employee benefits generally
available to all employees of the Company, such as health insurance and
participation in the eMagin Employee Savings and Protection Plan ("401(k)
Plan").
The
Compensation Committee believes that this three-part approach best serves
the
interests of the Company and its stockholders. It enables the Company to
meet
the requirements of the highly competitive environment in which the Company
operates while ensuring that executive officers are compensated in a way
that
advances both the short and long-term interests of stockholders. Under this
approach, compensation for these officers involves a high proportion of pay
that
is ‘‘at risk’’ - namely, the annual bonus and stock options. The variable annual
bonus is also based, in significant part, on Company performance. Stock options
relate a significant portion of long-term remuneration directly to stock
price
appreciation realized by all of the Company’s stockholders.
Base
Salary.
Base
salaries for executive officers are set at levels believed by the Committee
to
be sufficient to attract and retain qualified executive officers based on
the
stage of development of the Company, the salary levels in effect for comparable
positions in similarly situated companies within relevant industries, and
internal comparability considerations. Base salaries for the Company’s executive
officers other than the Chief Executive Officer, as well as changes in such
salaries, are based upon recommendations by the Chief Executive Officer,
taking
into account such factors as competitive industry salaries, a subjective
assessment of the nature of the position and the contribution and experience
of
the officer and the length of the officer’s service. All such recommendations
are subject to approval or disapproval by the Compensation Committee. Other
than
provisions provided for in Employment Agreements, changes in base salaries
of
executives are based on an evaluation of the personal performance of the
executive, prevailing market practices, and the performance of the Company
as a
whole. In determining base salaries, the Compensation Committee not only
considers the short-term performance of the Company, but also the success
of the
executive officers in developing and executing the Company's strategic plans,
developing management employees and exercising leadership in the development
of
the Company.
Cash-Based
Incentive Bonus.
The
Compensation Committee believes that a portion of the total cash compensation
for executive officers should be based on the Company's success in meeting
its
short-term performance objectives and contributions by the executive officers
that enable the Company to meet its long-term objectives, and has structured
the
executive compensation program to reflect this philosophy. This approach
creates
a direct incentive for executive officers to achieve desired short-term
corporate goals that also further the long-term objectives of the Company,
and
places a significant portion of each executive officer's annual compensation
at
risk.
Stock
Options.
The
Compensation Committee believes that equity participation is a key component
of
the Company's executive compensation program. Stock options are awarded by
the
Compensation Committee to executive officers primarily based on potential
contributions to the Company's growth and development and marketplace practices.
These awards are designed to retain executive officers and to motivate them
to
enhance stockholder value by aligning the financial interests of executive
officers with those of stockholders. Stock options provide an effective
incentive for management to create stockholder value over the long term because
the full benefits of the option grants cannot be realized unless an appreciation
in the price of the Company's common stock occurs over a number of years.
Variable
Bonus.
The
Compensation Committee may award annual or interim Special Bonuses in the
form
of cash, stock options, or restricted stock to executive management and
employees for achieving certain milestones, progress made in the staff and
organizational development of the Company, and advances in the market acceptance
and commercialization of the Company's technology.
Compensation
of Chief Executive Officer.
Mr.
Jones's base salary as of December 31, 2005 was $320,313 and was paid a
reimbursement for relocation expenses of $147,420. In addition, he was granted
options for 530,000 shares.
In
2004,
Mr.
Jones
invested a higher amount of cash into eMagin Corporation, by exercising options
which had been granted in prior years, than was paid to him during 2004 as
salary. In 2006 Mr. Jones agreed to hold back 10% of his compensation and
to
waive increases in his compensation until such time as the Company posts
an
EBITDA positive quarter or fulfills other criteria as provided in the Company’s
Note Purchase Agreement dated July 21, 2006.
Compensation
Committee
Dr.
Jacob
Goldman (Chairman)
Thomas
Paulsen
Compensation
Committee interlocks and insider participation
None
of
the members of the Compensation Committee is or has been an officer or employee
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Summary
compensation table for named executive officers
The
following table provides information about the total compensation for services
in all capacities to the Company or its subsidiary for the last three fiscal
years of those persons who at December 31, 2005, were (i) the Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and (ii) the other most highly compensated executive
officers of the Company whose total annual salary and bonus exceeded $100,000
(collectively, the "named executive officers").
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
and Positions
|
Year
|
Salary
|
Bonus
|
|
Other
Annual
Compensation
|
Long-Term
Compensation
Awards
(Securities
Underlying
Options)
|
Gary
W. Jones
|
President,
Chief Executive |
2005
|
320,313
|
0
|
(1)
|
147,420
|
530,000
|
|
Officer
and
|
2004
|
305,090
|
0
|
(1)
|
46,636
|
1,200,000
|
|
Director |
2003
|
305,090
|
0
|
|
0
|
516,260
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Susan
K. Jones |
Chief
Strategy and Marketing |
2005
|
259,568
|
$26,049
|
(2)
|
0
|
359,400
|
|
Officer
and |
2004
|
245,933
|
0
|
(2)
|
0
|
750,000
|
|
Secretary |
2003
|
245,933
|
0
|
|
0
|
403,825
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John
Atherly
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
2005
|
221,406
|
0
|
(3)
|
0
|
430,000
|
|
|
2004
|
105,000
|
0
|
(3)
|
0
|
750,000
|
|
|
2003
|
N/A
|
0
|
|
0
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
In
2005, Mr. Jones was paid a base salary of $320,313. In addition, he received
$147,420 for reimbursement of relocation expenses. In addition, he was granted
options for 530,000 shares. In 2004, Mr. Jones was paid a base salary $305,090,
the balance of deferred pay in the amount of $140,798, as well as a
reimbursement for relocation expenses of $46,636. Mr. Jones was paid the
balance
of his deferred pay through the application of these amounts to the exercise
of
options. Collectively, Gary Jones and Susan Jones paid eMagin approximately
$1.2
million in 2004 to exercise stock options. In May 2004, Mr. Jones was granted
1,200,000 shares as part of a company-wide bonus program.
(2)
In
2005, Ms. Jones was paid a base salary of $259,568. She also received a bonus
that was paid 45% in cash, $12,144 and 55% in a stock grant, $24,395. In
2004,
Ms. Jones was paid a base salary of $245,933 and the balance of deferred
pay in
the amount of $110,134. Ms. Jones was paid the balance of her deferred pay
through the application of these amounts to the exercise of options.
Collectively, Gary Jones and Susan Jones paid eMagin approximately $1.2 million
in 2004 to exercise stock options. In May 2004, Ms. Jones was granted 750,000
shares as part of a company-wide bonus program.
(3)
In
2005, Mr. Atherly was paid a base salary of $221,406. He was granted 430,000
shares. In 2004, Mr. Atherly's base salary was $210,000. He joined eMagin
Corporation in June 2004 and was paid a salary of $105,000 for the portion
of
the year he was employed by eMagin. He was granted 750,000 shares as part
of his
hiring package. Of these 750,000 option shares granted, 500,000 shares vest
quarterly over a period of five years. 250,000 shares are target incentive
options based on successful completion of four consecutive EBITA positive
quarters.
Options/SARs
Grants During Last Fiscal Year
The
following table provides information related to options granted to our named
executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
Name
|
Number
of Securities Underlying Options Granted
|
%
of Total Options Granted in Fiscal 2005
|
Exercise
Price Per Share
|
Expiration
Date
|
Gary
W. Jones (1)
|
350,000
180,000
|
6%
3%
|
$1.02
$0.5
|
3/17/12
11/30/12
|
|
|
|
|
|
Susan
K Jones (1)
|
255,000
104,400
|
4%
3%
|
$1.02
$0.58
|
3/17/12
11/30/12
|
|
|
|
|
|
John
Atherly (1)
|
250,000
180,000
|
4%
3%
|
$1.02
$0.58
|
3/17/12
11/30/12
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
Options awarded as part of a company-wide bonus program.
Aggregated
Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Value
The
following table provides information regarding the aggregate number of options
exercised during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 by each of the named
executive officers and the number of shares subject to both exercisable and
unexercisable stock options as of December 31, 2005. The common stock price
at
December 31, 2005 was $0.57 per share.
|
Shares
Acquired on Exercise
|
Value
Realized
|
#
of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options at FY-End
Exercisable
|
Unexercisable
|
Value
of Unexercised In-the-money Options at FY-End Exercisable
|
Unexercisable
|
Gary
Jones
|
----
|
----
|
2,093,937
|
1,096,667
|
$
177,199
|
----
|
Susan
K. Jones
|
----
|
----
|
1,968,208
|
784,167
|
$
94,092
|
----
|
John
Atherly
|
----
|
----
|
150,000
|
1,030,000
|
---
|
----
|
Compliance
with internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) disallows a tax deduction to publicly
held companies for compensation paid to certain of their executive officers
to
the extent that such compensation exceeds $1.0 million per covered officer
in
any fiscal year. The limitation applies only to compensation that is not
qualified performance based compensation under the IRS code.
Executive
Employment Agreements
On
January 24, 2006, pursuant to actions taken by the Compensation Committee
of our
Board of Directors, Mr. Gary W. Jones entered into a revised executive
employment agreement, to conform to the recently established Sarbanes-Oxley
requirements, in connection with his service as Chief Executive Officer and
President of the Company, and at the time also as Chairman of the Company.
Additionally, Ms. Susan K. Jones entered into a revised executive employment
agreement, to conform to the recently established Sarbanes-Oxley requirements,
in connection with her service as the Company’s Chief Marketing and Strategy
Officer, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary.
Each
agreement is effective for an initial term of three years, effective January
1,
2006. The agreements provides for an annual salary, benefits made available
by
the Company to its employees and eligibility for an incentive bonus pursuant
to
one or more incentive compensation plans established by the Company from
time to
time. The Company may terminate the employment of Mr. Jones and Mrs. Jones
at
any time with or without notice and with or without cause (as such term is
defined in the agreements). If the Mr. Jones’ and Mrs. Jones’ employment is
terminated without cause, or if Mr. Jones and Mrs. Jones resign with good
reason
(as such term is defined in the agreements), or if Mr. Jones’ and Mrs. Jones’
respective positions are terminated or significantly changed as result of
change
of control (as such term is defined in the agreements), Mr. Jones and Mrs.
Jones
shall be entitled to receive salary until the end of the agreement’s full term
or twelve months, whichever is greater, payment for accrued vacation, and
bonuses which would have been accrued during the term of the agreements.
If Mr.
Jones and Mrs. Jones voluntarily terminates employment with the Company,
other
than for good reason or is terminated with cause (as such term is defined
in the
agreement), Mr. Jones and Mrs. Jones shall cease to accrue salary, vacation,
benefits, and other compensation on the date of the voluntary or with cause
termination. The Executive Employment Agreements include other conventional
terms and also contains invention assignment, non-competition, non-solicitation
and non-disclosure provisions.
On
April
17, 2006, the parties entered into amendments to the employment agreements
pursuant to which the parties clarified that the Company has agreed to pay
for
health benefits equivalent to medical and dental benefits provided during
the
executive’s full time employment until the end of the agreement’s full term or
twenty-four (24) months, whichever is greater.
The
following Report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material
and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other
Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange
Act
of 1934, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates this
Report
by reference therein.
Role
of the Audit Committee:
The
Audit
Committee’s primary responsibilities fall into three broad categories:
First,
the
Committee is charged with monitoring the preparation of quarterly and annual
financial reports by the Company’s management, including discussions with
management and the Company’s outside auditors about draft annual financial
statements and key accounting and reporting matters;
Second,
the
Committee is responsible for matters concerning the relationship between
the
Company and its outside auditors, including recommending their appointment
or
removal; reviewing the scope of their audit services and related fees, as
well
as any other services being provided to the Company; and determining whether
the
outside auditors are independent (based in part on the annual letter provided
to
the Company pursuant to Independence
Standards Board Standard No. 1);
and
Third,
the
Committee oversees management’s implementation of effective accounting controls
and reviews recommendations of the Company’s internal auditing program. The
Committee also provides oversight and review of the Company’s senior executives’
expense reporting.
The
Committee has implemented procedures to ensure that during the course of
each
fiscal year it devotes the attention that it deems necessary or appropriate
to
each of the matters assigned to it under the Committee’s charter. In overseeing
the preparation of the Company’s financial statements, the Committee met with
both management and the Company’s outside auditors, with and without management
present, to review and discuss all financial statements prior to their issuance
and to discuss significant accounting issues. Management advised the Committee
that all financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and the Committee discussed the statements
with
both management and the outside auditors. The Committee’s review included
discussion with the outside auditors of matters required to be discussed
pursuant to Statement
on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication With Audit
Committees).
With
respect to the Company’s outside auditors, the Committee, among other things,
discussed with Eisner LLP matters relating to its independence, including
the
disclosures made to the Committee as required by the Independence
Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit
Committees).
Audit
Fees and All Other Fees: For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004,
the
aggregate fees payable to Eisner LLP for professional services rendered for
the
audit of the annual financial statements, review of quarterly financial
statements and services normally provided in connection with statutory and
regulatory filings or engagements were approximately $151,000 and $136,000,
respectively. There were no other fees billed for services rendered to the
Company by Eisner LLP, other than fees for audit and audit-related, for the
years 2005 and 2004. The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision
for services covered by fees other than audit fees is compatible with
maintaining the principal auditor’s independence.
Recommendations
of the Audit Committee
In
reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee
recommended to the Board of Directors that the Board approve the inclusion
of
the Company’s audited financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, for filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee has also recommended
to
the Board of Directors, subject to stockholder ratification, the selection
of
Eisner LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for 2006, and the Board
concurred in its recommendation.
Audit
Committee:
Irwin
Engelman (Chairman)
Thomas
Paulsen
On
October 20, 2005, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement to sell
to
certain qualified institutional buyers and accredited investors an aggregate
of
16,619,056 shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and warrants
to purchase an additional 9,971,427 shares of common stock, for an aggregate
purchase price of approximately $9.14 million. The purchase price of the
common
stock and corresponding warrant was $0.55 per share.
The
warrants are exercisable at a price of $1.00 per share and expire on October
20,
2010. Of the 9,971,427 warrants, 6,647,623 of the warrants are exercisable
on or
after May 20, 2006. The remaining 3,323,810 are exercisable after March 31,
2007, however these warrants will be cancelled if the Company’s net revenue for
fiscal year 2006 exceeds $20 million or if the investor has sold more than
25%
of the shares purchased under the Securities Purchase Agreement prior to
December 31, 2006.
Both
Stillwater and Ginola are beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s
common stock.
Rainbow
Gate Corporation, a corporation in which its investment manager is the sole
member of Stillwater LLC and its controlling shareholder is the same as Ginola
Limited, participated in the sale of equity pursuant to the Securities Purchase
Agreement by investing approximately $500 thousand. Stillwater LLC disclaims
beneficial ownership of shares owned by Rainbow Gate Corporation.
Chelsea
Trust Company, as trustee of a trust with the same directors and/or controlling
shareholders as Ginola Limited, participated in the sale of equity pursuant
to
the Securities Purchase Agreement by investing approximately $250 thousand.
Ginola Limited disclaims beneficial ownership of shares owned by Chelsea
Trust
Company.
In
connection with the issuance of the Shares and the warrants pursuant to the
Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company was required to lower the exercise
prices of existing Series A and F warrants from $1.05 and $1.21, respectively,
to $.55 and $1.09 per share, respectively, pursuant to the anti-dilution
provisions of the Series A and F warrants.
Mary
Cronson, the mother of an outside director of eMagin, Paul Cronson, is the
holder of a Series A warrant to purchase an aggregate of 42,857 shares of
common
stock. Accordingly, the exercise price of Mrs. Cronson’s Series A warrant was
reduced from $1.05 to $0.55 per share. Mrs. Cronson received the same
considerations as all other holders of the Company’s Series A warrants which
were re-priced.
On
January 24, 2006, pursuant to actions taken by the Compensation Committee
of our
Board of Directors, Mr. Gary W. Jones entered into a revised executive
employment agreement, to conform to the recently established Sarbanes-Oxley
requirements, in connection with his service as Chief Executive Officer and
President of the Company. Mr. Jones also serves as Chairman of the Company.
Additionally, Ms. Susan K. Jones entered into a revised executive employment
agreement, to conform to the recently established Sarbanes-Oxley requirements,
in connection with her service as the Company’s Chief Marketing and Strategy
Officer, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary.
Each
agreement is effective for an initial term of three years, effective January
1,
2006. The agreements provides for an annual salary, benefits made available
by
the Company to its employees and eligibility for an incentive bonus pursuant
to
one or more incentive compensation plans established by the Company from
time to
time. The Company may terminate the employment of Mr. Jones and Mrs. Jones
at
any time with or without notice and with or without cause (as such term is
defined in the agreements). If the Mr. Jones’ and Mrs. Jones’ employment is
terminated without cause, or if Mr. Jones and Mrs. Jones resign with good
reason
(as such term is defined in the agreements), or if Mr. Jones’ and Mrs. Jones’
respective positions are terminated or significantly changed as result of
change
of control (as such term is defined in the agreements), Mr. Jones and Mrs.
Jones
shall be entitled to receive salary until the end of the agreement’s full term
or twelve months, whichever is greater, payment for accrued vacation, and
bonuses which would have been accrued during the term of the agreements.
If Mr.
Jones and Mrs. Jones voluntarily terminates employment with the Company,
other
than for good reason or is terminated with cause (as such term is defined
in the
agreement), Mr. Jones and Mrs. Jones shall cease to accrue salary, vacation,
benefits, and other compensation on the date of the voluntary or with cause
termination. The Executive Employment Agreements include other conventional
terms and also contains invention assignment, non-competition, non-solicitation
and non-disclosure provisions.
On
July
21, 2006, we entered into several Note Purchase Agreements (the “Purchase
Agreements”) to sell to certain qualified institutional buyers and accredited
investors up to $5,970,000 in principal amount 6% Senior Secured Convertible
Notes Due 2007-2008, together with warrants to purchase 16,073,067 shares
of our
common stock, par value $0.001 per share.
50%
of
the aggregate principle amount of each note matures 1 year after the
date of issuance and the remaining 50% matures 18 months after the date of
issuance. The Notes pay 6% interest quarterly, commencing on September 1,
2006,
and are convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price equal
to
$0.26 per share. The warrants are exercisable into shares of our common stock
until July 21, 2011 at an exercise price of $0.36 per share.
Paul
Cronson, a Director, John Atherly, Chief Financial Officer, and Olivier Prache,
Senior Vice President of Display Manufacturing and Development Operations
of our
company participated in the private placement through the purchase of an
aggregate of $270,000 in principal amount of notes, together with warrants
to
purchase an aggregate of 726,921 shares of common stock, each on the same
terms
and conditions as the other investors under the Purchase
Agreements.
In
addition to the foregoing, on July 21, 2006, we entered into an additional
Note
Purchase Agreement with Stillwater LLC which provides for the purchase and
sale
of an additional Note in the principal amount of up to $500,000 (the “Stillwater
Note”), together with a warrant (the “Stillwater Warrant”) to purchase 70% of
the number of shares issuable upon conversion of the Stillwater Note, at
our
sole discretion by delivery of a notice to Stillwater on December 14, 2006
for
the completion of the purchase and sale to occur on December 29, 2006. Our
ability to require Stillwater to purchase and pay for the Stillwater Note
and
Stillwater Warrant shall be reduced by the sum of (i) the additional financing
raised by us prior to the Closing Date, and (ii) the aggregate exercise price
paid by Stillwater to us upon exercise of all or a portion of any of our
common
stock purchase warrants owned by Stillwater prior to the Closing Date, including
a warrant to purchase 1,923,077 shares of our common stock which we issued
to Stillwater on July 21, 2006 (the “July Warrant”) on similar terms and
conditions as the Warrants set forth above, with an exercise price of
$0.26. The
conversion price of the Stillwater Note shall be equal to 100% of the market
price of the common stock on December 13, 2006 and the exercise price of
the
Stillwater Warrant will be equal to 100% of the market price of the common
stock
on December 13, 2006, plus $0.10.
Both
Stillwater and Ginola are beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s
common stock.
Rainbow
Gate Corporation, a corporation in which its investment manager is the sole
member of Stillwater LLC and its controlling shareholder is the same as Ginola
Limited, participated in the sale of debt pursuant to the Purchase Agreement
by
investing approximately $700,000. Stillwater LLC disclaims beneficial ownership
of shares owned by Rainbow Gate Corporation. In addition, Ginola Limited
participated in the sale of debt pursuant to the Purchase Agreement by investing
approximately $800,000.
ACTIONS
TO BE TAKEN AT THE MEETING
ELECTION
OF CLASS B DIRECTORS
At
the
2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on July 16, 2001, the stockholders
approved the establishment of a classified board of directors, divided into
three classes having staggered terms of three years each. Under the classified
board provision, the board of directors was divided into three classes,
designated Class A, Class B and Class C. At that time it was established
that
each director in Class A would hold office until the 2005 annual meeting
of
stockholders.; any director in Class B would hold office until the 2006 annual
meeting of stockholders; and any director in Class C will hold office until
the
2007 annual meeting of stockholders; and, in each case, until their successors
are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation, removal
from
office or death. As a result, only one class of directors will be elected
at
each annual meeting of stockholders, with the remaining classes continuing
their
respective three-year terms. In 2005 the nominated Class A directors were
elected for a three-year term to hold office until the 2008 Annual Meeting
of
Stockholders.
At
this
year’s Annual Meeting, the stockholders will elect three Class B directors to
serve until the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their successors
are elected and qualified. In the event the nominees are unable or unwilling
to
serve as directors at the time of the Annual Meeting, the proxies will be
voted
for any substitute nominees designated by the present Board or the proxy
holders
to fill such vacancy, or for the balance of the nominees named without
nomination of a substitute, or the size of the Board will be reduced in
accordance with the Bylaws of the Company. The Board has no reason to believe
that the persons named below will be unable or unwilling to serve as nominees
or
as directors if elected.
Assuming
a quorum is present, the two nominees receiving the highest number of
affirmative votes of shares entitled to be voted for such persons will be
elected as directors of the Company for the ensuing three years. Unless marked
otherwise, proxies received will be voted “FOR” the election of the nominees
named below. In the event that additional persons are nominated for election
as
directors, the proxy holders intend to vote all proxies received by them
in such
a manner as will ensure the election of the nominees listed below, and, in
such
event, the specific nominees to be voted for will be determined by the proxy
holders.
Information
With Respect to Director Nominees
Listed
below are the nominees for Class B directors, with information showing the
principal occupation or employment of the nominees for director, the principal
business of the corporation or other organization in which such occupation
or
employment is carried on, and such nominees’ business experience during the past
five years. Such information has been furnished to the Company by the director
nominees:
Class
B
Nominees
Name
|
Age
|
Class
|
Position
|
Paul
C. Cronson
|
48
|
B
|
Director
|
Rear
Admiral Thomas Paulsen, USN (Ret.)
|
69
|
B
|
Director
|
Brigadier
Gen. Stephen Seay, US Army (Ret.)
|
60
|
B
|
Director
|
Paul
C. Cronson
|
Director
Since 2003
|
Paul
Cronson has served as a director since July of 2003. Mr. Cronson is Managing
Director of Larkspur Capital Corporation, which he founded in 1992. Larkspur
is
a broker dealer that is a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers and advises companies seeking private equity or debt. Mr. Cronson's
career in finance began in 1979 at Laidlaw, Adams Peck where he worked in
asset
management and corporate finance. From 1983 to 1985, Mr. Cronson worked with
Samuel Montagu Co., Inc. in London, where he marketed eurobond issuers and
structured transactions. Subsequently from 1985 to 1987, he was employed
by
Chase Investment Bank Ltd., where he structured international debt securities
and he developed "synthetic asset" products using derivatives. Returning
to the
U.S., he joined Peter Sharp Co., where he managed a real estate portfolio,
structured financings and assisted with capital market investments from until
1992. Mr. Cronson received his BA from Columbia College in 1979, and his
MBA
from Columbia University School of Business Administration in 1982. He is
on the
Board of Umbanet, in New York City, a private company specializing in email
based distributed applications and secure messaging.
Rear
Admiral Thomas Paulsen, USN (Ret.)
|
Director
Since 2003
|
Admiral
Thomas Paulsen has served as a director since July 2003 and was elected as
Non-Executive Chairman in July 2006. Admiral Thomas Paulsen served for over
34
years in the US Navy in Command Control, Communications and Intelligence
(C3I),
Telecommunications, Network Systems Operations, Computers and Computer Systems
Operations until his retirement in 1994 as a Rear Admiral. He then served
as
Chief Information Officer for Williams Telecommunications. Admiral Paulsen
has
served as a director Umbanet, Inc. since 2002. Since 2000, Admiral Paulsen
has
served on the Board of Governors of the Institute of Knowledge Management,
George Washington University. Since 1994, he has served as the Chairman of
the
Advisory Board and President Emeritus of the Center for Advanced Technologies
(CAT) and a Managing Partner on the National Knowledge and Intellectual Property
Management Taskforce, a not-for-profit company headquartered in Dallas, Texas,
and is a member of the Board of Governors for the Japanese American National
Museum, Los Angeles, California.
Brigadier
General Stephen Seay, US Army (Ret.)
|
Director
Since 2005
|
General
Stephen Seay held a wide variety of command and staff positions during his
33-year Army career, most importantly as a soldier's soldier volunteering
for
his final assignment with his troops in Iraq. Most recently he was Program
Executive Officer for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, and Commanding
General, Joint Contracting Command-Iraq/Head of Contracting Authority, Operation
Iraqi Freedom. He has also served as Program Manager for a joint system,
headed the Joint Target Oversight Council and was Commanding General,
Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM), Army Materiel
Command. Earlier, as a Field Artillery officer, he commanded at all levels,
rising to corps artillery commander. He served as Chief of Staff, United
States Army, Europe (Forward) and National Security Element, Taszar, Hungary,
during Operation Joint Endeavor. He held resource management, operations
research, and acquisition positions during three tours on Department of the
Army
staff. Stephen Seay holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University
of New Hampshire and a Master of Science degree from North Carolina State
University.
Information
With Respect to Continuing Directors
Listed
below are the continuing Class A and C directors, with information showing
the
principal occupation or employment of the director, the principal business
of
the corporation or other organization in which such occupation or employment
is
carried on, and such director’s business experience during the past five years.
Such information has been furnished to the Company by the
directors:
Name
|
Age
|
Class
|
Position
|
Dr.
Radu Auf der Heyde
|
37
|
C
|
Director
|
Claude
Charles
|
69
|
C
|
Director
|
Irwin
Engelman
|
71
|
A
|
Director
|
Dr.
Jacob (Jack) Goldman
|
83
|
C
|
Director
|
Gary
W. Jones
|
51
|
A
|
Director
|
Dr.
Jill Wittels
|
57
|
C
|
Director
|
Dr.
Radu Auf der Heyde
|
Director
since 2006
|
Effective
as of August 15, 2006, the Board of Directors appointed Dr. Radu Auf der
Heyde
as a director of the Company, the first of two directors which the investors
in
the July 2006 Note Purchase Agreement have the right to designate to the
Company’s Board. From October 2005 to the present, Dr. Auf der Heyde has served
as President of Lightridge Capital, an investment management firm he founded
which uses artificial intelligence technology to assist in decision-making
to
yield high risk-adjusted returns on investment. From June 2003 to
September 2005, he served as Vice President of Ameriquest Capital, a private
equity firm. Aside from investing activities, he led various efforts at
Ameriquest Capital’s portfolio companies, including setting up a program
management and a software development quality assurance group, replacing
core
business applications, upgrading IT and communication infrastructures, and
restructuring a call center. From September 1999 to June 2003, Dr. Auf der
Heyde
worked as a Principal at Mercer Management Consulting with a primary focus
on
business strategy development and new venture creation for a variety of leading
electronic equipment manufacturers, technology services companies and
telecommunication service providers. Dr. Auf der Heyde received a Ph.D. in
engineering from Stanford University in 1999 and holds a diploma degree in
engineering from the Technical University of Aachen (RWTH Aachen), Germany,
which he received in 1993.
Claude
Charles
|
Director
since 2000
|
Claude
Charles has served as a director since April of 2000. Mr. Charles has served
as
President of Great Tangley Corporation since 1999. From 1996 to 1998 Mr.
Charles
was Chairman of Equinox Group Holdings. Mr. Charles has also served as
a
director and in senior executive positions at SG Warburg and Co. Ltd.,
Peregrine
Investment Holdings, Trident International Finance Ltd., and Dow Banking
Corporation. Mr. Charles holds a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School
at
the University of Pennsylvania and a M.S. in international finance from
Columbia
University.
Irwin
Engelman
|
Director
since 2005
|
Irwin
Engelman has been a director of eMagin since 2005. Mr. Engelman has been
a
director of New Plan Excel Realty Trust, Inc., a publicly-traded company
that is
one
of
the nation's largest owners and managers of community and neighborhood shopping
centers, since 2003. He is currently a consultant to various industrial
companies.
From
November 1999 until April 2002, he served as Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer of YouthStream Media Networks, Inc., a media
and retailing company serving high school and college markets. From 1992
until
April 1999, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of MacAndrews and Forbes Holdings, Inc., a privately-held
financial holding company. From November 1998 until April 1999, he
also served as Vice Chairman, Chief Administrative Officer and a director
of
Revlon, Inc., a publicly-traded consumer products company. From 1978 until
1992, he served as an executive officer of various public companies including
International Specialty Products, Inc. (a subsidiary of GAF Holdings Inc.),
CitiTrust Bancorporation, General Foods Corporation and The Singer Company.
He
is currently a director of Sanford Bernstein Mutual Funds, a publicly-traded
company, and a member of its audit committee. Mr. Engelman received a BBA
in
Accounting from Baruch College in 1955 and a Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn
Law
School in 1961. He was admitted practice law in the State of New York in
1962.
In addition, he was licensed as a CPA in the State of New York in
1966.
Dr.
Jack Goldman
|
Director
since 2003
|
Dr.
Jack
Goldman joined our board of directors in February of 2003. Dr. Goldman is
the
retired senior vice-president for R&D and chief technical officer of the
Xerox Corporation. While at Xerox, he founded and directed the celebrated
Xerox
PARC laboratory. Prior to joining Xerox, Dr. Goldman was Director of Ford
Motor
Company's Scientific Research Laboratory. He also served as Visiting Edwin
Webster Professor at MIT. Dr. Goldman presently serves on the Boards of
Directors of Umbanet Inc. and Medis Technologies Inc., and he has served
on the
Boards of Xerox, General Instrument Corp., United Brands, Intermagnetics
General, GAF and Bank Leumi USA. He has also been active in government and
professional advisory roles including service on the US Dept. of Commerce
Technical Advisory Board, chairman of Statutory Visiting Committee of The
National Bureau of Standards (National Institute of Standards and Technology),
vice-president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
and
president of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.
Gary
W. Jones
|
Director
since 1992
|
Gary
W.
Jones has served as Chief Executive Officer, and President of eMagin since
1992,
as Acting Chief Financial Officer from August 2002 to June 2004, and as Chairman
from 1992 to 2006. Mr. Jones has over 20 years of experience in both public
and
private companies in the areas of business development, high volume
manufacturing, product development, research, and marketing. Prior to founding
FED Corporation/eMagin Corporation, Mr. Jones served as Director of the Device
Development and Processing division at MCNC Center for Microelectronics in
North
Carolina from 1985 to 1992. From 1977 to 1985 Mr. Jones managed both
semiconductor manufacturing and research and development programs at Texas
Instruments. Mr. Jones received a B.S. in electrical engineering and physics
from Purdue University. Mr. Jones has served as a member of the Executive
Committee of the Board of the United States Display Consortium.
Dr.
Jill Wittels
|
Director
since 2003
|
Dr.
Jill
Wittels has served as a director since July 2003. Since February 2001, Dr.
Wittels has been the Corporate Vice President, Business Development for L-3
Communications, a merchant supplier of intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance systems and products, secure communications systems and products,
avionics and ocean products, training devices and services, microwave components
and telemetry, instrumentations, space and navigation products. Dr. Wittels
has
over 25 years of management, engineering and leadership experience. Prior
to L-3
Communications, Dr. Wittels worked for 21 years with BAE Systems and its
predecessor companies, including Lockheed Martin, Loral and Honeywell. Most
recently, she served as vice president and general manager of BAE Systems'
Information and Electronic Warfare Systems/Infrared and Imaging Systems
division. Dr. Wittels began her career as a systems engineer and has also
served
as a Congressional Fellow for the American Physical Society, a research
associate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a senior visiting
scientist for the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Wittels received a Bachelor
of Science degree in Physics from MIT in 1970 and received a PhD in Physics
from
MIT in 1975. She serves on the Board of Overseers for the Department of Energy's
Fermi National Accelerator Lab, is a member of the American Physical Society
and
a member of the American Astronomical Society. Dr. Wittels presently serves
on
the Boards of Directors of Innovative Micro Technology Inc. and of Millivision
Inc.
Required
Vote
Each
director will be elected by plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders
present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
OF THE BOARD FOR PROPOSAL NO. 1:
THE
BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF ALL THE ABOVE
NOMINEES.
ITEM
2
PROPOSAL
TO AMEND THE COMPANY’S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO
INCREASE THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DIRECTORS WHICH MAY BE APPOINTED TO THE COMPANY’S
BOARD OF DIRECTORS FROM 9 TO 10 PERSONS
As
discussed in this proxy statement, the Company entered into several Note
Purchase Agreements (the “Purchase Agreements”) on July 21, 2006 to sell to
certain qualified institutional buyers and accredited investors up to $5,970,000
in principal amount 6% Senior Secured Convertible Notes Due 2007-2008, together
with warrants to purchase 16,073,067 shares
of
the Company’s common stock. Under the Purchase Agreements, the investors have
the right to designate two persons to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors.
Effective
as of August 15, 2006, the Board of Directors appointed Dr. Radu Auf der
Heyde
as a director of the Company, the first of two directors which the investors
have the right to designate to the Company’s Board. With the election of Dr. Auf
der Heyde, the Company’s Board of Directors now consists of 9
members.
Article
Six(a) of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
provides that the Board of Directors of the Company shall consist of
between
3
and 9 members as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of
Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Board of
Directors.
Effective August 15, 2006, our Board of Directors approved an amendment to
Article Six(a) of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation to increase the maximum number of directors which may be appointed
to the Board from 9 to 10 persons in order to create an additional space
on the
Board of Directors to allow for the nomination of a second director by the
investors to the Company’s Board, which shall be subject to approval by the
Board of Directors.
Approving
of the amendment to the Company's certificate of incorporation to increase
the
maximum number of directors which may be appointed to the Company’s Board of
Directors from 9 to 10 persons requires the affirmative vote of the holders
of
at least 66 2/3% of the shares of common stock present in person or represented
by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
OF THE BOARD FOR PROPOSAL NO. 2:
THE
BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE
AMENDMENT
TO THE COMPANY’S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO
INCREASE
THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DIRECTORS WHICH MAY BE APPOINTED
TO
THE COMPANY’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS FROM 9 TO 10 PERSONS
ITEM
3
THE
POTENTIAL ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK UNDERLYING SECURITIES
CONVERTIBLE OR EXERCISABLE INTO COMMON STOCK AT A PRICE BELOW FAIR MARKET
VALUE
IF THE CONVERSION AND EXERCISE PRICES OF SUCH SECURITIES ARE ADJUSTED TO
A PRICE
BELOW FAIR MARKET VALUE
We
are
seeking our stockholders' approval, to the extent required by the American
Stock
Exchange ("AMEX"), to potentially issue shares of our common stock underlying
our 6% Senior Secured Convertible Notes Due 2007-2008 and warrants to purchase
shares of our common stock, at a price below fair market value at the time
of
issuance and sale.
On
July
21, 2006, we entered into several Note Purchase Agreements (the “Purchase
Agreements”) to sell to certain qualified institutional buyers and accredited
investors up to $5,970,000 in principal amount 6% Senior Secured Convertible
Notes Due 2007-2008 (the “Notes”), together with warrants to purchase 16,073,067
shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share. In addition, on the
same
date, we entered into an additional Note Purchase Agreement with Stillwater
LLC
which provides for the purchase and sale of an additional Note in the principal
amount of up to $500,000 (the “Stillwater Note”), together with a warrant (the
“Stillwater Warrant”) to purchase 70% of the number of shares issuable upon
conversion of the Stillwater Note, at our sole discretion by delivery of
a
notice to Stillwater on December 14, 2006 for the completion of the purchase
and
sale to occur on December 29, 2006 (the "Closing Date"). Our ability to
require Stillwater to purchase and pay for the Stillwater Note and Stillwater
Warrant shall be reduced by the sum of (i) the additional financing raised
by us
prior to the Closing Date, and (ii) the aggregate exercise price paid by
Stillwater to us upon exercise of all or a portion of any of our common stock
purchase warrants owned by Stillwater prior to the Closing Date, including
a
warrant to purchase 1,923,077 shares of our common stock which we issued to
Stillwater on July 21, 2006 (the “July Warrant”).
The
Notes
are convertible into shares of our common stock at a price equal to $.26
(100%
of the market price of the common stock on July 20, 2006) and the Warrants
are
exercisable into common stock at $.36 per share (100% of the market price
of the
common stock on July 20, 2006, plus
$.10).
The conversion price of the Stillwater Note shall be equal to 100% of the
market
price of the common stock on December 13, 2006 and the exercise price of
the
Stillwater Warrant will be equal to 100% of the market price of the common
stock
on December 13, 2006, plus $0.10. In addition, the exercise price of the
July
Warrant issued to Stillwater is $.26 per share (100% of the market price
of the
common stock on July 20, 2006). The aforementioned conversion and exercise
prices are subject to adjustment in the event that our Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Financial Officer or Chief Strategy Officer sells, transfers or disposes
of shares of common stock or securities convertible into our common stock,
other
than 50,000 shares of common stock in any fiscal quarter which our Chief
Financial Officer is permitted to sell on or after January 1, 2007. In such
event the conversion and exercise prices shall be reduced, if applicable,
to a
price equal to the average of the daily volume weighted average prices for
each
of the three trading days following the date such sale, transfer or disposition
is reported, or required to be reported, on a Form 4 filing with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
If
our
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Chief Strategy Officer
sells, transfers or disposes of shares of common stock or securities convertible
into our common stock and the adjustment provision is triggered as set forth
above, the conversion and exercise prices of the Notes, Warrants, Stillwater
Notes, Stillwater Warrants and the July Warrant could be adjusted to a price
below the fair market value on the day in which we are required to issue
common
stock underlying said securities.
Under
Section 713 of the Listing Standards, Policies and Requirements of the
AMEX, the sale, issuance, or potential issuance by a company of common stock
(or
securities convertible into common stock) equal to 20% or more of presently
outstanding stock for less than the greater of book or market value of our
stock
requires stockholder approval, provided that stockholder approval is not
required for a "public offering" as defined by the AMEX.
The
vote
required to approve the issuance of our common stock as proposed is a majority
of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting. If this proposal is not approved, any issuance requiring such approval
will not be made, although further approvals may be sought. If the issuances
are
approved we do not intend to solicit the further approval of our stockholders
for any issuance as to which the required approval remains in
effect.
RECOMMENDATION
OF THE BOARD FOR PROPOSAL NO. 3:
THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE POTENTIAL ISSUANCE
OF
SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK UNDERLYING SECURITIES CONVERTIBLE OR EXERCISABLE
INTO
COMMON STOCK AT A PRICE BELOW FAIR MARKET VALUE IF THE CONVERSION AND EXERCISE
PRICES OF SUCH SECURITIES ARE ADJUSTED TO A PRICE BELOW FAIR MARKET
VALUE.
ITEM
4
APPROVAL
OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
The
Board
of Directors has unanimously adopted a resolution approving, declaring advisable
and recommending to the stockholders for their approval an amendment to our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock
split of outstanding shares of common stock at a ratio of one-for-ten.
The
reverse stock split will be affected by filing an amendment to our amended
and
restated certificate of incorporation with the State of Delaware. The
certificate of amendment will effect a reverse stock split of the shares
by
reducing the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock by the
ratio determined by the board of directors to be in the best interests of
the
Company and its stockholders, but will not change the number of authorized
shares of common stock or preferred stock or the par value of the common
stock
or preferred stock. A copy of the proposed amendment to our certificate of
incorporation effecting the 1-for-10 reverse stock split is attached at the back
of this proxy statement as Appendix A.
Reasons
for Board Recommendation
The
Board
of Directors is recommending that you empower the Board of Directors to
effectuate, in the Board of Directors’ discretion, the reverse stock split
within the foregoing ratios for the following reasons:
· |
Because
the Board of Directors believes a higher stock price may help generate
investor interest in the Company and help the Company attract and
retain
employees and other service providers;
|
· |
Because
the Company agreed to use its best efforts to effectuate the proposed
split, subject to stockholder approval, pursuant to certain Note
Purchase
Agreements dated July 21, 2006 for the purchase and sale of convertible
notes and warrants to certain accredited and/or institutional investors
(as further described below); and
|
· |
Because
the Company requires additional authorized but unissued shares of
common
stock.
|
The
Board
of Directors believes that a higher stock price would help the Company attract
and retain employees and other service providers. The Board of Directors
believes that some potential employees and service providers are less likely
to
work for a company with a low stock price, regardless of the size of the
company’s market capitalization. If the reverse stock split successfully
increases the per share price of our common stock, the Board of Directors
believes this increase will enhance our ability to attract and retain employees
and service providers. Further, in deciding at what ratio to effectuate the
reverse stock split, the Board of Directors will consider that our common
stock
may not appeal to brokerage firms that are reluctant to recommend lower priced
securities to their clients. Investors may also be dissuaded from purchasing
lower priced stocks because the brokerage commissions, as a percentage of
the
total transaction, tend to be higher for such stocks. Moreover, the analysts
at
many brokerage firms do not monitor the trading activity or otherwise provide
coverage of lower priced stocks. Most investment funds are reluctant to invest
in lower priced stocks.
The
increase in the number of authorized but unissued shares of common stock
would
enable the Company, without further stockholder approval, to issue shares
from
time to time as may be required for proper business purposes, such as raising
additional capital for ongoing operations, business and asset acquisitions,
stock splits and dividends, present and future employee benefit programs
and
other corporate purposes. In addition, the Board of Directors believes that
having additional authorized but unissued shares of common stock through
the
effectuation of the reverse stock split could have a number of effects on
the
Company's stockholders depending upon the exact nature and circumstances
of any
actual issuances of authorized but unissued shares. The increase could have
an
anti-takeover effect, in that additional shares could be issued (within the
limits imposed by applicable law) in one or more transactions that could
make a
change in control or takeover of the Company more difficult. For example,
additional shares could be issued by the Company so as to dilute the stock
ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to obtain control of the Company.
Similarly, the issuance of additional shares to certain persons allied with
the
Company's management could have the effect of making it more difficult to
remove
the Company's current management by diluting the stock ownership or voting
rights of persons seeking to cause such removal. Except as further discussed
herein, the Board of Directors is not aware of any attempt, or contemplated
attempt, to acquire control of the Company, and this proposal is not being
presented with the intent that it be utilized as a type of anti-takeover
device.
Except
for the following, there are currently no plans, arrangements, commitments
or
understandings for the issuance of the additional shares of common stock
which
are proposed to be authorized:
July
2006 Note Purchase Agreements
On
July
21, 2006, we entered into several Note Purchase Agreements (the “Purchase
Agreements”) to sell to certain qualified institutional buyers and accredited
investors up to $5,970,000 in principal amount 6% Senior Secured Convertible
Notes Due 2007-2008, together with warrants to purchase 16,073,067 shares
of our
common stock, par value $0.001 per share. In addition, $20,000 of fees due
to
our investment banker was paid through participation in the notes transaction
and convertible into 76,923 common shares with warrants to purchase 53,846
shares of our common stock.
50%
of
the aggregate principle amount of each Note matures 1 year after the
date of issuance and the remaining 50% matures 18 months after the date of
issuance. The Notes pay 6% interest quarterly, commencing on September 1,
2006,
and are convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price equal
to
$0.26 per share (the “Conversion Price”). In addition, we have the right to
redeem all of the outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest due
under the Notes upon certain conditions, including, but not limited to, that
no
event of default has occurred or is continuing and that there is an effective
registration statement registering the shares underlying the Notes and the
Warrants.
The
Warrants are exercisable into shares of our common stock until July 21, 2011
at
an exercise price of $0.36 per share (the “Exercise Price”). The investors may
exercise the Warrants on a cashless basis beginning one year after the date
of
issuance if the shares of common stock underlying the Warrants are not then
registered pursuant to an effective registration statement or if an event
of
default, as defined in the Notes, has occurred and is continuing.
The
Conversion Price and the Exercise Price are subject to adjustment for certain
events, including the payment of dividends, distributions or split of our
common
stock, or in the event of our consolidation, merger or reorganization. In
addition, the Conversion Price and the Exercise Price are also subject to
adjustment in the event that our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial
Officer or Chief Strategy Officer sells, transfers or disposes of shares
of
common stock or securities convertible into our common stock, other than
50,000
shares of common stock in any fiscal quarter which our Chief Financial Officer
is permitted to sell on or after January 1, 2007. In such event the Conversion
and Exercise Prices shall be reduced, if applicable, to a price equal to
the
average of the daily volume weighted average prices for each of the three
trading days following the date such sale, transfer or disposition is reported,
or required to be reported, on a Form 4 filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “Commission”); provided,
that,
if
such
an adjustment would require us to seek stockholder approval of the transactions
in accordance with Rule 713 of the American Stock Exchange Company Guide,
then such adjustment shall not reduce the Conversion Price or Exercise
Price to a price lower than the Conversion Price until such time as stockholder
approval is obtained.
Paul
Cronson, a Director, John Atherly, Chief Financial Officer, and Olivier Prache,
Senior Vice President of Display Manufacturing and Development Operations
of our
company participated in the private placement through the purchase of an
aggregate of $270,000 in principal amount of Notes, together with Warrants
to
purchase an aggregate of 726,921 shares of common stock, each on the same
terms
and conditions as the other investors.
In
addition to the foregoing, on the same date, we entered into an additional
Note
Purchase Agreement with Stillwater LLC which provides for the purchase and
sale
of an additional Note in the principal amount of up to $500,000 (the “Stillwater
Note”), together with a warrant (the “Stillwater Warrant”) to purchase 70% of
the number of shares issuable upon conversion of the Stillwater Note, at
our
sole discretion by delivery of a notice to Stillwater on December 14, 2006
for
the completion of the purchase and sale to occur on December 29, 2006
(the "Closing Date"). Our ability to require Stillwater to purchase and pay
for the Stillwater Note and Stillwater Warrant shall be reduced by the sum
of
(i) the additional financing raised by us prior to the Closing Date, and
(ii)
the aggregate exercise price paid by Stillwater to us upon exercise of all
or a
portion of any of our common stock purchase warrants owned by Stillwater
prior
to the Closing Date, including a warrant to purchase 1,923,077 shares of
our common stock which we issued to Stillwater on July 21, 2006 (the “July
Warrant”) on similar terms and conditions as the Warrants set forth above,
with an exercise price of $0.26. We are registering the shares of common
stock underlying the July Warrant in this prospectus. The conversion price
of
the Stillwater Note shall be equal to 100% of the market price of the common
stock on December 13, 2006 and the exercise price of the Stillwater Warrant
will
be equal to 100% of the market price of the common stock on December 13,
2006,
plus $0.10. Further, we are obligated to use our best efforts to register
the
shares underlying the Stillwater Note, and the Stillwater Warrant no
later than 90 days after the Closing Date. In the event of a default of our
registration obligations, including our agreement to file the registration
statement with the Commission no later than 90 days after the closing date,
or
if the registration statement is not declared effective within 150 days after
the closing date (180 days if the registration statement is reviewed by the
Commission), we are required to pay to Stillwater, as partial liquidated
damages, for each month that the registration statement has not been filed
or
declared effective, as the case may be, a cash amount equal to 1% of the
liquidated value of the Stillwater Note.
The
following are the risks associated with the July 2006 Note Purchase
Agreements:
THERE
ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF SHARES UNDERLYING OUR SECURED CONVERTIBLE NOTES AND
WARRANTS THAT MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE SALE AND THE SALE OF THESE SHARES
MAY
DEPRESS THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
As
of
August 1, 2006, we had 100,522,492 shares of common stock issued and
outstanding, senior secured convertible notes outstanding that may be converted
into an estimated 23,038,454 shares of common stock at $.26 and outstanding
warrants to purchase 37,404,461 shares of common stock and options to purchase
11,715,754shares. All of the shares issuable upon conversion of the secured
convertible notes and upon exercise of our warrants and options, may be sold
without restriction. Sales of significant amounts of common stock in the
public
market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could materially affect
the
market price of our common stock. These sales might also make it more difficult
for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time
and
price that we deem appropriate.
THE
ISSUANCE OF SHARES UPON CONVERSION OF THE SECURED CONVERTIBLE NOTES AND EXERCISE
OF OUTSTANDING WARRANTS MAY CAUSE IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION TO OUR
EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS.
The
issuance of shares upon conversion of the secured convertible notes and exercise
of warrants may result in substantial dilution to the interests of other
stockholders. Although certain of the selling stockholders may not convert
their
secured convertible notes and/or exercise their warrants if such conversion
or
exercise would cause such stockholder to own more than 9.99% of our outstanding
common stock, this restriction does not prevent each of such selling
stockholders from converting and/or exercising and selling some of its holdings
and then converting the rest of its holdings. In this way, such selling
stockholders could sell more than this limit while never holding more than
this
limit.
IF
WE ARE REQUIRED FOR ANY REASON TO REPAY OUR OUTSTANDING SECURED CONVERTIBLE
NOTES, WE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO DEPLETE OUR WORKING CAPITAL, IF AVAILABLE,
OR
RAISE ADDITIONAL FUNDS. OUR FAILURE TO REPAY THE SECURED CONVERTIBLE NOTES,
IF
REQUIRED, COULD RESULT IN LEGAL ACTION AGAINST US, WHICH COULD REQUIRE THE
SALE
OF SUBSTANTIAL ASSETS.
In
July
2006, we entered into Note Purchase Agreements for the sale of an aggregate
of
$5,970,000 principal amount of secured convertible notes. 50% of the
aggregate principle amount of each secured convertible note matures 1
year after the date of issuance and the remaining 50% matures 18 months after
the date of issuance, unless sooner converted into shares of our common stock.
In addition, the secured convertible notes pay 6% interest per annum. Any
event
of default such as our failure to repay the principal or interest when due,
our
failure to issue shares of common stock upon conversion by the holder, our
failure to timely file a registration statement or have such registration
statement declared effective, breach of any covenant, representation or warranty
in the Note Purchase Agreements or related convertible note, the assignment
or
appointment of a receiver to control a substantial part of our property or
business, the commencement of a bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or
liquidation proceeding against our company and the delisting of our common
stock
could require the early repayment of the secured convertible notes, including
a
default interest rate of 12% on the outstanding principal balance of the
notes
if the default is not cured within the specified grace period. We anticipate
that the full amount of the secured convertible notes will be converted into
shares of our common stock, in accordance with the terms of the secured
convertible notes. If we were required to repay the secured convertible notes,
we would be required to use our limited working capital and raise additional
funds. If we were unable to repay the notes when required, the note holders
could commence legal action against us and foreclose on all of our assets
to
recover the amounts due. Any such action would require us to curtail or cease
operations.
IF
AN EVENT OF DEFAULT OCCURS UNDER THE NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS, SECURED
CONVERTIBLE NOTES, WARRANTS, SECURITY AGREEMENT OR PATENT AND TRADEMARK SECURITY
AGREEMENT, THE INVESTORS COULD TAKE POSSESSION OF ALL OUR GOODS, INVENTORY,
CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS AND GENERAL INTANGIBLES, RECEIVABLES, DOCUMENTS, INSTRUMENTS,
CHATTEL PAPER, AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
In
connection with the Note Purchase Agreements we entered into in July 2006,
we
executed a Security Agreement, a Patent and Trademark Security Agreement
and a
Lockbox Agreement, each in favor of the investors granting them a first priority
security interest in all of our goods, inventory, contractual rights and
general
intangibles, receivables, documents, instruments, chattel paper, and
intellectual property. The Security Agreement, Patent and Trademark Security
Agreement and Lockbox Agreement state that if an event of default occurs
under
the Note Purchase Agreements, Secured Convertible Notes, Warrants, Security
Agreement, Patent and Trademark Security Agreement or Lockbox Agreement,
the
investors have the right to take possession of the collateral, to operate
our
business using the collateral, and have the right to assign, sell, lease
or
otherwise dispose of and deliver all or any part of the collateral, at public
or
private sale or otherwise to satisfy our obligations under these agreements.
Potential
Disadvantages to the Reverse Stock Split
Reduced
Market Capitalization.
As
noted above, the principal purpose of the reverse stock split would be to
help
maintain the price of our common stock at a higher level. We cannot assure
you
that the reverse stock split will accomplish this objective. While we expect
that the reduction in our outstanding shares of common stock will increase
the
market price of our common stock, we cannot assure you that the reverse stock
split will increase the market price of our common stock by a multiple equal
to
the number of pre-split shares in the reverse split ratio determined by the
board of directors, which will be ten, or result in any permanent increase
in
the market price, which can be dependent upon many factors, including our
business and financial performance and prospects. Should the market price
decline after the reverse stock split, the percentage decline may be greater,
due to the smaller number of shares outstanding, than it would have been
prior
to the reverse stock split. In some cases the stock price of companies that
have
effected reverse stock splits has subsequently declined back to pre-reverse
split levels. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that the market price of
our
common stock immediately after the effective date of the proposed reverse
stock
split will be maintained for any period of time or that the ratio of post
and
pre-split shares will remain the same after the reverse stock split is effected,
or that the reverse stock split will not have an adverse effect on our stock
price due to the reduced number of shares outstanding after the reverse stock
split. A reverse stock split is often viewed negatively by the market and,
consequently, can lead to a decrease in our overall market capitalization.
If
the per share price does not increase proportionately as a result of the
reverse
stock split, then our overall market capitalization will be
reduced.
Increased
Transaction Costs.
The
number of shares held by each individual stockholder will be reduced if the
reverse stock split is implemented. This will increase the number of
stockholders who hold less than a "round lot," or 100 shares. Typically,
the
transaction costs to stockholders selling "odd lots" are higher on a per
share
basis. Consequently, the reverse stock split could increase the transaction
costs to existing stockholders in the event they wish to sell all or a portion
of their position.
Liquidity.
Although the board believes that the decrease in the number of shares of
our
common stock outstanding as a consequence of the reverse stock split and
the
anticipated increase in the price of our common stock could encourage interest
in our common stock and possibly promote greater liquidity for our stockholders,
such liquidity could also be adversely affected by the reduced number of
shares
outstanding after the reverse stock split.
Authorized
Shares; Future Financings.
Upon
effectiveness of such a 1-for-10 reverse stock split, the number of authorized
shares of common stock that are not issued or outstanding, as of *, 2006,
would
increase from approximately * shares to approximately * shares. As a result,
we
will have an increased number of authorized but unissued shares of common
stock.
Authorized but unissued shares will be available for issuance, and we may
issue
such shares in financings or otherwise. If we issue additional shares, the
ownership interests of our current stockholders may be diluted.
Effect
on Fractional Shares
A
reverse
stock split would result in some stockholders owning a fractional share of
common stock. For example, in a 1-for-10 reverse stock split, the shares
owned
by a stockholder with 112 shares would be converted into 11.2 shares. In
lieu of
issuing fractional shares, the Company will issue to any shareholder who
otherwise would have been entitled to receive a fractional share as a result of
the reverse split an additional full share of its common stock.
Effect
of Reverse Stock Split on Options
The
number of shares subject to outstanding options to purchase shares of our
common
stock also would automatically be reduced in the same ratio as the reduction
in
the outstanding shares. Correspondingly, the per share exercise price of
those
options will be increased in direct proportion to the reverse stock split
ratio,
so that the aggregate dollar amount payable for the purchase of the shares
subject to the options will remain unchanged. For example, a 1-for-10 reverse
stock split is implemented and an optionee holds options to purchase 1,000
shares at an exercise price of $0.66 per share. On the effectiveness of the
1-for-10 reverse stock split, the number of shares subject to that option
would
be reduced to 100 shares and the exercise price would be proportionately
increased to $6.60 per share.
Effect
of Reverse Stock Split on Warrants
The
agreements governing the outstanding warrants to purchase shares of our common
stock include provisions requiring adjustments to both the number of shares
issuable upon exercise of such warrants, and the exercise prices of such
warrants, in the event of a reverse stock split. For example, assume that
a
1-for-10 reverse stock split is implemented and a warrant holder holds a
warrant
to purchase 10,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $.75
per
share. On the effectiveness of the reverse stock split, the number of shares
subject to that warrant would be reduced to 1,000 shares and the exercise
price
would be proportionately increased to $7.50 per share.
Implementation
and Effect of the Reverse Stock Split
If
approved by our stockholders at the annual meeting that effecting a reverse
stock split at a 1-for-10 ratio is in our best interests and the best interests
of our stockholders. Following such determinations, the board will effect
the
reverse stock split by directing management to file the certificate of amendment
with the Delaware Secretary of State. The reverse stock split will become
effective at the time specified in the certificate of amendment after the
filing
of the amendment with the Delaware Secretary of State, which we refer to
as the
“effective time”.
We
estimate that, following the reverse stock split, we would have approximately
the same number of stockholders and the completion of the reverse stock split
would not affect any stockholder's proportionate equity interest in our company.
By way of example, a stockholder who owns a number of shares that prior to
the
reverse stock split represented one-half of a percent of the outstanding
shares
of the company would continue to own one-half of a percent of our outstanding
shares after the reverse stock split. The reverse stock split also will not
affect the number of shares of common stock that our board of directors is
authorized to issue under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation,
which will remain unchanged at 200,000,000 shares. However, it will have
the
effect of increasing the number of shares available for future issuance because
of the reduction in the number of shares that will be outstanding after giving
effect to the reverse stock split.
Exchange
of Stock Certificates and Payment for Fractional Shares
Exchange
of Stock Certificates.
Promptly after such an effective time, you would be notified that the reverse
stock split has been effected and the applicable ratio. Our stock transfer
agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, whom we refer to as the
“exchange agent”, would implement the exchange of stock certificates
representing outstanding shares of common stock. You would be asked to surrender
to the exchange agent certificates representing your pre-split shares in
exchange for certificates representing your post-split shares in accordance
with
the procedures to be set forth in a letter of transmittal which we would
send to
you. You would not receive a new stock certificate representing your post-split
shares until you surrender your outstanding certificate(s) representing your
pre-split shares, together with the properly completed and executed letter
of
transmittal to the exchange agent. We would not issue scrip or fractional
shares, or certificates for fractional shares, in connection with the reverse
stock split. Should you be entitled to receive fractional shares because
you
hold a number of shares not evenly divisible by the reverse split number
which
will be ten, you will be entitled, upon surrender to the exchange agent of
certificates representing such shares, to receive an additional full share
of
common stock.
IF
THIS REVERSE SPLIT WERE TO BE EFFECTED, PLEASE DO NOT DESTROY ANY STOCK
CERTIFICATE OR SUBMIT ANY OF YOUR CERTIFICATES UNTIL YOU ARE REQUESTED TO
DO
SO.
Effect
of Failure to Exchange Stock Certificates.
Upon
the filing of the amendment to our certificate of incorporation with the
Delaware Secretary of State, each certificate representing shares of our
common
stock outstanding prior to the that time would, until surrendered and exchanged
as described above, be deemed, for all corporate purposes, to evidence ownership
of the whole number of shares of our common stock. However, a holder of such
unexchanged certificates would not be entitled to receive any dividends or
other
distributions payable by us after the effective date, until the old certificates
have been surrendered. Such dividends and distributions, if any, would be
accumulated, and at the time of surrender of the old certificates, all such
unpaid dividends or distributions will be paid without interest.
No
Appraisals Rights
Under
the
Delaware General Corporation Law and our certificate of incorporation and
bylaws, you are not entitled to appraisal rights with respect to the reverse
stock split.
Federal
Income Tax Consequences
The
following description of the material federal income tax consequences of
the
reverse stock split is based on the Internal Revenue Code, applicable Treasury
Regulations promulgated under the Code, judicial authority and current
administrative rulings and practices as in effect on the date of this proxy
statement. Changes to the laws could alter the tax consequences described
below,
possibly with retroactive effect. We have not sought and will not seek an
opinion of counsel or a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service regarding
the
federal income tax consequences of any of the proposed reverse stock splits.
This discussion is for general information only and does not discuss the
tax
consequences that may apply to special classes of taxpayers (e.g., non-resident
aliens, broker/dealers or insurance companies). The state and local tax
consequences of the reverse stock split may vary significantly as to each
stockholder, depending upon the jurisdiction in which such stockholder resides.
We urge stockholders to consult their own tax advisors to determine the
particular consequences to them.
We
believe that because the reverse stock split is not part of a plan to increase
periodically a stockholder's proportionate interest in our assets or earnings
and profits, the reverse stock split will likely have the following federal
income tax effects.
A
stockholder who receives solely a reduced number of shares of our common
stock
will not recognize gain or loss. In the aggregate, such a stockholder's basis
in
the reduced number of shares of our common stock will equal the stockholder's
basis in its old shares of common stock and the holding period of the common
stock received after the reverse stock split will include the holding period
of
the common stock held prior to the reverse stock split exchanged therefore.
We
will
not recognize any gain or loss as a result of the reverse stock
split.
RECOMMENDATION
OF THE BOARD FOR PROPOSAL NO. 4:
THE
BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE REVERSE STOCK
SPLIT.
ITEM
5
INCREASE
OF THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE PURSUANT TO THE
2004
NON-EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLAN
At
the
Annual Meeting, the Company's stockholders are being asked to approve an
increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock issuable pursuant
to
the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan ("2004 Non-Employee Compensation
Plan")
from 2,000,000 to 9,500,000 shares. The Board has unanimously approved such
increase and has directed that it be submitted for the approval of the
stockholders at the annual meeting. The increase in the number of authorized
shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation
Plan from 2,000,000 to 9,500,000 shares will become effective on the date
of
shareholder approval (the "Effective Date").
The
following description of the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan is only
a
summary of the important provisions of the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation
Plan
and does not contain all of the terms and conditions of the 2004 Non-Employee
Compensation Plan. A copy of the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan is attached
to this Proxy Statement as “Appendix B”.
What
Is the Purpose of the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan?
The
purpose of the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan is to help us retain
consultants, professionals, and service providers who provide services to
the
Company in connection with, among other things, the Company's obligations
as a
publicly-held reporting company. In addition, we expect to benefit from the
added interest that the awardees will have in our welfare as a result of
their
ownership or increased ownership of our Common Stock.
Over
the
last two years, we have been able to engage consultants, professionals, and
service providers by compensating them through the issuance of shares of
our
common stock. This afforded us the ability to utilize our cash, at a time
when
we were seeking out financing and working with our creditors with respect
to
restructuring outstanding obligations, for the more immediate needs that
we had
related to the acquisition of the products and inventory needed to further
our
manufacturing process so as to be able to deliver finished goods to our
customers pursuant to outstanding orders. The cost of capital obtained through
these supplier and strategic stock issuances has typically been much less
than
the cost of capital obtained through private placements as warrant issuances
and
expenses of a capital raise are typically much lower. We believe that, for
the
foreseeable future, it is in our best interests to be able to continue to
engage
and compensate such persons through the payment of our shares of common stock.
In addition, Section 711 of the AMEX Company Guide, which was amended in
October
2003, now requires that such compensation arrangements be approved by the
Company's shareholders. For the foregoing reasons, the Board of Directors
has
unanimously approved the increase in the number of authorized shares of common
stock issuable pursuant to the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan from
2,000,000 to 9,500,000 shares and has directed that such proposal be submitted
for the approval of the stockholders at the annual meeting.
What
Types of Awards Can be Granted Under the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation
Plan?
Awards
authorized under the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan shall consist of
shares
of our common stock. Such awards may be subject to forfeiture in the event
of
premature termination of engagement, failure to meet certain performance
objectives, or other conditions, as may be determined by the Board of
Directors.
Each
award described above is sometimes referred to in this Proxy Statement as
an
"Award", and all such awards are sometime collectively referred to in this
Proxy
Statement as "Awards" and individuals receiving Awards are sometimes referred
to
as "Awardees".
How
Will the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan Be
Administered?
The
2004
Non-Employee Compensation Plan will be administered by the Board of Directors
(provided however, that the Board may delegate such administration to the
Compensation Committee). Subject to the express terms and conditions of the
2004
Non-Employee Compensation Plan, the Board of Directors will have full power
to
make Awards, to construe or interpret the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation
Plan,
to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to it and
to make
all other determinations necessary or advisable for its administration. Except
as otherwise provided in the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan, the Board
of
Directors may also determine which persons shall be granted Awards, the nature
of the Awards granted, the number of shares subject to Awards and the time
at
which Awards shall be made. Such determinations will be final and
binding.
How
Much Stock Will Be Available Under the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation
Plan?
The
only
class of stock subject to an Award is Common Stock. The maximum number of
shares
of Common Stock with respect to which Awards may be granted is currently
2,000,000 shares of which 90% have been distributed over the past two years
under the plan; however, this number is subject to adjustment in the event
of a
recapitalization, reorganization or similar event. If our stockholders approve
this Proposal 4, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect
to
which Awards may be granted will be 9,500,000 shares.
Shares
shall consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares or
treasury shares. Any shares represented by Awards that are cancelled, forfeited,
terminated or expired will again be available for grants and issuance under
the
2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan.
Who
Is Eligible to Participate in the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation
Plan?
Persons
eligible for Awards under the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan will be
limited to consultants, professionals and service providers of the Company
and
our subsidiaries ("Eligible Persons"). The Board of Directors will select
who
will receive Awards and the amount and nature of such Awards.
What
Happens If the Number of Outstanding Shares Changes Because of a Merger,
Consolidation, Recapitalization or Reorganization?
In
the
event that our outstanding shares of Common Stock are increased, decreased
or
changed or converted into other securities by reason of merger, reorganization,
consolidation, recapitalization, stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividend
or
other change in our corporate structure affecting the stock, the number of
shares that may be delivered under the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan
and
the number and/or the purchase price of shares subject to outstanding Awards
under the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan may be adjusted at the sole
discretion of the Board of Directors to the extent that the Board of Directors
determines to be appropriate, provided, however, that the number of shares
subject to any Awards will always be a whole number.
When
Will the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan Terminate?
The
2004
Non-Employee Compensation Plan will expire on May 17, 2014, but the Board
of
Directors may terminate the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan at any time
prior to that date and Awards granted prior to such termination may extend
beyond such date. Termination of the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan
will
not alter or impair, without the consent of the Awardee, any of the rights
or
obligations of any Award made under the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation
Plan.
What
Changes Can the Board Make to the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation
Plan?
The
Board
may from time to time alter, amend, suspend or discontinue the 2004 Non-Employee
Compensation Plan. However, no such action of the Board may alter the provisions
of the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan so as to alter any outstanding
Awards
to the detriment of the Awardee or participant without such participant's
or
Awardees consent, and no amendment to the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation
Plan
may be made without stockholder approval if such amendment would materially
increase the benefits to the Awardees or the participants in the 2004
Non-Employee Compensation Plan, materially increase the number of shares
issuable under the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan, extend the terms
of the
2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan or the period during which Awards may
be
granted or exercised or materially modify requirements as to eligibility
to
participate in the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan.
What
Are the Important Provisions of the Plan With Respect to Each Type of
Award?
Grant.
The
Board of Directors may, at its discretion, award shares of common stock to
a
recipient (the "Stock Awards"). The Stock Awards will be issued pursuant
to an
agreement between the Company and the Awardee. Each recipient of a Stock
Award
will be a stockholder and have all the rights of a stockholder with respect
to
such shares, including the right to vote and receive all dividends or other
distributions made or paid with respect to such shares.
If
the
recipient of an Award ceases to be a consultant, professional or service
provider for any reason, then the Award may be subject to forfeiture, as
provided in the particular agreement, unless such forfeiture is waived by
the
Board of Directors when it, in its discretion, determines that such waiver
is in
our best interests.
In
the
event of a participant's retirement, permanent disability or death, or in
cases
of special circumstances, the Board of Directors may waive any or all of
the
remaining restrictions and limitations imposed under the 2004 Non-Employee
Compensation Plan with respect to any Awards.
Restrictions
on Transferability.
These
Shares of stock may not be sold, exchanged, transferred, pledged, hypothecated,
or otherwise disposed of until such time as any stated restrictions lapse.
The
Board of Directors, in its absolute discretion, may impose such restrictions
on
the transferability of the Awards granted in this 2004 Non-Employee Compensation
Plan as it deems appropriate. Any such restrictions shall be set forth in
the
Agreement with respect to such Awards and may be referred to on the certificates
evidencing shares issued pursuant to any such Award. Shares of restricted
stock
will be evidenced by a certificate that bears a restrictive legend.
What
are the U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the 2004 Non-Employee
Compensation Plan?
The
following discussion is a summary of the U.S. Federal income tax consequences
to
recipients of Awards and to us with respect to Awards granted under the 2004
Non-Employee Compensation Plan. The 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan is
not
qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code.
Stock
awarded to an Awardee may be subject to any number of restrictions (including
deferred vesting, limitations on transfer, and forfeit ability) imposed by
the
Board of Directors. In general, the receipt of stock with restrictions will
not
result in the recognition of income by an Awardee until such time as the
shares
are either not forfeitable or are freely transferable. Upon the lapse of
such
restrictions, the Awardee will be required to include as ordinary income
the
difference between the amounts paid for the stock, if any, and the fair market
value of such stock on the date the restrictions lapse and we will be entitled
to a corresponding deduction. In addition, any dividends paid with respect
to
the stock prior to the lapse of the restrictions will be treated as compensation
income by the Awardee and will be deductible by us. Awardees receiving Stock
Awards may elect to include the value of such stock (less any amounts paid
for
such stock) as ordinary income at the time the Award is made. Awardees making
this election would treat any gain or loss realized on a sale of the stock
as
capital gain or loss, but would not be entitled to any loss deduction if
they
forfeited the stock pursuant to the restrictions imposed by the Board of
Directors.
In
view
of the complexity of the tax aspects of transactions involving the grant
and
exercise Awards, and because the impact of taxes will vary depending on
individual circumstances, each Awardee receiving an Award under the 2004
Non-Employee Compensation Plan should consult their own tax advisor to determine
the tax consequences in such Awardee's particular circumstances.
Registration
with the Securities and Exchange Commission
We
intend
to file a Post-Effective Registration Statement on Form S-8 covering the
increase in shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the 2004 Non-Employee
Compensation Plan if such increase is approved by the Company’s
stockholders.
RECOMMENDATION
OF THE BOARD FOR PROPOSAL NO. 5:
THE
BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF AN
INCREASE OF THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE
PURSUANT
THE
2004 NON-EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLAN.
ITEM
6
RATIFICATION
OF THE
APPOINTMENT
OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Eisner
LLP, independent auditors, audited the financial statements of eMagin
Corporation for the 2005 fiscal year. Representatives of Eisner LLP are expected
to attend the Annual Meeting of stockholders and will have the opportunity
to
make a statement if they desire to do so and are expected to be available
to
answer appropriate questions. The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors
have selected Eisner LLP as the independent auditors of the Company for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 2006.
In
connection with the standards for independence of the Company’s independent
auditors promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Audit
Committee has considered whether the provision of such services is compatible
with maintaining the independence of Eisner LLP and has determined that such
services are compatible with the continued independence of Eisner
LLP.
The
appointment of the Company's independent auditors requires the receipt of
the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of the Company's common stock
present in person or by proxy and voting at the Annual Meeting. For purposes
of
determining the number of shares voting, only votes cast "for" or "against"
are
included. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not included.
Audit
Fees
For
the
years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the aggregate fees payable to Eisner
LLP
for professional services rendered for the audit of the annual financial
statements, review of quarterly financial statements and services normally
provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements
were
approximately $151,000 and $136,000, respectively.
There
were no other fees billed for services rendered to the Company by Eisner
LLP,
other than fees for audit and audit-related, for the years 2005 and 2004.
Eisner
LLP did not perform any services which directly or indirectly related to
the
operation of, or supervision of the operation of, our information systems
or
management of our local area network.
Required
Vote
The
appointment of the Company's independent auditors requires the receipt of
the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of the Company's common stock
present in person or by proxy and voting at the Annual Meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
OF THE BOARD FOR PROPOSAL NO. 6:
THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT
OF
EISNER LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS OF THE COMPANY.
OTHER
MATTERS
The
Board
of Directors knows of no other business which will be presented at the Annual
Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the meeting, the persons
named in the enclosed Proxy and will vote the shares represented thereby
in
accordance with their judgment on such matters.
Annual
Reports and Form 10-K.
Additional
copies of eMagin's Annual Report and Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2005 may be obtained without charge by writing to the Secretary,
eMagin Corporation, 10500 NE 8th
St.,
Suite 1400, Bellevue, WA 98004. eMagin's Annual Report and Form 10-K can
also be
found on eMagin's website: www.eMagin.com.
Stockholders
Proposals for the 2007 Annual Meeting.
Stockholders
who wish to submit proposals pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the 1934 Act for
inclusion in the Proxy Statement for the Company's 2007 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders must submit the same to the Secretary, at the Company's principal
executive office at 10500 NE 8th
St.,
Bellevue, WA 98004 no later than January 15, 2007.
Proxy
Solicitation Costs.
The
proxies being solicited hereby are being solicited by the Company. The Company
will bear the entire cost of solicitation of proxies, including preparation,
assembly, printing and mailing of this Proxy Statement, the Proxy card and
any
additional information furnished to stockholders. Copies of solicitation
materials will be furnished to banks, brokerage houses, fiduciaries and
custodians holding in their names shares of common stock beneficially owned
by
others to forward to such beneficial owners. We have retained Georgeson
Shareholder Communications, Inc. 17
State
Street, New York, New York 10004, to
aid in
the solicitation. For these services, we will pay Georgeson a fee of $* and
reimburse it for certain out-of-pocket disbursements and expenses. Officers
and
regular employees of the Company may, but without compensation other than
their
regular compensation, solicit proxies by further mailing or personal
conversations, or by telephone, telex, facsimile or electronic means. We
will,
upon request, reimburse brokerage firms and others for their reasonable expenses
in forwarding solicitation material to the beneficial owners of stock.
By
Order
of the Board of Directors,
/s/
SUSAN K. JONES
Susan
K.
Jones
Executive
Vice President and Secretary