SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12.
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
________________________________________________________________________
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
________________________________________________________________________
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
___________________________________________________________________
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
___________________________________________________________________
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
___________________________________________________________________
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
___________________________________________________________________
(5) Total fee paid:
___________________________________________________________________
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
___________________________________________________________________
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
___________________________________________________________________
(3) Filing Party:
___________________________________________________________________
(4) Date Filed:
___________________________________________________________________
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
26 Pearl Street
Norwalk, Connecticut 06850
---------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD JUNE 4, 2008
---------------------------
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of TRANS-LUX
CORPORATION will be held at the Doubletree Norwalk Hotel, 789 Connecticut
Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut, on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 3:00 P.M. local time
for the following purposes:
1. To elect three directors to serve for a term of three years, in each
case until their successors shall be elected and shall have qualified;
2. To consider and act upon a proposal to ratify the retention of Eisner
LLP as the Corporation's independent auditors for the ensuing year; and
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting
or any adjournment thereof.
The close of business on April 25, 2008 has been fixed as the record date
for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at
the Meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Angela D. Toppi
Corporate Secretary
Dated: Norwalk, Connecticut
April 25, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please mark, date, sign and return promptly the enclosed proxy so that your
shares may be represented at the Meeting. A return envelope, which requires no
postage if mailed in the United States, is enclosed for your convenience.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
26 Pearl Street
Norwalk, Connecticut 06850
---------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
This statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the
Board of Directors of TRANS-LUX CORPORATION (hereinafter called the
"Corporation") of proxies in the accompanying form to be used at the Annual
Meeting of the Stockholders of the Corporation to be held on Wednesday, June 4,
2008, and at any adjournment thereof, for the purposes set forth in the
accompanying notice of the Meeting. It is intended that this Statement and the
proxies solicited hereby be mailed to stockholders no later than May 2, 2008. A
stockholder who shall sign and return a proxy in the form enclosed with this
statement has the power to revoke it at any time before it is exercised by
giving written notice of revocation or a proxy of later date and returning it to
the Corporation, Attention: Corporate Secretary, or by voting in person at the
Meeting. Proxies properly executed and received in time for the Meeting will be
voted.
The close of business on April 25, 2008 has been fixed as the record date
for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at
the Meeting. There were outstanding as of the close of business on April 25,
2008 and entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting 2,020,090 shares of
Common Stock and 286,814 shares of Class B Stock. Each outstanding share of
Common Stock is entitled to one vote on all matters voted on at the Meeting and
each outstanding share of Class B Stock is entitled to ten votes on all matters
voted on at the Meeting. The holders of Common Stock and Class B Stock vote
together on all the proposals.
Unless otherwise specified, the proxies in the accompanying form will be
voted in favor of all of the proposals set forth in the Notice of Annual
Meeting. In the discretion of the proxyholders, the proxies will also be voted
for or against such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting. The
Board of Directors is not aware that any other matters are to be presented for
action at the Meeting.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Proposal No. 1 (Item 1 on Proxy Card)
The Board of Directors of Trans-Lux Corporation is divided into three
classes with the term of office of one of the three classes of directors
expiring each year and with each class being elected for a three-year term. The
Board of Directors currently consists of nine members, with three members' terms
expiring at this Annual Meeting. If elected at the Annual Meeting, the nominees
listed below will serve until the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2011, or
until their successors are duly elected and qualified. All other directors will
continue as such for the term to which they were elected. Messrs. Matthew
Brandt, Howard S. Modlin and Michael R. Mulcahy, nominated for election as
directors for a three-year term, were each elected a director of the Corporation
at the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Management has no reason to believe that the nominees are not available or
will not serve if elected, but if a nominee should not become available to serve
as a director, full discretion is reserved to the persons named as proxies to
vote for such other persons as may be nominated. Proxies will be voted "FOR"
the nominees unless the stockholder specifies otherwise.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE
DIRECTORS STANDING FOR ELECTION LISTED BELOW.
Directors Standing for Election
Name Age Since Expiration of Proposed Term
---- --- ----- ---------------------------
Matthew Brandt ......... 44 2000 2011
Howard S. Modlin ....... 77 1975 2011
Michael R. Mulcahy ..... 60 2002 2011
Directors Whose Term Continues
Name Age Since Expiration of Current Term
---- --- ----- ---------------------------
Richard Brandt ......... 80 1954 2009
Thomas Brandt .......... 44 2000 2009
Howard M. Brenner ...... 74 1997 2009
Jean Firstenberg ....... 72 1989 2010
Gene Jankowski ......... 73 1994 2010
Victor Liss ............ 71 1988 2010
Set forth below is biographic information for the individuals nominated to
serve as directors and each person whose term of office as a director will
continue after the Annual Meeting.
NOMINEES - Three-Year Term Expiring 2011
Matthew Brandt has served as a director since 2000. Mr. M. Brandt is
Executive Vice President of Trans-Lux Corporation, President of Trans-Lux
Corporation's Entertainment Subsidiaries; and Chairman of the Executive
Committee of Trans-Lux Corporation since September 2006. He was formerly Vice
Chairman of the Executive Committee of Trans-Lux Corporation.
Howard S. Modlin has served as a director since 1975. Mr. Modlin is an
attorney and President of the firm Weisman Celler Spett & Modlin, P.C.; a
Director of Fedders Corporation; and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
General DataComm Industries, Inc.
- 2 -
Michael R. Mulcahy has served as a director since 2002. Mr. Mulcahy is
President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Trans-Lux Corporation and its
Communication Subsidiaries.
CONTINUING DIRECTORS - Term Expiring 2010
Jean Firstenberg has served as a director since 1989, when she was elected
an independent director. Ms. Firstenberg is a member of the Board of Trustees
of the American Film Institute. She was formerly the President, Chief Executive
Officer and a Director of the American Film Institute; and formerly a Trustee of
Boston University.
Gene Jankowski has served as a director since 1994, when he was elected an
independent director. In May 2003 he was elected by the Board to serve as
Chairman of the Board (a non-executive position) of Trans-Lux Corporation. Mr.
Jankowski is Chairman of Jankowski Communications System, Inc.; Advisor Managing
Director of Veronis Suhler & Associates Inc.; and Chairman Emeritus of the
American Film Institute. He was formerly a Director of TV Azteca; formerly
Co-Chairman of St. Vincent's College; formerly a Trustee a of St. Vincent's
Medical Center; and formerly President and Chairman of the CBS Broadcast Group.
Victor Liss has served as a director since 1988, and has been an
independent director since January 2007. In 1991 he was elected by the Board to
serve as Vice Chairman of the Board (a non-executive position) of Trans-Lux
Corporation. Mr. Liss is a Director of Wellpoint, Inc. and Wellpoint
Financial Group; a Trustee of Norwalk Hospital; a Director of BNC Financial
Group; and Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Fairfield (in formation). He
was formerly Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Norwalk Hospital; formerly Co-
Chairman of the Advisory Board to University College of Sacred Heart University;
and formerly Consultant, President and Chief Executive Officer of Trans-Lux
Corporation.
CONTINUING DIRECTORS - Term Expiring 2009
Richard Brandt had served as a director since 1954. Mr. R. Brandt had been
Chairman of the Board of Trans-Lux Corporation from 1974 to 2003. Mr. R. Brandt
is a management consultant to Trans-Lux Corporation; Chairman of the Audit and
Compensation Committees and a Director of Presidential Realty Corporation; and
Chairman Emeritus and Trustee of the American Film Institute. He was formerly
a Trustee of The College of Santa Fe.
Thomas Brandt has served as a director since 2000. Mr. T. Brandt is
Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Trans-Lux Corporation
and its Entertainment Subsidiaries.
Howard M. Brenner has served as a director since 1997, and has been an
independent director since 2000. Mr. Brenner is Senior Advisor of MLGA
Holding, Inc.; and a Director of Interep National Radio Sales, Inc. He was
formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HCFP Brenner Securities LLC;
formerly President of Brenner Securities; formerly Senior Vice President of
Loewenbaum & Company Incorporated; formerly Vice Chairman of Southcoast Capital
Corporation; formerly President of Drexel Burnham Lambert Incorporated; and
formerly a member of the Board of Governors of the American Stock Exchange and
District 10 Committee (NY) National Association of Securities Dealers Inc.
- 3 -
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Proposal No. 2 (Item 2 on Proxy Card)
Ratification of the Selection of Independent Registered Accounting Firm
Subject to stockholder ratification, the Audit Committee has appointed the
firm of Eisner LLP as independent accountants to audit the financial statements
of the Corporation's 2008 fiscal year. Representatives of such auditors are
expected to be at the Meeting of the stockholders and will be permitted to make
a statement to stockholders if they desire and to respond to any appropriate
questions addressed by stockholders to such representatives. Eisner LLP has
advised the Corporation that they have no direct financial interest or any
material indirect financial interest in the Corporation, nor did they have any
connection during the past three years with the Corporation in the capacity of
promoter, underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer or employee. If the
stockholders do not ratify the appointment of Eisner LLP, the selection of
independent accountants will be reconsidered by the Audit Committee.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE PROPOSAL TO RATIFY
THE APPOINTMENT OF EISNER LLP AS INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS TO AUDIT THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE CORPORATION FOR THE 2008 FISCAL YEAR.
- 4 -
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS, DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth information as of April 25, 2008 (or such
other date specified) with respect to the beneficial ownership of the
Corporation's Class B Stock and Common Stock or shares acquirable within 60 days
of such date by (i) each person known by the Corporation to own more than 5% of
the Corporation's outstanding Class B Stock and/or Common Stock and who is
deemed to be such beneficial owner of the Corporation's Class B Stock and Common
Stock under Rule 13d-3(a)(ii); (ii) each person who is a director of the
Corporation; (iii) each named executive in the Summary Compensation Table; and
(iv) all persons as a group who are executive officers and directors of the
Corporation, and as to the percentage of outstanding shares held by them on that
date.
Amount
Beneficially Percent Percent of
Name, Status and Mailing Address Title of Class Owned of Class All Classes
-------------------------------- -------------- ----- -------- -----------
5% Stockholders:
----------------
Richard Brandt ........................ Class B Stock 133,208 (1) 46.44% 5.77%
Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Common Stock 13,395 (1) * *
Directors, Consultant and beneficial
owner of more than 5% of the
Corporation's Class B Stock
26 Pearl Street
Norwalk, CT 06850
Matthew Brandt ........................ Class B Stock 41,700 14.54% 1.81%
Director, Executive Vice President and Common Stock 10,480 (2) * *
beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Corporation's Class B Stock
26 Pearl Street
Norwalk, CT 06850
Thomas Brandt ......................... Class B Stock 41,700 14.54% 1.81%
Director, Executive Vice President, Common Stock 11,354 (2) * *
Co-Chief Executive Officer and
beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Corporation's Class B Stock
26 Pearl Street
Norwalk, CT 06850
Gabelli Funds, LLC .................... Common Stock 954,205 (3) 47.24% 41.36%
Beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Corporation's Common Stock
One Corporate Center
Rye, NY 10580-1434
Non-Employee Directors:
-----------------------
Howard M. Brenner ..................... Common Stock 2,500 (4) * *
Jean Firstenberg ...................... Common Stock 1,920 (4) * *
Gene Jankowski ........................ Common Stock 4,000 (4) * *
Victor Liss ........................... Class B Stock 9,728 3.39% *
Common Stock 10,906 (4) * *
Howard S. Modlin ...................... Class B Stock 8,751 (5) 3.05% *
Common Stock 1,500 (4) * *
Named Executive Officers:
-------------------------
Thomas F. Mahoney ..................... Common Stock 2,600 (6) * *
Michael R. Mulcahy .................... Common Stock 20,803 (7) 1.02% *
Angela D. Toppi ....................... Common Stock 6,000 (8) * *
All directors and executive officers .. Class B Stock 235,087 (9) 81.96% 10.19%
as a group (14 persons) Common Stock 86,698 (9) 4.16% 3.66%
-----------------------
- 5 -
* Represents less than 1% of total number of outstanding shares.
(1) The amount includes 4,232 shares of Class B Stock owned by Mrs. R. Brandt
and 10,000 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise of stock options.
(2) The amount includes 10,000 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options. Mr. M. Brandt and Mr. T. Brandt are Mr. R. Brandt's sons.
(3) Based on Schedule 13D, Amendment No. 56 dated December 26, 2007 by Mario J.
Gabelli, GGCP, Inc., Gabelli Funds, LLC, Gamco Investors, Inc. and GAMCO
Asset Management Inc., which companies are parent holding companies and/or
registered investment advisers. All securities are held as agent for the
account of various investment company fund accounts managed by such
reporting person. Except under certain conditions, Gabelli Funds, LLC has
sole voting power and sole dispositive power over such shares.
(4) The amount includes 1,500 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise of
stock options.
(5) The amount includes 5,939 shares of Class B Stock owned by Mr. Modlin's
immediate family or held in trust for Mr. Modlin's immediate family.
(6) The amount includes 2,500 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise of
stock options.
(7) The amount includes 17,500 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options.
(8) The amount includes 5,000 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise of
stock options.
(9) The amount includes 10,171 shares of Class B Stock set forth in footnotes 1
and 5 above and 62,500 shares of Common Stock which members of the group
have the right to acquire by exercise of stock options (including director
stock options).
- 6 -
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CERTAIN COMMITTEES
During 2007, the Board of Directors held four meetings. All directors
attended 75% or more of such meetings and of committees of which they were
members. The Corporation does not have a formal policy regarding directors'
attendance at annual stockholders meetings. Nevertheless, the Corporation
strongly encourages and prefers that directors attend regular and special Board
meetings as well as the annual meeting of stockholders in person, although
attendance by teleconference is considered adequate. The Corporation recognizes
that attendance of the Board members at all meetings may not be possible, and
excuses absences for good cause.
Non-employee directors receive an annual fee of $3,500 and $1,000 for each
meeting of the Board attended, while employee directors and Mr. R. Brandt
receive an annual fee of $1,700 and $400 for each meeting of the Board attended.
Mr. Jankowski receives an annual fee of $8,000 as Chairman of the Board and Mr.
Liss receives an annual fee of $1,000 as Vice Chairman of the Board. Fees for
members of the Board and Committees are determined annually by the entire Board
of Directors based on review of compensation paid by other similar size
companies, the amounts currently paid by the Corporation, the overall policy for
determining compensation paid to officers and employees of the Corporation and
the general financial condition of the Corporation.
Corporate Governance Policies and Procedures
The Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Guidelines that applies specifically to Board Members and Executive Officers.
The Code is designed to promote compliance with applicable laws and regulations,
to promote honest and ethical conduct, including full, fair, accurate and timely
disclosure in reports and communications with the public. The Code is available
for viewing on the Corporation's website at www.trans-lux.com. Any amendments
to, or waivers from, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Guidelines will be
posted on the website. In addition, the Board of Directors adopted a Whistle
Blowing policy, which provides procedures for the receipt, retention and
treatment of complaints received by the Corporation regarding accounting,
internal accounting controls and auditing matters, as well as the confidential,
anonymous submission of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing
practices.
The American Stock Exchange Listing Standards (the "AMEX Listing
Standards") require that a listed company's Board of Directors must consist of a
majority of independent directors as defined in Section 121A of such AMEX
Listing Standards, unless the company is considered a controlled company.
Section 801 of the AMEX Listing Standards defines a controlled company as a
company in which over 50% of the voting power is held by an individual or group.
In accordance with the AMEX Listing Standards, the Corporation is considered a
controlled company, and therefore, exempt from the requirements of Section 121A.
Communication with the Board of Directors
Security holders are permitted to communicate with the members of the Board
by forwarding written communications to the Corporation's Corporate Secretary at
the Corporation's headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut. The Corporate Secretary
will present all communications, as received and without screening, to the Board
at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has appointed an Executive Committee, a Compensation
Committee and an Audit Committee.
- 7 -
Executive Committee
The members of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors are
Messrs. M. Brandt, R. Brandt, Jankowski, Liss and Modlin. The Executive
Committee is authorized to exercise the powers of the Board of Directors during
the intervals between the meetings of the Board and is, from time to time,
delegated certain authorizations by the Board in matters pertaining to the
Corporation. The Executive Committee held one telephonic meeting in 2007.
Members of said Committee receive a fee of $400 for each meeting of the
Committee they attend and the Chairman, Mr. M. Brandt, receives an annual fee
of $500.
Compensation Committee
The members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors are
Messrs. Modlin, Brenner and Jankowski and Ms. Firstenberg. The Compensation
Committee reviews compensation and other benefits. The Compensation Committee
held one meeting in 2007. None of the members of the Compensation Committee
during 2007 and continuing through 2008 is or has been an officer or employee of
the Corporation. The Compensation Committee does not have a charter. There are
no compensation committee interlock relationships with respect to the
Corporation. Members of said Committee receive a fee of $400 for each meeting
of the Committee they attend and the Chairman, Mr. Modlin, receives an annual
fee of $2,000.
Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors are Ms.
Firstenberg and Messrs. Brenner and Jankowski, and Mr. Modlin, ex officio. Each
of the directors is considered "independent" as defined by the AMEX Listing
Standards. The Committee operates under a formal written charter approved by
the Committee and adopted by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has
determined that director Gene Jankowski meets the definition of "audit committee
financial expert" set forth in Item 407 of Regulation S-K, as promulgated by the
SEC. The Audit Committee held four meetings in 2007. The responsibilities of
the Audit Committee include the appointment of the auditors, review of the audit
function and material aspects thereof with the Corporation's independent
auditors, and compliance with Corporation policies and applicable laws and
regulations. Members of said Committee receive a fee of $500 for each meeting
of the Committee they attend and the Chairperson, Ms. Firstenberg, receives an
annual fee of $3,000 and $100 for each quarterly telephonic meeting with the
independent auditors.
Nominating or Similar Committee
The Board of Directors has not established a nominating or similar
committee. In accordance with the AMEX Listing Standards, as previously
discussed in the section entitled "Corporate Governance Policies and
Procedures," the Corporation is considered a controlled company, and therefore,
not required by such AMEX Listing Standards to have a nominating committee
recommend or cast votes for the nomination or election of directors. The Board
of Directors does not have any specific, minimum qualifications that the Board
believes must be met by a nominee for a position on the Board, or any specific
qualities or skills that the Board believes are necessary for one or more of the
directors to possess. The Board has consistently sought to nominate to the
Board of Directors eminently qualified individuals whom the Board believes would
provide substantial benefit and guidance to the Corporation. The Board believes
that substantial judgment, diligence and care are required to identify and
select qualified persons as directors and does not believe that it would be
appropriate to place limitations on its own discretion. Currently, all
directors participate in the consideration of director nominees.
Corporate Governance Committee
The Board of Directors has not established a corporate governance
committee. The Board of Directors acts as the corporate governance committee.
- 8 -
Independence of Non-Employee Directors
A director is considered independent under AMEX rules if the Board of
Directors determines that the director does not have any direct or indirect
material relationship with the Corporation. Messrs. M. Brandt, T. Brandt and
M. Mulcahy are employees of the Corporation and Mr. R. Brandt is a consultant
to the Corporation and, therefore, has been determined by the Board to fall
outside the definition of "independent director." Messrs. Brenner, Jankowski,
Liss and Modlin and Ms. Firstenberg are non-employee Directors of the
Corporation. Mr. H. Modlin is not considered independent due to the legal
services rendered by the law firm of which Mr. Modlin is the president. The
Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Brenner, Jankowski and Liss and
Ms. Firstenberg are "independent directors" within the meaning of the rules of
the AMEX, since they had no relationship with the Corporation other than their
status and payment as non-employee Directors, and as stockholders. The Board
of Directors has determined that Messrs. Brenner and Jankowski and Ms.
Firstenberg are independent under the SEC's audit committee independence
standards.
Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
The Board of Directors has previously established a Non-Employee Director
Stock Option Plan, which as amended, covers a maximum of 30,000 shares for
grant. Options are for a period of six years from date of grant, are granted at
fair market value on date of grant, may be exercised at any time after one year
from date of grant while a director and are based on years of service, with a
minimum of 500 stock options for each director, an additional 500 stock options
based on five or more years of service, another 500 stock options based on 10 or
more years of service and an additional 1,000 stock options based on 20 or more
years of service. Additional stock options are granted upon the expiration or
exercise of any such option, which is no earlier than four years after date of
grant, in an amount equal to such exercised or expired options.
Director Compensation Table
Director Medical
and/or Insurance
Trustee Fees Premiums Total
Name Year ($) ($) ($)
---- ---- --- --- ---
Matthew Brandt ......... 2007 4,200 - 4,200
Richard Brandt ......... 2007 3,700 9,167 12,867
Thomas Brandt .......... 2007 3,800 - 3,800
Howard M. Brenner ...... 2007 10,300 - 10,300
Jean Firstenberg ....... 2007 13,200 - 13,200
Gene Jankowski ......... 2007 16,900 - 16,900
Victor Liss ............ 2007 8,900 4,584 13,484
Howard S. Modlin ....... 2007 12,300 - 12,300
Michael R. Mulcahy ..... 2007 3,300 - 3,300
--------------------
Audit Committee Report
The following is a report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors:
The three members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors listed
below are independent directors as defined by the AMEX Listing Standards. The
Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee; a copy
of the Charter is attached as Appendix A.
The responsibilities of the Audit Committee include recommending to the
Board of Directors an accounting firm to be engaged as the Corporation's
independent registered public accounting firm. Management is responsible for
the preparation of the Corporation's financial statements and the financial
reporting process, including the system of internal controls. The independent
registered public accountants are responsible for expressing an opinion on the
conformity of those audited financial statements with accounting principles
- 9 -
generally accepted in the United States of America. The Audit Committee's
responsibility is to oversee these processes.
The Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management and the
independent registered public accountants. The Audit Committee has reviewed and
discussed the matters required to be discussed by Statement On Auditing
Standards No. 61, "Communication with Audit Committees," as amended. The
Corporation's independent registered public accountants have provided to the
Audit Committee the written disclosures and the letter required by Independent
Standards Board Standard No. 1, "Independence Discussions with Audit
Committees." The Audit Committee also considered the compatibilities of
non-audit services with the accountants' independence.
In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee has
reviewed and discussed with management the Corporation's audited consolidated
financial statements contained in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007. The Audit Committee recommended that the
Board of Directors include the audited consolidated financial statements in the
Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007,
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Audit Committee has discussed the overall scope and plans for the audit
with the independent accountants selected by the directors. The Audit Committee
will meet with the independent accountants, with and without management present,
to discuss the results of their examination and the overall quality of the
Corporation's financial reporting.
Independent Auditors' Fees
During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, audit fees of $281,000
and $247,000, respectively, were paid or accrued to Eisner LLP, the
Corporation's independent registered public accounting firm. Audit fees for
2007 and 2006 consisted of (i) audit of the Corporation's annual financial
statements, and (ii) reviews of the Corporation's quarterly financial
statements. During the year ended December 31, 2006, audit-related fees of
$5,000 were paid to Eisner LLP.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has considered the absence of
non-audit services by the auditors for financial information systems design and
implementation and absence of all other non-audit services as compatible with
maintaining the auditor's independence.
This report is submitted by the Audit Committee. Its members are:
Jean Firstenberg, Chairperson
Howard M. Brenner
Gene Jankowski
Howard S. Modlin, ex officio
- 10 -
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
All matters concerning executive compensation for Messrs. Mulcahy and T.
Brandt, Co-Chief Executive Officers, and other executive officers are considered
by the Corporation's Compensation Committee. The following paragraphs discuss
the principles underlying our executive compensation decisions and the most
important factors relevant to an analysis of these decisions. It provides
qualitative information regarding the manner and context in which compensation
is awarded to and earned by our executive officers and places in perspective the
data presented in the tables and other quantitative information that follows
this section.
Our compensation of executives is designed to attract, as needed,
individuals with the skills necessary for us to achieve our business plan, to
reward those individuals fairly over time, and to retain those individuals who
continue to perform at or above our expectations. Our executives' compensation
has three primary components - base salary, a yearly cash incentive bonus and
stock option awards.
Base Salary. We fix the base salary of each of our executives at a level
we believe enables us to hire and retain individuals in a competitive
environment and rewards satisfactory individual performance and a satisfactory
level of contribution to our overall business goals. We also take into account
the base salaries paid by similarly sized companies and the base salaries of
other companies with which we believe we compete for talent. To this end, we
subscribe to certain executive compensation surveys and other databases and
review them when making a crucial executive hiring decision and annually or at
the end of the term of the employment agreement when we review executive
compensation.
Cash Incentive Bonus. We designed the cash incentive bonuses for each of
our executives to focus the executive on achieving key financial and/or
operational objectives within a yearly time horizon, as described in more detail
below.
Stock Options. We use stock options when employment agreements are entered
into and/or to reward long-term performance; these options are intended to
produce value for each executive if the Corporation's performance is outstanding
and if the executive has an extended tenure and are also based on availability
of options.
We view the three primary components of our executive compensation as
related but distinct. Although we review total compensation, we do not believe
that significant compensation derived from one component of compensation should
negate or reduce compensation from other components. We determine the
appropriate level for each compensation component based in part, but not
exclusively, on our view of internal equity and consistency, individual
performance and other information we deem relevant, such as the survey data
referred to above. We believe that salary and cash incentive bonuses are
primary considerations and that stock options are secondary considerations.
Except as described below, we have not adopted any formal or informal policies
or guidelines for allocating compensation between long-term and currently paid
out compensation, between cash and non-cash compensation, or among different
forms of compensation. This is due to the small size of our executive team and
the need to tailor each executive's award to attract and retain that executive.
In addition to the three primary components of compensation described
above, we provide our executives with benefits that are generally available to
our salaried employees. These benefits include health and medical benefits,
flexible spending plans and life insurance. We also provide our executives with
severance and certain additional benefits in the event of a change of control of
the Corporation, as described in more detail below.
We account for the equity compensation expense for our employees under the
rules of SFAS 123R, which requires us to estimate and record an expense for each
award of equity compensation over the service period of the award. Accounting
rules also require us to record cash compensation as an expense at the time the
- 11 -
obligation is accrued. No stock options were awarded during 2007 to any
employees, and therefore, the Corporation did not record any related
compensation expense. There are no stock option plans currently in effect
providing for the grant of new options to employees.
Cash Incentive Bonuses. Yearly cash incentive bonuses for our executives
are established as part of their respective individual employment agreements.
Each of these employment agreements provides that the executive will receive a
cash incentive bonus determined in the discretion of our Board of Directors,
based upon the financial performance of the Corporation. These criteria are
established by the Compensation Committee and approved by the full Board of
Directors at the time the individual employment agreement is entered into and
includes specific objectives relating to the achievement of operational and/or
financial results. Based on the results of the Corporation, no cash incentive
bonuses were paid for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Severance and Change in Control Benefits. Each of our executives has a
provision in his employment agreement providing for certain severance benefits
in the event of termination without cause. The severance provisions are
described below in the section entitled "Employment Agreements."
In addition to the severance benefits, Messrs. Mulcahy, M. Brandt and T.
Brandt and Ms. A. Toppi's employment agreements provide for a "Change in
Control of Employer" provision, entitling them to terminate the agreement on 75
days prior written notice and receive a lump sum payment, grossed up for taxes
if subject to Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 if such payment
is deemed to be an "excess parachute payment" under Section 280G of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, and the option of extending his/her agreement for three
(3) years at his/her then current salary subject to the cost-of-living
adjustment if such Change in Control is approved by Mr. R Brandt.
Other Benefits. Our executives are eligible to participate in all of our
employee benefit plans, such as medical, group life and disability insurance,
pension plan and our 401(k) plan, in each case on the same basis as our other
employees. There were no special benefits or perquisites provided to any
executive officer in 2007.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the foregoing
Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and, based on such review
and discussions, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board of
Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this
Proxy Statement.
This report is submitted by the Compensation Committee. Its members are:
Howard S. Modlin, Chairman
Howard M. Brenner
Jean Firstenberg
Gene Jankowski
- 12 -
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT
Compensation of Executive Officers
The following table provides certain summary information for the last
fiscal year of the Corporation concerning compensation paid or accrued by the
Corporation and its subsidiaries to or on behalf of the Corporation's Co-Chief
Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officer, other Named Executive Officers of
the Corporation and the management consultant.
Summary Compensation Table
Change in
Pension Value
of Nonqualified
Non-Equity Deferred
Stock Option Incentive Plan Compensation All Other
Name and Principal Salary Bonus Awards Awards Compensation Earnings Compensation Total
Position Year ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) (1) ($)
-------- ---- --- --- --- --- --- --- ------- ---
Michael R. Mulcahy ... 2007 289,698 - - - - - 23,768 313,466
President and Co-CEO 2006 279,562 - - - - - 23,676 303,238
Thomas Brandt ........ 2007 210,288 - - - - - 4,301 214,589
Executive Vice 2006 202,435 - - - - - 4,895 207,330
President and Co-CEO
Angela D. Toppi ...... 2007 180,192 7,500 - - - - 2,279 189,971
Executive Vice 2006 171,968 - - - - - 2,269 174,237
President, Treasurer,
Secretary and CFO
Richard Brandt (2) ... 2007 300,000 - - - - - 51,413 351,413
Management Consultant 2006 340,406 - - - - - 65,493 405,899
Matthew Brandt ....... 2007 205,789 - - - - - 4,384 210,173
Executive Vice 2006 197,765 - - - - - 4,178 201,943
President and
President of
Entertainment
Subsidiaries
Thomas F. Mahoney .... 2007 150,000 41,994 - - - - 792 192,786
Senior Vice 2006 149,484 42,560 - - - - 516 192,560
President of Sales
---------------------
(1) See "All Other Compensation Table" below for further details.
(2) The salary for Mr. R. Brandt reflects fees paid under a consulting agreement described below in the section
entitled "Employment Agreements."
All Other Compensation Table
Director
and/or Total
Trustee Insurance All Other
Fees Premiums Other Compensation
Name Year ($) ($) ($) (1) ($)
---- ---- --- --- ------- ---
Michael R. Mulcahy ... 2007 3,300 19,245 1,223 23,768
Thomas Brandt ........ 2007 3,800 190 311 4,301
Angela D. Toppi ...... 2007 500 1,779 - 2,279
Richard Brandt ....... 2007 3,700 37,638 10,075 51,413
Matthew Brandt ....... 2007 4,200 184 - 4,384
Thomas F. Mahoney .... 2007 - 792 - 792
---------------------
(1) Other consists of personal use of company vehicle and for Mr. R. Brandt includes a tax equalization payment.
- 13 -
Retirement Plan
The Corporation has elected to make a cash contribution of $460,000, which
is in excess of the minimum required contribution, to the Corporation's
retirement plan for 2007 by October 15, 2008 for all eligible employees and the
individuals listed in the Summary Compensation Table, except for Mr. R. Brandt
who previously received his benefits and no longer participates.
The Corporation's retirement plan covers all salaried employees over age 21
with at least one year of service who are not covered by a collective bargaining
agreement to which the Corporation is a party. The following table presents
estimated retirement benefits payable at normal retirement date, which normally
is age 65. The amounts shown include estimated Social Security benefits that
would be deducted in calculating benefits payable under such Plan.
Estimated Annual Retirement Benefits
Based on Credited Service Years
Final Average Salary for
Highest Five of the Ten Years
Preceding Retirement 10 20 30 35 40
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 $15,000 $30,000 $45,000 $ 52,500 $ 60,000
125,000 18,750 37,500 56,250 65,625 75,000
150,000 22,500 45,000 67,500 78,750 90,000
200,000 (1) 30,000 60,000 90,000 105,000 120,000 (2)
---------------------
(1) $230,000 is the legislated annual cap on compensation.
(2) $185,000 is the maximum legislated annual benefits payable from a qualified
pension plan.
As of January 1, 2008, Messrs. Mulcahy, Mahoney, T. Brandt and M. Brandt and Ms.
Toppi had 35, 35, 17, 17 and 16 years of credited service, respectively. As of
December 31, 2003, the benefit service under the pension plan had been frozen,
and, accordingly, no further years of credited service have been allowed.
Certain Transactions
During the year 2007, $300,000 in consulting fees for consulting services
rendered by Mr. R. Brandt was paid by the Corporation to Moving Images, LLC,
which is owned by members of his family, which includes Mr. M. Brandt and Mr. T.
Brandt, executive officers of the Corporation, as more fully described below in
the section entitled "Employment Agreements." During the year 2007, $216,636 in
fees for legal services rendered was paid by the Corporation to the law firm of
which Mr. Modlin, a director of the Corporation, is the president.
Employment Agreements
The Corporation has an employment agreement with Mr. Michael R. Mulcahy for
a term expiring March 31, 2010, which provides for compensation at the annual
rate of $307,151 through March 31, 2010, subject to annual cost-of-living
adjustments. Mr. Mulcahy is entitled to receive as a profit participation
2 1/2% of the Corporation's pre-tax consolidated earnings if earnings are
$500,000 up to $1,000,000, 3 1/4% of the Corporation's pre-tax consolidated
earnings if earnings are over $1,000,000 up to $2,000,000 and 4% of the
Corporation's pre-tax consolidated earnings if earnings are over $2,000,000,
with a maximum of $150,000 for any fiscal year. Such pre-tax consolidated
earnings shall not include any defined extraordinary or unusual items of gain or
loss as determined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America to the extent such item exceeds 20% of net book value. The
agreement further provides that if Mr. Mulcahy is disabled, the Corporation
will pay to him 50% of the salary he is entitled to receive for the duration of
the disability during the term, but in no event less than twenty-four (24)
months. In the event Mr. Mulcahy dies during the term of said agreement, the
Corporation shall pay to his widow death benefits in an amount equal to 50% of
his then annual salary for the immediate preceding fiscal year for twenty-four
(24) months. The Corporation has purchased two life insurance policies in the
amount of $500,000 and $75,000 in favor of Mr.
- 14 -
Mulcahy's beneficiary. The agreement also provides for supplemental retirement
benefits in excess of the limitations on the maximum annual benefits imposed by
Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and if the Pension Plan is
discontinued following a Change in Control. The agreement further provides for
severance pay equal to 100% of his base salary in effect at time of termination
of employment for a period of three (3) years or until his 65th birthday,
whichever first occurs, unless he rejects a proposed renewal contract for a term
of at least three years and upon the same terms and conditions in effect at such
time. The agreement also contains a "Change in Control of Employer" provision,
entitling Mr. Mulcahy to terminate the agreement on 75 days prior written
notice and receive a lump sum payment of $1,200,000, grossed up for taxes if
subject to Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 if such payment is
deemed to be an "excess parachute payment" under Section 280G of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986. Mr. Mulcahy also has the option of extending his
agreement for three (3) years through March 31, 2013 at his then current salary
subject to the cost-of-living adjustment in the event such Change in Control is
approved by Mr. R. Brandt (or a majority of his sons if he dies or is disabled).
The Corporation has an employment agreement with Mr. Thomas Brandt for a
term expiring March 31, 2009, which provides for compensation at the annual rate
of $240,000 through March 31, 2009. Mr. T. Brandt is entitled to receive as a
profit participation 2 1/2% of the Corporation's pre-tax consolidated earnings
if earnings meet or exceed $500,000, plus 3/8 of 1% of the Corporation's
theatrical net pre-tax cash flow. Such pre-tax consolidated earnings shall not
include any defined extraordinary or unusual items of gain or loss as determined
by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to
the extent such item exceeds 20% of net book value. The agreement further
provides that if Mr. T. Brandt is disabled, the Corporation will pay to him
50% of the salary he is entitled to receive for the duration of the disability
during the term, but in no event less than twenty-four (24) months. In the
event Mr. T. Brandt dies during the term of said agreement, the Corporation
shall pay to his beneficiary death benefits in an amount equal to 50% of his
then annual salary for the immediate preceding fiscal year for twenty-four (24)
months. The agreement further provides for severance pay equal to 100% of his
base salary in effect at time of termination of employment for a period of one
(1) year if the Corporation wants to continue a non-compete clause. The
agreement also contains a "Change in Control of Employer" provision, entitling
Mr. T. Brandt to terminate the agreement on 75 days prior written notice and
receive a lump sum payment of 2.9 times his salary level then in effect, grossed
up for taxes if subject to Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 if
such payment is deemed to be an "excess parachute payment" under Section 280G of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Mr. T. Brandt also has the option of
extending his agreement for three (3) years through March 31, 2012 at his then
current salary subject to the cost-of-living adjustment if such Change in
Control is approved as provided above. The agreement also provides for
supplemental retirement benefits in the absence of the Pension Plan in the event
of a Change in Control.
The Corporation has an employment agreement with Ms. Angela Toppi for a
term expiring March 31, 2009, which provides for compensation at the annual rate
of $200,000 through March 31, 2009. The agreement provides that if Ms. Toppi
is disabled, the Corporation will pay to her 50% of the salary she is entitled
to receive for the duration of the disability during the term, but in no event
less than eighteen (18) months. In the event Ms. Toppi dies during the term of
said agreement, the Corporation shall pay to her beneficiary death benefits in
an amount equal to 50% of her then annual salary for the immediate preceding
fiscal year for the duration of the term, but in no event less than eighteen
(18) months. The Corporation will reimburse Ms. Toppi up to $2,500 per annum
for the cost of long-term disability insurance and life insurance. The
agreement further provides for severance pay equal to 100% of her base salary in
effect at time of termination of employment for a period of one (1) year if the
Corporation continues a non-compete clause. The agreement also contains a
"Change in Control of Employer" provision, entitling Ms. Toppi to terminate the
agreement on 75 days prior written notice and receive a lump sum payment of 2.9
times her salary level then in effect, grossed up for taxes if subject to
Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 if such payment is deemed to
be an "excess parachute payment" under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986. Ms. Toppi also has the option of extending her agreement for three
(3) years through March 31, 2012 at her then current salary subject to the
cost-of-living adjustment if such Change in Control is approved as provided
above. The agreement also provides for supplemental retirement benefits in the
absence of the Pension Plan in the event of a Change in Control.
- 15 -
The Corporation has a consulting agreement with Moving Images, LLC, a
private company owned by family members of Mr. R. Brandt, Chairman Emeritus of
the Board. The consulting agreement, which replaced a similar agreement with
Mr. R. Brandt, who performs the consulting services on behalf of such company,
expires on December 31, 2014. The agreement provides for annual payments of
$300,000 through December 31, 2011 and $195,000 through December 31, 2014. The
agreement contains graduated bonus provisions based on the Corporation's defined
pre-tax consolidated earnings, not to exceed $142,976, subject to cost-of-living
adjustments and provides for profit participation of 1 1/2% of the Corporation's
defined pre-tax consolidated earnings. Such pre-tax consolidated earnings shall
not include any defined extraordinary or unusual items of gain or loss as
determined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America to the extent such item exceeds 20% of net book value. The agreement
further provides that if Mr. R. Brandt is disabled or dies during the term of
said agreement, the Corporation shall pay to Moving Images, LLC, at his then
annual salary in effect, for the remaining term of the agreement. The agreement
further provides for severance pay for the term of said agreement equal to his
then annual salary in effect at time of termination of employment in a lump sum
payment. If there is a "change in control" as defined therein, or if the
Corporation fails to elect Mr. R. Brandt to his present positions, Moving
Images, LLC has the right to receive the payments for the balance of the term of
its agreement, including certain lump sum payments thereof. Moving Images, LLC
agreed to reduce their 2007 fees by $90,406 plus the cost-of-living adjustment.
The Corporation has an employment agreement with Mr. Matthew Brandt for a
term expiring March 31, 2009, which provides for compensation at the annual rate
of $230,000 through March 31, 2009. Mr. M. Brandt is entitled to receive as a
profit participation 2% of the Corporation's pre-tax consolidated earnings if
earnings meet or exceed $500,000, plus 7/8 of 1% of the Corporation's theatrical
net pre-tax cash flow. Such pre-tax consolidated earnings shall not include any
defined extraordinary or unusual items of gain or loss as determined by
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to the
extent such item exceeds 20% of net book value. The agreement further provides
that if Mr. M. Brandt is disabled, the Corporation will pay to him 50% of the
salary he is entitled to receive for the duration of the disability during the
term, but in no event less than twenty-four (24) months. In the event Mr. M.
Brandt dies during the term of said agreement, the Corporation shall pay to his
beneficiary death benefits in an amount equal to 50% of his then annual salary
for the immediate preceding fiscal year for twenty-four (24) months. The
agreement further provides for severance pay equal to 100% of his base salary in
effect at time of termination of employment for a period of one (1) year if the
Corporation wants to continue a non-compete clause. The agreement also contains
a "Change in Control of Employer" provision, entitling Mr. M. Brandt to
terminate the agreement on 75 days prior written notice and receive a lump sum
payment of 2.9 times his salary level then in effect, grossed up for taxes if
subject to Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 if such payment is
deemed to be an "excess parachute payment" under Section 280G of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986. Mr. M. Brandt also has the option of extending his
agreement for three (3) years through March 31, 2012 at his then current salary
subject to the cost-of-living adjustment if such Change in Control is approved
as provided above. The agreement also provides for supplemental retirement
benefits in the absence of the Pension Plan in the event of a Change in Control.
The foregoing is a summary of the agreements and reference is made to the
agreements, each of which has been filed with the SEC, for the full terms
thereof.
During 2007, the named executives agreed to defer their increases for nine
months and other executives agreed to defer their increases for six months. The
named executives and other executives plus Moving Images, LLC agreed to defer
their increases for six months during 2006 and for three months during 2005,
2004 and 2003.
- 16 -
Stock Option Plans and Stock Options
The Corporation had an incentive stock option plan, which provided for the
grant of incentive stock options at fair market value on date of grant. The
plan has expired and no further options may be granted. Options outstanding are
exercisable during the period one to 10 years after date of grant and while the
holder is in the employ of the Corporation and survive the termination of the
plan. The Corporation has a Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, which
provides for the grant of incentive stock options at fair market value on date
of grant, pursuant to which the option set forth below was granted. Options
outstanding are exercisable during the period one to six years after date of
grant and while a director. The following table sets forth information as to
the named executive officers and the management consultant with respect to (i)
stock options granted in fiscal 2007 and the potential gain that could be
realized if the fair value of the Corporation's Common Stock were to appreciate
at a 5% or 10% annual rate over the option term, (ii) the value realized on
exercise of stock options, and (iii) fiscal year end option values.
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
Individual Grants
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potential Realizable Value
% of Total at Assumed Annual Rates of
Options Stock Price Appreciation
Granted to Exercise or for Option Term
Options Employees in Base Price ---------------
Name Granted Fiscal Year ($) Per Share Expiration Date 5% ($) 10% ($)
---- ------- ------------ ------------- --------------- ------ -------
Richard Brandt .... 2,500 100 5.45 12/12/2013 4,600 10,500
Aggregate Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year
And Fiscal Year End Option Values
Number of Value of Unexercised In-the-
Unexercised Options Money Options at Fiscal Year
Option Exercises at Fiscal Year End End ($) (1)
-------------------------------- ------------------ -----------
Shares Acquired Value Realized Exercisable/ Exercisable/
Name on Exercise ($) Unexercisable Unexercisable
---- ----------- --- ------------- -------------
Michael R. Mulcahy ... None - 17,500/ - 5,000/ -
Thomas Brandt ........ None - 10,000/ - 10,000/ -
Angela D. Toppi ...... None - 5,000/ - -/ -
Richard Brandt (2) ... 2,500 10,000 10,000/2,500 23,750/2,375
Matthew Brandt ....... None - 10,000/ - 10,000/ -
Thomas F. Mahoney .... None - 2,500/ - 750/ -
---------------------
(1) Market value of underlying securities at fiscal year end, minus the exercise price.
(2) 10,000 of Mr. R. Brandt's stock options were granted under a Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement, which provided
for the grant of incentive stock options at fair market value of the Common Stock on date of grant. Options
outstanding are exercisable during the period one to 10 years after date of grant. 2,500 of the stock options were
granted under the Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan. See the section above entitled "Non-Employee Director
Stock Option Plan" for a description of the plan.
- 17 -
FIVE-YEAR CORPORATE PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the Corporation's total stockholder return
over the five fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 with the Total Return Index
for American Stock Exchange US ("AMEX US") and the Russell 2000 Index ("RUSSELL
2000"). The stockholder return shown on the graph as "TLX" is not intended to
be indicative of future performance of the Corporation's Common Stock.
COMPARATIVE FIVE YEAR TOTAL RETURNS *
Trans-Lux Corporation, AMEX US Total Return Index, Russell 2000 Index **
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
------------------------------------------------------------------
AMEX US 100.00 135.35 156.39 169.24 196.39 203.61
RUSSELL 2000 100.00 145.37 170.08 175.73 205.78 199.96
TLX 100.00 113.73 141.56 107.98 146.29 118.74
------------------------------------------------------------------
* Cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.
** Peer group consists of the RUSSELL 2000. Assumes $100 investment at the
close of trading on the last trading day preceding the first day of the fifth
preceding fiscal year in TLX Common Stock, AMEX US and RUSSELL 2000.
- 18 -
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
The Corporation's executive officers and directors are required under
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and American Stock Exchange.
Copies of those reports must also be furnished to the Corporation.
Based solely on a review of the copies of reports furnished to the
Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2007, the Corporation's executive
officers and directors have complied with the Section 16(a) filing requirements.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS - 2009 ANNUAL MEETING
If any stockholder desires to submit a proposal for action at the 2009
annual meeting, such proposal must be received by the Corporation's Corporate
Secretary on or before December 26, 2008. Nominations for directors at the 2009
annual meeting by stockholders must be in accordance with Article 4(c) of the
Corporation's By-Laws and received on or before February 3, 2009.
COST OF SOLICITATION
The cost of preparing and mailing material in connection with the
solicitation of proxies is to be borne by the Corporation. Solicitation will be
made by the Corporation's regular employees in the total approximate number of
10. Solicitation will be made by mail, telephone and in person.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Angela D. Toppi
Corporate Secretary
Dated: Norwalk, Connecticut
April 25, 2008
- 19 -
APPENDIX A
AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
CHARTER
I. PURPOSE
The Audit Committee shall provide assistance to the corporate directors in
fulfilling their responsibility relating to corporate accounting, reporting
practices of the Corporation, and the quality and integrity of the financial
reports of the Corporation. The Audit Committee's primary duties and
responsibilities are to:
* Oversee that management has maintained the reliability and integrity of
the accounting policies and financial reporting and disclosure practices of
the Corporation.
* Oversee that management has established and maintained processes to
assure that an adequate system of internal control of the Corporation's
accounting records and systems is functioning.
* Oversee that management has established and maintained processes to
assure compliance by the Corporation with all applicable laws, regulations
and corporate policy.
The Audit Committee will fulfill these responsibilities primarily by
carrying out the activities enumerated in Section IV of this Charter.
II. COMPOSITION
The Audit Committee shall be comprised of three (3) or more directors as
determined by the Board, each of whom shall be independent directors according
to the specified criteria of Section 301 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and free
from any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with
the exercise of his or her independent judgment as a member of the Audit
Committee and shall otherwise comply with the listing requirements of the
American Stock Exchange. All members of the Audit Committee shall have a
working familiarity with basic finance and accounting practices including the
ability to understand fundamental financial statements, which includes balance
sheets, income statements and cash flow statements and at least one member of
the Audit Committee shall be financially sophisticated in that he or she has
such accounting or related financial management education and expertise as to
qualify as an audit committee financial expert.
The members of the Audit Committee shall be elected by the Board at the annual
organizational meeting of the Board or until their successors shall be duly
elected and qualified. Unless a Chairperson is elected by the full Board, the
members of the Audit Committee may designate a Chairperson by majority vote of
the full Audit Committee membership.
III. MEETINGS
The Audit Committee shall meet at least on a quarterly basis, or more
frequently as circumstances dictate. Meetings may be held by telephone. As
part of its job to foster open communication, the Audit Committee should meet at
least annually with management and the independent accountants separately, to
discuss any matters that the Audit Committee or either of these groups believe
should be discussed privately. In addition, the Audit Committee or at least its
Chairperson should meet with the independent accountants and management
quarterly to review the Corporation's financial statements.
- 20 -
IV. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
To fulfill its responsibilities and duties the Audit Committee shall:
Documents/Reports Review
------------------------
1. Review and reassess, at least annually, the adequacy of this Charter and
make recommendations to the Board, as conditions dictate, to update this
Charter.
2. Review with management and the independent accountants the Corporation's
annual financial statements, including a discussion with the independent
accountants of the matters required to be discussed by Statement of Auditing
Standards No. 61, "Communication With Audit Committees" ("SAS No. 61"), as
amended or updated.
3. Review with management and the independent accountants the Form 10-Q prior
to its filing or prior to the release of earnings, including a discussion with
the independent accountants of the matters required to be discussed by SAS No.
61. The Chairperson of the Audit Committee, or, if not available, another
member of the Audit Committee, may represent the entire Audit Committee for
purposes of this review.
4. Recommend annually or more frequently where necessary the appropriate
funding of the Audit Committee.
5. The Committee shall review with management the Corporation's major
financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and
control such exposures and liabilities, including the Corporation's risk
management policies.
Independent Accountants
-----------------------
6. Review the performance of the independent accountants and be directly
responsible for the appointment, approval of audit and non-audit services (the
Chairperson may grant any required approvals, subject to reporting such
approvals to the Committee at its next scheduled meeting) compensation,
oversight, replacement or termination of the independent accountants. The Audit
Committee shall have the ultimate authority and responsibility to select,
evaluate, and where appropriate, replace such outside auditor. The independent
accountants are ultimately accountable to the Audit Committee and the entire
Board for such accountant's review of the financial statements and controls of
the Corporation.
7. Oversee independence of the accountants by:
* receiving from the accountants, on a periodic basis, a formal written
statement delineating all relationships between the accountants and the
Corporation consistent with Independence Standards Board Standard 1 ("ISB
No. 1"); as amended or updated.
* reviewing, and actively discussing with the Board, if necessary, and the
accountants, on a periodic basis, any disclosed relationship or services
between the accountants and the Corporation or any other disclosed
relationship or services that may impact on the objectivity and
independence of the accountants; and
* taking action to satisfy itself of the auditor's independence.
Financial Reporting Process
---------------------------
8. In consultation with the independent accountants and management, review
the integrity of the Corporation's financial reporting processes.
9. Consider and approve, if appropriate, major changes to the Corporation's
auditing and accounting principles and practices as suggested by the independent
accountants or management.
- 21 -
10. Establish regular systems of reporting to the Audit Committee by each of
management and the independent accountants regarding any significant judgments
made in management's preparation of the financial statements and any significant
difficulties encountered during the course of the review or audit, including any
restrictions on the scope of work or access to required information.
11. Review any significant disagreement among management and the independent
accountants in connection with the preparation of the financial statements.
Legal Compliance/General
------------------------
12. Review, with the Corporation's counsel, any legal matter that could have a
significant impact on the Corporation's financial statements.
13. Report through its Chairperson to the Board following meetings of the
Audit Committee.
14. Arrange for maintenance of minutes or other records of meetings and
activities of the Audit Committee.
15. Retain independent counsel and other advisors as the Audit Committee deems
necessary and appropriate.
16. Establish procedures for handling complaints regarding accounting, internal
controls and auditing matters.
- 22 -
TRANS-LUX (R)
NOTICE OF
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
AND PROXY STATEMENT
JUNE 4, 2008
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
PROXY
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS - JUNE 4, 2008
(SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS)
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned stockholder of
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION hereby constitutes and appoints THOMAS BRANDT, MICHAEL R.
MULCAHY and HOWARD S. MODLIN, and each of them, the attorneys and proxies of
the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote for and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, at the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of
said Corporation, to be held at the Doubletree Norwalk Hotel, 789 Connecticut
Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut, 06854 on June 4, 2008 at 3:00 P.M., and at any
adjournment thereof, the number of votes the undersigned would be entitled to
cast if present for the following matters and, in their discretion, upon such
other matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment
thereof:
Directors recommend vote FOR Items 1 and 2
Item 1 FOR WITHHELD Election of Matthew Brandt, Howard S. Modlin
____ ____ and Michael R. Mulcahy to serve as directors
\___\ \___\ for a three-year term, until their successors
elected and shall have qualified.
Authority is withheld with respect to the
following nominee(s).
________________________________
________________________________
Item 2 FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN Ratify the retention of Eisner LLP as the
____ ____ ____ independent auditors for the Corporation for
\___\ \___\ \___\ the ensuing year.
(Continued and to be signed on other side.)
(Continued from other side.)
UNLESS YOU SPECIFY OTHERWISE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE ELECTION OF THE
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS AND "FOR" ITEM 2.
A majority of said attorneys and proxies, or their substitutes at said
meeting, or any adjournment thereof, may exercise all of the powers hereby
given. Any proxy to vote any of the shares with respect to which the
undersigned is or would be entitled to vote, heretofore given to any person or
persons other than the persons named above, is hereby revoked.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has signed and sealed this proxy and
hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the notice of said meeting and proxy
statement in reference thereto, both dated April 25, 2008.
Dated:________________, 2008
________________________ (L.S.)
Stockholder(s) Signature
________________________(L.S.)
NOTE: This proxy properly filled in,
dated and signed, should be returned
immediately in the enclosed postpaid
envelope to TRANS-LUX CORPORATION, 110
Richards Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut
06856-5090. If the signer is a
corporation, sign in full the corporate
name by a duly authorized officer. If
signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian,
please give your full title as such.