def14a
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OMB APPROVAL |
|
|
|
|
|
OMB Number:
|
|
3235-0059 |
|
|
Expires:
|
|
February 28, 2006 |
|
|
Estimated average burden hours per
response |
12.75 |
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
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
o |
|
|
Check the appropriate box: |
|
|
|
o Preliminary Proxy Statement |
|
o
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
|
x Definitive Proxy Statement |
|
o Definitive Additional Materials |
|
o
Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
AEHR Test Systems
(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):
|
|
|
x No fee required. |
|
o
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) 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: |
|
|
|
o Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
|
|
|
o 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.: |
|
|
SEC 1913 (02-02) |
Persons who are to respond to the collection of information
contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid
OMB control number. |
AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
400 Kato Terrace
Fremont, California 94539
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 27, 2005
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
AEHR TEST SYSTEMS:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting)
of Aehr Test Systems, a California corporation (the Company) to be held on October 27, 2005, at
4:00 p.m., at the Companys corporate headquarters located at 400 Kato Terrace, Fremont, California
94539, for the following purposes:
|
1. |
|
To elect five directors. |
|
|
2. |
|
To ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2006. |
|
|
3. |
|
To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or
any adjournments thereof. |
Only holders of record of the Common Stock at the close of business on September 13, 2005 will
be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. Please sign, date and mail the enclosed
proxy so that your shares may be represented at the Annual Meeting if you are unable to attend and
vote in person. If you attend the Annual Meeting, you may vote in person even if you return a
proxy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Order of the Board of Directors,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RHEA J. POSEDEL
Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Directors |
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
400 Kato Terrace
Fremont, California 94539
PROXY STATEMENT
2005 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to the Shareholders (the Shareholders) of Aehr Test
Systems, a California corporation (the Company), in connection with the solicitation of proxies
by the Board of Directors for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) of
the Company to be held on October 27, 2005 and at any adjournments thereof.
At the Annual Meeting, the Shareholders will be asked:
|
1. |
|
To elect five directors. |
|
|
2. |
|
To ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2006. |
|
|
3. |
|
To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or
any adjournments of the Annual Meeting. |
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on September 13, 2005 as the record
date for the determination of the holders of Common Stock entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Annual Meeting. Each such Shareholder will be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock
(Common Share) held on all matters to come before the Annual Meeting and may vote in person or by
proxy authorized in writing.
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying form of proxy are first being sent to holders of the
Common Shares on or about September 27, 2005.
THE ANNUAL MEETING
Date, Time and Place
The Annual Meeting will be held on October 27, 2005 at 4:00 p.m., local time, at 400 Kato
Terrace, Fremont, California 94539.
General
The Companys principal office is located at 400 Kato Terrace, Fremont, California 94539 and
its telephone number is (510) 623-9400.
Record Date and Shares Entitled to Vote
Shareholders of record at the close of business on September 13, 2005 (the Record Date) are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were
7,481,829 Common Shares outstanding and entitled to vote.
Revocability of Proxies
Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving it at any
time before its use by delivering to the Secretary of the Company a written notice of revocation or
a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by attending the meeting and voting in person.
Voting and Proxy Solicitation
Each shareholder voting for the election of directors may cumulate his or her votes, giving
one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the
number of shares that the shareholder is entitled to vote, or distributing the shareholders votes
on the same principle among as many candidates as the shareholder chooses. No shareholder shall be
entitled to cumulate votes for any candidate unless the candidates name has been properly placed
in nomination prior to the voting and the shareholder, or any other shareholder, has given notice
at the meeting prior to the voting of the intention to cumulate votes. On all other matters, each
share has one vote.
1
Proxies are being solicited by the Company. The cost of this solicitation will be borne by the
Company. The Company may reimburse brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners
of shares for their expenses in forwarding solicitation material to such beneficial owners. Proxies
may also be solicited by certain of the Companys directors, officers and regular employees,
without additional compensation, personally or by telephone, telegram or facsimile.
Quorum; Abstentions; Broker Non-Votes
The required quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting is a majority of the
shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on the Record Date. Votes cast by proxy or in person
at the Annual Meeting will be tabulated by the Inspector of Elections, appointed for the meeting,
who will determine whether or not a quorum is present. If the shares present, in person and by
proxy, do not constitute the required quorum, the meeting may be adjourned to a subsequent date for
the purposes of obtaining a quorum. Shares that are voted FOR, AGAINST or WITHHELD FROM a
matter are treated as being present at the meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum and shares
that are voted FOR, AGAINST or ABSTAIN are also treated as shares entitled to vote (the
Votes Cast) at the Annual Meeting with respect to such matter.
While there is no definitive statutory or case law authority in California as to the proper
treatment of abstentions, the Company believes that abstentions should be counted for purposes of
determining both (i) the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business and (ii)
the total number of Votes Cast with respect to a proposal (other than the election of directors).
In the absence of controlling precedent to the contrary, the Company intends to treat abstentions
in this manner. Accordingly, abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal.
Broker non-votes (i.e. votes from shares of record by brokers as to which the beneficial
owners have no voting instructions) will be counted for purposes of determining the presence or
absence of a quorum for the transaction of business, but will not be counted for purposes of
determining the number of Votes Cast with respect to the proposal on which the broker has expressly
not voted. Thus, a broker non-vote will make a quorum more readily but will not otherwise affect
the outcome of the voting on a proposal. With respect to a proposal that requires a majority of the
outstanding shares (such as an amendment to the articles of incorporation), however, a broker
non-vote has the same affect as a vote against the proposal.
Deadline for Receipt of Shareholder Proposals for 2006 Annual Meeting
Shareholders are entitled to present proposals for action at a forthcoming meeting if they
comply with the requirements of the proxy rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). Proposals of shareholders of the Company intended to be presented for
consideration at the Companys 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received by the Company
no later than May 31, 2006, in order that they may be included in the proxy statement and form of
proxy related to that meeting.
Shareholder Information
IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 14A-3 PROMULGATED UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE
COMPANY HEREBY UNDERTAKES TO PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, A COPY OF
THE COMPANYS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K, INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL SCHEDULE
THERETO. REQUESTS FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO AEHR TEST SYSTEMS, 400 KATO TERRACE,
FREMONT, CA 94539, ATTENTION: INVESTOR RELATIONS.
If you share an address with another shareholder, only one annual report and proxy statement may be
delivered to all shareholders sharing your address unless we have contrary instructions from one or more
shareholders. Shareholders sharing an address may request a separate copy of the annual report or proxy statement
by writing to: Aehr Test Systems, 400 Kato Terrace, Fremont, CA 94539, Attention: Investor Relations or by
calling investor relations at (510) 623-9400, and we will promptly
deliver a separate copy. If you share an address with another shareholder and you are
receiving multiple copies of annual reports or proxy statements, you may write us at the address
above to request delivery of a single copy of these materials in the future.
2
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS, DIRECTORS
AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of the
Companys Common Stock as of August 31, 2005, or some other practical date in cases of the
principal shareholders, by: (i) each person (or group of affiliated persons) known to the Company
to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Companys Common Stock, (ii) each director of the
Company, (iii) each of the Companys executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table
appearing herein, and (iv) all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Beneficially |
|
|
Owned(1) |
Beneficial Owner |
|
Number |
|
Percent(2) |
Named Executive Officers and Directors: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rhea J. Posedel (3) |
|
|
1,115,217 |
|
|
|
14.7 |
% |
Robert R. Anderson (4) |
|
|
139,675 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
% |
William W. R. Elder (5) |
|
|
76,000 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
% |
Mukesh Patel (6) |
|
|
52,175 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Mario M. Rosati (7) |
|
|
227,257 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
% |
Gary L. Larson (8) |
|
|
111,815 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
% |
Carl N. Buck (9) |
|
|
96,023 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
% |
David S. Hendrickson (10) |
|
|
101,729 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
% |
Gregory M. Perkins (11) |
|
|
25,775 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (10 persons) (12) |
|
|
1,980,019 |
|
|
|
24.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private Capital Management (13) |
|
|
1,368,472 |
|
|
|
18.3 |
% |
8889 Pelican Bay Blvd., Suite 500, Naples, FL 34108 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State of Wisconsin Investment Board (14) |
|
|
1,184,400 |
|
|
|
15.8 |
% |
121 East Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53702 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wellington Management Company, LLP (15) |
|
|
542,300 |
|
|
|
7.2 |
% |
75 State Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Represents less than 1% of the Common Shares |
|
(1) |
|
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Unless
otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table, the persons and entities named in the
table have represented to the Company that they have sole voting and sole investment power
with respect to all shares beneficially owned, subject to community property laws where
applicable. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each of the individuals listed in
the table is c/o Aehr Test Systems, 400 Kato Terrace, Fremont, California 94539. |
|
(2) |
|
Shares of Common Stock subject to options that are currently exercisable or
exercisable within 60 days of August 31, 2005 are deemed to be outstanding and to be
beneficially owned by the person holding such options for the purpose of computing the
percentage ownership of such person but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of
computing the percentage ownership of any other person. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 20,000 shares held by Vivian Owen, Mr. Posedels wife, 9,950 shares held by
Rhea J. Posedel, trustee for Natalie Diane Posedel, Mr. Posedels daughter, and 110,936
shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days of August 31,
2005. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 57,175 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within
60 days of August 31, 2005. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes 45,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within
60 days of August 31, 2005. |
3
|
|
|
(6) |
|
Includes 47,175 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within
60 days of August 31, 2005. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 3,040 shares held of record by WS Investment Company 87A. Mr. Rosati is a
general partner of WS Investment Company 87A and disclaims beneficial ownership of the
shares held by WS Investment Company 87A except to the extent of his proportionate
partnership interest therein. Also includes 27,000 shares held by Mario M. Rosati and
Douglas Laurice, trustees for the benefit of Mario M. Rosati, 149,177 shares held by Mario
M. Rosati, Trustee of the Mario M. Rosati Trust, U/D/T dated 1/9/90 and 45,000 shares
issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days of August 31, 2005. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes 55,395 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within
60 days of August 31, 2005. |
|
(9) |
|
Includes 38,791 issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within 60
days of August 31, 2005. |
|
(10) |
|
Includes 98,019 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within
60 days of August 31, 2005. |
|
(11) |
|
Includes 23,749 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within
60 days of August 31, 2005. |
|
(12) |
|
Includes 555,593 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable
within 60 days of August 31, 2005. |
|
(13) |
|
Based solely on Schedule 13G/A filed February 14, 2005 with the SEC by Private
Capital Management (PCM). PCM has shared investment power and shared voting power with
respect to the shares. Does not include shares reported as beneficially owned by Bruce S.
Sherman and Gregg J. Powers, officers of PCM, but not reported as beneficially held by
PCM. Messrs. Sherman and Powers may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of 1,499,472
shares and 1,402,872 shares, respectively, but disclaimed beneficial ownership of the
shares held by PCMs clients and managed by PCM and also disclaimed the existence of a
group. |
|
(14) |
|
Based solely on Schedule 13G/A filed February 8, 2005 with the SEC by the State of
Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB). SWIB has sole investment and sole voting power with
respect to the shares. |
|
(15) |
|
Based solely on Schedule 13G/A filed February 14, 2005 with the SEC by Wellington
Management Company, LLP (WMC). WMC has shared investment and voting power with respect
to the shares. |
4
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table gives information about the Companys common stock that may be issued upon
the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of the Companys existing equity
compensation plans as of May 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for future |
|
|
|
|
|
|
issuance under equity |
|
|
Number of securities to |
|
Weighted-average |
|
compensation plans |
|
|
be issued upon exercise |
|
exercise price of |
|
(excluding |
|
|
of outstanding options, |
|
outstanding options, |
|
securities reflected |
Plan Category |
|
warrants and rights |
|
warrants and rights |
|
in column (a)) |
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders |
|
|
1,236,330 |
(1) |
|
$ |
4.31 |
|
|
|
473,037 |
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved by
security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1,236,330 |
|
|
$ |
4.31 |
|
|
|
473,037 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Issued pursuant to the Companys 1996 Stock Option Plan and the 1997 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan (Stock Option Plans), which require the approval of and have been approved by the Companys
shareholders. See description of the Stock Option Plans below. |
Stock Option Plans
On October 23, 1996, the Board of Directors approved the 1996 Stock Option Plan (the Stock
Plan). The Stock Plan provides for the granting of non-qualified stock options or incentive stock
options to employees and consultants at the fair market value of the Companys common stock as of
the date of grant. Options granted under the Stock Plan generally vest at a rate of
1/48th per month, however, the vesting schedule can change on a grant-by-grant basis.
The Stock Plan provides that vested options may be exercised for 3 months after termination of
employment and for 12 months after termination of employment as a result of death or disability.
The Company may select alternative periods of time for exercise upon termination of service. The
Stock Plan permits options to be exercised with cash, check, certain other shares of the Companys
common stock or consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise program. In the
event that the Company merges with or into another corporation, or sells substantially all of the
Companys assets, the Stock Plan provides that each outstanding option will be assumed or
substituted for by the successor corporation. If such substitution or assumption does not occur,
each option will fully vest and become exercisable. As of May 31, 2005, there
were 1,709,367 shares of Common Stock reserved under the Stock Plan and 473,037 shares remaining
for future issuance.
On June 9, 1997, the Board of Directors adopted the 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the
ESPP). The ESPP has consecutive, overlapping, twenty-four month offering periods. Each
twenty-four month offering period includes four six month purchase periods. The offering periods
generally begin on the first trading day on or after April 1 and October 1 each year, except that
the first such offering period commenced with the effectiveness of the Companys initial public
offering and ended on the last trading day on or before March 31, 1999. Shares are purchased
through employee payroll deductions at exercise prices equal to 85% of the lesser of the fair
market value of the Companys Common Stock at either the first day of an offering period or the
last day of the purchase period. If a participants rights to purchase stock under all employee
stock purchase plans of the Company accrue at a rate which exceeds $25,000 worth of stock for a
calendar year, such participant may not be granted an option to purchase stock under the ESPP. The
maximum number of shares a participant may purchase during a single purchase period is 3,000
shares. As of May 31, 2005, there were 400,000 shares of Common Stock reserved under the ESPP and
71,674 shares remaining for future issuance.
5
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the Annual Meeting, five directors are to be elected to serve until the next Annual Meeting
or until their successors are elected and qualified. Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy
holders will vote the proxies received by them for the election of the five nominees named below,
all of whom are presently directors of the Company. Each nominee has consented to be named a
nominee in this Proxy Statement and to continue to serve as a director if elected. Should any
nominee become unable or decline to serve as a director or should additional persons be nominated
at the meeting, the proxy holders intend to vote all proxies received by them in such a manner as
will assure the election of as many nominees listed below as possible (or, if new nominees have
been designated by the Board of Directors, in such a manner as to elect such nominees) and the
specific nominees to be voted for will be determined by the proxy holders. The Company is not aware
of any reason that any nominee will be unable or will decline to serve as a director. There are no
arrangements or understandings between any director or executive officer and any other person
pursuant to which he is or was to be selected as a director or officer of the Company.
The names of the nominees and certain information about them are set forth below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director |
Name of Nominee |
|
Age |
|
Position |
|
Since |
Rhea J. Posedel
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
1977 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert R. Anderson (1)(2)
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
Director
|
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William W.R. Elder (1)(2)(3)
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
Director
|
|
|
1989 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mukesh Patel (1)(3)
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
Director
|
|
|
1999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mario M. Rosati
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
Director and Secretary
|
|
|
1977 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Member of the Audit Committee. |
|
(2) |
|
Member of the Compensation Committee. |
|
(3) |
|
Member of the Nominating and Governance Committee |
The principal occupation of each of the Board members during the past five years is set forth
below. There is no family relationship between any director or executive officer of the Company.
RHEA J. POSEDEL is a founder of the Company and has served as Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Directors since its inception in 1977. From the Companys inception
through May 2000, Mr. Posedel also served as President. Prior to founding the company, Mr. Posedel
held various project engineering and engineering managerial positions at Lockheed Martin
Corporation (formerly Lockheed Missile & Space Corporation), Ampex Corporation, and Cohu, Inc.
He received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, an M.S.
in Electrical Engineering from San Jose State University and an M.B.A. from Golden Gate University.
ROBERT R. ANDERSON was appointed to the Companys Board of Directors in October 2000. Mr.
Anderson is a private investor. From January 1994 to January 2001, he was Chairman of Silicon
Valley Research, Inc., a semiconductor design automation software company, and its Chief Executive
Officer from December 1996 to August 1998, and from April 1994 to July 1995. He also served as
Chairman of Yield Dynamics, Inc., a private semiconductor process control software company, from
October 1998 to October 2000, and as Chief Executive Officer from October 1998 to April 2001. Mr.
Anderson co-founded KLA Instruments Corporation, now KLA-Tencor Corporation, a supplier of
semiconductor process control systems, in 1975 and served in various capacities including Chief
Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice Chairman and Chairman before he retired from that
company in 1994. Mr. Anderson is a director of MKS Instruments, Inc. and Trikon Technologies, Inc.,
both of which are semiconductor equipment companies. He also serves as a director for two private
companies.
WILLIAM W. R. ELDER has been a director of the Company since 1989. Dr. Elder was the Chief
Executive Officer of Genus, Inc. (Genus), a semiconductor equipment company, which was recently
acquired by AIXTRON AG, and he now currently serves as the Chairman of the Silicon Semiconductor
6
Technologies Group (SSTS). Dr. Elder also serves as a Board Member of Trikon Technologies, Inc.,
a semiconductor equipment company, in the United Kingdom and Maskless Lithography Inc., a capital
equipment start-up based in San Jose, California. Dr. Elder holds a B.S.I.E. and an honorary
Doctorate Degree from the University of Paisley in Scotland.
MUKESH PATEL was appointed to the Companys Board of Directors in June 1999. Mr. Patel is a
leading entrepreneur in the Silicon Valley who founded Sparkolor Corporation, acquired by Intel
Corporation in late 2002, and co-founded SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., a high value added
memory products company, acquired by Solectron Corporation in late 1999. Mr. Patel holds a B.S.
degree in Engineering with an emphasis in digital electronics from Bombay University, India. Mr.
Patel also serves as a Board member for several privately-held companies.
MARIO M. ROSATI has been a director of the Company since 1977. He is a member of the law firm
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation which he joined in 1971. Mr. Rosati
holds a B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles and a J.D. from the University of
California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law. Mr. Rosati is a director of Sanmina-SCI
Corporation, an electronics manufacturing services company, Symyx Technologies, Inc., a
combinatorial materials science company, and Vivus Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, all
publicly held companies, as well as several privately-held companies.
Board Matters and Corporate Governance
Board Meetings and Committees
The Board of Directors held a total of four (4) meetings and acted four (4) times by unanimous
written consent during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005. No incumbent director during his period
of service in such fiscal year attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate of all meetings of the
Board of Directors and the committees of the Board upon which such director served.
The Board of Directors has three committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee
and the Nominating and Governance Committee.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised entirely of independent directors,
as defined in the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.s (NASD) listing standards,
for which information regarding the functions performed by the Committee, its membership, and the
number of meetings held during the fiscal year, is set forth in the Report of the Audit
Committee, included in this Proxy Statement. The Audit Committee is governed by a written charter
approved by the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee consists of directors Messrs. Anderson,
Elder and Patel. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Anderson is an audit committee
financial expert as defined by Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the Exchange Act).
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors currently consists of Messrs. Anderson
and Elder, each of whom is an independent member of the Board of Directors, as defined in the
NASDs listing standards. The Compensation Committee held one (1) meeting during fiscal year 2005.
The Compensation Committee reviews and advises the Board of Directors regarding all forms of
compensation to be provided to the officers, employees, directors and consultants of the Company.
The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors currently consists of
Messrs. Elder and Patel, each of whom is an independent member of the Board of Directors, as
defined in the NASDs listing standards. The Nominating and Governance Committee held one (1)
meeting during fiscal year 2005. The Nominating and Governance Committee reviews and makes
recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding matters concerning corporate governance;
reviews the composition and evaluate the performance of the Board of Directors; selects, or
recommends for the selection of the Board of Directors, director nominees; and evaluate director
compensation; reviews the composition of committees of the Board of Directors and recommends
persons to be members of such committee; and reviews conflicts of interest of members of the Board
of Directors and corporate officers.
7
Shareholder Recommendations
The policy of the Board of Directors is to consider properly submitted shareholder
recommendations for candidates for membership on the Board as described below under Identifying
and Evaluating Nominees for Directors. In evaluating such recommendations, the Board of Directors
seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience and capability on the Board and to address the
membership criteria set forth under Director Qualifications below. Any shareholder
recommendations proposed for consideration by the Board of Directors should include the candidates
name and qualifications for Board membership and should be addressed to:
Aehr Test Systems
400 Kato Terrace
Fremont, CA 94539
Attn: Secretary
In addition, procedures for shareholder direct nomination of directors are discussed under
Deadline for Receipt of Shareholder Proposals above.
Director Qualifications
Members of the Board should have the highest professional and personal ethics and values,
consistent with the Companys Code of Conduct and Ethics adopted by the Board in an action by
written consent dated September 24, 2004. They should have broad experience at the policy-making
level in business. They should be committed to enhancing shareholder value and should have
sufficient time to carry out their duties and to provide insight and practical wisdom based on
experience. Their service on other boards of public companies should be limited to a number that
permits them, given their individual circumstances, to perform responsibly all director duties.
Each director must represent the interests of all shareholders.
Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Directors
The Board of Directors utilizes a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating nominees
for director. The Board of Directors periodically assesses the appropriate size of the Board, and
whether any vacancies on the Board are expected due to retirement or otherwise. In the event that
vacancies are anticipated, or otherwise arise, the Board of Directors considers various potential
candidates for director. Candidates may come to the attention of the Board of Directors through
current Board members, professional search firms, shareholders or other persons. These candidates
are evaluated at regular or special meetings of the Board of Directors, and may be considered at
any point during the year. As described above, the Board of Directors considers properly submitted
shareholder recommendations for candidates for the Board. Following verification of the shareholder
status of persons proposing candidates, any recommendations are aggregated and considered by the
Board of Directors at a regularly scheduled meeting prior to the issuance of the proxy statement
for our annual meeting. If any materials are provided by a shareholder in connection with the
recommendation of a director candidate, such materials are forwarded to the Board of Directors. The
Board of Directors may also review materials provided by professional search firms or other parties
in connection with a candidate who is not recommended by a shareholder. In evaluating such
recommendations, the
Board of Directors seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience and capability on the
Board.
The Board of Directors has determined that each of its current directors, except for Rhea J.
Posedel, the Companys Chief Executive Officer, is independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq
Stock Market, Inc. director independence standards, as currently in effect.
8
Annual Meeting Attendance
Although the Company does not have a formal policy regarding attendance by members of the
Board at the Companys annual meetings of shareholders, directors are encouraged to attend annual
meetings of the Companys shareholders. All directors attended the 2004 annual meeting of
shareholders.
Code of Conduct and Ethics
The Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics for all directors, officers
and employees of the Company, which includes the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer
and any other principal accounting officer. The Company will provide a copy of the Code of Conduct
and Ethics upon request made in writing to Aehr Test Systems, Attention: Investor Relations, 400
Kato Terrace, Fremont, CA 94539. The Company will disclose any amendment to the Code of Conduct
and Ethics or waiver of a provision of the Code of Conduct and Ethics, including the name of the
officer to whom the waiver was granted, on the Companys website at www.aehr.com, on the Investors
page.
Communications with the Board
Individuals may communicate with the Board by submitting a letter to the attention of the
Chairman of the Board, c/o Aehr Test Systems, 400 Kato Terrace, Fremont, CA 94539.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE (1)
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company serves as the representative of
the Board for general oversight of the Companys financial accounting and reporting system of
internal control, audit process and process for monitoring compliance with laws and regulations.
The Audit Committee, consisting of Messrs. Patel, Anderson and Elder, held four (4) meetings in
fiscal year 2005. Each member is an independent director in accordance with the Nasdaq National
Market Audit Committee requirements. The Audit Committee evaluates the scope of the annual audit,
reviews audit results, consults with management and the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm prior to the presentation of financial statements to shareholders and, as
appropriate, initiates inquiries into aspects of the Companys financial affairs.
The Companys management has primary responsibility for preparing the Companys financial
statements and for the Companys financial reporting process. The Companys independent registered
public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), is responsible for expressing an
opinion on the conformity of the Companys audited financial statements to generally accepted
accounting principles. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the audited
financial statements for the year ended May 31, 2005. PwC, the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm for fiscal year 2005, issued
their unqualified report dated August 26, 2005 on the Companys consolidated financial
statements.
The Audit Committee has also discussed with PwC the matters required to be discussed by AICPA
Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees. The Audit Committee
has also received the written disclosures and the letter from PwC required by Independence
Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, and has conducted
a discussion with PwC relative to its independence. The Audit Committee has considered whether
PwCs provision of non-audit services is compatible with its independence. The Audit Committee has
an Audit Committee Charter.
Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the
Board of Directors of Aehr Test Systems that the Companys audited financial statements for the
fiscal year ended May 31, 2005 be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.
9
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Mukesh Patel
Robert R. Anderson
William W.R. Elder
(1) The information regarding the Audit Committee is not soliciting material and is not
deemed filed with the SEC, and is not incorporated by reference into any filings of the Company
under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and
irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.
Director Compensation
Rhea J. Posedel, the only inside director of the Company, does not receive any cash
compensation for his services as a member of the Board of Directors. Each outside director
receives (1) an annual retainer of $10,000, (2) $1,250 for each regular board meeting he attends,
and (3) $750 for each committee meeting he attends if not held in conjunction with a regular board
meeting, in addition to being reimbursed for certain expenses incurred in attending Board and
committee meetings. Prior to each annual meeting of shareholders, each outside director may elect
to receive an additional stock option grant in lieu of any cash payments throughout the year. An
inside director is a director who is a regular employee of the Company, whereas an outside
director is not an employee of the Company. Directors are eligible to participate in the Companys
stock option plans. In fiscal 2003, outside directors Robert Anderson, William Elder, Mukesh Patel
and Mario Rosati were each granted options to purchase 5,000 shares at $2.70 per share. In fiscal
2004, outside directors Robert Anderson, William Elder, Mukesh Patel and Mario Rosati were each
granted options to purchase 5,000 shares at $3.79 per share. Additionally, Robert Anderson and
Mukesh Patel were each granted 9,499 shares at $3.79 per share pursuant to an agreement to take
these shares of stock in lieu of cash payments throughout the fiscal year. In fiscal 2005, outside
directors Robert Anderson, William Elder, Mukesh Patel and Mario Rosati were each granted options
to purchase 5,000 shares at $2.89 per share. Additionally, Robert Anderson and Mukesh Patel were
each granted 12,676 shares at $2.84 per share pursuant to an agreement to take these shares of
stock in lieu of cash payments throughout the fiscal year.
The Company has agreed to indemnify each director against certain claims and expenses for
which the director might be held liable in connection with past or future service on the Board. In
addition, the Company maintains an insurance policy insuring its officers and directors against
such liabilities.
Vote Required
The five nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes of the shares present or
represented and entitled to be voted for them shall be elected as directors. Votes withheld from
any director are counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the
transaction of business, but have no other legal effect in the election of directors under
California law. See Quorum; Abstentions; Broker Non-Votes.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE NOMINEES LISTED
ABOVE
10
PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors of the Company has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, as the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm, to audit the financial statements of the
Company for the current fiscal year ending May 31, 2006, and recommends that Shareholders vote for
ratification of such appointment. In the event of a negative vote on such ratification, the Audit
Committee and the Board of Directors will reconsider their selection. Even if the selection is
ratified, the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors in their discretion may direct the
appointment of different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the
year. Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are expected to be present at the meeting with
the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and are expected to be available to
respond to appropriate questions.
Audit Fees
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed or to be billed by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the following services for the years ended May 31, 2005 and 2004:
DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Audit Fees |
|
$ |
168,496 |
|
|
$ |
106,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,175 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
|
$ |
168,496 |
|
|
$ |
141,375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Fees. Aggregate fees billed or to be billed for professional services rendered for the
audit of the Companys fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004 annual financial statements and for the review
of the financial statements included in the Companys quarterly reports during such periods.
Tax Fees. Aggregate fees were for services related to finalization of income tax returns,
sale and use tax filings, and other tax consulting services.
The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and non-audit services provided to the Company by
the independent auditors.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
11
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table shows information concerning compensation awarded to, earned by or
paid for services to the Company in all capacities during the fiscal years ended May 31, 2005,
2004 and 2003 by the Chief Executive Officer and each of the four other most highly compensated
executive officers with annual compensation in excess of $100,000 for the fiscal year ended May
31, 2005.
Summary Compensation Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
Fiscal |
|
Annual Compensation |
|
Underlying |
|
All Other |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary ($) |
|
Bonus ($) |
|
Options ($) |
|
Compensation ($) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rhea J. Posedel |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
220,590 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,634 |
|
|
$ |
18,896 |
(1) |
Chief Executive Officer and |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
216,662 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,360 |
|
|
$ |
22,936 |
(2) |
Chairman of the Board of |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
213,252 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,252 |
|
|
$ |
17,505 |
(3) |
Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary L. Larson |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
177,053 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,429 |
|
|
$ |
5,503 |
(1) |
Vice President of Finance and |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
174,181 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,071 |
|
|
$ |
5,320 |
(2) |
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
169,855 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,944 |
|
|
$ |
4,061 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carl N. Buck |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
159,093 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,892 |
|
|
$ |
5,473 |
(1) |
Vice President of Contactor |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
153,144 |
|
|
$ |
7,375 |
|
|
$ |
1,739 |
|
|
$ |
5,261 |
(2) |
Business Group |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
151,205 |
|
|
$ |
14,749 |
|
|
$ |
1,580 |
|
|
$ |
6,187 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David S. Hendrickson |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
184,995 |
|
|
$ |
335 |
|
|
$ |
2,360 |
|
|
$ |
19,203 |
(1) |
Vice President of Engineering |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
182,015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,015 |
|
|
$ |
16,458 |
(2) |
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
174,214 |
|
|
$ |
26,906 |
|
|
$ |
2,015 |
|
|
$ |
13,013 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gregory M. Perkins |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
160,952 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,114 |
|
|
$ |
19,270 |
(1) |
Vice President of Worldwide |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales and Service |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Consists of health and life insurance premiums and medical costs paid by the Company
during the year ended May 31, 2005. |
|
(2) |
|
Consists of health and life insurance premiums and medical costs paid by the Company during the
year ended May 31, 2004. |
|
(3) |
|
Consists of health and life insurance premiums and medical costs paid by the Company during the
year ended May 31, 2003. |
12
Stock Option Grants and Exercises
The following table sets forth the number and terms of options granted to the persons named
in the Summary Compensation Table during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005.
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Individual Grants |
|
Potential Realizable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value at Assumed |
|
|
Number of |
|
% of Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Rates of |
|
|
Securities |
|
Options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Price |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Granted to |
|
Exercise |
|
|
|
|
|
Appreciation for |
|
|
Options |
|
Employees in |
|
Price |
|
Expiration |
|
Option Term(4) |
Name |
|
Granted(1) |
|
Fiscal Year(2) |
|
($/Share)(3) |
|
Date |
|
5% ($) |
|
10% ($) |
Rhea J. Posedel |
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
10.6 |
% |
|
$ |
3.99 |
|
|
|
6/30/2011 |
|
|
$ |
39,017 |
|
|
$ |
107,830 |
|
Gary L. Larson |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
$ |
3.63 |
|
|
|
6/30/2011 |
|
|
$ |
29,555 |
|
|
$ |
68,877 |
|
Carl N. Buck |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
$ |
3.63 |
|
|
|
6/30/2011 |
|
|
$ |
29,555 |
|
|
$ |
68,877 |
|
David S. Hendrickson |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
$ |
3.63 |
|
|
|
6/30/2011 |
|
|
$ |
29,555 |
|
|
$ |
68,877 |
|
Gregory M. Perkins |
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
|
21.2 |
% |
|
$ |
4.35 |
|
|
|
6/03/2011 |
|
|
$ |
123,962 |
|
|
$ |
288,884 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The options were granted under the 1996 Stock Option Plan and vest over four years. |
|
(2) |
|
Based on an aggregate of 330,050 options granted by the Company in the year ended May 31,
2005 to employees and consultants to the Company, including the named executive officers. |
|
(3) |
|
The exercise price per share of each option was equal to the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the date of grant as determined by the Board of Directors, except the exercise price
of the options granted to Mr. Posedel was equal to 110% of the fair market value of the
Common Stock on the date of the grant. |
|
(4) |
|
This column sets forth hypothetical gains or option spreads for the options at the end of
their respective seven-year terms, as calculated in accordance with the rules of the SEC.
Each gain is based on an arbitrarily assumed annualized rate of compound appreciation of the
market price at the date of grant of 5% and 10% annually from the date the option was granted
to the end of the option term. The 5% and 10% rates of appreciation are specified by the
rules of the SEC and do not represent the Companys estimate or projection of future Common
Stock prices. The Company does not necessarily agree that this method properly values an
option. Actual gains, if any, on option exercises are dependent on the future performance of
the Companys Common Stock and overall market conditions and the timing of option exercises,
if any. |
The following table provides information concerning option exercises by the persons named in
the Summary Compensation Table during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005 and the value of
unexercised options at such date.
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
Value of Unexercised |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Options at |
|
In-the-Money Options at |
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Value |
|
Fiscal Year-End(#)(1) |
|
Fiscal Year-End($)(2) |
Name |
|
Exercise (#) |
|
Realized ($) |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rhea J. Posedel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
127,707 |
|
|
|
52,293 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary L. Larson |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67,269 |
|
|
|
30,731 |
|
|
$ |
1,006 |
|
|
$ |
1,094 |
|
Carl N. Buck |
|
|
3,090 |
|
|
$ |
384 |
|
|
|
47,644 |
|
|
|
26,356 |
|
|
$ |
1,006 |
|
|
$ |
1,094 |
|
David S. Hendrickson |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92,185 |
|
|
|
27,815 |
|
|
$ |
335 |
|
|
$ |
365 |
|
Gregory M. Perkins |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,041 |
|
|
|
53,959 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Company has not granted any stock appreciation rights and its stock plans do not
provide for the granting of such rights. |
|
(2) |
|
Calculated by determining the difference between the fair market value of the securities
underlying the options at year end ($3.02 per share as of May 31, 2005) and the exercise price of
the options. |
13
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
General
In its ordinary course of business, the Company enters into transactions with certain of its
directors and officers. The Company believes that each such transaction has been on terms no less
favorable for the Company than could have been obtained in a transaction with an independent third
party.
Legal Counsel
During fiscal 2005, Mario M. Rosati, a member of the Board of Directors of the Company, was
also a member of the law firm of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation
(WSGR). The Company retained WSGR as its legal counsel during the fiscal year. The Company plans
to retain WSGR as its legal counsel again during fiscal 2006.
Change of Control Severance Agreement
On January 24, 2001, the Company entered into Change of Control Severance Agreements with Mr.
Carl N. Buck, Mr. David S. Hendrickson, Mr. Gary L. Larson and Mr. Rhea J. Posedel pursuant to
which those executives would be entitled to a payment in the event of a termination of employment
for specified reasons following a change of control of the Company. For this purpose, a change of
control of the Company means a merger or consolidation of the Company, a sale by the Company of
all or substantially all of its assets, the acquisition of beneficial ownership of a majority of
the outstanding voting securities of the Company by any person or a change in the composition of
the Board as a result of which fewer than a majority of the directors are incumbent directors.
Termination of employment for purposes of these agreements means a discharge of the executive by
the Company, other than for specified causes including dishonesty, conviction of a felony,
misconduct or wrongful acts. Termination also includes resignation following the occurrence of an
adverse change in the executives position, duties, compensation or work conditions. The amounts
payable under the agreements will change from year to year based on the executives compensation.
In the event of a termination in fiscal 2006 following a change of control, the amounts payable to
Messrs. Buck, Hendrickson, Larson and Posedel would be approximately $81,000, $104,000, $146,000
and $234,000, respectively.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Anderson and Elder. No interlocking
relationship exists between the Companys Board of Directors and Compensation Committee and the
board of directors or compensation committee of any other company.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Companys previous filings
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act of 1934, as amended,
that might incorporate future filings, including this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the
following report and the Performance Graph shall not be incorporated by reference into any such
filings and such information shall be entitled to the benefits provided in Item 306(c) and (d) of
Regulation S-K and Item 7(d)(3)(v) of Schedule 14A.
General
The objectives of the overall executive compensation program are to attract, retain, motivate
and reward Company executives while aligning their compensation with the achievements of key
business objectives, maximization of shareholder value and optimal satisfaction of customers.
The Compensation Committee is responsible for:
|
1. |
|
Determining the specific executive compensation methods to be used by the Company
and the participants in each of those specific programs; |
|
|
2. |
|
Determining the evaluation criteria and timeliness to be used in those programs; |
14
|
3. |
|
Determining the processes that will be followed in the ongoing administration of
the programs; and |
|
|
4. |
|
Determining their role in the administration of the programs. |
All of the actions take the form of recommendations to the full Board of Directors where
final approval, rejection or redirection will occur. The Compensation Committee is responsible for
administering the compensation programs for all Company officers. The Compensation Committee has
delegated the responsibility of administering the compensation programs for all other Company
employees to the Companys officers.
Compensation Vehicles
Currently, the Company uses the following executive compensation vehicles:
|
|
|
Cash-based programs: Base salary, Annual Incentive Bonus Plan, Annual Profit Sharing Plan,
and a Sales Incentive Commission Plan; and |
|
|
|
|
Equity-based programs: 1996 Incentive Stock Option Plan, the 1997 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan and the Employee Stock Bonus Plan. |
These programs apply to all executive level positions, except for the Sales Incentive
Commission Plan, which only includes executives directly responsible for sales activities.
Periodically, but at least once near the close of each fiscal year, the Compensation Committee
reviews the existing plans and recommends those that should be used for the subsequent year.
The criteria for determining the appropriate salary level, bonus and stock option grants for
each of the executive officers include (a) Company performance as a whole, (b) business unit
performance (where appropriate) and (c) individual performance objectives. Company performance and
business unit performance are measured against both strategic and financial goals. Examples of
these goals are to obtain: operating profit, revenue growth, timely new product introduction, and shareholder value (usually measured by the Company stock price).
Individual performance is measured to specific objectives relevant to the individuals position
and a specific time frame.
These criteria are usually related to a fiscal year time period, but may, in some cases, be
measured over a shorter or longer time frame.
The processes used by the Compensation Committee include the following steps:
|
1. |
|
The Compensation Committee periodically receives information comparing the
Companys pay levels to other companies in similar industries, other leading companies
(regardless of industry) and competitors. Primarily national and regional compensation
surveys are used. |
|
|
2. |
|
At or near the start of each evaluation cycle, the Compensation Committee meets
with the Chief Executive Officer to review, revise as needed, and agree on the
performance objectives set for the other executives. The Chief Executive Officer and
Compensation Committee jointly set the Company objectives to be used. The business unit
and individual objectives are formulated jointly by the Chief Executive Officer and the
specific individual. The Compensation Committee also, with the Chief Executive Officer,
jointly establishes and agrees on their respective performance objectives. |
|
|
3. |
|
Throughout the performance cycle review, feedback is provided by the Chief
Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee and full Board, as appropriate. |
|
|
4. |
|
At the end of the performance cycle, the Chief Executive Officer evaluates each
other executives relative success in meeting the performance goals. The Chief Executive
Officer makes recommendations on salary, bonus and stock options, utilizing the
comparative results as a factor. Also included in the decision criteria are subjective
factors such as teamwork, leadership contributions and ongoing changes in the business
climate. The Chief Executive Officer reviews the recommendations and obtains
Compensation Committee approval. |
|
|
5. |
|
The final evaluations and compensation decisions are discussed with each executive
by the Chief Executive Officer or Compensation Committee, as appropriate. |
Compensation of the Chief Executive Officer
The Compensation Committee used the same compensation policy described above for all
executive officers to determine the compensation for Rhea J. Posedel, the Companys Chief
Executive Officer, in fiscal
15
year 2005. In setting both the cash-based and the equity-based elements of Mr. Posedels
compensation, the Compensation Committee considered the companys performance, competitive forces
taking into account Mr. Posedels experience and knowledge, and Mr. Posedels leadership in
achieving our long-term goals. During fiscal year 2005, he received a stock option grant under our
1996 Stock Option Plan for 35,000 shares. These options vest over seven years. The Compensation
Committee believes Mr. Posedels fiscal year 2005 compensation was fair, relative to the Companys
performance and Mr. Posedels individual performance and leadership, and it rewards him for this
performance and will serve to retain him as a key employee.
Policy on Deductibility of Compensation
We are required to disclose our policy regarding qualifying executive compensation for
deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which
provides that, for purposes of the regular income tax, the otherwise allowable deduction for
compensation paid or accrued with respect to the executive officers of a publicly-held company,
which is not performance-based compensation, is limited to no more than $1 million per year.
It is not expected that the compensation to be paid to our executive officers for fiscal 2006 will
exceed the $1 million limit per officer; however, to the extent such compensation to be paid to
such executive officers exceeds the $1 million limit per officer, such excess will be treated as
performance-based compensation.
The Compensation Committee feels that the compensation vehicles used by the Company,
generally administered through the process as outlined above, provide a fair and balanced
executive compensation program related to the proper business issues. In addition, it should be
noted that compensation vehicles will be reviewed and, as appropriate, revised in order to attract
and retain new executives in addition to rewarding performance on the job.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Robert R. Anderson
William W.R. Elder
16
Company Performance
The following graph shows a comparison of total shareholder return for holders of the
Companys Common Stock for the last five fiscal years and ending May 31, 2005, compared with The
Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S.) Index and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index. The graph assumes that
$100 was invested in the Companys Common Stock, in the Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S.) Index and the
Philadelphia Semiconductor Index on May 31, 2000, and that all dividends were reinvested. The
Company believes that while total shareholder return can be an important indicator of corporate
performance, the stock prices of semiconductor equipment companies like Aehr Test Systems are
subject to a number of market-related factors other than company performance, such as competitive
announcements, mergers and acquisitions in the industry, the general state of the economy, and the
performance of other semiconductor equipment company stocks.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG AEHR TEST SYSTEMS, THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S.) INDEX
AND THE PHILADELPHIA SEMICONDUCTOR INDEX
17
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that directors, certain officers of the Company and
ten percent Shareholders file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC as to the
Companys securities beneficially owned by them. Such persons are also required by SEC rules to
furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on its review of copies of such forms received by the Company, or on written
representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that all Section 16(a) filing
requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners
were complied with during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Companys Annual Report to Shareholders for the last fiscal year is being mailed with this
proxy statement to Shareholders entitled to notice of the meeting. The Annual Report includes the
consolidated financial statements, unaudited selected consolidated financial data and managements
discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations.
OTHER MATTERS
The Company knows of no other matters to be submitted to the meeting. If any other matters
properly come before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed Proxy to
vote the shares they represent as the Board of Directors may recommend.
|
|
|
|
|
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RHEA J. POSEDEL
Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Directors |
Dated: September 27, 2005
18
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 27, 2005
The undersigned Shareholder of Aehr Test Systems, a California corporation, hereby
acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement and hereby
appoints Rhea J. Posedel and Gary L. Larson, or either of them, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, with
full power to each of substitution, on behalf and in the name of the undersigned, to represent the
undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Aehr Test Systems to be held on October 27,
2005, at 4:00 p.m., local time, at 400 Kato Terrace, Fremont, California 94539, and at any
adjournments thereof and to vote all shares of Common Stock which the undersigned would be entitled
to vote if then and there personally present, on the matters set
forth on the reverse side of this card:
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO CONTRARY DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE VOTED
FOR (1) THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINATED DIRECTORS AND (2) FOR RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE
COMPANYS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM, AND AS SAID PROXIES DEEM ADVISABLE ON SUCH
OTHER MATTERS AS MAY COME BEFORE THE MEETING AND ANY ADJOURNMENT(S)
THEREOF.
PLEASE
SIGN AND DATE THE REVERSE SIDE
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:
|
|
|
o FOR all nominees listed below
(except as indicated)
|
|
o WITHHOLD authority to vote for
all nominees listed below |
|
o
EXCEPTION
|
IF YOU WISH TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE(S), STRIKE A LINE THROUGH THAT
NOMINEES NAME IN THE LIST BELOW:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rhea J. Posedel
|
|
Robert R. Anderson
|
|
William W. R. Elder
|
|
Mukesh Patel
|
|
Mario M. Rosati |
2. |
|
PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS THE COMPANYS INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM: |
|
|
|
|
|
o FOR
|
|
o AGAINST
|
|
o ABSTAIN |
3. |
|
IN THEIR DISCRETION, UPON SUCH OTHER MATTER OR MATTERS WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE
MEETING AND ANY ADJOURNMENT(S) THEREOF. |
|
|
|
|
|
o FOR
|
|
o AGAINST
|
|
o ABSTAIN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The undersigned hereby ratifies and
confirms all that the attorneys and proxies, or any of them, or their
substitutes, shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof,
and hereby revokes any and all proxies heretofore given by the
undersigned to vote at the meeting. The undersigned acknowledges
receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting and the Proxy Statement
accompanying such notice. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[Signature] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(This Proxy should be marked, dated,
signed by the Shareholder(s) exactly as
his or her name appears hereon, and
returned promptly in the enclosed
envelope. Persons
signing in a fiduciary capacity should so
indicate. If shares are held by joint
tenants or as community property, both
should sign.) |
|
|