Applica Incorporated
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OMB APPROVAL |
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OMB Number:
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3235-0059 |
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Expires:
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January 31, 2008 |
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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. )
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Filed by the Registrant
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o |
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Check the appropriate box: |
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o Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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þ Definitive Proxy Statement |
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o Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Applica Incorporated
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
Not Applicable
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy
Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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þ No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1)
and 0-11. |
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1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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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): |
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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o Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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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. |
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1) Amount Previously Paid: |
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2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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SEC 1913 (11-01) |
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. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
OF APPLICA INCORPORATED
TO BE HELD MAY 9, 2006
To Our Shareholders:
We cordially invite you to attend our annual meeting of shareholders. The meeting will be
held at our executive offices located at 3633 Flamingo Road, Miramar, Florida 33027 on Tuesday,
May 9, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. local time. At the meeting, the holders of our common stock will act on
the following matters:
1. Election of three directors, each for a term of three years, and one director for a term of
one year;
2. An amendment to our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to eliminate the
super-majority shareholder approval requirement for certain business combinations;
3. An amendment to our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to authorize
1,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock;
4. Ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as Applicas independent accountants
for the year ended December 31, 2006; and
5. Any other matters that properly come before the meeting.
All holders of record of shares of common stock at the close of business on March 20, 2006 are
entitled to vote at the meeting and any postponements or adjournments of the meeting. Your vote is
important to us. Whether or not you expect to be present, please sign, date and return the
enclosed proxy card in the enclosed pre-addressed envelope as promptly as possible. No postage is
required if mailed in the United States.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Harry D. Schulman
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Miramar, Florida
March 31, 2006
We Encourage You To Attend The Meeting In Person. If You Are Unable To Attend, We Respectfully
Urge You To Execute And Return The Enclosed Proxy Card As Promptly As Possible. Shareholders Who
Execute A Proxy Card May Nevertheless Attend The Meeting, Revoke Their Proxy And Vote Their Shares
In Person.
2006 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
APPLICA INCORPORATED
PROXY STATEMENT
This proxy statement contains information related to the annual meeting of shareholders of
Applica Incorporated to be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2006,
beginning at 10:00 a.m., at our executive
offices located at 3633 Flamingo Road, Miramar, Florida, and at any adjournments or postponements
thereof. We are first sending the proxy materials to shareholders on or around March 31, 2006.
ABOUT THE MEETING
What is a proxy?
A proxy is your legal designation of another person to vote the stock that you own. That
other person is called a proxy. If you designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that
document is also called a proxy or proxy card. As is our usual practice, two officers of the
company have been designated as proxies for the 2006 annual meeting of shareholders. These two
officers are Harry D. Schulman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Terry Polistina, Senior
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
What is a proxy statement?
A proxy statement is a document the Securities and Exchange Commission requires us to give you
when we ask you to sign a proxy card designating Messrs. Schulman and Polistina as proxies to vote
on your behalf at the annual meeting.
Who is soliciting my proxy?
The Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy in order to provide you an opportunity to vote
on all matters scheduled to come before the meeting, whether or not you attend the meeting in
person.
What is the purpose of the annual meeting?
At our annual meeting, shareholders will act upon the matters outlined in the notice of
meeting on the cover page of this proxy statement, including:
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the election of directors; |
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an amendment to our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to
eliminate the super-majority shareholder approval requirement for certain
business combinations; |
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an amendment to our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to
authorize 1,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock; and |
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the ratification of the appointment of the independent accountants. |
In addition, after adjournment of the formal meeting, management will report on Applicas
performance during 2005 and respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.
What is the record date?
The record date for the 2006 annual meeting of shareholders is March 20, 2006.
Who is entitled to vote at the meeting?
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on the record date are entitled to
receive notice of and to participate in the annual meeting. If you were a shareholder of record on
the record date, you will be entitled to vote all of the shares that you held on that date at the
meeting, or any postponements or adjournments of the meeting.
What are the voting rights of Applica common stock?
Holders of Applica common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters to be
acted upon at the annual meeting. Each outstanding share of Applica common stock will be entitled
to one vote on each matter. Neither Applicas Articles of Incorporation nor Bylaws provide for
cumulative voting rights.
Who can attend the meeting?
All shareholders as of the record date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the
meeting, and each may be accompanied by one guest. Seating is limited and admission to the meeting
will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration and seating will begin at 9:30 a.m. If
you attend, please note that you may be asked to present valid picture identification, such as a
drivers license or passport. Cameras, recording devices and other electronic devices will not be
permitted at the meeting.
Please also note that if you hold your shares in street name (that is, through a broker or
other nominee), you will need to bring a copy of a brokerage statement reflecting your stock
ownership as of the record date and check in at the registration desk at the meeting.
What constitutes a quorum?
The presence at the meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the
aggregate voting power of the common stock outstanding on the record date will constitute a quorum,
permitting the meeting to conduct its business. As of the record
date, 24,197,069 shares of common
stock, representing the same number of votes, were outstanding. Thus, the presence of the holders
of common stock representing at least 12,098,535 votes will be required to establish a quorum.
Proxies received but marked as abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in the
calculation of the number of votes considered to be present at the meeting.
If less than a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock are represented at the
meeting, a majority of the shares represented may adjourn the meeting from time to time without
further notice.
How do I vote?
If you complete and properly sign the accompanying proxy card and return it in the enclosed
envelope, it will be voted as you direct. If you are a registered shareholder and attend the
meeting, you may deliver your completed proxy card in person. Street name shareholders who wish
to vote at the meeting will need to obtain a proxy form from the institution that holds their
shares.
Can I change my vote or revoke my proxy after I return my proxy card?
Yes. Even after you have submitted your proxy, you may change your vote or revoke your proxy
at any time before the proxy is exercised by filing with the Corporate Secretary of Applica either
a notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. The powers of the proxy
holders will be suspended if you attend the
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meeting in person and so request, although attendance at the meeting will not by itself revoke
a previously granted proxy.
What are the Boards recommendations?
The Board recommends a vote:
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for election of the nominated slate of directors (see proposal one on page 7); |
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for the elimination of the super-majority voting requirement for certain business
combinations (see proposal two on page 22); |
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for the authorization of blank check preferred stock (see proposal three on page
24); and |
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for ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as Applicas independent
accountants for the year ended December 31, 2006 (see proposal four on page 26). |
With respect to any other matter that properly comes before the meeting, the proxy holders
will vote as recommended by the Board of Directors or, if no recommendation is given, in their own
discretion.
What if a shareholder does not specify a choice for a matter when returning a proxy?
Shareholders should specify their choice for each matter on the enclosed form of proxy.
Unless you give other instructions on your proxy card, the persons named as proxy holders on the
proxy card will vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors.
What vote is required to approve each item?
Election of Directors. The affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast at the meeting
is required for the election of directors. A properly executed proxy marked WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
with respect to the election of one or more directors will not be voted with respect to the
director or directors indicated, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether
there is a quorum.
Elimination of Super-Majority Voting Requirement for Certain Business Combinations. The
affirmative vote by holders of no less than 80% of our outstanding shares of common stock is
required to eliminate the super-majority voting requirement for certain business combinations.
Other Items. For each other item, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
shares represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the item will be required for
approval. A properly executed proxy marked ABSTAIN with respect to any such matter will not be
voted, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.
How are abstentions and broker non-votes counted?
Abstentions and broker non-votes (shares which a broker or nominee has indicated it does not
have discretionary authority to vote) on a particular matter will be treated as shares that are
present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. Abstentions and
broker non-votes will have the same effect as no votes on the proposal to eliminate the
super-majority voting requirement for certain business combinations, but will have no effect on the election of
directors, the proposal to authorize 1,000,000 shares of blank
check preferred stock or the ratification of the selection of Grant Thornton as our independent registered
public accounting firm.
3
What is the difference between a shareholder of record and a shareholder who holds shares in street name?
If your shares are registered in your name, you are a shareholder of record. If your shares
are in the name of your broker or bank, your shares are held in street name.
If you hold your shares in street name through a broker or other nominee, your broker or
nominee may not be permitted to exercise voting discretion with respect to some of the matters to
be acted upon. Thus, if you do not give your broker or nominee specific instructions, your shares
may not be voted on those matters and will not be counted in determining the number of shares
necessary for approval. Shares represented by such broker non-votes will, however, be counted in
determining whether there is a quorum.
Who pays for the proxy solicitation costs?
Our Board of Directors is making this solicitation of proxies on our behalf. We will pay the
costs of the solicitation, including the costs for preparing, printing and mailing this proxy
statement. We have hired Georgeson Shareholder Communications, Inc. to assist us in soliciting
proxies. It may do so by telephone, in person or by other electronic communications. We anticipate
paying Georgeson a fee of approximately $9,000, plus expenses, for these services. We also will reimburse brokers,
nominees and fiduciaries for their costs in sending proxies and proxy materials to our shareholders
so you can vote your shares. Our directors, officers and regular employees may supplement
Georgesons proxy solicitation efforts by contacting you by telephone or electronic communication
or in person. We will not pay directors, officers or other regular employees any additional
compensation for their proxy solicitation efforts.
* * * * *
4
STOCK OWNERSHIP
How many shares of Applica common stock do Applicas directors and executive officers own?
The following table shows the number of shares of Applica common stock beneficially owned by:
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our directors; |
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the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table on page 14,
except Michael J. Michienzi who resigned in December 2005; and |
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all of the directors and executive officers of Applica as a group. |
All information is as of the record date. Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole voting
and investment power with respect to all such shares. The address of each of the beneficial owners
identified below is c/o Applica Incorporated, 3633 Flamingo Road, Miramar, Florida 33027-2467.
David J. Coles, Applicas interim Chief Operating Officer, is an employee of Alvarez & Marsal, a
professional service firm, and is not included in the following table. Mr. Coles does not own any
shares of common stock of Applica.
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Amount and Nature of |
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Common Stock |
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Beneficially Owned (1) |
Directors and Executive Officers |
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No. of Shares |
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Percent |
Susan J. Ganz |
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93,300 |
(2) |
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Leonard Glazer |
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14,552 |
(3) |
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Ware H. Grove |
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5,000 |
(4) |
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* |
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Brian Guptill |
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57,334 |
(5) |
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J. Maurice Hopkins |
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20,000 |
(6) |
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Thomas J. Kane |
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31,269 |
(7) |
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Christopher B. Madison |
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2,328,200 |
(8) |
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9.6 |
% |
Terry Polistina |
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131,472 |
(9) |
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Jerald I. Rosen |
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52,416 |
(10) |
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Harry D. Schulman |
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416,407 |
(11) |
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1.7 |
% |
Paul K. Sugrue |
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9,660 |
(12) |
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All directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons) |
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3,161,610 |
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12.9 |
% |
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Less than 1%. |
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(1) |
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Includes options to acquire shares that are exercisable within 60 days of the record date. |
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Includes options to purchase 13,500 shares of common stock and 79,500 shares owned by a
corporation. Does not include options to purchase 1,500 shares of common stock exercisable in
June 2006. |
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Includes options to purchase 12,000 shares of common stock. Does not include options to
purchase 1,500 shares of common stock exercisable in June 2006. |
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(4) |
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Does not include options to purchase 1,500 shares of common stock exercisable in June 2006. |
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(5) |
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Includes options to purchase 31,334 shares of common stock. Does not include options to
purchase 9,833 shares exercisable in August and September 2006 or options to purchase 8,333
shares of common stock exercisable in September 2007. |
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(6) |
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Includes options to purchase 9,000 shares of common stock. Does not include options to
purchase 1,500 shares of common stock exercisable in June 2006. |
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(7) |
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Includes options to purchase 13,500 shares of common stock. Does not include options to
purchase 1,500 shares of common stock exercisable in June 2006. |
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(8) |
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These shares are held by a fund managed by Mast Capital Management, LLC, of which Mr.
Madison is a manager. |
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(9) |
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Includes 25,338 shares of common stock held in a 401(k) plan and options to purchase 83,334
shares of common stock. Does not include options to purchase 33,333 shares of common stock
exercisable in September 2006 or options to purchase 33,333 shares of common stock exercisable
in September 2007. |
(Footnotes continued on following page.)
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(10) |
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Includes options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock and 1,565 shares of common stock
owned by Mr. Rosens wife. Does not include options to purchase 1,500 shares of common stock
exercisable in June 2006. |
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(11) |
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Includes options to purchase 219,667 shares of common stock and 34,856 shares of common stock
held in a 401(k) plan. Does not include options to purchase 166,666 shares of common stock
exercisable in October 2006 and options to purchase 166,667 shares of common stock exercisable
in October 2007. |
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(12) |
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Includes options to purchase 7,500 shares of common stock. Does not include options to
purchase 1,500 shares of common stock exercisable in June 2006. |
Who are the other large owners of Applicas stock?
Except as set forth below, we know of no single person or group that is the beneficial owner
of more than 5% of Applicas common stock.
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Amount and Nature of |
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Common Stock |
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Beneficially Owned |
Name and Address of 5% Beneficial Owners |
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No. of Shares |
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Percent |
Mast Capital Management, LLC
Mast Credit Opportunities I Master Fund, Ltd
535 Boylston Street, Suite 1101
Boston, Massachusetts 02116 |
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2,328,200 |
(1) |
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9.6 |
% |
Harbinger
Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd.(2)
Harbinger Capital Partners Offshore Manager, L.L.C.
Harbinger Management Corporation
One Riverchase Parkway South
Birmingham, Alabama 35244
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2,154,600 |
(2) |
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8.9 |
% |
Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc
1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor
Santa Monica, California 90401 |
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2,082,872 |
(3) |
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8.6 |
% |
Ourimbah Investments Limited
9/F., Yue Thai Commercial Bldg.
128 Connaught Road
Central, Hong Kong |
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1,739,000 |
(4) |
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7.2 |
% |
Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments
a division of Robeco USA, L.L.C.
909 Third Avenue, 32nd Floor
New York, New York 10022 |
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1,375,640 |
(5) |
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5.7 |
% |
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(1) |
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As reported in the shareholders Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2006. |
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(2) |
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As reported in the shareholders Schedule 13G
filed with the SEC on March 13, 2006. Also included in such
reporting group are HMC Investors, L.L.C., Philip Falcone, Raymond J.
Harbert and Michael D. Luce. |
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As reported in the shareholders Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 6, 2006. |
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(4) |
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As reported by the shareholder to Applica. |
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(5) |
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As reported in the shareholders Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 15, 2006. |
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires Applicas directors and
executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of the outstanding common stock to file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in
ownership of Applica common stock. Such persons are required by SEC regulation to furnish Applica
with copies of all such reports they file. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of the
copies of such reports furnished to us and verbal confirmations that no other reports were
required, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and greater
than 10% beneficial owners have been met, except for one initial report of ownership on Form 3
relating to the reporting of Mr. Brian Guptill as an executive officer of Applica.
6
PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is presently composed of nine directors, divided among Class I, Class
II and Class III. The terms of office of all of the directors in any one class expire each year on
a rotating basis. At the annual meeting, three directors are to be nominated for election to Class
I of the Board of Directors to serve until the 2009 annual meeting of shareholders and one director
is to be nominated for election to Class II of the Board of Directors to serve until the 2007
annual meeting. The term of the Class III directors expires in 2008.
Each of the nominees for election as a director is presently a member of our Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any nominee will refuse to act or
be unable to accept election; however, in the event that a nominee is unable to accept election,
proxies solicited hereunder will be voted in favor of the remaining nominees, if any, and for such
other persons as may be designated by the Board of Directors, unless directed by a proxy to do
otherwise.
The table below sets forth information regarding each director and nominee for director.
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Name |
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Age |
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Position with Applica |
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Director Since |
Nominees for Election to Class I of the Board:
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Susan J. Ganz
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46 |
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Director
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1996 |
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J. Maurice Hopkins
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58 |
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Director
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1999 |
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Thomas J. Kane
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64 |
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Director
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1996 |
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Nominees for Election to Class II of the Board:
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Christopher B. Madison
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36 |
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Director
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2006 |
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Continuing Members of the Board:
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Class II Directors
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Leonard Glazer
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83 |
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Director
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1979 |
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Paul K. Sugrue
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60 |
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Director
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2000 |
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Class III Directors
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Ware H. Grove
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55 |
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Director
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2004 |
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Jerald I. Rosen
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78 |
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Director
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1963 |
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Harry D. Schulman
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54 |
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Director, Chairman,
President and Chief
Executive Officer
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1999 |
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Class I Directors
Susan J. Ganz has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lion Brothers Co. Ltd., a
manufacturer of embroidered emblems and embellishment products, for more than the last five years.
J. Maurice Hopkins has served as the President/CEO of Merchandise Sales Corporation, a
consumer products sales and marketing company, since 1982. Mr. Hopkins also serves as the
Principal Managing Director and Chairman/President of Virginia ARC Thrift Stores, Inc., a
non-profit retailer. Previously, Mr. Hopkins served as the Vice President and Director of
Merchandising of Sam Soloman Co, Inc. and Best Products Co., Inc.,
both of which were catalog showroom
retailers.
Thomas J. Kane has served as President of T.J.K. Sales, Inc., an independent sales
representative, since he founded the company in 1978. See Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions on page 21 of this proxy statement for a description of business conducted
between T.J.K. Sales, Inc. and Applica.
7
Class II Directors
Leonard Glazer retired in 1992 and is a private investor. Prior to retirement, Mr. Glazer was
President of Sasnett Engineering, Inc. and Consulting Engineering, Inc., mechanical and electrical
engineering consulting firms.
Christopher B. Madison is a principal of Mast Capital Management, LLC, a Boston-based
investment management company focused on high yield and special situation credit investing. Prior to
establishing Mast Capital Management in May 2002, Mr. Madison was a senior member of UBS Warburgs
global high-yield distribution team. From October 1999 through March 2002, Mr. Madison was heavily
involved in the growth and development of UBS Warburgs domestic and international high-yield
presence. From March 1997 through 0ctober 1999, Mr. Madison was a Managing Director and co-founder
of BankBoston Robertson Stephens high-yield effort. See
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions on page 21
of this proxy statement for a description of business conducted
between Mast Capital and Applica.
Paul K. Sugrue has been the Dean of the University of Miami School of Business Administration
since 1992 and was Associate Dean from 1984 to 1987. Dr. Sugrue also serves as a professor in the
Department of Management Science in the School of Business Administration and has authored a
significant number of publications on business-related subjects. From 1987 to 1992, Dr. Sugrue
served as Senior Vice Provost of the University of Miami.
Class III Directors
Ware H. Grove has served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Century
Business Services, Inc., a public company that provides professional business services to companies
throughout the U.S., since December 2000. Prior to that time, Mr. Grove served as Chief Financial
Officer of several public companies, including Bridgestreet Accommodations, Inc. and Lesco, Inc.
Mr. Grove also served as Vice President and Treasurer of Revco D.S., Inc.
Jerald I. Rosen has served as a member of Applicas Board of Directors since its formation in
1963. Mr. Rosen has been engaged in the practice of law since 1969 and has been a Certified Public
Accountant since 1952. Mr. Rosen also served as a bankruptcy trustee for the U.S. Bankruptcy
Court, Middle District of Florida, from 1989 to 2001.
Harry D. Schulman has served as President of Applica Incorporated and Applica Consumer
Products, Inc. since January 2001 and Chief Executive Officer since February 2003. Mr. Schulman
also serves as the interim Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Schulman served as Corporate
Secretary from January 1999 to September 2003 and Chief Operating Officer from November 1998 to
February 2002. From March 1990 to January 2001, Mr. Schulman served as Chief Financial Officer of
Applica. From February 1998 until June 1998, he served as a Senior Vice President and from February
1993 until June 1998, Mr. Schulman served as Executive Vice President Finance and Administration.
Prior thereto, he held other senior finance positions with Applica.
How are directors compensated?
Base Compensation. Applica pays a retainer to directors of $4,000 per month for service on
the Board of Directors. We also pay a fee of $1,500 for each Board of Directors meeting attended,
as well as each continuing director education seminar attended. Jerald Rosen, who serves as the
presiding director, receives a monthly retainer of $8,000 and a meeting fee of $2,500. Salaried
employees of Applica do not receive any additional cash compensation for serving as a director or
committee member.
Committee Meetings. Applica pays a fee of $1,250 to committee members for each committee
meeting attended and a fee of $1,750 to the chairman of the committee. Members of the Audit
Committee, however, receive a fee of $1,500 per meeting and the Chairman of the Audit Committee
receives a fee of $2,000 per meeting.
8
Stock Options. On June 1, 2005, each non-employee director of Applica received options to
acquire 1,500 shares of common stock at a price of $2.86 per share, the fair market value of the
common stock on such date. Applica intends to grant its non-employee directors options to acquire
1,500 shares of common stock on June 1st of this year.
How often did the Board meet during 2005?
The Board of Directors held 23 meetings during 2005, acted by written consent three times and
met in executive session 11 times. All of the directors attended more than 75% of the aggregate of
the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and the total number of meetings held by all
committees of the Board of Directors on which such person served.
As a general matter, members of the Board of Directors are expected to attend Applicas annual
meetings of shareholders absent a pressing reason. All of our directors attended the 2005 annual
meeting of shareholders, except Christopher B. Madison, who was not a member of our Board of
Directors at that time. We currently expect all of our directors to be in attendance at the 2006
annual meeting of shareholders.
How many members of the Board are independent?
No director is deemed to be independent unless the Board of Directors affirmatively determines
that the director has no material relationship with Applica, directly, or as an officer,
shareholder or partner of an organization that has a relationship with Applica. The Board observes
all criteria for independence established by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the New York
Stock Exchange and other governing laws and regulations. Seven of the members of the Board of
Directors are considered independent directors under the New York Stock Exchange listing rules.
Harry Schulman is an employee of Applica. Additionally, Tom Kane does not currently meet the
independence requirements, although we anticipate that he will be deemed an independent director by
the Board at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors held in May 2006. For additional
information, see Certain Relationships and Related Transactions on page 21 of this proxy
statement.
Has Applica adopted a code of ethics that applies to directors, officers and employees?
The Business Ethics and Code of Conduct Policy and the Conflict of Interest Policy, in their
current forms, were adopted by the Board of Directors in 2003 and apply to all directors, officers
and employees. Both policies are posted on Applicas website at www.applicainc.com. We will
provide copies of the each of the policies in print without charge to any shareholder who makes a
written request to: Corporate Secretary, Applica Incorporated, 3633 Flamingo Road, Miramar,
Florida 33027.
Any waiver of these policies for any executive officer or director may only be made by the
Board of Directors or a committee thereof and will be promptly disclosed to shareholders. Any
amendment to the Business Ethics and Code of Conduct Policy and the Conflict of Interest Policy
will also be promptly disclosed to shareholders.
What committees has the Board established?
The Board of Directors of Applica has the following committees:
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the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee; |
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the Compensation Committee; |
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the Audit Committee; and |
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the Merger and Acquisitions Committee. |
The members of each committee have been appointed by the Board of Directors to serve until the next
annual meeting of the shareholders or until their respective successors are elected and qualified.
9
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee (a) identifies individuals qualified to become members of Applicas Board of Directors;
(b) selects, or recommends that the Board of Directors select, the director nominees for the annual
meeting of shareholders; (c) develops and recommends to the Board of Directors a set of corporate
governance principles applicable to Applica; and (d) oversees the evaluation of the Board of
Directors and management of Applica. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is composed
of the following directors, each of whom is independent of Applica under the standards set forth in
the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange:
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Jerald Rosen, Chairman |
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Leonard Glazer |
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J. Maurice Hopkins |
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee met four times in 2005 and acted once by written
consent. The Committees written charter setting forth the Committees purpose and
responsibilities can be accessed through our website at www.applicainc.com.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee (a) reviews and approves Applicas
compensation philosophy; (b) administers Applicas short-and long-term incentive plans and other
stock or stock-based plans; (c) issues an annual report on executive compensation included in this
proxy statement beginning on page 15; and (d) reviews and approves general employee pension benefit
plans of Applica and other benefit plans on an as-needed basis. The Compensation Committee is
composed of the following directors, each of whom is independent of Applica under the standards set
forth in the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange and an outside director within
the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986:
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Jerald Rosen, Chairman |
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Leonard Glazer |
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J. Maurice Hopkins |
The Compensation Committee met 11 times in 2005. The Committees written charter setting forth the
Committees purpose and responsibilities can be accessed through our website at www.applicainc.com.
Audit Committee. The purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in
its oversight of:
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the integrity of the financial statements of Applica; |
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Applicas compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; |
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the independent auditors qualifications and independence; and |
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the performance of Applicas internal audit function and independent auditors; |
and to prepare the Audit Committee Report included in this proxy statement on page 13. The Audit
Committee is currently composed of the following directors:
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Jerald Rosen, Chairman |
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Ware Grove |
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Paul Sugrue |
Each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate and independent of Applica under the
standards set forth in the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange and meets the
additional independence requirement for members of audit committees promulgated by the Securities
and Exchange Commission. The Board has determined that Mr. Grove is an audit committee financial
expert as defined under SEC rules. The Audit Committee met 11 times in 2005. The Committees
written charter setting forth the Committees purpose and responsibilities can be accessed through
our website at www.applicainc.com.
Merger and Acquisition Committee. The Merger and Acquisition Committee is responsible for
assisting the Board of Directors, when and if necessary, in discharging its fiduciary duties
relating to reviewing and
10
approving material merger and acquisition transactions. The Merger and Acquisitions Committee
is currently composed of the following directors and did not meet in 2005:
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Paul Sugrue, Chairman |
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Ware Grove |
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Jerald Rosen |
Who is the Boards presiding director?
The non-management members of the Board of Directors have designated Jerald Rosen to serve as
Applicas presiding director until the 2006 annual meeting of shareholders. The presiding
directors primary responsibility is to preside over periodic executive sessions of the Board of
Directors in which management directors do not participate. The presiding director also advises
the Chairman of the Board and the committee chairs with respect to agendas and information needs
relating to Board and committee meetings and performs other duties that the Board may from time to
time delegate to assist it in the fulfillment of its responsibilities.
Does Applica have an audit committee financial expert?
The Board of Directors has determined that Ware Grove is an audit committee financial
expert, as such term is defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Mr. Grove is an independent director.
How do I communicate with the Board of Directors?
Shareholders and other parties interested in communicating directly with the presiding
director or with the non-management directors as a group may do so by writing to Presiding
Director, Applica Incorporated, 3633 Flamingo Road, Miramar, Florida 33027. Shareholders and other
parties interested in communicating directly with an individual director may do so by writing to
such director, c/o Applica Incorporated, 3633 Flamingo Road, Miramar, Florida 33027.
How do I recommend a director candidate?
Under Applicas Bylaws, nominations for director may be made by a shareholder entitled to vote
by delivering notice to Applica not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first
anniversary of the date of the notice of the preceding years annual meeting. For our shareholder
meeting in the year 2007, we must receive this notice on or after December 1, 2006, and on or
before December 31, 2006. Such notice must be sent to the Corporate Secretary and must set forth:
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as to each person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate for election or
reelection as a director, all information relating to such person that is required to
be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for elections of directors, or is otherwise
required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (including such persons written consent to being named in the proxy
statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); |
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as to the shareholder giving the notice, the name and address of such shareholder
and the class and number of shares of Applica which are beneficially owned by such
shareholder and also which are owned of record by such shareholder; and |
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as to the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made, the name
and address of such person and the class and number of shares of Applica which are
beneficially owned by such person. |
11
Applica may also require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably
be required by it to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee as a director. The
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider director candidates recommended by
shareholders.
How does the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee evaluate director nominees?
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews all nominees for the Board of
Directors in accordance with its charter and Applicas Corporate Governance Guidelines. The
assessment includes a review of the nominees judgment, experience, independence, understanding of
Applicas business or that of other related industries, and such other factors as the Committee
concludes are pertinent in light of the current needs of the Board. The Board of Directors
believes that its membership should bring to Applica a broad range of experience, knowledge and
judgment. Director nominees are required to possess the highest personal and professional ethics,
integrity and values and must be committed to representing the long-term interests of shareholders.
A candidates breadth of experience should enable him or her to contribute significantly to the
governance of Applica. Director nominees are required have sufficient time to effectively carry
out their duties; therefore, a candidates service on other boards and other time commitments will
be considered.
How can I obtain copies of the Corporate Governance Guidelines, Committee Charters or the Business Ethics and Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policies?
Copies of the Corporate Governance Guidelines, Committee Charters and the Business Ethics and
Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policies are available on the investor relations page of
our website at www.applicainc.com. Copies of these documents may also be obtained without charge
by writing to Applicas Corporate Secretary at 3633 Flamingo Road, Miramar, Florida 33027.
How can I obtain a copy of Applicas Annual Report on Form 10-K?
Copies of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, as well as
prior years, are available on the investor relations page of our website at www.applicainc.com.
Copies of the Form 10-K may also be obtained without charge by writing to Applicas Corporate
Secretary at 3633 Flamingo Road, Miramar, Florida 33027.
12
Report of the Audit Committee
The following Report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material and should
not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other filing of Applica under the
Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent Applica
specifically incorporates this Report by reference therein.
The Audit Committee reviews Applicas financial reporting process on behalf of the Board.
Management has the primary responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal
financial controls, for preparing the financial statements and for the public reporting process.
Grant Thornton LLP, Applicas independent registered public accounting firm for 2005, is
responsible for expressing opinions on the conformity of the audited financial statements with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and on managements
assessment of the effectiveness of Applicas internal control over financial reporting. In
addition, Grant Thornton expressed its own opinion on the effectiveness of Applicas internal
control over financial reporting.
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management and Grant Thornton:
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the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005; |
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managements assessment of the effectiveness of Applicas internal control over
financial reporting; and |
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Grant Thorntons evaluation on the effectiveness of Applicas internal control
over financial reporting. |
The Committee has discussed with Grant Thornton the matters that are required to be discussed
by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication With Audit Committees). Additionally, the
Committee has discussed with Grant Thornton that firms independence. Grant Thornton has provided
to the Committee the written disclosures and the letter required by Independence Standards Board
Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees) and the independence letter
required by the New York Stock Exchange. The Audit Committee also concluded that Grant Thorntons
provision of audit and non-audit services to Applica and its affiliates is compatible with Grant
Thorntons independence.
The Audit Committee discussed with Applicas Internal Auditor and Grant Thornton the overall
scope and plans for their respective audits. The Audit Committee met with the Vice President
Internal Audit and Grant Thornton, with and without management present, to discuss the results of
their audits, managements assessment of the effectiveness of Applicas internal control over
financial reporting, Grant Thorntons opinions regarding the effectiveness of Applicas internal
control over financial reporting, and the overall quality of Applicas financial reporting.
Based on the considerations referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of
Directors that the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005 be included in
Applicas Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2005 and, subject to shareholder approval, selected Grant
Thornton as the independent registered public accounting firm for Applica for 2006.
Each member of the Audit Committee is an independent director as determined by the Board of
Directors, based on the New York Stock Exchange listing rules. Each member of the committee also
satisfies the Securities and Exchange Commissions additional independence requirement for members
of audit committees. In addition, our Board of Directors has determined that Ware H. Grove is an
audit committee financial expert, as defined by SEC rules.
This report is provided by the following independent directors, who constitute the committee:
The Audit Committee
Jerald I. Rosen (Chairman)
Ware H. Grove
Paul K. Sugrue
13
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table. The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation paid
during 2005, 2004 and 2003 to our President and Chief Executive Officer (the CEO) and three other
executive officers. The CEO and such
executive officers are sometimes referred to herein as the Named Executive Officers.
David J. Coles, Applicas interim Chief Operating Officer, is an employee of
Alvarez & Marsal, a professional service firm, and is not
compensated by Applica. Therefore, he is not considered a Named
Executive Officer.
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Long-Term |
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Compensation |
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Annual Compensation |
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Awards |
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Securities |
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Underlying |
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Other Annual |
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Options/SARs |
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All Other |
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Name and Principal Position |
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Year |
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Salary ($) |
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Bonus ($) |
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Compensation ($) |
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(#)(1) |
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Compensation ($) |
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Harry D. Schulman |
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2005 |
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$ |
700,024 |
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$ |
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$ |
37,931 |
(2) |
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$ |
11,828 |
(3) |
Chairman, President and |
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2004 |
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649,532 |
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72,105 |
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500,000 |
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8,710 |
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Chief Executive Officer |
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2003 |
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536,200 |
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23,049 |
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12,376 |
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Terry Polistina |
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2005 |
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$ |
300,396 |
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$ |
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$ |
11,371 |
(4) |
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$ |
4,785 |
(5) |
Senior Vice President and |
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2004 |
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275,002 |
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10,800 |
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100,000 |
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2,674 |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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2003 |
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265,005 |
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250,000 |
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10,800 |
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6,646 |
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Brian Guptill |
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2005 |
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$ |
251,360 |
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$ |
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$ |
184,019 |
(6) |
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$ |
5,654 |
(7) |
Senior Vice President - |
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2004 |
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245,024 |
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82,808 |
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25,000 |
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2,590 |
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Engineering of Applica |
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2003 |
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235,014 |
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40,000 |
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80,078 |
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2,000 |
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6,590 |
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Consumer Products, Inc. |
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Michael J. Michienzi (8) |
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2005 |
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$ |
354,664 |
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$ |
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$ |
21,196 |
(9) |
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$ |
6,592 |
(10) |
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2004 |
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345,358 |
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20,574 |
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75,000 |
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8,642 |
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2003 |
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339,312 |
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290,000 |
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18,435 |
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12,617 |
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(1) |
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See Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises and Year-End Option/SAR Value Table below for
additional information about these options. Applica has not granted any SARs. |
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(2) |
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This amount includes a car allowance of $24,341; legal fees of $1,400; golf club membership
dues of $9,091; and tax preparation expenses of $3,099. |
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(3) |
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This amount represents life insurance premiums paid by Applica and matching contributions
made by Applica of $4,000 to its 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan. |
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(4) |
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This amount represents a car allowance. |
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(5) |
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This amount represents life insurance premiums paid by Applica and matching contributions
made by Applica of $4,000 to its 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan. |
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(6) |
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This amount includes a car allowance of $10,800 and ex patriot benefits of $173,219 in
connection with Mr. Guptills assignment in Hong Kong. |
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(7) |
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This amount includes life insurance premiums paid by Applica and matching contributions made
by Applica of $4,000 to its 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan. |
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(8) |
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Mr. Michienzi served as the President Household Products Division of Applica Consumer
Products, Inc. until his resignation in December 2005. |
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(9) |
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This amount includes a car allowance of $11,700; golf club membership dues and expenses of
$8,616; and accounting expenses of $880. |
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(10) |
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This amount represents life insurance and long term disability premiums paid by Applica and
matching contributions made by Applica of $4,000 to its 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan. |
14
Option/SAR Grants Table. There were no grants of stock options made during 2005 to any of the
Named Executive Officers. Applica does not grant any stock appreciation rights.
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises and Year-End Option/SAR Value Table. The following table sets
forth certain information concerning stock options exercised during 2005 and unexercised stock
options held by the Named Executive Officers as of the end of 2005.
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Fiscal Year 2005 and Fiscal Year-End
Option/SAR Values
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Number of |
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Securities |
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Value of |
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Underlying |
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Unexercised |
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Unexercised |
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In-the-Money |
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Options/SARs at |
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Options/SARs at |
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2005 Fiscal |
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2005 Fiscal |
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Year-End (#) |
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Year-End ($)(1) |
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Shares Acquired |
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Value |
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Exercisable (E) |
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Exercisable (E) |
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Name |
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on Exercise (#) |
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Realized ($) |
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Unexercisable (U) |
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Unexercisable (U) |
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Harry D. Schulman |
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219,667 |
(E) |
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$ |
0 |
(E) |
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333,333 |
(U) |
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$ |
0 |
(U) |
Terry Polistina |
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83,334 |
(E) |
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$ |
0 |
(E) |
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66,666 |
(U) |
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$ |
0 |
(U) |
Brian Guptill |
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31,334 |
(E) |
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$ |
0 |
(E) |
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18,166 |
(U) |
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$ |
0 |
(U) |
Michael J. Michienzi |
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95,000 |
(E) |
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$ |
0 |
(E) |
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0 |
(U) |
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$ |
0 |
(U) |
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(1) |
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Based on the closing price of Applicas common stock on December 30, 2005, which was $1.58. |
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(2) |
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Value Realized is the difference between the exercise price and the market price on the
exercise date multiplied by the number of options exercised. Value Realized numbers do not
necessarily reflect what the executive might receive if he sells the shares acquired by the
option exercise, because the market price of the shares at the time of sale may be higher or
lower than the price on the exercise date of the option. |
* * * * *
Report of the Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation
The following Report of the Compensation Committee and the performance graph which follows do
not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into
any other filing of Applica under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, except to the extent Applica specifically incorporates this Report or the performance graph
by reference therein.
Role and Composition of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee (a) approves
Applicas overall compensation philosophy, (b) administers Applicas short-term and long-term
incentive plans and other stock or stock-based plans, and (c) reviews and approves general employee
pension benefit plans and other benefit plans. In connection with its review of executive
compensation, the Committee:
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Periodically reviews Applicas philosophy regarding executive compensation and
counsels with the President and Chief Executive Officer relative to different
compensation approaches; |
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Reviews market data to assess Applicas competitive position for the three
components of executive compensation (base salary, annual incentives, and long-term
incentives) by reviewing executive compensation surveys, compiled by third-party
consultants, of companies in the small household appliance industry and reviews
supplemental general industry compensation information; and |
15
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Adopts or amends incentive compensation plans and stock-related plans in which the
President and Chief Executive Officer and other senior executives may be participants. |
A more complete description of the Committees functions is set forth in the Committees
written charter, which can be accessed through Applicas website at www.applicainc.com.
Each member of the Compensation Committee is an independent director as determined by the
Board of Directors, based on the New York Stock Exchange listing rules.
The Committee makes use of Applica resources and has retained independent legal counsel and an
independent compensation consultant to assist it in fulfilling certain of its duties.
Philosophy. The Committees executive compensation philosophy is to attract, motivate and
retain high quality executives necessary to enable Applica to achieve its business goals and derive
profitable growth and superior long-term shareholder value. To accomplish this goal, Applica
strives to provide competitive levels of total target compensation. The Committees policy is that
a significant portion of the executives total target compensation should be tied both to
achievement of Applicas annual and long-term performance goals, and achievement of identified
personal goals.
The Committee believes that Applicas compensation philosophy should be measured over a
sufficiently long period to enable it to determine whether its compensation programs are in line
with, and responsive to, shareholder expectations. The Compensation Committee does not rely solely
on predetermined formulas or a limited set of criteria when it determines appropriate compensation
for the President and Chief Executive Officer. It also relies on its judgment.
Components of Executive Compensation. In order to establish total target compensation levels
for Applica executives, the Committee considers total compensation in the competitive market. The
total compensation package for Applica executives consists of the three basic components of salary,
annual incentive and long-term incentives, as discussed below. Base Salary and target bonus levels
are generally set at the market median with differences where warranted. Information about
appropriate salary levels has been determined by reviewing executive compensation surveys of
companies in the small household appliance industry, public disclosures of other companies in the
household appliance and other industries and Applicas recruiting activities.
Base Salaries. Base salary is the only fixed portion of an executives compensation.
Base salaries are determined based upon relative responsibilities and functions, as well as the
executives experience and skills. Base salaries are reviewed annually and any additional increases
are based on competitive practices, as well as the performance of Applica and the executive
officer, including the executives contribution to the achievement of financial performance and
other key goals established for Applica during the year.
The salaries paid to the Named Executive Officers for the past three years are shown in the
table on page 14. Three of the Named Executive Officers are currently parties to employment
agreements with Applica.
Annual Incentive Bonuses. Annual bonus payments to executive officers are generally
tied to Applicas achievement of identified objective goals and the executives achievement of
identified personal performance goals. Bonuses are generally paid in the first quarter of the
following year. The personal goals for senior management are evaluated and approved by the
Committee each year. Maximum annual performance bonuses range from 50% to 200% of base salary
measured as of the end of the preceding year. The percentage is determined by the executives
position and responsibilities.
The corporate goals for 2005 were contribution margin of $159.5 million and EBITDA of $51.8
million. Contribution margin is gross profit minus direct expenses and EBITDA is earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Applica did not meet the goals established for
2005; as a result no cash bonuses were paid to executive officers. The bonuses paid to the Named
Executive Officers for the past three years are shown in the table on page 14.
16
Long-Term Incentive Compensation. The Committee supports awards of equity based
compensation in order to align the interests of Applica executives with Applica shareholders. At
the current time, the Committee is authorized to grant stock options to Applicas executive
officers pursuant to the 1996 Stock Option Plan, the 1998 Stock Option Plan and the 2000 Stock
Option Plan. The Compensation Committee has the authority to determine the individuals to whom
stock options are awarded, the terms upon which option grants are made, the duration of the options
and the number of shares subject to each option. Historically, it was the Compensation
Committees intention that, over time, compensation opportunities from option grants would
constitute a significant portion of each executive officers total compensation. However, the
Committee is re-evaluating the role of stock options as a component of long-term compensation. The
Compensation Committee is also in the process of reviewing other alternative forms of long-term
compensation that will motivate Applicas executives and align their interests with those of the
shareholders.
The size of the stock option grant is generally based on the position of the recipient. The
Compensation Committee reviews the overall performance of Applica and of each individual executive
officer, as well as past option grants to each executive officer, and makes decisions about
recipients and grant sizes for the year. Stock options are granted at the market price of
Applicas stock on the grant date, generally vest over a period of two to five years and expire
after five, six or ten years. Stock options will only have value if the stock appreciates after the
options are granted. No stock options were granted to the Named Executive Officers in 2005.
Compensation of President and Chief Executive Officer. In 2004, Applica entered into an
employment agreement with Harry D. Schulman, Applicas President and Chief Executive Officer. The
employment agreement sets the current terms and conditions of Mr. Schulmans employment and is
described on page 19. Mr. Schulman did not receive an increase in his base salary in 2005.
Mr. Schulman is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus based upon the achievement by
Applica of certain objective earnings goals and the completion of personal performance goals set by
the Compensation Committee each year. The performance bonus can range from 100% to 200% of his
base salary, depending on his performance and the performance of Applica. Mr. Schulman did not
receive an annual performance bonus in 2005 because the corporate and individual performance goals
established for 2005 were not met. In addition, Mr. Schulman was not granted any stock options in
2005.
This report on executive compensation for 2005 is provided by the undersigned, who constitute
the members of the Compensation Committee:
The Compensation Committee
Jerald I. Rosen (Chairman)
Leonard Glazer
J. Maurice Hopkins
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors consists of Jerald I. Rosen, Leonard
Glazer and J. Maurice Hopkins. Messrs. Rosen, Glazer and Hopkins are independent directors of
Applica and are not affiliated with any principal shareholder of Applica.
17
Comparative Performance by Applica
Set forth below is a five-year graphic comparison of the yearly percentage change in the
Companys cumulative shareholder return on its common stock with the cumulative total return of (i)
the Standard & Poors 500 Stock Index (the S&P 500 Index), (ii) the Standard & Poors SmallCap
600 Stock Index (the S&P SmallCap 600 Index) and (iii) a peer group index of similar companies
(the Peer Group Index).
The rules of the SEC require that if an index is selected which is different from the index
used in the immediately preceding fiscal year, Applicas total return must be compared with both
the newly selected index and the index used in the immediately preceding year. Last years proxy
statement included a comparison of Applicas performance with that of the S&P SmallCap 600 Index.
Applica decided to change from the S&P SmallCap 600 Index to the Peer Group Index because the Peer
Group represents comparisons with companies in Applicas industry. Certain of the companies
included as part of the Peer Group Index, which were selected on the basis of the similarity of
such companies to Applica, are also included in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index.
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Fiscal Year |
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Applica |
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Peer Group* |
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SmallCap 600 |
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S&P 500 |
2000 |
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$ |
100 |
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$ |
100 |
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$ |
100 |
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$ |
100 |
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2001 |
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185 |
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136 |
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107 |
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88 |
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2002 |
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103 |
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137 |
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91 |
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69 |
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2003 |
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156 |
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228 |
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126 |
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88 |
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2004 |
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124 |
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303 |
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155 |
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98 |
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2005 |
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32 |
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233 |
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167 |
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103 |
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* |
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Peer companies include National Presto Industries Inc., Jarden Corp.,
Helen of Troy Corp. Ltd., Salton, Inc., Global Technology Appliances and
Applica Incorporated. |
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NOTE: |
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The comparisons in this table are required by the SEC
and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of
possible future performance of the Applica common
stock. Assumes that $100 was invested on December
31, 2000 in the Applica common stock, the Peer Group
Index, the S&P 500 Index and the S&P SmallCap 600
Index and that dividends, if any, were reinvested
quarterly. |
18
Employment Agreements
Harry D. Schulman. Applica Incorporated and its wholly owned subsidiary, Applica Consumer
Products, Inc., entered into an employment agreement with Harry D. Schulman effective May 1, 2004
that provides for his employment as President and Chief Executive Officer of these companies
through May 1, 2007. The term of this agreement will be automatically extended each year for an
additional one-year period unless prior written notice of an intention not to extend is given by
either party at least 180 days prior to the applicable termination date. The agreement provides
that Mr. Schulman will receive an annual base salary of at least $700,000 and is eligible to
receive an annual incentive performance-based bonus to be determined based upon minimum, target and
maximum performance goals set by the Compensation Committee on or before March 31st of
each year. The target amount of the incentive bonus is equal to 100% of Mr. Schulmans annual base
salary and the maximum amount of the incentive bonus is equal to 200%. Mr. Schulman is also
eligible to participate in executive benefit plans (including stock based plans) and welfare
benefit plans sponsored by Applica. Additionally, Applica provides Mr. Schulman with life
insurance up to a maximum amount of five times his annual base salary
and pays for (1) an automobile, (2) annual dues
in a country club and (3) tax preparation and financial planning on an annual basis up to a maximum
of $5,000. Mr. Schulmans employment agreement also contains certain non-competition,
non-disclosure and non-solicitation covenants.
Under the terms of the agreement, if Mr. Schulmans employment is terminated by reason of (1)
death or disability, (2) by Applica other than in connection with a change of control or for cause
(as defined in the agreement), or (3) by Mr. Schulman for good reason (as defined in the
agreement), he will be entitled to receive an amount equal to the higher of:
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1.5 times his severance base (as defined below); or |
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the sum of (A) his annual base salary for the period remaining in the term of
the agreement and (B) his target level incentive bonus for the fiscal year during
which the termination occurs multiplied by the number of years remaining in the
term of the agreement. |
If there is a change of control during the term and Mr. Schulmans employment is terminated by
Applica prior to the earlier of the expiration of the term and 18 months of the date of the change
of control other than for cause, death, disability or good reason, then Mr. Schulman will be
entitled to receive an amount equal to the 2.5 times the severance base. In the event that Mr.
Schulman is terminated by Applica for cause (as defined in the agreement) or Mr. Schulman
terminates his employment without good reason, he will be entitled only to receive (a) any base
salary and incentive bonus which has been accrued but not yet paid as of the effective date of
termination and (b) reimbursement for all business expenses incurred prior to the termination date
which have not yet been reimbursed.
The term severance base is defined in the agreement as the sum of (1) Mr. Schulmans base
salary, plus (2) the higher of (a) the target-level incentive bonus for the year during which the
termination occurs and (b) the average of the incentive bonuses paid to Mr. Schulman for the three
years immediately preceding the year in which the termination occurs. Pursuant to his employment
agreement, subject to certain limitations, if any portion of the change-in-control payment made to
Mr. Schulman is subject to an excise tax pursuant to Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code,
Applica must also make a payment to him on an after tax basis in an amount equal to the excise tax
imposed.
Terry Polistina. Applica Consumer Products, Inc. entered into an employment agreement with
Terry Polistina effective May 1, 2005 that provides for his employment as Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer through May 1, 2007. The term of this agreement will be automatically
extended each year for an additional one-year period unless prior written notice of an intention
not to extend is given by either party at least 30 days prior to the applicable termination date.
The agreement provides for minimum annual base salary in addition to other benefits and annual
stock option grants at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Polistinas current
19
annual base salary is $315,000. The agreement also provides for an automobile allowance of $975
per month. Under the agreement, Mr. Polistina is entitled to an annual performance bonus based upon
Applicas achievement of certain objective earnings goals and his completion of personal
performance goals set by the Compensation Committee each year. The target amount of the
performance bonus is 50% of base salary.
Mr. Polistinas agreement contains certain non-competition, non-disclosure and
non-solicitation covenants. Mr. Polistina can be terminated for cause, in which case all
obligations of the company under the agreement immediately terminate, or without cause, in which
case he is entitled to a lump sum payment equal to the one and one-half times his severance base.
If, at any time during the term of the agreement, there is a change in control of Applica and
within one year after such change in control (1) Mr. Polistina is terminated without cause or (2)
if he terminates his employment under specific circumstances, the company must pay Mr. Polistina a
lump sum equal to one and one-half times his severance base.
Brian S. Guptill. Applica Consumer Products, Inc. entered into an employment agreement with
Brian Guptill effective May 1, 2005 that provides for his employment as Senior Vice
President-Engineering through May 1, 2007. The term of this agreement will be automatically
extended each year for an additional one-year period unless prior written notice of an intention
not to extend is given by either party at least 30 days prior to the applicable termination date.
The agreement provides for minimum annual base salary in addition to other benefits and annual
stock option grants at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Guptills current annual
base salary is $255,000. The agreement also provides for an automobile allowance of $900 per
month. Under the agreement, Mr. Guptill is entitled to an annual performance bonus based upon
Applicas achievement of certain objective earnings goals and his completion of personal
performance goals set by the Compensation Committee each year. The target amount of the
performance bonus is 50% of base salary.
Mr. Guptills agreement contains certain non-competition, non-disclosure and non-solicitation
covenants. Mr. Guptill can be terminated for cause, in which case all obligations of the company
under the agreement immediately terminate, or without cause, in which case he is entitled to a lump
sum payment equal to the one and one-half times his severance base. If, at any time during the
term of the agreement, there is a change in control of Applica and within one year after such
change in control (1) Mr. Guptill is terminated without cause or (2) if he terminates his
employment under specific circumstances, the company must pay Mr. Guptill a lump sum equal to one
and one-half times his severance base.
Mr. Guptill is currently on assignment for Applica in Hong Kong. In connection with this
assignment, Applica is providing Mr. Guptill with standard ex patriot differentials, including cost
of living differentials, host housing expenses, tax equalization, transportation allowance,
furniture allowance and relocation costs. Additionally, Applica has agreed to pay Mr. Guptill a
bonus of $100,000 upon the successful completion of the assignment.
Michael J. Michienzi. Applica Consumer Products, Inc. entered into an employment agreement
with Michael J. Michienzi effective May 1, 2005 that provided for his employment as President
Household Products Division of Applica Consumer Products, Inc. Mr. Michienzi resigned in December
2005 and his employment agreement was terminated at that time.
20
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Matters Relating to Ourimbah Investment Limited. Ourimbah Investment Limited, a Hong Kong
company, owns approximately 7.2% of the outstanding common stock of Applica. Mr. Lai Kin, who is
the majority owner of Ourimbah, served as a member of the Board of Directors of Applica until
October 2004. In April 1994, in connection with an acquisition by Applica from Ourimbah, Applica
agreed, upon a change of control of Applica prior to July 2009 (as defined in the acquisition
agreement), to make an additional payment to Ourimbah in respect of the acquisition. The payment
is equal to the greater of (i) the same multiple of earnings per share paid for the shares of
common stock of Applica received in connection with such change of control or (ii) the same
multiple of net asset value per share paid for the shares of common stock of Applica received in
connection with such change of control. A change of control of Applica will not be deemed to have
occurred, and no additional payment will be required, if the applicable transaction or series of
transactions is approved by at least 80% of the members of the Board of Directors of Applica.
Sales Representative Relationship. Applica Consumer Products, Inc. uses the services of TJK
Sales, Inc. (TJK), an independent sales representative. Thomas J. Kane, a member of Applicas
Board of Directors, is the sole shareholder and Chief Executive Officer of TJK. Applica Consumer
Products, Inc. entered into an agreement with TJK, pursuant to which Applica agreed to pay $3,000
per month plus certain expenses in return for TJKs services as a sales representative to J.C.
Penney. The agreement may be terminated by either party on 30 days notice. Payments to TJK
totaled approximately $47,000 in 2005. Applica also reimburses TJK for related out-of-pocket
expenses.
Mast Capital Management. Christopher B. Madison, a member of Applicas Board of Directors, is
a principal of Mast Capital Management, LLC, a Boston-based
investment management company focused on high
yield and special situation credit investing. A fund managed by Mast currently holds 2,328,200
shares of Applica common stock (approximately 9.6% of the outstanding shares) and made a $20
million secured term loan to Applica in October 2005. Both transactions were completed prior to
Mr. Madison becoming a member of Applicas Board. The term loan is secured by a lien on Applicas
assets, which is subordinate to Applicas senior revolving credit facility. The term loan bears
interest at the three-month LIBOR rate plus 625 basis points, which was 10.9% at December 31, 2005.
The term loan matures in November 2009 and requires no principal payments until such time. In
connection with the repayment of the term loan, after June 30, 2006 Applica is required to pay an
exit fee that increases on a periodic basis from 1% to 4% of the principal amount of the loan.
21
PROPOSAL TWO
ELIMINATION OF SUPER-MAJORITY VOTING PROVISIONS
FOR CERTAIN BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Introduction
Article Nine of our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation requires the
approval of the holders of 80% of our outstanding shares of common stock prior to the consummation
of the following transactions:
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certain mergers and consolidations; |
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the dispositions of assets or issuances or transfers of securities; |
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any reclassification of securities; |
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the adoption of a plan or proposals for our liquidation or dissolution; or |
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other similar transactions. |
A copy of Article Nine is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A.
On March 7, 2006, our Board of Directors adopted, subject to shareholder approval at the
annual meeting, a resolution approving the deletion of Article Nine of our Second Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation in its entirety. If the proposed amendment is approved by the
shareholders, it will become effective upon the filing and recording of the Third Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of
Florida.
Purpose
The provisions of Article Nine are generally intended to encourage an entity making an
unsolicited bid to acquire us to negotiate with our Board of Directors to reach terms that are fair
and provide the best results for our shareholders. Our Board of Directors believes that Article
Nine unnecessarily discourages potential investors from making an investment in us because of the
uncertainty and delay created by the super-majority voting requirement. When compared to a
transaction that can be consummated with another company without a charter provision like Article
Nine, the delay and additional cost imposed by Article Nine potentially make a transaction with us
less desirable.
In February 2006, we announced our intention to initiate an external process to explore
strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value. We have engaged Banc of America Securities as
our financial advisor to assist the Board and management in this process, which could include a
sale or merger of the Company. We believe that the elimination of Article Nine will provide us
additional flexibility in this process and will allow us to explore a broader range of strategic
alternatives, which we believe will be beneficial to our shareholders. In light of our decision to
pursue strategic alternatives, the Board of Directors believes that Article Nine should be
eliminated.
Additionally, many investors and others view provisions such as Article Nine as conflicting
with principles of good corporate governance. The requirement of a super-majority vote can limit
the ability of shareholders to effect change by essentially providing a veto to a large minority
shareholder or group of shareholders. A lower threshold for shareholder votes can increase our
shareholders ability to effectively participate in corporate governance.
The provisions of Section 607.0901 of the Florida Business Corporation Act are applicable to
the same types of transactions as Article Nine, but, unless a shareholder vote is otherwise
required by applicable law, only require a majority of our disinterested directors to approve such
a transaction. A copy of Section 607.0901 of the Florida Business Corporation Act is attached to
this Proxy Statement as Appendix B. By requiring the consent of the disinterested
directors, Section 607.0901 encourages an entity making an unsolicited bid to acquire us to
negotiate with our Board of Directors to reach terms that are fair and provide the best results for
our shareholders, but does not
22
result in the cost and delay of the Article Nine process. If the disinterested
directors do not approve the transaction, Section 607.0901 allows the transaction to be consummated
if approved by holders of at least two-thirds of our outstanding shares of common stock.
The amendment is not being proposed in connection with any particular transaction or
negotiations to which we are a party.
Effect of Proposed Amendment
If this amendment is approved, certain mergers, consolidations, dispositions of assets or
issuances or transfers of securities; any reclassification of securities; the adoption of a plan or
proposals for our liquidation or dissolution; or other similar transactions could be approved by a
majority of our disinterested directors and the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares, if
required by law, but would no longer require the 80% super-majority approval.
The effect of this proposed amendment will be that a majority of our disinterested directors
and the holders of 50% of the our outstanding shares, or holders of two-thirds of our outstanding
shares without the approval of the disinterested directors, will be able to cause the approval of
any transaction that currently requires the 80% super-majority approval under Article Nine.
Vote Required to Approve the Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation
In accordance with Article Nine of the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation,
the affirmative vote of holders of at least 80% of our outstanding shares of common stock is
required to approve this proposal.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO OUR SECOND
AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION WHICH WOULD ELIMINATE THE SUPER-MAJORITY VOTING
PROVISIONS IN ARTICLE NINE FOR CERTAIN BUSINESS COMBINATIONS.
23
PROPOSAL THREE
AUTHORIZATION OF BLANK CHECK PREFERRED STOCK
Introduction
On March 7, 2006, our Board of Directors adopted, subject to shareholder approval at the
annual meeting, a resolution approving the amendment and restatement of Article Three of our Second
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to increase our authorized capital stock from
75,000,000 to 76,000,000 and to authorize 1,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.10
par value per share, in such series, and containing such preferences, limitations and relative
rights as may be determined by our Board of Directors from time to time.
If the proposed amendment is approved by the shareholders, it will become effective upon the
filing and recording of the Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation with the office of
the Secretary of State of the State of Florida. A copy of the Third Amended and Restated Articles
of Incorporation are attached as Appendix C to this Proxy Statement. The text may be
amended to include changes required by the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Florida
upon the filing of the Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.
Purpose
Our Board of Directors believes that the preferred stock is desirable to enhance our
flexibility to address future financing needs by authorizing the Board of Directors, without
shareholder approval, to create series of preferred stock customized to meet the needs of any
particular transaction and prevailing market conditions. Additionally, in light of our decision to
pursue strategic alternatives, we believe that the creation of the preferred stock will allow us to
explore a variety of options, which we believe will make the process more competitive. If any
shares of preferred stock are to be issued in connection with a potential business transaction that
independently requires shareholder approval, such approval will be sought at the appropriate time.
If the shares of preferred stock are authorized, our Board of Directors would have the
authority to designate one or more series of up to a total of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
and to determine the designations, preferences and limitations of each such series, including, but
not limited to:
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the number of shares; |
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dividend rights; |
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interest rates; |
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voting rights; |
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conversion prices; |
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redemption prices; |
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sinking fund provisions; |
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maturity dates; and |
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rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. |
Such provisions are often referred to as blank check provisions because they give the Board
of Directors the flexibility, at any time or from time to time, without further shareholder
approval, to create one or more series of preferred stock.
This amendment is not being proposed in connection with any particular transaction or
negotiations to which we are a party. We do not have any current intention to issue shares of
preferred stock or warrants, options or other rights to purchase shares of our preferred stock, but
may do so if the proposed amendment to authorize the shares of preferred stock is approved by our
shareholders.
24
If we raise additional funds through the issuance of additional equity securities, our
shareholders may experience dilution, which could be significant. Our shareholders do not have any
preemptive rights to acquire preferred stock or any of our other securities. If we issue preferred
stock our shareholders may also experience the other effects described below under the heading
Effect of the Proposed Amendment.
Effect of the Proposed Amendment
It is not possible to determine the actual effect of the authorization and issuance of the
preferred stock on our shareholders until our Board of Directors determines the rights of the
holders of a series of preferred stock. Such effects might include:
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restrictions on the payment of dividends to holders of our common stock; |
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dilution of the voting power of our common stock; |
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impairment of the liquidation rights of our common stock; and |
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delaying or preventing a change in control of Applica. |
Potential Anti-Takeover Effects
Our Board of Directors does not intend or view the authorization of preferred stock as an
anti-takeover measure. However, under certain circumstances, the Board of Directors could:
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use the preferred stock to create voting impediments, including a poison pill or
otherwise frustrate persons seeking to effect a takeover or otherwise gain control of
Applica; or |
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privately place shares of our preferred stock with purchasers who might favor our
Board of Directors and management in opposing a hostile takeover bid. |
As a result, the preferred stock may discourage a proposed acquisition of Applica and may
adversely affect the market price of, and other rights of the holders of, our common stock. We are
not aware of any attempt to effect a change in control or takeover of Applica as of the date of
this Proxy Statement.
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock represented in person or
by proxy is necessary for the approval of the authorization of the 1,000,000 shares of undesignated
preferred stock.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENTS SET FORTH IN THE
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION WHICH WOULD INCREASE THE AUTHORIZED SHARES OF
OUR CAPITAL STOCK TO 76,000,000 SHARES AND DESIGNATE 1,000,000 OF SUCH SHARES AS UNDESIGNATED
PREFERRED STOCK.
25
PROPOSAL FOUR
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed Grant Thornton LLP as Applicas
independent accountants for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, subject to the ratification of
the appointment by the shareholders. Grant Thornton has served as Applicas independent
accountants since 1976. A representative of Grant Thornton LLP is expected to be present at the
annual meeting to make a statement, if he desires to do so, and to respond to appropriate
questions.
Audit Fees. Fees paid to Grant Thornton relating to the audit of the consolidated annual
financial statements, including the audit of Applicas internal control over financial reporting,
statutory audits of foreign subsidiaries, and its limited reviews of Applicas unaudited condensed
consolidated interim financial statements totaled approximately
$911,000 in 2005 and $942,000 in
2004.
Audit-Related Fees. Fees for audit related services paid to Grant Thornton totaled
approximately $68,000 in 2005 and $142,000 in 2004. Audit related services included fees for
assistance with the implementation of the requirements of SEC rules or listing standards, internal
control reviews and assistance with internal control reporting requirements and accounting advice.
Tax Fees. Fees for tax services paid to Grant Thornton, including tax compliance, tax advice
and tax planning, totaled approximately $150,000 in 2005 and $122,000 in 2004.
All Other Fees. No other fees were paid to Grant Thornton LLP during 2005 or 2004.
Pre-Approval Policy. The Audit Committee has adopted the Audit and Non-Audit Services
Pre-Approval Policy, which sets forth the procedures and the conditions pursuant to which services
proposed to be performed by Grant Thornton may be pre-approved. As permitted by applicable
regulations, the policy uses a combination of specific pre-approval on a case-by-case basis of
individual engagements and general pre-approval of certain categories of engagements up to
predetermined dollar thresholds that are reviewed at least annually by the Audit Committee.
All engagements of Grant Thornton to perform any audit services and non-audit services have
been pre-approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the policy. The policy has not been
waived in any instance. The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit
services is compatible with maintaining the auditors independence.
In the event that shareholders do not ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton, the Audit
Committee of the Board of Directors will reconsider the appointment.
THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF GRANT THORNTON LLP AS APPLICAS INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS FOR FISCAL 2006.
26
INFORMATION CONCERNING SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
AND DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS
Shareholder Proposals. Any shareholder who intends to present a proposal at the 2007 annual
meeting of shareholders and who wishes to have their proposal included in the proxy statement for
that meeting, must deliver the proposal, not exceeding 500 words in length, to the Corporate
Secretary of Applica in writing not later than December 1, 2006.
Advance Notice Procedures. Under Applicas Bylaws, nominations for director may be made only
by the Board or a Board committee, or by a shareowner entitled to vote who delivers notice to
Applica not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of
the notice of the preceding years annual meeting. For Applicas meeting in the year 2007, we must
receive this notice on or after December 1, 2006, and on or before December 31, 2006. Nominations
that are timely received will be considered by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of
the Board of Directors.
The Bylaws also provide that no business may be brought before an annual meeting except as
specified in the notice of meeting or as otherwise brought before the meeting by or at the
direction of the Board or by a shareholder entitled to vote who has delivered notice to Applica
(containing certain information specified in the Bylaws) within the time limits described above for
delivering notice of a nomination for the election of a director. Therefore, any shareholder
proposal submitted other than for inclusion in our proxy materials must be received within the time
limits or will be considered untimely.
A copy of the full text of the Bylaw provisions discussed above may be obtained by writing to
Applicas Corporate Secretary at 3633 Flamingo Road, Miramar, Florida 33027.
OTHER BUSINESS
As of the date of this proxy statement, the Board of Directors knows of no other business to
be presented at the 2006 annual meeting of shareholders. If any other business should properly
come before the meeting, including any matter omitted from the proxy statement pursuant to the
rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will
vote thereon in accordance with the recommendation of the Board of Directors, or, in the absence of
such a recommendation, in accordance with their judgment.
Mailing Address. The mailing address of our principal executive offices is 3633 Flamingo
Road, Miramar, Florida 33027.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Lisa R. Carstarphen
Lisa R. Carstarphen
Corporate Secretary
Miramar, Florida
March 31, 2006
27
APPENDIX A
ARTICLE NINE
Section 1. (a) In addition to any affirmative vote required by law or these Articles of
Incorporation, and except as otherwise expressly provided in paragraph 2 of this Article Nine:
(i) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary (as hereinafter
defined) with (a) any Interested Shareholder (as hereinafter defined) or (b) any other
corporation (whether or not itself an Interested Shareholder) which is, or after such merger
or consolidation would be, an Affiliate or Associate (as hereinafter defined) of an
Interested Shareholder; or
(ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one
transaction or a series of transactions) to or with any Interested Shareholder or any
Affiliate or Associate of any Interested Shareholder of any assets of the Corporation or any
Subsidiary having an aggregate Fair Market Value (as hereinafter defined) of $4,000,000 or
more; or
(iii) the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or any Subsidiary (in one transaction
or a series of transactions) of any securities of the Corporation or any Subsidiary to any
Interested Shareholder or to any Affiliate or Associate of any Interested Shareholder in
exchange for cash, securities or other property (or a combination thereof) having an
aggregate Fair Market Value of $4,000,000; or
(iv) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the
Corporation proposed by or on behalf of an Interested Shareholder or any Affiliate or
Associate of any Interested Shareholder; or
(v) any reclassification of securities (including any reverse stock split), or
recapitalization of the corporation, or any merger or consolidation of the Corporation with
any of its Subsidiaries or any other transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise
involving an Interested Shareholder) which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of
increasing the proportionate share of the outstanding shares of any class of equity or
convertible securities of the Corporation or any Subsidiary which is directly or indirectly
owned by any Interested Shareholder or any Affiliate or Associate of any of any Interested
Shareholder;
shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least eighty percent (80%) of the
then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors, voting together as a single class. Such affirmative vote shall be required
notwithstanding the fact that no vote may be required, or that a lesser percentage may be
specified, by law or in any agreement with any national securities exchange or otherwise.
(b) The term Business Combination as used in this Article Nine shall mean any transaction
which is referred to in any one or more of clauses (i) through (v) of subparagraph (a) of this
paragraph 1.
Section 2. The provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article Nine shall not be applicable to any
particular Business Combination, and such Business Combination shall require only such affirmative
vote as is required by law, any other provision of these Articles of Incorporation, any agreement
with any national securities exchange or otherwise, but not the vote called for in subparagraph
1(a) of this Article Nine, if all of the conditions specified in either of the following
subparagraphs (a) or (b) are met:
(a) The Business Combination shall have been approved by both (i) a majority of the Continuing
Directors (as hereinafter defined), even if the Continuing Directors do not constitute a quorum of
the entire Board of Directors, it being understood that this condition shall not be capable of
satisfaction unless there is at least one Continuing Director; and (ii) the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the Voting Stock who are Unaffiliated Shareholders
(as hereinafter defined).
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(b) All of the following conditions shall have been met:
(i) The consideration to be received by holders of shares of a particular class of
outstanding Voting Stock shall be in cash or in the same form as the Interested Shareholder
has paid for shares of such class of Voting Stock within the two-year period ending on and
including the date on which the Interested Shareholder became an Interested Shareholder (the
Determination Date). If, within such two-year period, the Interested Shareholder has paid
for shares of any class of Voting Stock with varying forms of consideration, the form of
consideration to be received per share by holders of shares of such class of Voting Stock
shall be either cash or the form used to acquire the largest number of shares of such class
of Voting Stock acquired by the Interested Shareholder within such two-year period.
(ii) The aggregate amount of (x) the cash and (y) the Fair Market Value, as of the date
(the Consummation Date) of the consummation of the Business Combination, of the
consideration other than cash to be received per share by holders of Voting Stock in such
Business Combination shall be at least equal to the higher of the following (it being
intended that the requirements of this subparagraph (b)(ii) shall be required to be met with
respect to all shares of Voting Stock outstanding whether or not the Interested Shareholder
or any Affiliate or Associate of such Interested Shareholder has previously acquired any
shares of Voting Stock:
(A) (if applicable) the highest per share price (including any brokerage
commissions, transfer taxes and soliciting dealers fees) paid by the Interested
Shareholder or by any Affiliate or Associate of such Interested Shareholder for any
shares of Voting Stock acquired by it within the two-year period immediately prior
to the date of the first public announcement of the proposal of the Business
Combination (the Announcement Date) or in the transaction in which it became an
Interested Shareholder, whichever is higher;
(B) the Fair Market Value per share of Voting Stock on the Announcement Date or
on the Determination Date, whichever is higher; or
(C) the highest preferential amount per share, if any, to which the holders of
shares of such class of Voting Stock are entitled in the event of any voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation.
(iii) After such Interested Shareholder has become an Interested Shareholder and prior
to the consummation of such Business Combination: (a) there shall have been (I) no failure
to declare and pay at the regular rate therefor any full quarterly dividends (whether or not
cumulative) on the outstanding shares of any class of the corporations stock, except as
approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors, (II) no reduction in the annual rate of
dividends paid on the Common Stock (except as necessary to reflect any subdivision of the
Common Stock), except as approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors, and (III) an
increase in the annual rate of dividends paid on any class of the corporations Voting Stock
as necessary to reflect any reclassification (including any reverse stock split),
recapitalization, reorganization or any similar transaction which has the effect of reducing
the number of outstanding shares of the Common Stock, unless the failure to so increase such
annual rate is approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors; and (b) such Interested
Shareholder shall not have become the beneficial owner of any additional shares of Voting
Stock except as part of the transaction which results in such Interested Shareholder
becoming an Interested Shareholder.
(iv) After such Interested Shareholder has become an Interested Shareholder, such
Interested Shareholder shall not have received the benefit, directly or indirectly (except
proportionately, solely in such Interested Shareholders capacity as a shareholder of the
corporation), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial assistance or
any tax credits or other tax advantages provided by the corporation, whether in anticipation
of or in connection with such Business Combination or otherwise.
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(v) A proxy or information statement describing the proposed Business Combination and
complying with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the
rules and regulations thereunder (or any subsequent provisions replacing such Act, rules or
regulations) shall be mailed to all shareholders of the Corporation at least 30 days
prior to the consummation of such Business Combination (whether or not such proxy or
information statement is required to be mailed pursuant to such Act or subsequent
provisions).
(c) For the purposes of this Article Nine:
(i) A person shall mean any individual, partnership, firm, corporation or other
entity.
(ii) Interested Shareholder shall mean any person (other than the Corporation or any
Subsidiary) who or which:
(A) is the beneficial owner of more than ten percent of the voting power of the
outstanding Voting Stock; or
(B) is an Affiliate or Associate of the Corporation and at any time within the
two-year period immediately prior to the date in question was the beneficial owner
of ten percent or more of the voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock; or
(C) is an assignee of or has otherwise succeeded to any shares of the Voting
Stock which were at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the
date in question beneficially owned by any Interested Shareholder, if such
assignment or succession shall have occurred in the course of a transaction or
series of transactions not involving a public offering within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(iii) Beneficial Owner shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 of
the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as
in effect on January 1, 1984.
(iv) For the purposes of determining whether a person is an Interested Shareholder
pursuant to subsection (ii) of this subparagraph (c), the number of shares of Voting Stock
deemed to be outstanding shall include shares deemed owned through application of subsection
(iii) of this subparagraph (c) but shall not include any other shares of Voting Stock which
may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon exercise of
conversion rights, warrants or options or otherwise.
(v) Affiliate or Associate shall mean the respective meanings ascribed to such
terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, as in effect on January 1, 1984.
(vi) Subsidiary means any corporation of which a majority of any class of equity
security is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation; provided, however, that for
the purposes of the definition of Interested Shareholder set forth in subsection (ii) of
this subparagraph (c), the term Subsidiary shall mean only a corporation of which a
majority of each class of equity security is owned, directly or indirectly, by the
Corporation.
(vii) Continuing Director means any member of the Board of Directors of the
Corporation who (i) is neither the Interested Shareholder involved in the Business
Combination as to which a vote of Continuing Directors is provided hereunder, nor an
Affiliate, Associate, employee, agent or nominee of such Interested Shareholder, or the
relative of any of the foregoing, and (ii) was either (a) a member of the Board of
Directors prior to the time that such Interested Shareholder became an Interested
A-3
Shareholder, or (b) a successor of a Continuing Director described in clause (a) who is
recommended to succeed a Continuing Director by the affirmative vote of a majority of
Continuing Directors then on the Board of Directors.
(viii) Fair Market Value means: (a) in the case of stock, the highest closing sale
price during the 30-day period immediately preceding the date in question of a share of such
stock on the Composite Tape for New York Stock Exchange Listed Stocks, or, if such stock
is not quoted on the Composite Tape, on the New York Stock Exchange, or, if such stock is
not listed on such Exchange, on the principal United States securities exchange registered
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, on which such stock is listed, or, if
such stock is not listed on any such exchange, the highest closing bid quotation with
respect to a share of such stock during the 30-day period preceding the date in question on
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System or any
system then in use, or if no such quotations are available, the fair market value on the
date in question of a share of such stock as determined by a majority of the Continuing
Directors in good faith; and (b) in the case of property other than cash or stock, the fair
market value of such property on the date in question is determined by a majority of the
Continuing Directors in good faith.
(ix) Unaffiliated Shareholder means any shareholder of the Corporation who is neither
the Interested Shareholder involved in the Business Combination as to which a vote of
Unaffiliated Shareholders is provided hereunder, nor an Affiliate, Associate, employee,
agent or nominee of such Interested Shareholder, or a relative of any of the foregoing.
(x) Voting Stock means all outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation or
another corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, and each
reference to a proportion of shares of Voting Stock shall refer to such proportion of the
votes entitled to be cast by such shares.
(xi) In the event of any Business Combination in which the Corporation survives, the
phrase consideration other than cash to be received as used in subsection 2(b)(ii) of this
Article Nine shall include the shares of Common Stock and/or the shares of any other class
of outstanding Voting Stock retained by the holders of such shares.
(d) A majority of the Continuing Directors, if any, constitute a majority of the total number
of directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in directorships at the time any such
determination as is hereinafter in this subparagraph (d) specified is to be made by the Board)
shall have the power and fiduciary duty to all of the shareholders to determine, on the basis of
information known to them after reasonable inquiry, all facts necessary to determine compliance
with this Article Nine, including, without limitation, (1) whether a person is an Interested
Shareholder or an Unaffiliated Shareholder; (2) the number of shares of Voting Stock beneficially
owned by any person; (3) whether a person is an Affiliate or Associate of another; (4) whether the
applicable conditions set forth in subsection (ii) of subparagraph 2(b) have been met with respect
to any Business Combination; and (5) whether the assets which are the subject of any Business
Combination referred to in subsection (ii) of subparagraph 1(a) have, or the consideration to be
received for the issuance or transfer of securities by the Corporation or any Subsidiary in any
Business Combination referred to in subsection (iii) in subparagraph 1(a), has an aggregate Fair
Market Value of $4,000,000 or more.
(e) Nothing contained in this Article Nine shall be construed to relieve any Interested
Shareholder from any fiduciary obligation imposed by law.
(f) Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Articles of Incorporation or any provision
of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any affirmative
vote of the holders of any particular class or series of the Voting Stock required by law, these
Articles of Incorporation or any Preferred Stock designation, the affirmative vote of the holders
of at least 80 percent of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of the Voting
Stock, voting together as a single class, shall be required to alter, amend or repeal, or to adopt
any provisions inconsistent with, this Article Nine.
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APPENDIX B
SECTION 607.0901 OF THE FLORIDA BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT
607.0901 Affiliated transactions.
(1) For purposes of this section:
(a) Affiliate means a person who directly, or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, a specified person.
(b) Affiliated transaction, when used in reference to the corporation and any interested
shareholder, means:
1. Any merger or consolidation of the corporation or any subsidiary of the corporation with:
a. The interested shareholder; or
b. Any other corporation (whether or not itself an interested shareholder) which is, or after
such merger or consolidation would be, an affiliate or associate of the interested shareholder;
2. Any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition (in one
transaction or a series of transactions) to or with the interested shareholder or any affiliate or
associate of the interested shareholder of assets of the corporation or any subsidiary of the
corporation:
a. Having an aggregate fair market value equal to 5 percent or more of the aggregate fair
market value of all the assets, determined on a consolidated basis, of the corporation;
b. Having an aggregate fair market value equal to 5 percent or more of the aggregate fair
market value of all the outstanding shares of the corporation; or
c. Representing 5 percent or more of the earning power or net income, determined on a
consolidated basis, of the corporation;
3. The issuance or transfer by the corporation or any subsidiary of the corporation (in one
transaction or a series of transactions) of any shares of the corporation or any subsidiary of the
corporation which have an aggregate fair market value equal to 5 percent or more of the aggregate
fair market value of all the outstanding shares of the corporation to the interested shareholder or
any affiliate or associate of the interested shareholder except pursuant to the exercise of
warrants or rights to purchase stock offered, or a dividend or distribution paid or made, pro rata
to all shareholders of the corporation;
4. The adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the corporation
proposed by, or pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, or understanding (whether or not in
writing) with, the interested shareholder or any affiliate or associate of the interested
shareholder;
5. Any reclassification of securities (including, without limitation, any stock split, stock
dividend, or other distribution of shares in respect of shares, or any reverse stock split) or
recapitalization of the corporation, or any merger or consolidation of the corporation with any
subsidiary of the corporation, or any other transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise
involving the interested shareholder), with the interested shareholder or any affiliate or
associate of the interested shareholder, which has the effect, directly or indirectly (in one
transaction or a series of transactions during any 12-month period), of increasing by more than 5
percent the percentage of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation or any subsidiary of the
corporation beneficially owned by the interested shareholder; or
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6. Any receipt by the interested shareholder or any affiliate or associate of the interested
shareholder of the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a shareholder of the
corporation), of any loans, advances, guaranties, pledges, or other financial assistance or any tax
credits or other tax advantages provided by or through the corporation.
(c) Announcement date, when used in reference to any affiliated transaction, means the date
of the first general public announcement of the proposed affiliated transaction or of the intention
to propose an affiliated transaction, or the date on which the proposed affiliated transaction or
the intention to propose an affiliated transaction is first communicated generally to the
shareholders of the corporation, whichever is earlier.
(d) Associate, when used to indicate a relationship with any person, means any entity,
other than the corporation or any of its subsidiaries, of which such person is an officer,
director, or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of 10 percent or more of
any class of voting shares; any trust or other estate in which such person has a substantial
beneficial interest or as to which such person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary
capacity; and any relative or spouse of such person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the
same home as such person or who is an officer or director of the corporation or any of its
affiliates.
(e) A person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of voting shares as to which such person
and such persons affiliates and associates, individually or in the aggregate, have or share
directly, or indirectly through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or
otherwise:
1. Voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of the voting
shares;
2. Investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of
the voting shares; or
3. The right to acquire the voting power or investment power, whether such right is
exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time, pursuant to any contract, arrangement,
or understanding, upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants, or options, or
otherwise; however, in no case shall a director of the corporation be deemed to be the beneficial
owner of voting shares beneficially owned by another director of the corporation solely by reason
of actions undertaken by such persons in their capacity as directors of the corporation.
(f) Control means the possession, directly or indirectly, through the ownership of voting
shares, by contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise, of the power to direct
or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a
person shall not be deemed to have control of a corporation if such person holds voting shares, in
good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing this section, as an agent, bank, broker,
nominee, custodian, or trustee for one or more beneficial owners who do not individually or as a
group have control of such corporation.
(g) Determination date means the date on which an interested shareholder became an
interested shareholder.
(h) Unless otherwise specified in the articles of incorporation initially filed with the
Department of State, a disinterested director means as to any particular interested shareholder:
1. Any member of the board of directors of the corporation who was a member of the board of
directors before the later of January 1, 1987, or the determination date; and
2. Any member of the board of directors of the corporation who was recommended for election
by, or was elected to fill a vacancy and received the affirmative vote of, a majority of the
disinterested directors then on the board.
(i) Exchange Act means the Act of Congress known as the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
the same has been or hereafter may be amended from time to time.
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(j) Fair market value means:
1. In the case of shares, the highest closing sale price of a share quoted during the 30-day
period immediately preceding the date in question on the composite tape for shares listed on the
New York Stock Exchange; or, if such shares are not quoted on the composite tape on the New York
Stock Exchange or if such shares are not listed on such exchange, the highest closing sale price
quoted during such period on the principal United States securities exchange registered under the
Exchange Act on which such shares are listed; or, if such shares are not listed on any such
exchange, the highest closing bid quotation with respect to a share during the 30-day period
preceding the date in question on the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., automated
quotations system or any similar system then in general use; or, if no such quotations are
available, the fair market value of a share on the date in question as determined by a majority of
disinterested directors; and
2. In the case of property other than cash or shares, the fair market value of such property
on the date in question as determined by a majority of the disinterested directors.
(k) Interested shareholder means any person who is the beneficial owner of more than 10
percent of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation. However, the term interested
shareholder shall not include the corporation or any of its subsidiaries; any savings, employee
stock ownership, or other employee benefit plan of the corporation or any of its subsidiaries; or
any fiduciary with respect to any such plan when acting in such capacity. For the purpose of
determining whether a person is an interested shareholder, the number of voting shares deemed to be
outstanding shall include shares deemed owned by the interested shareholder through application of
subparagraph (e)3. but shall not include any other voting shares that may be issuable pursuant to
any contract, arrangement, or understanding, upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange
rights, warrants, or options, or otherwise.
(l) Shares means the units into which the proprietary interests in an entity are divided
and includes:
1. Any stock or similar security, any certificate of interest, any participation in any
profit-sharing agreement, any voting trust certificate, or any certificate of deposit for shares;
and
2. Any security convertible, with or without consideration, into shares; or any warrant,
call, or other option or privilege of buying shares without being bound to do so; or any other
security carrying any right to acquire, subscribe to, or purchase shares.
(m) Subsidiary means, as to any corporation, any other corporation of which it owns,
directly or indirectly through one or more subsidiaries, a majority of the voting shares.
(n) Valuation date means, if the affiliated transaction is voted upon by shareholders, the
day before the date of the vote of shareholders or, if the affiliated transaction is not voted upon
by shareholders, the date of the consummation of the affiliated transaction.
(o) Voting shares means the outstanding shares of all classes or series of the corporation
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (4), in addition to any affirmative vote required by any
other section of this act or by the articles of incorporation, an affiliated transaction shall be
approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the voting shares other than the
shares beneficially owned by the interested shareholder.
(3) A majority of the disinterested directors shall have the power to determine for the purposes
of this section:
(a) Whether a person is an interested shareholder;
(b) The number of voting shares beneficially owned by any person;
(c) Whether a person is an affiliate or associate of another; and
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(d) Whether the securities to be issued or transferred by the corporation or any of its
subsidiaries to any interested shareholder or any affiliate or associate of the interested
shareholder have an aggregate fair market value equal to or greater than 5 percent of the aggregate
fair market value of all of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation or any of its
subsidiaries.
(4) The voting requirements set forth in subsection (2) do not apply to a particular affiliated
transaction if all of the conditions specified in any one of the following paragraphs are met:
(a) The affiliated transaction has been approved by a majority of the disinterested
directors;
(b) The corporation has not had more than 300 shareholders of record at any time during the 3
years preceding the announcement date;
(c) The interested shareholder has been the beneficial owner of at least 80 percent of the
corporations outstanding voting shares for at least 5 years preceding the announcement date;
(d) The interested shareholder is the beneficial owner of at least 90 percent of the
outstanding voting shares of the corporation, exclusive of shares acquired directly from the
corporation in a transaction not approved by a majority of the disinterested directors;
(e) The corporation is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940; or
(f) In the affiliated transaction, consideration shall be paid to the holders of each class
or series of voting shares and all of the following conditions shall be met:
1. The aggregate amount of the cash and the fair market value as of the valuation date of
consideration other than cash to be received per share by holders of each class or series of voting
shares in such affiliated transaction are at least equal to the highest of the following:
a. If applicable, the highest per share price, including any brokerage commissions, transfer
taxes, and soliciting dealers fees, paid by the interested shareholder for any shares of such
class or series acquired by it within the 2-year period immediately preceding the announcement date
or in the transaction in which it became an interested shareholder, whichever is higher;
b. The fair market value per share of such class or series on the announcement date or on the
determination date, whichever is higher;
c. If applicable, the price per share equal to the fair market value per share of such class
or series determined pursuant to sub-subparagraph b., multiplied by the ratio of the highest per
share price, including any brokerage commissions, transfer taxes, and soliciting dealers fees,
paid by the interested shareholder for any shares of such class or series acquired by it within the
2-year period immediately preceding the announcement date, to the fair market value per share of
such class or series on the first day in such 2-year period on which the interested shareholder
acquired any shares of such class or series; and
d. If applicable, the highest preferential amount, if any, per share to which the holders of
such class or series are entitled in the event of any voluntary or involuntary dissolution of the
corporation.
2. The consideration to be received by holders of outstanding shares shall be in cash or in
the same form as the interested shareholder has previously paid for shares of the same class or
series, and if the interested shareholder has paid for shares with varying forms of consideration,
the form of the consideration shall be either cash or the form used to acquire the largest number
of shares of such class or series previously acquired by the interested shareholder.
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3. During such portion of the 3-year period preceding the announcement date that such
interested shareholder has been an interested shareholder, except as approved by a majority of the
disinterested directors:
a. There shall have been no failure to declare and pay at the regular date therefor any full
periodic dividends, whether or not cumulative, on any outstanding shares of the corporation;
b. There shall have been:
(I) No reduction in the annual rate of dividends paid on any class or series of voting
shares, except as necessary to reflect any subdivision of the class or series; and
(II) An increase in such annual rate of dividends as necessary to reflect any
reclassification, including any reverse stock split, recapitalization, reorganization, or similar
transaction which has the effect of reducing the number of outstanding shares of the class or
series; and
c. Such interested shareholder shall not have become the beneficial owner of any additional
voting shares except as part of the transaction which results in such interested shareholder
becoming an interested shareholder.
4. During such portion of the 3-year period preceding the announcement date that such
interested shareholder has been an interested shareholder, except as approved by a majority of the
disinterested directors, such interested shareholder shall not have received the benefit, directly
or indirectly (except proportionately as a shareholder), of any loans, advances, guaranties,
pledges, or other financial assistance or any tax credits or other tax advantages provided by the
corporation, whether in anticipation of or in connection with such affiliated transaction or
otherwise.
5. Except as otherwise approved by a majority of the disinterested directors, a proxy or
information statement describing the affiliated transaction and complying with the requirements of
the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder has been mailed to holders of voting
shares of the corporation at least 25 days before the consummation of such affiliated transaction,
whether or not such proxy or information statement is required to be mailed pursuant to the
Exchange Act or such rules or regulations.
(5) The provisions of this section do not apply:
(a) To any corporation the original articles of incorporation of which contain a provision
expressly electing not to be governed by this section;
(b) To any corporation which adopted an amendment to its articles of incorporation prior to
January 1, 1989, expressly electing not to be governed by this section, provided that such
amendment does not apply to any affiliated transaction of the corporation with an interested
shareholder whose determination date is on or prior to the effective date of such amendment;
(c) To any corporation which adopts an amendment to its articles of incorporation or bylaws,
approved by the affirmative vote of the holders, other than interested shareholders and their
affiliates and associates, of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation,
excluding the voting shares of interested shareholders and their affiliates and associates,
expressly electing not to be governed by this section, provided that such amendment to the articles
of incorporation or bylaws shall not be effective until 18 months after such vote of the
corporations shareholders and shall not apply to any affiliated transaction of the corporation
with an interested shareholder whose determination date is on or prior to the effective date of
such amendment; or
(d) To any affiliated transaction of the corporation with an interested shareholder of the
corporation which became an interested shareholder inadvertently, if such interested shareholder,
as soon as practicable, divests itself of a sufficient amount of the voting shares of the
corporation so that it no longer is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10 percent or
more of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation, and would not at any time
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within the 5-year period preceding the announcement date with respect to such affiliated
transaction have been an interested shareholder but for such inadvertent acquisition.
(6) Any corporation that elected not to be governed by this section, either through a provision in
its original articles of incorporation or through an amendment to its articles of incorporation or
bylaws may elect to be bound by the provisions of this section by adopting an amendment to its
articles of incorporation or bylaws that repeals the original article or the amendment. In addition
to any requirements of this act, or the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the corporation, any
such amendment shall be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the voting
shares other than shares beneficially owned by any interested shareholder.
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APPENDIX C
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
APPLICA INCORPORATED
Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 607.1006 and 607.1007 of the Florida Business
Corporation Act, the undersigned corporation hereby adopts the following Third Amended and Restated
Articles of Incorporation:
ARTICLE ONE
The name of this corporation shall be: APPLICA INCORPORATED (the Corporation).
ARTICLE TWO
The purpose for which the Corporation is organized is to transact any or all lawful business
for which corporations may be incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida. The Corporation
shall have all of the general and additional powers and rights now or hereafter conferred upon it
by law.
ARTICLE THREE
The maximum number of shares of stock which the Corporation is authorized to have at any time
is seventy-six million (76,000,000) shares, of which seventy-five million (75,000,000) shall be
shares of Common Stock, having a par value of $0.10 per share, and of which one million
(1,000,000) shall be Preferred Stock, having a par value $0.10 per share, the consideration for
the issuance of which shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.
The Corporation shall have the power to issue the whole or any part of the shares of its
capital stock as partly paid, subject to calls thereon until the whole thereof shall have been paid
in full; this is to be determined by the Board of Directors. All holders of stock shall be entitled
to vote the same whether said stock be fully or partially paid unless determined otherwise by the
Board of Directors at or before the time of the issuance thereof.
The Board of Directors is authorized to provide for the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock
in one or more series by adoption of amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, to establish from
time to time the number of shares to be included in such series and to fix the designation, voting
powers, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights of the shares of
each of such series, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof. The Board of
Directors may authorize the issuance of stock to such persons upon such terms and for such
consideration in cash, property or services as the Board of Directors may determine and as may be
allowed by law. The just valuation of such property or services shall be fixed by the Board of
Directors. All such stock when issued shall be fully paid and exempt from assessment.
ARTICLE FOUR
The Corporation shall have permanent and perpetual existence.
ARTICLE FIVE
The post office address of the principal office of the Corporation shall be 3633 Flamingo
Road, Miramar, Florida 33027, but other offices for the transaction of business may be located
wherever the Board of Directors may deem necessary or fit.
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ARTICLE SIX
Section 1. Number, Election and Term of Office. The business of the Corporation shall
be managed by a Board of Directors who need not be shareholders of the Corporation. The number of
directors shall be 15, which number may be increased or decreased from time to time by resolution
of the majority of the Board of Directors, but shall not be less than seven nor more than 15.
The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and
Class III, as nearly equal in number as possible. The terms of office of directors of one class
shall expire at each annual meeting of shareholders, and in all cases as to each director until his
successor shall be elected and shall qualify, or until his earlier resignation, removal from
office, death or incapacity. If the number of directors is changed, any increase or decrease in
directors shall be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain all classes as equal in number
as possible, and any additional director elected to any class shall hold office for a term which
shall coincide with the terms of the other directors in such class. No decrease in the number of
directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.
At each annual meeting, the number of directors equal to the number of directors of the class
whose term expires at the time of such meeting (or, if different, the number of directors properly
nominated and qualified for election) shall be elected to hold office until the third succeeding
annual meeting of shareholders after their election. At each annual meeting of shareholders, the
nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be elected.
Section 2. Removal. Any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed;
however, such removal must be for cause and must be approved as set forth in this Section. Except
as may otherwise be provided by law, cause for removal shall be construed to exist only if: (a) the
director whose removal is proposed has been convicted of a felony by a court of competent
jurisdiction; or (b) such director has been adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be
liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duty to the Corporation in a matter
of substantial importance to the Corporation and such adjudication is no longer subject to direct
appeal.
Removal for cause, as defined in (a) and (b) above, must be approved by at least a majority
vote of the shares of the Corporation then entitled to vote at an election for that director or by
at least a majority of the total number of directors. Any action for the removal of a director
must be brought within one year of such conviction or adjudication.
Section 3. Vacancies. Any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death,
resignation, retirement, removal from office, the creation of a new directorship by an increase in
the authorized number of directors, or otherwise shall be filled by a majority vote of the
directors then in office, though less than a quorum of the entire Board of Directors. Directors so
chosen to fill any vacancy shall hold office for a term expiring at the nest Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.
Section 4. Amendment, Alteration, Repeal, etc. Notwithstanding anything contained in
these Articles of Incorporation to the contrary, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least
67% of the shares of the Corporation then entitled to vote in the election of directors shall be
required to amend, alter or repeal, or to adopt any provision inconsistent with, this Article Six.
ARTICLE SEVEN
Upon the election of the Board of Directors by the shareholders, such Board shall manage the
business and affairs of the Corporation without the need of further authorization from the
shareholders, except as otherwise provided by law. An action of the Board may be rescinded only
upon a vote of shareholders having two-thirds (2/3) of the stock of the Corporation which may at
any time be actually issued, unless otherwise provided for by the Bylaws.
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ARTICLE EIGHT
No shareholder of the Corporation shall, because of his ownership of stock, have a preemptive
or other right to purchase, subscribe for, or take any part of any stock or any part of the notes,
debentures, bonds, or other securities convertible into or carrying options or warrants to purchase
stock of the Corporation issued, optioned, or sold by it after its incorporation. Any part of the
capital stock and any part of the notes, debentures, bonds or other securities convertible into or
carrying options or warranties to purchase stock of the Corporation authorized by this Articles of
Incorporation or by amended articles, duly filed, may at any time be issued, optioned for sale, and
sold or disposed of by the Corporation pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors to such
persons and upon such terms as may to such Board seem proper without first offering such stock or
securities or any part thereof to existing shareholders.
ARTICLE NINE
Section 1. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the shareholders of the Corporation
must be taken at a duly called annual or special meeting of shareholders of the Corporation. No
shareholder action may be taken by a consent in writing.
Section 2. The Corporation shall call a special meeting upon the written request of the
Chairman, the President, a majority of the Board of Directors acting with or without a meeting, or
the holders of not less than ten percent (10%) of all the shares entitled to vote at the meeting.
Section 3. Upon request in writing delivered either in person or by registered or certified
mail to the Secretary of the Corporation by the persons herein entitled to request the calling of a
special meeting of shareholders, the Board of Directors shall fix the Record Date for and the
place, date and hour of the meeting, and the Secretary shall give notice of such meeting and the
place, day and hour and the purpose or purposes thereof to the shareholders entitled thereto.
C-3
APPLICA INCORPORATED
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Terry Polistina and Harry D. Schulman and each of them, each
with full power of substitution, proxies to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Applica
Incorporated (the Company) to be held at the Companys executive offices located at 3633 Flamingo
Road, Miramar, Florida 33027 on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, at 10:00 a.m., local time, and at any
adjournments thereof, hereby revoking any proxies heretofore given, to vote all shares of common
stock of the Company held or owned by the undersigned as directed on the reverse side of this card,
and in their discretion upon such other matters as may come before the meeting.
This Proxy when properly executed will be voted as specified on the reverse side. If no direction
is made, the Proxy will be voted FOR the election of Directors and FOR Proposal 2, Proposal 3
and Proposal 4.
(Continued and to be signed on the other side)
Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
APPLICA INCORPORATED
May 9, 2006
Please
date, sign and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon
as possible.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND
FOR PROPOSALS 2, 3 and 4. PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN
HEREx
Proposal 1. Election of three members to Class I of the Companys Board of Directors to serve
until the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and
qualified, and election of one member to Class II of the Companys Board of Directors to serve
until the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until his successor is duly elected and qualified.
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FOR ALL THE NOMINEES |
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WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES |
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FOR ALL EXCEPT (See instructions below) |
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Nominees: |
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Class I |
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Susan J. Ganz |
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J. Maurice Hopkins |
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Thomas J. Kane |
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Class II |
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Christopher B. Madison |
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority for any individual nominee(s), mark FOR ALL EXCEPT and fill in
the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here .
Proposal 2. Approval of the amendment to our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
to eliminate the super-majority shareholder approval requirement for certain business
combinations.
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AGAINST |
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Proposal 3. Approval of the amendments to our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
to increase the authorized shares of Applicas capital stock to 76,000,000 shares and designate
1,000,000 of such shares as undesignated preferred stock.
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Proposal 4. Ratification of the reappointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Companys independent
accountants for the year ended December 31, 2006.
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The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of a Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the
Company called for May 9, 2006 and a Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting prior to the approving
of this proxy.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN IMMEDIATELY.
To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new
address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the
account may not be submitted via this method.
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Signature of Shareholder
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Signature of Shareholder
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Please sign exactly as your name or names appears on this
Proxy. When shares are held
jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, executor,
attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a
corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as
such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. |