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SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant /X/
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
/X/ Preliminary Proxy Statement / / Confidential, for Use of the Commission
Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
/ / Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to
sec.240.14a-11(c) or sec.240.14a-12
COHU, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/ $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), or 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(i)(2)
or Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
/ / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
14a-6(i)(3).
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
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COHU, INC.
5755 Kearny Villa Rd.
San Diego, California 92123
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cohu, Inc. (the "Company") will be
held at the offices of the Company, 5755 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego,
California 92123 on Tuesday May 7, 1996, at 2:00 P.M. local time, for the
following purposes:
1. To elect two Directors, each for a term of three years; and
2. To approve an amendment to the Company's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation to increase the Company's authorized shares
of Common Stock; and
3. To approve the Cohu, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan; and
4. To act upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment thereof.
Only stockholders of record of the Company at the close of business on
March 6, 1996 will be entitled to vote at the meeting.
Since the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of voting stock
of the Company entitled to vote at the meeting must be represented to constitute
a quorum, all stockholders are urged either to attend the meeting in person or
to vote by proxy.
Please sign, date and return the enclosed proxy in the envelope enclosed
for your convenience. If you attend the meeting you may revoke your proxy and
vote in person, and if you otherwise desire to revoke your proxy you may do so
by delivering a written notice to the Secretary of the Company, or by submitting
another duly signed proxy bearing a later date.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
JOHN H. ALLEN
Secretary
San Diego, California
April 1, 1996
THIS IS A REQUEST FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF YOUR COMPANY FOR YOUR
PROXY. WE ASK THAT YOU SIGN AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED RETURN
ENVELOPE.
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COHU, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by
the Board of Directors of Cohu, Inc., a Delaware corporation, (the "Company") of
your Proxy for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 7, 1996, at 5755
Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, California 92123 (the "Meeting"). This Proxy
Statement and the accompanying Proxy are being mailed to all stockholders on or
about April 1, 1996. Any stockholder may revoke a proxy at any time prior to its
exercise by filing a later dated proxy or written notice of revocation with the
Company's Secretary or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting.
On March 6, 1996, the record date fixed by the Board of Directors (the
"Record Date"), the Company had outstanding 9,237,495 shares of Common Stock.
Stockholders have one vote for each share on all business of the Meeting.
Stockholders are entitled to cast one vote for each share held of record. In the
election of directors, stockholders may, under certain circumstances, cumulate
their votes, giving one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of
directors to be elected multiplied by the number of votes to which the
stockholder's shares are normally entitled, or distribute the stockholder's
votes on the same principle among as many candidates as the stockholder thinks
fit. The other matters submitted for stockholder approval at this Meeting will
be decided by the affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or
represented by proxy and entitled to vote on each such matter. An abstention by
a stockholder or a broker non-vote will not be considered to be a vote "for" or
"against" a proposal but will be included in determining whether a quorum is
present.
A complete list of the stockholders of record entitled to vote at the
meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each
stockholder, and the number of shares registered in the name of each
stockholder, will be kept open at the office of the Company, 5755 Kearny Villa
Road, San Diego, California 92123, for the examination of any stockholder during
business hours for a period of ten (10) days immediately prior to the Meeting.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Set forth below are the names of stockholders who on March 6, 1996 (to the
best of the Company's knowledge) were beneficial holders of 5% or more of the
outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock.
AMOUNT & NATURE OF
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP PERCENT OF CLASS
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- ----------------
Fidelity Management and Research Corporation................ 985,200 10.67%
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
Nicholas J. Cedrone......................................... 662,434 7.17%
301 Second Avenue
Waltham, MA 02154
Investors Counselors of Maryland, Inc....................... 602,600 6.52%
803 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
ITEM 1 -- ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Certificate of Incorporation classifies the directors of the Company
into three groups whose terms expire at different times. One class of directors
is elected at each annual meeting with the remaining directors continuing in
office. At the 1996 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, two directors are to be
elected for a term of three years. It is intended that the shares represented by
proxies in the accompanying form will be voted by the proxy holders for the
election of the two nominees named below. In the event the election of directors
is to be by cumulative voting, the proxy holders will vote the shares
represented by proxies in such proportions as the proxy holders see fit. Should
any nominee decline or become unable to accept nomination or election, which is
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not anticipated, the proxies will be voted for such substitute nominee as may be
designated by a majority of the Board of Directors. THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE
IN FAVOR OF THE TWO NOMINEES.
NOMINEES FOR TERMS EXPIRING IN 1999 -- CLASS 2
SHARES OF COMMON
STOCK PERCENTAGE OF
NAME AND DIRECTOR BENEFICIALLY OUTSTANDING
BUSINESS ADDRESS AGE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION SINCE OWNED SHARES
- ------------------------- --- ---------------------------------- -------- ---------------- -------------
Charles A. Schwan........ 56 President & Chief Executive 1990 142,696(1) 1.54%
5755 Kearny Villa Rd. Officer of the Company since March
San Diego, CA 1996, Executive Vice President &
Chief Operating Officer from
September 1995 to March 1996, Vice
President, Finance from 1983 until
September 1995 and Secretary from
1988 until September 1995.
Gene E. Leary............ 75 Retired accounting and data 1976 10,000 (2)
1657 Calle de Cinco processing executive at Honeywell,
La Jolla, CA Inc. and Control Data Corp.
INFORMATION CONCERNING OTHER DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 1997 -- CLASS 3
SHARES OF COMMON
STOCK PERCENTAGE OF
NAME AND DIRECTOR BENEFICIALLY OUTSTANDING
BUSINESS ADDRESS AGE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION SINCE OWNED SHARES
- ------------------------- --- ---------------------------------- -------- ---------------- -------------
Frank W. Davis........... 81 Retired aerospace executive; 1976 19,600 (2)
939 Coast Blvd. former President of Convair
La Jolla, CA Aerospace Division of General
Dynamics
Harry L. Casari.......... 59 Retired partner, Ernst & Young 1995 800 (2)
1963 Hacienda Circle LLP. Mr. Casari is also a director
El Cajon, CA of Infrasonics, Inc., Mailboxes
Etc., and Readicare, Inc.
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(1) Includes options to purchase 35,000 shares exercisable within 60 days from
April 1, 1996.
(2) Less than 1%
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 1998 -- CLASS 1
SHARES OF COMMON
STOCK PERCENTAGE OF
NAME AND DIRECTOR BENEFICIALLY OUTSTANDING
BUSINESS ADDRESS AGE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION SINCE OWNED SHARES
- ------------------------- --- ---------------------------------- -------- ---------------- -------------
James W. Barnes.......... 66 Recently retired President & Chief 1983 279,168(3) 3.02%
5755 Kearny Villa Rd. Executive Officer of the Company
San Diego, CA
William S. Ivans......... 75 Chairman of the Board of the 1960 136,152 1.47%
807 La Jolla Rancho Rd. Company since February 1983
La Jolla, CA
The total shares of beneficial ownership held at December 31, 1995 by all
executive and directors as a group are 588,416, 6.37% of the outstanding shares.
John H. Allen is an executive officer of the Company and had no shares of
beneficial ownership at December 31, 1995.
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(3) Includes options to purchase 100,000 shares exercisable within 60 days from
April 1, 1996.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
The Board had six meetings during the last fiscal year.
ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors has established two standing committees: the Audit
Committee and the Executive Compensation Committee.
The Audit Committee, composed of Messrs. Leary, Casari and Davis is the
principal link between the Board and the Company's independent auditors, and
monitors audit and internal accounting control procedures. The Audit Committee
held two meetings in 1995.
The Executive Compensation Committee, consisting of Messrs. Davis, Casari
and Leary, recommends the compensation structure to the Board of Directors for
the Officers of the Company and each subsidiary. In addition, this Committee has
the responsibility for administration of the Company's stock option and
incentive plans. The Executive Compensation Committee held two meetings in 1995.
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
Outside Directors receive (a) an annual retainer of $8,500; (b) $500 per
meeting attended in person to a maximum of $2,500 annually; and (c) $1,000
annually for membership on one or more active committees. For services as
Chairman of the Board, Mr. Ivans received compensation totalling approximately
$36,000 from the Company in 1995.
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table discloses compensation received by the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and the other executive officers whose aggregate cash
compensation exceeded $100,000 (the "Named Executive Officers").
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG TERM
COMPENSATION
AWARDS
ANNUAL ------------
COMPENSATION SECURITIES
--------------------- UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS(1) OPTIONS(#) COMPENSATION(2)
- --------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- ------------ ---------------
James W. Barnes(3)............... 1995 $245,095 $226,000 -- $16,516
President & Chief Executive 1994 228,460 184,710 80,000 14,912
Officer since 1983 1993 214,231 157,810 80,000 8,994
Charles A. Schwan(3)............. 1995 210,712 181,585 -- 13,047
Executive Vice President 1994 185,500 137,236 40,000 11,159
& Chief Operating Officer 1993 163,750 110,980 40,000 8,994
John H. Allen(4)................. 1995 62,500 50,850 20,000 --
Vice President, Finance & Chief
Financial Officer, Secretary
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(1) The amounts shown in this column reflect payments under the Company's
Incentive Bonus Plan for key executives.
(2) The amounts shown in this column reflect Company contributions to the
Employee Retirement 401(k) Plan and the Executive Deferred Compensation
Plan.
(3) Mr. Barnes retired as President & Chief Executive Officer of the Company
effective March 1, 1996. Mr. Schwan, who was promoted from Vice President,
Finance to Executive Vice President & Chief
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Operating Officer on September 6, 1995 was promoted to President & Chief
Executive Officer on March 1, 1996.
(4) Mr. Allen joined the Company in June, 1995. He was Director of Finance until
September 5, 1995, became Vice President, Finance and Secretary on September
6, 1995 and was appointed Chief Financial Officer on October 30, 1995. On an
annualized basis his compensation for the year ended December 31, 1995 was
$125,000.
INCENTIVE BONUS PLAN. The Company has an incentive bonus plan for key
executives, originally adopted in 1978, and continuing in effect for the present
fiscal year upon recommendation of the Executive Compensation Committee of the
Board. Under the plan, corporate officers may receive incentive compensation
based on overall corporate earnings performance, and the principal executive of
each division and subsidiary may receive incentive compensation based upon the
earnings performance of the operations they manage. In each case, the incentive
compensation is determined with reference to a pre-tax earnings "target" fixed
by the Board, or in the case of divisions and subsidiaries, by the corporate
management.
RETIREMENT PLAN. The Cohu Employees Retirement 401(k) Plan was implemented
on January 1, 1978. All full time employees who are at least 21 years of age are
eligible to enroll in this Plan. The participant may contribute up to 11% of his
or her monthly compensation. The Company matches 4% dollar for dollar up to a
maximum of $6,000 on earnings of $150,000 per year. The amounts contributed by
the Company are vested 10% after one year of participation, another 10% after 2
years, and an additional 20% each year thereafter to the full 100%. None of the
contributions nor the accumulated interest is taxable to the participant until
withdrawn. The maximum which a participant may contribute is currently $9,500
annually.
EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN. The Company adopted an executive
deferred compensation plan in 1994. Under the plan, corporate officers and the
principal executives of each division and subsidiary may elect to defer a
portion of their current compensation. The Company will then match dollar for
dollar up to 4% of the executive's earnings in excess of $150,000 per year.
These combined funds may be used by the Company to purchase a specifically
designed life insurance policy on the executive's life. The Company is not
entitled to a corporate tax deduction until the year in which the executive
recognizes taxable income in connection with the plan. However, this plan is
designed to compensate the Company for the present value of the deferred tax
deduction. Upon the executive's termination of employment, the Company reserves
in any policy for that executive an amount which is actuarially sufficient to
provide a death benefit equal to the present value of the Company's deferred tax
deduction. The remaining cash value of the policy is available for borrowing by
the Company for payment to the executive in accordance with a schedule
determined in the sole discretion of the Company. Upon the executive's death,
any policy proceeds will be paid to the Company. Then the executive's
beneficiaries will receive from the Company the amount of the net proceeds
(after repayment of all borrowings by the Company), reduced by the present value
of any tax deduction deferred by the Company and increased by the value of the
Company's tax deduction available as a result of the payment of the net
proceeds.
TERMINATION AGREEMENT
The Company has entered into a Termination Agreement with Mr. Schwan under
which he would be entitled to a payment in the event of a termination of
employment for specified reasons following a change of control of the Company.
For this purpose, a change of control of the Company means a merger or
consolidation of the Company (except with a wholly owned subsidiary), a sale by
the Company of all or substantially all of its assets, the acquisition of
beneficial ownership of a majority of the outstanding voting stock of the
Company by any person, entity or affiliated group or a change in the identities
of a majority of the directors of the Company within a period of thirty (30)
months resulting in whole or in part from the election of persons who were not
management nominees. Termination of employment for purposes of the agreement
means a discharge of the executive by the Company, other than one for specified
causes, including death, disability, wrongful acts, habitual intoxication,
habitual neglect of duties or normal retirement. It also includes resignation
following the occurrence of an adverse change in the executive's position,
duties, compensation or work conditions. The amounts payable under the agreement
will change from year to year based on the
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executive's compensation. In the event of a termination in 1996 and following a
change of control, the amount payable to Mr. Schwan would be approximately
$840,000.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table provides information on grants of options to purchase
the Company's Common Stock made to the Named Executive Officers during the year
ended December 31, 1995.
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS POTENTIAL
----------------------------------------------------- REALIZABLE VALUE AT
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF ASSUMED ANNUAL
SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS RATES OF STOCK
UNDERLYING GRANTED PRICE APPRECIATION
OPTIONS TO EMPLOYEES EXERCISE OR FOR OPTION TERM(2)
GRANTED IN FISCAL BASE PRICE EXPIRATION -------------------
NAME (#)(1) YEAR ($/SH) DATE 5%($) 10%($)
- ------------------------------- ---------- ------------- ----------- ---------- -------- --------
John H. Allen.................. 20,000 17.6% $ 22.25 6/30/2005 $279,905 $709,330
- ---------------
(1) Consists of stock options, which were granted at an exercise price of 100%
of the market price of the underlying shares on the date of grant, become
exercisable over four years at the rate of approximately one-fourth each
year and expire ten years from the date of grant. The options were granted
under the Company's 1994 Employee Stock Option Plan.
(2) The 5% and 10% assumed annual rates of stock price appreciation would result
from per share prices of $36.25 and $57.72 respectively. Such assumed rates
are established by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do
not represent the Company's forecast of possible future appreciation of the
Company's Common Stock or total stockholder return.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table provides information on option exercises in 1995 by the
Named Executive Officers and the value of such officers' unexercised options at
December 31, 1995.
VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
SHARES NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED OPTIONS IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
ACQUIRED VALUE AT FISCAL YEAR-END (#) FISCAL YEAR-END($)(1)
ON EXERCISE REALIZED ------------------------------- ----------------------------
NAME (#) ($) (1) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---------------------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
James W. Barnes....... 30,668 393,777 73,333 86,667 1,303,461 1,523,740
Charles A. Schwan..... 32,000 322,160 36,666 43,334 651,721 761,879
John H. Allen......... -- -- -- 20,000 -- 65,000
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(1) Calculated on the basis of the fair market value of the Company's Common
Stock on the exercise date or at December 31, 1995, minus the aggregate
exercise price. The closing price of the Company's Common Stock on December
31, 1995 on NASDAQ was $25.50.
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Committee") generally determines base salary levels for executive level
positions prior to the annual stockholders meeting in May. Target incentives for
executive level positions are determined at or about the start of the fiscal
year and actual bonuses are approved after the end of the fiscal year based upon
Company performance. The process involved in the executive compensation
determination for fiscal 1995 is summarized below.:
- In April 1995, the Company's chief executive officer developed executive
compensation data from a nationally recognized survey for a group of
similarly sized high technology companies. The Company's chief financial
officer's position as well as the principal executives of each division
and subsidiary were matched to comparable survey positions and
competitive market compensation levels were determined for base salary.
This data was provided to the Committee, along with performance
evaluations and salary recommendations.
- In May 1995, the chief executive officer reviewed the competitive market
data with the Committee for each executive level position and the
responsibility level of each position, together with the individual's
performance for the last fiscal year and objectives for fiscal 1995. The
Company's performance was compared to objectives for the last fiscal year
and performance targets for fiscal 1995 were also reviewed.
- The Committee reviewed the recommendations, performance evaluations and
survey data outlined above. After discussion, the Committee approved a
base salary level to be effective May 1, 1995, for each executive level
position other than the chief executive officer. The Committee reviewed
the salary of the chief executive officer and compared it to those in
peer positions in companies of similar size and performance. Given this
review, the Committee determined that effective May 1, 1995, it was
appropriate to increase the chief executive officer's base salary to a
level more consistent with the base salaries of other chief executive
officers of similarly sized high technology companies.
- Incentives for executive level positions are determined according to the
Company's Incentive Bonus Plan (the "Incentive Plan"), based upon Company
performance. In general, the Incentive Plan performance target objectives
must be achieved before any bonuses may be paid to participants.
- In February 1996, the Committee reviewed and approved incentive awards
for 1995 for all eligible participants in the Company's Incentive Plan.
The bonus was based upon actual Company performance compared to the
target which followed the process and formula outlined in the Incentive
Plan. Based on the Company's year-end financial results, the threshold
performance levels of the earnings objectives were exceeded.
SUBMITTED BY THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE COMPANY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Frank W. Davis Harry L. Casari Gene E. Leary
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COMPARATIVE STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on the
Common Stock of the Company for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative
total return on the NASDAQ Market Index and a Peer Group Index over the same
period (assuming the investment of $100 in the Company's Common Stock, Peer
Group Index and NASDAQ Market Index on December 31, 1990, and reinvestment of
all dividends). The Peer Group Index set forth on the Performance Graph is the
index for Media General Industry Group 171, Electronic Equipment Manufacturers.
Historical stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock
price performance. Notwithstanding any statement to the contrary in any of the
Company's previous or future filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, the graph shall not be incorporated by reference into any such
filings.
Measurement Period
(Fiscal Year Covered) Cohu, Inc. Peer Group NASDAQ
1991 123 125 128
1992 136 165 130
1993 392 238 156
1994 467 264 163
1995 1066 364 212
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ITEM 2 -- PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE COHU, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO INCREASE AUTHORIZED COMMON SHARES
The Board of Directors is requesting stockholder approval of an amendment
to the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase
the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance from 10,000,000 to
25,000,000.
The Board of Directors consider it advisable to have the additional shares
available for possible future stock dividends or stock splits, for issuance
under the Company's stock option plans and for other corporate purposes,
although the Company has no present plans which would result in the issuance of
new shares of Common Stock, except through the Company's stock option plans.
If this amendment is adopted, the additional shares of Common Stock may be
issued by direction of the Board of Directors at such times, in such amounts and
upon such terms as the Board of Directors may determine, without further
approval of the stockholders unless, in any instance, such approval is expressly
required by regulatory agencies or otherwise. Stockholders of the Company have
no preemptive rights to purchase additional shares. The adoption of the
amendment will not of itself cause any change in the capital accounts of the
Company. However, the issuance of additional shares of Common Stock would dilute
the existing stockholders' equity interest in the Company.
BOARD RECOMMENDS APPROVAL
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders approve the
proposed amendment to the Cohu, Inc. amended and restated certificate of
incorporation to increase authorized common shares. THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF THE
HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF THE COMPANY'S OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK VOTING IN PERSON
OR BY PROXY AT THE MEETING (PROVIDED A QUORUM IS PRESENT) IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE
SUCH AMENDMENT.
ITEM 3 -- APPROVAL OF THE COHU, INC. 1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Board has approved and recommended for adoption the 1996 Stock Option
Plan (the "1996 Plan"). The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock voting in person or by proxy at the meeting
(provided a quorum is present) will be required to approve the adoption of the
1996 Plan. A copy of the 1996 Plan is attached to this Proxy Statement as
Exhibit A and stockholders are encouraged to review the plan in its entirety.
Any discrepancy between the language of the 1996 Plan and the summary provided
herein shall be resolved in favor of the plan language.
PURPOSE
The 1996 Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors to make available
additional shares of stock to enable selected officers, directors (who are also
employees) and employees to purchase the Common Stock of the Company, which will
assist the Company in retaining the services of employees holding key positions
with the Company and attracting new employees capable of filling key positions
with the Company, and to provide an incentive for such employees. All shares of
Common Stock of the Company reserved for issuance pursuant to prior stock option
plans have been granted as of the date of this proxy statement.
ADMINISTRATION
The 1996 Plan will be administered by the Cohu, Inc. Executive Compensation
Committee (the "Committee"). In order to exempt the grant of options to
executive officers from the reporting requirements and short swing profit
liability imposed by Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"), each of the members of the Committee must be
"disinterested" (within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 promulgated by the Securities
and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act). The Committee will have final
power to construe and interpret the 1996 Plan and to grant options thereunder,
and to determine all questions that may arise in the administration of the 1996
Plan. The Committee has been
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authorized by the Board to determine the persons to whom and the dates on which
options will be granted, the number of shares to be subject thereto, the time or
times during the term of each option within which all or a portion of such
option may be exercised, and all other terms of the options. The Committee shall
have the right to adopt, amend, and repeal rules and regulations concerning the
administration of the 1996 Plan.
TERM, AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
The Board or the Committee may suspend or terminate the 1996 Plan at any
time. The term of the 1996 Plan shall commence on the date of its approval by
the Board, provided that the 1996 Plan is approved by a majority of the
stockholders of the Company within one (1) year thereafter. Unless sooner
terminated by the Committee, the term of the 1996 Plan shall be for ten (10)
years from the commencement date. Termination of the 1996 Plan shall not affect
any rights previously granted thereunder. The Committee may terminate, modify or
amend the 1996 Plan from time to time, provided that the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company would be required
with respect to any amendment which would (1) increase the number of shares of
Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of options pursuant to the 1996
Plan; (2) materially modify the requirements relating to eligibility for
participation in the 1996 Plan; or (3) change any provision of the 1996 Plan in
a manner that would materially increase the benefits accruing to participants
thereunder.
ELIGIBILITY
Stock Options may be granted only to employees (including officers and
directors who are also employees) of the Corporation or its parent or
subsidiaries or to individuals who are rendering services as consultants,
advisors, or other independent contractors to the Corporation or its parent or
subsidiaries.
No incentive stock option may be granted to a person who, at the time of
the grant, owns, directly or indirectly, stock constituting more than ten
percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the
Company entitled to vote or of any parent or subsidiary thereof, unless the
exercise price of the stock subject to the option is at least one hundred and
ten percent (110%) of the fair market value of such stock on the date the option
is granted and the term of the option does not exceed five (5) years from the
date of grant.
SHARES RESERVED FOR ISSUANCE
A total of 450,000 shares of the $1.00 par value Common Stock of the
Company shall be reserved for issuance pursuant to the 1996 Plan, subject to
adjustment in the event of stock dividends, splits, subdivisions or
combinations. Subject to shareholder approval of the 1996 Plan, the Committee
granted options under the 1996 Plan on February 15, 1996 for an aggregate of
35,000 shares to Messrs. Allen and Schwan and 6,332 for all other employees as a
group.
TERMS OF OPTIONS
Set forth below is a description of terms of options granted pursuant to
the 1996 Plan, provided, however, that individual option grants in any
particular case may be more restrictive as to any or all of the terms described
below.
A. PRICE. The purchase price per share deliverable upon the exercise of an
incentive stock option shall not be less than the fair market value of a share
on the date of grant. The purchase price per share deliverable upon the exercise
of an incentive stock option granted to a person, who at the time of grant, owns
directly or indirectly, stock constituting more than ten percent (10%) of the
total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company entitled to
vote (or a parent or subsidiary thereof), must be at least one hundred and ten
percent (110%) of the fair market value of such stock on the date the option was
granted. The Purchase Price per Share deliverable upon exercise of a
Nonqualified Stock Option shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of a
Share on the Date of Grant of the Nonqualified Stock Option except that the
purchase price for no more than 5% of the shares under the plan can be
determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. The exercise price of
options granted under the 1996 Plan may be paid either (i) in cash at the time
the option is
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exercised, or (ii) at the discretion of the Committee, by delivery to the
Company of other Common Stock of the Company owned by the optionee.
B. OPTION EXERCISE. A stock option may be exercisable, in part or in full,
at any time and from time to time twelve months after the date of grant and
during an exercise period, and may be subject to such performance criteria, and
conditions as shall be determined by the Committee on a case-by-case basis and
such exercise period and restrictions shall be described in the agreement
evidencing the stock option. The exercise period applicable to any incentive
stock option shall not exceed ten (10) years from the date of grant and in
certain circumstances may not exceed five (5) years, as described above. The
Committee may accelerate the times at which a stock option may be exercised.
C. NONASSIGNABILITY. No option may be transferred by an optionee other
than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of
an optionee, an option may be exercised only by the optionee.
D. EXPIRATION FOLLOWING TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Under the 1996 Plan, an
option will terminate immediately upon the optionee ceasing to be employed by
the Company or a parent or subsidiary thereof, unless the option by its terms
specifically provides otherwise. If termination is due to disability of the
optionee, the optionee or his or her legal representative will have no more than
three (3) months from the date of disability to exercise the option. If the
termination is due to the death of the optionee, his or her legal
representatives will have no more than one (1) year from the date of death to
exercise the option, to the extent such option was exercisable on the date of
death.
ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS
If there is a change in the Common Stock subject to the 1996 Plan through
recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, combination or otherwise, the
Committee may make appropriate adjustments to the maximum number of shares
subject to the 1996 Plan and shall make appropriate adjustments to the price per
share of stock subject to the 1996 Plan and to any outstanding options
thereunder.
REORGANIZATION
A Reorganization shall be deemed to have occurred when the Company and/or
its stockholders enter into an agreement to dispose of all or substantially all
of the assets of the Company or an amount of the outstanding stock of the
Company sufficient to constitute effective control of the Company by means of a
sale, merger, reorganization, separation, liquidation or any other transaction.
In the event of a Reorganization, the "Acquiring Corporation" may assume the
Corporation's rights and obligations under outstanding Stock Options or
substitute options for the Acquiring Corporation's stock for such outstanding
Stock Options. In the event the Acquiring Corporation elects not to assume or
substitute for such outstanding Stock Options in connection with the
Reorganization, any unexercisable and/or unvested portion of the outstanding
Stock Options shall be immediately exercisable and vested as of the date thirty
(30) days prior to the date of the Reorganization. Any Stock Options which are
neither assumed or substituted for by the Acquiring Corporation in connection
with the Reorganization nor exercised as of the date of the Reorganization shall
terminate and cease to be outstanding effective as of the date of the
Reorganization.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following summary of the federal income tax consequences to
participants and the Company of the acquisition and disposition of shares under
the 1996 Plan does not purport to be complete and participants in the 1996 Plan
should refer to the applicable provisions of the Code. The summary does not
address other taxes that may affect an individual such as state and local income
taxes, federal and state estate, inheritance and gift taxes and foreign taxes.
Furthermore, the tax consequences described below are complex and subject to
change, and a taxpayer's personal situation may be such that some variation of
the described rules applies.
The Company may deduct from amounts otherwise due an optionee under a stock
option or from any wages or other compensation payable to such optionee any sums
required by federal, state or local tax to be withheld with respect to the
exercise or disposition of any option or other right, or require the optionee to
pay
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such sums as a condition of the issuance of shares. The 1996 Plan is not
qualified under Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a) and is not subject to the
provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
The grant of a nonqualified stock option will not result in taxable income
to the optionee at the time of grant, and ordinary income will be realized by an
optionee at the time of exercise of a nonqualified option in the amount by which
the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of exercise exceeds the
exercise price. The Company will be entitled to a deduction from income for
federal income tax purposes in amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by
the optionee in such case. Any subsequent disposition of the shares acquired
pursuant to a nonqualified option will result in gain or loss to the optionee in
an amount equal to the difference between the sale price and the market price at
date of exercise.
With respect to incentive stock options, the excess of the fair market
value of stock received upon exercise over the exercise price is taken into
account for purposes of the alternative minimum tax described under Section 55
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Otherwise, there
are generally no tax consequences to either the Company or an optionee connected
with the grant or the exercise of an incentive stock option. If the stock
acquired under an incentive stock option is not disposed of within two (2) years
from the date of grant nor within one (1) year from the date of exercise, any
gain on the sale thereof will generally be treated as long term capital gain to
the optionee, with no tax consequences to the Company. If the stock is sold
prior to such time, the optionee will recognize at the time of sale ordinary
income equal to the lesser of the gain on the sale or the difference between the
option price and the fair market value of the stock on the date of exercise, and
any additional gain will be long term or short term capital gain, depending upon
the holding period. The Company may have a tax deduction equal to the ordinary
income recognized by the optionee.
BOARD RECOMMENDS APPROVAL
The Board of Directors has adopted and recommends that the stockholders
approve the 1996 Plan. THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF THE HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF THE
COMPANY'S OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK VOTING IN PERSON OR BY PROXY AT THE MEETING
(PROVIDED A QUORUM IS PRESENT) IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE 1996 PLAN.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
In June 1994 the Company acquired Daymarc Corporation, currently Daymarc,
Inc, ("Daymarc") a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Pursuant to the
related Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 16, 1994 the Company is
obligated to pay to Nicholas J. Cedrone, the former owner of Daymarc Corporation
and a current shareholder and employee of the Company, a specified percentage of
the profits of Daymarc through June 1998. Such payments are payable in shares of
Cohu, Inc Common Stock and totaled approximately $1,593,000 in 1995. Mr. Cedrone
is currently a Vice President of Daymarc and pursuant to an Employment Agreement
dated June 16, 1994 receives an annual salary of $168,000 through June 1998 and
is entitled to a specified percentage of the profits of Daymarc through that
date. The amount earned in 1995 and paid in 1996 pursuant to this profit
provision was approximately $597,000. In 1995 under an Agreement and Covenant
Not To Compete dated June 16, 1994 entered into in connection with the Daymarc
acquisition, Mr. Cedrone was paid approximately $996,000. The Company is
obligated under a facility lease with Mr. Cedrone through June 1998. Rental
payments made in 1995 to Mr. Cedrone under this lease totaled approximately
$363,000.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP has served as the Company's auditors continuously since
1957 and the Board has selected this firm to serve as independent auditors for
the current year. A representative of Ernst & Young LLP will be present at the
stockholders' meeting and be available for appropriate questions, and may make a
statement if he desires to do so.
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During 1995, Messrs. Davis, Casari and Leary served as members of the
Executive Compensation Committee. None of the Executive Compensation Committee
members or Named Executive Officers have any relationships which must be
disclosed under this caption.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that the Company's executive
officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a
registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file an initial report
of ownership on Form 3 and changes in ownership on Form 4 or 5 with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and The Nasdaq National Market
System. Such officers, directors and ten-percent shareholders are also required
by SEC rules to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they
file.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or
written representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 5 were
required for such persons, the Company believes that during the year ended
December 31, 1995 its executive officers, directors and ten-percent shareholders
complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is unaware of any other business to be presented for
consideration at the stockholders' meeting. If, however, such other business
should properly come before the meeting, the proxies will be voted in accordance
with the best judgment of the proxy holders. The shares represented by proxies
received in time for the meeting will be voted, and if any choice has been
specified the vote will be in accordance with such specification.
All stockholder proposals must be submitted to the Secretary of the Company
no later than November 30, 1996 in order to be considered for inclusion in the
Company's 1997 proxy materials.
This solicitation is made by the Board of Directors of the Company. Proxies
will be solicited by mail and may be solicited in person or by telephone,
facsimile transmission or telegraph. Directors and officers may engage in such
solicitation but will not be entitled to any additional compensation for such
efforts. The Company has retained Georgeson & Co. in New York to aid in the
solicitation of proxies at an anticipated cost of $6,000, including expenses.
The Company will bear the entire cost of the solicitation.
The Board of Directors invites you to attend the meeting in person.
However, if you are unable to do so, please sign, date and return the enclosed
proxy promptly.
By Order of the Board of Directors
John H. Allen
Secretary
San Diego, California
April 1, 1996
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EXHIBIT A
COHU, INC.
1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Cohu, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan is hereby adopted for the benefit of
officers, directors (who are also employees), service providers and key
employees of Cohu, Inc., a Delaware corporation and its parent or subsidiaries,
if any.
Purpose. The purpose of the Plan is to advance the growth and prosperity
of the Corporation and its stockholders by providing to officers, directors,
service providers and key employees of the Corporation an incentive to serve the
Corporation. By encouraging and enabling such persons to become owners of
capital stock of the Corporation, the Corporation seeks to attract and retain
persons of training, experience and ability and to furnish additional incentives
to those persons upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts the successful
conduct of the Corporation's business depends. It is the intention of the
Corporation that this objective will be accomplished through the granting of
incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options to certain officers,
directors, service providers and key employees of the Corporation.
2. Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall have the
corresponding meanings.
2.1 "Committee" shall mean the Cohu, Inc. Executive Compensation
Committee, appointed by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. If no
such Committee is appointed, the entire Board of Directors of the
Corporation shall be deemed to constitute the Committee.
2.2 "Corporation" shall mean Cohu, Inc. and any successor corporation
thereto and/or its parent or subsidiaries, if any, as the context requires.
The terms "parent" and "subsidiary" shall mean any existing or future
corporation which would be a parent or subsidiary corporation of the
Corporation, as those terms are defined in Section 424 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder (the "Code").
2.3 "Date of Grant" shall mean the date of grant of a Stock Option
granted hereunder as set forth in the Stock Option Agreement. In the event
of a grant conditioned, among other things, upon stockholder ratification
of this Plan, the date of such conditional grant shall be the Date of Grant
for purposes of this Plan.
2.4 "Employee" shall mean any common-law employee of the Corporation.
The determination of whether or not a person is an Employee of the
Corporation with respect to the grant or exercise of an Incentive Stock
Option shall be made in accordance with the rule of Income Tax Regulation
Section 1.421-7(h) (or successor regulation).
2.5 "Fair Market Value" shall mean, with respect to the exercise of an
option under the Plan, (a) if the Common Stock is listed on a national
securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System, the closing price
of the Common Stock for the business day immediately preceding the day for
which the determination is being made, or (b) if the Common Stock is not
then listed on an exchange, the average of the closing bid and asked prices
per share for the Common Stock in the over-the-counter market as quoted on
NASDAQ for the business day immediately preceding the day for which the
determination is being made, or (c) if the Common Stock is not then listed
on any exchange or quoted on NASDAQ, an amount determined in good faith by
the Board of Directors to be the fair market value of the Common Stock,
after consideration of all relevant factors.
2.6 "Holder" shall mean any person entitled to exercise a Stock Option
pursuant to the terms of the Plan, provided that no director who is not
also an Employee may be a Holder.
2.7 "Incentive Stock Option" shall mean a Stock Option which is
intended to qualify for tax treatment as an incentive stock option under
Section 422 of the Code. An Incentive Stock Option may only be granted to
an Employee.
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2.8 "Nonqualified Stock Option" shall mean a Stock Option which is not
intended to qualify for tax treatment as an Incentive Stock Option under
Section 422 of the Code.
2.9 "Plan" shall mean the Cohu, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan, as herein
adopted and as may be amended from time to time.
2.10 "Purchase Price" shall mean the price paid for Shares upon the
exercise of a Stock Option granted hereunder.
2.11 "Shares" shall mean those shares of Common Stock of the
Corporation which are available for issuance pursuant to the terms of the
Plan.
2.12 "Stock Option" shall mean a stock option giving a Holder the
right to purchase Shares. A Stock Option may be an Incentive Stock Option
or a Nonqualified Stock Option.
3. Term. All Stock Options shall be granted, if at all, within ten (10)
years from the earlier of the date the Plan is adopted by the Board of Directors
of the Corporation and the date the Plan is duly approved by the stockholders of
the Corporation.
4. Eligibility. Stock Options may be granted only to employees (including
officers and directors who are also employees) of the Corporation or its parent
or subsidiaries or to individuals who are rendering services as consultants,
advisors, or other independent contractors to the Corporation or its parent or
subsidiaries. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, "employees" shall include
prospective employees to whom Stock Options are granted in connection with
written offers of employment with the Corporation or its parent or subsidiaries
and "consultants" or "advisors" shall include prospective consultants or
advisors to whom Stock Options are granted in connection with written consulting
or advising offers with the Corporation or its parent or subsidiaries. The
Committee shall, in the Committee's sole discretion, determine which persons
shall be granted Stock Options. An individual who is rendering services as a
consultant, advisor, or other independent contractor or who is a prospective
employee, consultant or advisor shall be eligible to be granted only a
Nonqualified Stock Option. A Holder may, if otherwise eligible, be granted more
than one Stock Option.
5. Shares of Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the adjustments set
forth in the Plan, the Shares which may be issued pursuant to the Plan shall not
exceed in the aggregate 450,000 shares of the Corporation's Common Stock, $1.00
par value. Such Shares shall be authorized and unissued shares. Any Shares
subject to a Stock Option granted under this Plan which for any reason expires
or is terminated unexercised and/or Shares subject to repurchase which are
repurchased by the Corporation shall again be subject to and be available for
issuance pursuant to the terms of this Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
such shares shall be made subject to a new Stock Option only if the grant of
such new Stock Option and the issuance of such shares pursuant to such new Stock
Option would not cause the Plan or any Stock Option granted under the Plan to
contravene Rule 16b-3, as promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act") and as amended from time to time or any
successor rule or regulation ("Rule 16b-3").
6. Administration of the Plan. Within the limitations described herein,
the Committee shall administer the Plan, select the officers, directors, service
providers and Employees of the Corporation to whom Stock Options shall be
granted, determine the number of Shares to be subject to each grant, determine
the method of payment upon exercise of each Stock Option, determine all other
terms of Stock Options granted hereunder and interpret, construe and implement
the provisions of the Plan. By the adoption of this Plan, the Board of Directors
of the Corporation is delegating to the Committee plenary authority to
administer the Plan. All questions of interpretation of the Plan or any Stock
Option granted under the Plan shall be determined by the Committee, and such
decisions shall be binding upon all persons having an interest in the Plan
and/or any Stock Option.
With respect to the participation of any Employees who are also officers or
directors of the Corporation subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, the
Plan shall be administered in compliance with the "disinterested administration"
requirement of Rule 16b-3. In the case of officers or other Employees or persons
who are not directors of the Corporation, grants may be approved by the
Committee or by a majority
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of the members of the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding the above, the
Committee, in its sole discretion, may delegate its powers hereunder to grant
Stock Options to persons who are not subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange
Act, to certain officers of the Corporation. Any such delegation shall be in
writing and shall clearly describe any limitations to which such delegation of
authority is subject.
In the event the Corporation is a "publicly held corporation" as defined in
paragraph (2) of section 162(m) of the Code, as amended by the Revenue
Reconciliation Act of 1993 (P.L. 103-66), and the regulations promulgated
thereunder ("Section 162(m)"), the Corporation may establish a committee of
outside directors meeting the requirements of Section 162(m) to approve the
grant of Stock Options which might reasonably be anticipated to result in the
payment of employee remuneration that would otherwise exceed the limit on
employee remuneration deductible for income tax purposes pursuant to Section
162(m).
7. Indemnification. In addition to such other rights of indemnification as
they may have as directors or as members of the Committee, members of the Board
of Directors of the Corporation, members of the Committee and any officers to
whom authority to act for the Committee is delegated shall be indemnified by the
Corporation against all reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees, actually
and necessarily incurred in connection with the defense of any action, suit or
proceeding, or in connection with any appeal therein, to which they or any of
them may be a party by reason of any action taken or failure to act under or in
connection with the Plan, or any right granted thereunder, and against all
amounts paid by them in settlement thereof (provided such settlement is approved
by independent legal counsel selected by the Corporation) or paid by them in
satisfaction of a judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding, except in
relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or
proceeding that such person is liable for gross negligence or misconduct in
duties; provided, however, that within sixty (60) days after the institution of
such action, suit or proceeding, such person shall offer to the Corporation, in
writing, the opportunity at its own expense to handle and defend the same.
8. Stock Options. The granting of a Stock Option shall be evidenced by a
stock option agreement ("Stock Option Agreement"), in such form and not
inconsistent with this Plan, as the Committee shall approve from time to time.
The Committee shall determine for each Stock Option (which need not be
identical), the exercise price of the Stock Option, the timing and terms of
exercisability and vesting of the Stock Option, the time of expiration of the
Stock Option, the effect of the Holder's termination of employment or service,
whether the Stock Option is to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option or as a
Nonqualified Stock Option, the method for satisfaction of any tax withholding
obligation arising in connection with the Stock Option, including by the
withholding or delivery of shares of Common Stock, and all other terms and
conditions of the Stock Option not inconsistent with the Plan. Each Stock Option
Agreement shall contain in substance the following terms and conditions:
8.1 Price. The Stock Option Agreement shall specify the Purchase
Price per Share. The Purchase Price per Share deliverable upon the exercise
of an Incentive Stock Option shall not be less than the Fair Market Value
of a Share on the Date of Grant of the Incentive Stock Option. In the case
of a grant of an Incentive Stock Option to an Employee who, at the time the
Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock possessing more than ten
percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of
the Corporation, or of any parent or subsidiary corporation, the Purchase
Price per Share deliverable upon the exercise of the Incentive Stock Option
shall not be less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market
Value of such Share on the Date of Grant of the Incentive Stock Option.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Incentive Stock Option may be granted
with a Purchase Price lower than the minimum price set forth above if such
Stock Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for
another Stock Option in a manner qualifying with the provisions of Section
424(a) of the Code. The Purchase Price per Share deliverable upon exercise
of a Nonqualified Stock Option shall be not less than the Fair Market Value
of a Share on the Date of Grant of the Nonqualified Stock Option except
that the purchase price for no more than 5% of the shares under the plan
can be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
8.2 Number of Shares. The Stock Option Agreement shall specify the
number of Shares subject to the Stock Option.
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8.3 Exercisability of Stock Options. A Stock Option may be
exercisable, in part or in full, at any time and from time to time during
an exercise period, and subject to such performance criteria, conditions
and restrictions as determined by the Committee on a case-by-case basis for
each Stock Option, and as set forth in the Stock Option Agreement. In no
event shall the exercise period of any Incentive Stock Option granted
hereunder exceed ten (10) years from the Date of Grant of such Option;
provided, however, that in the case of a grant of an Incentive Stock Option
to an Employee, who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted,
owns stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined
voting stock of the Corporation or of any parent or subsidiary corporation,
such Incentive Stock Option shall not be exercisable after the expiration
of five (5) years from its Date of Grant.
In the event that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of
the Date of Grant) of stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options
are exercisable for the first time by an Employee during any calendar year
(under all stock option plans of the Corporation and its parent or
subsidiary corporations) exceeds $100,000, the excess shall be treated as a
Nonqualified Stock Option. This paragraph shall be applied by taking
Incentive Stock Options into account in the order in which they were
granted.
8.4 Payment of Purchase Price.
(a) Forms of Payment Authorized. Payment of the Purchase Price for
the number of Shares being purchased pursuant to any Stock Option shall
be made (1) in cash, by check, or cash equivalent, (2) by tender to the
Corporation of shares of the Corporation's Common Stock owned by the
Holder having a value, as determined by the Committee (but without
regard to any restrictions on transferability applicable to such stock
by reason of federal or state securities laws or agreements with an
underwriter for the Corporation), not less than the option price, (3) if
specifically permitted by the Committee and set forth in the Holder's
Stock Option Agreement, by the Holder's recourse promissory note, (4) by
the assignment of the proceeds of a sale of some or all of the shares
being acquired upon the exercise of a Stock Option (including, without
limitation, through an exercise complying with the provisions of
Regulation T as promulgated from time to time by the Committee of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System), or (5) by any combination
thereof. The Committee may at any time or from time to time, grant Stock
Options which do not permit all of the foregoing forms of consideration
to be used in payment of the option price and/or which otherwise
restrict one (1) or more forms of consideration.
(b) Tender of Corporation Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a
Stock Option may not be exercised by tender to the Corporation of shares
of the Corporation's Common Stock to the extent such tender of stock
would constitute a violation of the provisions of any law, regulation
and/or agreement restricting the redemption of the Corporation's stock
or result in the recognition of compensation expense to the Corporation
under generally accepted accounting principles. Unless otherwise
provided by the Committee, a Stock Option may not be exercised by tender
to the Corporation of shares of the Corporation's Common Stock unless
such shares of the Corporation's common stock either have been owned by
the Holder for more than six (6) months or were not acquired, directly
or indirectly, from the Corporation.
(c) Promissory Notes. No promissory note shall be permitted if an
exercise using a promissory note would be a violation of any law. Any
permitted promissory note shall be due and payable not more than five
(5) years after the Stock Option is exercised, and interest shall be
payable at least annually and be at least equal to the minimum interest
rate necessary to avoid imputed interest pursuant to all applicable
sections of the Code. The Committee shall have the authority to permit
or require the Holder to secure any promissory note used to exercise a
Stock Option with the Shares acquired on exercise of the Stock Option
and/or with other collateral acceptable to the Corporation. Unless
otherwise provided by the Committee, in the event the Corporation at any
time becomes subject to the regulations promulgated by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any other governmental entity
affecting the extension of credit in connection with the Corporation's
securities, any promissory note shall comply with such applicable
regulations, and the Holder shall
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pay the unpaid principal and accrued interest, if any, to the extent
necessary to comply with such applicable regulations.
(d) Assignment of Proceeds of Sale. The Corporation reserves, at
any and all times, the right, in the Corporation's sole and absolute
discretion, to establish, decline to approve and/or terminate any
program and/or procedures for the exercise of Stock Options by means of
an assignment of the proceeds of a sale of some or all of the Shares to
be acquired upon such exercise.
9. Recapitalization. Appropriate adjustments shall be made in the number
and class of Shares subject to the Plan, and to any outstanding Stock Options
and in the Purchase Price per Share of any outstanding Stock Options in the
event of a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, combination,
reclassification, or like change in the capital structure of the Corporation.
10. Reorganization. A "Reorganization" shall be deemed to have occurred in
the event any of the following occurs with respect to the Corporation: (a) the
direct or indirect sale or exchange by the stockholders of the Corporation of
all or substantially all of the stock of the Corporation where the stockholders
of the Corporation before such sale or exchange do not retain, directly or
indirectly, at least a majority of the beneficial interest in the voting stock
of the Corporation after such sale or exchange; (b) a merger or consolidation in
which the Corporation is not the surviving corporation; (c) a merger or
consolidation in which the Corporation is the surviving corporation where the
stockholders of the Corporation before such merger or consolidation do not
retain, directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the beneficial interest
in the voting stock of the Corporation after such merger or consolidation; (d)
the sale, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Corporation (other than a sale, exchange, or transfer to one (1) or more
subsidiary corporations (as defined in paragraph 2.2 above) of the Corporation);
or (e) a liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation.
In the event of a Reorganization, the surviving, continuing, successor, or
purchasing corporation or parent corporation thereof, as the case may be (the
"Acquiring Corporation"), may assume the Corporation's rights and obligations
under outstanding Stock Options or substitute options for the Acquiring
Corporation's stock for such outstanding Stock Options. In the event the
Acquiring Corporation elects not to assume or substitute for such outstanding
Stock Options in connection with the Reorganization, any unexercisable and/or
unvested portion of the outstanding Stock Options shall be immediately
exercisable and vested as of the date thirty (30) days prior to the date of the
Reorganization. The exercise and/or vesting of any Stock Option that was
permissible solely by reason of this paragraph 10 shall be conditioned upon the
consummation of the Reorganization. Any Stock Options which are neither assumed
or substituted for by the Acquiring Corporation in connection with the
Reorganization nor exercised as of the date of the Reorganization shall
terminate and cease to be outstanding effective as of the date of the
Reorganization.
11. Investment Representations. The Committee may require a Holder to whom
a Stock Option is granted, as a condition of receipt and/or exercise of the
Stock Option, to give written assurances in substance and form satisfactory to
the Committee to the effect that the Holder is acquiring the Stock Option
granted hereunder or the Shares issuable upon exercise thereof for the Holder's
own account and not with any present intention of selling or otherwise
distributing the same, and to such other effects as the Committee deems
necessary or appropriate in order to comply with federal and applicable state
securities laws. Appropriate legends may be placed on any Shares issued under
the Plan evidencing such representations.
12. Compliance With Securities Laws. Each Stock Option granted hereunder
shall be subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Committee, in its
discretion, shall determine that the listing, registration or qualification of
the Shares subject to such Stock Option upon any securities exchange or under
any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any government or
regulatory body, is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection
with, the granting of such Stock Option granted hereunder or the issue of
Shares, such Stock Option may not be granted or exercised in whole or in part
unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have
been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the
Committee. Nothing in the Plan or related Stock Option Agreements shall be
deemed to require the Corporation to apply for or obtain such listing,
registration or qualification.
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13. Rights as a Stockholder. A Holder shall have no rights as a
stockholder of the Corporation with respect to any Shares covered by a Stock
Option granted hereunder until said Holder tenders an effective and
unconditional notice of exercise of the Stock Option to the Corporation,
complies with all other terms and conditions of exercise and, if applicable,
pays the Purchase Price. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, no
adjustment shall be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date
is prior to the date on which the Holder tenders notice of exercise, complies
with all other terms and conditions of exercise, and pays any applicable
Purchase Price. The Committee shall use its best efforts to secure prompt
issuance of stock certificates following full performance of exercise by any
Holder.
14. Non-Assignability of Options. No Incentive Stock Option shall be
assignable or transferable by the Holder except by will or by the laws of
descent and distribution. During the life of the Holder, an Incentive Stock
Option shall be exercisable only by the Holder or by the duly appointed legal
representative of an incompetent Holder. A Nonqualified Stock Option may be
assignable or transferable to the extent set forth in the Stock Option Agreement
governing such Stock Option.
15. Withholding Taxes. The Corporation shall have the right to deduct from
amounts otherwise due Holder under a Stock Option granted hereunder or from any
wages or other compensation to be paid to Holder any sums required by federal,
state and local tax law to be withheld with respect to the exercise of any Stock
Option or with respect to the disposition of Shares issued hereunder or, in the
alternative, to require the Holder to pay such sums to the Corporation. The
Corporation may, in its discretion and upon request by Holder, withhold from the
Shares to be issued to Holder under this Plan a number of Shares (based on the
Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of exercise of the Stock Option)
necessary to satisfy any tax withholding requirements.
16. Termination or Amendment of the Plan and Stock Options. The Committee
may terminate or amend the Plan or any Stock Option at any time; except that,
without stockholder approval, the Committee may not increase the number of
Shares which may be issued under the Plan (except by operation of paragraph 9)
or modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan. In
addition, the approval of the Corporation's stockholders shall be sought for any
amendment to the Plan or a Stock Option for which the Committee deems
stockholder approval necessary in order to comply with Rule 16b-3. In any event,
no amendment may adversely affect any then outstanding Stock Option or any
unexercised portion thereof, without the consent of the Holder, unless such
amendment is required to enable a Stock Option designated as an Incentive Stock
Option to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
17. No Special Employment Rights. Nothing contained in this Plan or in any
Stock Option granted hereunder shall confer upon any Holder any right with
respect to continued employment or engagement with the Corporation or interfere
in any way with the right of the Corporation, subject to the terms of any
separate agreement with the Holder to the contrary, at any time to terminate
such employment or engagement or to increase or decrease the compensation or
other benefits paid to the Holder.
18. Governing Law. This Plan and any Stock Options issued hereunder shall
be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
California.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Secretary of the Corporation certifies
that the foregoing Cohu, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan was duly adopted by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation on February 15, 1996.
John H. Allen
18
21
COHU, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD MAY 7, 1996
The undersigned hereby (i) acknowledge(s) receipt of the Notice and Proxy
Statement dated April 1, 1996 relating to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
Cohu, Inc. (the "Company") to be held May 7, 1996 and (ii) appoint(s) WILLIAM S.
IVANS, CHARLES A. SCHWAN and JOHN H. ALLEN as proxies, with full power of
substitution, and authorizes them, or any of them, to vote all the shares of
common stock of the Company standing in the name of the undersigned at said
meeting or any adjournment thereof upon the matter specified below and upon such
other matters as may be properly brought before the meeting, conferring
discretionary authority upon such proxies as to such other matters.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL
BE VOTED FOR PROPOSAL 1, 2, 3 AND 4.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. / / FOR all nominees listed below / / WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
(except as marked to the contrary below) to vote for all nominees listed
CHARLES A. SCHWAN GENE E. LEARY
(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write
that nominee's name on the space provided below.)
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(Please sign and date on the reverse side)
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2. APPROVAL TO INCREASE THE COMPANY'S AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK.
FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
3. APPROVAL OF THE COHU, INC. 1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN.
FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
4. IN THEIR DISCRETION, UPON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
STOCKHOLDERS WHO ATTEND THE MEETING MAY VOTE IN PERSON EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE
PREVIOUSLY MAILED THIS PROXY.
Dated: 1996
------------------------- --------------------------------------
Signature of Stockholder
--------------------------------------
Signature of Stockholder
IMPORTANT: Please date this Proxy and
sign exactly as your name(s) appears
hereon. When signing as a fiduciary,
please give your full title. If shares
are held in the names of two or more
persons, any one may sign.
PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND MAIL THIS PROXY CARD IN THE ENVELOPE. NO POSTAGE IS
REQUIRED FOR DOMESTIC MAILING.
