UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant |X|
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant |_|
Check the appropriate box:
|_| Preliminary Proxy Statement
|_| Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
|X| Definitive Proxy Statement
|_| Definitive Additional Materials
|_| Soliciting Material Pursuant to ss. 240.14a-12
UNITED STATES ANTIMONY CORPORATION
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(NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
N/A
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(NAME OF PERSON(S) FILING PROXY STATEMENT, IF OTHER THAN THE REGISTRANT)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
|X| No fee required.
|_| Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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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5. Total fee paid:
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|_| 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:
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2. Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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3. Filing Party:
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4. Date Filed:
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UNITED STATES ANTIMONY CORPORATION
P.O. BOX 643,
THOMPSON FALLS, MONTANA 59873
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS - SEPTEMBER 20, 2008
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF UNITED STATES ANTIMONY CORPORATION:
You are cordially invited to attend a Special Meeting of Shareholders of
United States Antimony Corporation, a Montana corporation (the "Company"), to be
held at the Ramada Inn, located adjacent to the Spokane International Airport,
8909 Airport Road, Spokane, Washington on Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 10:00
a.m., Spokane Time, for the following purposes:
1. To approve an amendment to the Company's Articles of Incorporation
increasing the number of authorized shares of common stock from
50,000,000 shares to 60,000,000 shares; and
2. To consider and transact such other business as may properly come
before the Special Meeting, including any motion to adjourn to a later
date to permit further solicitation of proxies, if necessary, or
before any adjournment thereof.
Shareholders of record at the close of business on July 21, 2008 are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting and at any and all
adjournments or postponements thereof. If you are unable to attend the Special
Meeting in person, you are urged to mark, sign, date and return the enclosed
proxy card at your earliest convenience. Any shareholder attending the Special
Meeting in person may revoke their proxy and vote their shares in person.
Please sign, date and return the enclosed proxy immediately to assure that
your shares are represented at the Special Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for
September 20, 2008.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
John C. Lawrence
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF
FINANCIAL OFFICER
Thompson Falls, Montana
August 15, 2008
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE
BY FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD.
UNITED STATES ANTIMONY CORPORATION
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PROXY STATEMENT
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
SEPTEMBER 20, 2008
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GENERAL INFORMATION
The Board of Directors of United States Antimony Corporation, a Montana
corporation, is soliciting the enclosed proxy from you. The proxy will be used
at our Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Saturday, September 20,
2008, beginning at 10:00 a.m., Spokane Time, at the Ramada Inn, located adjacent
to the Spokane International Airport, 8909 Airport Road, Spokane, Washington,
and at any postponements or adjournments thereof. This proxy statement contains
important information regarding the Special Meeting. Specifically, it identifies
the matters upon which you are being asked to vote, provides information that
you may find useful in determining how to vote and describes the voting
procedures.
We use several abbreviations in this proxy statement. We may refer to our
company as "USAC", the "Company", "we", "our" or "us". The term "proxy
materials" includes this proxy statement, as well as the enclosed proxy card.
The term "meeting" means the Special Meeting of Shareholders described herein.
We are sending these proxy materials on or about August 15, 2008, to all
shareholders of record at the close of business on Monday, July 21, 2008 (the
"Record Date").
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CONCERNING THIS SOLICITATION
AND VOTING AT THE SPECIAL MEETING
WHEN AND WHERE The meeting will be held on Saturday, September
IS THE MEETING? 20, 2008, beginning at 10:00 a.m., Spokane Time,
at the Ramada Inn, located adjacent to the Spokane
International Airport, 8909 Airport Road, Spokane
Washington.
WHY AM I RECEIVING You are receiving these proxy materials from us
THESE PROXY MATERIALS? because you were a shareholder of record at the
close of business on the Record Date (July 21,
2008). As a shareholder of record, you are invited
to attend the meeting and are entitled to and
requested to vote on the items of business
described in this proxy statement.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE At the meeting, shareholders of record will act
OF THE MEETING? upon the items of business outlined below. In
addition, management will report on the
performance of the Company and respond to
questions from shareholders.
WHO IS ENTITLED TO You are entitled to attend the meeting only if you
ATTEND THE MEETING? were a USAC shareholder (or joint holder) of
record as of the close of business on Monday, July
21, 2008, or if you hold a valid proxy for the
meeting. You should be prepared to present photo
identification for admittance.
Please also note that if you are not a shareholder
of record but hold shares in street name (that is,
through a broker or nominee), you will need to
provide proof of beneficial ownership as of the
Record Date, such as your most recent brokerage
account statement prior to July 21, 2008, a copy
of the voting instruction card provided by your
broker, trustee or nominee, or other similar
evidence of ownership. If you do not provide photo
identification or comply with the other procedures
outlined above upon request, you will not be
admitted to the meeting.
WHO IS ENTITLED TO Only shareholders of record who owned USAC common
VOTE AT THE MEETING? stock or voting preferred stock at the close of
business on the Record Date (July 21, 2008) are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting,
and at any postponements or adjournments thereof.
As of the Record Date, 42,801,524 shares of USAC
common stock and 1,928,909 shares of USAC voting
preferred stock were outstanding. You will have
one vote at the meeting for each share of USAC
common stock and/or voting preferred stock you
owned as of the Record Date.
HOW MANY SHARES MUST The presence at the meeting, in person or by
BE PRESENT OR REPRESENTED proxy, of the holders of one-half of the voting
TO CONDUCT BUSINESS AT power of the outstanding shares of USAC common
THE MEETING (THAT IS, stock and voting preferred stock at the meeting
WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM)? will constitute a quorum. A quorum is required to
conduct business at the meeting. The presence of
the holders of USAC
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common stock and voting preferred stock
representing at least 22,365,216 votes will be
required to establish a quorum at the meeting.
Both abstentions and broker non-votes are counted
for the purpose of determining the presence of a
quorum.
WHAT ITEMS OF BUSINESS WILL The items of business scheduled to be voted on at
BE VOTED ON AT THE MEETING? the meeting are as follows:
1. To approve an amendment to the Company's
Articles of Incorporation increasing the
number of authorized shares of common stock
from 50,000,000 shares to 60,000,000 shares;
and
2. To transact such other business as may
properly come before the meeting, including
any motion to adjourn to a later date to
permit further solicitation of proxies, if
necessary, or before any adjournment thereof.
This proposal is described more fully below in
these proxy materials. As of the date of this
proxy statement, the only business that our Board
of Directors intends to present or knows of that
others will present at the meeting is as set forth
in this proxy statement. If any other matter or
matters are properly brought before the meeting,
it is the intention of the persons who hold
proxies to vote the shares they represent in
accordance with their best judgment.
HOW DOES THE BOARD Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote
OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND your shares "FOR" the amendment to the Company's
THAT I VOTE? Articles of Incorporation increasing the number of
authorized shares of common stock.
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PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON
PROPOSAL 1
AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
INTRODUCTION:
The Board of Directors of the Company has approved an amendment (the
"Amendment") to the Company's Articles of Incorporation to increase the
authorized number of shares of common stock from 50,000,000 shares to 60,000,000
shares. The shareholders are being asked to approve this proposed Amendment. The
Amendment will take effect, if at all, after it is approved by the shareholders
of the Company and after filing the Amendment with the Secretary of State of the
State of Montana. The proposed Amendment to the Company's Articles of
Incorporation is attached to this proxy statement as Appendix A.
REASON FOR AMENDMENT:
The Board of Directors believes it is in the best interest of the Company
and its shareholders to approve the Amendment and increase the number of
authorized but unissued shares of common stock because:
o Shares of common stock must be available to meet the respective
conversion and exercise privileges of the Company's convertible Series D
preferred stock, common stock warrants and outstanding convertible note
payables;
o Additional shares of common stock must be available to provide the
Company with the flexibility to respond to acquisition and equity fundraising
opportunities, to expand and finance the Company's operating activities and to
establish strategic relationships with corporate partners; and
o Additional shares of common stock must be available to issue to directors
and other key employees and consultants in order to attract and retain competent
and dedicated management for the Company.
The availability of additional shares of common stock is particularly
important if we need to undertake any of the foregoing actions on an expedited
basis and wish to avoid the time and expense of seeking shareholder approval for
an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation. Other than as discussed above
with respect to the exercise and conversion privileges of the Company's
convertible Series D preferred stock, common stock warrants and outstanding
convertible note payables, we have no present agreement or arrangement to issue
any of the shares for which approval is sought. If the amendment is approved by
the shareholders, the Board of Directors does not intend to solicit further
shareholder approval prior to the issuance of any additional shares of common
stock.
At the Record Date, there were 42,801,524 shares of common stock issued and
outstanding. In addition, (i) 7,126,127 shares of common stock have been
allocated for issuance pursuant to outstanding common stock purchase warrants,
(ii) an outstanding note payable is convertible into 700,000 shares of common
stock, and (iii) 500,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance
under the Company's 2000 stock plan. As a result, the total of outstanding and
reserved shares of common stock equals 51,127,651. However, the Company's
Articles of Incorporation only authorize 50,000,000 shares of common stock,
resulting in an over-allocation of 1,127,651 shares. In addition, the Company
has 1,751,005 shares of Series D preferred stock and warrants to purchase
111,185 shares of Series D preferred stock that are convertible on a one-to-one
basis for shares of common stock.
The increase in authorized common stock will not have any immediate effect
on the rights of existing shareholders. However, the Board of Directors will
have the authority to issue common stock without requiring future shareholder
approval of such issuances. To the extent that additional shares are issued in
the future, they would decrease the existing shareholders' percentage equity
ownership and, depending on the price at which they are issued, could be
dilutive to the existing shareholders.
The increase in the authorized number of shares of common stock and the
subsequent issuance of such shares could have the effect of delaying or
preventing a change in control of USAC without further action by the
shareholders. Shares of authorized and unissued common stock could, within the
limits imposed by applicable law, be issued in one or more transactions which
could make a change in control of USAC more difficult, and therefore less
likely. Any such issuance of additional stock could have the effect of diluting
the earnings per share and the book value per share of outstanding shares of
common stock, and such additional shares could be used to dilute the stock
ownership or voting rights of a person seeking to obtain control of USAC. Our
Board of Directors is not currently aware of any attempt to take over or acquire
us. While it
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may be deemed to have potential anti-takeover effects, the proposed Amendment to
increase the authorized common stock is not prompted by any specific effort or
takeover threat currently perceived by management.
NO PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS:
Under the Company's Articles of Incorporation, shareholders will not be
entitled to preemptive rights upon the adoption of the proposed Amendment and
the issuance of additional shares of common stock by the Company thereafter.
NO DISSENTER'S RIGHTS:
Under Montana law, shareholders are not entitled to dissenter's rights of
appraisal with respect to the proposed Amendment.
VOTE AND RECOMMENDATION:
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of common stock and
voting preferred stock entitled to vote, each voting as a separate class, is
required to approve the Amendment. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE
"FOR" THE AMENDMENT TO OUR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF
AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK FROM 50,000,000 SHARES TO 60,000,000 SHARES.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of August 5, 2008, certain information
regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock and preferred stock by (i)
each person or entity who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of common stock or preferred stock, (ii) each of our
executive officers and directors, and (iii) all directors and named executive
officers as a group. Except as set forth in the footnotes below, all such
persons possess sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares
listed. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each shareholder listed in
the following table is c/o United States Antimony Corporation, P.O. Box 643,
1250 Prospect Creek Road, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.
SHARES AND CLASS OF STOCK PERCENTAGE OF CLASS
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIALLY OWNED(1) OUTSTANDING(1)
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Reed Family Limited Partnership 6,375,000 shares
328 Adams Street, Milton, MA 02186...............................common stock 15.0%
The Dugan Family(5)
c/o A.W. Dugan, 1415 Louisiana Street, Suite 3100 8,244,094 shares
Houston, TX 77002................................................common stock 19.0%
Richard A. Woods(5) 48,305 shares
59 Penn Circle West, Pittsburgh, PA 15206........................Series C preferred 27.0%
Dr. Warran A. Evans(5) 48,305 shares
69 Ponfret Landing Road, Brooklyn CT 06234.......................Series C preferred 27.0%
Edward Robinson (5) 32,203 shares
1007 Spruce Street, 1st Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107............Series C preferred 18.0%
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS:
John Lawrence (2)................................................3,982,298 shares 9.0%
common stock
John Lawrence (4)(5).............................................1,701,857 shares 91.0%
Series D preferred
Leo Jackson......................................................170,645 shares **
common stock
Leo Jackson......................................................102,000 shares 5.0%
Series D preferred
Gary A. Babbitt..................................................101,979 shares **
common stock
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS A GROUP (3 persons)..........4,254,922 shares
common stock
1,751,005 shares
Series D preferred 10.0% and 96%
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** Less than 1%.
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes voting or
investment power with respect to securities. Shares of common stock subject
to options or warrants currently exercisable or convertible within 60 days
are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding
options or warrants but are not deemed outstanding for computing the
percentage of any other person. Percentages are based on a total of
42,519,243 shares of common stock, 177,904 shares of Series C preferred
stock, and 1,751,005 shares of Series D preferred stock outstanding as of
August 5, 2008.
(2) Includes 2,232,298 shares of common stock and 1,250,000 stock purchase
warrants, plus 500,000 shares issuable through the conversion of a
convertible note payable. Excludes 158,324 shares owned by Mr. Lawrence's
sister, as to which Mr. Lawrence disclaims beneficial ownership.
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(3) Includes 4,520,017 shares owned by Al W. Dugan and 1,724,077 shares, in
aggregate, owned by companies owned and controlled by Al W. Dugan. Excludes
183,333 shares owned by Lydia Dugan, as to which Mr. Dugan disclaims
beneficial ownership.
(4) Includes 1,590,672 shares of Series D preferred stock and warrants to
purchase 111,185 shares of Series D preferred stock.
(5) The outstanding shares of Series C and Series D preferred stock carry
voting rights.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
The Company will bear the costs of soliciting proxies from its
shareholders on behalf of the Board of Directors. In addition to the use of the
mails, proxies may be solicited by the directors, officers and employees of the
Company by personal interview, telephone or telegram. Such directors, officers
and employees will not be additionally compensated for such solicitation, but
may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection therewith.
Arrangements will also be made with brokerage houses and other custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries for the forwarding of solicitation material to the
beneficial owners of the Company's common and preferred stock held of record by
such persons, and the Company will reimburse such brokerage houses, custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
connection therewith.
OTHER MATTERS
We are not aware of any other business to be presented at the meeting. As
of the date of this proxy statement, no shareholder had advised us of the intent
to present any business at the meeting. Accordingly, the only business that our
Board of Directors intends to present at the meeting is as set forth in this
proxy statement.
If any other matter or matters are properly brought before the meeting, the
proxies will use their discretion to vote on such matters in accordance with
their best judgment.
By order of the Board of Directors,
John C. Lawrence
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL
OFFICER
Thompson Falls, Montana
August 15, 2008
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APPENDIX A
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ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF
UNITED STATES ANTIMONY CORPORATION
Pursuant to ss. 35-1-227 of the Montana Business Corporation Act, the
undersigned corporation adopts the following Articles of Amendment to its
Articles of Incorporation:
ARTICLE I
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The name of the corporation is United States Antimony Corporation (the
"Corporation").
ARTICLE II
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Article Four of the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation (as previously
amended) is amended in the manner prescribed by Section 35-1-227 of the Montana
Business Corporation Act to increase the number of authorized shares of Common
Stock as follows:
1. Common Stock. The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which
the corporation shall have authority to issue is sixty million (60,000,000)
shares and each of such shares shall have a par value of one cent ($0.01).
ARTICLE III
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The foregoing amendment to the Articles of Incorporation does not provide
for an exchange, reclassification or cancellation of issued shares.
ARTICLE IV
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The foregoing amendment to Article Four of the Corporation's Articles of
Incorporation was adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation on July
21, 2008, and by the shareholders of the Corporation on September 20, 2008, in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the Montana Business Corporation
Act.
ARTICLE V
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A. There were 42,801,524 shares of Common Stock and 1,928,909 shares of
voting Preferred Stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, each as a
separate class, on the
amendment;
B. There were ________ shares of Common Stock represented at the meeting at
which the amendment was adopted; and there were _______ total votes of the
holders of Common Stock in favor of the amendment, which was sufficient for
approval by the holders of outstanding Common Stock; and
C. There were _______ shares of voting Preferred Stock represented at the
meting at which the amendment was adopted; and there were ________ total votes
of the holders of voting Preferred Stock in favor of the amendment, which was
sufficient for approval by the holders of outstanding voting Preferred Stock.
DATED: __________________, 2008
______________________________________
John C. Lawrence, Chairman, President
and Chief Financial Officer
DETACH HERE
PROXY
UNITED STATES ANTIMONY CORPORATION
P.O. Box 643
Thompson Falls, MT 59873
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints John C. Lawrence as proxy holder and
attorney-in-fact of the undersigned with full power of substitution to vote all
shares of stock that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting
of Shareholders of United States Antimony Corporation to be held at the Ramada
Inn, located adjacent to the Spokane International Airport, 8909 Airport Road,
Spokane, Washington, on Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., Spokane
Time, and at any continuation or adjournment thereof, with all the powers that
the undersigned would have if personally present at the meeting.
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Special Meeting and
Proxy Statement, dated August 15, 2008. The undersigned hereby expressly revokes
any and all proxies heretofore given or executed by the undersigned with respect
to the shares of stock represented by this proxy and, by filing this proxy with
the President of United States Antimony Corporation, gives notice of such
revocation.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in accordance with the
specifications made by the undersigned shareholder. WHERE NO CONTRARY CHOICE IS
INDICATED BY THE SHAREHOLDER, THIS PROXY, WHEN RETURNED, WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE
AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, AND WITH DISCRETIONARY
AUTHORITY UPON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. THIS
PROXY MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE TIME IT IS VOTED.
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SEE REVERSE CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE SEE REVERSE
SIDE SIDE
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UNITED STATES ANTIMONY CORPORATION
P.O. Box 643
Thompson Falls, Montana 59873
DETACH HERE IF YOU ARE RETURNING YOUR PROXY CARD BY MAIL
|X| PLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE FOLLOWING:
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
|_| |_| |_|
1. To approve the amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, increasing the
number of authorized shares of common stock from 50,000,000 to 60,000,000
shares.
2. With discretionary authority, upon such other matters as may properly come
before the meeting.
MARK HERE FOR ADDRESS CHANGE AND NOTE AT LEFT |_|
MARK HERE IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING |_|
PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THIS PROXY AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
Please date and sign exactly as your name or names appear herein.
Corporate or partnership proxies should be signed in full corporate or
partnership name by an authorized person. Persons signing in a
fiduciary capacity should indicate their full title in such capacity.
Signature: _____________ Date: ________ Signature: _____________ Date: ________