form10ka.htm
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_______________
 
FORM 10-K/A
 
AMENDMENT NO. 1
_______________

T
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2008
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM          TO
_______________
 
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-30083
 
QUALSTAR CORPORATION
 
CALIFORNIA
95-3927330
(State of Incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer ID No.)
 
3990-B HERITAGE OAK COURT, SIMI VALLEY, CA 93063
(805) 583-7744
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of Each Class:
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered:
Common Stock
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:     None
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.  Yes ¨     No T
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is not required to file reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Yes ¨     No T
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes T     No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  T
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of  “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer q
Smaller reporting company  T

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).  Yes ¨     No T
 
As of December 31, 2007, (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter), the aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $25,676,000.

The total shares of common stock without par value outstanding at September 19, 2008 is 12,253,117.

 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
None
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS



 
ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
A list of our executive officers and biographical information appears in Part I, Item 1 of this report under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”  The current members of our Board of Directors and biographical information is set forth below:
 
Name
  
Age
  
Position
  
William J. Gervais
  
65
  
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
  
Richard A. Nelson
  
65
  
Vice President — Engineering, Secretary and Director
  
Stanley W. Corker
  
57
  
Director
  
Carl W. Gromada
  
67
  
Director
  
Robert A. Meyer
  
63
  
Director
  
Robert E. Rich
  
58
  
Director
  

 
William J. Gervais is a founder of Qualstar and has been our President and a director since our inception in 1984, and was elected Chief Executive Officer in January 2000. From 1984 until January 2000, Mr. Gervais also served as our Chief Financial Officer. From 1981 until 1984, Mr. Gervais was President of Northridge Design Associates, Inc., an engineering consulting firm. Mr. Gervais was a co-founder, and served as Engineering Manager from 1976 until 1981, of Micropolis Corporation. Mr. Gervais earned a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 1967.
 
Richard A. Nelson is a founder of Qualstar and has been our Vice President of Engineering, Secretary and a director since our inception in 1984. From 1974 to 1984, Mr. Nelson was self-employed as an engineering consultant specializing in microprocessor technology. Mr. Nelson earned a B.S. in Electronic Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 1966.
 
Stanley W. Corker has served as a director of Qualstar since January 26, 2006.  Since 1996, Mr. Corker has been the Director of Technology Research and a partner of Emerald Asset Management, a diversified investment management firm.  Prior to joining Emerald Asset Management, Mr. Corker obtained over 20 years experience in the computer storage industry from key roles in engineering and marketing at several manufacturers of tape drives, and as an industry analyst with International Data Corporation (IDC).  Mr. Corker received a B.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Essex, England in 1972, where he later conducted five years of postgraduate research in computer networking systems.
 
Carl W. Gromada has served as a director of Qualstar since March 2005.  From 2000 to the present, Mr. Gromada has been a consultant and a private investor. From 1996 to 2000, Mr. Gromada served as Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the board of directors of Computer Resources Unlimited, Inc., a company involved in the design, manufacture and sale of a broad line of products for the computer storage industry.  Mr. Gromada received a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Temple University in 1965.
 
Robert A. Meyer has served as a director of Qualstar since March 16, 2006.  Mr. Meyer is currently retired.  From 1994 until June 2005, Mr. Meyer was employed in various management positions by United States Filter Corporation, a company engaged in the water treatment industry serving industrial, commercial and residential customers.  His positions at United States Filter Corporation included Director of Finance, Business Development from 2000 to 2002, and Vice President of Internal Audit from 2003 until he retired in June 2005.  Mr. Meyer received a B.S. degree in Accounting from C.W. Post College in 1972, and he is a Certified Public Accountant.
 
Robert E. Rich has served as a director of Qualstar since January 2000.  Mr. Rich has been engaged in the private practice of law since 1975 and has been a shareholder of Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, legal counsel to Qualstar, since 1984.  Mr. Rich received a B.A. degree in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1972 and his J.D. degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1975.
 
Directors are elected annually and hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors have been elected and qualified.
 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
 
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires Qualstar’s directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of Qualstar’s common stock, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock.  Officers, directors and greater than ten percent shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish Qualstar with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
 
 
To our knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of Section 16(a) reports furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, our officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements.
 
Code of Ethics
 
Qualstar has adopted a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which complies with the requirements for a code of ethics pursuant to Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, that applies to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, controller and persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics has been filed as an exhibit to this report. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is also posted on our website at www.qualstar.com. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will be provided, without charge, to any shareholder who sends a written request to the Chief Financial Officer of Qualstar at 3990-B Heritage Oak Court, Simi Valley, California 93063.
 
Audit Committee
 
Our Board of Directors has a standing Audit Committee, which is comprised solely of non-employee directors who satisfy current Nasdaq standards with respect to independence, financial expertise and experience.  The current members of the Audit Committee are Stanley W. Corker, Carl W. Gromada and Robert A. Meyer, with Mr. Gromada serving as Chairman.  Our Board of Directors has determined that both Mr. Gromada and Mr. Meyer meet the Securities and Exchange Commission’s definition of “audit committee financial expert.”
 
ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
 
This section contains a discussion of the material elements of compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to our principal executive officer, our principal financial officer, and our other three most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers of Qualstar at June 30, 2008.  These individuals are identified in the Summary Compensation Table and other compensation tables that follow this section, and are referred to throughout this report as our “named executive officers.”
 
Executive Compensation Program Objectives
 
Our executive compensation program is intended to fulfill three primary objectives:  first, to attract and retain qualified executives required for the success of our business; second, to reward these executives for financial and operating performance; and third, to align their interests with those of our stockholders to create long-term stockholder value.  The principal elements of the compensation program for our named executives include base salary, cash bonus, and long-term incentives in the form of stock options.
 
Executive Officer Compensation Elements
 
Base Salaries
 
Our Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, establishes base salaries for our executive officers.  The Compensation Committee considers compensation paid by companies comparable in size to Qualstar, the experience level and past performance of the individual executives, as well as the revenues and profitability of Qualstar.  Our goal is to provide base salaries that are fair and competitive, but not excessive.
 
The table below shows the base salary established for each of our named executive officers for fiscal years 2008 and 2009, and the percentage increase compared to the prior fiscal year.  Salary adjustments generally take effect in October of each year, so the amounts shown below may not be exactly the same as those shown in the Fiscal 2008 Summary Compensation Table.
 
 
Name and Principal Position 
  
Fiscal 2008
Base Salary
    
Percent Increase versus Fiscal 2007 Base Salary
    
Fiscal 2009
Base Salary
    
Percent Increase/(decrease) versus Fiscal 2008
Base Salary
  
William J. Gervais
   $ 195,000    
─
     $ 175,000
(1)
     (10.3 %)
Chief Executive Officer and President
                              
                               
Andrew A. Farina
   $ 170,000       3.0 %   $ 170,000    
─
  
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
                                
                             
Richard A. Nelson
   $ 170,000    
─
     $ 170,000    
─
  
Vice President of Engineering
                                
                             
Robert K. Covey
   $ 172,000    
─
     $ 172,000    
─
  
Vice President of Marketing
                                
                             
Robert C. King
   $ 171,000
(2)
  
─
     $ 171,000
(2)
  
─
  
Vice President of Sales
                                
__________
 
(1)
Mr. Gervais voluntarily reduced his base salary to a rate of $175,000 effective August 25, 2008
(2) 
The amounts shown for Mr. King include an allowance of $6,000 per year for automobile expenses.

Cash Bonuses
 
Historically, each year the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, has established a cash bonus plan for executive officers based on Qualstar achieving stated levels of consolidated revenue and pre-tax profits for the fiscal year, excluding the effects of acquisitions, if any, made during the fiscal year.  However, in recent years Qualstar has not achieved the levels of revenues or pre-tax profits required to earn even the minimum bonus amounts under prior bonus plans.  Consequently, the Board of Directors did not establish a bonus plan for executive officers for fiscal 2008, and has not established a bonus plan for executive officers for fiscal 2009, with the exception of a cash incentive plan for our Vice President of Sales, as described below.
 
Because of the importance of our XLS tape library products to the future growth of revenues, the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, established a cash incentive plan for our Vice President of Sales in fiscal 2008 tied directly to unit sales of XLS tape libraries.  Under this plan, our Vice President of Sales earned $1,000 for each XLS tape library sold in fiscal 2008, for a total of $27,000.  
 
The Company’s Board of Directors reserves the right to modify the bonus plan from time to time, and to pay discretionary cash bonuses, if deemed appropriate.
 
Equity-Based Compensation

We use stock option grants as a form of long-term compensation.  For the past several years, however, our stock generally has not been actively traded and the price per share has declined or stayed within a relatively narrow range.  Consequently, stock options have not provided significant compensation in recent years. We did not grant any stock options to our executive officers in fiscal 2008.
 
Under our 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, the exercise price of stock options must be no less than the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.  It is our policy to grant stock options only at duly held meetings of our Board of Directors, with an exercise price equal to the closing price of our common stock on the date of the Board meeting.
 
Compensation of our Named Executive Officers
 
The amount of each component of compensation established for the named executive officers is based on a number of factors.  These factors include company performance, individual performance, compensation paid by companies comparable in size to Qualstar, the recommendations of our Chief Executive Officer, William J. Gervais, and a review of the prior compensation history of each executive officer.  Some of these factors are discussed above.  Other factors applicable to each named executive officer are discussed below.
 
 
Mr. Gervais and Mr. Nelson co-founded Qualstar in 1984 and they continue to serve Qualstar full time as executive officers.  The Compensation Committee considers both Mr. Gervais and Mr. Nelson to be largely responsible for the success the Company has achieved, and to be two of our most important employees.  However, Mr. Gervais and Mr. Nelson have requested that their base salaries be maintained at levels the Compensation Committee considers to be relatively low.  The reasons for this include their belief that in the long term their individual equity ownership of Qualstar potentially will provide greater financial returns than current compensation.  Moreover, Mr. Gervais voluntarily reduced his salary from a rate of $195,000 per year to a rate of $175,000 per year effective August 25, 2008 in order to reduce costs.  Mr. Gervais and Mr. Nelson also have never requested nor accepted stock option awards.
 
Mr. Farina has been an employee of Qualstar since November 27, 2006 and our Chief Financial Officer since December 14, 2006.  His starting base salary was $165,000 per year.  On August 30, 2007, the Board approved an increase in his base salary to $170,000 to bring his compensation more in line with amounts paid to chief financial officers at public companies of a size similar to Qualstar.
 
In an effort to stimulate sales of our XLS tape libraries, Mr.King receives a cash bonus based on the number of XLS libraries sold, as described above under the caption “Cash Bonuses.”
 
No executive officer received a raise for fiscal 2008 or fiscal 2009 due to the below-plan financial performance of Qualstar during fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008.
 
Tax Considerations
 
Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, we generally receive a federal income tax deduction for compensation paid to any of our named executive officers only to the extent total compensation does not exceed $1.0 million during any fiscal year or if it is “performance-based” under Section 162(m).  The total compensation earned by our executive officers has always been less than $1.0 million and, consequently, the limitations imposed by Section 162(m) have not been a factor.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
 
The Compensation Committee has reviewed the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis and has discussed its contents with Qualstar’s management and the Board of Directors. Based on the review and discussions, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this report.
 
Submitted by the members of the Compensation Committee
Stanley W. Corker (Chairman)
Carl W. Gromada
Robert A. Meyer
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
Our Board of Directors has a standing Compensation Committee.  The members of this committee during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 and presently are Stanley W. Corker, Carl W. Gromada and Robert A. Meyer.  No executive officer of Qualstar serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our Board of Directors.  No member of the Compensation Committee is, or ever has been, an employee or officer of Qualstar.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Summary Compensation Table
 
The following tables show the compensation earned during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007 by our principal executive officer, our principal financial officer, and our three other most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers at June 30, 2008.  These officers are referred to in this report as the “named executive officers.”
 
 
Fiscal 2008 and 2007 Summary Compensation Table
 
Name and Principal Position
    
Year
  
Salary (1)
($)
    
Bonus (1)
($)
    
Option Awards (2)
($)
    
All Other Compensation (3) 
($)
    
Total
($)
  
William J. Gervais
    
2008
   $ 195,000     $ —     $ —     $ 3,867     $ 198,867  
Chief Executive Officer and President
    
2007
     193,000       —       —       3,868       196,868  
                                               
Andrew A. Farina (4)
    
2008
     169,055       —       15,636       573       185,264  
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    
2007
     92,000       —       6,017       286       98,303  
                                               
Richard A. Nelson
    
2008
     169,998       —       —       6,274       176,272  
Vice President of Engineering
    
2007
     164,000       —       —       6,545       170,545  
                                               
Robert K. Covey
    
2008
     175,303       —       —       4,445       179,748  
Vice President of Marketing
    
2007
     171,000       —       —       3,962       174,962  
                                               
Robert C. King
    
2008
     170,976       27,000       31,515       5,724       235,215  
Vice President of Sales
    
2007
     169,000       14,000       21,894       5,724       210,618  

_____________
(1)
The amounts shown in these columns reflect salary and bonuses earned by the named executive officers during fiscal years 2008 and 2007 and include amounts which the executives elected to defer, on a discretionary basis, pursuant to Qualstar’s 401(k) savings plan.
 
(2)
The amounts shown in this column represent the compensation expense recognized by Qualstar in fiscal years 2008 and 2007 for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to the fair value of stock options granted during fiscal 2008 and in prior fiscal years.  The compensation expense is computed in accordance with SFAS 123R, and does not necessarily correspond to the actual value that will be realized by the named executive officers.  Stock options granted to the named executive officers vest over four years at the rate of 25% of the shares as of each anniversary of the date of grant.   Pursuant to SEC rules, the dollar amounts shown in the table exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions.  Under SFAS 123R, the fair value of stock options is calculated using the closing price of Qualstar common stock on the date of grant. For additional information regarding the calculation of the fair value of stock options, refer to note 7 of the Qualstar financial statements included in Item 8 of this report.
 
(3)
The amounts shown above under “All Other Compensation” represent matching contributions under our 401(k) plan, and premiums for disability and life insurance.
 
(4)
Mr. Farina’s employment commenced as of November 27, 2006
 
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
 
The following table sets forth information regarding grants of awards to each named executive officer during the year ended June 30, 2008 under our equity incentive plan.
 
 
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal Year 2008
 
Name
  
Grant Date
    
All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (1) 
(#)
    
Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($ / Sh)
    
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards (2)
($)
  
William J. Gervais
     —       —       —       —  
Andrew A. Farina
     —       —       —       —  
Richard A. Nelson
     —       —       —       —  
Robert K. Covey
     —       —       —       —  
Robert C. King
     —       —       —       —  
________
(1)
The amounts shown in this column represent the number of shares of common stock underlying stock options granted in fiscal year 2008 to each named executive officer.  Stock options granted to the named executive officers vest over four years at the rate of 25% of the number of shares as of each anniversary of the date of grant, provided that the executive is still employed by Qualstar on the vesting date.
 
(2)
The amounts shown in this column represent the full grant date fair value of stock options granted in fiscal year 2008, computed in accordance with SFAS 123R, and does not necessarily correspond to the actual value that will be realized by the named executive officers.  Under SFAS 123R, the grant date fair value of stock options is calculated using the closing price of Qualstar common stock on the date of grant.  This amount is then recognized by the Company as compensation expense for financial statement reporting purposes ratably over the vesting period.  The amount recognized as compensation expense in fiscal 2008 is included in the Summary Compensation Table above in the column headed “Option Awards.”  For additional information regarding the calculation of the grant date fair value of stock options, refer to note 7 of the Qualstar financial statements included in Item 8 of this report.
 
Outstanding Equity Awards
 
The following table provides information regarding outstanding equity awards held by each named executive officer as of June 30, 2008, including the number of unexercised vested and unvested stock options. The vesting schedule for each grant is shown following this table.
 
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2008 Fiscal Year End
 
   
Option Awards
  
   
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options (#)
    
Option
Exercise
Price
    
Option
Expiration
  
Name
  
Exercisable
    
Unexercisable (1)
    
($)
    
Date
  
William J. Gervais
     —       —       —    
—
  
Andrew A. Farina
     12,500       37,500     $ 2.88  
 
12/14/2016
  
Richard A. Nelson
     —       —       —    
—
  
Robert K. Covey
     20,000       —       5.94  
 
01/03/2012
  
Robert C. King
     37,500       12,500       3.71    
06/15/2015
  
      12,500       37,500       2.88    
12/14/2016
  
______________
(1)
  
Stock options granted to the named executive officers vest over four years at the rate of 25% of the options as of each anniversary of the date of grant, provided that the executive is still employed by Qualstar on the vesting date.  The amounts shown in this column represent the remaining unvested portion of each option grant.

 
Option Exercises
 
The table below sets forth information for each named executive officer regarding the exercise of stock options during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, including the aggregate value realized upon exercise before payment of any applicable withholding taxes.
 
Option Exercises in Fiscal Year 2008
 
   
Option Awards
  
Name
  
Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
(#)
    
Value Realized
on Exercise (1)
($)
  
William J. Gervais
     —       —  
Andrew A. Farina
     —       —  
Richard A. Nelson
     —       —  
Robert K. Covey
     —       —  
Robert C. King
     —       —  
 
____________
 
(1)
The value realized on exercise of option awards represents the market price per share of common stock on the date of exercise, less the stock option exercise price per share, multiplied by the number of stock options exercised.
 
Director Compensation
 
Each of our non-employee directors receives cash fees and equity-based awards as compensation for his service on the Board of Directors and the committees of the Board on which he is a member.  The table below sets forth cash compensation earned by each non-employee director, and share-based compensation expense recognized by us for each non-employee director, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.  All compensation earned by Mr. Gervais and Mr. Nelson is reported in the Summary Compensation Table above and has been excluded from the table below.
 
Fiscal Year 2008 Director Compensation Table
 

Name
  
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash (1) 
($)
    
Option
Awards (2)(3)
($)
    
Total
($)
  
Stanley W. Corker
   $ 20,500     $ 5,760     $ 26,260  
Carl W. Gromada
     20,250       5,760       26,010  
Robert A. Meyer
     19,250       5,760       25,010  
Robert E. Rich
     13,250       5,760       19,010  
_______________
(1)
  
The amounts shown in this column represent the amount of cash compensation earned in fiscal year 2008 for service on the Board of Directors and any committees of the Board on which the director was a member in fiscal 2008.
     
(2)
  
The amounts shown in this column represent the compensation expense recognized by Qualstar in fiscal year 2008 for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to the fair value of stock options granted in prior fiscal years.  No stock options were granted to our directors during fiscal 2008.  The compensation expense is computed in accordance with SFAS 123R, and does not necessarily correspond to the actual value that will be realized by the directors.  Stock options granted to our directors vest over four years at the rate of 25% of the shares as of each anniversary of the date of grant.  Pursuant to SEC rules, the dollar amounts shown in the table exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions.  Under SFAS 123R, the fair value of stock options is calculated using the closing price of Qualstar common stock on the date of grant. For additional information regarding the calculation of the fair value of stock options, refer to note 7 of the Qualstar financial statements included in Item 8 of this report.
     
(3)
  
As of June 30, 2008, each of our non-employee directors named in the above table held unexercised stock options for 24,000 shares of our common stock.
 
 
9
 
Each of our non-employee directors receives $2,000 per quarter plus $1,000 for each Board meeting attended as compensation for his service on the Board, and is reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings of the Board and any committees on which he serves. Directors who serve on the Audit Committee of our Board receive an additional fee of $1,000 per quarter plus an attendance fee of $500 per meeting if the Audit Committee meeting is held in conjunction with a meeting of the full Board, and $1,000 per meeting if held on a day when the full Board does not meet. Directors who serve on the Compensation Committee of our Board receive an additional fee of $500 for attending meetings of that committee that are held on a day when the full Board does not meet. An attendance fee of $250 per meeting is paid for telephonic meetings of the full Board or of a committee on which a director is a member. No fees are paid for service on the Board to directors who are employees of Qualstar.
 
Directors are eligible to receive stock options under our 1998 Stock Incentive Plan.  However, no stock options were granted to our non-employee directors during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.
 
Potential Benefits Upon or Following a Change in Control
 
Stock options granted under our 1998 Stock Incentive Plan provide that upon certain circumstances in the event of or following a change in control of Qualstar, the unvested portion of such stock options will accelerate and become immediately vested in full.  In general, a change in control is deemed to occur if we were to sell substantially all of our assets or if Qualstar were to merge into, consolidate with or enter into a reorganization with another entity in a transaction in which Qualstar is not the surviving corporation.
 
If a change in control occurs and the acquiring entity does not assume and continue the employee’s rights under the unvested stock options, then all unvested stock options will accelerate and vest in full upon the occurrence of the change in control.  If the acquiring entity does assume the employee’s rights under the unvested stock options, but the employee’s employment subsequently is terminated without cause, or if the employee resigns for good reason after the change in control, then all unvested stock options held by the employee would accelerate and vest in full as of the date of termination.
 
The reasons for which an employee may voluntarily resign and trigger acceleration of vesting include a change in the employee’s position which materially reduces his or her duties and responsibilities or the level of management to which the employee reports, a reduction in the employee’s level of compensation and benefits by more than 15 percent, or a relocation of employee’s principal place of employment by more than 30 miles without his or her consent.
 
The table below sets forth information regarding the estimated amounts that each named executive officer would have realized in the event that a change in control of Qualstar had occurred and all of his unvested stock options had accelerated and become immediately vested in full as of June 30, 2008.
 
Estimated Benefits at 2008 Fiscal Year End in the Event of a Change in Control
 

Name
  
Option Awards (1)
  
William J. Gervais
     —  
Andrew A. Farina
   $ 6,000  
Richard A. Nelson
     —  
Robert K. Covey
     —  
Robert C. King
   $ 6,000  
 
 
 
(1)
The amounts in this column represent the aggregate gain each named executive officer would have realized if all unvested stock options granted under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan that were held by him on June 30, 2008 accelerated and became immediately vested in full on that date.  The amount of gain was calculated based on the difference between the exercise price of each unvested option and the closing price of our common stock on that date, which was $3.04 per share.

 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of October 20, 2008 for:
 
 
·
each person (or group of affiliated persons) who we know beneficially owns more than 5% of our common stock;
 
 
·
each of our directors;
 
 
·
each of the named executive officers; and
 
 
·
all of our directors and executive officers as a group.
 
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and includes voting and investment power with respect to shares.  Except as indicated by footnote, the persons named in the table have sole voting and sole investment control with respect to all shares beneficially owned, subject to community property laws where applicable.  The percentage of shares beneficially owned is based on 12,253,117 shares of common stock outstanding as of October 20, 2008.  Shares of common stock subject to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of October 20, 2008, are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding such options, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person.  The address for those individuals for which an address is not otherwise indicated is: c/o Qualstar Corporation, 3990-B Heritage Oak Court, Simi Valley, California 93063.
 
   
Common
    
Options Exercisable Within 60
    
Beneficial Ownership
  
Name
  
Shares Owned
    
Days (1)
    
Number
    
Percent
  
                         
William J. Gervais
     2,989,450       —       2,989,450       24.4 %
Richard A. Nelson
     1,890,560       —       1,890,560       15.4 %
Wells Capital Management Inc.(2)
     834,088       —       834,088       6.8 %
525 Market Street, 10th Floor
                                
San Francisco, CA  94105
                                
Stanley W. Corker
     8,940       12,000       20,940       *  
Carl Gromada
     48,271       12,000       60,271       *  
Robert A. Meyer
     —       12,000       12,000       *  
Robert E. Rich
     131,400       12,000       143,400       1.2 %
Robert K. Covey
     48,280       20,000       68,280       *  
Andrew A. Farina
     —       25,000       25,000       *  
David L. Griffith
     —       80,000       80,000       *  
Robert C. King
     —       62,500       62,500       *  
All directors and officers as a group (10 persons)
     5,116,901       235,500       5,352,401       42.9 %
_____________
*Less than 1.0%
 
(1)
Represents shares that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options which are either currently vested or will vest within 60 days of October 20, 2008.
 
(2)
Based on information contained in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Wells Fargo & Company, as the parent holding company of Wells Capital Management Incorporated, an investment adviser, beneficially owns 834,088 shares as of August 31, 2008.
 
Additional Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
Information regarding Qualstar’s equity compensation plans as of June 30, 2008 is included in Item 5 of this report and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
Transactions with Related Persons
 
There are no relationships or transactions involving any of our directors or executive officers for which disclosure is required under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
In accordance with the charter of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing any proposed transaction with any related person which involves a potential conflict of interest or for which approval is required under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission and Nasdaq rules.  Currently, this review and approval requirement applies to any transaction to which Qualstar will be a party, in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any of the following persons will have a direct or indirect material interest: (a) any of our directors or executive officers, (b) any nominee for election as a director, (c) any security holder who is known to us to own of record or beneficially more than five percent of our common stock, or (d) any member of the immediate family of any of the persons described in the foregoing clauses (a) through (c).
 
In the event that management becomes aware of any related person transaction, management will present information regarding the proposed transaction to the Audit Committee for review.  Approval of a transaction with a related person requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Audit Committee or of a majority of the members of the full Board of Directors.  If the related person transaction involves a member or members of the Board, approval requires a majority vote of the directors who do not have a financial interest in the transaction.
 
Director Independence
 
Our Board has determined that all of our directors satisfy the current “independent director” standards established by rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (“Nasdaq”), except for William J. Gervais, who is Chief Executive Officer and President of Qualstar, and Richard A. Nelson, who is Vice President Engineering and Secretary of Qualstar.  Each director serving on the Audit Committee of our Board also meets the more stringent independence requirements established by Securities and Exchange Commission rules applicable to audit committees.  Mr. Robert E. Rich, a member of our Board of Directors since January 2000, is a shareholder in the law firm of Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, which has provided legal services to Qualstar since 1984.  Our Board has determined that no director has a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out his responsibilities as a director.  There are no family relationships among any of the directors or executive officers of the Company.
 
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accountants
 
The aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accountants, for professional services rendered to Qualstar during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007 and fiscal 2008 were comprised of the following:
 
   
Fiscal
2007
    
Fiscal
2008
  
Audit Fees
   $ 189,400     $ 257,040  
Audit-related fees
     2,784       7,350  
Tax fees
     87,637       83,938  
All other fees
     —       —  
Total fees
   $ 279,821     $ 348,328  

Audit fees include fees for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements for each year and reviews of our unaudited consolidated quarterly financial statements, as well as fees related to consents and reports in connection with regulatory filings for those fiscal years.
 
Audit-related fees in fiscal 2007 and 2008 were primarily for general assistance in connection with the implementation of procedures required to comply with rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Tax fees related primarily to tax compliance and advisory services, and the preparation of federal and state tax returns for each year.  Tax fees for fiscal 2007 and 2008 also include professional services related to government audits of our federal and state tax returns.
 
 
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
 
Our Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accountants in accordance with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules. The Audit Committee adopted a written pre-approval policy on June 25, 2003, and all services performed by Ernst & Young in connection with engagements subsequent to June 25, 2003 have been pre-approved in accordance with the Audit Committee’s pre-approval policy. The Audit Committee generally pre-approves particular services or categories of services on a case-by-case basis. The independent registered public accountants and management periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accountants in accordance with these pre-approvals, and the fees for the services performed to date.

 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


 
QUALSTAR CORPORATION
  
       
       
Date: October 28, 2008
By:
/s/  WILLIAM J. GERVAIS
  
   
William J. Gervais,
  
   
Chief Executive Officer and President
  

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
Title
Date
     
     
/s/  WILLIAM J. GERVAIS
Chief Executive Officer,
October 28, 2008
William J. Gervais
President and Director
  
 
(principal executive officer)
  
     
     
/s/  RICHARD A. NELSON
Vice President, Engineering
October 28, 2008
Richard A. Nelson
Secretary and Director
  
     
     
/s/  CARL W. GROMADA
Director
October 28, 2008
Carl W. Gromada
    
     
     
/s/  STANLEY W. CORKER
Director
October 28, 2008
Stanley W. Corker
    
     
     
/s/  ROBERT E. RICH
Director
October 28, 2008
Robert E. Rich
    
     
     
/s/  ROBERT A. MEYER
Director
October 28, 2008
Robert A. Meyer
    
     
     
/s/  ANDREW A. FARINA
Vice-President and CFO
October 28, 2008
Andrew A. Farina
(principal financial officer)
  

 
EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
No.
  
Description
3.1(1)
  
Restated Articles of Incorporation.
3.2(4)
  
Bylaws, as amended and restated January 14, 2000.
3.3(4)
  
Amendment to Bylaws, adopted December 21, 2007.
10.1(1)*
  
1998 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.
10.2(1)
  
Form of Indemnification Agreement.
10.3(2)
  
Lease agreement between Strategic Performance Fund-II, Inc. and Qualstar Corporation, dated September 20, 2000.
14.1(3)
  
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
21.1
  
Subsidiaries of Qualstar Corporation
23.1
  
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
__________
 
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the designated exhibits to Qualstar’s registration statement on Form S-1 (Commission File No. 333-96009), declared effective by the Commission on June 22, 2000.
 
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit to Qualstar’s Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2000.
 
(3)
Incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit to Qualstar’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.
 
(4)
Incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit to Qualstar’s Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2007.
 
*
Each of these exhibits constitutes a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this report pursuant to Item 15(b) of this report.
 
 
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