UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12 |
Bridgford Foods Corporation |
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BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
March 19, 2008
To the Shareholders of
BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION:
The annual meeting of the shareholders of Bridgford Foods Corporation, a California corporation (the Company), will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1500 South Raymond Avenue, Fullerton, California, on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., for the following purposes:
(1) To elect eight directors to hold office for one year or until their successors are elected and qualified.
(2) To ratify the appointment of Haskell & White LLP as the Companys independent public accountants for the fiscal year commencing November 3, 2007.
(3) To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The Companys Board of Directors recommends that you vote in favor of the foregoing items of business, which are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on February 8, 2008 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. HOWEVER, TO ASSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE MEETING, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESPECTFULLY URGES YOU TO SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PREPAID ENVELOPE. If you attend the meeting in person, you may withdraw your proxy and vote your own shares. Shareholders attending the meeting whose shares are held in the name of a broker or other nominee who desire to vote their shares at the meeting should bring with them a proxy or letter from that firm confirming their ownership of shares.
By order of the Board of Directors |
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/s/ Cindy M. Matthews-Morales |
Cindy M. Matthews-Morales |
Secretary |
Anaheim, California
February 15, 2008
BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION
1308 North Patt Street, Anaheim, California 92801
PROXY STATEMENT
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held March 19, 2008
The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Bridgford Foods Corporation, a California corporation (the Company), for use at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company (the Annual Meeting) to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1500 South Raymond Avenue, Fullerton, California, on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., and at any adjournment thereof. All shareholders of record at the close of business on February 8, 2008 are entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy are being mailed on or about February 15, 2008.
The persons named as proxies were designated by the Board of Directors and are officers and directors of the Company. Any proxy may be revoked or superseded by executing a later proxy or by giving notice of revocation in writing prior to, or at, the Annual Meeting, or by attending the Annual Meeting, withdrawing the proxy and voting in person. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not in and of itself constitute revocation of the proxy. All proxies, which are properly completed, signed and returned to the Company prior to the Annual Meeting, and not revoked, will be voted in accordance with the instructions given in the proxy. If a choice is not specified in the proxy, the proxy will be voted FOR election of the director nominees proposed by the Board of Directors and FOR ratification of the Companys appointment of Haskell & White LLP as independent public accountants for the Company. Management does not know of any matters which will be brought before the Annual Meeting other than those specifically set forth in the notice hereof. However, if any other matter properly comes before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that the proxies, or their substitutes, will vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
Solicitation of proxies will be primarily by mail, although some of the officers, directors and employees of the Company may solicit proxies personally or by telephone, facsimile or electronic mail. All expenses incurred in connection with this solicitation will be borne by the Company. The Company will reimburse brokers and others who incur costs to send proxy materials to beneficial owners of stock in a broker or nominee name.
On February 8, 2008, there were 9,856,482 shares of common stock of the Company outstanding. The presence at the meeting of a majority of the outstanding shares, in person or by proxy relating to any matter to be acted upon at the meeting, is necessary to constitute a quorum for the meeting. Each share of common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on each matter to be voted upon by such shareholders and, upon prior notice, to cumulate votes for the election of directors. For purposes of the quorum and the discussion below regarding the vote necessary to take shareholder action, shareholders of record who are present at the meeting in person or by proxy and who abstain or withhold their vote, including brokers holding customers shares of record who cause abstentions to be recorded at the meeting, are considered shareholders who are present and entitled to vote and count toward the quorum. Brokers holding shares of record for customers generally are not entitled to vote on certain matters unless they receive voting instructions from their customers. As used herein, uninstructed shares means shares held by a broker who has not received instructions from its customers on such matters and the broker has so notified the Company on a proxy form in accordance with industry practice or has otherwise advised the Company that it lacks voting authority. As used herein, broker non-vote means the votes that could have been cast on the matter in question by brokers with respect to uninstructed shares if the brokers had received their customers instructions. The effect of proxies marked withheld as to any director nominee or abstain as to a particular proposal and broker non-votes on proposals Nos. 1 and 2 is discussed under each respective proposal.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The directors of the Company are elected annually to serve until the next annual meeting of the shareholders or until their respective successors are elected. At the Annual Meeting, eight directors are to be elected. The election of directors shall be by the affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the shares voting in person or by proxy at the annual meeting. Every shareholder, or his proxy, entitled to vote upon the election of directors may cumulate his or her votes and give one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of votes to which his or her shares are entitled, or distribute his or her votes on the same principle among as many candidates as he or she thinks fit. No shareholder or proxy, however, shall be entitled to cumulate votes unless such candidate or candidates have been nominated prior to the voting and the shareholder has given notice at the meeting, prior to the voting, of the shareholders intention to cumulate such shareholders votes. If any one shareholder gives such notice, all shareholders may cumulate their votes for candidates in nomination. Each of these individuals has served as director since the last annual meeting. All current directorships are being filled.
The Companys Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the election of each of the nominees named below. Unless otherwise instructed, shares represented by the proxies will be voted FOR the election of the nominees listed below. Broker non-votes and proxies marked withheld as to one or more of the nominees will result in the respective nominees receiving fewer votes. However, the number of votes otherwise received by the nominee will not be reduced by such action. Each nominee has indicated that he is willing and able to serve as director if elected. In the event that any of such nominees shall become unavailable for any reason, an event which management does not anticipate, it is intended that proxies will be voted for substitute nominees designated by management.
The following table and biographical summaries set forth, with respect to each nominee for director, his age, the positions he holds in the Company and the year in which he first became a director of the Company. Data with respect to the number of shares of the Companys common stock beneficially owned by each of such directors as of February 8, 2008 appears under the caption PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT below.
Name |
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Age |
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Current Position at the Company |
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Year |
Allan L. Bridgford |
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73 |
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Senior Chairman of the Board and Member of the Executive Committee(1)(4) |
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1952 |
Hugh Wm. Bridgford |
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76 |
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Chairman of the Executive Committee, Vice President and Director (1)(4) |
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1952 |
William L. Bridgford |
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53 |
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Chairman of the Board and Member of the Executive Committee (1)(4) |
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2004 |
Robert E. Schulze |
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73 |
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Director (1) (3)(4) |
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1980 |
Todd C. Andrews |
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42 |
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Director (2) (3)(4) |
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2004 |
D. Gregory Scott |
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51 |
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Director, Audit Committee and Compensation Committee Chairman (4) |
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2006 |
Richard A. Foster |
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72 |
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Director (2) (3)(4) |
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2001 |
Paul R. Zippwald |
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70 |
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Director (2) (3)(4) |
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1992 |
(1) Robert E. Schulze was President of the Company until he retired on June 30, 2004. Hugh Wm. Bridgford and Allan L. Bridgford are brothers. William L. Bridgford was elected to the Board of Directors on August 9, 2004 and he is the son of Hugh Wm. Bridgford and the nephew of Allan L. Bridgford.
(2) Member of Compensation Committee.
(3) Member of Audit Committee.
(4) Member of the Nominating Committee
Directors
Allan L. Bridgford was elected Senior Chairman of the Board in March of 2006. He previously as Chairman of the Company for more than five years and has been a full-time employee of the Company since 1957. Mr. Bridgford has served as a member of the Executive Committee since 1972. Allan L. Bridgford reduced his work schedule to 80% in March of 2000 and 60% in March of 2005. Mr. Bridgfords base compensation was reduced as a result of this reduced work schedule.
Hugh Wm. Bridgford was elected Vice President of the Company and Chairman of the Executive Committee in March of 1995. He previously served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company for more than five years and has been a full time employee of the Company since 1955 and has served as a member of the Executive Committee since 1972.
2
William L. Bridgford was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors in March of 2006 and President of the Company in June of 2004. He previously served as Secretary of the Company for more than five years. Mr. Bridgford has been a full-time employee of the Company since 1981.
Robert E. Schulze previously served the Company in several capacities over more than five years including President, Executive Vice President, Principal Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Schulze retired as an employee effective as of June 30, 2004.
Todd C. Andrews is a Certified Public Accountant and currently serves as Vice President and Controller of Public Storage, Inc. headquartered in Glendale, California. Mr. Andrews has been with Public Storage, Inc. for more than the past five years. Mr. Andrews, a resident of Valencia, California, is a graduate of California State University, Northridge.
D. Gregory Scott is a Certified Public Accountant and currently serves as the Managing Director of Peak Holdings, LLC, an investment management company, based in Beverly Hills. Mr. Scott has been with Peak Holdings, LLC for more than the past five years. Peak Holdings and its affiliates own and manage in excess of 3 million square feet of office, retail and warehouse space throughout the United States.
Richard A. Foster was President of Interstate Electronics Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Figgie International, Inc., from 1979 until his retirement in 1991. Mr. Foster also served as Vice President of Figgie International, Inc. from 1986 to 1991.
Paul R. Zippwald was Regional Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking for Bank of America NT&SA, North Orange County, California, for more than five years prior to his retirement in July 1992. Mr. Zippwald is currently retired.
The Company is considered a controlled company within the meaning of Rule 4350(c) (5) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and is therefore exempted from various rules pertaining to certain independence requirements of its directors. Nevertheless, the Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Andrews, Foster, Scott and Zippwald are all independent directors within the meaning of Rule 4200 of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.
During fiscal year 2007 the Companys Board of Directors held twelve regular monthly meetings. Each of the nominees holding office during this period attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the number of monthly meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings of committees upon which he served. Non-employee directors were paid $1,100 for each Board of Directors meeting attended. Employee directors received no additional compensation for their services.
Board Committees
The Board of Directors maintains three committees, the Compensation Committee, the Audit Committee and the Nominating Committee.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee consisted of Messrs. Andrews, Foster, Scott (Chairman), and Zippwald at the close of the Companys fiscal year 2007. Assuming the election of managements nominees to the Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee for fiscal year 2008 shall consist of Messrs. Andrews, Foster, Schulze, Scott and Zippwald. Each of the members of the Compensation Committee is a non-employee director and is independent as defined in Rule 4200(a) (15) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. The Compensation Committee is responsible for establishing and administering the Companys compensation arrangements for all executive officers and directors.
The Compensation Committee meets no less frequently than annually as circumstances dictate to discuss and determine executive officer and director compensation. The Compensation Committee does not generally retain the services of any compensation consultants, however, from time to time it utilizes the competitive compensation data from public and private sources in connection with its annual review. The Compensation Committee has the power to form and delegate authority to subcommittees when appropriate, provided that such subcommittees are composed entirety of directors who would qualify for membership on the Compensation Committee. See Compensation Discussion and Analysis and Director Compensation.
The Compensation Committee held one (1) meeting during fiscal 2007, which was attended by all committee members. No additional compensation is paid for participation on the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee does not operate under a written charter.
3
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee consisted of Messrs. Andrews, Foster, Scott (Chairman), and Zippwald at the close of the fiscal year 2007, each of whom received $300 or $500 per meeting, depending on length of meeting attended. Assuming the election of managements nominees to the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee for fiscal year 2008 shall consist of Messrs. Andrews, Foster, Schulze, Scott and Zippwald. The Audit Committee has been established in accordance with SEC rules and regulations, and each of the members of the Audit Committee is a non-employee director and is independent as defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Andrews, Schulze and Scott qualify as financial experts as such term is used in the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
The Audit Committee meets periodically with the Companys independent registered public accountants and reviews the Companys accounting policies and internal controls. It also reviews the scope and adequacy of the independent registered public accountants examination of the Companys annual financial statements. In addition, the Audit Committee selects the firm of independent registered public accountants to be retained by the Company, subject to shareholder approval, pre-approves services rendered by its independent registered public accountants and pre-approves all related-party transactions. The Audit Committee held eleven (11) meetings during fiscal 2007. In addition, the Audit Committee holds a pre-earnings release conference with the Companys independent registered public accountants on a quarterly basis. The Audit Committee adopted its Amended and Restated Charter on August 14, 2006, a copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Exhibit A.
Nominating Committee
The Board of Directors has decided that the full Board should perform the functions of a nominating committee for the Company. It made that decision because the Board believes that selecting new Board nominees is one of the most important responsibilities the Board members have to the Companys shareholders and, for that reason, all of the members of the Board should have the right and responsibility to participate in the selection process. In its role as nominating committee, the Board identifies and screens new candidates for Board membership. Nevertheless, actions of the Board, in its role as nominating committee, can be taken only with the affirmative vote of a majority of the independent directors on the Board, as defined by the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. The Board last met in its role as nominating committee in December 2005 to approve the appointment of one new director. The nominating committee does not act pursuant to a written charter. Members reconfirm their interest annually to continue participation on the Board of Directors.
The Director Nominating Process
In identifying new Board candidates, the Board will seek recommendations from existing board members and executive officers. In addition, the Board intends to consider any candidates that may have been recommended by any of the Companys shareholders who have chosen to make those recommendations in accordance with the procedures described below. The Board in its capacity as nominating committee does not evaluate nominees recommended by shareholders differently from its evaluation of other director nominees. The Board also has the authority to engage an executive search firm and other advisors as it deems appropriate to assist in identifying qualified candidates for the Board.
In assessing and selecting Board candidates, the Board will consider such factors, among others, as the candidates independence, experience, knowledge, skills and expertise, as demonstrated by past employment and board experience; the candidates reputation for integrity; and the candidates participation in local community and local, state, regional or national charitable organizations. When selecting a nominee from among candidates considered by the Board, it will conduct background inquiries of and interviews with the candidates the Board members believe are best qualified to serve as directors. The Board members will consider a number of factors in making their selection of a nominee from among those candidates, including, among others, whether the candidate has the ability, willingness and enthusiasm to devote the time and effort required of members of the Board; whether the candidate has any conflicts of interest or commitments that would interfere with the candidates ability to fulfill the responsibilities of directors of the Company, including membership on Board committees; whether the candidates skills and experience would add to the overall competencies of the Board; and whether the candidate has any special background or experience relevant to the Companys business.
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Shareholder Recommendation of Board Candidates
Any shareholder desiring to submit a recommendation for consideration by the Board of a candidate that the shareholder believes is qualified to be a Board nominee at any upcoming shareholders meeting may do so by submitting that recommendation in writing to the Board not later than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which the proxy materials for the prior years annual meeting were first sent to shareholders. However, if the date of the upcoming annual meeting has been changed by more than 30 days from the date of the prior years meeting, the recommendation must be received within a reasonable time before the Company begins to print and mail its proxy materials for the upcoming annual meeting. In addition, the recommendation should be accompanied by the following information: (i) the name and address of the nominating shareholder and of the person or persons being recommended for consideration as a candidate for Board membership; (ii) the number of shares of voting stock of the Company that are owned by the nominating shareholder, his or her recommended candidate and any other shareholders known by the nominating shareholder to be supporting the candidates nomination; (iii) a description of any arrangements or understandings, that relate to the election of directors of the Company, between the nominating shareholder, or any person that (directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries) controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such shareholder and any other person or persons (naming such other person or persons); (iv) such other information regarding each such recommended candidate as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC; and (v) the written consent of each such recommended candidate to be named as a nominee and, if nominated and elected, to serve as a director. No director nominations by shareholders have been received as of the filing of this Proxy Statement.
Code of Ethics
The Company adopted a Code of Ethics that is applicable to, among other individuals, its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, and posted the Code of Ethics on its website at www.bridgford.com. Any amendment or waiver to the Companys Code of Ethics that applies to its directors or executive officers will be posted on its website or in a report filed with the SEC on Form 8-K.
Communications with the Board
Shareholders may communicate with the Board or any of the directors by sending written communications addressed to the Board or any of the directors, c/o Corporate Secretary, Bridgford Foods Corporation, 1308 North Patt Street, Anaheim, California 92801. All communications are compiled by the Corporate Secretary and forwarded to the Board or the individual director (s) accordingly.
Director Attendance at Annual Meetings
The Company does not currently have a specific policy regarding director attendance at annual shareholder meetings. However, directors are strongly encouraged to attend annual shareholder meetings. All eight (8) directors attended the 2007 annual meeting of the Companys shareholders.
Executive Officers
Members of the Companys Executive Committee, comprised of the five (5) executive officers named below, act in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The following five executive officers are elected annually to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors:
Allan L. Bridgford |
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Senior Chairman of the Board and Member of the Executive Committee |
Hugh Wm. Bridgford |
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Vice President and Chairman of the Executive Committee |
William L. Bridgford |
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Chairman of the Board and Member of the Executive Committee (1) |
John V. Simmons |
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President and Member of the Executive Committee |
Raymond F. Lancy |
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Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Treasurer and Member of Executive Committee |
(1) William L. Bridgford is the son of Hugh Wm. Bridgford and the nephew of Allan L. Bridgford.
A biographical summary regarding Messrs. Allan L. Bridgford, William L. Bridgford and Hugh Wm. Bridgford is set forth above under the caption Directors. Biographical information with respect to the Companys other executive officers is set forth below:
5
John V. Simmons, age 52, has served as Vice President of the Company for more than the past five years and was elected as President and Executive Officer in 2006.
Raymond F. Lancy, age 54, has served as Treasurer of the Company for more than the past five years. He was elected Executive Officer in 2001 and Chief Financial Officer in 2003.
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PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information known to the Company with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Companys common stock as of February 8, 2008 by each shareholder known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Companys common stock, by each director and nominee for director, by each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table and by all officers and directors as a group. The information as to each person or entity has been furnished by such person or group.
Amount and Nature of Shares Beneficially Owned
Name and
Address |
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Sole Voting and |
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Shared Voting and |
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Total |
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Percentage of |
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Bridgford Industries Incorporated |
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7,156,396 |
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7,156,396 |
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72.4 |
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Hugh Wm. Bridgford |
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47,917 |
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7,156,396 |
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7,204,313 |
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72.9 |
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Allan L. Bridgford |
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155,882 |
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7,156,396 |
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7,312,278 |
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74.0 |
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Bruce H. Bridgford |
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32,986 |
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7,156,396 |
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7,189,382 |
(4) |
72.8 |
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Baron R.H. Bridgford |
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26,654 |
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7,156,396 |
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7,183,050 |
(4) |
72.7 |
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Robert E. Schulze |
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167,870 |
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167,870 |
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1.7 |
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William L. Bridgford |
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31,175 |
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7,156,396 |
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7,187,571 |
(4) |
72.8 |
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John V. Simmons |
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25,363 |
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25,363 |
(4) |
* |
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Raymond F. Lancy |
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25,000 |
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25,000 |
(4) |
* |
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Todd C. Andrews |
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200 |
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200 |
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* |
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Richard A. Foster |
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2,234 |
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2,234 |
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* |
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D. Gregory Scott |
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8,550 |
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8,550 |
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* |
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Paul R. Zippwald |
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1,452 |
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1,452 |
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* |
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All directors and officers as a group (12 persons) |
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7,681,679 |
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7,156,396 |
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7,681,679 |
(5) |
77.8 |
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* Less than one percent (1%).
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the address of such beneficial owner is the Companys principal executive offices, 1308 N. Patt Street, Anaheim, California 92801.
(2) Represents shares beneficially owned by Bridgford Industries Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (BII), which presently has no other significant business or assets. Allan L. Bridgford, Hugh Wm. Bridgford, William L. Bridgford, Bruce H. Bridgford and Baron R.H. Bridgford presently own 16.06%, 10.54%, 7.48%, 10.29% and 9.54%, respectively, of the outstanding voting capital stock of BII and each has the right to vote as trustee or custodian for other shareholders of BII representing 0%, 0%, 0.58%, 0.63% and 1.75%, respectively, of such outstanding voting capital stock. The remaining percentage of BII stock is owned of record, or beneficially, by 32 additional members of the Bridgford family. The officers of BII jointly vote all shares.
(3) Applicable percentage of ownership as of February 8, 2008 is based upon 9,878,674 shares of common stock outstanding. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting and investment power with respect to shares shown as beneficially owned. Shares of common stock subject to options or warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of February 8, 2008 are deemed outstanding for computing the shares and percentage ownership of the person holding such options or warrants, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person or entity. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to community property laws where applicable, to the knowledge of the Company the persons listed above have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them.
(4) Includes 25,000 shares that may be purchased upon exercise of options within 60 days of February 8, 2008.
(5) Includes 125,000 shares that may be purchased upon exercise of options within 60 days of February 8, 2008
7
The Company is not aware of any arrangements that may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of the Company.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Companys directors, executive officers, and holders of more than 10% of the Companys common stock, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock of the Company. Officers, directors and 10% shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To the Companys knowledge, based solely on the review of copies of such reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended November 2, 2007, all of the Companys officers, directors and 10% shareholders complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements. The Company adopted formal insider trading policies and procedures during the fiscal year ended November 2, 2007 to assure full compliance with applicable laws and adherence to its code of ethics.
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Compensation Overview
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides information regarding the compensation paid to the Companys named executive officers or NEOs, all of whom are members of the Executive Committee. Historically, the Company has been and continues to be principally managed by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee, as a unit, serves as the Companys Chief Executive Officer. The Executive Committee currently consists of the following five members:
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· |
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Hugh Wm. Bridgford, Vice President and Chairman of the Executive Committee |
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· |
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Allan L. Bridgford, Senior Chairman of the Board |
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· |
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William L. Bridgford, Chairman of the Board and Principal Executive Officer |
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· |
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John V. Simmons, President |
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· |
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Raymond F. Lancy, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer |
The Companys executive compensation program is overseen by the Compensation Committee, or the Committee, which is comprised of certain non-employee members of the Companys Board of Directors. The basic responsibility of the Committee is to review the performance of the officers and key employees toward achieving the Companys strategic goals and to help ensure that the Company is able to attract and retain individuals who can lead the Company to achieve those goals.
One of the Companys primary strategic goals is to improve shareholder value while meeting its objectives for customer satisfaction, improved sales and financial performance, sound corporate governance, and competitive advantage. The Companys current emphases on controlling costs and improving profit margins on a consistent basis are also important factors which affect the Companys compensation decisions. The Committees goal is to work with management to balance the Companys financial goals and circumstances with the need to attract, motivate and retain the fully qualified and capable individuals the Company needs to meet and surpass its customers and shareholders expectations in a highly-competitive industry.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
The core of the Companys executive compensation philosophy is to pay for performance. To that end, incentive bonus targets are set each year to reward excellent executive performance based upon the achievement of profit objectives by business segment and the Companys overall profitability based on pretax income, thus stimulating all executives to assume broad responsibility for the Companys overall financial welfare and performance.
8
The Compensation Committees guiding principles are as follows:
· Work with management to provide a compensation program that recognizes individual contributions as well as the Companys overall business results;
· Provide reasonable levels of total compensation which will enable the Company to attract and retain qualified and capable executive talent within its industry while also considering the Companys current goals of controlling costs and effecting consistent improvements in its overall financial condition;
· Motivate executive officers to deliver optimum individual and departmental performance;
· Develop and reward a leadership team that is capable of successfully operating and growing an increasingly competitive and complex business in a rapidly changing industry;
· Ensure that executive compensation-related disclosures are made to the public on a timely basis.
Role of the Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee sets and approves the NEOs total compensation. The compensation of all NEOs is recommended by the Executive Committee and, after review and analysis, approved by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee met one time during fiscal year 2007. The responsibilities of the Compensation Committee are as follows:
· Review and approve the compensation structure and compensation for the Executive Committee, including base salary, benefits, bonus, incentive and equity compensation (if any). The full Board of Directors evaluation of the Executive Committees performance is considered in setting incentives. The Committee seeks to maintain an appropriate balance, in light of overall Company performance and net profitability, between the compensation of the Executive Committee and the compensation of other officers and employees generally.
· Review and approve on an annual basis the compensation structure and compensation for the Companys Executive Committee including base salary, incentive bonuses and equity compensation, if any. The Committee may also make any interim adjustments in any such compensation or plan as the Committee may deem appropriate, or as may be requested by the full Board of Directors or by senior management.
· Provide consultation and oversight of senior managements decisions concerning the compensation of management, including evaluation procedures for Company officers and other executives deemed eligible for performance incentives (bonuses) or equity compensation.
· Review and approve compensation packages for new executives and, as needed, termination packages for departing officers or other executives.
· Review and, as deemed necessary or desirable, oversee the administration of the Companys 1999 Stock Incentive Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
· Assist the Board of Directors and management in developing and evaluating potential candidates for executive positions. Advise the Board of Directors in its succession-planning initiatives for the Companys Executive Officers and other senior officers.
· Oversee preparation of a report on executive compensation as required for inclusion in the Companys annual proxy statement.
Role of Management in the Compensation Determination Process
The Companys senior management team, primarily the Principal Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer,
9
support the Committee in the executive compensation decision-making process. At the request of the Compensation Committee, the Principal Executive Officer presents his performance assessment and recommendations to the Committee regarding base salaries, incentive targets and profitability ranges, incentive plan structure and other compensation-related matters of the Companys executives (other than with respect to his own compensation).
Role of Compensation Consultant
The Compensation Committee has decided not to utilize the services of a paid compensation consultant after concluding that such a consultant would provide insufficient value for the cost thereof, given the Companys current operating profits.
Total Compensation for Executive Officers
The compensation packages offered to the Companys executive officers are comprised of one or more of the following elements:
· Base salary;
· Annual cash bonus incentives;
· Long term equity-based incentive compensation; and
· Post retirement healthcare and pension benefits.
The Company does not have any formal policies which dictate the amount to be paid with respect to each element, nor does it have any policies which dictate the relative proportion of the various elements. The Company also does not have any formal policies for allocating between cash and non-cash compensation or short-term and long-term compensation. Instead, the Company relies on the judgment of the Compensation Committee and input and feedback from the management team, including in particular the Senior Chairman of the Board and the Chairman of the Executive Committee. The Committee has no plans to adopt any such formulas, ratios or other such targets that might artificially dilute the Companys effectiveness in achieving its overall profit objectives. In fact, all of the Companys compensation policy decisions are made in the context of its current financial position and are subordinated to the Companys current goal of achieving overall profitability on an annual basis. Each of the compensation components is described in more detail below.
Base Salary
The Company provides executive officers and other employees with base salary to compensate them for services rendered during the fiscal year. The purpose of base salary is to reward effective fulfillment of the assigned job responsibilities, and to reflect the positions relative value to the Company and competitiveness of the executive job market. Base salaries for executive officers are determined based on the nature and responsibility of the position, salary norms (if any) for comparable positions, the expertise and effectiveness of the individual executive, and the competitiveness of the market for the executive officers services.
The Company has successfully held most base salaries at the low end of the competitive range in order to reduce its overall cost structure and to achieve systematic improvement in the financial performance of the business without incurring a large turnover in executive talent and leadership.
Any merit increases for the Companys executive officers are subject to the same budgetary constraints as apply to all other employees and operating departments. Executive officer salaries are evaluated as part of the Companys annual review process and may be adjusted where justified in the context of the Companys current focus on profitability and controlling expenses.
For fiscal year 2007, the Compensation Committee set a salary guaranty of $3,900 per week for each Executive Committee Member, reduced on a pro-rata basis for any member working less than a full time schedule. This change represented a 4% increase in the salary guaranty compared to fiscal year 2006.
Annual Cash Bonus Incentives
The Companys policy is to make a portion of each executives compensation contingent upon the Companys basic financial performance as well as upon his own level of performance and contribution to the business or segment of the Companys operations. The achievement of specific strategic and individual goals is intended to correlate with the creation
10
of quarterly and longer-term shareholder value. Profit-related annual bonus incentives allow the Company to offer a reasonably competitive total compensation package despite relatively lower base salaries, while directly aligning each executives performance with the Companys overall financial performance. Annual bonus incentives and ranges are analyzed by the Executive Committee with oversight and approval of the Compensation Committee. For the fiscal year ended November 2, 2007, no bonuses were paid to members of the Companys executive committee.
Long-Term Equity-Based Incentive Compensation
The Compensation Committee has concluded that long-term stock-related compensation has very limited if any value as an employee incentive or retention tool. Historically the Companys equity-based incentive awards have proved to have little or no value to the recipient.
Beginning in 2005, U.S. accounting rules required the Company to expense any stock option awards according to a formula which could impose a costly charge on the Companys income statements, thereby burdening or erasing its profit margins. Because of these factors, the Company has not granted stock options and awards to avoid the adverse effects of such expenses.
The Company aims to align its executive officers interests with those of its shareholders by enhancing the link between the creation of sustainable profits and, in turn, improved shareholder value through the profit-related executive incentive compensation plan described above. The Compensation Committee believes that by increasing profit margins on a continuing basis the Company can derive long-term growth in shareholder value as reflected in the Companys market price per share.
Non-Qualified Stock Options. In fiscal 2007, the Company did not award any stock options to the named executive officers or any of its other employees or directors. Historically, the number of stock options granted to an executive officer is based upon the executive officers position and level of responsibility. The Company does not issue discounted stock options or permit the re-pricing or reissue of previously issued options.
Restricted Stock. In fiscal 2007, the Company did not award any shares of restricted common stock to the named executive officers or to any of its other employees or directors. As with stock options, the number of shares of restricted stock that may be awarded to a named executive officer in the future, if any, will be based upon the executives position and level of responsibility.
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation
Effective January 1, 1991 the Company adopted a deferred compensation savings plan for certain key employees. Under this arrangement, selected employees contributed a portion of their annual compensation to the plan. The Company contributed an amount to each participants account by computing an investment return equal to Moodys Average Seasoned Bond Rate plus 2%. The purpose of the plan was to provide tax planning and supplemental funds upon retirement or death of certain selected employees and to aid in retaining and attracting employees of exceptional ability. Separate accounts are maintained for each participant to properly reflect his or her total vested account balance.
Pension and Retirement Benefits
Retirement Plan for Employees of Bridgford Foods Corporation for Administrative and Sales Employees. The Company has a defined benefit plan (Primary Benefit Plan) for certain of its employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements. The Primary Benefit Plan, administered by a major life insurance company, presently provides that participants receive an annual benefit on retirement equal to 1.5% of their total compensation from the Company during their period of participation from 1958. Benefits are not reduced by Social Security payments or by payments from other sources and are payable in the form of fully-insured monthly lifetime annuity contracts commencing at age 65 or the participants date of retirement, whichever is later. Effective May 12, 2006, future benefit accruals under the Primary Benefit Plan were frozen.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Retirement benefits otherwise available to certain key executives under the Primary Benefit Plan have been limited by the effects of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TEFRA) and the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (TRA). To offset the loss of retirement benefits associated with TEFRA and TRA, the Company has adopted a non-qualified makeup benefit plan (the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan).
11
Benefits will be provided under the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan in an amount equal to 60% of their final average earnings minus any pension benefits and primary insurance amounts available to them under Social Security. However, in all cases the benefits are capped at $120,000 per year for Allan L. Bridgford and Hugh Wm. Bridgford. Benefits provided under this plan for William L. Bridgford and Raymond F. Lancy are calculated at 50% of final average earnings, capped at $200,000 per year, without offsets for other pension or Social Security benefits.
Bridgford Foods Retirement Savings 401k Plan. The Company implemented a 401(k) plan effective May 13, 2006. The Company makes a matching contribution to each employees account based on pretax contributions in an amount equal to 100% of the first 3% of compensation and 50% of the next 2% of compensation contributed to the Plan. No amounts are contributed by the Company unless the employee elects to make a pretax contribution to the plan.
Perquisites and Other Benefits
The Company provides its executive officers with various health and welfare programs and other employee benefits which are generally available on the same cost-sharing basis to all of its employees. However, in keeping with the Companys policy of controlling costs in connection with its profitability objectives, it does not provide any significant perquisites or other special benefits to its executive officers including, but not limited to, payment of club memberships, fees associated with financial planning, executive dining rooms or special transportation rights. The Company does not own an airplane and does not provide aircraft for executives for business or personal purposes.
The Company provides post-retirement healthcare for certain executives and their spouses (who are within fifteen years of age of the employee) who have reached normal retirement age. This coverage is secondary to Medicare. Coverage for spouses continues upon the death of the employee. The maximum benefit under the plan is $100,000 per year per retiree. The plan is subject to annual renewal by the Board of Directors and may be discontinued at the Boards discretion. The plan was renewed for one year at the Board of Directors meeting held in December 2007. The combined cost of this plan during the fiscal year ended November 2, 2007 was $169,467 for all active and retired participants.
Employment Agreements
The Company currently does not have any employment, severance, change of control or similar agreements with any of its NEOs. Refer to the compensation discussion below for information on pension, deferred compensation, and benefit-related payments payable in the event of a qualifying event such as employment termination, disability, death, or sale/merger/acquisition.
Tax and Accounting Implications
The Compensation Committee is responsible for considering the deductibility of executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides that it may not deduct non-performance-based compensation of more than $1,000,000 that is paid to its executive officers. The Company believes that the compensation paid under the current management incentive programs is fully deductible for federal income tax purposes. In certain situations, the Committee may approve compensation that will not meet the requirements for deductibility in order to ensure competitive levels of compensation for its executives and to meet its obligations under the terms of various incentive programs. However, the issue of deductibility has not come before the Committee in recent years and is not expected to be a concern for the foreseeable future.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee of the Company has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.
|
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Todd C. Andrews |
|
|
Richard A. Foster |
|
|
D. Gregory Scott, Chairman |
|
|
Paul R. Zippwald |
12
Summary Compensation Table
The table below provides summary information concerning cash and certain other compensation paid to or accrued for the Companys NEOs during fiscal year 2007. Each of the NEOs named below are members of the Companys Executive Committee which acts in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer of the Company. See Compensation Discussion and Analysis for further discussion of compensation arrangements pursuant to which the amounts listed in the table below were paid or awarded and the criteria for such payment or award.
Name and Principal |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Non-Equity |
|
Change in |
|
All Other |
|
Total |
|
||||||||
Allan L. Bridgford |
|
2007 |
|
$ |
121,680 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
97,921 |
|
$ |
654 |
|
$ |
220,255 |
|
Hugh Wm. Bridgford |
|
2007 |
|
$ |
202,800 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
91,355 |
|
$ |
193 |
|
$ |
294,348 |
|
William L. Bridgford |
|
2007 |
|
$ |
202,800 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
32,302 |
|
$ |
13,316 |
|
$ |
248,418 |
|
John V. Simmons |
|
2007 |
|
$ |
202,800 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
535 |
|
$ |
11,775 |
|
$ |
215,110 |
|
Raymond F. Lancy |
|
2007 |
|
$ |
202,800 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
32,898 |
|
$ |
13,058 |
|
$ |
248,756 |
|
(1) Each NEO is eligible to receive a discretionary bonus. However, because certain Company and individual performance targets were not met during fiscal year 2007, no such bonuses were paid.
(2) The Company did not grant any stock awards to any of the NEOs during fiscal year 2007.
(3) The Company did not grant any option awards to any of the NEOs during fiscal year 2007.
(4) The Company does not currently sponsor any formal non-equity based compensation plans on behalf of its NEOs. All non-equity incentive based bonuses, if any, are paid as discretionary bonuses and reflected under the Bonus column.
(5) Includes the change in present value of each of the non-qualified deferred compensation plan and pension and retirement benefits described above. The assumed discount rate used was 6.25% for the defined benefit plan and 7% for the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan.
(6) Includes matching contributions to the Bridgford Foods Retirement Savings 401(k) plan and change in present value of post-retirement healthcare benefits.
13
Grants of Plan Based Awards
There were no stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units or equity or non-equity-based performance awards granted to the Companys NEOs during the fiscal year ended November 2, 2007.
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Equity |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
Number of |
|
Market |
|
Equity Incentive |
|
Equity |
|
|
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allan L. Bridgford |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hugh Wm. Bridgford |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William L. Bridgford |
|
25,000 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
April 29,2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John V. Simmons |
|
25,000 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
April 29,2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raymond F. Lancy |
|
25,000 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
April 29,2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
There were no shares acquired upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of stock awards during fiscal year 2007 by any NEO.
Pension Benefits
The tables below provide information concerning retirement plan benefits for each NEO and payments due upon certain termination scenarios .
Retirement Plan for Employees of Bridgford Foods Corporation for Administrative and Sales Employees
Name |
|
Number of Years Credited Service |
|
Present Value of Accumulated Benefit |
|
Payments During Last Fiscal Year |
|
||
Allan L. Bridgford |
|
49 |
|
$ |
701,911 |
|
$ |
67,761 |
|
Hugh Wm. Bridgford |
|
51 |
|
$ |
570,929 |
|
$ |
48,771 |
|
William L. Bridgford |
|
34 |
|
$ |
222,637 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
John V. Simmons |
|
28 |
|
$ |
175,741 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Raymond F. Lancy |
|
15 |
|
$ |
159,737 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
The assumed discount rate used was 6.25% to compute the present value of the accumulated benefit. The 1983 Group Annuity Mortality Table was used and an expected return on assets of 8% was assumed.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)
Name |
|
Present Value of |
|
Payments During Last |
|
||
Allan L. Bridgford |
|
$ |
338,865 |
|
$ |
51,528 |
|
Hugh Wm. Bridgford |
|
$ |
401,678 |
|
$ |
61,080 |
|
William L. Bridgford |
|
$ |
655,300 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
John V. Simmons |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Raymond F. Lancy |
|
$ |
674,203 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
14
The following table estimates the present value of SERP benefits under different employment termination scenarios:
Name |
|
Present Value of Benefits Upon Termination of Employment (1) |
|
Present Value of Benefits if Disabled (1) |
|
Present Value of Benefit Upon Death (1) |
|
Present Value of Involuntary Termination of Employment Due to Sale/Merger/Acquisition (1) |
|
||||
Allan L. Bridgford |
|
$ |
338,865 |
|
$ |
338,865 |
|
$ |
338,865 |
|
$ |
338,865 |
|
Hugh Wm. Bridgford |
|
$ |
401,678 |
|
$ |
401,678 |
|
$ |
401,678 |
|
$ |
401,678 |
|
William L. Bridgford (2) |
|
$ |
172,515 |
|
$ |
911,690 |
|
$ |
911,690 |
|
$ |
911,690 |
|
John V. Simmons |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
Raymond F. Lancy (2) |
|
$ |
195,572 |
|
$ |
966,075 |
|
$ |
966,075 |
|
$ |
966,075 |
|
(1) In each scenario above, the benefit amount shown is calculated at November, 2, 2007.
(2) Death benefits for William L. Bridgford and Raymond F. Lancy are payable as a lump sum payment. All other benefits are paid in the form of a monthly annuity.
A 7% discount rate was used throughout to conform with FAS87 calculations. The actual payment amount for William L. Bridgford and Raymond F. Lancy would actually be determined using a discount rate similar to the rate required for qualified plans. The rate assumed for these estimates is 7%.
The following table estimates future payments under different termination scenarios:
Name |
|
Payment Upon Termination of Employment if Occurred on 11/2/2007 |
|
Payment if Disabled on 11/2/2007 (1) |
|
Death Benefit from Plan (2) |
|
Involuntary Termination of Employment Due to Sale/Merger/Acquisition |
|
Allan Bridgford |
|
Continues to receive $4,294 for another 104 months |
|
Continues to receive $4,294 for another 104 months |
|
Continues to receive $4,294 for another 104 months |
|
Continues to receive $4,294 for another 104 months |
|
H William Bridgford |
|
Continues to receive $5,090 for another 104 months |
|
Continues to receive $5,090 for another 104 months |
|
Continues to receive $5,090 for another 104 months |
|
Continues to receive $5,090 for another 104 months |
|
William L.Bridgford |
|
$1,765 per month for 180 months beginning on 10/26/2009 |
|
$8,147 per month for 180 months commencing after disability |
|
$8,147 per month for 180 months beginning just after death |
|
Lump Sum payment due at termination of $911,690 |
|
Raymond F.Lancy |
|
$1,870 per month for 180 months beginning on 12/11/2008 |
|
$8,633 per month for 180 months commencing after disability |
|
$8,633 per month for 180 months beginning just after death |
|
Lump Sum payment due at termination of $966,075 |
|
(1) Disability amount is decreased by any Company paid disability insurance policies, Social Security disability benefits, or other Federal or State disability programs.
(2) Assumes death on November 2, 2007. The discount rate used to calculate the lump sum amount is 7%.
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation
The table below provides information concerning deferred compensation plan benefits for each NEO during the fiscal year ended November 2, 2007.
Name |
|
Executive Contributions in Last Fiscal Year |
|
Company Contributions in Last Fiscal Year |
|
Aggregate Earnings in Last Fiscal Year |
|
Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions |
|
Aggregate Balance at Last Fiscal Year End |
|
|||||
Allan L. Bridgford |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
76,141 |
|
$ |
482,381 |
|
Hugh Wm. Bridgford |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
76,141 |
|
$ |
482,381 |
|
William L. Bridgford |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
John V. Simmons |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Raymond F. Lancy |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
15
The following table estimates the present value of benefits under different employment termination scenarios:
Name |
|
Present Value of Benefit at Termination of Employment, at November 2, 2007 |
|
Present Value of Benefit in the Event of Disability, at November 2, 2007 |
|
Present Value of Benefit Upon Death, at November 2, 2007 |
|
Present Value of Benefit Upon Involuntary |
|
||||
Allan L. Bridgford |
|
$ |
482,381 |
|
$ |
482,381 |
|
$ |
482,381 |
|
$ |
482,381 |
|
Hugh Wm. Bridgford |
|
$ |
482,381 |
|
$ |
482,381 |
|
$ |
482,381 |
|
$ |
482,381 |
|
Allan L. Bridgford and Hugh Wm. Bridgford each currently receive a monthly deferred compensation payment of $6,389. As of November 2, 2007, 101 such monthly payments are remaining for each recipient.
The deferred compensation amounts are calculated using a crediting rate equal to Moodys Average Seasoned Bond Rate, plus 2%. This rate is subject to fluctuation. Upon death, the deferred compensation benefits are paid in a lump sum equal to the individuals remaining account balance.
Director Compensation
The table below summarizes the total compensation paid by the Company to directors who were not NEOs during fiscal year 2007. Directors who were NEOs did not receive any additional compensation for their services as directors.
Name |
|
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash |
|
Stock awards |
|
Option awards |
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation |
|
Change in Pension Value and |
|
All Other Compensation (1) |
|
Total |
|
|||||||
Richard A. Foster |
|
$ |
18,075 |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
18,075 |
|
Robert E. Schulze |
|
$ |
14,175 |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
86,901 |
|
$ |
2,310 |
|
$ |
103,386 |
|
Paul R. Zippwald |
|
$ |
18,275 |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
18,275 |
|
Todd C. Andrews |
|
$ |
17,775 |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
17,775 |
|
D. Gregory Scott |
|
$ |
15,325 |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
$ |
15,325 |
|
(1) Robert Schulze retired June 30, 2004 and receives pension benefits under the Companys defined benefit pension plan, SERP plan and Deferred Compensation Plan in addition to post-retirement healthcare coverage.
The Company uses solely cash compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on its Board of Directors. In setting director compensation, the Company considers the demands that have been placed and will continue to be placed on the directors and the skill-level required by its directors. In addition, as with the Companys executive officers, compensation decisions for directors are made in the context of the Companys focus on controlling costs and returning to profitability.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The members of the Companys Compensation Committee at November 2, 2007 consisted of Todd C. Andrews, D. Gregory Scott (Chairman), Richard A. Foster and Paul R. Zippwald. No member of the Compensation Committee was a former or current officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries at November 2, 2007. The Company is not aware of any compensation committee interlocks that existed during fiscal 2007.
16
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company is not aware of any related party transactions that would require disclosure. The Companys executive officers, directors, nominees for directors and principal shareholders, including their immediate family members and affiliates, are prohibited from entering into a related party transaction with the Company that would be reportable under Item 404 of Regulation S-K without the prior approval of its Audit Committee (or other independent committee of the Board of Directors in cases where it is inappropriate for the Audit Committee to review such transaction due to a conflict of interest). Any request for the Company to enter into a transaction with an executive officer, director, or nominee for director, principal stockholder or any of such persons immediate family members or affiliates that would be reportable under Item 404 of Regulation S-K must first be presented to the Audit Committee for review, consideration and approval. In approving or rejecting the proposed agreement, the Audit Committee will consider the relevant facts and circumstances available and deemed relevant, including but not limited to, the risks, costs, and benefits to the Company, the terms of the transactions, the availability of other sources for comparable services or products, and, if applicable, the impact on director independence. The Audit Committee shall only approve those agreements that, in light of known circumstances, are in or are not inconsistent with, the Companys best interests, as determined in good faith by the Audit Committee.
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PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has, subject to ratification by the shareholders, appointed Haskell & White LLP as independent registered public accountants for the Company for the fiscal year commencing November 3, 2007.
The Companys Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Haskell & White LLP as the Companys independent accountants for fiscal year 2008. Proxies received in response to this solicitation will be voted FOR the approval of such firm unless otherwise specified in the proxy. In the event of a negative vote on such ratification, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors will reconsider its selection. Representatives of Haskell & White LLP will be present at the meeting and available for questions. They will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Audit Fees
Audit fees billed by Haskell & White LLP for the audit of the Companys 2007 and 2006 annual financial statements and the review of the financial statements included in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q totaled $201,900 and $178,000, respectively.
Audit-Related Fees
Audit-related fees typically consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Companys consolidated financial statements and are not reported under Audit Fees. These services may include consultations related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards. There were no audit-related fees billed by Haskell & White LLP for the fiscal years ended November 2, 2007 and November 3, 2006.
Tax Fees
Tax fees are comprised of services that include assistance related to state tax compliance services and consultations regarding federal and state research and development tax credits. There were no tax fees billed by Haskell & White during the fiscal year ended November 2, 2007. Tax fees billed by Haskell & White during the fiscal year ended November 3, 2006 were $4,000.
All Other Fees
The Company did not incur any other fees billed by Haskell & White LLP during the fiscal years ended November 2, 2007 or during the fiscal year ended November 3, 2006.
POLICY ON AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL OF AUDIT SERVICES AND PERMISSIBLE NON-AUDIT SERVICES OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Audit Committees policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services performed by the independent accountants. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. During fiscal years 2007 and 2006, the Audit Committee approved all such services rendered by its independent accountants. For audit services, the independent accountant provides the Audit Committee with an audit plan including proposed fees in advance of the annual audit. The Audit Committee approves the plan and fees for the audit.
For non-audit services, the Companys senior management will submit from time to time to the Audit Committee for approval non-audit services that it recommends the Audit Committee engage the independent accountant to provide during the fiscal year. The Companys senior management and the independent accountant will each confirm to the Audit Committee that each non-audit service is permissible under all applicable legal requirements. A budget, estimating non-audit service spending for the fiscal year, will be provided to the Audit Committee along with the request. The Audit Committee must approve both permissible non-audit services and the budget for such services.
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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Pursuant to a meeting of the Audit Committee on January 17, 2008, the Audit Committee reports that it has: (i) reviewed and discussed the Companys audited financial statements with management; (ii) discussed with the independent registered public accountants the matters (such as the quality of the Companys accounting principles and internal controls) required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61; and (iii) received written confirmation from Haskell & White LLP that it is independent and written disclosures regarding such independence as required by Independence Standards Board No. 1, and discussed with the independent registered public accountants the accountants independence. Based on the review and discussions referred to in items (i) through (iii) above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Companys annual report for the Companys fiscal year ended November 2, 2007.
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Robert Schulze |
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D. Gregory Scott, Chairman |
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Paul R. Zippwald |
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SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received at the Companys principal office no later than October 18, 2008 in order to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting. Matters pertaining to such proposals, including the number and length thereof, eligibility of persons entitled to have such proposals included and other aspects are regulated by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and other laws and regulations to which interested persons should refer.
Additionally, if the Company is not provided notice of a shareholder proposal, which the shareholder has not previously sought to include in the Companys proxy statement, by January 1, 2009, the Company will be allowed to use its discretionary voting authority when the proposal is raised at the meeting, without any discussion of the matter in the proxy statement.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is not aware of any matters to be acted upon at the meeting other than the election of directors and the ratification of the appointment of Haskell & White LLP. If, however, any other matter shall properly come before the meeting, the persons named in the proxy accompanying this statement will have discretionary authority to vote all proxies with respect thereto in accordance with their best judgment.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The annual report of the Company for the fiscal year ended November 2, 2007 accompanies this Proxy Statement but is not a part of the proxy solicitation material.
By order of the Board of Directors |
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/s/ Cindy M. Matthews-Morales |
Cindy M. Matthews-Morales |
Secretary |
February 15, 2008
FORM 10-K
The Corporation will furnish without charge to each person whose proxy is being solicited, upon request of any such person, a copy of the Annual Report of the Corporation on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 2, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), including financial statements and associated schedules. Such report was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 31, 2008 and is available on the SECs website, www.sec.gov, as well as the Companys website, www.bridgford.com. Requests for copies of such report should be directed to the Treasurer, Bridgford Foods Corporation, P.O. Box 3773, Anaheim, California 92803.
20
Exhibit A
(Of Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held March 14, 2007)
Bridgford Foods Corporation
Amended and Restated Audit Committee Charter
As Adopted August 14, 2006
One committee of the board of directors will be known as the audit committee and will be comprised of at least three members of the board. Only independent directors will serve on the audit committee. An independent director is free of any relationship that could influence his or her judgment as a committee member. An independent director may not be associated with a major vendor to, or customer of, the Company. When there is some doubt about independence, as when a member of the committee has a short-term consulting contract with a major customer, the director should excuse himself or herself from any decision that might be influenced by that relationship.
Apart from his or her capacity as a member of the board or any committee of the board, no audit committee member shall be an affiliated person of the Company or any Company subsidiary as required under applicable SEC and NASD rules. Each member of the audit committee shall (i) be an independent director, as defined in NASD Rule 4200 and the rules of the SEC (including, without limitation, Rule IDA-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), (ii) not have participated in the preparation of the financial statements of the Company or any current subsidiary of the Company at any time during the past three (3) years, and (iii) be able to read and understand fundamental financial statements at the time of appointment, in accordance with the requirements set forth in NASD Rule 4350. In addition, at least one member must have past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or any other comparable experience or background which results in the individuals financial sophistication, including being or having been a chief executive officer, chief financial officer, or other senior officer with financial oversight responsibilities in accordance with NASD Rule 4350. Further, at least one member must qualify as an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K.
As part of the commitment of the Company and board of directors to good governance practices, the audit committee regularly reviews its charter and recommends to the board changes to the charter. The board adopted this amended and restated charter on August 14, 2006.
The primary function of the audit committee is to assist the board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by reviewing 1) the financial information that will be provided to the shareholders and others, 2) the systems of internal controls management that the board of directors has established, 3) the Companys compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and 4) all audit processes, including, but not limited to, the independent accountants qualifications, independence, and performance.
A-1
GENERAL RESPONBILITIES
1. The audit committee provides open avenues of communication among the internal auditors, the independent accountant, and the board of directors.
2. The audit committee must report committee actions to the full board of directors and may make appropriate recommendations.
3. The audit committee has the power to conduct or authorize investigations into matters within the committees scope of responsibilities with full access to all books, records, facilities, and personnel of the Company. The committee is authorized to retain independent counsel, accountants, or others it needs to carry out its responsibilities, including, but not limited to, any specific investigation.
4. The committee will meet at least four times each year or more frequently if circumstances make that preferable. The audit committee chairman has the power to call a committee meeting whenever he or she thinks there is a need. An audit committee member should not vote on any matter in which he or she is not independent. The committee may ask members of management or others to attend the meeting and is authorized to requisition all pertinent information from management.
5. The audit committee shall establish and maintain procedures for receiving, retaining, and treating complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters including procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
6. The audit committee shall establish procedures for the hiring of employees and former employees of the independent accountant.
7. The audit committee will maintain written minutes of its meetings, which minutes will be filed with the minutes of the meetings of the board.
8. The committee will do whatever else the law, the Companys charter or bylaws, or the board of directors require.
A-2
RESPONSIBILITES FOR ENGAGING INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
1. The audit committee will select the independent accountants for Company audits. The audit committee also will review and set any fees paid to the independent accountants, both for audit and lawfully permitted non-audit services, and review and approve dismissal of the independent accountants. The audit committee shall have the sole authority to approve the hiring and firing of the independent accountants and all compensation and retention terms with respect to any engagement of the independent accountants. The independent accountants shall report directly to the audit committee.
2. The audit committee shall review and evaluate the performance of the independent accountants and ascertain that the lead (or concurring) audit partner from any public accounting firms performing audit services, serves in that capacity for no more than five fiscal years of the Company.
3. The audit committee will approve in advance the retention of the independent accountants for the performance of all audit and lawfully permitted non-audit services and the fees for such services (provided that pre-approval of non-audit services will not be required in those circumstances where a subsequent approval is permissible under applicable SEC and NASD rules).
4. The audit committee will confirm and assure the independence of the independent accountant, including a review of management consulting services provided by the independent accountant and the fees paid for them. To facilitate this confirmation, the audit committee shall obtain on a periodic basis a formal written statement from the independent accountant regarding relationships and services with the Company which may impact independence and present this statement to the board of directors and to the extent there are such relationships, monitor and investigate them.
5. The audit committee will consider, in consultation with the independent accountant, the audit scope and procedural plans made by the independent accountant.
6. The audit committee will listen to management and the primary independent accountant if either believes there might be a need to engage additional auditors. The audit committee will decide whether to engage an additional firm and, if so, which one.
A-3
RESPONSBILITIES FOR REVIEWING THE ANNUAL EXTERNAL AUDIT AND THE REVIEW OF QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. The audit committee will confirm that the independent accountant a) views the committee as its client, b) will be available to the full board of directors at least annually, and c) provides the committee with a timely analysis of significant financial reporting issues.
2. The audit committee will review significant risks and exposures with management and the independent accountant and will assess managements steps to minimize them.
3. The audit committee will review the following with the independent accountant and management:
(a) The adequacy of the Companys internal controls, including computerized information system controls and security.
(b) Any significant finding and recommendations made by the independent accountant together with managements responses to them.
4. Shortly after the annual examination is completed, and prior to filing with the SEC, the audit committee will review the following with management and the independent account:
(a) The Companys annual financial statements and related footnotes.
(b) The independent accountants audit of and report on the financial statements.
(c) The effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as well as off-balance sheet structures on the Companys financial statements, if any.
(d) The independent accountants qualitative judgments about the appropriateness, not just the acceptability, of accounting principles and financial disclosures and how aggressive (or conservative) the accounting principles and underlying estimates are.
(e) Any difficulties or disputes encountered during the course of the audit, including any restrictions on the scope of his or her work or access to required information.
(f) The Companys disclosures under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations including, without limitation, all critical accounting policies and practices used by the Company.
(g) All alternative treatments of financial information within GAAP that have been discussed with management, the ramifications of each alternative, and the treatment preferred by the Company.
A-4
(h) Anything else about the audit procedures or findings that GAAP requires the auditors to discuss with the committee.
5. The audit committee will review all material written communications between the independent accountant and management.
6. The audit committee will review annual filings with the SEC and other published documents containing the Companys financial statements, including but not limited to earnings press releases, and will consider whether the information in the filings is consistent with the information in the financial statements.
7. The audit committee will review and discuss the interim financial reports, including the Companys disclosures under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, with management and the independent account before those interim results are released to the public in an earnings release or filed with the SEC or other regulators. The audit committee shall direct the Companys independent accountants to review such interim financial statements using professional standards and procedures for such reviews.
8. The audit committee will prepare a letter for inclusion in the annual report that describes the committees composition and responsibilities and how the responsibilities were fulfilled. The committee will also prepare a report for the Companys proxy statement in accordance with the requirements of Item 306 of Regulations S-K and S-B and any other item required for inclusion in this proxy statement.
PERIODIC RESPONSIBLITIES
1. Review and update the committees charter annually.
2. Review polices and procedures covering officers expense accounts and perquisites, including their use of corporate assets, and consider the results of any review of those areas by the independent accountant.
3. Review, approve, and monitor with the independent accountant, the Companys code of conduct and such other codes of business conduct that the Company may adopt from time to time pertaining to its directors, officers, or employees.
4. Review, in conjunction with counsel at the discretion of the audit committee, legal and regulatory matters that may have a material effect on the organizations financial statements, compliance policies and programs, and reports from regulators.
5. Provide oversight and review of the Companys risk management policies, including an annual review of the Companys investment policies and performance for cash and short-term investments.
A-5
6. Meet with the independent accountants and management in separate executive sessions to discuss matters the committee or these groups believe should be discussed privately with the audit committee. The audit committee will meet separately with the Companys chief executive officer and chief financial officer at least annually to review the financial affairs of the Company, including a review of the Companys internal controls. The audit committee will meet separately with the independent accountants of the Company at such times as it deems appropriate to review the independent accountants examination and management report.
7. As the audit committee deems appropriate, obtain advice and assistance from outside legal, accounting, or other advisors; in this regard, the audit committee shall have the authority to engage, oversee, and require funding for outside legal, accounting, or other advisors.
8. Review and approve in advance all related party transactions for potential conflict of interest.
9. In connection with each periodic report of the Company, review:
(a) managements disclosure to the committee under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(b) the contents of the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer certificates to be filed under Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
COMPENSATION
1. The Company shall provide appropriate funding, as determined by the audit committee, in its capacity as a committee of the board, for the payment of: (i) compensation to any registered public accounting firm engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review, or attest services for the Company; (ii) compensation to any advisors employed by the audit committee pursuant to the terms of this charter; and (iii) ordinary administrative expenses of the audit committee that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties.
2. Members of the audit committee shall receive such fees, if any, for their service as audit committee members as may be determined by the board of directors in its sole discretion. Such fees may include retainers or per meeting fees. Fees may be paid in such form of consideration as is determined by the board of directors. Members of the audit committee may not receive any compensation from the Company except fees that they receive for service as a member of the board of directors or any committee thereof and reasonable expense reimbursement.
A-6
AUDIT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
/s/ TODD C. ANDREWS |
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Independent Director |
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August 14, 2006 |
Todd C. Andrews |
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Chairman |
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/s/ RICHARD A. FOSTER |
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Independent Director |
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August 14, 2006 |
Richard A. Foster |
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/s/ D. GREGORY SCOTT |
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Independent Director |
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August 14, 2006 |
D. Gregory Scott |
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/s/ PAUL R. ZIPPWALD |
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Independent Director |
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August 14, 2006 |
Paul R. Zippwald |
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A-7
FOLD AND DETACH HERE AND READ THE REVERSE SIDE
PROXY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION
2008 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held on March 19, 2008
The undersigned shareholder of BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION, a California corporation, hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement, each dated February 15, 2008, and hereby appoints Hugh Wm. Bridgford and Allan L. Bridgford, and each of them, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, with full power to each of substitution, on behalf and in the name of the undersigned, to represent the undersigned at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION, to be held on March 19, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1500 South Raymond Avenue, Fullerton, California, and at any adjournment thereof, and to vote all shares of common stock which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if then and there personally present, on the matters set forth below:
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO CONTRARY DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE EIGHT DIRECTOR NOMINEES LISTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF HASKELL & WHITE LLP AS INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AND, AS SAID PROXIES DEEM ADVISABLE, ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
(Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)
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FOLD AND DETACH HERE AND READ THE REVERSE SIDE |
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Election of Directors |
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PROPOSAL TO RATIFY APPOINTMENT OF Haskell & White LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE COMPANY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008: |
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(This proxy should be marked, dated and signed by the shareholder (s) exactly as his or her name appears hereon, and returned promptly in the enclosed envelope. Persons signing in fiduciary capacity should so indicate. If shares are held by joint tenants or as community property, both should sign.) |