def14a
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
o Preliminary Proxy Statement
o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
þ Definitive
Proxy Statement
o Definitive Additional Materials
o Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-11(c) or §240.14a-12
ENCORE WIRE CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing
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ENCORE WIRE CORPORATION
1329 Millwood Road
McKinney, Texas 75069
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held on May 6, 2008
NOTICE is hereby given that the annual meeting of stockholders of Encore Wire Corporation (the
Company) will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the Eldorado Country
Club, 2604 Country Club Drive, McKinney, Texas, 75069, for the following purposes:
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To elect a Board of Directors for the ensuing year; |
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To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors of the Company for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 2008; and |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 7, 2008 are entitled to notice of and
to vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this
Notice. The Companys 2007 Annual Report, containing a record of the Companys activities and
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007, is also enclosed.
Dated: March 28, 2008
By Order of the Board of Directors
FRANK J. BILBAN
Secretary
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED
PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE. IF YOU DO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON,
YOU MAY WITHDRAW YOUR PROXY AND VOTE IN PERSON. THE PROMPT RETURN OF PROXIES WILL INSURE A QUORUM
AND SAVE THE COMPANY THE EXPENSE OF FURTHER SOLICITATION.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ENCORE WIRE CORPORATION
1329 Millwood Road
McKinney, Texas 75069
PROXY STATEMENT
For Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To be Held on May 6, 2008
GENERAL
The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors (the Board or the Board of
Directors) of Encore Wire Corporation (the Company or Encore Wire or Encore) for use at the
annual meeting of stockholders of the Company to be held at the time and place and for the purposes
set forth in the foregoing notice. The approximate date on which this proxy statement and the
accompanying proxy are first being sent to stockholders is March 28, 2008.
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. The Company may use certain of its
officers and employees (who will receive no special compensation therefor) to solicit proxies in
person or by telephone, facsimile, telegraph or similar means.
Proxies
Shares entitled to vote and represented by a proxy in the accompanying form duly signed, dated and
returned to the Company and not revoked, will be voted at the meeting in accordance with the
directions given. If no direction is given, such shares will be voted for the election of the
nominees for directors named in the accompanying form of proxy and in favor of the other proposals
set forth in the notice. Any stockholder returning a proxy may revoke it at any time before it has
been exercised by giving written notice of such revocation to the Secretary of the Company, by
filing with the Company a proxy bearing a subsequent date or by voting in person at the meeting.
Voting Procedures and Tabulation
The Company will appoint one or more inspectors of election to conduct the voting at the meeting.
Prior to the meeting, the inspectors will sign an oath to perform their duties in an impartial
manner and to the best of their abilities. The inspectors will ascertain the number of shares
outstanding and the voting power of each share, determine the shares represented at the meeting and
the validity of proxies and ballots, count all votes and ballots and perform certain other duties
as required by law. The inspectors will tabulate the number of votes cast for or withheld as to
the vote on each nominee for director and the number of votes cast for, against or withheld, as
well as the number of abstentions and broker non-votes, as to the proposal to ratify the
appointment of the auditors.
Quorum and Voting Requirements
The only voting security of the Company outstanding is its Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share.
Only the holders of record of Common Stock at the close of business on March 7, 2008, the record
date for the meeting, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting. On the record date,
there were 23,140,202 shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to be voted at the meeting.
A majority of such shares, present in person or by proxy, is necessary to constitute a quorum.
Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted
as present at the meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists. A broker non-vote
occurs when a broker or other nominee returns a proxy but does not vote on a particular proposal
because the broker or nominee does not have authority to vote on that particular item and has not
receive voting instructions from the beneficial owner.
Election of Directors. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares of Common
Stock present or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of
directors. This means that the nominees receiving the highest number of votes cast for the number
of positions to be filled will be elected. Cumulative voting is not permitted. Therefore, the six
nominees who receive the most votes will be elected. Under Delaware law and the Companys
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on
voting on the election of directors, provided a quorum is present.
Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors. The proposal to ratify the appointment of
auditors will be approved by a vote of a majority of the holders of shares of Common Stock having
voting power present in person or represented by proxy. An abstention with respect to such
proposal will therefore effectively count as a vote against such proposal. A broker non-vote or
other limited proxy as to the proposal to ratify the auditors will be counted towards a meeting
quorum, but such broker non-vote cannot be voted on such proposal and therefore will not be
considered a part of the voting power with respect to the proposal. This has the effect of
reducing the number of stockholder votes required to approve that proposal.
PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The business and affairs of the Company are managed by the Board of Directors, which exercises all
corporate powers of the Company and establishes broad corporate policies. The Bylaws of the
Company provide for a minimum of five directors. Joseph M. Brito, age 85, currently serves as a
director of the Company, and is retiring and will not stand for re-election as a director of the
Company at the 2008 annual meeting of stockholders. As a result of Mr. Britos retirement, the
Board of Directors has fixed at six the number of directors that will constitute the full Board of
Directors effective as of the date of the 2008 annual meeting of stockholders. Therefore, six
directors will be elected at the annual meeting.
All duly submitted and unrevoked proxies will be voted for the nominees for director selected by
the Board of Directors, except where authorization to vote is withheld. If any nominee should
become unavailable for election for any presently unforeseen reason, the persons designated as
proxies will have full discretion to vote for another person designated by the Board. Directors
are elected to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors have
been elected and qualified.
The nominees of the Board for directors of the Company are named below. Each of the nominees has
consented to serve as a director if elected. The table below sets forth certain information with
respect to the nominees. All of the nominees are presently directors of the Company. With the
exception of John H. Wilson, all of the nominees have served continuously as directors since the
date of their first election or appointment to the Board. Mr. Wilson served as a director of
Encore from April 1989 until May 1993 and was re-elected to the Board in May 1994.
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Donald E. Courtney, age 77,
Director since 1989.
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Mr. Courtney has been President and Chairman
of the Board of Directors of Investech,
Ltd., which is a private importing firm,
since 1994. Mr. Courtney is also currently
Chairman of Tempo Lighting, Inc. and
Chairman of MDinTouch, Inc. |
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Thomas L. Cunningham, age 65,
Director since May 2003.
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Mr. Cunningham has been self-employed as a
Certified Public Accountant since January
1997 and for other earlier interim periods
in 1991-92. As part of his CPA practice, Mr.
Cunningham is currently licensed as a
financial advisor under NASD Series 24 and
65 by H. D. Vest Financial Services, a
nonbank subsidiary of Wells Fargo. From 1993
through 1996, Mr. Cunningham worked as a
senior equity research analyst covering
special situations with William K. Woodruff
Incorporated and Rauscher Pierce Refsnes
Inc. (now RBC Dain Rauscher). Mr. Cunningham
served over 28 years at Ernst & Young LLP
(and predecessor firms) where he withdrew as
a partner in September 1991. Mr. Cunningham
also serves as a director and is Chairman of
the Audit Committee of Healthaxis Inc., and
from December 1991 through October 2003 was
a director and Chairman of the Audit
Committee of Bluebonnet Savings Bank FSB,
Dallas, Texas. Bluebonnet was voluntarily
liquidated as a profitable savings bank in
October 2003. |
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Daniel L. Jones, age 44,
Director since May 1994.
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Mr. Jones has held the title of President
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
since February 2006. He performed the
duties of the Chief Executive Officer in an
interim capacity from May 2005 to February
2006. From May 1998 until February 2006, Mr.
Jones was President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Company. He previously held
the positions of Chief Operating Officer
from October 1997 until May 1998, Executive
Vice President from May 1997 to October
1997, Vice President-Sales and Marketing of
Encore from 1992 to May 1997, after serving
as Director of Sales since joining the
Company in November 1989. |
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William R. Thomas III age 36,
Director since May 2006
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Mr. Thomas has been an Investment Associate
at Capital Southwest Corporation, a
publicly-traded venture capital investment
company, since July 2006. From 2004 to 2006,
Mr. Thomas earned his M.B.A. from Harvard
Business School. During a portion of his
time at Harvard, Mr. Thomas served as a
consultant at Investor Group Services, a
consulting firm serving private equity
clients. From 1993 through 2004, Mr. Thomas
served in the U.S. Air Force, reaching the
rank of Major. During his time in the Air
Force, Mr. Thomas served in contract and
logistics management positions in the Air
Mobility Command and as chief pilot of an
Air Force Airlift Group. |
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Scott D. Weaver, age 49,
Director since May 2002.
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Mr. Weaver became Vice President of Western
Refining, Inc., a public refining and
marketing company located in El Paso, Texas
on December 31, 2007. He has been a
Director of Western, Inc. since 2005. From
August 2005 to December 2007, Mr. Weaver
served as Chief Administrative Officer of
Western Refining and from June 2000 to
August 2005, Mr. Weaver served as Chief
Financial Officer of Western Refining. From
1993 until June 2000, Mr. Weaver was the
Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and
Secretary of the Company. Mr. Weaver also
serves as a director of Wellington Insurance
Company, a privately held insurance company. |
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John H. Wilson, age 65,
Director from 1989
until May 1993 and since
May 1994.
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Mr. Wilson has been President of U.S. Equity
Corporation, a venture capital firm, since
1983. Mr. Wilson is currently a director of
Capital Southwest Corporation and Palm
Harbor Homes, Inc., a manufactured housing
company. |
The Board of Directors has created the honorary position of chairman emeritus and has designated
Vincent A. Rego the chairman emeritus of the Company, in recognition of his extraordinary
contributions to the Company which he co-founded in 1989, and to the entire electrical wire and
cable industry since the 1950s. Mr. Regos appointment as chairman emeritus shall endure for the
duration of his life during which he shall be invited and shall have the right to attend and
observe all meetings of the Board of Directors.
There are no family relationships between any of the nominees or between any of the nominees and
any director or executive officer of the Company. Mr. Wilson was originally elected to the Board
of Directors of the Company pursuant to the terms of an investment purchase agreement entered into
in connection with the formation of the Company in 1989. The director election provisions of the
agreement were terminated in connection with the Companys initial public offering in 1992.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS VOTING FOR THE NOMINEES SET FORTH ABOVE.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND OTHER BOARD MATTERS
Board Independence
The Board has determined that each of the following directors and director nominees is
independent as defined by Rule 4200(a)(15) of the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market.
(NASDAQ):
Joseph M. Brito
Thomas L. Cunningham
William R. Thomas III
Scott D. Weaver
John H. Wilson
The Board has determined that each of the current members of the Audit Committee, Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee and Compensation Committees of the Board of Directors is
independent within the rules set forth in the listing standards of NASDAQ. In assessing the
director independence standards, the Board considered that Scott Weaver was employed by the Company
from 1993 until June 2000. The Board concluded, based on all the facts and circumstances, that
this past relationship with the Company does not affect Mr. Weavers independence as a director
under the NASDAQs independence definition.
Board Structure and Committee Composition
As of the date of this proxy statement, the Board has seven directors and the following three
committees: Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance. The membership and
function of each committee is described below. Each of the committees operates under a written
charter adopted by the Board of Directors. A current copy of each charter is available under the
Investor Relations Corporate Governance section of the Companys website at
www.encorewire.com.
During the Companys fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, the Board of Directors held a total of
four meetings. Each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of such meetings held during
the period in which such director served. John H. Wilson attended five of the seven Audit
Committee meetings held in fiscal 2007. Otherwise, each director attended at least 75% of the
meetings held by all committees on which such director served. Directors are encouraged to attend
annual meetings of the stockholders of the Company. Each director attended the 2007 annual meeting
of the stockholders of the Company.
Audit Committee
The current members of the Audit Committee are Scott D. Weaver (Chairman), Thomas L. Cunningham and
John H. Wilson, each of
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whom meet the independence requirements of the applicable NASDAQ and the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the SEC) rules. The same individuals served as members of the Audit Committee during
fiscal year 2007. The Audit Committee met seven times during 2007. The role of the Audit
Committee is to review, with the Companys auditors, the scope of the audit procedures to be
applied in the conduct of the annual audit as well as the results of the annual audit. The Audit
Committee works closely with management as well as the Companys independent auditors. A current
copy of the Audit Committee Charter is attached as Annex A, and is available under the Investor
Relations Corporate Governance section of the Companys website at www.encorewire.com.
The Board has determined that Thomas L. Cunningham, Scott D. Weaver and John H. Wilson are the
audit committee financial experts of the Company, as defined in the rules established by the
NASDAQ and the SEC.
Compensation Committee
The current members of the Compensation Committee are John H. Wilson (Chairman), Scott D. Weaver,
Thomas L. Cunningham, and William R. Thomas III. William R. Thomas (Chairman), John H. Wilson,
Joseph M. Brito, Scott D. Weaver and Thomas L. Cunningham served as members of the Compensation
Committee during fiscal 2007. At the 2007 annual meeting of stockholders, William R. Thomas
retired from the Board. William R. Thomas III replaced Mr. Thomas on the Board and on the
Compensation Committee during the remainder of fiscal 2007. The Compensation Committee met four
times during 2007. The role of the Compensation Committee is to review the performance of
officers, including those officers who are also members of the Board, and to set their
compensation. The Compensation Committee also supervises and administers the Companys stock
option plans and all other compensation and benefit policies, practices and plans of the Company.
A current copy of the Compensation Committee Charter is available under the Investor Relations
Corporate Governance section of the Companys website at www.encorewire.com.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The current members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are John H. Wilson
(Chairman), Scott D. Weaver, Thomas L. Cunningham, and William R. Thomas III. John H. Wilson
(Chairman), Joseph M. Brito, Scott D. Weaver, Thomas L. Cunningham and William R. Thomas served as
members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee during fiscal 2007. At the 2007
annual meeting of stockholders, William R. Thomas retired from the Board. William R. Thomas III
replaced Mr. Thomas on the Board and on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee during
the remainder of fiscal 2007. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met one time in
2007. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee assists the Board by identifying
individuals qualified to become Board members, advises the Board concerning Board membership, leads
the Board in an annual review, and recommends director nominees to the Board. A current copy of
the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter is attached as Annex B and is
available under the Investor Relations Corporate Governance section of the Companys website
at www.encorewire.com.
Consideration of Director Nominees
Stockholder nominees
The policy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to consider properly submitted
nominations for candidates for membership on the Board, as described below under Identifying and
Evaluating Nominees for Directors. In evaluating such nominations, the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee shall address the membership criteria adopted by the Board as described below
in Director Qualifications. Any stockholder director nomination proposed for consideration by
the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee should include the nominees name and
qualifications for Board membership and should be addressed to:
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
c/o Corporate Secretary
Encore Wire Corporation
1329 Millwood Road
McKinney, Texas 75069
Director Qualifications
The Board has adopted criteria that apply to nominees recommended by the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee for a position on Encores Board. Among the qualifications provided by the
criteria, members should be of the highest ethical character and share the values of the Company.
Directors should have reputations consistent with the image and reputation of the Company and
should be highly accomplished in their respective fields, possessing superior credentials and
recognition. Directors should also be active or former senior executive officers of public or
significant private companies or leaders in various industries, including the electrical wire and
cable industry. Directors should also have the ability to exercise sound business judgment.
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Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Directors
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee utilizes a variety of methods for identifying and
evaluating nominees for director. Upon the need to add a new director or fill a vacancy on the
Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider prospective candidates.
Candidates for director may come to the attention of the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee through current Board members, professional search firms, stockholders, or other persons
as provided by the Charter of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. As described
above, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers properly submitted stockholder
nominations for candidates to the Board. Following verification of stockholder status of persons
proposing candidates, recommendations are aggregated and considered by the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee along with the other recommendations. In evaluating such nominations, the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall address the membership criteria adopted by the
Board as described above in Director Qualifications, which seeks to achieve a balance of
knowledge, experience, and expertise on the Board.
Stockholder Communications with the Board
The Board provides a process for stockholders of the Company to send written communications to the
entire Board. Stockholders of the Company may send written communications to the Board of Directors
c/o Corporate Secretary, Encore Wire Corporation, 1329 Millwood Road, McKinney, Texas 75069. All
communications will be compiled by the Corporate Secretary of the Company and submitted to the
Board on a periodic basis.
Report of the Audit Committee
To the Stockholders of Encore Wire Corporation:
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors oversees the Companys financial reporting process on
behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial
reporting process including the Companys system of internal controls, and the preparation of the
Companys consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. The Companys independent auditors are responsible for auditing those financial
statements. The Audit Committees responsibility is to monitor and review these processes.
It is not the Audit Committees duty or responsibility to conduct auditing or accounting reviews or
procedures. Members of the Audit Committee are not employees of the Company and may not represent
themselves to be or to serve as accountants or auditors by profession or experts in the fields of
accounting or auditing. As a result, the Audit Committee has relied, without independent
verification, on managements representation that the financial statements have been prepared with
integrity and objectivity and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States and on the representations of the independent auditors included in their report on
the Companys financial statements.
In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed with management the
audited financial statements in the Companys Annual Report referred to below, including a
discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the
reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.
The Audit Committee reviewed with the independent auditors, who are responsible for expressing an
opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting
principles, their judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Companys
accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit
Committee under generally accepted auditing standards. The Audit Committee has discussed with the
independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by the statement on Auditing Standards
No. 61, as amended. The Audit Committee has also discussed with the independent auditors the
auditors independence from management and the Company, including the matters in the written
disclosures and letter received from the independent auditors as required by the Independence
Standards Board Standard No. 1, and has discussed the independent accountants independence and
considered the compatibility of non-audit services with the auditors independence.
The Audit Committees oversight does not provide it with an independent basis to determine that
management has maintained appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles or policies, or
appropriate internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting
standards and applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, the considerations and discussions
with management and the independent auditors do not assure that the Companys financial statements
are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, that the audit of the
Companys financial statements has been carried out in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards or that the Companys independent accountants are in fact independent.
The Audit Committee discussed with the Companys independent auditors the overall scope and plans
for their audits. The Audit Committee has met with the independent auditors, with and without
management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of the
Companys internal controls and the overall quality of the Companys financial reporting. In
addition, the
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Audit Committee met with management during the year to review the Companys Sarbanes-Oxley Section
404 compliance efforts related to internal controls over financial reporting. The Audit Committee
held seven meetings during fiscal year 2007.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to
the Board of Directors (and the Board has approved) that the audited financial statements be
included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee and the Board have also recommended the
selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent auditors.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Scott D. Weaver, Chairman
John H. Wilson
Thomas L. Cunningham
The above report of the Audit Committee and the information disclosed above related to Audit
Committee independence under the heading Board Independence shall not be deemed to be soliciting
material or to be filed with the SEC or subject to the SECs proxy rules or to the liabilities
of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), and such information
shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing made by the Company under the
Exchange Act or under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act).
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
In connection with the Companys long-standing commitment to conduct its business in compliance
with applicable laws and regulations and in accordance with its ethical principles, the Board of
Directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all employees, officers,
directors, and advisors of the Company. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of the Company is
available under the Investor Relations Corporate Governance section of the Companys website
at www.encorewire.com, and is incorporated herein by reference.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS, DIRECTORS
AND OFFICERS
The following table sets forth, as of March 7, 2008, the beneficial ownership of Common Stock of
the Company (the only equity securities of the Company presently outstanding) by (i) each director
and nominee for director of the Company, (ii) the named officers listed in the Summary Compensation
Table elsewhere in this proxy statement, (iii) all directors and named officers of the Company as a
group and (iv) each person who was known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than
five percent of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
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Common Stock |
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Beneficially Owned (1) |
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Number |
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Percent |
Name |
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of Shares |
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of Class |
Directors and Nominees for Director |
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Joseph M. Brito |
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40,175 |
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0.17 |
% |
Donald E. Courtney |
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295,143 |
(2) |
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1.28 |
% |
Thomas L. Cunningham |
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20,871 |
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0.09 |
% |
Daniel L. Jones |
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429,983 |
(3) |
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1.84 |
% |
Vincent A. Rego, Chairman Emeritus |
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192,813 |
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0.83 |
% |
William R. Thomas III |
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Scott D. Weaver |
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20,000 |
(4) |
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0.09 |
% |
John H. Wilson |
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Named Officers (excluding directors and nominees named above) |
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Frank J. Bilban |
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110,161 |
(5) |
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0.47 |
% |
David K. Smith |
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71,976 |
(6) |
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0.31 |
% |
Kevin M. Kieffer |
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10,112 |
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0.04 |
% |
Rick R. Gottschalk |
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6,002 |
(7) |
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0.03 |
% |
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All Directors and Named Officers as a group (11 persons). |
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|
1,197,236 |
(8) |
|
|
5.09 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficial Owners of More than 5% (excluding persons named above) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Southwest Corporation
12900 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75230 |
|
|
4,086,750 |
(9) |
|
|
17.66 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FMR LLC
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109 |
|
|
2,000,037 |
(10) |
|
|
8.64 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Avenue Management LLC
622 Third Avenue, 32nd Floor
New York, NY 10017 |
|
|
2,899,951 |
(11) |
|
|
12.53 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barclays Global Investors, NA
45 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105 |
|
|
1,706,133 |
(12) |
|
|
7.37 |
% |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Except as otherwise indicated, each stockholder named in the table has sole voting and investment
power with respect to all shares indicated as being beneficially owned by such stockholder. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes 57,552 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Courtneys spouse. Mr. Courtney disclaims
beneficial ownership of the shares owned by his spouse. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 262,500 shares of Common Stock subject to stock options that are exercisable within 60
days, 10,125 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Jones spouse and 337 shares owned for the benefit
of Mr. Jones minor son. Mr. Jones disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by his
spouse. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 20,000 shares of Common Stock pledged to Merrill Lynch as security for a line of credit. |
7
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Includes 72,000 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options that are exercisable within 60 days. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes 71,551 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options that are exercisable within 60 days. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 6,000 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options that are exercisable within 60 days. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes an aggregate of 412,051 shares of Common Stock that directors and named officers have the
right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to the exercise of stock options. |
|
(9) |
|
As reported in a Schedule 13D filed October 13, 1998 with the SEC by Capital Southwest Corporation
showing its beneficial ownership of Company stock, including 2,774,250 shares held by Capital
Southwest Venture Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capital Southwest Corporation. |
|
(10) |
|
As reported in a Schedule 13G/A filed February 14, 2008 with the SEC by FMR LLC, Edward C. Johnson
III, Chairman of FMR LLC, and FMR LLC, through its control of Fidelity Management & Research
Company, each has sole power to dispose of the 2,000,037 shares owned by the Fidelity Low Priced
Stock Fund (the Fund). Neither FMR LLC nor Edward C. Johnson III has the sole power to vote or
direct the voting of the shares owned directly by the Fund, which power resides with the Funds
Board of Trustees. |
|
(11) |
|
As reported in a Schedule 13G filed February 14, 2008 with the SEC by Third Avenue Management LLC. |
|
(12) |
|
As reported in a Schedule 13G filed February 5, 2008 with the SEC, Barclays Global Investor, NA
holds the shares in trust accounts for the economic benefit of Barclays Global Fund Advisors,
Barclays Global Investors, Ltd., Barclays Global Investors Japan Trust and Banking Company Limited,
Barclays Global Investors Japan Limited, Barclays Global Investors Canada Limited, Barclays Global
Investors Australia Limited and Barclays Global Investors (Deutschland) AG. Barclays Global
Investor, NA has the sole power to vote or direct the voting of 1,246,480 shares of Company stock
and has the power to dispose of 1,345,198 shares of Company stock. Barclays Global Fund Advisors
has the sole power to vote or direct the voting of and dispose of 360,935 shares of Company stock. |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion & Analysis
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis section addresses the following topics: (i) the members
and role of the compensation committee (the Compensation Committee); (ii) our
compensation-setting process; (iii) our compensation philosophy; (iv) the components of our
executive compensation program; and (v) our compensation decisions for fiscal year 2007.
Throughout this proxy statement the individuals whose compensation is reported in the Summary
Compensation Table are referred to as the named officers. In this Compensation Discussion and
Analysis section, the terms, we, our, us, and the Committee refer to the Compensation
Committee.
The Compensation Committee
Committee Members and Independence
John H. Wilson (Chairman), Scott D. Weaver, Thomas L. Cunningham and William R. Thomas III are the
current members of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Wilson, who has served on the Board of
Directors from 1989 until May 1993 and since May 1994, is the Committee Chairman. Each member of
the Committee qualifies as an independent director under NASDAQ listing standards.
Role of the Committee
The Compensation Committee administers the compensation program for the named officers and certain
key employees of the Company and makes all related decisions. The Committee also administers the
Companys employee stock option plan. The Committee ensures that the total compensation paid to
the named officers is fair, reasonable and competitive. The Compensation Committee did not retain
compensation advisors during 2007, nor has it done so in the past. We operate under a written
charter adopted by the Board. The charter is available at www.encorewire.com. The fundamental
responsibilities of our Committee are:
|
|
|
to review at least annually the goals and objectives and the structure
of the Companys plans for executive compensation, incentive
compensation, equity-based compensation, and its general compensation
plans and employee benefit plans (including retirement and health
insurance plans); |
8
|
|
|
to evaluate annually the performance of the Chief Executive Officer in
light of the goals and objectives of the Companys executive
compensation plans, and to determine his or her compensation level based
on this evaluation; |
|
|
|
|
to review annually and determine the compensation level of all officers
and certain key employees of the Company, in light of the goals and
objectives of the Companys executive compensation plans; |
|
|
|
|
in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, to oversee the annual
evaluation of management of the Company, including other executive
officers and key employees of the Company; |
|
|
|
|
periodically, as the Committee deems necessary or desirable and pursuant
to the applicable equity-based compensation plan, to grant, or recommend
that the Board grant, equity-based compensation awards to any officer or
employee of the Company for such number of shares of Common Stock as the
Committee, in its sole discretion, shall deem to be in the best interest
of the Company; and |
|
|
|
|
to review and recommend to the Board all equity-based compensation plans. |
Committee Meetings
The Compensation Committee meets as often as necessary to perform its duties and responsibilities.
We held four meetings during fiscal 2007 and have held three meetings so far during fiscal 2008.
We typically meet with the Chief Executive Officer. We also meet in executive session without
management.
The Compensation-Setting Process
We meet in executive session each year to evaluate the performance of the named officers and
certain key employees, to determine their incentive bonuses for the prior fiscal year, to set their
base salaries for the next calendar year, and to consider and approve any grants to them of equity
incentive compensation.
Although many compensation decisions are made in the fourth quarter, our compensation planning
process continues throughout the year. Compensation decisions are designed to promote our
fundamental business objectives and strategy. Business and succession planning, evaluation of
management performance and consideration of the business environment are year-round processes.
Management plays a significant role in the compensation-setting process. The most significant
aspects of managements role are:
|
|
|
evaluating employee performance; and |
|
|
|
|
recommending salary levels and option awards. |
The Chief Executive Officer also participates in Compensation Committee meetings at the
Compensation Committees request to provide:
|
|
|
background information regarding the Companys strategic objectives; |
|
|
|
|
his evaluation of the performance of the named officers and other key employees; and |
|
|
|
|
compensation recommendations as to the named officers (other than himself). |
Executive Compensation Philosophy
The Company believes in rewarding executives based on individual performance as well as aligning
the executives interests with those of the stockholders with the ultimate objective of improving
stockholder value. To that end, the Committee believes executive compensation packages provided by
the Company to its executives should include both cash and stock-based compensation that reward
performance.
The Compensation Committee seeks to achieve the following goals with the Companys executive
compensation programs: to attract, retain and motivate key executives and to reward executives for
value creation. The individual judgments made by the Compensation Committee are subjective and are
based largely on the Compensation Committees perception of each executives contribution to both
past performance and the long-term growth potential of the Company.
At the core of our compensation philosophy is our guiding belief that pay should be linked to
performance, and several factors
9
underscore that philosophy. First, a substantial portion of executive officer compensation is
determined by each executive officers contribution to the Companys profitability. Next, we do
not have any employment, severance or change-in-control agreements with any of our executive
officers. Finally, we do not believe in discounted stock options, reload stock options or
re-pricing of stock options.
The Committee believes that total compensation and accountability should increase with position and
responsibility. Consistent with this philosophy, total compensation is higher for individuals with
greater responsibility and greater ability to influence the Companys targeted results and
strategic initiatives. As position and responsibility increases, a greater portion of the named
officers total compensation is performance-based pay.
In addition, our compensation methods focus management on achieving strong annual performance in a
manner that supports and encourages the Companys long-term success and profitability. We believe
that stock options issued under the Companys stock option plans create long-term incentives that
align the interests of management with the interests of long-term stockholders.
Finally, while the Companys overall compensation levels must be sufficiently competitive to
attract talented leaders, we believe that compensation should be set at responsible levels. Our
executive compensation programs are intended to be consistent with the Companys cost control
strategies.
2007 Compensation
This section describes the compensation decisions that were made with respect to the named officers
for fiscal 2007.
Executive Summary
In fiscal 2007 and the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we continued to apply the compensation
principles described above in determining the compensation of our named officers. In summary, the
compensation decisions made for fiscal 2007 for the named officers were as follows:
|
|
|
We increased base salaries for Daniel L. Jones, Chief Executive
Officer, and Frank J. Bilban, Chief Financial Officer. |
|
|
|
|
We decreased cash incentive (bonus) payments to all named officers. |
|
|
|
|
We did not grant any stock options to the named officers. |
The Committee determined that the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer continued to
successfully position the Company to take advantage of improved economic conditions in the U.S.
construction industry. The Committee increased the salaries of the Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer to reflect this success and to reflect the Committees determination, based
on the Committee members opinions and personal experiences, that an increase was warranted to make
the salaries of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer commensurate with
executive officers in similar positions with similar companies. The Committee also awarded cash
incentive bonus payments to reflect each named officers contributions, however, due to the
decrease in profitability in fiscal 2007, the total amounts awarded in 2007 decreased from those
awarded in 2006.
Base Salary
In determining base salaries, we consider the executives qualifications and experience, scope of
responsibilities, the goals and objectives established for the executive, the executives past
performance, internal pay equity, the tax deductibility of base salary and cash incentive payments
and the extent to which the companys earnings were affected by the executives actions. The
relative amounts of the base salary and bonus of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer are set at levels so that a significant portion of the total compensation that such
executive can earn is performance-based pay.
Base salary is largely determined based on the subjective judgment of the Committee without the use
of a formula, taking into account the factors described above. In determining the base salary of
the named officers, the Committee periodically determines an applicable peer group and refers to
surveys of compensation data for similar positions with similar companies.
The Committee set the Chief Executive Officers base salary for fiscal 2007 at $433,333, an 8.3%
increase from fiscal 2006, and the Chief Financial Officers base salary for fiscal 2007 at
$200,000, an 11.1% increase from fiscal 2006. In fiscal 2006, the Chief Executive Officers base
salary was $400,000, and the Chief Financial Officers base salary was $180,000. Prior to 2006,
neither the Chief Executive Officer nor the Chief Financial Officer had received a base salary
increase since January 1, 2004. The Committee maintained the other named officers salaries at the
same rate as in fiscal 2006.
10
Cash Incentive
Cash incentive bonus payments are discretionary, based primarily on each named officers
contribution to the Companys profitability over the applicable performance measurement periods.
The Committee believes that profitability is the most useful measure of managements effectiveness
in creating value for the stockholders of the Company. No specific formula is used in making such
bonus determinations.
The Chief Executive Officer received a cash incentive payment for fiscal 2007 totaling $360,000,
and the Chief Financial Officer received a cash incentive payment for fiscal 2007 totaling
$120,000. The bonuses of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively,
decreased from $450,000 and $150,000 in fiscal 2006. The bonuses paid to the other named officers
also decreased from 2006.
Equity Incentive
The Companys named officers are eligible to receive performance-based stock options granted under
the Encore Wire Corporation 1999 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated (as more fully
described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Companys Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference). The Company
grants all stock options based on the fair market value as of the date of grant. The exercise
price for stock option grants is determined by reference to the closing price per share on the
NASDAQ Stock Market at the close of business on the date of grant. Other than the stock option plan
described above, the Company does not have any other equity incentive plans currently in place.
Option awards under the option plan discussed above are made at regular or special Compensation
Committee meetings. The effective date for such grants is the date of such meeting. The Company
may also make grants of equity incentive awards at the discretion of the Compensation Committee or
the board of directors in connection with the hiring of new executive officers and other employees.
In determining the number of options to be granted to executives and the frequency of option
grants, the Compensation Committee takes into account the individuals position, scope of
responsibility, ability to affect profitability, the individuals performance and the value of
stock options in relation to other elements of total compensation. In addition, since the Company
believes that profitability is the most useful measure of managements effectiveness in creating
value for the stockholders, the Companys profitability in its industry and over the applicable
performance measurement periods is also taken into account when determining the number of options
to be granted to executives.
During the 2007 fiscal year, no named officer received an equity incentive award. On December 31,
2007, unexercised options covering 504,476 shares were outstanding under the 1989 Stock Option Plan
and the amended 1999 Stock Option Plan combined, and 298,300 shares remained available for future
stock option grants under the Companys 1999 Stock Option Plan. At December 31, 2007, the Chief
Executive Officer held vested stock options to purchase 262,500 shares having a market value of
$4,179,000 at a cost of $1,516,250, for a potential gain of $2,662,750. On the same date, the
Chief Financial Officer held vested stock options to purchase 72,000 shares having a market value
of $1,146,240 at a cost of $457,750, for a potential gain of $688,490.
Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits Compensation
The Company provides named officers with perquisites and other personal benefits that the Company
and the Committee believe are reasonable and consistent with its overall compensation program to
better enable the Company to attract and retain superior employees for key positions. The
Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites and other personal benefits provided to
named officers. The amounts shown in the Summary Compensation Table under the heading Other
Compensation represent the value of Company matching contributions to the named officers 401(k)
accounts, the value of certain life insurance benefits and the cost of vehicle leases and country
club memberships to the Company. Named officers did not receive any other perquisites or other
personal benefits or property.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
Beginning on January 1, 2006, the Company began accounting for stock-based payments, including its
1999 Stock Option Plan, in accordance with the requirements of FASB Statement 123(R).
11
Reasonableness of Compensation
After considering the aggregate compensation paid to the named officers in fiscal 2007, the
Committee has determined that the compensation is reasonable and not excessive. In making this
determination, we considered many factors, including the following:
|
|
|
Including base salaries, cash incentive bonuses and stock options, the total
compensation levels for the named officers are reasonable in relation to executives
in similar positions with similar companies. |
|
|
|
|
Despite the current industry environment, our high order fill rates, innovative
products and low cost structure continue to set industry standards. |
|
|
|
|
The named officers have no severance or change-in-control agreements with the Company. |
Report of the Compensation Committee
To the Stockholders of Encore Wire Corporation:
The Compensation Committee has submitted the following report for inclusion in this Proxy
Statement:
|
|
|
Our Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained
in this Proxy Statement with management. Based on our Committees review of and the
discussions with management with respect to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, our
Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis
be included in this Proxy Statement and in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 for filing with the SEC. |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Companys previous filings under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that
incorporate future filings, including this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the foregoing
Compensation Committee Report shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filings.
The foregoing report is provided by the following directors, who constitute the Committee:
|
|
|
|
|
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE |
|
|
John H. Wilson, Chairman |
|
|
Scott D. Weaver |
|
|
Thomas L. Cunningham |
|
|
William R. Thomas, III |
12
Summary Compensation Table
The table below summarizes the total compensation paid or earned by each of the named officers for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. The Company has not entered into any employment agreements
or severance agreements with any of the named officers.
Summary Compensation Table
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
Change in |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Pension |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonquali- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
fied |
|
All |
|
|
Name and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred |
|
Other |
|
|
Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Non-Equity |
|
Comp |
|
Comp |
|
|
Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary ($) |
|
Bonus ($) |
|
Stock Awards ($) |
|
($)(1) |
|
Incentive Plan Comp |
|
Earnings ($) |
|
($)(2) |
|
Total |
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
|
(f) |
|
(g) |
|
(h) |
|
(i) |
|
(j) |
Daniel L. Jones |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
433,333 |
|
|
|
360,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,340 |
(3) |
|
|
817,673 |
|
President and
CEO |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
|
450,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
73,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,600 |
|
|
|
948,850 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Frank J. Bilban |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
120,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,641 |
(4) |
|
|
342,641 |
|
Vice President
Finance, Chief
Financial Officer |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
180,000 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,030 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,981 |
|
|
|
399,011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David K. Smith |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
160,000 |
|
|
|
88,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
248,000 |
|
Vice President
Operations |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
160,000 |
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,833 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
318,833 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin Kieffer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
195,067 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,486 |
(5) |
|
|
486,553 |
|
Vice President
Sales |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
116,667 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,587 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
283,254 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rick Gottschalk |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
120,000 |
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
216,008 |
|
Vice President
Information
Technology |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
120,000 |
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,350 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
243,350 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amounts in column (f) reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2007, in accordance with FAS 123(R) of awards pursuant to the Companys 1999 Stock Option Plan and thus include amounts
from awards granted in and prior to 2007. Assumptions used in the calculation of this amount are included in footnote 1 to the
Companys audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 7, 2008. |
|
(2) |
|
Any amounts shown in column (i) for company vehicle leases or country club memberships reflect the full cost to the Company of such
vehicle lease or country club membership for such calendar year, however, only a portion of such costs represents a perquisite. The
club memberships generally are maintained for business entertainment purposes but may also be used for personal use. Pursuant to SEC
guidelines, a zero is reported in this column where the aggregate amount of perquisites and other benefits received is less than
$10,000. |
|
(3) |
|
The amount in column (i) reflects: |
|
|
|
$7,750 in matching contributions by the Company to Mr. Jones pursuant to the Companys 401(k) Plan. |
|
|
|
|
$10,768 attributable to Mr. Jones use of a Company-provided automobile. |
|
|
|
|
$5,683 attributable to the use of a Company country-club membership by Mr. Jones. |
|
|
|
|
$139 attributable to life insurance benefits provided by the Company for Mr. Jones pursuant to the
Companys Life Insurance Plan. |
(4) |
|
The amount in column (i) reflects: |
|
|
|
$10,250 in matching contributions by the Company to Mr. Bilban pursuant to the Companys 401(k) Plan. |
|
|
|
|
$7,381 attributable to Mr. Bilbans use of Company-provided automobile. |
|
|
|
|
$4,871 attributable to the use of a Company country club membership by Mr. Bilban. |
13
|
|
|
$139 attributable to life insurance benefits provided by the Company for Mr. Bilban pursuant to the
Companys Life Insurance Plan. |
(5) |
|
The amount in column (i) reflects: |
|
|
|
$3,000 in matching contributions by the Company to Mr. Kieffer pursuant to the Companys 401(k) Plan. |
|
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|
$8,347 attributable to Mr. Kieffers use of Company-provided automobile. |
|
|
|
|
$139 attributable to life insurance benefits provided by the Company for Mr. Bilban pursuant to the
Companys Life Insurance Plan. |
2007 Grants of Plan Based Awards
No plan-based awards were granted to the named officers during 2007.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2007 Year-End
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Option Awards |
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Stock Awards |
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Equity |
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Equity |
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Incentive |
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Incen- |
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Plan |
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tive Plan |
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Number |
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Awards: |
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Awards: |
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Of |
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Market |
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Number of |
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Equity Incentive |
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Number of |
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Number of |
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|
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|
Shares |
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Value of |
|
Unearned |
|
Plan Awards: |
|
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Number of |
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Units |
|
Shares or |
|
Shares, |
|
Market or Payout |
|
|
Securities |
|
Underlying |
|
Under- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Stock |
|
Units of |
|
Units or |
|
Value of |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Unexercised |
|
lying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
That |
|
Stock |
|
Other |
|
Unearned Shares, |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Options |
|
Unexer- |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
Have |
|
That |
|
Rights |
|
Units or Other |
|
|
Options |
|
(#) |
|
cised Unearned |
|
Exercise |
|
Expira- |
|
Not |
|
Have Not |
|
That Have |
|
Rights That Have |
|
|
(#) |
|
Unexer- |
|
Options |
|
Price |
|
tion |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
|
Not Vested |
|
Not Vested |
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
cisable |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
Date |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
|
(f) |
|
(g) |
|
(h) |
|
(i) |
|
(j) |
Daniel L. Jones |
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4.33 |
|
|
|
12/16/09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
112,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7.70 |
|
|
|
10/24/11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Frank J. Bilban |
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3.75 |
|
|
|
06/19/10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4.42 |
|
|
|
01/05/11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7.70 |
|
|
|
10/24/11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
David K. Smith |
|
|
71,551 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7.70 |
|
|
|
10/24/11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin M. Kieffer |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
37.95 |
|
|
|
09/01/16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rick R. Gottschalk |
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
8.40 |
|
|
|
06/13/12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Options vest in five years at 20% per year, with the first options vesting on September 1,
2007. |
14
2007 Option Exercises and Stock Vested
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Value |
|
Shares Acquired on |
|
Value Realized |
|
|
Exercise |
|
Realized on Exercise |
|
Vesting |
|
on Vesting |
|
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
Name |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(3) |
Daniel L. Jones |
|
|
27,000 |
|
|
|
421,740 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Frank J. Bilban |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David K. Smith |
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
568,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin M. Kieffer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rick R. Gottschalk |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The section entitled Equity Compensation Plan Information appearing in Item 5 of the Companys
Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2007, sets forth certain information with respect to the
Companys equity compensation plan and is incorporated herein by reference.
2007 Director Compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
earned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
or paid |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Deferred |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
in cash |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Earnings ($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Each non-employee
director (1) |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Director fees paid to each director, except Daniel L. Jones, President and CEO of the Company. |
Prior to fiscal 2007, directors had not received fees for serving on the Board of Directors or any
committee thereof. In the fourth quarter of 2006, the Board of Directors approved Board fees to be
paid to all non-employee Directors at the rate of $5,000 per quarter beginning March of 2007. In
addition, the Company reimburses directors for reasonable travel, lodging and related expenses
incurred in attending Board and committee meetings.
In consideration of the past services of Vincent A. Rego to the Company since its inception and as
compensation for Mr. Regos future services as a consultant to, and as Chairman Emeritus of the
Company, the Compensation Committee, in a special meeting on January 7, 2008, determined to
continue Mr. Regos compensation for the period commencing January 1, 2008 until further review by
the Compensation Committee or the Board of Directors at $15,000 per month, payable in accordance
with the payroll practices of the Company.
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control
Upon a Change in Control, all outstanding stock options under the 1999 Stock Option Plan will
become fully exercisable. For the purposes of the 1999 Stock Option Plan, a Change in Control
occurs in any one of the following circumstances:
|
|
|
any person shall have become the beneficial owner of or shall have acquired, directly
or indirectly, securities of the Company representing 50% or more (in addition to such
persons current holdings) of the combined voting power of the Companys then
outstanding voting securities without prior approval of at least two-thirds of the
members of the Board in office immediately prior to such persons attaining such
percentage interest; |
|
|
|
|
the Company is a party to a merger, consolidation, sale of assets, or other
reorganization, or a proxy contest, as a consequence of which the members of the Board
in office immediately prior to such transaction or event constitute less than a majority
of the Board thereafter; or |
15
|
|
|
during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such
period constituted the Board (including for this purpose any new director whose election
or nomination for election by the Companys stockholders was approved by a vote of at
least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors at the
beginning of such period) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the
Board. |
Kevin M. Kieffer holds 40,000 unvested stock options with an exercise price of $37.95. No other
named officer holds unvested stock options. Assuming a Change in Control occurred on December 31,
2007 and Mr. Kieffers stock options vested at the closing market price of $15.92, Mr. Kieffer
would have received no payment or benefit at the time of such Change in Control, because the
exercise price would have exceeded the market price. The actual payment or benefit that a named
officer may receive upon a Change in Control can only be determined at the time of such Change in
Control.
Pension Benefits and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
The company does not offer any post employment compensation that would be required to be disclosed
on the Pension Benefits or Non-qualified Deferred Compensation table.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The members of the Compensation Committee during fiscal year 2007 were John H. Wilson, Joseph M.
Brito, Thomas L. Cunningham, Scott D. Weaver and William R. Thomas III. None of the members of the
Compensation Committee was an officer or employee of the Company in the past fiscal year. From
1993 until June 2000, Mr. Weaver was the Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and Secretary of the
Company. No executive officer of the Company served as a director or a member of the compensation
committee of another entity, one of whose executive officers either served on the Board of
Directors or on the Compensation Committee.
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and approving all
material transactions with any related party, as set forth in the Related Party Transactions Policy
adopted by the Board of Directors. Related parties include any of our directors or executive
officers, certain of our stockholders and their immediate family members. The Audit Committee
Charter is attached as Annex A, and is available at www.encorewire.com under Investor Relations
Corporate Governance Documents.
To identify related party transactions, each year, we submit and require our directors and officers
to complete Director and Officer Questionnaires identifying any transactions with us in which the
officer or director or their family members have an interest. We review related party transactions
due to the potential for a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest occurs when an
individuals private interest interferes with the interests of the Company as a whole. Our Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics requires all directors, officers and employees who have a conflict of
interest to immediately notify their supervisor or our Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee chairman.
We expect our directors, officers and employees to act and make decisions that are in our best
interests and encourage them to avoid situations which present a conflict between our interests and
their own personal interests. Our directors, officers and employees are prohibited from taking any
action that may make it difficult for them to perform their duties, responsibilities and services
to the Company in an objective and fair manner. A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
is available at www.encorewire.com under Investor Relations Corporate Governance Documents.
Related Party Transactions
The Company uses Best H & A Trucking for a minor percentage of its freight services. Best H & A is
one of many freight carriers the Company does business with. Best H & A Trucking is wholly-owned
by Mrs. A. Jones, the mother of Daniel L. Jones, a nominee for director and the Companys President
and Chief Executive Officer. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has approved the
continued use of the transportation services of Best H & A Trucking and determined that these
services are at rates no less favorable than are available from non-affiliated parties. During the
year ended December 31, 2007, the Company paid Best H & A Trucking approximately $251,000 for these
services on the basis of rates the Company believes compare favorably with rates charged by other
common carriers.
The Company buys reels on which wire is wound, from Lone Star Reel Corporation as well as other
reel suppliers. Reels of various types are used by the Company to wind both in process and
finished wire. Lone Star Reel is 40% owned by the son-in-law of Donald E. Courtney, a nominee for
director. This same ownership group owns Aegis Pallet, which sell pallets to the Company. The
Company buys pallets from several suppliers, including Aegis Pallet. The Audit Committee of the
Board of Directors has approved the continued use of Lone Star Reel and Aegis Pallet as suppliers
subject to continued determinations that any and all such
purchases
16
are at prices no less favorable
than are available from non-affiliated parties. During the year ended December 31, 2007, the
Company paid Lone Star Reel approximately $5,400,000, and Aegis Pallet approximately $836,000.
PROPOSAL TWO
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, Ernst & Young LLP, which has served as the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm since the Companys inception, has been
appointed by the Board of Directors to serve as independent auditors of the Company for the year
ending December 31, 2008, subject to the ratification of such appointment by the stockholders of
the Company. Although it is not required to do so, the Board of Directors is submitting the
selection of auditors for ratification in order to obtain the stockholders approval of this
appointment. The appointment of auditors will be approved by a vote of a majority of the holders
of shares of Common Stock having voting power present in person or represented by proxy. If the
selection is not ratified, the Board of Directors will reconsider the appointment. Representatives
of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the meeting to respond to appropriate questions
from the stockholders and will be given the opportunity to make a statement should they desire to
do so.
The following table presents fees for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP for the
audit of the Companys annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting
for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, and fees billed for other services rendered by
Ernst & Young LLP during 2007 and 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
Audit Fees (a) |
|
$ |
503,770 |
|
|
$ |
464,400 |
|
Audit-related Fees (b) |
|
|
38,500 |
|
|
|
19,000 |
|
Tax Fees (c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Fees (d) |
|
|
2,706 |
|
|
|
2,706 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
544,976 |
|
|
$ |
486,106 |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Audit Fees |
|
|
|
Fees and expenses paid to Ernst & Young LLP for the audit of internal control over financial
reporting and of the consolidated financial statements included in the Companys Annual
Report on Form 10-K, the reviews of the interim consolidated financial information included
in the Companys Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, consultations concerning financial
accounting and reporting, and reviews of documents filed with the SEC and related consents. |
|
(b) |
|
Audit-Related Fees |
|
|
|
Fees and expenses paid to Ernst & Young LLP for consultation on internal control matters,
benefit plans and other special audits. |
|
(c) |
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
|
Fees and expenses paid to Ernst & Young LLP for tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice. |
|
(d) |
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
Consists of fees for annual access to Ernst & Young LLP online accounting research database. |
The Audit Committee considered the level of fees rendered by Ernst & Young LLP and concluded that
the services were compatible with maintaining Ernst & Young LLPs independence.
The Audit Committee pre-approves audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the
independent auditor. The fees enumerated above for 2007 were all pre-approved by the Audit
Committee. The Audit Committee follows certain procedures regarding the pre-approval of services
provided by the independent auditor. Under these procedures, pre-approval is generally provided
for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed and specific as to the particular service to be
provided. In addition, the Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a
case-by-case basis. The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its
members. Such member must report any decisions to the Audit Committee at the next scheduled meeting
of the Audit Committee.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS VOTING FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF
ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE COMPANYS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008.
17
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND OTHER MATTERS
It is contemplated that the 2009 annual meeting of Stockholders of the Company will take place in
April or May of 2009. Stockholder proposals for inclusion in the Companys proxy materials for the
2009 annual meeting of Stockholders must be received by the Company at its offices in McKinney,
Texas, addressed to the Secretary of the Company, not less than 120 days in advance of the date
that is one year after this proxy statement is first distributed to stockholders; provided, that if
the 2009 annual meeting of Stockholders is changed by more than 30 days from the presently
contemplated date, then proposals must be received a reasonable time in advance of the meeting.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires directors and officers of the Company, and persons who
own more than 10 percent of the Common Stock, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and
reports of changes in ownership of the Common Stock. Directors, officers and more than 10 percent
stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section
16(a) forms they file.
An initial Form 3 filing for William R. Thomas III reporting that Mr. Thomas did not beneficially
own any shares of the Common Stock upon his election as a director and a filing for David K. Smith
reporting an exercise of options on shares of Common Stock were filed late as a result of an
administrative oversight. To the Companys knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of
such reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports were
required, during the year ended December 31, 2007, other than the delinquent filings for Mr. Thomas
and Mr. Smith, all of its directors, officers and more than 10 percent beneficial owners complied
with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements.
ANNUAL REPORT
The Company has provided without charge to each person whose proxy is solicited hereby a copy of
the 2007 Annual Report of the Company, which includes the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 (including the consolidated financial statements) filed
with the SEC. Additional copies of the Annual Report may be obtained without charge upon written
request to the Company, Encore Wire Corporation, 1329 Millwood Road, McKinney, Texas, 75069,
Attention: Corporate Secretary.
OTHER BUSINESS
At the date of this Proxy Statement, the only business that the Board of Directors intends to
present or knows that others will present at the meeting is as set forth above. If, however, any
other matters are properly brought before the 2008 Annual Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, it
is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote such proxy on such
matters in accordance with their best judgment.
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By |
Order of the Board of Directors
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Frank J. Bilban,
Vice President Finance, Treasurer,
Secretary and Chief Financial Officer |
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ANNEX A
Audit Committee Charter
ENCORE WIRE CORPORATION
CHARTER OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
I. PURPOSE
This Charter (Charter) shall govern the operations of the Audit Committee (the Committee) of
the Board of Directors (the Board) of Encore Wire Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the
Corporation). The purpose of the Committee is to (1) manage the engagement of the outside
auditors and (2) assist and direct the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by
conducting thorough reviews of: financial statements and reports provided by the Corporation to the
government or to the public; the Corporations systems of internal controls regarding finance,
accounting, and the Corporations auditing, accounting and financial reporting processes generally.
Consistent with this purpose, the Committee shall encourage continuous improvement of, and shall
foster adherence to, the Corporations policies, procedures and practices at all levels. The
Committees primary responsibilities are to:
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Monitor the Corporations accounting and financial reporting processes and systems of
internal controls regarding finance and accounting. |
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Monitor the independence and performance of the Corporations outside auditors. |
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Provide an avenue of communication among the Board, the outside auditors, and
financial and senior management of the Corporation. |
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Appoint and discharge, in its sole discretion, the corporations outside auditors. |
In discharging its duties, the Committee is empowered to investigate any matter brought to its
attention with full access to all books, records, facilities, and personnel of the Corporation and,
for this purpose, to engage on behalf of the Committee independent legal, accounting and other
advisers at the Corporations expense. The Committee shall have sole authority to approve related
fees and retention terms.
II. COMPOSITION
The Committee shall be comprised of three or more directors, each of whom shall be independent and
free from any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of
that persons independent judgment as a member of the Committee. Each member of the Committee
shall meet all requirements for independence and experience promulgated by the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA), Section 10A(m)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
Exchange Act) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
Commission) as applicable to the Corporation. Each member shall be able to read and understand
fundamental financial statements, and at least one member shall be a financial expert as defined by
the rules and regulations of the Commission and FINRA. Furthermore, no member shall have
participated in the preparation of the financial statements of the Corporation or any subsidiary of
the Corporation during the past three years.
Members of the Committee shall be elected by the Board at the annual meeting of the Board to serve
until their successors are duly elected and qualified. If a member is unable to serve a full term,
the Board shall select a replacement. Unless a Chairman is elected by the full Board, the members
of the Committee shall designate a Chairman by majority vote of the full Committee.
III. MEETINGS
The Committee shall meet at least four times annually, and more frequently as circumstances
dictate. The Committee, or its Chairman, shall communicate each quarter with the outside auditors
and management to review the Corporations interim financial statements in accordance with Section
V.2., below. The Committee shall meet at least annually with management and the outside auditors
in accordance with Section V.3., below. Such meetings and communications shall be, either in
person or by conference telephone call, and shall be separate or together, at the discretion of the
Committee.
IV. ACCOUNTABILITY
The independent auditors shall be ultimately accountable to the Committee, as representatives of
the Corporations shareholders. The Committee shall have ultimate authority and responsibility to
select, evaluate, and, where appropriate, replace the outside auditors.
A-1
V. RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibility of the Committee shall be to oversee the Corporations financial reporting
process on behalf of the Board and to report the results of such oversight activities to the Board
and to the shareholders of the Corporation. The responsibility of management is to prepare the
Corporations financial statements. The responsibility of the outside auditors is to audit those
financial statements. To fulfill its responsibilities the Committee shall:
Documents/Reports Review
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Review and reassess the adequacy of this Charter, at least annually, as conditions dictate. |
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Prior to filing, review each Form 10 Q Quarterly Report for the Corporation with management
and the outside auditors, in accordance with Statement on Auditing Standards No. 71 (SAS No.
71), and considering Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (SAS No. 61) as it relates to
interim financial information. |
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Prior to filing, review and discuss the audited financial statements of the Corporation with
management and the outside auditors, with specific attention to those matters required to be
discussed by SAS No. 61. |
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Receive that formal written statement required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1
(ISB Standard No. 1) from the outside auditors and discuss with them that statement and
their independence from management and the Corporation. |
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Based on the review and discussions set forth above, determine whether to recommend to the
Board that the audited financial statements of the Corporation be included in its Annual
Report on Form 10 K for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
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Ascertain whether the members of the Committee continue to be independent (as heretofore
defined) with respect to management and the Corporation. |
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Review as received the regular internal reports to management prepared by the financial staff
and discuss them with management as necessary. |
Outside auditors
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Exercise its sole discretion in determining the appointment, funding and discharge of the
Corporations outside auditors. |
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Prior to commencement of work on the annual audit by the outside auditors, discuss with them
the overall scope and plan for their audit and discuss with management and the outside
auditors the adequacy and effectiveness of the Corporations accounting and financial
controls. |
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Review and pre approve all auditing services and permitted non audit services (including fees
and terms thereof) to be performed for the Corporation by its outside auditors, subject to the
de minimus exceptions for non audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange
Act; provided, however, that the following services are not permitted non audit services: |
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bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial
statements of the audit client; |
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financial information systems design and implementation; |
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appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions, or contribution in kind reports; |
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actuarial services; |
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internal audit outsourcing services; |
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management functions or human resources; |
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broker or dealer, investment adviser, or investment banking services; |
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legal services and expert services unrelated to the audit; and |
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any other service that the Committee determines, by regulation, is impermissible. |
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Provide an open avenue of communication among the outside auditors, financial and senior
management and the Board and resolve disagreements between management and the outside auditors
regarding financial reporting. |
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Instruct the outside auditors that the outside auditors are ultimately responsible to, and
shall report directly to, the Committee. |
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Review and discuss reports from the outside auditors on: |
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all critical accounting policies and practices to be used; |
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all alternative treatments of financial information within generally accepted
accounting principles that have been discussed with management, ramifications of the use
of such alternative disclosures and treatments, and the treatment preferred by the
outside auditor; and |
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other material written communications between the outside auditor and management,
such as any management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences. |
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Obtain from the outside auditors assurance that the audit was conducted in a manner
consistent with Section 10A of the Exchange Act, which sets forth certain procedures to be
followed in any audit of financial statements required under the Exchange Act and assurance
that Section 10A(b) of the Exchange Act has not been implicated. |
Financial Reporting Processes
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Review and discuss with the outside auditors their evaluation of the Corporations financial
reporting processes, both internal and external. |
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Review and discuss with the outside auditors their judgment about the quality and
appropriateness of the Corporations accounting principles as applied in its financial
reporting. |
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With respect to reporting and recommendations: |
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to prepare any report or other disclosures, including any recommendation of the
Committee, required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission; |
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to review this Charter at least annually and recommend any changes to the full Board;
and |
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to report its activities to the full Board on a regular basis and to make such
recommendations with respect to the above and other matters as the Committee may deem
necessary or appropriate, including recommending to the Board whether the audited
financial statements should be included in the Corporations Form 10 K. |
Process Improvement
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Review and discuss with the outside auditors and management the extent to which changes or
improvements in financial or accounting practices, as approved by the Committee, have been or
can be implemented. |
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Establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the
Corporation regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and the
confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting
or auditing matters. |
Legal Matters
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Review, with the Corporations counsel (a) legal compliance matters and (b) other legal
matters that could have an impact on the Corporations financial statements. |
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Review disclosures made to the Committee by the Corporations CEO and CFO, during their
certification process for the Form 10 K and Form 10 Q, about any significant deficiencies in
the design or operation of internal controls or material weaknesses therein and any fraud
involving management or other employees who have a significant role in the Corporations
internal controls. |
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Other Matters
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Review all related party transactions in accordance with the Corporations Related Party
Transactions Policy for potential conflicts of interest on an ongoing basis and pre-approve
any such transactions. |
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Adopted: February 13, 2004 |
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Last Amended: February 18, 2008 |
A-4
ANNEX B
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter
ENCORE WIRE CORPORATION
NOMINATING AND CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER
PURPOSE OF COMMITTEE
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the Committee) is appointed by the Board of
Directors (the Board) of Encore Wire Corporation (the Company) to (1) assist the Board, on an
annual basis, by identifying individuals qualified to become Board members, and recommend to the
Board the director nominees for the next annual meeting of stockholders; (2) study, advise and make
recommendations concerning criteria for Board membership, the number of directors to comprise the
full Board, the Boards composition and committee structure, and schedules and procedures for
regular Board meetings; (3) assist the Board in the event of any vacancy on the Board by
identifying individuals qualified to become Board members, and to recommend to the Board qualified
individuals to fill any such vacancy; (4) lead the Board in its annual review of Board performance;
and (5) recommend to the Board, on an annual basis, director nominees for each Board committee.
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
The Committee shall consist of no fewer than three members, each of whom shall be a director of the
Company. Each member of the Committee shall meet the listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market
LLC (NASDAQ) relating to independence and all other applicable legal requirements. The Committee
will also consider the absence or presence of material relationships with the Company that might
impact independence. Members shall be appointed and replaced by the Board. A majority of the
members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum.
COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS
The Board shall designate one member of the Committee as its chairman. The Committee shall meet in
person or telephonically at least once a year at a time and place determined by the Committee
chairman, with further meetings to occur or actions to be taken by unanimous written consent when
deemed necessary or desirable by the Committee or its chairman.
COMMITTEE AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The Committee shall have the responsibility to develop and recommend criteria for the selection
of new directors to the Board, including, but not limited to diversity, age, skills, experience,
time availability (including the number of other boards he or she sits on in the context of the
needs of the Board and the Company) and such other criteria as the Committee shall determine to be
relevant at the time. The Committee shall have the power to apply such criteria in connection with
the identification of individuals to be Board members, as well as to apply the standards for
independence imposed by the listing standards of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
and all applicable federal laws and the underlying purpose and intent thereof in connection with
such identification process.
2. When vacancies occur or otherwise at the direction of the Board, the Committee shall actively
seek individuals whom the Committee determines meet such criteria and standards for recommendation
to the Board.
3. Periodically, as the Committee deems necessary or desirable, the Committee shall study, advise
and make recommendations concerning the number of directors to comprise the full Board, the Boards
composition, committee structure and composition and matters related to corporate governance.
4. The Committee shall have the sole authority to retain and terminate any search firm to be used
to identify director candidates and shall have sole authority to approve the search firms fees and
other retention terms, at the Companys expense. The Committee shall also have authority to obtain
advice and assistance from internal or external legal, accounting or other advisors.
5. The Committee shall oversee an annual evaluation of the Board and management. In connection
with the annual evaluation of the Board, the Committee will receive comments from all directors and
report annually to the Board with an assessment of the Boards performance. Such report by the
Committee may be written or oral.
6. The Committee shall recommend to the Board, on an annual basis, nominees for election as
directors for the next annual meeting of stockholders.
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7. The Committee shall recommend to the Board the nominees for appointment to Committees of the
Board on at least an annual basis.
8. The Committee may form and delegate authority to subcommittees or members as the Committee deems
necessary or desirable.
9. The Committee shall make written or oral reports to the Board as the Committee deems necessary
or desirable or upon request of the Board.
10. The Committee, and each member of the Committee in his or her capacity as such, shall be
entitled to rely, in good faith, on information, opinions, reports or statements, or other
information prepared or presented to them by (i) officers and other employees of the Company and
(ii) counsel, public accountants or other persons as to matters which the member believes to be
within the professional competence of such person.
11. Minutes of each meeting of the Committee shall be compiled and presented to the Board at the
following Board meeting.
12. Periodically, as the Committee deems necessary or desirable, the Committee shall review and
reassess the adequacy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of the Company and recommend any
proposed changes to the Board for approval.
13. The Committee shall consider all stockholder recommendations relating to the nomination of a
member of the Board and recommend to the Board appropriate action on each such stockholder
recommendation.
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Adopted: February 13, 2004 |
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Last Amended: February 18, 2008 |
B-2
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
ENCORE WIRE CORPORATION
May 6, 2008
Please date, sign and mail
your proxy
card in the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.
ê Please detach along perforated line and mail in
the envelope provided. ê
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE
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1. |
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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: |
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NOMINEES: |
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FOR ALL NOMINEES |
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Daniel L. Jones William R. Thomas, III Donald E. Courtney |
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WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL
NOMINEES |
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Thomas L. Cunningham John H. Wilson Scott D. Weaver |
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FOR ALL EXCEPT (See instructions
below) |
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INSTRUCTION:
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To withhold authority to vote for any individual
nominee(s), mark FOR ALL EXCEPT and fill in the
circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here:
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To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method.
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PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS OF THE COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2008.
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The above-named attorney and proxy (or his substitute) is authorized to vote in his discretion upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
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This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed hereby by the undersigned stockholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR managements nominees for election as directors and FOR each of the other proposals set forth above.
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Signature of
Stockholder |
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Date: |
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Signature of Stockholder |
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Date: |
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Note: |
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Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
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ENCORE WIRE CORPORATION
THIS PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints DANIEL L. JONES and FRANK J. BILBAN, and each of them, as the undersigneds attorneys and proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as directed on the reverse side, all the shares of common stock of ENCORE WIRE CORPORATION (the Company) held of record by the undersigned on March 7, 2008, at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 6, 2008 or any adjournment thereof.
(Continued and to be signed on the
reverse side)