SPARTON CORPORATION DEF 14A
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
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-12
|
SPARTON 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):
|
|
þ |
No fee required.
|
|
o |
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act
Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
|
|
|
(1) |
Title of each class of securities to which
transaction applies:
|
|
|
(2) |
Aggregate number of securities to which
transaction applies:
|
|
|
(3) |
Per unit price or other underlying value of
transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11
(set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and
state how it was determined):
|
|
|
(4) |
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
|
|
|
o |
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
|
|
o |
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as
provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing
for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the
previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or
Schedule and the date of its filing.
|
|
|
(1) |
Amount Previously Paid:
|
|
|
(2) |
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
|
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREOWNERS
To Our Shareowners:
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareowners of Sparton Corporation will be held
at the Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History, 3225 Fourth Street, Jackson, Michigan 49203 on
Wednesday, October 24, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
|
(1) |
|
To elect four directors each for a term of three years as set forth in the
Proxy Statement. |
|
|
(2) |
|
Ratification of the appointment of the independent auditors for the Company. |
|
|
(3) |
|
To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or at
any adjournments thereof. |
Only holders of Common Stock of record at the close of business on September 14, 2007, are entitled
to notice of and to vote at the meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors
JOSEPH S. LERCZAK
Secretary
Jackson, Michigan
September 27, 2007
IMPORTANT
ALL SHAREOWNERS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND IN
PERSON, YOU ARE URGED TO SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENVELOPE
PROVIDED, OR USE OUR TELEPHONE OR INTERNET VOTING SYSTEM AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE. THIS WILL ASSURE
YOUR REPRESENTATION AND A QUORUM FOR THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS AT THE MEETING. IF YOU ATTEND THE
MEETING IN PERSON, THE PROXY WILL NOT BE USED IF YOU SO REQUEST BY REVOKING IT AS DESCRIBED IN THE
PROXY STATEMENT.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
|
i
SPARTON CORPORATION
2400 East Ganson Street
Jackson, Michigan 49202
PROXY STATEMENT
For the Annual Meeting of Shareowners to be held on October 24, 2007
SOLICITATION
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of
SPARTON CORPORATION, an Ohio corporation (the Company), of proxies for use at the 2007 Annual
Meeting of Shareowners of the Company (the Annual Meeting) to be held at the Ella Sharp Museum
of Art and History, 3225 Fourth Street, Jackson, Michigan 49203 on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, at
10:00 a.m., Local Time, and at any and all adjournments thereof. The cost of solicitation will be
paid by the Company. The Company has retained Morrow & Company, Inc. to assist in the
solicitation of proxies at an estimated cost of $6,000, plus expenses, which will be paid by the
Company. In addition, officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries may solicit
proxies personally, by telephone, facsimile or other means, without additional compensation. This
Proxy Statement and the form of Proxy are expected to be mailed to shareowners the week of
September 24, 2007.
At the meeting, the Companys shareowners will act upon two proposals. The first proposal is the
election of four directors, each to serve for a three-year term until the annual meeting held in
the year 2010 or until their successors are qualified and elected. The second proposal is the
ratification of the appointment of independent auditors. Both proposals are described in more
detail in this Proxy Statement.
OUTSTANDING STOCK AND VOTING RIGHTS
In accordance with the Code of Regulations of the Company, the Board of Directors has fixed
the close of business on September 14, 2007, as the record date for determination of shareowners
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. Only shareowners of record on that
date will be entitled to vote. As of September 14, 2007, the record date for the Annual Meeting,
the Company had outstanding 9,811,507 shares of Common Stock, each entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting. Votes cast at the meeting and votes submitted by proxy are counted by the inspectors of
the election, who are appointed by the Company.
Voting by Proxy
If a shareowner is a corporation or partnership, the accompanying proxy card should be signed in
the full corporate or partnership name by a duly authorized person. If the proxy card is signed
pursuant to a power of attorney or by an executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, the
signers full title should be given and a certificate or other evidence of appointment should be
furnished.
You can vote in one of four ways. You can vote by mail, you can authorize the voting of your
shares over the Internet, you can authorize the voting of your shares by telephone or you can vote
in person at the Annual Meeting.
If you choose to vote by mail, you may vote by completing and signing the proxy card that
accompanies this Proxy Statement and promptly mailing it in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope.
You do not need to put a stamp on the enclosed envelope if you mail it in the United States. The
shares you own will be voted according to the instructions on the proxy card you mail. If you
return the proxy card, but do not give any instructions on a particular matter described in this
Proxy Statement, the shares you own will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the
Companys Board of Directors. If you choose to vote by mail, your duly signed proxy card must be
received by 11:59 p.m., Central Standard Time, on October 23, 2007.
1
If you choose to vote by telephone or the Internet, instructions for a shareowner of record to
vote by telephone or the Internet are set forth on the enclosed proxy card. The telephone and
Internet voting procedures are designed to authenticate votes cast by use of a personal
identification number that appears on the proxy card. These procedures, which comply with Ohio
law, allow shareowners to appoint a proxy to vote their shares and to confirm that their
instructions have been properly recorded. If you vote by telephone or the Internet, you do not
have to mail in your proxy card, but your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m. Central Standard
Time on October 22, 2007. Morrow & Company, Inc. may solicit your proxy up to the date and time
of the meeting.
If you participate in the Companys 401(k) Plan and hold shares in your plan account, you may give
voting instructions as to the number of shares credited to your account as of the record date.
Only the trustee of the 401(k) Plan, SunTrust, may vote your plan shares. You may provide voting
instructions to the plan trustee, SunTrust, through any of the voting methods described above,
except that you may not vote your plan shares in person at the Annual Meeting. Your voting
instructions must be received before 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on October 22, 2007.
If you are not the record holder of the shares you own because they are held in street name by a
bank or brokerage firm, your bank or brokerage firm is required to vote your shares according to
your instructions. In order to vote your shares, you will need to follow the directions your bank
or brokerage firm provides you. Many banks and brokerage firms also offer the option of voting
over the Internet or by telephone, instructions for which would be provided by your bank or
brokerage firm on your vote instruction form. Under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, if
you do not give instructions to your brokerage firm, it may still be able to vote your shares with
respect to certain discretionary items, but it will not be allowed to vote your shares with
respect to certain non-discretionary items. In the case of non-discretionary items, for which
no instructions are received, the shares will be treated as broker non-votes.
Any proxy duly given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the shareowner, at any time
prior to voting, by written notice to the Secretary of the Company, by a later-dated proxy either
signed and returned by mail or transmitted using the telephone or Internet voting procedures
before the Annual Meeting, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person with adequate
notification. Participants in the Companys 401(k) Plan who hold shares in their plan account and
desire to revoke their voting instructions must do so before 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on
October 22, 2007.
2
Principal Shareowners
As of August 30, 2007, the persons named in the following table were known by management to be the
beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Companys outstanding Common Stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and Nature of |
|
|
Name of Beneficial Ownership |
|
Beneficial Ownership |
|
Percent of Class |
Bradley O. Smith
6043 N. Gatehouse, SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49545 |
|
|
1,146,145 |
(1) |
|
|
11.6 |
% (7) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John J. Smith Trust
6043 N. Gatehouse, SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49545 |
|
|
1,083,792 |
(2) |
|
|
11.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lawndale Capital Management, Inc.
591 Redwood Highway, Suite 2345
Mill Valley, California 94941 |
|
|
888,812 |
(3) |
|
|
9.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Judith A. Sare
4302 Channel Drive
Akron, Ohio 44319 |
|
|
724,708 |
(4) |
|
|
7.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dimensional Fund Advisors, LP
1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Fl.
Santa Monica, California 90401 |
|
|
570,487 |
(5) |
|
|
5.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royce & Associates, LLC
1414 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019 |
|
|
492,189 |
(6) |
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes 898,122 shares owned individually by Mr. Bradley O. Smith and 228,686 shares owned
by Mr. Smith jointly with his wife, Sharon A. Smith. Also includes 14,149 shares owned by
Mr. Smiths wife, Sharon A. Smith and 5,188 shares which Mr. Smith has the right to acquire
pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days. Excludes the 1,083,792 shares owned by the
John J. Smith Trust, discussed below, the voting and investment powers for which are shared
by Mr. Smith as a co-trustee. Mr. Smith has served as a director of Sparton Corporation
since 1998. |
|
(2) |
|
Bradley O. Smith is a co-trustee and a beneficiary of the John J. Smith Trust and shares
voting and investment power over the shares held by the trust. |
|
(3) |
|
According to information in the Form 13D/A Report filed as of August 7, 2007, by Lawndale
Capital Management, LLC (Lawndale), a registered investment advisor, Andrew E. Shapiro, the
sole manager of Lawndale, and Diamond A. Partners, L.P., a fund managed by Lawndale, is
deemed to have beneficial ownership of 888,812 shares of common stock. Does not include the
1,274 shares owned by Mr. Shapiro. |
|
(4) |
|
According to information in the Form 13G/A Report dated as of August 30, 2007, by Judith A.
Sare, Mrs. Sare is deemed to have beneficial ownership of 724,708 shares of common stock.
This includes 363,664 shares owned individually by Mrs. Sare and 195,047 shares owned by Mrs.
Sare and/or her husband Paul W. Sare. Also includes 165,997 held in the Lawson and Margaret
Smith Trust of which Mr. and Mrs. Sare are the co-trustees. Judith A. Sare is the sister of
Bradley O. Smith. The 7.4% of class is based on Mrs. Sares reporting of shares and shares
outstanding as of August 30, 2007. |
|
(5) |
|
Shares presented are according to information included in the Form 13G/A Report filed as of
December 31, 2006, by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (Dimensional), a registered investment
advisor. Dimensional is |
3
|
|
|
|
|
deemed to have beneficial ownership of 570,487 shares of common stock, all of which shares
are held in portfolios of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc., a registered open-end
investment company, or in series of the DFA Investment Trust Company, a Delaware business
trust, or the DFA Group Trust and DFA Participation Group Trust, investment vehicles for
qualified employee benefit plans, to all of which Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. serves as
investment manager. Dimensional possesses sole voting and investment power over all such
shares. Dimensional disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares. The share
information shown has been adjusted for the 5% common stock dividend distributed on January
19, 2007. The 5.8% of class is based on shares outstanding as of August 30, 2007. |
|
(6) |
|
Shares presented are according to information included in the Form 13G/A Report filed as of
December 31, 2006, by Royce & Associates, LLC, (Royce), a registered investment advisor.
Royce is deemed to have beneficial ownership of 492,189 shares of common stock. The share
information shown has been adjusted for the 5% common stock dividend distributed on January
19, 2007. The 5.0% of class is based on shares outstanding as of August 30, 2007. |
|
(7) |
|
Calculation is based on total shares outstanding as of August 30, 2007 plus shares subject
to options exercisable within sixty days as described in this Proxy Statement. |
Security Ownership of Management
As of August 30, 2007, the following table shows the shares of the Companys Common Stock
beneficially owned (except as noted) by the Named Executives identified in the Compensation Table
shown later in this Proxy Statement and all executive officers and directors of the Company as a
group:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and Nature of |
|
|
Name of Beneficial Ownership |
|
Beneficial Ownership |
|
Percent of Class (6) |
David W. Hockenbrocht |
|
|
518,173 |
(1) |
|
|
5.2 |
% |
Douglas E. Johnson |
|
|
26,888 |
(2) |
|
|
|
* |
Richard L. Langley |
|
|
73,140 |
(3) |
|
|
|
* |
Duane K. Stierhoff |
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
* |
Jens-Erik Fabricious-Olsen |
|
|
8,355 |
(4) |
|
|
|
* |
All Executive Officers and Directors |
|
|
2,941,923 |
(5) |
|
|
29.7 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
denotes a percentage of less than 1% |
|
(1) |
|
Includes 23,180 shares, which Mr. Hockenbrocht has the right to acquire pursuant to
options exercisable within 60 days. Also includes 1,786 shares held by Mr. Hockenbrocht
wife, J. Carol Hockenbrocht. The amount also includes 407,259 shares held by one of the
Companys retirement plans, as to which Mr. Hockenbrocht holds voting and investment power in
his capacity as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Although Mr. Hockenbrocht is a
participant in the plan, he disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by the plan.
Finally, 4,525 shares are included which are held in his name by the Companys 401(k) plan. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes 5,513 shares, which Mr. Johnson has the right to acquire pursuant to options
exercisable within 60 days. Also includes 3,493 shares, which are held in the Companys
401(k) plan. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 6,729 shares, which Mr. Langley has the right to acquire pursuant to options
exercisable within 60 days. Also includes 2,982 shares, which are held in the Companys
401(k) plan. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 5,795 shares, which Mr. Olsen has the right to acquire pursuant to options
exercisable within 60 days. Also includes 2,560 shares, which are held in the Companys
401(k) plan. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes 85,613 shares under options held by all executive officers and directors exercisable
within 60 days, 20,188 shares which are held in the Companys 401(k) plan, and 1,083,792
shares held by the John J. |
4
|
|
|
|
|
Smith Trust of which Bradley O. Smith is co-trustee. Mr. Smith shares voting and investment
power over the shares held by the trust. |
|
(6) |
|
Calculation is based on total shares outstanding plus the shares subject to options
exercisable within 60 days as described in this Proxy Statement. |
The following table gives information about the Companys Common Stock that may be issued upon the
exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of the Companys equity compensation plans as of
June 30, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available for |
|
|
to be issued upon |
|
Weighted-average |
|
future issuance under |
|
|
exercise of outstanding |
|
exercise price of |
|
equity compensation |
|
|
options, warrants and |
|
outstanding options, |
|
plans (excluding securities |
|
|
rights |
|
warrants and rights |
|
reflected in column (a) |
|
Plan Category |
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders |
|
|
300,303 |
|
|
$ |
7.82 |
|
|
|
193,688 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation
plans
not approved by security
holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Any Proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving it at any time
before it is voted. Proxies may be revoked by (i) filing a written notice of revocation with the
Chairman or Secretary of the Company, at or before the Annual Meeting, (ii) duly executing a
subsequent proxy relating to the same shares and delivering it to the Chairman or Secretary of the
Company at or before the Annual Meeting or (iii) attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person
with adequate notification (although attendance at the Annual Meeting will not in and of itself
constitute a revocation of a proxy). Unless revoked, the shares represented by the enclosed Proxy
will be voted at the meeting in accordance with any specification made thereon, if the Proxy is
returned properly executed and delivered in time for voting. Unless otherwise specified, the Proxy
will be voted FOR the election of the four director nominees and FOR the ratification of the
appointment of independent auditors.
Management does not intend to present, and does not know of anyone who intends to present, any
matters at the meeting to be acted upon by the shareowners not referred to in the Notice and this
Proxy Statement. If any other matters should properly come before the meeting, it is the intention
of the persons named in the Proxy to vote in accordance with their judgment on such matters.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The following directors, whose terms of office expire at the Annual Meeting, Mr. David P.
Molfenter, Mr. W. Peter Slusser, Mr. Bradley O. Smith, and Dr. Lynda J. S. Yang are nominees for
election to a three (3) year term expiring in 2010. The nominations were made by the Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board of Directors. No director nominations were
received from shareowners. The following portion of this Proxy Statement contains additional
information about these nominees.
A plurality of the votes cast at the meeting is required to elect the nominees as directors of the
Company. As such, the four individuals who receive the greatest number of votes cast by the
holders of Common Stock will be elected as directors. Shares not voted at the Annual Meeting,
whether by abstention, broker non-vote, or otherwise, will not be treated as votes cast at the
meeting.
It is believed that all four nominees are, and will be at the time of the Annual Meeting, available
for election; and, if elected, will serve. However, in the event one or more of them is or should
become unavailable, or should decline to serve, it is intended that the proxies will be voted for
the balance of the nominees and for such substitute nominee or nominees as the proxy holders may in
their discretion select.
5
Board Recommendations
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of each of the four nominees, Mr. David
P. Molfenter, Mr. W. Peter Slusser, Mr. Bradley O. Smith, and Dr. Lynda J.-S. Yang. Unless
otherwise directed by marking the accompanying proxy, the proxy holders named therein will vote FOR
the election of the four nominees.
In the following table, the column Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership relates to common
shares of the Company beneficially owned by the directors and nominees as of August 30, 2007, and
is based upon information furnished by them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Has |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Served |
|
Amount and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
as a |
|
Nature of |
|
% of |
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
Beneficial |
|
Class |
Name and Principal Occupation(1) |
|
Age |
|
Since |
|
Ownership(2) |
|
(11) |
Nominees for Election as Director for Term
Expiring in 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David P. Molfenter Retired since August 2000,
formerly Vice President Command, Control,
Communication and Information Systems Segment,
Raytheon Systems Company, a high technology
company specializing in defense electronics,
Fort Wayne, Indiana. |
|
62 |
|
2000 |
|
6,119 (3) |
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W. Peter Slusser President, Slusser
Associates, Inc., Investment Banking, New York,
New York. |
|
78 |
|
1997 |
|
6,810 (4) |
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bradley O. Smith Chairman of the Board,
Sparton Corporation, Jackson, Michigan, since
October 2000. Private Investor since May 1998. |
|
62 |
|
1998 |
|
1,146,145 (5) |
|
11.6% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Lynda J.-S. Yang Neurosurgeon and faculty
member at the University of Michigan School of
Medicine, Ann Arbor since 2004. From 1998 to
2004 Dr. Yang was a resident in the neurosurgery
department at the University of Michigan. Dr.
Yang received an M.D., Ph.D. degree from the
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 1997. |
|
40 |
|
2007 |
|
-0- |
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directors Whose Term Expires in 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James N. DeBoer Of Counsel, law firm of Varnum,
Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett, LLP, Grand Rapids, Michigan. |
|
82 |
|
1971 |
|
11,647 (6) |
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David H. Hockenbrocht Chief Executive Officer
and President of Sparton Corporation, Jackson,
Michigan. |
|
72 |
|
1978 |
|
518,173 (7) |
|
5.2% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James D. Fast Chief Executive Officer and
President of First Bank West Michigan, Ionia,
Michigan. |
|
59 |
|
2001 |
|
6,372 (8) |
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Douglas R. Schrank Retired since June 2006.
Prior to retirement Mr. Schrank was the
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of Perrigo Company, a multinational
pharmaceutical company for a period in excess of
five years. |
|
59 |
|
2007 |
|
5,000 |
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Has |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Served |
|
Amount and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
as a |
|
Nature of |
|
% of |
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
Beneficial |
|
Class |
Name and Principal Occupation(1) |
|
Age |
|
Since |
|
Ownership(2) |
|
(11) |
Richard L. Langley Chief Financial Officer,
Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Sparton
Corporation, Jackson, Michigan. |
|
62 |
|
2001 |
|
73,140 (9) |
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William I. Noecker Chairman of Brasco
International Inc., an aluminum fabricator,
Detroit, Michigan. |
|
58 |
|
1999 |
|
6,525 (10) |
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
denotes a percentage of less than 1% |
|
(1) |
|
Except as noted, the principal occupations referred to have been held by the foregoing
nominees and directors for at least five years. |
|
(2) |
|
Unless otherwise indicated by footnote, each director or nominee has sole voting power and
owns the shares directly, or shares voting and investment power with his spouse or other
family members under joint ownership. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 3,973 shares, which Mr. Molfenter has the right to acquire pursuant to options
exercisable within 60 days. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 3,973 shares, which Mr. Slusser has the right to acquire pursuant to options
exercisable within 60 days. Mr. Slusser is a director of Ampex Corporation, a manufacturer of
high performance digital storage equipment and patent licensing and Unigene Laboratories,
Inc., a biopharmaceutical company engaged in research, innovation and delivery of small
proteins for medical purposes. |
|
(5) |
|
Reference is made to note (1) under the heading Principal Shareowners on page 3. Includes
5,188 shares, which Mr. Smith has the right to acquire pursuant to options exercisable within
60 days. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes 3,973 shares, which Mr. DeBoer has the right to acquire pursuant to options
exercisable within 60 days. |
|
(7) |
|
Reference is made to note (1) under the heading Security Ownership of Management on page 4. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes 3,973 shares, which Mr. Fast has the right to acquire pursuant to options
exercisable within 60 days. Mr. Fast is a director of First Bank West Michigan. |
|
(9) |
|
Reference is made to note (3) under the heading Security Ownership of Management on page 4. |
|
(10) |
|
Includes 3,973 shares, which Mr. Noecker has the right to acquire pursuant to options
exercisable within 60 days. |
|
(11) |
|
Calculation is based on total shares outstanding as of August 30, 2007 plus shares subject to
options exercisable within sixty days as described in this Proxy Statement. |
Independent and Non-Management Directors
The listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) require that a majority of the
members of a listed companys board of directors be non-management. The question of non-management
and independence is determined with respect to every director pursuant to NYSE rules. The NYSE
rules also require that certain committees be composed entirely of independent and non-management
directors. The committees covered by this requirement are the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committees. Based upon NYSE rules, six of the Boards then nine members
(assuming election of the directors proposed in this proxy statement), a majority, would be
independent and seven would be non-management as of June 30, 2007. All current members of the
identified committees are non-management and independent in that those directors do not have a
material relationship with the Company directly or as a partner, shareowner or affiliate of an
entity that has a
7
relationship with the Company. The Board made its determination of independence
based on the fact that none of the independent directors:
|
|
|
Is an officer or employee of the Company, its subsidiaries, or its affiliates, or has
any current or past material relationship within the Company; or, |
|
|
|
|
Has an immediate family member who is an officer of the Company or its subsidiaries
or that has any current or past material relationship with the Company; or, |
|
|
|
|
Has worked for, consulted with, or received anything of substantial value from the
Company aside from his compensation as a Director; or, |
|
|
|
|
Is currently, or was within the past three years, employed by the independent
auditors for the Company; or, |
|
|
|
|
Serves on the compensation committee or the board of directors of any corporation
that employs a nominee for Director or a member of their immediate family; or, |
|
|
|
|
Is an executive officer of any entity which the Companys annual sales to or
purchases from exceeded one percent of either entitys annual revenues for the last fiscal
year; or, |
|
|
|
|
Has beneficial ownership of more than five percent of the Companys outstanding
common stock, or, |
|
|
|
|
Serves as a director, trustee, executive officer or similar position of a charitable
or non-profit organization to which the Company or its subsidiaries made charitable
contributions or payments in fiscal year 2007 in excess of two percent of the
organizations charitable receipts. |
Independent and Non-Management Directors
James N. DeBoer
James D. Fast
Douglas R. Schrank
David P. Molfenter Chairman, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
William I. Noecker Chairman, Audit Committee and Lead Independent Director
W. Peter Slusser Chairman, Compensation Committee
Non-Management Director
Bradley O. Smith Chairman, Executive Committee and Chairman of the Board
Meetings of Independent and Non-Management Directors
The Independent Directors, as well as Non-Management Directors, schedule meetings in executive
sessions without the presence of the Companys management. An Independent Director is selected to
preside over the sessions during the year.
The Independent Directors met four times during the last fiscal year. The Non-Management Directors
met once during the last fiscal year.
Shareowners wishing to communicate directly with the Independent or Non-Management Directors may
send correspondence addressed as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Independent Directors
|
|
Non-Management Directors |
|
|
c/o Corporate Secretary
|
|
c/o Corporate Secretary |
|
|
Sparton Corporation
|
|
Sparton Corporation |
|
|
2400 E. Ganson St.
|
|
2400 E. Ganson St. |
|
|
Jackson, Michigan 49202
|
|
Jackson, Michigan 49202 |
8
Lead Independent/Non-Management Director
Mr. William I. Noecker has previously been designated by the Independent Directors as the Lead
Independent/Non-Management Director. The Lead Independent/Non-Management Director provides
leadership to enhance the
Boards effectiveness, preside over meetings of the Independent and Non-Management directors
without management present, and serve as a liaison between the Board and management. The Lead
Independent/Non-Management Director is responsible for determining when to hold, and who shall
preside over, executive sessions held by the Independent and Non-Management directors.
Communications from shareowners, employees, or third parties, should these parties desire not to
communicate directly with the Board of Directors or management may be sent to the Lead
Independent/Non-Management Director, in care of the Corporate Secretary, using the above address.
Shareowner Communications Policy
Shareowners should communicate with the Board of Directors by sending a letter to the Sparton Board
of Directors, c/o the Office of the Corporate Secretary, 2400 East Ganson Street, Jackson, Michigan
49202. The Office of the Corporate Secretary will receive the correspondence and forward it to the
director or directors to whom the communication is directed, unless the communication is unduly
hostile, threatening, harassing, illegal, and not reasonably related to Sparton or its business, or
similarly inappropriate. The Office of the Corporate Secretary has the authority to discard or
disregard any inappropriate communications (other than a proposal submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any communication made in connection with
such a proposal) or to take other appropriate actions with respect to any such inappropriate
communications. In addition, the Office of the Corporate Secretary is authorized to forward
communications that are clearly more appropriately addressed by other departments, such as customer
service or accounting, to the appropriate department. The foregoing instructions by the directors
to the office of the Corporate Secretary are subject to change by the directors. Additionally, all
communications are available to any director who wishes to review them.
Board and Committee Information
The Board of Directors, which had seven meetings, including the Annual Meeting, during the past
fiscal year, has standing Audit, Compensation, Executive, and Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committees.
The Audit Committee met four times during the last fiscal year and consisted of Messrs. William I.
Noecker (Chairman), James D. Fast, and David P. Molfenter. This Committee operates under a written
charter and oversees auditing, financial reporting and internal control matters. It also selects
the firm that Sparton retains as its independent auditors and recommends the ratification of their
selection by the shareowners. The Committee consults with the independent auditors and oversees
their audit and other work. The Committee also consults with the Chairman of the Board, President,
and Senior Vice President-Treasurer and oversees those individuals who review Spartons internal
controls and compliance with policies. The members of the Audit Committee are independent, as
defined under the New York Stock Exchange listing standards. The Board has determined that Mr.
Noecker, in addition to being independent, is an audit committee financial expert as defined in
the Security and Exchange Commissions (SEC) regulation S-K, Item 407(d)(5)(ii). The independent
auditors have access to the Committee without any other members of management being present. The
Audit Committee met with management and the independent auditors before the announcement of
earnings each quarter. The Audit Committee also met with the independent auditors without
management present on one occasion during fiscal year 2007. The Committee also reviewed the annual
consolidated financial statements and annual report on Form 10-K and the Audit Committee report in
this Proxy Statement before each was filed with the SEC. The functions and qualifications for
membership are set forth in its charter, a copy of which is available on the Companys website.
The Compensation Committee, which held six meetings during the last fiscal year and consisted of
Messrs. W. Peter Slusser (Chairman), James N. DeBoer, and David P. Molfenter, monitors the
remuneration, including stock options, for the Companys executive officers, including the Named
Executive Officers (defined below). The Compensation Committee is not authorized to delegate its
authority to others, with the exception of the delegation to the Chief Executive Officer of the
formulation of proposed compensation amounts to executives and proposed compensation plans and
processes. The Compensation Committee does not, as a matter of regular practice, employ
compensation consultants to determine the amount or form of executive and director compensation.
The compensation
9
philosophy, the compensation components, and their application as described in the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis which appears below, are generally employed by the
Compensation Committee in connection with the compensation for all of the executives of the
Company.
The Executive Committee, which consisted of Messrs. Bradley O. Smith (Chairman), James N. DeBoer,
David W. Hockenbrocht, and William I. Noecker, did not meet during fiscal 2007. The Executive
Committee is empowered to act for the full Board in intervals between Board meetings, with the
exception of certain matters that by law may not be delegated. The Committee meets as necessary,
and all actions by the Committee are reported at the next Board of Directors meeting.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which consisted of Messrs. David P. Molfenter
(Chairman), James D. Fast and Richard J. Johns, M.D., held four meetings last fiscal year. Dr.
Johns attended three meetings prior to his resignation on January 30, 2007. Mr. James N. DeBoer
was appointed to the Committee following Dr. Johns resignation. The Committee reviews the makeup
of the existing Board of Directors and the tenure of its members, consistent with appropriate
principles of corporate governance and applicable regulations. The Committee also receives
candidate resumes, and considers and recommends candidates for election to the Board consistent
with the needs of the Company, regulatory requirements, and the qualifications of the candidates.
The Committee has implemented a formal process for consideration of candidates.
The Companys website address is www.sparton.com. Information provided at the website includes,
among other items, the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines, current charters for the Audit,
Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance, and Executive Committees of the Board of
Directors, Board committees and their membership, and the Companys Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics. The committee charters are also available in print and can be obtained by written request
directed to the Corporate Secretary at 2400 East Ganson Street, Jackson, Michigan 49202.
All directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and committees on which they
serve. In addition, the directors are expected to attend the Annual Shareowners Meeting. At the
Companys fiscal 2006 Annual Meeting, all nine of the directors were in attendance. During fiscal
year 2006 and 2007, under the auspices of the Governance and Nominating Committee, the Board
conducted several programs for director education which were facilitated by the National
Association of Corporate Directors.
Director Qualifications
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing with the Board, from
time to time, the appropriate qualities, skills and characteristics desired for Board members in
the context of the current make-up of the Board. This assessment includes consideration of the
following summary of minimum qualifications that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
believes must be met by all directors, as well as the following considerations for the composition
of the Board as a whole.
Essential Qualities
|
|
Relevant and substantial business experience, with an understanding of what is involved in leading a company |
|
|
|
Sound business instincts and judgment, with the ability to make informed and strategic decisions |
|
|
|
Professional and personal reputation and integrity consistent with the Companys Code of Ethics |
|
|
|
Strong interpersonal skills evidencing the ability to work as part of a group and express views that are both challenging
to and supportive of management |
|
|
|
Commitment and availability to the Company to perform necessary and desired duties, with the ability to accept
accountability for their role in Board decisions |
|
|
|
Genuinely interested in the Company, its business, and its people, with a willingness to remain committed over a period of
several years
|
10
Board Composition Considerations
|
|
Strategic mix of directors allowing for diverse expertise and experience fitting the specific needs of the Company, now and
anticipated in the future |
|
|
|
Multiple directors possessing understanding and expertise in the area of accounting and finance |
|
|
|
Minimum of one director with understanding and experience in legal and/or regulatory matters |
|
|
|
Multiple directors with specific experience and knowledge of the risks and challenges unique to the industry in which the
Company operates |
|
|
|
Visionaries with the ability to lead, manage change, and assist in the continued growth of the Company |
|
|
|
Familiarity and ability to relate to, and deal with, the media and various financial markets |
These factors and others are considered useful by the Board, and are considered in an assessment of
the perceived needs of the Board at a particular point in time.
Process for Identifying and Evaluating Director Nominees
The Board is responsible for selecting its own members. The Board delegates the evaluation,
selection and nomination process to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, with the
expectation that other members of the Board and management will be requested to take part in the
process as appropriate.
Once candidates have been identified, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee confirms
that the candidates meet all of the minimum qualifications for director nominees established by the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Potential candidates for directors are generally
suggested to the committee by current board members and shareowners, and are evaluated at meetings
of the committee. Based on the results of the evaluation process, the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee recommends candidates for the Boards approval as director nominees for
election to the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also recommends
candidates for the Boards appointment to the committees of the Board.
Procedure for Recommendation of Director Nominees by Shareowners
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider director candidates who are
recommended by shareowners of the Company. To recommend a nominee, a shareowner should write to
the Companys Corporate Secretary at 2400 E. Ganson St., Jackson, MI 49202. To be considered by
the Committee for nomination and inclusion in the Companys Proxy Statement for its 2008 Annual
Meeting of Shareowners, a shareowner recommendation for a Director must be received by the
Companys Secretary no later than 60 days prior to the Annual Meeting. Any recommendation must
include (i) the name and address of the candidate, (ii) a brief biographical description, including
his or her occupation for at least the last five years, and a statement of the qualifications of
the candidate, taking into account the qualification requirements summarized above, and (iii) the
candidate signed consent to be named in the Proxy Statement and to serve as a Director if elected.
The Committee may seek additional biographical and background information from any candidate that
must be received on a timely basis to be considered by the Committee. Further information
regarding shareowner recommendation of director candidates is contained in the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee Charter, which is available at the Companys website.
Assuming the appropriate biographical and background material is provided for candidates submitted
by shareowners, the Committee will evaluate those candidates by following substantially the same
process, and applying substantially the same criteria, as for candidates submitted by Board
members. All Directors nominees recommended for election at the 2007 Annual Meeting are current
members of the Board. The Committee did not receive any director nominations from shareowners for
the 2007 Annual Meeting.
11
Board Compensation
For fiscal 2007, independent directors received an annual base retainer of $10,000. During fiscal
2007, independent directors also received $600 for each regularly scheduled Board meeting attended
and the annual meeting, and $500 for each regularly scheduled committee meeting and each special
board meeting attended. Non-independent directors are paid $500 for each regularly scheduled board
meeting attended and each special meeting of the Board.
In addition to his directors fees, which totaled $14,700 in fiscal 2007, Mr. Bradley O. Smith is
compensated for services rendered as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Such compensation totaled
$63,711 for fiscal 2007.
Corporate Governance
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was enacted on July 30, 2002. The statute addresses, among other
issues, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and
timely disclosure of corporate information. In November 2003, the SEC approved new corporate
governance rules for the New York Stock Exchange that address director independence and corporate
accountability. The changes were designed to allow shareowners to more easily and efficiently
monitor the performance of companies and directors.
Spartons Board of Directors developed a series of changes to address these new requirements. The
Audit Committee revised its charter and adopted a policy for pre-approving all services, audit and
non-audit, performed by the Companys Independent Auditors. In addition, the Board adopted
charters for the Compensation, Executive, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees.
These charters address issues such as independence of the committee members, committee organization
and powers, member qualifications, duties and responsibilities, and corporate governance. As of
June 30, 2007, all members of the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committees were independent directors. Copies of the charters for each of these committees are
located on the Companys website. The Company continues to develop and refine its Corporate
Governance policies and practices and their place within the Boards committee structure.
Code of Ethics
The Sparton Way governs the actions and working relationships of Sparton employees, officers and
directors. The Sparton Way endorses the highest level of ethical standards, along with
addressing other issues such as corporate opportunities, confidentiality, and the protection and
proper use of corporate assets. The Company also updated its long standing Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics in light of current regulatory requirements.
To the extent any waiver is granted with respect to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that
requires disclosure under applicable SEC rules, such waiver will also be posted on the website, as
will any amendment that may be adopted from time to time. Spartons Shareowner Letters, Annual
Report, Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and news releases are also
available at the website, or are available, without charge, by contacting the Shareowners
Relations Department at 1-800-248-9579.
Whistleblower Provisions
It is the policy of Sparton Corporation to encourage its employees and other persons to disclose
improper activities, and to address complaints alleging acts of reprisal or intimidation resulting
from disclosure of improper activities. Individuals wishing to report improper activities may call
Spartons Whistleblower service at 1-866-393-7585. Activities may be reported anonymously if
desired.
Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed Spartons audited consolidated financial statements
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, with management and with Spartons independent registered
public accounting firm (independent auditors), BDO Seidman, LLP. Management is responsible for
Spartons internal controls and the financial reporting process. The independent auditors are
responsible for performing an independent audit of Spartons consolidated financial statements in
accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
12
The Audit Committee has discussed with BDO Seidman, LLP the matters required to be discussed by
Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, relating to the conduct of the audit. The
Audit Committee has received the written disclosures from BDO Seidman, LLP required by Independence
Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussion with Audit Committees), discussed with BDO
Seidman, LLP their independence, and considered the compatibility of non-audit services provided by
BDO Seidman, LLP with their independence.
Based on the review and discussion described above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of
Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30,
2007, be included in Spartons Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007,
for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
William I. Noecker, Chairman
James D. Fast
David P Molfenter
PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Relationship with Independent Auditors
The Audit Committee appoints the independent auditors for Sparton. In addition to performing the
audit of the Companys consolidated financial statements, BDO Seidman, LLP provided various other
services during fiscal 2007. The Audit Committee has considered the provision of all non-audit
services performed by BDO Seidman, LLP during fiscal 2007 with respect to maintaining auditor
independence. The Audit Committee reviewed and pre-approved all professional services requested
of, and performed by, BDO Seidman, LLP. The Pre-Approval Policy for audit and non-audit services
was included as an appendix to the Companys 2003 Proxy Statement. The aggregate fees billed for
fiscal 2007 and 2006 for each of the following categories of services are set forth below.
Pursuant to the Pre-Approval Policy, the Audit Committee annually reviews and pre-approves the
services that may be provided by the independent auditor without obtaining specific pre-approval
from the Audit Committee, and such services are considered approved through the next annual review.
The Audit Committee revises the list of pre-approved services from time to time based on
subsequent determinations. The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more
of the members. The member or members to whom such authority is delegated shall report any
pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.
Fiscal 2007
Audit Fees The aggregate fees of BDO Seidman, LLP for professional services rendered for the
audit of Spartons annual consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30,
2007, and the reviews of the consolidated financial statements included in the Companys Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q for that fiscal year, were $357,000.
Audit-Related Fees The aggregate audit-related fees of BDO Seidman, LLP for professional services
rendered, primarily for the audit of the Companys employee benefit plans and consulting and
related assistance regarding the acquisition of Astro, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007,
were $56,000.
Tax Fees The aggregate fees of BDO Seidman, LLP for tax services, preparation and review,
rendered for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, were $65,000.
All Other Fees There were no fees for other services billed by BDO Seidman, LLP for the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2007, and there were no Financial Information Systems Design and Implementation
services provided.
13
Fiscal 2006
Audit Fees The aggregate fees of BDO Seidman, LLP for professional services rendered for the
audit of Spartons annual consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30,
2006, and the reviews of the consolidated financial statements included in the Companys Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q for that fiscal year, were $265,000.
Audit-Related Fees The aggregate audit-related fees of BDO Seidman, LLP for professional services
rendered, primarily for the audit of the Companys employee benefit plans and consulting and
related assistance regarding the acquisition of Astro, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006,
were $28,000.
Tax Fees The aggregate fees of BDO Seidman, LLP for tax services, preparation and review,
rendered for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, were $67,000.
All Other Fees There were no fees for other services billed by BDO Seidman, LLP for the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2006, and there were no Financial Information Systems Design and Implementation
services provided.
Auditor Independence
The Audit Committee is required to consider the independence of BDO Seidman, LLP when engaging the
firm to perform audit-related and other services. In 2007, it was determined by the Committee that
audit-related and other services provided and the fees paid for those services were compatible with
maintaining the independence of BDO Seidman, LLP.
Vote Required
At a meeting on August 29, 2007, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors took action to
approve the retention of the accounting firm of BDO Seidman, LLP as the independent auditors for
the Company for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008. Such approval is subject to shareowner
ratification.
In order to be adopted, this proposal must be approved by the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of our common stock present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting. If the shareowners do not ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP, our Board of
Directors will consider the selection of other auditors.
Board Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends that shareowners vote FOR the ratification of the selection of
BDO Seidman, LLP.
Representatives of BDO Seidman, LLP, the Companys independent registered public accounting firm,
are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a
statement if they desire to do so and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate
questions.
14
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement (the CD&A) for the fiscal year ended June
30, 2007 which appears below. Based on the review and discussions referred to in the preceding
sentence, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the CD&A be
included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference in Spartons Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007.
THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
W. Peter Slusser, Chairman
James N. DeBoer
David P. Molfenter
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
The rules regarding the disclosure of executive compensation were significantly changed in
2006 by the Securities and Exchange Commission for future proxy statements. In addition to new and
different tables, a greater emphasis is placed on providing discussion and analysis of the
Companys compensation practices. As a result, the information contained in this 2007 Proxy
Statement is not directly comparable to the information contained in the 2006 Proxy Statement.
The Compensation Committee (the Committee) is authorized (i) to assist management with
compensation policies and programs for the Companys Chief Executive Officer, the Principal
Financial Officer, and its three other most highly compensated executive officers, (the Named
Executive Officers) (ii) to review and approve the performance goals established for the Chief
Executive Officer and the Named Executive Officers; and (iii) to recommend, after considering the
results of the Executives performance and the Companys profitability, the salaries and incentive
bonuses for the Named Executive Officers.
Three independent directors comprise the Committee. Their responsibilities are carried out
pursuant to authority delegated by the Board of Directors and in accordance with the federal
securities laws and other applicable laws and regulations. The Committee is governed by a written
charter which can be found on the Companys website at http://www.sparton.com.
Compensation Philosophy
The Company has formulated a compensation philosophy with the objective of fair, competitive
and performance-based compensation of its executive officers, including the Named Executive
Officers. The philosophy reflects the belief that the total compensation of the Named Executive
Officers should be aligned with the Companys performance. While the specific programs may be
modified from year to year, the compensation philosophy has remained consistent for many years.
The Committee seeks to reward performance with cost-effective compensation that aligns employee
efforts with the Companys business strategy through adherence to the following compensation
policies:
|
|
|
Named Executive Officers total compensation should strengthen the relationship
between pay and performance by including and emphasizing variable, at-risk
compensation that is dependent on achieving specific corporate, business function,
and/or individual performance goals. |
|
|
|
|
An element of pay for Named Executive Officers should be comprised of long-term
incentives to align management interests with those of its shareowners. |
|
|
|
|
The incentive components of pay should be weighted toward long-term factors as
described below. |
15
|
|
|
Total compensation opportunities should enhance the Companys ability to
attract, retain and develop knowledgeable and experienced executives. |
|
|
|
|
Base salary should be targeted at compensation comparable to that paid to
executives of similar electronics contract manufacturers. |
In devising and maintaining the Companys executive compensation program, the Committee
reviews published data relevant to the compensation of executives in publicly owned competitor
companies which operate in the electronics contract manufacturing industry. The Committee also
consults with management, and outside accounting and legal advisors as appropriate. The Committee
has not utilized compensation consultants. The Committees recommendations are subject to approval
by the Board of Directors.
Components of Compensation
The key elements of the Companys executive compensation program are base salary, short-term
(annual) incentive and long-term incentive compensation. These elements are addressed separately
below.
The Committee does not use mathematical formulas exclusively to determine compensation. In setting
each component of compensation, the Committee considers all elements of a Named Executive Officers
total compensation package, including base salary, incentive compensation, and the value of
benefits.
Base Salaries
A competitive base salary provides the foundation for a total compensation package required to
attract, retain, and motivate the Executives in alignment with the Companys business strategies.
The Committee reviews with the Chief Executive Officer and approves, with modifications considered
appropriate, his recommendation of the annual base salary for each of the Named Executive Officers
(other than the Chief Executive Officer) on an annual basis, generally in the first quarter of the
fiscal year. The Committee independently reviews and sets the base salary for the Chief Executive
Officer, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.
Base salaries are initially premised upon the responsibilities of each Named Executive
Officer. Base salaries are further adjusted based on industry surveys and related data, and
performance judgments as to the past and expected future contributions of the Named Executive
Officer. The Committee reviews each Named Executive Officers base salary annually.
Short-Term Incentives
Short-term incentives are paid pursuant to Spartons Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)
Annual Incentive Bonus Plan which is reflective of the Companys goals of relating compensation to
corporate performance. This plan permits Named Executive Officers and other key management
employees to earn additional compensation if return on capital employed meets or exceeds an
established goal. The goal is set on an annual basis and is reflective of the Companys business
forecasts for the fiscal year. The ROCE metric is calculated using profit before taxes, as
adjusted for non-recurring and certain other items, divided by Average Capital Employed which is
defined as the total of average accounts receivable excluding inter-company balances, average
inventory and average net property, plant and equipment. If the ROCE target is met, or is within
allowable deviations, Named Executive Officers and other key employees share in a fund established
for the particular class of employee. The employees of Spartons newly acquired subsidiary, Astro
Instrumentation, Inc., (now known as Sparton Medical Systems, Inc.) including Duane K. Stierhoff,
one of the Named Executive Officers, did not participate in the ROCE Plan during fiscal 2007,
though certain employees may participate in fiscal 2008. During the 2007 fiscal year, there were
no bonuses awarded under the ROCE Plan, as the ROCE plan target goal was not realized.
The performance goals for the ROCE incentive bonus compensation plan are prepared annually by
the Chief Executive Officer, reviewed and approved annually by the Committee, and presented to the
Board of Directors for their review and approval.
At the discretion of the Committee, bonuses may be paid in addition to or in lieu of bonuses
earned under the ROCE incentive bonus plan based on the Committees evaluation of the individual
performance and level of
16
responsibility of the Named Executive Officer. During the past fiscal year, select
discretionary bonuses were paid to Named Executive Officers aggregating $56,108.
In determining discretionary annual incentive bonuses for the Named Executive Officers, the
Committee evaluates the Chief Executive Officers recommendations based on individual performance.
The Committee independently evaluates the individual performance of the Chief Executive Officer.
The results of those evaluations are used by the Committee to award the short-term incentive
bonuses to the Named Executive Officers.
In 2006, Sparton Medical Systems Inc. entered into four-year employment agreements with
certain members of the management of that subsidiary, including Duane K. Stierhoff. Mr.
Stierhoffs employment agreement provides for annual short term incentive bonuses based on the
financial results of the subsidiary for the respective fiscal years over the term of the employment
agreement. This short term annual incentive bonus is in lieu of Mr. Stierhoffs participation in
the ROCE incentive bonus plan. Mr. Stierhoffs bonus for fiscal year 2007 is provided in the Bonus
column of the Summary Compensation table.
Long Term Incentives.
In keeping with the Companys philosophy of providing a total compensation package that
includes long-term incentives, a Named Executive Officers total compensation package may include
stock options, restricted stock, stock units and/or cash. These incentives are designed to
motivate and reward Named Executive Officers for maximizing shareowner value and encourage the
long-term employment of key employees.
When awarding long-term incentives, the Committee considers a Named Executive Officers
overall level of responsibility, Company performance and individual performance criteria, as well
as the compensation practices of the peer group of companies used to evaluate total compensation.
The Company annually reviews the long-term incentive elements of its compensation package,
including the beneficial and detrimental aspects of particular compensation components such as
stock options, to determine the continuing efficacy of such programs. While the Company has not
reached any conclusion, nor have any replacement plans been submitted to the Committee for its
consideration as of the date of this Proxy, it is reviewing cash based long-term incentive plans
for consideration by the Committee. The Company and the Committee objective is to conclude their
respective reviews and institute a new long-term incentive plan, if such a plan is deemed
appropriate, within the fiscal year 2008. The effective date of any new program has yet to be
determined.
Stock Options.
The number of shares awarded through stock option grants is based primarily on the per share
price on the date of the award. As a result, the number of shares underlying stock option awards
may vary from year to year, as it is dependent on the price of Spartons common stock on the date
of grant. The size of the award can also be adjusted based on individual factors.
Because the exercise price of these options is equal to the fair market value of Spartons
common stock as of the close of the stock market on the day preceding the date of grant (as
specified in the plan), these stock options will only deliver a reward if the stock price
appreciates from the price on the date the stock options were granted. This is intended to focus
Named Executive Officers on the long-term enhancement of shareowner value.
During fiscal year 2007, no stock options were awarded to the Named Executive Officers other
than those awarded to Mr. Duane Stierhoff in conjunction with the acquisition of Sparton Medical
Systems, Inc. (See Grants of Plan Based Awards table on page 19 for additional information).
It should also be noted that during fiscal year 2007, no outstanding stock options were
re-priced, on either an individual or collective basis, consistent with the Companys long
established policy of not re-pricing stock options, except to avoid the dilutive effect of certain
actions such as the declaration of stock dividends as provided in the Amended and Restated Sparton
Corporation Stock Incentive Plan dated October 2001 (Long Term Incentive Plan).
17
Other Compensation
The Named Executive Officers receive a variety of modest miscellaneous benefits, the value of
which is presented for the Named Executive Officers under the caption All Other Compensation in
the Summary Compensation Table. These benefits include taxable life insurance, health insurance,
the Companys qualified pension plan, the Companys 401(k) Plan and other miscellaneous benefits.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Mr. Slusser, Mr. DeBoer and Mr. Molfenter are not officers or employees, or former officers or
employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. No interlocking relationship exists between
members of the Companys Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee and the board of
directors or compensation committee of any other company, nor has such an interlocking relationship
existed in the past.
Summary Compensation Table
The table below contains information pertaining to the annual compensation of the Named
Executive Officers.
Summary Compensation Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non- |
|
Non- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
Qualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
Compensa- |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Compensa- |
|
tion |
|
Compensa- |
|
|
Name and Principal |
|
Fiscal |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
|
tion |
|
Earnings |
|
tion |
|
|
Position |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Total |
David W. Hockenbrocht
President and Chief
Executive Officer
|
|
2007
|
|
$330,750 (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$56,322
|
|
$23,741 (3)
|
|
$410,813 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard L. Langley
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
2007
|
|
160,152
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,767
|
|
12,462 (4)
|
|
206,381 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Douglas E. Johnson
Chief Operating Officer
and
Executive Vice President
|
|
2007
|
|
185,418
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,385
|
|
11,198 (5)
|
|
226,001 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Duane K. Stierhoff
Senior Vice President
|
|
2007
|
|
165,480 (2)
|
|
$54,108
|
|
|
|
$47,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
267,088 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Erik Fabricious Olsen
Vice President
|
|
2007
|
|
122,944
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,465
|
|
45,679 (6)
|
|
173,088 |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Hockenbrochts salary has been frozen at his request for the past three fiscal years. |
|
(2) |
|
Mr. Stierhoffs salary is set pursuant to his employment agreement described below (and has
been adjusted since inception consistent with changes in his duties). |
|
(3) |
|
Includes directors fees of $3,000, a car allowance of $5,850, club dues of $9,391, and a
matching contribution to the Companys 401(k) plan of $5,500. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes directors fees of $3,000, a car allowance of $5,850 and a matching contribution to
the Companys 401(k) plan of $3,612. |
18
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Includes a car allowance of $5,700, a cellular phone allowance of $150, and a matching
contribution to the Companys 401(k) plan of $5,348.
|
|
(6) |
|
Includes relocation fees of $42,236 and a matching contribution to the Companys 401(k) plan of
$3,443. |
Plan Based Compensation
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Shareowners
Sparton shareowners approved the Amended and Restated Sparton Corporation Stock Incentive Plan
dated October 2001 (Long Term Incentive Plan). Sparton uses the Long Term Incentive Plan for stock
based incentive awards. These awards can be in the form of stock options, stock appreciation
rights, restricted stock, or performance shares. There are currently 193,688 shares available for
future awards.
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Shareowners
Sparton does not maintain any equity compensation plans not approved by shareowners.
Plan Based Awards in the Last Fiscal Year
The following table sets forth certain information about plan based awards that were made to
the Named Executive Officers during fiscal 2007.
Grants Of Plan-Based Awards
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
Grant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
Awards: |
|
Exercise |
|
Fair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Number of |
|
or Base |
|
Value of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under |
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under |
|
of Shares |
|
Securities |
|
Price of |
|
Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
|
of Stock |
|
Underlying |
|
Option |
|
and |
|
|
Grant |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
or Units |
|
Options |
|
Awards |
|
Option |
|
|
Date |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
($/Sh) |
|
Awards |
Mr. Hockenbrocht |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Langley |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Johnson |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Stierhoff |
|
|
8/31/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,500 |
(1) |
|
$ |
8.48 |
|
|
$ |
47,500 |
|
Mr. Olsen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amount of the stock option and the exercise price have been adjusted to reflect the
5% stock dividend dated December 27, 2007. |
19
The following table sets forth certain information about the status of equity awards
outstanding for the Named Executive Officers as of June 30, 2007.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
Market or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
Payout |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Market |
|
Number of |
|
Value of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
Value of |
|
Unearned |
|
Unearned |
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Shares |
|
Shares, |
|
Shares, |
|
|
Shares |
|
Shares |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Units |
|
or Units |
|
Units or |
|
Units or |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Stock |
|
of Stock |
|
Other |
|
Other |
|
|
Options |
|
Options |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
That |
|
That |
|
Rights that |
|
Rights that |
|
|
Granted |
|
Granted |
|
Unearned |
|
Exercise |
|
Expira- |
|
Have |
|
Have |
|
have not |
|
have not |
|
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
Options |
|
Price |
|
tion |
|
Not |
|
Not |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
Date |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
Mr. Hockenbrocht |
|
|
31,907 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6.66 |
|
|
|
8/23/07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,155 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.52 |
|
|
|
4/25/13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,025 |
|
|
|
11,025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.57 |
|
|
|
4/22/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Langley |
|
|
9,571 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.66 |
|
|
|
8/23/07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,216 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.52 |
|
|
|
4/25/13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,513 |
|
|
|
5,513 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.57 |
|
|
|
4/22/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Johnson |
|
|
9,571 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.66 |
|
|
|
8/23/07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,513 |
|
|
|
5,513 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.57 |
|
|
|
4/22/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Stierhoff |
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
10,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.48 |
|
|
|
8/31/16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Olsen |
|
|
3,038 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.52 |
|
|
|
4/25/13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,757 |
|
|
|
2,757 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.57 |
|
|
|
4/22/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Each of the stock options were granted pursuant to the Amended and Restated Sparton
Corporation Stock Incentive Plan dated October 24, 2001 and are exercisable in four equal annual
installments, commencing one year from the date of the grant.
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year
The following table sets forth certain information about option exercises and stock awards
during fiscal 2007 by the Named Executive Officers.
Option Exercises And Stock Vested
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Value |
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Realized on |
|
Acquired on |
|
Value Realized on |
|
|
Exercise |
|
Exercise |
|
Vesting |
|
Vesting |
Name |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
Mr. Hockenbrocht |
|
|
54,699 |
|
|
$ |
158,627 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Langley |
|
|
24,311 |
|
|
|
61,994 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Johnson |
|
|
30,388 |
|
|
|
77,489 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Stierhoff |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Olsen |
|
|
1,216 |
|
|
|
3,527 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20
Other Benefit Plans
401(k) Retirement Plan
Sparton maintains a 401(k) retirement savings plan that is available to substantially all U.S.
employees. Sparton matches 50% of each participants voluntary contribution up to 6% of the
participants compensation and a participant vests ratably over a 5-year period in the matching
contributions. Prior to July 1, 2007, Spartons matching contribution was directed to be invested
in Sparton stock, which investment could not be redirected. No employee contributions could be
invested in such shares. As of July 1, 2007, a participants investment in Sparton common stock
may be directed, at the participants election and subject to certain limitations, to other
available investment options. Also effective July 1, 2007, at the election of the participant,
both employer and employee contributions may be invested in any of the available investment options
under the plan, which election options now include Sparton common stock. However, an employees
total investment in Sparton common stock is subject to a 20% limitation of the total value of the
employees fund balance.
Astro Instrumentation, Inc, (now Sparton Medical Systems, Inc. as noted above), maintained a
401(k) retirement savings plan for the benefit of its employees prior to its acquisition in May of
2006. The plan was established on January 1, 2002. The plan was funded solely by employee
voluntary contributions and Astro Instrumentation, Inc. did not make contributions to the plan on a
matching or other basis. The Astro Instrumentation, Inc. 401(k) plan was merged into the Sparton
401(k) plan on July 1, 2007.
Qualified Defined Benefit Plan
The pension plan, in which the Companys Named Executive officers participate (excepting Mr.
Stierhoff), is a defined benefit plan covering substantially all of the domestic employees of the
Company (other than employees of Sparton Medical Systems, Inc.). The defined benefit plan was
amended effective July 1, 2007 to include the employees of Sparton Medical Systems, Inc., including
Mr. Stierhoff. During the past year no cash contribution was made by the Company to the plan as in
the judgment of the Companys independent actuaries, the pension plan was fully funded. The plan
provides a basic benefit of $2.25 per month for each year of credited service up to a maximum of
$90 per month. In addition, for those participants who contributed 5% of their monthly
compensation (excluding bonuses) per month, the plan provides for an additional monthly pension
amount equal to 11/2 % of the participants final five-year average monthly compensation (excluding
bonuses) times the participants years of contributory credited service to a maximum of 30 years.
Effective April 1, 2000, the Company amended its defined benefit retirement plan to determine
benefits by a cash balance formula. Under the cash balance formula, each participant has a benefit
equal to their cash balance account which is credited yearly with 2% of their salary, as well as
the interest earned on their previous year-end cash balance. Service under the Companys prior
salary-based formula was frozen as of March 31, 2000, and the benefit formula amended to calculate
the monthly pension based upon the participants five-year average earnings as defined.
The following table shows the number of years of credited service and estimated annual
retirement benefits, payable under the pension plan, in specified remuneration and service based
classification upon normal retirement at age 65 (or June 30, 2007, if the individual is currently
age 65 or older). The benefits shown are not subject to any deduction for Social Security or other
offset amounts. The maximum amount of annual compensation allowed to be included in determining
final average compensation has been limited by Federal statute to $225,000
21
for 2007. This amount is subject to future adjustment by the Internal Revenue Service.
Pension Benefits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Years of |
|
Present Value of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contributory |
|
Accumulated |
|
Payments During |
|
|
|
|
Credited Service |
|
Benefit |
|
the Last Fiscal Year |
Name |
|
Plan Name |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Mr. Hockenbrocht |
|
Sparton Corporation Pension Plan |
|
|
22.25 |
|
|
$ |
760,348 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Langley |
|
Sparton Corporation Pension Plan |
|
|
13.75 |
|
|
|
319,630 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Johnson |
|
Sparton Corporation Pension Plan |
|
|
11.75 |
|
|
|
262,949 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Stierhoff(1) |
|
Sparton Corporation Pension Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Olsen |
|
Sparton Corporation Pension Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,833 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Stierhoff was not a participant in the defined benefit plan during fiscal year
2007. |
Deferred Compensation Plans or Agreements.
The Company does not maintain any plan or any agreements with Named Executive Officers that
provides for the deferral of compensation on a basis that is not tax qualified.
Employment Agreements
All of Spartons regular full time employees enter into a standard employment agreement upon
commencement of their employment. The standard employment agreement primarily addresses
intellectual property and confidential and proprietary information matters and does not contain
provisions pertaining to compensation, with the exception of an employment agreement with Duane K.
Stierhoff. In 2006, a subsidiary of the Company, Astro Instrumentation, Inc. (now known as Sparton
Medical Systems, Inc.) entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Stierhoff. The Agreement
currently provides for: i) a term of four-years, ii) an annual salary of $180,200, iii) an annual
short term incentive bonus based on the financial results of the subsidiary, iv) options for 10,500
(adjusted for stock dividends) shares of Sparton stock which are exercisable in four equal annual
installments, commencing one year from the date of grant, v) a severance based on salary payable
under certain defined circumstances, and vi) covenants not to compete, disclose proprietary
information or to solicit customers or employees. Mr. Stierhoffs employment agreement has been
amended since its inception to reflect changes in his duties.
Potential Payment Upon Termination or Change-in-Control
Mr. Stierhoffs employment agreement provides that in the event the Company terminates his
employment for reasons other than misconduct (as defined in the agreement), The Company will
continue to pay his salary from the date of termination through the end of this Agreement, less any
amounts received by him through other employment subsequent to the termination of the Agreement
(Termination Payment). The Termination Payment is subject to Mr. Stierhoffs adherence to
certain provisions in the employment agreement, including a covenant not to compete for a period of
two years from the date of termination, a perpetual covenant relating to non-disclosure of
confidential information, a covenant prohibiting the solicitation of customers for a period of one
year from date of termination, and a covenant prohibiting the solicitation of employees for a
period of one year from the date of termination.
22
None of the agreements described in the Employment Agreement section above, including Mr.
Stierhoffs, contain provisions providing for payments in the event of a change-in-control of the
Company. The Company currently has a severance policy which provides severance pay equal to one
weeks pay per year of service, to a maximum of twelve weeks of severance pay which is applicable
to all employees, including the Named Executive Officers and other officers upon termination of
employment.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Companys directors and executive officers, and
person who own more that 10% of a registered class of the Companys equity securities, to file
reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Officers, directors and greater than 10% shareowners are required by SEC regulation to furnish the
Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely upon a review of the copies
of the forms furnished to the Company, and/or written representations from certain reporting
persons, the Company believes that all filing requirements applicable to its officers and directors
were met during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007.
Director Compensation
Independent directors receive an annual base retainer of $10,000 and $600 for each regularly
scheduled Board meeting attended and the annual meeting, and $500 for each committee meeting
attended and each special board meeting. Non-independent directors are paid $500 for each
regularly scheduled board meeting attended and each special meeting of the Board of Directors. In
addition, Directors may be engaged to provide individual consulting services for which they will
receive separate compensation. No director provided any such individual consulting services in
fiscal year 2007.
The members of the Board of Directors of Sparton received the following compensation during
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
Pension Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Paid in |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Compensa- |
|
Deferred |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
|
tion |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Earnings |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Bradley O. Smith |
|
$ |
78,411 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
78,411 |
|
David P. Molfenter |
|
|
23,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,200 |
|
William I. Noecker |
|
|
18,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,200 |
|
James D. Fast |
|
|
20,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,200 |
|
James N. DeBoer |
|
|
18,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,100 |
|
David W.
Hockenbrocht |
|
|
3,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
Richard L. Langley |
|
|
3,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
W. Peter Slusser |
|
|
19,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,200 |
|
Richard J. Johns, MD |
|
|
9,300 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,300 |
|
Douglas R. Schrank |
|
|
600 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
600 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Smith was compensated $63,711 for his services as Chairman of the Board, $10,000 for
the directors base retainer and $4,700 for meeting fees. |
|
(2) |
|
The directors fees set forth in this table for Mr. Hockenbrocht and Mr. Langley are the same
fees accounted for in the Summary Compensation Table on Page 18, and not additional directors
fees. |
|
(3) |
|
Richard J. Johns, M.D. resigned in January of 2007 reducing the amount of compensation he
received during the fiscal year. |
23
|
|
|
(4) |
|
On June 25, 2007, Douglas R. Schrank was appointed by the Board of Directors to serve the
balance of the term of office of Richard J. Johns, M.D., which expires at the annual meeting of
shareowners in 2008, or until his successor is elected. |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSONS TRANSACTIONS
Certain Relationships. Mr. David W. Hockenbrocht, in his capacity as the Chief Executive Officer
of the Company, is a member of the Board of Directors of Cybernet Systems, Inc. (Cybernet). The
Company receives the Directors fee for the Board meetings attended by Mr. Hockenbrocht. The
Company owns 14% of Cybernets outstanding common stock.
Review and Approval of Related Person Transactions. The Company reviews all relationships and
transactions in which the Company and the directors and executive officers or their immediate
family members are participants to determine whether such persons have a direct or indirect
material interest. As required under SEC rules, transactions that are determined to be directly or
indirectly material to the Company or a related person are disclosed in the Companys proxy
statement. In addition, the Nominating and Governance Committee reviews and approves or ratifies
any related person transaction that is required to be disclosed. Any member of the Nominating and
Governance Committee who is a related person with respect to a transaction under review may not
participate in the deliberations or vote respecting approval or ratification of the transaction,
provided, however, that such director may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a
meeting of the committee that considers the transaction.
Related Party Transactions. There were no transactions between the Company and a related party
during fiscal year 2007.
SHAREOWNER PROPOSALS 2008 MEETING
Shareowner proposals intended to be included in the Proxy Statement and the Proxy for the 2008
Annual Meeting of Shareowners of the Company must be received by the Company not later than May 31,
2008, at its principal executive offices, 2400 East Ganson Street, Jackson Michigan 49202,
Attention: Corporate Secretary. Shareowners proposals to be presented at the 2008 Annual Meeting
which are not to be included in the Companys Proxy Statement must be received by the Company at
this address no later than August 13, 2008.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Joseph S. Lerczak
Secretary
September 27, 2007
24
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
October 24, 2007, 10:00 a.m. local time
Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History
3225 Fourth Street, Jackson, Michigan 49203
You can vote in one of three ways: 1) By Mail, 2) By Internet, 3) By Phone.
See the reverse side of this sheet for instructions.
IF YOU ARE NOT VOTING BY INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE, COMPLETE BOTH SIDES OF PROXY CARD,
SIGN, DATE, DETACH AND RETURN IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE TO:
Illinois Stock Transfer Co.
209 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 903
Chicago, Illinois 60606
IMPORTANT
Please complete both sides of the PROXY CARD, sign, date,
detach and return in the enclosed envelope.
DETACH PROXY CARD HERE
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed hereinby the undersigned shareholder and as described in the Proxy
Statement. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE LISTED DIRECTOR
NOMINEES FOR TERMS EXPIRING IN 2010 AND THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF BDO SEIDMAN, LLP AS
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE CORPORATION. |
Please sign your name as it appears above. If executed by a corporation, a duly authorized officer
should sign. Executors, administrators, attorneys, guardians and trustees should so indicate when
signing. |
To vote by mail, complete both sides, sign and date the proxy card below. Detach the card below and
return it in the envelope provided. |
Your telephone vote is quick, confidential and immediate. Just
follow these easy steps: 1. Read the accompanying Proxy
Statement. |
2. Using a Touch-Tone telephone, call Toll Free 1-800-555-8140 and follow the instructions.
3. When asked for your Voter Control Number, enter the number printed just above your name on the
front of the proxy card below. |
Please note that all votes cast by telephone must be completed and submitted prior to Monday,
October 22, 2007, at 11:59 P.M. Central Time. Your telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to
vote your shares to the same extent as if you marked, signed, dated and returned the proxy card. |
If You Vote By TELEPHONE Please Do Not Return Your Proxy Card By Mail |
Your Internet vote is quick, confidential and your vote is immediately
submitted. Just follow these easy steps: 1. Read the accompanying Proxy
Statement. |
2. Visit our Internet voting Site at http://www.illinoisstocktransfer.com and follow the
instructions on the screen. |
3. When prompted for your Voter Control Number, enter the number printed just above your name
on the front of the proxy card. |
Please note that all votes cast by Internet must be completed and submitted prior to Monday,
October 22, 2007, at 11:59 P.M. Central Time. Your Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to
vote your shares to the same extent as if you marked, signed, dated and returned the proxy card.
This is a secured web page site. Your software and/or Internet provider must be enabled to
access this site. Please call your software or Internet provider for further information if
needed. |
If You Vote By INTERNET, Please Do Not Return Your Proxy Card By Mail |
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SPARTON CORPORATION |
Bradley O. Smith, David W. Hockenbrocht and Joseph S. Lerczak, and each of them, are hereby
appointed proxies of the undersigned with full power of substitution, to represent the undersigned
at the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of SPARTON CORPORATION on October 24, 2007, at 10:00 a.m.
local time, and any and all adjournments thereof, and to vote thereat as designated on this Proxy,
all the shares of said Corporation which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally
present. |
1. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each of the below listed Director
nominees for terms expiring in 2010. |
01 David P. Molfenter FOR WITHHOLD
02 W. Peter Slusser FOR WITHHOLD
03 Bradley O. Smith FOR WITHHOLD
04 Lynda J.-S. Yang, M.D., Phd. FOR WITHHOLD |
2. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of BDO
Seidman, LLP as independent auditors for the Corporation. |
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or at any adjournments
thereof. |
THE PROMPT RETURN OF PROXIES WILL SAVE THE CORPORATION THE EXPENSE
OF FURTHER REQUESTS FOR PROXIES. (to be signed on the other side) |
Annual Meeting of Shareholders |
October 24, 2007, 10:00 a.m. local time Ella Sharp
Museum of Art & History 3225 Fourth Street, Jackson, Michigan
49203 |
You can vote in one of three ways: 1) By Mail, 2) By Internet, 3) By Phone. |
See the reverse side of this sheet for instructions. |
IF YOU ARE NOT VOTING BY INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE, COMPLETE BOTH SIDES OF PROXY CARD, SIGN, DATE,
DETACH AND RETURN IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE TO: Illinois Stock Transfer Co. |
209 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 903
Chicago, Illinois 60606 |
Please complete both sides of the PROXY CARD, sign,
date, detach and return in the enclosed envelope. |
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed hereinby the
undersigned shareholder and as described in the Proxy Statement. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS
PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE LISTED DIRECTOR NOMINEES FOR TERMS EXPIRING
IN 2010 AND THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF BDO SEIDMAN, LLP AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR
THE CORPORATION. |
V A O B T
O E V R E C N O A N
M T E |
Please sign your name as it appears above. If executed by a corporation, a duly authorized officer
should sign. Executors, administrators, attorneys, guardians and trustees should so indicate when
signing. |
To vote by mail, complete both sides, sign and date the proxy card below. Detach the card below and
return it in the envelope provided. |
Your telephone vote is quick, confidential and immediate. Just
follow these easy steps: 1. Read the accompanying Proxy
Statement. |
2. Using a Touch-Tone telephone, call Toll Free 1-800-555-8140 and follow the instructions.
3. When asked for your Voter Control Number, enter the number printed just above your name on the
front of the proxy card below. |
Please note that all votes cast by telephone must be completed and submitted prior to Monday,
October 22, 2007, at 11:59 P.M. Central Time. Your telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to
vote your shares to the same extent as if you marked, signed, dated and returned the proxy card. |
If You Vote By TELEPHONE Please Do Not Return Your Proxy Card By Mail |
Your Internet vote is quick, confidential and your vote is immediately
submitted. Just follow these easy steps: 1. Read the accompanying Proxy
Statement. |
2. Visit our Internet voting Site at http://www.illinoisstocktransfer.com and follow the
instructions on the screen. |
3. When prompted for your Voter Control Number, enter the number printed just above your name
on the front of the proxy card. |
Please note that all votes cast by Internet must be completed and submitted prior to Monday,
October 22, 2007, at 11:59 P.M. Central Time. Your Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to
vote your shares to the same extent as if you marked, signed, dated and returned the proxy card.
This is a secured web page site. Your software and/or Internet provider must be enabled to
access this site. Please call your software or Internet provider for further information if
needed. |
If You Vote By INTERNET, Please Do Not Return Your Proxy Card By Mail |
SPARTON CORPORATION COMMON |
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SPARTON CORPORATION |
Bradley O. Smith, David W. Hockenbrocht and Joseph S. Lerczak, and each of them, are hereby
appointed proxies of the undersigned with full power of substitution, to represent the undersigned
at the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of SPARTON CORPORATION on October 24, 2007, at 10:00 a.m.
local time, and any and all adjournments thereof, and to vote thereat as designated on this Proxy,
all the shares of said Corporation which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally
present. |
1. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each of the below listed Director
nominees for terms expiring in 2010. |
01 David P. Molfenter FOR WITHHOLD
02 W. Peter Slusser FOR WITHHOLD
03 Bradley O. Smith FOR WITHHOLD
04 Lynda J.-S. Yang, M.D., Phd. FOR WITHHOLD |
2. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of BDO
Seidman, LLP as independent auditors for the Corporation. |
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or at any adjournments
thereof. |
THE PROMPT RETURN OF PROXIES WILL SAVE THE CORPORATION THE EXPENSE
OF FURTHER REQUESTS FOR PROXIES. (to be signed on the other side) |